Farmers 'cannot be left to bear financial brunt' of bluetongue threat - TD
Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has called on the government to provide "urgent and comprehensive support" to farmers amid growing concerns over the impact of bluetongue.
Deputy Nolan has emphasised the "critical need" for practical measures to protect the farming community, including enhanced surveillance, access to vaccines and financial assistance for those affected.
"Farmers cannot be left to bear the financial brunt of this threat," she said.
"We need immediate action to ensure that testing, prevention and compensation schemes are in place to safeguard livelihoods and maintain biosecurity."
Trade concerns
A Dáil debate took place this week on bluetongue. Deputy Nolan said it was "clear" from this debate that "serious concerns are now emerging around the impact on trade between ourselves and the north of Ireland".
"That specific issue must be at the forefront of our minds as we are all well aware of how prolonged national movement controls restrictions negatively impact on trade and farm income," the Offaly TD added.
During the debate, a number of TDs called for supports for farmers.
Sinn Féin TD Natasha Newsome Drennan said there needs to be a "national vaccination campaign" rolled out.
"That cannot be a burden lumped onto farmers. The government needs to rally behind them with supports and cover part of the price of the vaccinations," she said.
"The government cannot look at this as a cost, it must instead look at it as an investment in protecting our agricultural food sector."
She has also asked Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon to roll out an information campaign on spotting signs and symptoms of bluetongue and on the biosecurity measures farmers should be taking to prevent the spread of the disease.
She has also asked him to ensure there is an adequate supply of vaccines available.
Labour Party TD Robert O'Donoghue told the Dáil that if bluetongue "is to be managed, as it must be, farmers cannot be expected to carry the cost of management alone".
"Vaccination, where appropriate, is central to disease control, yet vaccines cost money," Deputy O'Donoghue said.
"Housing, handling facilities, veterinary visits, movement planning and compliance all add expense and complexity.
"These are not optional measures; they are being demanded in the name of national biosecurity. That means the state must step up.
"We cannot have a situation where farmers are told that biosecurity is a public good but the financial risk is treated as a private problem."
The TD said that if movement restrictions are imposed, compensation must be "automatic and timely".
He added that if vaccination is required or strongly advised, it must be "affordable and supported".
"If markets close due to disease risk, farmers must not be left waiting months for clarity or assistance," he added.
Human toll
Deputy O'Donoghue said that the human toll must also be acknowledged.
"Disease threats like bluetongue bring anxiety, isolation and exhaustion," the TD continued.
"Farmers dealing with sick animals, uncertain markets and regulatory pressure are under enormous strain.
"To go one further, I call for mental health supports to be recognised as part of the resilience we are asking farmers to have, not as an afterthought.
"Many of our farmers are dealing with this pressure alone and it can be a very lonely and overwhelming environment."
