Minister must fully implement recommendations of Fivemiletown cattle cull review - McAleer

The party’s agriculture spokesperson said: “I welcome that the ten recommendations have been accepted in full by DAERA and will be implemented with independent oversight and reporting mechanisms to ensure progress is monitored, and that lessons are fully embedded across the Department.

“While the review found the operation was lawful and necessary, that cannot excuse the very real impact felt by local families and communities. DAERA has recognised serious shortcomings, and those lessons must now be acted upon in full.

“The Department has acknowledged that while the disease control and animal welfare measures were necessary, greater consideration should have been given to the concerns of local residents and farming families. “They have accepted that the public should be shielded from the impacts associated with carcass disposal and disease control and animal welfare operations.

“The Department has also acknowledged the need for better record keeping and improved internal and external communications. Rebuilding public confidence will require greater transparency, stronger engagement with affected communities, and a commitment to implementing the review's recommendations in full.”

He continued: “As we move forward, the focus must be on ensuring that necessary animal health and animal welfare interventions are delivered effectively while also recognising and responding to their impact on local communities and those directly affected.

“The acceptance of all ten recommendations is only the beginning. What matters now is that the Department delivers on the recommendations, is accountable and rebuilds trust with the local residents and farming community that were let down and impacted by this awful situation in Fivemiletown.”