Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting commenced at 12.24pm in Open Session.

The deputy chairperson took the chair.

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Presentation – DARD – Ministerial attendance – Disease of Animals Bill – Clause 8

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, and departmental officials Jennifer Corkey, Colette McMaster, Owen Denny and Colette Connor made a presentation regarding the deferral of the consideration stage of the Disease of Animals Bill, specifically in relation to proposed cancellation of the previously agreed amendment to sever the link between compliance with biosecurity guidance and compensation as detailed in Clause 8. Following the presentation, Members put questions.

Thomas Clarke left the meeting at 12.38pm
The chairperson took the chair at 12.41pm
Thomas Burns left the meeting at 12.49pm
PJ Bradley left the meeting at 1.28pm

The Minister and representatives left the meeting at 1.41pm

3. Presentation – Ulster Farmers Union - Disease of Animals Bill – Clause 8

Graham Furey, Clarke Black and Colin Smith joined the meeting at 1.42pm and presented to Committee in respect of the proposed cancellation of the previously agreed amendment to Clause 8 of the Bill. Following the presentation, Members put questions.

The representatives left the meeting at 2.10pm

The Chair put the motion that the Committee agree to the reintroduction of the link between biosecurity guidance and compensation in Clause 8 of the Disease of Animals Bill as proposed by the Minister for Agriculture & Rural Development.

Ayes: Willie Clarke, Pat Doherty

Noes: Dr William McCrea, Tom Elliott, George Savage, Francie Molloy, William Irwin

Members agreed that the Committee decision be relayed to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

4. Date of the next meeting

The next Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 9 th June 2009 at 1.30pm in Room 152, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting was adjourned at 2.30pm.