Tom Buchanan
West Tyrone · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“However, the Bill must give hydro operators clarity and confidence, through a sustainable licensing framework with long-term regulatory certainty, to enable them to invest and upgrade, modernise and improve fish pass technology.”
“I note that quite a bit of work in the Bill falls to the Department with regard to monitoring, enforcement and scientific assessment, which will require adequate resourcing. <BR /> <BR />The Bill must strike the right balance between encouraging investment and protecting sensitive freshwater habitats.”
“I welcome the opportunity to say a few words at Second Stage of the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. It is overdue legislation, which touches on three interlinked systems: commercial fisheries; growing the aquaculture sector; and the wider water environment, with an ambition to modernise regulation while supporting susta…”
“<BR /> <BR />Hydro schemes and hydropower to produce clean energy that will contribute to decarbonisation targets must be catered for in the Bill, with a clear vision for their future expansion. Those are not abstract infrastructure projects but local assets that generate clean renewable energy while supporting employment in rural areas.”
“Minister, under your watch, many miles of posts and wire fencing were put up along the A5 western transport corridor. However, in the past few weeks, a good bit of that has been removed by a mechanical digger and pushed into a pile for dumping.”
“In reality, however, every notice, every new form and every new administrative step will be another cost to councils. We simply cannot keep relying on councils to pick up the cost. We cannot pretend that council budgets are elastic, with plenty of stretch left in them. As is the case in many other sectors, councils are under pressure.”
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“<BR /> <BR />Significant investment across our farms has resulted in the adoption of new technology to reduce ammonia levels. Livestock diets have been adapted to lower crude protein, which results in lower ammonia emissions. Significant reductions have already been made in the pig sector, and specialist livestock house floors, housing systems, manure scraping systems, tree planting and other management practices have been adopted across Northern Ireland farms to help to reduce emissions, yet much of that work is unaccounted for in ammonia inventories. Nor, indeed, do planners accept it as mitigation measures, and that is a serious problem for farmers who have made the effort to invest in some issues in their business, yet the planning authority does not take that into account.”
“It is rather absurd that farmers find themselves in the position in which they are expected to do more to protect the environment while working with a planning system that is entirely incapable of responding to their plans to deliver change. <BR /> <BR />Striking a fair balance between improving farm productivity and environmental performance is, of course, important. We recognise, as does the Ulster Farmers' Union, that 96% of ammonia emissions come from agriculture. Equally, we have to ask how it advances Northern Ireland's GHG emission targets to have a planning policy that, more often than not, blocks the introduction of more efficient and low-carbon infrastructure on our farms. Newer buildings are far more environmentally efficient, requiring less energy.”
“However, when he looked into getting planning approval, he found that there was no hope of it being granted because of the ammonia target that he had to meet. Had that farmer been granted planning approval and built his new milking parlour, he would have reduced his ammonia levels by at least 80% or 90%. Common sense would tell anyone that that is a way in which to help to reduce ammonia levels across Northern Ireland, but because of the stringent planning issues around ammonia, he is still operating under his old regime. If the Minister is serious about seeking to reduce ammonia levels to protect our environment, he needs to take such situations into account. Let us remember that the farming community is out to protect and enhance the environment, but it is being handcuffed and not allowed to proceed.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department's stop-start approach to ammonia advice has been not only frustrating for our farmers but deeply disruptive to those with clear and legitimate aspirations to upgrade or invest in new, enhanced, modern buildings. All farms, regardless of size, that are associated with livestock or poultry are impacted by planning rules around ammonia. The policy has impacted on the redevelopment of many farm businesses throughout Northern Ireland that, had they been allowed to proceed, would have been of immense benefit to our environment through the reduction of ammonia levels. To give an example, I have a constituent who was looking for planning permission to replace a milking parlour because the old one that he was using was overdue for replacement and no longer fit for purpose.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank all who participated in the important debate today, and I thank the Minister for being here to respond. <BR /> <BR />Agriculture, as we all know, is the backbone of our rural communities and is vital for Northern Ireland's economy, the environment and its people. Northern Ireland's farm businesses are an essential part of our rural economy and our communities, providing jobs and driving growth in food production and diversified industries, such as renewable energy and tourism. However, to continue to compete in the marketplace, our farm businesses need to continually reinvest in their businesses to increase efficiencies, meet new standards and improve health and safety while improving the environment.”
“Will the Minister explain the level of capital spend on integrated schools over the past five years and how it compares with the percentage of children who attend integrated schools?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. He will know the importance of the childcare sector in our communities. Will the business support scheme be a one-off or will it be on a recurrent basis?”
“On the subject of learning lessons, has the First Minister's Department any contingency plans in place or is it considering putting any in place to deal with a similar pandemic, should one arise?”
“— the EU insisted on blocking them from coming into Northern Ireland.”
“We know about the pressures that are being faced by small farmers. His colleague spoke about the agriculture industry being the social fabric of Northern Ireland and said that it needs to be protected. The agriculture industry is, of course, the social fabric of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Patsy McGlone said that there was still time for the issues to be resolved. He mentioned, however, two caveats: the danger of a carve-up between the UK and the EU; and the risk to animal and human health. Jonny Buckley said that we should send a united message to London and Brussels that the issue must be resolved. We must send a united message from the House. <BR /> <BR />Mr Allister said that although no medicines had ever caused any problems —”
“The proposer of the motion mentioned that the UK Government regulations that were introduced in 2021 for human medicines left doctors with no need to do anything different. Therefore, a similar resolution could and should be found for veterinary medicines. I am sure that it would be quite simple to find a similar resolution for veterinary medicines. <BR /> <BR />William Irwin said that the Government must make swift progress on a durable solution. That is what we need : we need a durable solution, and it must be achieved swiftly by the Government. Declan McAleer spoke about small rural farms in Northern Ireland and the mental health issues that are associated with running some small farms. It is vital that, in future, no more pressure is put on small farm holdings when it comes to accessing veterinary medicines.”
“Therefore, a pragmatic agreement with the EU that respects Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market for veterinary medicines and prevents trade diversion and added costs for businesses and customers must be found. That is essential. <BR /> <BR />We must be clear that the current derogation must not be viewed as a staging post to the unacceptable foisting of the full rigours of EU regulation 2019/6 on our rural and business communities. Any conditionality that was explicit or implicit in the latest grace period around agreeing to an action plan towards full implementation of the EU's demands should be severed by the Government. <BR /> <BR />We have had quite a bit of support in the Chamber, and I want to touch on some of those comments.”
“Current supply chains, which have been built up over many years, would be uprooted if the import requirements levied by the EU were applied to movements from the rest of the United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />The grace period has been mentioned by many contributors today. While the extension of the grace period to 31 December 2025 is welcome, it is not enough to simply kick the can down the road. Regulation of medicines is complex, and adapting to a new process requires a long lead-in time. Therefore, it is completely understandable that pharmaceutical companies are looking to make decisions now, rather than waiting for the cliff edge. That makes the need to find a permanent and lasting solution even more pressing.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Member for bringing the motion to the House. The recent inquiry by the Windsor Framework Sub-Committee not only shone a light on the crisis facing the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland but demonstrated the significant distance that still has to be travelled if a permanent and durable solution is to be found. Losing access to key veterinary medicines from Great Britain would decimate our agri-food industry and result in dire consequences for animal health and welfare and the control of disease right across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />There has been collective concern in the House today about the future availability of veterinary medicines. We know that many companies store products in GB for onward supply to veterinary practices and wholesalers in Northern Ireland.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your response. Avalon House in Omagh was used for respite care for those young people. During COVID, that was closed and made into a full-time facility for a few patients, leaving young people in Omagh who have a disability or a learning difficulty and their families with no place to go for respite care. What message will I take back today to those families, whom I have met, about the provision of such care in the Omagh area, where they have nothing at this time?”
“The people of the Western Trust area deserve to have access to such care, which will, ultimately, have a life-changing and positive impact on their life. I call on the Minister of Health to, again, consider the establishment of the facility in Omagh as a priority and to see that it is delivered for the people in the Western Trust area.”
“The statistics are stark, and they show the reality of how badly the acute mental health facility in Omagh is needed, especially given that the Western Trust catchment area covers the largest geographical area of all the trusts across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Mental health is a real part of our overall health and well-being, and it impacts on how we think and act daily. Yet, the infrastructure to support mental health remains inadequate, and many people in the Western Trust area cannot access the support that they need. Given the fallout from the Omagh bomb, there are many people in West Tyrone who, today, are still looking to use a mental health facility that is not available for them in the Western Trust area. <BR /> <BR />The need for that mental health facility is greater than ever.”
“At that stage, the Western Trust was asked to refresh its existing business case for the proposed acute mental health facility and doing so required considerable resources. The business case development group had to be reformed in order to update its proposals. <BR /> <BR />For many years, the community in Omagh and the surrounding areas has been calling for the completion of the new, enhanced 26-bed unit. The Western Trust has the largest number of mental health admissions of all the trusts in Northern Ireland. The figures for 2022-23 showed that there were 1,542 mental health admissions, which was almost double that of the next highest trust area, with 821 admissions.”
“Mental health was once branded the Cinderella of the health service. In the Western Health and Social Care Trust area, mental health is still the Cinderella of the health service. A proposal for a new acute mental health facility in Omagh was first put forward in 2010 as part of a three-pronged approach with the development of the local enhanced hospital and primary care complex, which opened in 2017. At that time, however, the construction of the acute mental health facility was pushed back into the second phase of the development. <BR /> <BR />In 2022, the Department of Health prioritised two other mental health facilities and, to date, unfortunately, the development of the vital facility in the Western Trust area has not commenced and is continually being delayed because of funding restraints.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Does he agree that there is a disconnect between various councils that needs to be addressed?”
“Does the Minister accept that it was inappropriate for the Planning Appeals Commission to suspend the start of the public inquiry, contrary to the publicly expressed views of the three referring authorities — namely DAERA, DFI Roads and the DFI planning authority — which believed that the public inquiry should commence this September?”
“The other issues related to the microchipping of cats, as there is nothing available at this time for the microchipping of cats, and the lack of a single national database between here and the UK. Those are some of the issues and concerns that were raised at the Committee. Perhaps the Minister will seek to address some of those issues in his closing remarks. All in all, we support the motion.”
“I will be brief, as I do not want to repeat what the other Committee members have already said. As a party, we are content to support the motion. <BR /> <BR />No one could disagree with the sentiments or principles of the Bill, or what it is aiming to achieve, but nevertheless concerns were raised as to the outworkings of the Bill. One of those concerns related to the proving of whether a dog or cat had been stolen or whether it had simply strayed on to a neighbouring property. Take, for example, a cat. How do you prove that a cat has been stolen or abducted or has simply wandered on to a neighbouring property and the homeowner has done what everyone would do — feed it a little — and the cat remains? How do you prove that that cat has been stolen or abducted? That is one of the issues that was raised in Committee.”
“Minister, your statement indicates an increase from 3 hectares to 5 hectares in the area of land that will be required to be eligible for the farm sustainability transition payment from 2025. That will, no doubt, knock out a number of small farm holdings that will not qualify for the new payment. What assessment has been made of the difficulties that that may present for small farm businesses? What assistance will be available to them, and how many will the new scheme affect?”
“The parents, board of governors and teaching staff of Queen Elizabeth II Primary School have demonstrated great resilience during the EA's pursuit of closure over the past five years, and I now challenge the EA to work with the school to repair the damage caused to it in those years.”
“On behalf of the board of governors, the teachers and parents, I pass on their thanks to the Minister for his intervention. However, I issue a challenge to the Education Authority that, rather than pursuing its aims to close smaller rural schools that are in such good standing, ripping the heart from rural communities, it must pursue a different agenda by working in collaboration with the smaller rural schools to help strengthen and sustain them through a number of various other mechanisms.”
“Yet, despite the excellent report, the Education Authority (EA) decided that, because it failed to meet the 105 pupil enrolment policy, it should close. <BR /> <BR />Since 2017, the Education Authority, through its area planning, has done all in its power to close the school, which is the very hub of the rural community. Closure was planned for the summer of this year. However, in April, the closure plans were postponed by the Education Minister. Having reviewed the Education Authority's recommendation for closure, he declined to approve it as of yesterday, resulting in the Queen Elizabeth II Primary School being allowed to remain open. The axe of closure has now been lifted, and the school can remain open. <BR /> <BR />It is an excellent result and, indeed, the correct result for the school and the rural community.”
“I bring some good news about Queen Elizabeth II Primary School in west Tyrone. Queen Elizabeth II Primary School at Kilskeery in west Tyrone was built and opened in 1953 during the Queen's coronation year and was one of only two schools to be named after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For over 70 years, the school has served the rural community with distinction, providing a high quality of educational excellence. At its most-recent Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) inspection, the report deemed the school to be outstanding in its quality of educational achievement, having stable enrolment trends, being in a sound financial position, demonstrating strong leadership and management, having strong links with all sections of the community and being a vibrant school within the rural community.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. We can look at the status of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, which ranks second in the environmental performance index. That is to be welcomed. We can be proud of that, and it raises the question about why another agency is required. Of course, we are not saying that an agency should not be brought in at some stage, but lot of work needs to be a done on why it might be required and on the role that it is going to play over and above that of all the other agencies that are in place and the work that they do. That is why I cannot support the motion, but we can support the amendment.”
“I have to question what that agency is going to do over and above what is done by the Office for Environmental Protection, which is already in existence. Would it be another layer of bureaucracy that is not required? The Minister would be better placed to review the effectiveness of the current structures and operation of the Office for Environmental Protection and the role that it plays in Northern Ireland than to establish another agency that may be neither necessary nor appropriate. The Member who moved the amendment outlined a number of environmental agencies that are already in place. What would another one do, over and above what is already being done? A bit of work needs to be done prior to the establishment of an independent environmental protection agency.”
“While the farming industry has taken measures — they continue to be put in place — to curb run-off from its farmers' land to help improve the environment, it is disappointing and unacceptable that NI Water has shown little sign of action to curb the pollution that comes from its quarters. <BR /> <BR />The motion also calls for:”
“The pollution was linked to Northern Ireland Water's operations, which, while having responsibility for maintaining water quality, was responsible for 24% of pollution into the lough. The lough provides 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. It is also a startling revelation that, over the past 10 years, NI Water has released an average of 70 million tons of sewage into our local rivers and lakes. That equates to 7 million tons per year. That bears repeating: NI Water is putting 7 million tons of pollution per year into our waterways. Surely, urgent action must be taken by NI Water, which is under the remit of the Minister for Infrastructure, to curb the colossal amount of pollution that it is distributing into our waterways.”
“<BR /> <BR />We were all witness to the blue-green algae bloom last summer, which not only affected Lough Neagh but travelled along the lower Bann to the north coast, affecting our beaches at Portstewart, Castlerock, Benone and Portrush. Action must be taken on this environmental problem and effective and efficient solutions found to resolve it. As stated, the blue-green algae affects not only Lough Neagh but many other places across Northern Ireland. In tackling the issue, it is essential to look at the root of the problem. The motion refers to the:”
“Northern Ireland has one of the most beautiful natural environments. Lough Neagh forms part of that and is the envy of many other countries around the world. Therefore, we must endeavour to do all that we can to ensure that that natural environment and habitat is protected. <BR /> <BR />It is also welcome that, according to the environmental performance index, which is monitored by the universities at Yale and Columbia, the United Kingdom is ranked second in the world for environmental protection, with Denmark being the only country to have greater environmental protection levels. It is important to bear that in mind when we hear a call going out for an independent environmental protection agency. However, we simply cannot rest on those reports, and we must continue to strive for greater environmental improvements.”
“How will the Council's work complement that of existing structures, such as the BIC and the interministerial group (IMG)?”
“Minister, the fourth paragraph of your statement states:”
“Today, I urge the Infrastructure Minister, whom I know has a keen interest in taking forward the proposals for the A5, and the First Minister and deputy First Minister to seek to make improvements and safety on the A5 a priority, so that, together, we may see improvements for the good of all who use the road, and I urge them to seek to do all that they can to stop the carnage of lives lost on the A5.”
“We can never comprehend the pain and sorrow of a broken-hearted mother, or a father's heart that has been torn apart by such a tragedy: an empty chair, a silent voice, a void in the home that no words can fill. We may never know the cause of that accident, but the one thing that we do know is that two more young lives have been lost and have been added to the list of fatalities on the A5 — a road that is no respecter of persons. The young have been cut off in their prime; the middle-aged have been torn away from their families; and the elderly have been taken. <BR /> <BR />With the increased volume of traffic on the A5, from slow-moving vehicles to heavy articulated lorries and all the other smaller vehicles that use the road, I urge all road users to exercise extreme care and caution because of the dangers that can occur on it.”
“This day last week, the First Minister and deputy First Minister presented a report to the House on the North/South Ministerial Council meeting. During the deliberations on that report, I, along with other West Tyrone Members, asked questions about the proposed A5 project, which has been ongoing for over 15 years. Little did anyone in the Chamber know that before the clock would strike 12.00 last Tuesday night, to usher that day into eternity, two more young teenage lives would be lost on the A5 just outside Omagh. <BR /> <BR />Today, again, I want to tender my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families of both victims and to their work colleagues and friends. Those two families have been left heartbroken.”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. One of the issues that a number of my constituents face and complain about is difficulty in using the booking system. Will the measures that you are bringing in help to alleviate that problem? Have you looked at the entire system of booking an MOT to see whether it can be freed up a little?”
“I will follow on from the previous question. The A5 has been a priority for the Executive for well over a decade. Was any indication given at the meeting of when the project will change from being a commitment and a priority to a reality, with action starting and works commencing on-site?”
“I understand that the meeting is dedicated to discussion of TB. Given that 89,000 beef and dairy cattle have been culled in the past five years, it is concerning. Farmers are concerned that you have not met them. You have not met the Ulster Farmers' Union and the Veterinary Service on the specific issue.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Will she agree that the delays in the justice system are a failing of our victims?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Has the situation been brought about as a result of a shortage of prison grade staff in our prisons?”
“He said that the fishing industry has been prevented from reaching its full potential for over 50 years by the common fisheries policy. <BR /> <BR />The Minister spoke about the vital role that the fishing industry plays in the economy. He said that the fishing industry faces very difficult times and has done over the past year due to increases in fuel and other costs. He said that the long-term viability and sustainability of the fishing industry go hand in hand. He gave a commitment to continue stakeholder engagement to ensure that the industry thrives. He mentioned that he will shortly be considering a five-year plan for the industry. We welcome the Minister's commitment to the fishing industry. <BR /> <BR />I thank everyone who took part in the debate, and I commend the motion to the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party spoke about the importance of the fishing industry, the importance of improvements to the fishing fleet while meeting environmental targets, the importance of showcasing the best that we have in Northern Ireland and, of course, it said that this is not a single Department issue but requires a cross-departmental working group. The Alliance Party also spoke of the need to safeguard the marine environment and protect the culture and heritage of the fishing industry for future generations. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP referred to how vast a sector the fishing industry in Northern Ireland is, its benefit to the economy and the need for certainty and speed in the delivery of programmes to help the sector to move forward. <BR />Jim Allister spoke about EU bureaucracy.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Indeed, he is correct in what he says. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin Members raised the issue that fishing is much more than a job; it is a way of life for the communities in those areas. They also mentioned that the redevelopment of our harbours will require more crew to work in the sector and that there is a need for educational courses to be provided in our colleges to help to develop the industry. <BR /> <BR />The UUP's Tom Elliot spoke about the industry's turnover of £135 million and 1,550 jobs. He mentioned that any industry of that size would be unable to move forward without investment from government circles. He referred to the uncertainty in the past about quotas and which waters could be fished in, saying that a sustainable position going forward is now required.”
“We heard that harbours are at the heart of the towns and that the present uncertainty is taking its toll on the industry. I give way.”
“The resilience of the sector was mentioned, as was its frustration at the lack of progress. It is an industry that does not want to stand still; it wants and needs to move forward.”
“The long-term ambition of the Department and the Minister must be to release the major capital investment that is required for the development of our harbours, with a multi-year budget cycle that will enable our fishing and seafood industry, like all other businesses in different sectors, to have certainty and be able to plan as they go forward. <BR /> <BR />I will mention some comments from Members who took part in the debate. I know that the Member who made the winding-up speech on the amendment covered a number of those. My colleagues mentioned that the fishing industry is a thriving sector. They said that there was a concern about the labour shortages and spoke of the need for the Minister and the Department to fight for the industry. That is the important issue: the Minister must take on this battle and fight for the industry.”