To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail his plans to tackle the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis.

Bovine Tuberculosis is one of the most challenging issues faced by the cattle farmers in Northern Ireland. I share Members’ concerns regarding the current high rate of TB incidence and the impact this is having on hard working farm families. With herd incidence currently at over 10%, one farm in ten has experienced the difficulties associated with a new TB breakdown in the past year and I have already heard directly from farmers the impact this is having.

Tackling this disease is also having a significant impact on my Department’s budget. 53 million pounds was spent on the control of TB in the last financial year and a similar amount is expected this year.

The high cost of controlling TB is not sustainable- not to farm businesses nor to my Departmental budget. I can assure the house that tackling this disease and all the factors which contribute to its spread and endurance will be a top priority for me in my new role. I will be working closely with my officials in the coming weeks and engaging with stakeholders to examine the best way to help lower the rate of TB in our herds.