Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2025
323. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated additional cost to the Exchequer of implementing in full the TB eradication programme in 2026; the additional cost of phasing it in over three years in 2026, 2027 and 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50857/25]
View answerI published the Bovine TB Action Plan, “Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland”, on 9 September. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders in recent months. I also received support and approval from Cabinet on 24 June to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are five measures, which are underpinned by 30 actions:
Support herds free of bTB to remain free.
Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB.
Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown.
Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity.
Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB.
The primary driver of the cost of the bTB programme is disease levels. In 2024, the bTB programme cost €100m an increase of 35% on 2023. I am currently working through the costs of the bTB programme in the context of budget 2026 with my Department. It is critical that any additional expenditure focusses on reducing disease levels. The objective of the new measures in the Bovine TB Action Plan is to reduce the number of farms affected by bTB and decrease costs for farmers and the taxpayer.
