In the last ten years, because of the relatively lax standards of animal health, Newcastle disease has struck the British poultry flock, Aujesky's Disease and Blue Ear Disease have struck the British pig herd, BSE had infected the British cattle herd, and now Foot and Mouth Disease is rampant in their sheep flocks, and has spread into the cattle herd. We simply cannot afford to allow this to go on. If we are to keep these deadly diseases out of Ireland, then the closest possible co-operation between the North and South is vital. Common rules on animal health standards, and on the protection and importation of animal feedstuffs, as well as common rules on the importation of live animals into this island should be agreed as a matter of urgency between the two departments. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this approach, it may be necessary to examine the need for a common enforcement agency for the whole island.
Agriculture is vital to both the Northern and Southern economies.
In these circumstances we must do everything to preserve the unique animal reputation of this island, and thereby protect our export markets.