To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he can provide a timeline on when the bluetongue quarantine will be lifted.

Movements of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland can recommence when Great Britian recovers disease free status for Bluetongue. The minimum period required before disease free status can be granted is two years from the date of the last positive case.

Movements may be permitted sooner should regionalisation for Bluetongue be pursued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the devolved administrations with approval granted by the European Union.