Martin Ferris
Ceist:47 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the suspension of the governmental institutions in the Six Counties will mean a suspension of cross-Border co-operation on animal health. [20428/02]
Written Answers. - Animal Health Issues.
There is a long tradition of co-operation between the Administrations on both sides of the Border in relation to animal health issues and it is intended to maintain and strengthen the possibilities for consultation and co-operation on such matters. At its meeting in September, the North-South Ministerial Council endorsed a paper setting out the scope for convergence of animal health policies North and South and agreed that officials should seek to finalise discussions with British authorities prior to final agreement of the strategy at the end of the year. The detailed issues are being taken forward by the various policy working groups in accordance with the timetable set out in the paper.