Debate contribution: Bovine Tuberculosis

Debate contribution by Mr Stephen Dunne on 16 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Stephen Dunne
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 16 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Bovine Tuberculosis
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5391519

Text

Minister, we share a constituent who recently lost 50 dairy cows to TB. That has wiped £12,000 a month from a family dairy business in milk income; years of breeding and genetics have been lost; and a serious mental toll and stress have been placed on his family. Compensation covers only the basic value of the animals. When will you act decisively to tackle what many farmers see as simply out-of-control TB levels? The Irish Government recently announced the recruitment of 200 staff to tackle the issue. Minister, what willl you do to tackle the issue once and for all?

100 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3116/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

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