A broad range of measures have been introduced to prevent the spread of the foot and mouth disease here. In recent weeks I have announced the relaxation of some of these measures on a phased and controlled basis, subject to advice received from the expert group which I established to advise on such matters.
Sheep pose a particular FMD risk because of the difficulty of identifying the clinical symptoms and the length of the incubation in the species. In addition, there is still a serious risk overhang from Great Britain where new cases are still being confirmed each day. The point has not yet been reached where the expert group has felt it appropriate to dismantle the movement permit procedures for sheep.
I assure the Deputy that I will take appropriate steps to adjust or relax the current measures for sheep when the expert group considers it appropriate to do so.