DAERA Minister Andrew Muir delivered an oral statement in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and its governance. He highlighted AFBI's responsibilities in animal health protection, public health safeguarding, and agri-food economy support through diagnostics, science, and emergency responses.

Muir noted a recent Health and Safety Executive Great Britain inspection report on AFBI's laboratory activities with animal pathogens. The report identified needs to improve biosafety, laboratory practices, and assurance processes. AFBI and DAERA officials agreed on an action plan with named owners and deadlines to implement changes.

No breaches or risks to public or animal health occurred, and essential services continue under regulatory oversight including ISO 17025 accreditation. Muir stated officials and HSE colleagues will monitor progress, with a follow-up inspection in two months.

Allegations surfaced about practices at AFBI's Hillsborough farm, covering animal welfare and environment, some historic and some recent. DAERA and the AFBI board investigated all claims, including a low-severity watercourse pollution incident.

A departmental review of AFBI from last February found alignment with Executive priorities and effective function discharge but recommended stronger departmental partnership, strategic focus, impact demonstration, and efficiency. DAERA will publish the review and response soon.

Muir directed the AFBI board to prioritize HSE findings resolution with evidence of safe, compliant testing and robust governance. He tasked them with clarifying strategic direction aligned to priorities and ensuring high farm standards with oversight.

The board formed a sub-group to review Hillsborough farm operations and produced an action plan under monitoring. Muir imposed immediate increased departmental oversight, including quarterly updates and a new Senior Partnership and Governance Board led by the Permanent Secretary.