Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-23
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Simon Harris (FG), Wicklow

I thank Deputy Roche for raising this matter. I know he has been engaging with the Minister for agriculture on this issue also and I thank him for it. We all know a TB breakdown can cause significant emotional and financial impacts on farms, and the recent changes are necessary to help drive down the levels and prevent more farmers experiencing these very difficult impacts. The changes are targeted to ensure they focus on a group of animals that are responsible for the largest number of reactors, namely cows, while also ensuring farmers can continue to sell them at livestock marts to achieve a competitive price. The Minister wrote directly to all farmers in advance of the changes, and officials from the Department continue to engage with farm organisations - it is very important for all of us to listen and engage on this issue - and with the livestock marts to try to guide them through the changes. I am aware of the financial impact and I will discuss with the Minister the points Deputy Roche has made on compensation schemes and changes. I know changes were made to the scheme in 2023. I will discuss the matter with the Minister, Deputy Heydon.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-23/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-23