The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends to allow badger killing to continue at a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if a report will be made available; if so, when; if TB was found in the badgers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Badger Killing.
91.
The removal under Wildlife Service licence of a number of badgers from the area in question commenced very recently. Post mortem results and analysis of data on badgers removed are not yet available.
The area where this licence is in operation has had an increased incidence of bovine TB in recent years. Following an intensive investigation of causative factors an application was made by my Department to the Wildlife Service of the Office of Public Works for a licence to remove badgers for post-mortem testing. The intention is to determine the extent of the badger's role in the transmission of bovine TB to cattle in this area.