Menu
29/02/2008
'Steaks' High As Minister Bans Cattle Imports
Although technically in breach of European Union regulations, the Stormont Executive yesterday approved a week-long suspension of the import of breeding animals into Northern Ireland from bluetongue affected areas.
The Republic's Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan announced a similar move last Friday - similarly breaking EU rules.
There's of course, a lot at stake as it is thought an outbreak of bluetongue disease would cost the Northern Ireland agriculture industry millions of pounds in lost revenue.
Explaining the measure at Stormont yesterday, NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said the move was designed to keep "our bluetongue disease free status intact".
"These controls bring us into line with the south and are in response to emerging science around how the bluetongue virus might be transmitted and additional risks that might be posed by pregnant animals," said Ms Gildernew.
"The import controls are a proportionate response and we will continue to maintain our rigorous testing system on those animals already imported.
"In terms of the industry, I will leave it to them to consider carefully whether they should adopt a complete voluntary ban in order to protect farming here. I would strongly advise and welcome that action," she explained, noting that the disease has already been detected in imported cattle on a County Antrim farm.
But it is yet to be detected elsewhere, so Northern Ireland remains officially bluetongue free.
(BMcC)
The Republic's Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan announced a similar move last Friday - similarly breaking EU rules.
There's of course, a lot at stake as it is thought an outbreak of bluetongue disease would cost the Northern Ireland agriculture industry millions of pounds in lost revenue.
Explaining the measure at Stormont yesterday, NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said the move was designed to keep "our bluetongue disease free status intact".
"These controls bring us into line with the south and are in response to emerging science around how the bluetongue virus might be transmitted and additional risks that might be posed by pregnant animals," said Ms Gildernew.
"The import controls are a proportionate response and we will continue to maintain our rigorous testing system on those animals already imported.
"In terms of the industry, I will leave it to them to consider carefully whether they should adopt a complete voluntary ban in order to protect farming here. I would strongly advise and welcome that action," she explained, noting that the disease has already been detected in imported cattle on a County Antrim farm.
But it is yet to be detected elsewhere, so Northern Ireland remains officially bluetongue free.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 April 2024
Infrastructure Minister Attends Transport Research Arena Event In Dublin
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has outlined how developments over the last twenty years have helped reshape transport planning and transport maintenance in Northern Ireland, at the Transport Research Arena in Dublin.
Infrastructure Minister Attends Transport Research Arena Event In Dublin
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has outlined how developments over the last twenty years have helped reshape transport planning and transport maintenance in Northern Ireland, at the Transport Research Arena in Dublin.
19 April 2024
PM's Failure To Apologise Over State Agents 'Indefensible' – SDLP
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's failure to apologise for the role successive governments played in running state agents involved in criminality including abduction, torture and murder has been described as "indefensible".
PM's Failure To Apologise Over State Agents 'Indefensible' – SDLP
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's failure to apologise for the role successive governments played in running state agents involved in criminality including abduction, torture and murder has been described as "indefensible".
18 April 2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
Other News In Brief
SDLP Criticise SF And Alliance For Backing DUP Amendment The SDLP have accused Sinn Féin and the Alliance Party of allowing the DUP to "delay action on poverty". Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole made the accusation, after the Executive parties backed a DUP amendment to the SDLP's Opposition Day proposal to remove the two-child limit.
18 April 2024
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
Justice Minister Welcomes Report On Domestic Abuse Review
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has welcomed the findings of an independent review of domestic abuse legislation aimed at holding perpetrators to account.
09 April 2024
Minister Calls For Action To Address Decline Of NI Bird Of Prey
Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has called for urgent action to address the decline of one of Northern Ireland's rarest birds of prey. A new DAERA part-funded survey has revealed that the Hen Harrier, a priority species in Northern Ireland, has declined by more than 26% since 2016.
Minister Calls For Action To Address Decline Of NI Bird Of Prey
Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, has called for urgent action to address the decline of one of Northern Ireland's rarest birds of prey. A new DAERA part-funded survey has revealed that the Hen Harrier, a priority species in Northern Ireland, has declined by more than 26% since 2016.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
