Inspection findings
Serious concerns have been raised regarding safety standards at Northern Ireland's Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). A report by the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain highlighted that "urgent, sustained and verifiable action is required" following the identification of weaknesses in governance arrangements and laboratory working practices.
AFBI operates as an arms' length body of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). The scientific work conducted by AFBI is crucial for safeguarding animal and public health, as well as for responding to disease outbreaks and other related issues.
The Assembly was informed that the HSE GB inspection revealed areas where "significant improvements" are necessary to ensure safety and compliance.
Bluetongue testing procedures 'unsafe'
The report specifically found that the testing procedures for Bluetongue virus at the time of inspection were unsafe, with inadequate measures to protect the environment.
Daera Minister Andrew Muir addressed the Assembly, stating that during the inspection, Northern Ireland was in an inactive period for the spread of Bluetongue virus, resulting in a "negligible" risk of onward transmission from AFBI.
However, he noted that with the higher risk period approaching, a "triage protocol" is being finalized to ensure that material from suspected infected animals is not accepted for post-mortem examination by AFBI. Additionally, diagnostic swabs and blood samples will only be accepted where appropriate containment facilities are available.
The report further recommended that protocols for testing bird flu should be discontinued. Contingency measures have been implemented to ensure that samples can be transported to facilities that meet the required containment standards.
Other issues
The minister also addressed allegations concerning practices on the AFBI farm at Hillsborough and a "low severity" water pollution incident that occurred in early April.
He explained that some allegations were historic, while others were more recent, and all have been examined by both Daera and the AFBI board.
The water pollution incident involved a spillage of milk, which was reported by AFBI management and responded to by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. It had a "minor visual impact" on Hillsborough Lake and "no impact" on the fish population.
AFBI response
The AFBI Board stated that it "takes seriously" the trust placed in the organisation and the need for transparency for Daera and all stakeholders.
It confirmed that AFBI is "actively responding to the matters highlighted by the minister" and that action has already been taken to address all issues raised.
Furthermore, AFBI is "committed to developing and delivering an Organisational Action Plan" in collaboration with Daera.
Action plan in place
Minister Muir emphasized that "robust regulatory oversight" and "immediate mitigations" are in place to ensure that essential diagnostic and surveillance services can continue safely.
Departmental oversight is being enhanced, with "at least" quarterly reports to be submitted. These measures are intended to be short term.
The AFBI board has been tasked with developing a comprehensive Organisational Action Plan addressing the findings of the inspection.
A formal review of AFBI was submitted to Daera in February 2025. The minister stated that the review report and the Department's response will be published shortly.
Stormont's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir expressed appreciation for the "professionalism" of AFBI staff but stressed the need for "stronger and clearer assurance that standards are being applied consistently".
The AFBI board confirmed that action had already been taken to "drive improvements and address all issues raised" following the report.
