Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2010
45 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the further steps that he envisages to enhance co-operation on animal health issues on an all-island basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16778/10]
View answerThe All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy provides a basis to enhance animal health and welfare standards and to have expanded opportunities for the export of livestock and livestock products with the ultimate objective to have policies and arrangements in place to facilitate the free movement of animals on the island. Ministers and officials will continue to meet regularly to develop, review and monitor policies. A formal structure is in place whereby working groups meet to focus on a range of critical issues such as disease control, animal identification and movement and data sharing. Consideration is given on an on-going basis to refocusing or expanding the remit of the working groups to concentrate on emerging issues where co-operation can be effective.
