I am relived that the Government has responded to the constant calls of animal rights activist, experts in the field and interested parties to implement a vaccination programme for badgers to combat the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle; sense has prevailed since I first made the calls in the Dáil back in 2015. This measure will be a step away from the cruel snarling and culling of one of Ireland’s largest mammals which we have long been critical of. The programme is due to commence next month.