Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
454. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what the additional funding secured for the TB programme will be utilised for; if he will provide an update on additional staff being recruited or allocated to effectively implement the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52266/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant exchequer funding has been provided annually for the bovine TB eradication programme and the budget allocation of €56m for 2024 will ensure that my Department can continue to implement the policies necessary to reduce the burden of TB on Irish family farms affected by TB.
The development of policies for the bovine TB eradication programme will continue to be led by the TB Forum and its subgroups and I would very much like to see the Forum propose further policies in 2024 that can make significant inroads into the current levels of TB. It is important that we utilise the fool range of information and regulatory tools available to us to continue the fight against bovine TB.
Since September 2023 nineteen Technical Agricultural Officers have commenced employment with my Department. There are another 19 applicants currently waiting on start dates and to have contracts issued, while a further 40 applicants have been put into clearance. In addition to this there will be approximately another 30 candidates interviewed in December. These officers, will be placed across my Department, including the TB programme. Those offices working as part of the TB programme together with their veterinary and administrative colleague will form a key part in combatting the current levels of TB disease in the national herd.
