Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan has called on the Agriculture Minister to provide clarity as to what funding he has available to tackle a potential outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
The MLA was speaking after the minister last week recognised this serious threat in response to a question in the Assembly, yet failed to address the risk posed by funding shortfalls.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said:
“The threat of foot and mouth remains a real concern for family farms due to the devastating impact it can have on animals and livelihoods.
“With suspected outbreaks of foot and mouth in Hungary it is important that we have a level of preparedness in place.”
She continued,
“I am calling on the Agriculture Minister to provide urgent clarity on current funding levels to ensure we can continue to tackle foot and mouth disease.
“A well-resourced all-island animal health and welfare strategy is crucial, and it is essential to assess whether adequate resources are in place to prevent and respond to any potential outbreak”.
Concluding the Newry & Armagh representative said,
“I will continue to engage with the minister on this issue and make clear the need to prepare for potential outbreaks and for farm families to be given assurances that this planning is underway.”
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