Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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137. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on new rules for TB testing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19673/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to reducing the incidence rate of TB in the country. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown and we are all working to eradicate TB as quickly as possible.

As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations had been set up to review the current financial model of the TB programme.

The Financial Working Group has reached agreement on changes to the TB compensation schemes and the funding of these schemes under the TB programme as well as support as a transitional measure towards the implementation of Animal Health Law requirements for 2023.

It is important to note that the majority of animals traded through marts are already in compliance with the new animal health law test requirements. Furthermore, farmers may minimise or avoid any additional testing requirements through varying the timing of their annual herd test, in consultation with my Department.

In addition to previously published arrangements in relation to the introduction of Animal Health Law on 1st February 2023, I have, in support of farmers transitioning to this new arrangement, made provision for a once-off contribution of up to a maximum €70 to be provided to breeding herds in 2023 who find that they need to carry out necessary additional testing in respect of cows of any age or males over 36 months moved from one breeding herd to another breeding herd.

A breeding herd is defined as a herd with a birth registered in 2023.