The Minister for Agriculture has told the annual conference of the Irish Association that the Northern Irish case for the lifting of the EU ban on its beef exports is a just one, given the relatively low incidence of BSE and the animal identification system in the North. Mr Yates said most member states and the European Commission supported the Northern case.

Others speakers at the weekend conference in Co Wicklow include Ms Mary O'Rourke TD Ms Monica McWilliams, of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition and the honorary secretary of the Ulster Unionist Party, Ms Arlene Foster. The guest of honour at the conference dinner this evening will be the President, Mrs Robinson.