Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting opened at 1.30pm in Public Session.

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Minutes of last meeting

The Committee agreed the Minutes of the meeting of 11 March 2008.

3. Matters arising

(a) Correspondence Issued

The Committee noted the correspondence issued following the meeting of 11 March 2008.

(b) Correspondence received

The Committee noted the correspondence received since the meeting of 11 March 2008.

The Committee agreed to the request from the Ulster Farmers’ Union to meet with the Committee.

The Committee acknowledged the Minster’s decision to keep the Communications course in Loughry College.

The Committee agreed to meet with the Post Office in order to discuss the proposed Post Office closures.

The Committee acknowledged correspondence from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and suggested that this was a matter for the Committee for the Environment.

The Committee acknowledged correspondence from Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and agreed to send them the findings of the Red Meat Seminar.

4. Presentation – The Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI)

Neil Johnston, Chris Heffron, Liam Young and Michael Woodside, representatives from AVSPNI, joined the meeting at 1.45pm and made a presentation on their opinion on the Deloitte Review of TB testing in Northern Ireland. The representatives answered questions from Members and left the meeting at 2.25 pm.

George Savage joined the meeting at 2.05pm.
Thomas Burns joined the meeting at 2.10pm.

5. Pre- Consultation– Loughs Agency

Paul Moore and Jackie McQuillan, Department officials joined the meeting at 2.25pm and made a presentation on the proposed changes in to Loughs Agency’s regulation on fishing. The officials answered questions from Members and it was agreed that the matter proceed to consultation and that the Committee receive a detailed analysis of consultation results.

William Irwin left the meeting at 2.25pm.
William Irwin joined the meeting at 2.30pm.

The officials left the meeting at 2.35 pm.

6. Pre- Consultation – DARD Evidence and Innovation Strategy

Norman Fulton and Elaine McCrory, Department officials, joined the meeting at 2.35pm and made a presentation on DARD- funded research for the next 5-10 years. The officials then answered questions from the Members. It was agreed that the matter proceed to consultation and that the Committee receive a detailed analysis of consultation results.

The officials left the meeting at 2.55pm.

7. Pre-Consultation – The Scotch Whiskey Regulations 2008

Davy Millar, Department official, joined the meeting at 2.55pm and made a presentation on the proposed technical change in The Scotch Whiskey Regulations. The official then answered questions from the Members. It was agreed that the matter proceed to consultation and that the Committee receive a detailed analysis of consultation results.

The official left the meeting at 2.58pm.

8. Pre- Consultation – Implementation of European Council Directive 2007/33/EC on potato Cyst Nematode

Seamus Hughes, Renee McDowell and Jim Crummie, Department officials, joined the meeting at 2.58pm and made a presentation on the proposed changes to the Directive 69/465/EEC. The officials then answered questions from the Members. It was agreed that the matter proceed to consultation and that the Committee receive a detailed analysis of consultation results.

9. Pre-Consultation- Statutory Notification Arrangements for Imported Seed Potatoes.

Seamus Hughes, Renee McDowell and Jim Crummie, Department officials, made a presentation to the Committee and made Members aware of two options available in respect the Imported Seed Potatoes – to revoke existing legislation or to expand it. The officials then answered questions from the Members. It was agreed that the matter proceed to consultation and that the Committee receive a detailed analysis of consultation results.

The officials left the meeting at 3.05pm

10. Statutory Rule – The Eggs and Chicks Regulations (NI) 2008

Question put and agreed.

That the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has considered The Eggs and Chicks Regulations (NI) 2008 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, has no objection to the rule.

11. Statutory Rule- Plant Protection Products (Amendments) Regulations (NI)2008

Question put and agreed.

That the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has considered Plant Protection Products (Amendments) Regulations (NI) 2008 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report has no objection to the rule.

12. Committee Inquiry – Oral Submissions

The Committee agreed proposed dates to take oral evidence in respect of the Committee inquiry.

13. AOB

The Clerk to the Committee advised Members of the trip to Harper Adams University in Shropshire on Wednesday 9 April 2008.

14. Date of Next Meeting

The Committee will next meet at 1.30pm on Tuesday, 8 April 2008 in Room 152, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting was adjourned at 3.20pm.