Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
389. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to establishing an all-island system of identifying cases of TB and BVD; if he will advise what efforts have been made in this area in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49777/23]
View answerWhile there are no plans to establish an all-island system of identifying cases of TB and BVD, the science behind surveillance, diagnosis and testing capabilities are similar in both areas and there are significant elements of cross-border collaboration on animal health matters
The All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy provides a framework for a cohesive approach to improving animal health and welfare on both sides of the border. Many things have changed since its publication, but the fundamental elements of the strategy such as co-operation on trade, movement and identification policies as well as disease control and animal welfare policies are still relevant for both jurisdictions.
In addition the first meeting of the All-Island Scanning Surveillance Delivery Forum (AISF) was held in Dundonald House on the 17th May 2023. AISF is a strategic group focussed on optimising delivery of policy and senior veterinary recommendations for animal health surveillance. The purpose of the AISF is to share surveillance developments and ensure coordination of initiatives. The AISF builds upon the annual All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance Reports which are produced collaboratively between the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland and the laboratory service of my Department. These reports continue to be a prime example of trans-boundary information sharing and collaboration and represent a collation of thousands of post-mortem dissections, laboratory tests and histopathological examinations carried out by dedicated teams of vets and scientists in both jurisdictions.
Good collaboration continues between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Northern Ireland, on animal health surveillance, laboratory supports and exotic disease control preparations and support. Meetings are held every six months between the Chief Veterinary Officers from both jurisdictions along with relevant Heads of Divisions. The main agenda items discussed include animal health issues (including TB, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), Biosecurity, Brexit, Animal Welfare, North-South and East-West trade and certification. These meetings are vital in maintaining North-South knowledge sharing and collaboration on various issues.
The Animal Health and Import Policy (AHIP) Division of my Department co-ordinate with DAERA on animal health and import policy matters. Meetings are chaired by each jurisdiction on a rotating basis.
Additionally, AHIP agreed to informally keep in touch with DAERA on issues relating to the new Animal Health Law and Import Policy have a regular 6-weekly informal catch-up with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in NI with DAERA, hosted by the FSA NI.
In relation to TB Bi-annual meetings are held at official level between my Department and DAERA. These meetings focus on co-operation on strategic, operational and research aspects of TB eradication programmes, including diagnostic testing, wildlife risk, and policy development. My Department also meets regularly with DAERA in relation to Ireland’s BVD programme and more importantly now on progress towards our BVD freedom application.
