Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
305. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total expenditure for eradicating TB on an annual basis from 2010 to November 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64182/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown.
It causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland.
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 support 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 aim of this Action Plan is to reset the bTB programme by putting in place the necessary measures to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle and transmission between cattle. I believe that it is vital that these measures are taken to reduce disease levels and to protect the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. The combined efforts of all stakeholders in implementing these actions will make a significant contribution to reducing the levels of bTB that we have unfortunately seen in recent years.
The costs of the bTB programme have increased significantly in recent years. The most effective way to reduce the cost of the bTB programme is through reducing disease levels.
The cost’s outlined below include, compensation to farmers, the wildlife programme, TB testing and supplies, and other elements of the bTB programme are based on figures extracted from my Department's Accounts system (SAP).
