Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 9

Written Answers. - Bovine TB Eradication.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

110 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he has had any discussions or consultations with the Minister for Agriculture and Food in respect of the various proposals to institute a campaign of eradication against the domestic badger on the grounds that the badger is a contributory source to the problem of bovine TB in Ireland; and if, having regard to his overall environmental responsibilities, he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The Office of Public Works is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Food on this matter. The position of the Minister of State at the Department of Finance who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works has been clearly set out in the course of these discussions with regard to our national and international obligations to conserve the badger species.