Dr Cunningham said:
"I note the outcome of the Advocate General's Opinions and await the final ruling of the Court. The case was outstanding when the government took office in May, having been submitted by the previous administration. This government is actively pursuing another way of getting the beef export ban lifted. It is working constructively with the European Commission on two schemes which would permit the gradual resumption of beef exports under the procedures laid down in the Florence Agreement. Proposals are being worked up with the Commission on a Certified Herds Scheme following the recent opinion of the Scientific Veterinary committee. Proposals for a Date Based Scheme will be formally submitted very shortly. The government is committed to rigorous enforcement of the beef export ban while it remains in place and has recently introduced new measures to that effect."