Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting opened at 10.35pm in Public Session .

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Committee Bill – The Diseases of Animals Bill – ‘Clause by Clause’ Consideration

(a) Clause 1 – Extension of power to slaughter

Colette Connor, Jennifer Corkey, Sandra Dunbar and Ian McKee, departmental officials, joined the meeting at 10.40am and made a presentation on the merits of extending the power to slaughter. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

(b) Clause 2 – Slaughter of animals and poultry treated with serum or vaccine.

Colette Connor, Jennifer Corkey, Sandra Dunbar and Ian McKee, departmental officials gave a presentation on the merits on the slaughter of animals and poultry treated with vaccine. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

(c) Clause 3 & Schedule 1 – Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE’S)

Colette Connor, Jennifer Corkey, Kate Davey and Andrew Kell, departmental officials, gave a presentation at 10.50am on the merits of the clause concerning TSE’s. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

(d) Clause 4 – Powers of entry

Colette Connor, Jennifer Corkey, Mike Steel and Michael Hatch, department officials, gave a presentation at 11.01am on the merits of this clause granting new powers of entry to the department. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

(e) Clause 5 – Failure to give a name and address

The Committee considered the creation of an offence for failing to provide a name and address or the provision of inaccurate details.

(f) Clause 6 – Fixed penalties for certain offences

Colette Connor, Jennifer Corkey, Mike Steel and Michael Hatch, department officials, gave a presentation at 11.03am on fixed penalties for certain offences. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

(g) Clause 7 – Prosecutions; time limit

Colette Connor, Jennifer Corkey, Mike Steel and Michael Hatch, department officials, gave a presentation at 11.55am on Prosecutions; time limit. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

William Clarke left the meeting 11.56am

(h) Clause 8 – Biosecurity guidance

Roly Harwood, Ian McKee, Sandra Dunbar and Colette McMaster, departmental officials, gave a presentation on the merits of proposed new biosecurity guidance at 12.02pm. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

William Clarke rejoined the meeting at 11.59am.

The Deputy Chairperson took the chair of the meeting at 12.01pm.

PJ Bradley left the meeting at 12.09pm.

(i) Clause 9 – Power to regulate the supply of fodder

The Committee considered the creation of powers to regulate the supply of fodder.

The meeting was suspended at 12.08pm.

The meeting re-convened at 1.20pm.

(j) Clause 10- Fees and expenses

The Committee considered the creation of a clause to increase fees and expenses.

(k) Clause 11 – Deliberate infection

Jennifer Corkey, Colette Conor, Colette McMaster, Roly Harwood and Michael Hatch, departmental officials gave a presentation at 1.21pm on the above. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

P J Bradley rejoined the meeting at 1.23pm.

(l) Clause 12- Seizure and destruction of things liable to spread disease

The Committee considered the creation of a clause for the provision of seizure and destruction of things liable to spread disease.

William Irwin left the meeting at 1.30pm.

(m) Clause 13 – Control of vaccines

The Committee considered the creation of a clause to control the use of animal and poultry vaccines.

(n) Clause 14- Treatment of animals poultry

The Committee considered the creation of a clause for the provisions of welfare of animals and poultry.

(o) Clause 15 – Regulations of movement of animals and poultry

The Committee considered the creation of a clause regulating the movement of animals and poultry.

(p) Clause 16 – Registration and approval of livestock dealers

The Committee considered the creation of a clause regulating livestock dealers.

(q) Clause 17 – Export of animals and poultry

The Committee considered the creation of a clause regulating the export of animals and poultry.

(r) Clause 18- Records and return

Jennifer Corkey, Colette Connor, Michael Hatch and Mike Steel, departmental officials, gave a presentation at 1.43pm regarding the extension of DARD’s powers to require animal owners to keep record and make returns. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

(s) Clause 19 – Inspection, etc., of imports

Sandra Dunbar, Colette Connor, Sandra Dunbar and Ian McKee, departmental officials, gave a presentation at 1.44pm on a new provision concerning import inspections. Following the presentation, Members asked questions.

(t) Clause 20 – Power to inspect, cleanse and disinfect vehicles

The Committee considered the creation of a clause creating powers to inspect and cleanse vehicles.

(u) Clauses 21 to 24 and Schedules 2 & 3

The Committee considered the above clauses and schedules.

3. AOB

The Committee noted tabled correspondence inviting Members to attend a presentation by Mr Hans- Gert Pottering, the President of the European Parliament, in the Senate Chamber at 11am on Monday 24 November 2008.

The Committee noted that Members’ attendances of Committee meetings for 2007/2008 are to be published on the internet.

The Committee agreed that the Committee Clerk would provide additional information on poultry litter incinerator plants in Europe.

4.Date of the next meeting

The next Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 November 2008 at 1.30pm in Room 152, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.52pm.