Minutes of Proceedings

1.00  p.m. The meeting commenced in Open Session

1. Apologies

The apologies are recorded above.

2. Oral briefing Food Standards Agency, DARD and Local Government Environmental Health: Contamination of Meat Products

The following representatives from the Food Standards Agency, Newry & Mourne Council and DARD officials joined the meeting at 1.01 p.m.

Mr Gerry McCurdy, Director Food Standards Agency

Ms Maria Jennings, Head of Dietary Health, Standards and Incidents, Food Standards Agency

Mr John Farrell, Director of Environment, Health and Building Services, Newry & Mourne City and District Council

Mr Robert Huey, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, DARD

Mr Alan McCartney, Agricultural Inspector, DARD

Mr Beggs declared an interest that his family are farmers.

Mrs Dobson declared an interest that her husband is a farmer.

Mr Irwin declared an interest that he is a farmer.

1.55 p.m. Mr Beggs left the meeting.

1.55 p.m. Mr McMullan left the meeting.

2.00 p.m. Mr McMullan rejoined the meeting.

2.00 p.m. Mrs Dobson left the meeting.

2.10 p.m. Mr Hazzard left the meeting.

2.15 p.m. Mr Dunne left the meeting.

2.16 p.m. Mr Wells left the meeting.

2.17 p.m. Mr Dunne rejoined the meeting.

2.18 p.m. Mr Irwin left the meeting.

2.24 p.m. Mr Byrne left the meeting.

2.29 p.m. Mr Brady left the meeting.

2.30 p.m. Mr McMullan left the meeting.

2.35 p.m. Mr Gardiner left the meeting.

2.36 p.m. Ms McLaughlin left the meeting.

2.40 p.m. Mr Brady rejoined the meeting.

The representatives and departmental officials briefed the Committee and this was followed by a question and answer session.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the unanswered questions to the Clerk who will submit them to the Food Standards Agency, DARD or Environmental Health for answer.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Food Standards Agency to request that it is kept fully informed of any further developments.

3. AOB

There was no other business.

The meeting adjourned at 2.46 p.m.

Sue Ramsey, Chairperson, Concurrent Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Paul Frew, Deputy Chairperson, Concurrent Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety