Philip McGuigan
North Antrim · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I concur with the Minister that patient safety is ultimately the top priority, but patient safety is also important, as the Member said, in terms of assessments. If you cannot get assessments, your safety is compromised.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Further to my party colleague's point of order about the DUP's internal investigation, what is the point of doing an investigation if you are telling us that you have nothing to answer for? You were the leader of the DUP at a time when accusations were levelled against Jeffrey Donaldson.”
“Minister, in your previous answers you talked about the pressures and the difficulties. You said that you were looking for a fair funding model, and you spoke of the need for taxpayers here to be treated equitably.”
“Minister, the inquiry found systematic abuse, neglect and serious governance failure at Muckamore Abbey Hospital over many years — failures that were not isolated incidents but reflected systematic issues across leadership, staffing, safeguarding and oversight that resulted in decades of physical and psychological abuse.”
“When I engage with health service sectors as my party's health spokesperson, there is not one that does not talk about workforce pressures and problems with staff recruitment and retention. That is clearly the case with doctors.”
“First Minister, you have spoken previously about the opportunities created as a result of our unique economic and trading position and about the increased potential that comes with all-island cooperation.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,633 lines we hold for Philip McGuigan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 29 of 33.
“When the Assembly was restored in January, 'New Decade, New Approach' (NDNA) gave new promise of immediate and far-reaching climate action that has been so absent from previous Environment Ministers. It promised commitments to a green new deal and a just transition away from an unequal society dependent on dirty, destructive and obsolete fossil fuels. Crucially, it promised a climate change Act: legislation to put in place world-leading carbon reduction targets to compel and guide decarbonisation and hold Ministers accountable in the face of the climate emergency. 'New Decade, New Approach' was seven months ago. A month later, on 3 February, in one of the first items of business in the Chamber, MLAs endorsed and reinforced the sentiments of NDNA, proclaimed a climate emergency and called for a just transition and a climate change Act.”
“Those things are not happening just in faraway places. Over recent years, our farms, towns, communities and infrastructure on this island have all been severely impacted on and damaged by storms, flooding and other forms of extreme weather. Our species habitats have been affected too. All of that is set to continue; in fact, all of it is set to increase at the cost of much more damage on this island and of many more lives elsewhere, if we do not address the issue. <BR /> <BR />Global warming is happening as a result of human behaviour, so we need to change human behaviour. That is the view of the majority of MLAs, and it is supported by the majority of citizens living in the North, particularly our young citizens.”
“<BR /> <BR />Perhaps there are still some climate deniers among us who think that our contribution is not needed, it will cost us too much and maybe we could care less about the polar bears of the Arctic because that is pretty far away from Ireland. Maybe some think that we will not have to face any of the consequences of climate change or that we can live with the consequences that we do face. I really hope that we are beyond all those arguments. Global warming is a startling fact. It is not something that will happen: it is something that is happening. Ten of the warmest years on record have occurred since 2005, and the decade just ended was the hottest ever. Increasing global temperatures mean rising sea levels, which affect weather patterns that cause increased flooding, droughts, storms, fires and species dying across the globe.”
“Last week, the World Meteorological Organization predicted that, over the next five years, global temperatures would likely break the 1·5° increase threshold compared with pre-industrial temperature levels. We know that keeping below 1·5 is vital to avoid the worst climate impacts on our planet. That was the figure agreed in 2015 in the Paris climate accord. Yet, despite the weekly warnings of dire consequences, here in the North we still do not have a climate Act or any legislation to ensure that we do our bit to fight back. That lack of urgency is, quite frankly, alarming. If we are to learn any lessons from the current health crisis it is that swift and early action based on science is key.”
“So said James Connolly over 100 years ago. Those were modest demands, then and now, but I am sure that he could never have imagined that, 100 years on, we would have to add "saving the Earth" to his request. Every week, a different report or study alerts us to the real and catastrophic dangers of global warming. Yesterday, we were told that polar bears will become extinct by the end of the century if more is not done to tackle climate change. Four days ago, we were told that, in a short time from now, millions of people around the world will be exposed to dangerous levels of heat stress, with many places experiencing summers too hot to work or even live in.”
“Recognising the importance of tackling climate change, the Committee agreed at that meeting to have a Committee debate on the issue. A draft motion was considered, and eight amendments were proposed. Of those, five were made and three voted down. The wording of the motion that we are debating was agreed on 2 July. <BR /> <BR />The amendment calls for consultation. However, the Committee's position is that a climate change Act with legally binding and ambitious sectoral emission reduction targets is needed and that a Bill should be introduced within the next three months. I hope that the House can support the motion. <BR /> <BR />I now speak on behalf of Sinn Féin.”
“They outlined the cost and savings for the environment of people working from home. <BR /> <BR />This month, the Committee received a briefing on the draft NIEA business plan. It heard that the NIEA will play a key role in helping to deliver the DAERA plan, including the green growth strategy. The Committee discussed the links between the environment and the economy. NIEA officials indicated that they would work with Tourism NI and the Department for the Economy on the matter. The Committee was informed of prosperity agreements that promote greater resource efficiency; for example, companies changing their fuel to reduce carbon emissions. <BR /> <BR />In an evidence session on 1 July, the Minister provided more information on the green growth strategy and plans to tackle environmental and climate change challenges.”
“The Committee heard that it was quite different from previous plans for a number of reasons, including the pandemic; the fact that we were approaching the end of the transition period following exit from the EU; the huge growth in public awareness on the environment; and the Minister's wish to have sustainability at the heart of the Department's plans. <BR /> <BR />The Committee heard that climate change was identified as a common theme in the development of key strategic priorities for the Department. Departmental officials highlighted the importance of this opportunity to help to address many of the long-term environmental and climate change challenges that we face. <BR /> <BR />The concept of "green growth", announced by the Minister in June, whereby sustainability is at the heart of our economic recovery, was welcomed by officials.”
“<BR /> <BR />Departmental officials indicated that, whilst some work on climate change is ongoing, progress is now less than originally planned. In written submissions to the Committee in response to the legislative consent motion on the Environment Bill, stakeholders raised concerns about climate change, such as the need for legislation. As part of that work, Members discussed with stakeholders issues such as biodiversity. <BR /> <BR />In June, the Committee received a departmental briefing on DAERA's draft business plan.”
“In February 2020, the Committee took oral evidence from DAERA on its proposals for the 2020-21 Budget. The Committee noted interest in the funding associated with the development of climate change legislation. Since then, the COVID crisis has had a significant impact on those plans. In June, the Committee scrutinised funding earmarked for climate change but handed back in the June monitoring round. In terms of capital, the Committee raised concerns that £1 million earmarked for ICT to help to support climate change plans was handed back. A further £500,000 for the collaborative all-Ireland hub in research and development was also handed back. In addition, the Committee was informed that a further £1·6 million on the resource side earmarked for climate change was handed back.”
“Climate change has been identified as an immediate strategic priority in the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) deal. Over recent weeks and months, the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee has received a number of briefings, which included matters relating to climate change. Speaking today as Deputy Chair of the Committee, I will now outline its work in relation to that.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the midst of a health crisis, it is more important than ever that we do not ignore another looming crisis, that of damage to our environment and climate. That is why we need what was agreed in New Decade, New Approach to be implemented. We need proper, updated and locally made environmental legislation that is underpinned by an independent environmental protection agency to regulate it. <BR /> <BR />Finally, all of this needs an overarching climate change Act, as promised in the NDNA that brought about the resumption of this institution. It was further endorsed by an Assembly motion that was supported by a majority of MLAs. We need the Minister to bring that forward as a matter of urgency.”
“We want a sunset clause with a short time frame to be inserted to allow the Minister, as he said, to bring to the Assembly additional legislation in the form of an environment Bill that suits the needs of the people and environment here. We live on an island, and, as reflected in the remarks that I made on behalf of the Committee, the environment and climate recognise no borders. The Bill does not take account of the protocol that we will soon be subject to. We share the concerns of the environmental lobby and NGOs that there is the potential for regression from current EU legislation. We cannot allow that to happen and therefore seek the insertion of a non-regression clause.”
“I thank the officials for their work and for helping to prepare these notes. <BR /> <BR />Briefly, given that extensive outline of the Committee's position, I will speak from Sinn Féin's point of view. My starting point is the same point with which I concluded my comments on behalf of the Committee: without the LCM, there are serious risks of gaps in governance through the lack of important legislation. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is a result of Brexit, which, of course, the majority of people here did not support. The Committee outlined its uncertainty about the adequacy of the Bill, and Sinn Féin and I share that concern.”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, the Committee noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought environmental issues to the fore, including the positive impacts of reduced travel on the environment and the efforts of the community to improve the natural environment through, for example, litter-picking initiatives. <BR /> <BR />In concluding my remarks as Deputy Chair of the Committee, I can say that the Committee has not taken a position on the Bill. The Committee recognises the risk of governance gaps should there be an absence of legislation to protect and improve the environment here. That said, the Committee believes that an Environment Bill for the North, taking account of our unique circumstances, is, ultimately, the way forward. I thank the stakeholders and NGOs who gave evidence to the Committee.”
“The Environment Bill may have implications for other legislative areas such as planning. <BR /> <BR />New Decade, New Approach committed to the establishment of an independent environmental protection agency and made a number of other commitments in relation to climate change, including a climate Act. More information is required on what ministerial directives or objectives are being set in relation to the establishment of an independent agency and how this will interact with the OEP, if established. The Committee also raised many questions around the financing and resourcing of the proposals, such as the OEP and infrastructure.”
“The Environment Bill should not contradict conventions such as the Basel convention on the transboundary shipment of hazardous waste and the Aarhus convention. Secondly, the Good Friday Agreement provides for North/South cooperation on environmental protection. The Bill may well have implications for strand two arrangements on the environment, such as North/South cooperation on water quality and, especially, the implementation of the water framework directive. <BR /> <BR />Parallel to scrutiny of the Environment Bill, the Committee is considering the Agriculture Bill and the Fisheries Bill. The Committee notes the implications of the Environment Bill for other legislation and is concerned that it does not dovetail with, for example, the Agriculture Bill as might be expected.”
“Stakeholders expressed the view that the clause should be strengthened to ensure that targets and standards cannot be weakened without thorough public consultation and scientific advice. The Committee supports that view and believes that any proposed changes should undergo public consultation. <BR /> <BR />Although legislative consent is not being sought on clause 59 on the transfrontier shipment of waste, the Committee also expressed concern at how waste is disposed of when it gets here and feels that that is an area that needs to be strengthened to prevent, for example, sea pollution. <BR /> <BR />The final section of the report concerns matters that are outside the provisions of the Bill but which will have a massive impact on its operation and implementation. The first of these relates to conventions and international laws.”
“<BR /> <BR />Clause 56 allows for the establishment of a mandatory electronic system to record and monitor the movement of waste. The Committee noted that DAERA has indicated that there is a project in place to deliver that system. <BR /> <BR />The Committee recommended that the definition of hazardous waste in clause 58 is extended to the North. <BR /> <BR />Clauses 81 and 83 relate to water quality. Stakeholders raised a number of concerns. The Committee is of the view that those clauses should be strengthened to ensure targets and standards cannot be weakened without thorough public consultation and independent scientific advice. <BR /> <BR />Clause 125 relates to REACH enforcement regulation.”
“The Committee noted that England, Scotland and Wales are considering restricting certain single-use plastic items. The Committee also noted the planned EU ban on certain items for which there are suitable alternatives that are not made of plastic, such as single-use plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers. Stakeholder concerns included that the cost of that will likely to be passed onto customers, resulting in higher food prices. <BR /> <BR />Clause 53 allows DAERA to require sellers of single-use carrier bags to register with an administrator, applications for registration and the amount and payment of registration fees. The Committee noted that the use of revenue raised from charging for carriers bags could be used to deliver environmental improvements.”
“Stakeholders raised a number of issues, including those with the retail sector, space and resources to manage the scheme, that councils will be left to collect lower-value recyclates and how it will operate locally in the light of cross-border issues. The Committee recognises the benefits of such schemes and has suggested learning from other places where such schemes are already in place. <BR /> <BR />Clause 52 allows for the making of:”
“There should also be an interim member from the North until it becomes operational to avoid a governance gap. The restrictions on who can report to the OEP should be removed, the ability to impose fines should be included and the maximum degree of independence should be ensured. <BR /> <BR />Clauses 47 and 48 cover producer responsibility. However, those clauses do not address the potential for that to encourage cross-border waste crime. Stakeholder concerns with those provisions included the view that they are too focused on end-of-life solutions and that there needs to be shared responsibility. <BR /> <BR />Clause 51 and schedule 8 provide the power to make regulations to establish deposit return schemes, which can bring about improvements in plastic recycling.”
“It is proposed that the OEP will replace the oversight role of the European Commission. The Committee has many questions about the OEP. Those include representation on the OEP and its role, enforcement, independence, funding and how it will be scrutinised. There are also concerns that it will look only at public bodies, that there are restrictions on who can report and that judicial review is the only means by which it can enforce its decisions. Stakeholders also raised many concerns and questions about the OEP, including how it will operate. As noted earlier, time is running out. If the OEP is to be established here, it needs to happen as a matter of urgency. The Committee recommended that the OEP be extended to the North, with a base located here and that it should be adequately resourced.”
“Clause 45 introduces schedule 2, which includes provision for environmental improvement plans and policy statements on environmental principles here in the North. The Committee noted that the Assembly does not currently have an environmental improvement plan to significantly improve the natural environment, and stakeholders expressed concern at the lack of such a plan. The Committee recommended that an environmental improvement plan should be developed and that it should be subject to full public consultation and include targets. Stakeholders also indicated that the policy statement on environmental principles should be strengthened. <BR /> <BR />Clause 46 introduces schedule 3, which allows for an office for environmental protection or OEP to be extended here.”
“I will now move on the clauses in the Bill that the Committee had issues with.”
“Enforcement, and particularly the level of fines, could be much stronger.”
“Stakeholders, too, have expressed concern at the potential for governance gaps. The Committee has also noted that the Bill makes no mention of the independent environmental protection agency that is proposed in the New Decade, New Approach deal. How will that body and others with a role in environmental protection fit in? <BR /> <BR />The Committee also has concerns around enforcement and penalties. For example, the office for environmental protection does not have powers to impose fines in the North. There is little to deter those who pollute or dump waste illegally. The devastating impact of pollution on the natural environment and on the wider community are not reflected in the fines that are imposed on those who pollute. The rewards of waste crime seem to greatly outweigh the penalties.”
“<BR /> <BR />The North is required to adhere to the Irish protocol and to adopt automatically any changes to the EU environmental regulations that are listed in annex 2 of the protocol. New regulations can be added to the annex, yet the Bill makes no reference to the protocol. That could have serious implications not only in terms of environmental standards but in relation to access to the EU single market. As time progresses, any divergence between here and EU legislation as a result of the Bill could have implications, for example, for the agri-food sector. Whilst the Bill aims to address governance gaps that may arise as a result of Brexit, the Committee has real concerns that governance gaps may still arise. <BR /> <BR />With six months to go, time is very limited to ensure that appropriate governance is in place.”
“Stakeholders have identified a number of areas where that risk arises and have raised concerns that the Bill does not contain a specific provision on non-regression for the North and the Committee is concerned by that. <BR /> <BR />It is critical that there should be no environmental regression. The North should act as an exemplar and should set the highest possible benchmark for delivering clearly defined and significant improvements to the natural environment. That should be applied to every Department and across all policies. The Committee recommends that a specific non-regression clause for the North should be included in the Bill to ensure that no weakening of environmental protection provisions occurs, not least because of the protocol, to which I will now turn.”
“Therefore, the Committee recommends a standalone, bespoke environment Bill for the North. Although a consensus was not reached, the Committee recommends that a sunset clause be included in the Bill for the provisions that relate to this jurisdiction and that an environment Bill should be brought before the Assembly. Not all Committee members shared that view, as I am sure you will hear later. <BR /> <BR />The second issue that was raised by the Committee is the potential weakening of environmental protection provisions, or regression. It has been argued that the Environment Bill does not appear to have the same protections as those provided currently by the EU. Whilst refuted by the Department, the potential for lowering of environmental standards exists.”
“Many of the policy principles that form the Bill were consulted on in the absence of an Executive. Neither Scotland nor Wales are participating in the principles and governance aspects of the Bill — they are making their own separate arrangements. DAERA has indicated that it does not currently have plans to bring forward an environment Bill for the North. <BR /> <BR />However, the Committee is of the view that an environment Bill for here should be developed locally, taking into account the unique circumstances, and would better deliver environmental governance and improvement locally. For example, we have a border for which rivers, lakes, pollution and waste crime have no regard. We are subject to the Irish protocol, yet the Bill fails to take account of those important matters.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will now outline the Committee’s approach to scrutiny of the Bill. The Committee took oral and written evidence in an all-day meeting on 27 February 2020. We heard from a range of stakeholders and their evidence, which can be found on our website, has been invaluable in our scrutiny. The Committee also commissioned a briefing paper on the Environment Bill from the Assembly's Research and Information Service. That paper was also very helpful and it, too, can be found on our website. <BR /> <BR />In considering the evidence, a number of key issues were identified by the Committee. The first is that the Environment Bill is a piece of Westminster legislation with provisions for the North. As mentioned earlier, the Bill provides a framework for governance and for the production of environmental regulations in a number of areas.”
“The Environment Bill aims to provide a new framework for environmental governance as a result of Brexit. The Bill also provides for environmental improvement in a number of specific areas. <BR /> <BR />I wish to make clear that the Committee had very little time to scrutinise and fully consider the implications of the Bill. The provisions that apply to the North are detailed and complex. What is more, the Bill is the reintroduction of a 2019 Bill that was developed when this jurisdiction was without an Executive or a sitting Assembly. There has been no formal public consultation here on the environmental plans, principles and governance elements of the Bill. That is something that concerns the Committee, particularly given the importance of the environment for everyone who lives, works or visits here.”
“As Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs, I welcome the opportunity to outline the views of the Committee in relation to the LCM on the Environment Bill. I thank the Minister for his words of thanks to the Committee for its work on this and the report that it produced. <BR /> <BR />Minister Poots outlined the Bill, which contains 133 clauses and 19 schedules, many of which apply to the North. Legislative consent has been sought on the provisions that relate to devolved matters. Those are outlined in the LCM and in the Committee report. <BR /> <BR />As Members will be aware, much existing environmental policy and legislation derives from the EU and is monitored and enforced by EU institutions.”
“— let us start to recognise addiction as an illness, start helping to treat sufferers and resource the services needed to do so.”
“The outworkings of addiction on society costs our health service vast sums. It costs the police, judicial and prison services vast sums, never mind the societal damage. We are engaged in a false economy. If we are talking about doing things better, why not try better to treat the illness and not the symptoms? Why not treat the illness in the way that we treat any other illness in the health service, with proper funds and resources? <BR /> <BR />Most people, thankfully, can take a drink, bet in the bookies or online, take prescription drugs or even illegal drugs without fear or hinder. Good luck to them, but for those who cannot —”
“Despite that, we know that a problem gambler is 15 times more likely to take his or her own life as a result of their illness. We do not have any dedicated Health Department treatment centres here in the North to help problem gamblers. Some will have to pay for treatment in the South. That is not good enough. <BR /> <BR />Addiction not only ruins lives but costs lives by overuse or suicide.”
“It is, unfortunately, an illness that I have some expertise in, as a recovering alcoholic and compulsive gambler, but I am far from unique — far from it. Few families on this island are untouched by the illness of addiction. Statistics suggest that one in 10 people are dealing with alcoholism. Alcohol has become the third most common reason for why people are admitted to psychiatric wards. It is estimated that, every seven hours, somebody in Ireland — on this island — dies because of alcohol abuse. The statistics for illegal and prescription drug use are no better. It is similar for problem gambling, but problem gambling is not even recognised as a public health issue. That needs to be addressed urgently. Most health trusts do not keep records of those presenting with that illness.”
“Others saw their structured groups and services having to close, or experienced staff being redeployed to COVID-19 duties. What concerns me most about the legacy of lockdown is the fact that it is a lot easier to close a service than it is to reopen it. <BR /> <BR />Having to stay in the house, boredom, and the added stress or worry, perhaps, in situations where more disposable income is available, or in cases where less disposable income is available, have all contributed to the daily struggles of those who suffer from addiction, particularly those in early recovery. For the same reasons, lockdown will have exacerbated the problems for others who are not in recovery — practising alcoholics, prescription or illegal drug users, compulsive gamblers — and brought more despair to them and their families. <BR /> <BR />Addiction is an illness.”
“I will always congratulate the Minister, and my constituency colleague, on his good work, when needs be, but I have to say that I am disappointed to see little or no mention of addiction in his strategic framework for rebuilding services in his mental health action plan or in his post-COVID plans. <BR /> <BR />Lockdown has had a detrimental impact on the mental health well-being of many individuals who are recovering from addiction. I know that because I have spoken to them. There have, obviously, been difficulties in some sectors engaging with service users, due to restrictions. For many, access to support groups formed a key part of their coping strategy and, for some, it was the ability to see friends regularly or to receive routine encouragement and support from family.”
“Lockdown measures have placed additional challenges on people who were struggling already, so I welcome today's motion and thank those who tabled it and those who tabled the amendment. It gives us an opportunity to talk about those with poor mental health and about how we can improve their situation as we move out of lockdown. <BR /> <BR />Mental health covers a wide range of issues. Members have dealt with many aspects of mental health issues and solutions, eloquently and with great knowledge and empathy. I agree with their contributions. <BR /> <BR />I support fully the call for a detailed plan, including on how to rebuild and provide enhanced mental health and addiction services. It is on the subject of addiction and its services, or, unfortunately, lack of services in some cases, that I want to talk.”
“There is no doubt that the measures that were put in place by the Executive during the pandemic would be considered intolerable by everyone in normal circumstances. That those measures had to be put in place to save lives, stop the spread of coronavirus and protect our health service is also not in doubt and, to that end, they have been successful. <BR /> <BR />One of the positive aspects of the recent period is that communities have rallied round and people have tried their best to support their friends, families and neighbours. However, the reality is that some have struggled during lockdown, some more than others. Nowhere is that more evident than in the cases of people who suffer from poor mental health.”
“I echo the Minister's kind words and praise for the support and contribution of the community, voluntary and sporting organisations during the crisis. Does the Minister believe that there are lessons to be learned from the mobilisation of volunteers across community, voluntary and sporting sectors and that it can be built upon?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Green growth is a highly aspirational strategy. The statement is welcome, as it contains many worthwhile aims and objectives. However, on the basis of its content, what has been announced seems to be the start of a process. Many of the programmes, ideas and concepts referenced in the statement are not new; they have been around for a while. What is new, I suppose, is bringing them together and appointing a permanent secretary to lead on them. What is missing is detail such as budget, timeline, proper aims and objectives and delivery plans. What resources has the Minister allocated to the delivery of green growth? Can he provide the AERA Committee with a detailed delivery plan, including a time frame?”
“OK. Most people, with the exception of the DUP, highlighted their support for the motion and the need for support to be across the industry. I support the motion and commend it to the House.”
“William Irwin talked about the importance of food production and the impact of the hospitality food sector, as others did, but stated that some sectors had not been affected, which I would, obviously, disagree with.”
“<BR /> <BR />To wrap up, I will detail some of the comments that Members have made. I will not go through them all, because I am short on time. It was clear that lots of the arguments were the same and detailed the impact across the agricultural sector, particularly on beef and sheep farms and those in the upland sectors. Most contributors talked about other schemes not being able to support and sustain the sector and said that they had lost out because of low profitability over the years. <BR /> <BR />Following an intervention by Mr Buckley, my colleague the Chair of the Committee highlighted the all farmers have been impacted by COVID-19. Justin McNulty talked about the impact of COVID-19 on farmers because of market closures. He also talked about Brexit and other schemes not being designed with farmers in mind.”
“My colleague mentioned the Andersons Centre report, and I would refer us all to the challenges posed by COVID-19 to the beef and lamb sector that are contained in it. Again, it details lots of evidence. <BR /> <BR />It is not acceptable that sheep farmers have been left out, or potentially left out, of any agri-fund support. They face the same challenges as other sectors, such as the closure of markets, a reduction in farm-gate prices and increasing costs, all of which are a result of COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, it is clear that COVID-19 control measures have had a very significant adverse impact on land-based livestock sectors, including lamb and beef. Those two sectors, along with others, must be included in any scheme by the Minister to support the industry.”
“I will give way towards the end of my contribution. <BR /> <BR />We know that, before COVID-19, beef and sheep farms were already experiencing severe profitability challenges. Farm-gate beef and sheep prices had moved downwards and input prices had increased, putting more pressure on our beef and sheep farmers. <BR /> <BR />There are 24,000 farms in the North, 17,000 of which are in less-favoured areas. Many people have also detailed the impact on severely disadvantaged farmers. There are 9,730 severely disadvantaged farmers across the North and, as the saying goes, we are all in this together. As has been stated, ANC farmers have experienced a loss in product value, including fertiliser and feed concentrates, to name but two. Farmers are going to market and losing money while, at the same time, are experiencing an increase in costs.”
“They all deserve support, but so does the beef and sheep sector. That sector is not exclusively made up of hill sheep farmers, but it is clear that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on beef and sheep farmers in areas of natural constraint. <BR /> <BR />In his contribution, I noted that the Minister talked about the need for evidence. I know that he was late to the debate, but I would ask him to read the Hansard report of the debate, because he will find plenty of evidence in that. I also ask him to read the consultation responses that came to the Committee from groups and individuals in the sector. There is ample evidence contained in all that.”