UFU to challenge DAERA in Stormont over Fivemiletown cattle cull - see their questions
A senior UFU delegation is to attend Monday’s AERA Committee seeking clear answers from DAERA officials following the enforcement operation near Fivemiletown that has sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland’s farming community.
The statement adds that since becoming aware of the incident, the UFU has communicated with members from every sector of agriculture, all expressing deep concern over the manner in which the operation was carried out.
In response, the Union has formally met with DAERA officials and called for full transparency and accountability, demanding that the Department's independent review is completed and published without delay.
Monday’s Committee meeting represents an opportunity for the Union to hear directly from DAERA with the UFU delegation attending on behalf of its membership to seek clear answers, challenge the decisions taken and ensure the voice of Northern Ireland's farming community is
heard at the highest level.
UFU President John McLenaghan said: “As a union we have been shocked, angered and deeply distressed by this incident.
"The strength of feeling across our membership is unlike anything we have witnessed for many years, and it is our responsibility as the Ulster Farmers Union to ensure those concerns are heard loud and clear.
"We will be attending the AERA Committee on behalf of our members to ensure MLAs feel supported in scrutinising DAERA about its decisions.
"This is not about speculation or assumptions, it is about accountability. Farmers deserve a full explanation of how these decisions were reached, who authorised them and whether every possible alternative was properly considered”.
Mr McLenaghan also acknowledged "the effect the incident has had on the general public and the industries wider reputation and confidence has been badly shaken”.
It can only begin to be restored through complete honesty, transparency and respect for the farming community.
We expect DAERA to answer the legitimate questions that have been raised, and we will continue to pursue this matter until our members have the clarity they deserve".
The Questions:
‘CONTEXT – ‘This event has caused severe distress among the farming community and the wider public.
‘It is essential that the AERA Committee establish the facts in the context to the Fivemiletown enforcement operation, including the statuses of the animals, handling facilities, animal temperament (which is reported to be extremely quiet) and decisions taken by officials.
1) Please provide a detailed chronology of events following the court order being issued up to and until the cattle were shot?
2) Did DAERA have an implementation plan in place for the day enforcement action was taken and what did that plan outline?
What position does the person hold who gave the order to execute the event in the way it unfolded?
3) When were the animals last TB tested, how was this carried out and what was the temperament and condition of the animals?
Were there cattle handling facilities in place and are the same facilities still at the property?
4) What inquiries did DAERA make with the farmer from the court order until the day of the event?
5) Was there a risk assessment carried out for both the farmer and the public involved?
6) Did Minister Muir, the Permanent Secretary and Chief Veterinary Officer have any prior knowledge, input or issue any orders to DAERA personnel from the court order and on the day the event took place?