FURTHER LIFT OF FMD FARM RESTRICTIONS

MINISTER for Social Development, Maurice Morrow, has announced that the restriction due to foot and mouth disease (FMD) on officials from his department visiting farms, has been lifted.

The Minister also confirmed that farm residents claiming benefits can resume ‘signing on’ from Monday 23 July.

The decision follows the publication of revised FMD guidelines by the Northern Ireland Executive.

However, Mr Morrow warned that the lifting of restrictions did not signal that his Department was “complacent about the threat that still exists” and that officials visiting farms would still take account of current guidelines on disinfection and contact with farm animals”.

He added: "I believe this is a sensible and responsible decision which recognises the ongoing threat of FMD and the need to provide support and help to rural communities."

Following the outbreak of FMD in Northern Ireland, the Social Development Minister announced on 1 March that staff from his department - including officials from the Social Security Agency, the Housing Executive and the Child Support Agency - would not be making ‘home visits’ to farms. (CL)