Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has confirmed that she is proposing to consult stakeholders on animal health and welfare policy decision-making.

This consultation will focus on how the farming industry could have direct input into the decision making process for animal health and welfare and its delivery. It will also examine the long term strategy for cost sharing and will seek views on specific cost sharing proposals. This follows similar consultations which have already been completed in Scotland and England, and one which will soon be completed in Wales. Discussing her proposals, the minister said: "The benefits to be gained through responsibility sharing for both industry and government are too great to ignore. It is only right that those affected by animal health and welfare policies and decisions should have a clear say in developing the policy and in the decision making process.

"With the outbreaks of Foot and Mouth, Avian Flu and Bluetongue in Britain over the past nine months, my officials and I have worked closely with key stakeholders to prevent these diseases entering the North. If I had needed any reassurances that the industry is up to the challenges of responsibility sharing for animal health and welfare matters, these past months have given me that assurance. The expertise and practical experience that people on the ground can bring to the table will be invaluable in making better informed decisions on a wide range of animal health and welfare issues. A working group of key stakeholders and DARD officials have been exploring how responsibility and cost sharing can best be taken forward in the North. I am keen to have new responsibility sharing structures in place sooner rather than later, to enable the industry to have a real say in how the long term cost sharing strategy is developed.My officials will be meeting with the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee in the coming week to discuss the issues."