Thomas P. Broughan
Question:39 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress made to date with regard to the establishment of an all-Ireland animal health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13970/02]
Written Answers. - Animal Health Strategy.
Animal health issues have featured at each meeting of the North South Ministerial Council – Agriculture Sector – which has met on six occasions, most recently on 15 April 2002. In addition, the Steering Group on Animal Health, and the various working groups which under its aegis focus on particular aspects of animal health, have met on numerous occasions.
The Joint Communiqué issued after the NSMC meeting on 15 April reflects the progress being made to date in the development of an all-island animal health strategy.
At that meeting the council considered and endorsed a report from the steering group on co-operation on animal health issues between both administrations, with updates and particular emphasis on certain aspects.
The council endorsed the progress recorded to date and agreed that the foundations had been set for an all-island animal health strategy. The council also agreed that a co-ordinated and complementary approach to the issue of portal controls should be further developed and maintained and requested the various working groups to continue their assignments to develop closer co-operation and/or joint strategies for the improvement of animal health on both sides of the Border by 31 December 2002.
It will be apparent therefore that work is progressing on many aspects which will contribute to an all-island strategy in this area and that political momentum is being maintained by frequent meetings of the Ministerial Council itself.