John Gormley
Ceist:171 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department will increase the badger cull from January 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28603/00]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
Under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, it was agreed to assign specified staff resources to each district veterinary office to carry out investigative work into the causes of tuberculosis herd breakdowns. In addition, it was agreed that a pro-active approach using 75 dedicated Department and farm relief service personnel will be used to address the wildlife source of infection in the 20% of the country which yields 50% of the reactors. The distribution of these resources is being finalised in consultation with the farm organisations.