To date nine farms in the north have been identified as having used the contaminated feed.

We are supplying the FSA with all the necessary information to allow them to take an informed decision.

I want to ensure the Health Minister is fully briefed so that decisions can be taken and consumers can be kept informed.

I am expecting the FSA to provide information and advice to the public later today. I also spoke to DAFF Minister Brendan Smith early this morning and he updated me on the rationale for the decision taken by the Dublin authorities and my officials have been in close contact with their counterparts in DAFF since this situation developed.

There is obviously a large amount of north-south movement of these products in Ireland and we need to carefully consider the way ahead.”