Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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382. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine which Department has overall responsibility for biosecurity; his views on whether it is a matter for the North-South Ministerial Council to ensure uniformity across the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38373/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has overall responsibility for biosecurity in relation to animal health issues. Biosecurity measures are part and parcel of disease control measures and are applicable uniformly within the EU. The North South Ministerial Council established under the Good Friday Agreement covers co-operation between the two jurisdictions in a number of areas including animal health and plant health. Staff in my Department work in very close co-operation with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland.