Vol. 424 No. 8
231 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, after all the money spent on bovine tuberculosis eradication in the past 30 years, he has satisfied himself with the present position where some 30,000 reactors were detected each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In evaluating the expenditure on Bovine TB eradication account must be taken of the essential role the scheme plays in preserving export outlets for livestock and livestock products. In this regard I am satisfied that the expenditure to date has been necessary and worthwhile and has reduced the incidence of the disease to less than 1 per cent of animals. A recent study carried out by Professor Séamus Sheehy has shown that investment in the Scheme has been extremely cost-beneficial.
However I am anxious that a consensus would be achieved on a programme for the next 4 years which would enable disease levels to be further reduced.
