COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 2008
ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Dr William McCrea MP (Chairperson)
Tom Elliott (Deputy Chairperson)
P J Bradley
Allan Bresland
Thomas Burns
Trevor Clarke
Willie Clarke
Pat Doherty
William Irwin
Francie Molloy
George Savage
In attendance:
Paul Carlisle (Clerk to the Committee)
Jim Beatty (Assembly Clerk)
Emma Patton (Assistant Clerk)
Mary Hawthorne (Clerical Supervisor)
Kathy Neill (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
None
The meeting opened at 1.30pm in Public Session.
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Apologies
As above.
Minutes of last meeting
The Committee agreed the Minutes of the meeting of 22 January 2008.
Francie Molloy joined the meeting at 13.34pm.
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Matters arising
(A) Correspondence Issued
The Committee noted the correspondence issued following the meeting of 22 January 2008.
(B) Correspondence received
The Committee noted the correspondence received since the meeting of 22 January 2008.
(a) It was agreed that a letter, stating the sequence of events in Forkhill should be sent to OFMDFM.
(b) It was noted that the Countryside Alliance Ireland, had requested an investigation into the Countryside Management Scheme and the impact on the Irish Hare. It was agreed that the matter should be referred to DARD.
(c) It was agreed that clarification was needed into the Forest Service’s policy on the disposal of land, in light of the issues arising from Pomeroy Forest and a letter to be sent to DARD.
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Presentation – Brucellosis Control Programme
Liz Redmond, Roly Harwood, Colette McMaster and Sharon Verner, representatives of DARD, joined the meeting at 1.47pm and made a presentation on their control policy, progress on brucellosis, and when eradication could be achieved.
P J Bradley joined the meeting at 13.57pm.
Pat Doherty left the meeting at 2.31pm.
Thomas Burns joined the meeting at 2.40pm.
The representatives answered questions from the Members. It was agreed that DARD would provide the Committee with more information into why the disease has been eradicated in the Republic and not in Northern Ireland, DARD’s policy of overturning decisions on the herd valuations by Independent valuers and figures on infection rates in Suckler and Dairy Herds.
The representatives left the meeting at 3.16pm.
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SL1 – The Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances Regulations (NI) 2008
Valerie Bell and Liz McWatters, Department officials, joined the meeting at 3.17pm and answered questions from the Committee. Members requested that an EQIA should be complied on similar such matters being brought before it. All agreed to progress the proposed rule.
The representatives left the meeting at 3.20pm.
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SL1 – The Zootechnical Standards (Amendments) Regulations (NI) 2008.
Colette Connor and John McConnell, Department officials, joined the meeting at 3.20pm and updated the Committee on proposed changes in legislation in trade of ova and embryos and the storage of semen. The Committee agreed to progress to the next state.
The officials left the meeting at 3.25pm.
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Pre-consultation – The Spirits Drinks Regulations (2008)
Peter Toner, DARD official, joined the meeting at 15.30pm. He answered Committee Members’ questions and sought approval to make a single piece of UK-wide legislation which would protect quality and brands. It was agreed that the matter proceed to consultation and that the Committee receive a detailed analysis of consultation results.
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Pre-consultation- The Seed Potatoes (Crop Fees) Amendments Regulations (NI) 2008
Peter Toner, DARD official, answered questions on the matter from Members. It was agreed that the matter proceed to consultation and that the Committee receive a detailed analysis of consultation results.
Mr Toner left the meeting at 15.33pm.
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The Export Restrictions (Foot- and – Month Disease) (Revocation) Regulations (NI) 2008.
Question put and agreed.
That the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has considered the Export Restrictions (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) (revocation) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2007 and has no objection to the rule
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The Shrimp Fishing Net (Amendment) Order (NI) 2007
Question put and agreed.
That the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has considered the Shrimp Fishing Nets (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2007 and has no objection to the rule .
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The Committee Bill- Abolition of the AWB
The Committee considered the forward work plan and agreed the draft policy document and progress to public notice. Members are to be furnished with estimated costs of the proposed Bill.
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AOB
Members agreed that the Committee be provided with an update on bluetongue at the next meeting.
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Date of Next Meeting
The Committee will next meet at 1.30pm on Tuesday, 5 February 2008 in Room 152, Parliament Buildings.
The meeting was adjourned at 3.45pm.
Chairperson
Date