Committee discusses Foot and Mouth outbreak with Minister

The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development met with Michelle Gildernew MP, the Minster for Agriculture and Rural Development, in Dundonald House this morning to discuss developments in relation to the foot and mouth outbreak in southern England.

The Minister and senior officials updated the Committee on the action taken to date and then answered questions from the Committee.

Tom Elliott, Committee Deputy Chairperson said:

“The Committee welcomed the opportunity to discuss these matters with the Minister and her officials. We are satisfied that the decisive action taken to date is fully justified and will go someway to protecting one of our key industries. While it appears that this outbreak may be limited and has been contained, it is important that we are not complacent and would urge everyone to follow the guidance from the Department.

The Committee is pleased that the European Commission has announced no need for further measures after the UK government imposed its own bans on animal and produce exports and on the movement of livestock in England, Scotland and Wales.

Northern Ireland has rightly been excluded from the export and movement bans but this will only continue as long as we are vigilant.”