All-Ireland Bluetongue resolution needed for live exports North and South - Sligo/Leitrim TD

Sligo/Leitrim TD, Martin Kenny, has called for a resolution to live exports between North and South.

Deputy Kenny was speaking following statements in the Dáil this evening in relation to the Bluetongue outbreaks.

Teachta Kenny said: “I asked the Minister for Agriculture in the Dáil for an update on when live exports between the North and South of Ireland will reopen. Unfortunately the Minister was unable to provide an answer other than he and his officials are working with his counterparts in the North on the issue.

“The suspension of live exports is having an impact on sales and, as we move into the spring, this is only going to get worse unless this suspension of live exports is lifted.

“It is impacting the breeding societies who depend on buyers from the North to buy pure bred bulls and heifers for breeding.

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“Bluetongue has been located both North and South, and a resolution for cattle and sheep to travel both North and South needs to be found.

“We need to get on top of this disease now before the weather gets warmer and the virus replicates and spreads further.

“I called on the Minister to work with his counterparts in the North and work on an all-Ireland resolution to stop the spread of the virus and protect Irish Agriculture from further outbreaks.

“We need to see an expanded testing programme to identify and isolate the virus before it has a chance to spread.

“Irish farmers North and South need to be able to trade with their neighbours on an all-Ireland basis.”