Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
484. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider implementing an alternative policy to the mandatory bovine TB slaughter policy given concerns that have been raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11288/26]
View answerThe Bovine TB Eradication Programme was designed under EU and national laws to eradicate bovine TB from the cattle herd in Ireland. The programme is necessary because of the high incidence of the disease in the country, the infectivity of the disease, the potential risks to humans, interference with animal productivity and preservation of export markets.
I am very aware that bovine TB (bTB) is an ongoing emotional and financial challenge for Irish farmers, their families and rural communities. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally.
While wildlife plays a significant role in the spread of disease the equally important role played by the transmission of disease between cattle, caused mainly by residual infection in herds and the introduction of cattle with undetected infection from other herds. Transmission rates of bTB are generally greater within species than between species.
I published the “Bovine TB Action Plan, Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland” on 9 September 2025. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders and the support and approval from my Cabinet colleagues to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are 5 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 actions in this plan must be layered in order to tackle all areas of the disease and ensure meaningful changes in disease levels. While some of these measures will require additional testing and movement controls on farmers I believe this plan strikes a balance between minimising the number of affected farmers and introducing impactful measures to reduce the current high levels of the disease.
At the end of 2025 the estimated herd incidence was 5.7% having started to fall in recent months. This reduction reflects the combined efforts of all stakeholders in communicating the steps we all can play in reducing the risk of bTB on Irish farms.
I wish to assure farmers and all stakeholders that they will be notified in advance of any changes to the TB programme through communication campaigns. The Government is committed to ongoing constructive engagement with all stakeholders in order to help the farming community.
