Elliott welcomes delay in Status Rules
Ulster Unionist assemblyman for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Tom Elliott, has welcomed the announcement from DARD that the implementation of new rules on statuses, planned to come into effect on 3 April, have been postponed until after Easter.
In a statement following the announcement the UUP agriculture spokesman said: “I am glad that the rules will not be implemented as soon as initially planned. During a meeting with Lord Rooker in early March the severity of this subject was discussed, and the implications for farm businesses of an overly heavy-handed approach were outlined.
“On the issue of critical statuses I have continued to press for clarification and for a common sense approach.”
In conclusion Tom said: “I am hopeful that the postponement can allow some consultation on the matter. Hopefully the rules can be adapted to allow a more flexible, workable set of guidelines.”