To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on work that (i) has been carried out; and (ii) is planned with (a) the PSNI; (b) government departments; and (c) other organisations to assist in the prevention of livestock theft.

My department does not have a role in preventing livestock theft. While there is a specific legal obligation to notify my Department of the theft of cattle, and the circumstances of any theft, this is for the purpose of ensuring our identification and registration records are up to date, to allow for the maintenance of the Northern Ireland food traceability regime.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is responsible for enforcing legislation in relation to the theft of livestock. My Department has a strong working relationship with the PSNI and will continue to cooperate with the PSNI in respect of any relevant investigations of livestock theft, as necessary.

My Department is also happy to cooperate, where appropriate, with any other organisation and government department with an intertest in the prevention of livestock theft.