Allister's initial observations on NI Audit Office Report on TB
18 March 2009
Jim Allister MEP gave the following response to the Northern Ireland Audit Office Report on the Control of Bovine TB in Northern Ireland, launched today:
“I am surprised that so much of the focus of this report by the Audit Office has been on private veterinary practitioners, whose professionalism has been called into question, and not on the Government Department whose responsibility it is for eradicating TB in Northern Ireland.”
“Without doubt, DARD’s approach towards eradicating TB in Northern Ireland has been somewhat protracted, and has prompted immense criticism -not just from the tax paying public -but perhaps primarily from farmers whose herds continue to be vulnerable to new outbreaks of the disease, and the immense set back, and financial costs associated with this.”
“We need to see more imaginative steps being taken by DARD in meeting its responsibilities of facing up to this issue, including a more effective testing regime, as well as an holistic approach which addresses the wildlife dimension. Of course, I would urge DARD to avail of EU funds which could be instrumental in meeting these objectives, in particular the EU Veterinary Fund.”
ENDS
