Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019
521. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he has not invited representatives from the beef plan group to attend meetings of the TB forum; when the next meeting of the forum will take place; if beef plan representatives will be invited to contribute at future meetings of the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25105/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe TB Forum was established in mid-2018 and has held a number of meetings to date. The next TB Forum is scheduled for 25 June 2019.
It is envisaged that an Interim Report, based on discussions over the past number of months, is expected to issue shortly after the upcoming meeting. Part of the deliberations have focussed on the principle of "Working in Partnership" as outlined in the National Farmed Animal Health Strategy. Reflecting that, the discussion papers issued in advance of establishing the TB Forum proposed enhanced governance arrangements with regular stakeholder meetings to monitor progress in eradicating bovine TB and considering amendments to the Programme, where appropriate.
Following receipt and consideration of the Interim Report, I will decide on the future workings of the Forum.
