The Agriculture Minister has stressed that he understands the impact that bTB (Bovine TB) is having in Fermanagh, despite not having visited the county yet.

In a wide-reaching interview with The Impartial Reporter, Andrew Muir was questioned on his plans to reduce the prevalence of bTB in Fermanagh, his thoughts on bTB compensation, and his attitude toward controversial wildlife interventions, including badger culls.

In Fermanagh, levels of bTB remain high, with rates in Enniskillen among the highest in Northern Ireland last year.

The Minister was asked if this was acceptable, and what actions he had taken to reduce bTB in Fermanagh.

"I am very aware of the issues, and it's obviously something that's very important not just to me, but to the farming community," said Minister Muir.

"Upon taking up office in February, I was briefed on the issues, and bTB was a key issue on the first day.

"Brian Dooher took up the post as Chief Veterinary Officer, and the first task I gave him was to undertake a short and focused review on the actions we can take to reduce the prevalence of bTB.

"In early autumn, we will be outlining a number of actions we will be taking."

The Minister added that it was not his "will or desire" to see cuts in compensation for bTB reactors, which was suggested in a recent consultation, but also alluded to budget concerns.

"It's not my will or desire to reduce the compensation rate, but I have an obligation to ensure we balance the books at the end of the financial year," he said.

"It will remain under review, but I think it's important that I am honest with people around the need to balance our books.

"I do welcome the allocation that was made by the Finance Minister for funding toward bTB compensation and acknowledge that this is a demand-led pressure.

"This is very welcome and will hopefully provide reassurance to the farming community."

The Minister was asked if "balancing the books" was more important than "farmers' mental health".

"I totally understand the real issue in terms of the impact on the mental health of farmers," Minister Muir responded. "It's something that's high on my agenda, and something I will be discussing with the health minister.

"What I am conscious of is the financial settlement that the Executive was awarded. If we don't balance the books, we potentially have half a billion to repay. I wouldn't want to burden anyone with that cost.

"What I am really keen on is ensuring an eradication strategy and measures in place that will reduce prevalence."

The Minister was asked if he had visited Fermanagh to see the situation with bTB first-hand.

He admitted that he has not.

"I have been around many parts of Northern Ireland," he responded. "I was in Omagh two weeks ago at the agricultural show, and I am making plans to get to every art and part of Northern Ireland.

"It's important I do that to get the views around this, and I will be going to Fermanagh very soon."

The Minister was told that some farmers feel that Fermanagh is a "forgotten county".

"It's not forgotten for me," Minister Muir responded. "I value every farming settlement in Northern Ireland, in every county."

The Minister was then asked what he would say to a farmer who was facing the loss of over 50 per cent of their cattle herd in a single test.

Last year, a Tempo dairy farmer had two-thirds of his herd wiped out in a day.

"You don't need to give me hypothetical situations," the Minister said. "I have conversations like that. I understand the stress this causes and the finances of the family farm. I 100 per cent understand that.

"That's why I haven't taken a decision to reduce the compensation rate and engaged closely with the Finance Minister to continue with the compensation rate."

When asked if bTB was a "top priority" for him, Minister Muir said: "I have lots of pressures and demands from many people.

"You are aware of the issues in relation to Lough Neagh and water quality, and we have obligations relating to climate change legislation, animal welfare issues, and future agricultural policy.

"In terms of TB, it's a key issue and priority for me. It sticks out to me as something that we need to take action on to reduce that prevalence and herd infections. It's something I am going to put time and resources into."

Minister Muir was asked if he was supportive of wildlife interventions as a means to reduce bTB, including badger culls.

"You will be aware of the previous and successful legal challenge in relation to the previous wildlife intervention around this," he replied. "I will be guided by the evidence and science around this, and it is something that will be outlined in the autumn.

"I understand the concerns around this, but it's not just going to be resolved through wildlife interventions. We also have to look at biosecurity on the farm, and other issues.

"It's one part of the jigsaw, but I am conscious of the legal challenge, and we need to bear that in mind."

Finally, the Minister was asked if his actions would see real change in relation to bTB, despite a lack of progress from previous ministers over the past 50 years.

"What you see is what you get with me," he said. "I am someone who is very driven toward delivery on the ground in relation to this, and very focused on listening, engaging, and taking action.

"Judge me on what I do."