Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“In an astounding response to an Assembly Question I tabled on potential vaccines for bovine TB, the DAERA minister has asserted that under the Windsor Framework Implementation Regulations 2024 (the product of the DUP Deal restoring Stormont) responsibility for eradication of animal diseases, including bovine TB, now rests with the Secretary of State!
“So, not only has Northern Ireland been left under the EU Animal Health Law – not British law – but, now local oversight and responsibility has been removed from DAERA with the minister washing his hands of all accountability. How bizarre that those, like the DUP, who proclaimed the urgency of restoring devolved powers and the inadequacies of Direct Rule have done a deal whereby all such local powers over animal diseases have been removed.
“I will be pressing the DAERA minister further on this matter in order to flush out just what powers, if any, he has left over animal health.”
The relevant question and answer are below.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail progress towards the introduction of a vaccination against bovine TB.
Following the coming into force on 12 April 2024 of the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, the requirements of Animal Health Law that are placed on DAERA, including as they relate to transmissible diseases and
disease eradication, no longer sit within my ministerial responsibilities and are now subject to the direction and control of the Secretary of State.
ANDREW MUIR MLA