Gildernew meets new Agriculture Committee Chairman

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today met with the new Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Ian Paisley Jnr MLA.

The Minister welcomed Mr Paisley’s appointment and said she hoped there would be a good working relationship between him, the committee and the Department.

During the meeting the minister highlighted some of the key strategic issues which the Department is currently progressing including the Diseases of Animals Bill, the Review of Support arrangements for Less Favoured Areas, the Rural Development Programme and the Rural White Paper. Progress on renewable energy and better regulation in the wider agri-food sector as well as issues affecting the fishing industry were also discussed.

Afterwards the Minister said: “This was a useful and constructive meeting with Mr Paisley in which I took the opportunity to outline some of the issues which we will all be working on in the future. Agriculture is our main industry and it is important that there is an open and ongoing exchange between the committee and the Minister and I am confident that Mr Paisley and I can facilitate this.”

Mr Paisley replaces the Rev William McCrea MP, MLA as chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

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