Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 5

Written Answers. - Tuberculosis Incidence.

Austin Deasy

Question:

39 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to provide sufficient manpower in his Department to ensure that certain species of wildlife, such as badgers, spreading bovine tuberculosis, are brought under control in view of the fact it is generally perceived in farming circles that his Department is not taking a sufficiently proactive stance on the matter. [26495/99]

For the purpose of evaluating the contribution of badgers to the spread of TB, I have arranged for the effect of badger removal on TB levels in cattle to be studied in detail. The East Offaly badger removal project has been in place for some time and further research commenced in four area experimental project in parts of Cork north, Donegal, Kilkenny and Monaghan in 1997. These arrangements are operated under licences granted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

Apart from the area projects, licences are also granted at individual farm level to research specific outbreaks of disease, under agreed protocols with the NPWS. Veterinary and technical staff attached to DVOs, as part of their general duties, are involved in the operation of licences. Due to the volume of other priority work in a number of district veterinary offices, I am aware that due to a shortage of staff numbers, it is not always possible to ensure that all badger removal licences are serviced promptly.
My Department keeps the deployment of staff at all offices under its control under ongoing review with the aim of ensuring the best possible service to its farming clients. My Department is currently reviewing the measures in place in relation to the disease eradication schemes with a view to presenting proposals to the animal health forum on the regime to be applied from 2000 onwards.
Top
Share