Minutes of Proceedings

1.34 p.m.        The meeting commenced in Open Session

1. Apologies

Apologies are noted above.

2. Departmental presentation on hedge cutting

The following departmental official joined the meeting:

Alan Galbraith, Agricultural Inspector Grade 1

Mr Galbraith briefed the Committee and this was followed by a question and answer session.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department to request details of the number of illegal hedge cutting offences recorded.

3. RSPB Presentation on NI Countryside Management Scheme

The following representatives joined the meeting:

Anne Marie McDevitt, RSPB Conservation Manager

Jim Martin, RSPB Land Use Policy Officer

Michael Calvert, Barnwell Farm

The representatives briefed the committee and this was followed by a question and answer session.

Mr McCarthy declared an interest as a recipient of the Single Farm Payment.

The Committee recorded its congratulations to Michael Calvert for his contribution to promoting wildlife on his farm.

The Committee thanked Mr Calvert for use of his premises and tour of the farm site.

4. Correspondence

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward correspondence from the Committee for Justice on the Draft Community Safety Strategy to the Department for comment.

5. Any other business

The Chairperson advised the Committee that this was the last meeting for Willie Clarke, and on behalf of the Committee, the Chairperson thanked him for his contribution and participation in the work of the Committee.

6. Date and time of the next meeting

Agreed: The next meeting of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development will take place on Tuesday 17 April 2012, at 1.30pm,

Room 30, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting was adjourned at 3.00 p.m.

Paul Frew, Chairperson, Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development

Date