AQW 17061/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 21/10/2024
Answered On Date: 07/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, pursuant to AQW 14277/22-27, to detail (i) the wildlife interventions he is considering in the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy; and (ii) whether he intends to legislate for a badger cull during the 2022-2027 mandate.

Answer:

In October 2023, a judicial review quashed the former Ministers decision on a wildlife intervention approach as part of the Northern Ireland bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Eradication Strategy. My officials are currently working on possible options for the way forward for my consideration.

The current review of bTB being undertaken by the Chief Veterinary Officer will also consider the role played by badgers in the spread and endurance of this disease.

Any wildlife policy proposals will be subject to a full public consultation while any decision to implement a wildlife intervention is also likely to require legislation to be made.