Malcolm Byrne
Question:450. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the bovine TB eradication programme. [66901/25]
View answerThursday, 27 November 2025
Questions (450)
Written answers
There has been a significant increase in Bovine TB (bTB) levels nationally in recent years, which is a challenge both financially and emotionally for Irish farmers.
Our understanding of TB has increased and evolved over time and research has shown that our current approach to addressing disease levels on its own was not enough to control and ultimately eradicate TB.
Earlier this year, I had extensive engagement with stakeholders and farming organisations to agree measures to tackle the current disease levels and in June I received the support of Government to introduce additional measures to the bovine TB programme.
On 9 September, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’. There are 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise in this action plan.
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 aim of the Action Plan is to reset the bTB programme in the context of putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle and transmission between cattle.
Some of the measures were introduced immediately in terms of communication and engagement with farmers while others will be introduced over the coming months. As some of these measures require work on IT systems this work is being prioritised and will be rolled out in the coming months. Farmers and all stakeholders will be notified in advance of any changes to the TB programme through communication campaigns.
I have secured an increased budget allocation in Budget 2026, providing a total budget of €157 million. This additional funding is vital in addressing this disease and I am confident it will help drive down the incidences of bovine TB levels, in future years through the implementation of the Action Plan.