Agriculture (Foot-and-Mouth Disease): North/South Ministerial Council Sectoral Meeting

Part of the debate – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 11:45 am on 23 April 2001.

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Photo of Ms Brid Rodgers Ms Brid Rodgers Social Democratic and Labour Party 11:45, 23 April 2001

The sub-committee of the vision group which is looking at the implications of, and the lessons to be learnt from, this whole episode will be examining the operation of the marts, as well as every other aspect of the industry. I am certain that the North/South Ministerial Council will hold discussions to try to share our experiences, learn lessons from each other and, if necessary, co-ordinate our activities.

In Northern Ireland our veterinary inspectors inspect everything that arrives in and goes out of the meat plants. That is very carefully monitored. I cannot speak for the Republic of Ireland and how they operate there. Clearly, every section of the industry needs to ensure that it is operating in an open, transparent and correct way.