'Frustration growing' over TB programme 

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said in recent days that it has been a "very challenging year" in relation to TB, with levels remaining high. 

Farmer "anger and frustration" is growing with the Department of Agriculture at the "lack of progress in addressing critical issues" related to the TB programme, according to the Irish Farmers' Association.

IFA national animal health chairman TJ Maher said that despite increased funding provided over the past two years for the Wildlife Control Programme, "little or no progress has been made in providing the additional staff promised to implement the programme on the ground".