The Minister paid tribute to Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (DAFF) Minister Brendan Smith TD, and his officials for the part they had played in eradicating Brucellosis in the South.
Praising the South’s progress on Brucellosis, she said: “While I want to congratulate Minister Smith and his officials, I also want to pay particular tribute to the Irish Farmers’ Association and herd-keepers in the South who have for many years worked tirelessly to eradicate Brucellosis. Their efforts have been rewarded yesterday by the EU’s decision.
“I look forward to the day when the North can also be officially recognised as Brucellosis free. The achievement of a Brucellosis free island of Ireland is one of my key priorities.
“Since I took office in May 2007, I have made every effort to eradicate Brucellosis from the North. I believe that the steps that I hope to take through the Diseases of Animals Bill, by strengthening Biosecurity, will go someway to achieving this aim sooner rather than later.”
Notes to Editors:
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