Free movement the ‘ultimate goal’

THE free movement of animals on the island of Ireland should be the ultimate objective of an all-Ireland animal health and welfare strategy.

But the Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said this should, of course, be subject to EU rules and the development of agreed policies to control animal disease and facilitate trade.

She was speaking following a meeting at Stormont with her northern counterpart, Under Secretary of State Ian Pearson.