Allister returns to question of dioxin compensation
21 January 2009
Jim Allister, who from the outset has been dubious about the feasibility of Northern Ireland being able to benefit from an EU-approved compensation package for the Republic of Ireland, arising from the dioxin crisis, has repeated his concerns, following discussions in Brussels with the Agriculture Commissioner and Mr Bruce Robinson, the Secretary of the NI Executive.
In a statement the Traditional Unionist MEP said:-
"With every day that passes I am becoming more concerned by the inaction of the NI Executive in coming forward with a compensation package for the producers and processors in Northern Ireland who are facing huge losses because of the Republic's dioxin contamination”.
“Within hours of the crisis unfolding, the Republic, by whatever means, got Commission approval for a generous compensation package. Such a package, I have no doubt, would equally be approved by the Commission for Northern Ireland. While the Executive is promising to bring forward a package for the culling of 7000 affected cattle, they are dragging their feet on compensation. Instead they are placing reliance on a hope that the Republic may pick up the compensation tab out of their compensation package. While it would be fair that damage caused by feed exported from the Republic should be paid for by that country - and legal action may ultimately deliver that - the issue is whether the terms of the Commission approval could permit Northern Ireland to benefit from the package as approved. It certainly would be a novel departure to have Brussels approve aid within one country and then see it dispersed into neighbouring countries. I do not believe the terms of the Republic's approval, at least without amendment, would permit that. Having discussed the issue with Commissioner Fischer-Boel and the UK Permanent Representation in Brussels, I am confirmed in that view”.
“Hence at a meeting in Brussels with the Head of the NI Civil Service and Secretary of the Stormont Executive, Bruce Robinson, I have expressed concern that time is being wasted on chasing a moonbeam. Instead, I believe, DARD should be putting together a full cull and compensation package, which the Commission would then co-finance”.
“The reality is that while the parcel is passed from one to the other, farmers and processors - all innocent of blame - are suffering immense financial losses. It's time for the Executive, and particularly DARD, to act.”
ENDS
