To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what engagement his Department has had with (i) the USPCA; and (ii) other animal welfare charities in relation to the development of the bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy for Northern Ireland.

The eradication of bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) remains one of my top priorities and the new bTB Eradication Strategy for Northern Ireland, a consultation on which launched on 16 July 2021, aims to reduce and eventually eradicate this disease by comprehensively addressing all of the recognised key factors in its maintenance and spread.

I have met with a wide range of groups in the past 18 months and my Department has remained in contact with key stakeholders, including those in the animal welfare sector, throughout the Strategy development process.

(i) Officials most recently met with the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) on 24 March 2021 where, as part of a wider agenda, bTB was discussed. USPCA are invited to the quarterly Animal Health and Welfare Stakeholders forum where they can raise issues and discussions on Departmental policy including Strategy development.

(ii) Other animal welfare charities with whom my officials have engaged include the Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT) via a virtual meeting on 5 July 2021. Meetings were also held with the NI Badger Group in January 2019.

A TB Stakeholder Working Group is a held quarterly and environmental groups are in attendance alongside representatives from industry and veterinary bodies. Representatives from UWT, the NI Badger Group and the National Trust are invited to attend this Group where officials provide regular updates on Strategy development.

I can also advise that there was also formal engagement with stakeholders in relation to the strategy development when the previous consultation on the Department’s response to the TB Strategic Partnership Group (TBSPG) recommendations was undertaken, in late 2017. Respondents from the animal welfare sector included; NI says NO to Animal Cruelty, The Badger Trust, League against Cruel Sports, Northern Ireland Environment Link, Vegetarians International Voice for Animals, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, Born Free Foundation, NI Badger Group, the National Trust, International Fund For Animal Welfare, Humane Society International/UK, Euro badger and Somerset Badger Group.

The TB Eradication Partnership is an independent expert advisory group, and part of a new partnership approach that aims to bring together the views of key stakeholders, to engage with DAERA on the new Strategy. In order to effectively do this it has been, and continues to be, proactively engaged with a wide range of individuals and organisations, all of whom have an interest or a role to play in the control and eradication of bTB in Northern Ireland. It has previously engaged with conservation groups including the Ulster Wildlife, the USPCA and the NI Badger Group.

Stakeholder participation continues to be a central element of the Strategy development process and I will very much welcome the opportunity that the consultation will provide for stakeholders and the wider public to express their views, on how we can best work together to tackle this disease.