Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting commenced at 1.30pm in Closed Session.

The Chairman welcomed Shauna Mageean to the Committee.

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Minutes

The Committee agreed the Minutes of the meeting of 19 May 2009.

3. Matters arising

(a) Correspondence issued

The Committee noted the correspondence issued since the meeting of 19 May 2009.

(b) Correspondence received

The Committee noted the correspondence received since the meeting of 19 May 2009.

(c) Correspondence tabled

The Committee noted the correspondence tabled at the meeting.

(d) Consideration Stage of the Diseases of Animals Bill

Patricia Casey, Bill Clerk, gave details regarding the consideration stage of the Diseases of Animals Bill. Members agreed to indicate to the Committee Support Office if they intend to speak on any clauses within the Bill. The consideration stage of the Diseases of Animals Bill is due to be debated in Plenary Session on Monday 1 June 2009.

Patricia Casey left the meeting at 1.45pm
Thomas Burns entered the meeting at 1.46pm

The meeting opened in Open Session at 1.46pm

4. Presentation – National Beef Association (NBA) & Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association (NIAPA)

Oisin Murnon, representative from NBA, joined the meeting at 1.45pm and made a presentation regarding the current review of the Less Favoured Areas scheme. Following the presentation, Members put questions.

Thomas Elliott left the meeting at 1.54pm
Thomas Elliott rejoined the meeting at 1.59pm
George Savage declared an interest.
Thomas Clarke entered the meeting at 2.09pm
Thomas Burns left the meeting at 2.09pm
PJ Bradley left the meeting at 2.19pm
The representative left the meeting at 2.19pm

5. Presentation – DARD – PFG/PSA Targets

Colette McMaster, John Smith and Roly Harwood, departmental officials, joined the meeting at 2.20pm and presented to Committee in respect of the PFG/PSA targets. Following the presentation, Members put questions.

PJ Bradley rejoined the meeting at 2.25pm
PJ Bradley left the meeting at 2.27pm
Pat Doherty left the meeting at 2.32pm
Pat Doherty rejoined the meeting at 2.41pm

Colette McMaster updated the Committee regarding the discussed planned approach in respect of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.

The officials left the meeting at 3.01pm

6. Presentation – DARD – Apple Industry

Martin McKendry, Steven Millar, Peter Toner and Robin Shaw, departmental officials, joined the meeting at 3.02pm and presented to the Committee in respect of the apple industry. Following the presentation, Members put questions.

Thomas Burns rejoined the meeting at 3.04pm
The representatives left the meeting at 3.20pm

7. SR – The Sea Fishing Industry (Harbour, Landing and Lights Dues) Scheme ( Northern Ireland) 2009

That the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has considered The Sea Fishing Industry (Harbour, Landing and Lights Dues) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2009 and recommends that it be confirmed by the Assembly

8. SR – The Plant Health (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009

That the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has considered The Plant Health (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2009 and has no objection to the Rule.

9. Future Presentations

The Committee Clerk briefed Members on the future business of the Committee. It was agreed to proceed as proposed.

10. AOB

The Committee have agreed a rota of attendance at the upcoming Ballymena Agricultural Show on Saturday 30 th May 2009.

The Committee recorded their thanks to Emma Patton for her work to the Committee and wished her well for her new posting to the Committee for Regional Development.

11. 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 3.24pm.