Jack Wall
Question:63 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress being made on the establishment of an all-Ireland animal health body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25771/02]
Written Answers. - Animal Welfare Bodies.
Under the provisions of strand two of the Good Friday Agreement, the North-South Ministerial Council was established to bring together those with executive responsibilities in the North and South to develop consultation, co-operation and action on matters of mutual interest. Together with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the North, I established a steering group under the council framework to examine areas of co-operation with the objective of putting in place an all-island animal health strategy. At the last meeting of the agriculture sector of the council, a paper was endorsed which set out an indicative timetable for action to achieve this all-island animal health strategy. Progress in bringing this strategy about is continuing.