Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
873. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views regarding the restricted sales of cattle under the new TB Action Plan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34290/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Bovine TB Action Plan, which launched last September, is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation.
There has been encouraging progress in recent months in reducing bTB levels. This reduction in bTB nationally is due to the combined efforts of all stakeholders in supporting farmers in reducing the risk of bTB in their herds. I am confident that the changes I have introduced will help drive down disease levels further.
Cull cows can continue to be sold through marts. In respect of all beef breed cows, where they have been tested in the last 6 months and the seller herd has also been tested in the last 6 months, or alternatively they are within a 30 day test, they can be purchased by any farmer. A dairy breed cow that does not have a 30 day pre-movement test but has been tested in the last 6 months and the seller herd has also been tested in the last 6 months can be purchased by a drystock (i.e. non breeding) farm but can only be sold or moved onwards by the buyer direct to slaughter.
In respect of cows where they have not been tested in the last 6 months and the seller herd has also not been tested in the last 6 months, but are within a 12 month test, can continue to be sold through marts but may only be purchased by a Controlled Finishing Unit (CFU).
These changes strike a balance between targeting the cohort of animals that have the highest disease risk and ensuring a competitive market place continues for these animals.
The online sale of cattle from bTB restricted herds to Controlled Finishing Units (CFUs) is where the cattle are recorded on farm and the sale is held online via the mart to CFUs only; in the event of an agreed sale the animal moves directly from farm to CFU. This type of sales is for farmers who are affected by a bTB restriction. This policy will provide competition in the market for cull cows from restricted herds where there is currently no facility to market these cows in a public sale and to allow a better price to be achieved by the farmer. These animals continue to be allowed move direct to slaughter if the farmer chooses.
My Department continues to keep the policy regarding the movement of animals and bTB risk mitigation under review.
