Jack Wall
Ceist:18 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his proposals to initiate the establishment of an All-Ireland animal health strategy group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11897/02]
Written Answers. - Animal Welfare.
One of the goals of the North-South Ministerial Council is the development of closer co-operation and joint strategies for the improvement of animal health on both sides of the border. Substantial progress has already been made in achieving this aim. At a meeting this week, the council considered and endorsed a report from the animal health steering group on co-operation on animal health issues between the Administrations. The report included updates on progress in developing closer co-operation and joint strategies for the improvement of animal health on both sides of the Border, notably with regard to internal animal movement controls, portal controls and bio-security measures on farms and agriculture related premises. I am pleased to report that a common approach has been adopted by both Administrations in relation to internal movement controls on animals and that substantial progress has been made in aligning controls applied to imports of animals and animal products by both Administrations at all points of entry into the island.
In addition, joint initiatives have been taken aimed at raising the level of awareness among flock owners concerning scrapie, promoting common codes of good practice for those involved in agriculture and related industries and developing co-operation in other specific areas, including the eradication of TB, brucellosis and TSEs. In essence, the foundations have been set for the development of an all-island animal health strategy. There is agreement in the council that a co-ordinated and complementary approach to the issue of portal controls should be further developed and maintained and the council has 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.