Martin Ferris
Question:168 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the timetable which has been agreed for the convergence of cross-Border animal health policy. [19171/02]
Written Answers. - Animal Health Policy.
The principal animal health policy differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland, the possibilities for convergence and the timetable for action to achieve convergence are outlined in some detail in an annex to paper NSMC AGR 3 (02) 1, Co-operation in the Field of Animal Health, which was considered by the North-South Ministerial Council at its most recent meeting on 27 September last. The council endorsed the annex attached to the paper as a further contribution to the development of an all-island animal health strategy and agreed that officials should seek to finalise discussions with the UK authorities prior to final agreement of the strategy at the end of the year.
I have made arrangements to forward to the Deputy a copy of the paper and the attached annex.