William Irwin
Newry and Armagh · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. We have worked closely together, and I hold you in high esteem. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for agreeing to look into the matter. I was at the funeral on Sunday, and the family are devastated by their loss. The lady was going to get her hair done and was killed on that main road.”
“I thank my party colleagues and Members from all sides of the House who have wished me well on the occasion of my retirement. It has been an absolute privilege to represent Newry and Armagh since 2007. I think that most people will recognise that I represented everyone irrespective of their class or creed.”
“The Minister may be aware that the Bramley apple industry in County Armagh is worth in the region of £20 million to the local economy. For growers, cold stores are vital to the protection and keeping of the apples. Most of those cold stores are now 30, 40 or 50 years old. Growers need help to replace and renew those stores.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her response and for her efforts on the matter. The deputy First Minister will be aware that a large number of vaccines are used by the intensive farming sectors. Does she agree that it would be a serious issue if those medicines were not available?”
“I thank the Minister for his responses so far. We are aware of the reports that thousands of tons of raw sewage has been pumped into Belfast lough. Does the Minister agree that that is totally unacceptable and that something needs to be done as soon as possible?”
“That having been said, securing PGI status for the Armagh Bramley in 2012 was hard worked for and very welcome. That has been a valued and unique selling point, not only for the Bramley variety in the Armagh area but for apples generally in all their varieties, as well as apple-based products.”
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“I welcome the statement from the Minister. In England and Wales, third-party liability insurance is required, along with an age restriction, to own or walk an XL bully dog. Does the Minister plan to introduce those measures as part of the legislation?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her response and wish her well in her new post, given that she was born and bred in my constituency and has close ties with the family that remains in Newry and Armagh. <BR /> <BR />Does the deputy First Minister believe that the bureau offices are best located? Is a review of their roles needed?”
“— goes hand in hand — I look forward to that happening.”
“Creating support for and a pathway to new fishing opportunities —”
“<BR /> <BR />The motion refers to green growth, and it is clear that progress on green growth is directly related to the necessary improvements to our harbours, as I outlined.”
“<BR /> <BR />The fishing industry is an important part of the economy in the coastal areas in which it is based. Estimates show that the industry has an annual turnover of approximately £135 million and supports around 1,500 jobs. With that firmly in mind and taking into account the existing proposals to move the industry forward, it is within reason to state that that outlook could easily be improved on. It would be good and positive for the local communities, who have a direct economic connection to the fishing industry, to see progress made on the fishing and seafood development programme. The industry does not want to stand still and should be supported to move forward.”
“<BR />The proposal for a £73 million spend at Kilkeel to create a new harbour and the fact that that would see it become an Irish Sea marine hub, is exciting. It is very much needed and will undoubtedly be a game changer for fishing into the future. It will also be important for tourism, aquaculture and the capacity for boat repair and decommissioning. <BR /> <BR />Given that the Executive have been reformed and an AERA Minister is in place, there is a clear need now for conversations on the financing of the harbours project and for clear direction on the consultations and technical studies. There was an indication that September 2026 would be the start date. That is not far away in the calendar, so it is vital that the Minister gets to grips with his time frames and sets out clearly the direction for the industry for that project.”
“<BR /> <BR />My party was successful in securing permission for an outline business case to progress the vital technical and environmental studies that would have paved the way to moving the project forward. It is regrettable that even that preparatory work has been delayed due to the pressures on the public finances. It is easy to see why our industry is frustrated by that lack of progress when so much is at stake for it. It is vital that the work around that important project is stepped up and progressed at speed. I ask the Agriculture Minister for an urgent update on the matter and for clarity on the timelines and the funding that will be made available under that programme of work.”
“Our fishermen deserve support in the broadest possible terms, and the industry deserves a strategy backed and funded by the Assembly and by Westminster that would meet the key requests set out in the motion. <BR /> <BR />Mention was made of the fishing and seafood development programme, commissioned in 2019. That was an important piece of work as it laid out a course of much-needed public investment in Northern Ireland's harbour infrastructure. It included a plan for investment in Kilkeel to the tune of £73 million for a new harbour — an Irish fishing marine hub. It also included a proposed £20 million investment to improve access at Ardglass and a £5 million investment at Portavogie.”
“This is an important debate for those in the fishing industry in Northern Ireland. I welcome the opportunity to make my contribution on the matter. <BR /> <BR />The fishing industry in Northern Ireland is a resilient sector. One only has to look at the seas to see what fishermen experience. Being out on the high seas, often in unsettled weather, is worthy of our utmost respect, given the many dangers that they face when carrying out their work. I suspect that many of us who enjoy a fish supper from the local chippy or sit down to a fish dish at home or in a restaurant may not give much thought to how the fish ended up in the wrapper or on the plate. That deserves consideration, given the perils that fishermen face and the significant cost and risk they must absorb before making any reasonable profits for their efforts.”
“Given the importance of the agri-food sector to Northern Ireland, the Minister will be aware that some 300 planning applications from the agriculture sector are stuck with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and have not been responded to at this time due to ammonia levels. Will the Minister give an undertaking that he will look into that and expedite it as soon as possible to ensure that new applications and improvements on farms can go ahead?”
“Now that we have the Assembly back up and running, it will be important to see a strategic plan to make the interventions that will make a real difference to Lough Neagh.”
“I imagine that progress on some of the issues will be difficult to achieve and will be vulnerable to weather patterns, hence my suggestion for more detail on the lough after the period of considerable rainfall. <BR /> <BR />I note that the tone of the new Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on the issue is very much about managing expectations. It will serve no one well to give false hope of a swift resolution of the issue. All efforts by agencies and the general public will be vital to ensuring success in fighting the issue. I want to see well-thought-out and scientifically backed measures enacted to get progress on reaching a much more acceptable level of cleanliness in the lough's water. <BR /> <BR />Many agencies and groups can play their part.”
“<BR /> <BR />It would be useful if we had a report on how the lough is at the moment, because it has been some time since the public had any information on the lough's water quality. I am especially interested in the impact of the recent heavy and persistent rain, mixed with colder winter temperatures, on the algae issue. It is important that we have regular reports on the condition of the lough's water and the impact on its ecosystem. Those reports would be useful for informing further debate and action. It will take a lot of discussion, further scientific investigation and finance to adequately resolve the algae issue in the longer term.”
“Scientists are clear that the bacterium grows more quickly in very warm temperatures, which is what we experienced in 2023. What followed was well-above-average rainfall, which washed nutrients from the soil into the watercourses; indeed, such was the rainfall in the autumn that, at one point, the lough was 1·6 metres above normal levels. <BR /> <BR />When we think of the zebra mussel issue, it is interesting to note that a species that filters water and makes it cleaner has such a negative impact in allowing sunlight to penetrate much more deeply into the lough, allowing the growth of bacteria and an acceleration of the algae problem. Dealing with invasive species will be another complicated issue to resolve.”
“The issue is, no doubt, of concern to the general public across the Province, given the size of Lough Neagh and its significance in our environment. The lough contains around 800 billion gallons of water and provides 40% of the Province's drinking water. It is therefore very much on people's minds, especially when we see the negative impact of the algae problem and how it has spread into the rivers, eventually affecting portions of our coastline. <BR /> <BR />The contributing factors that gave rise to last year's algae blooms are many and complicated; by all accounts, they will be by no means easy to resolve. There will be no quick fixes. The exceptionally warm month of June last year and the following very wet July and August are believed to have been significant contributors, along with issues such as farm nutrient run-off.”
“I wish you well in your new post, Mr Speaker, and I thank the Minister for his statement and wish him well in his new role. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister commit to intensifying efforts on the normalisation process for Markethill High School, given its consistently high enrolments and the absolute importance of a new build to address the obvious issues that are associated with the school's being unfit for purpose? The school was built in 1959 for 300 pupils and currently has 500 pupils.”
“Will the Minister update the Assembly on the current figures for COVID in schools and the absence statistics?”
“<BR /> <BR />I do not intend to dwell longer than is necessary on the Final Stage debate, given the legislative pressures on the House as the mandate draws to a close. I am content that my views have been taken on board and have been well documented, as have the clear views of the agri-food industry. We must now look to the methods of enabling the targets contained in the Bill to be met.”
“We have already seen alarming price rises in many products, the most worrying of which is the continuing upward trend in fuel and electricity prices. All of that makes decisions around future energy generation and emissions measures very important. I am clear that we must get those decisions correct. <BR /> <BR />The Bill, at its Final Stage, is representative of as many views on the debate as it is possible to have. It represents a way forward, and whilst, ultimately, it is extremely challenging, it provides a chartable course towards achieving the aims of protecting the climate and protecting livelihoods. The various views on the issue have been well noted in the Chamber, and it is clear that disagreement will continue on how best to move forward. However, this Bill is the most realistic prospect of delivering the aims and objectives.”
“I welcome the fact that we have reached the final stage of this process. It has been an arduous process. As I have said before, it is a concerning time for our farming community and its representative bodies and for the entire agri-food sector. The Climate Change (No. 2) Bill process was started by the Minister and his Department with a firm and strong focus on the science, a realistic view that climate change would be tackled by measures that were complementary to the planet and would ensure that our agri-food sector would continue to meet the consumer needs of Northern Ireland and its export destinations. With the unfolding horror in Ukraine, as Putin continues his brutal invasion of that country, the security of food supply and the ability to meet the needs of consumers is vital.”
“Any and every assistance should be offered to encourage more women into the role and to sustain women who are already in farming to address any hurdles and negative experiences highlighted by the report.”
“I welcome the exposure that this brings, showing women as vital contributors to farming in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Committee's report sought to highlight some of the issues faced by women in farming. I welcome the report's publication and its findings. Areas of work recommended by the report include specific programmes and courses designed specifically for women farmers and those wanting to enter the role, women-only training environments and DAERA-led initiatives that promote the importance of the potential contribution of women in agriculture. It is vital that these schemes are brought forward and addressed as per the Committee report's recommendations.”
“On my family farm, my wife, daughters and daughter-in-law have been a huge assistance. I see the immense value and contribution that they make, from helping on the farm to doing the bookwork. The workload is huge, as any farmer will relate, and the level of help required means that all hands are needed to make the operation a success. <BR /> <BR />In relatively recent times, there has been significant publicity, through the mainstream media, on farming and food production, with a growing number of television programmes dedicated to farming and showing family life on a farm in great detail. Very often, these programmes clearly show the huge positive impact that women are having and the importance of their involvement in the running of farms. Their abilities are very clear for all to see.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that farming, by its very nature, is a challenging environment for everyone, regardless of gender, who tries to earn a living from the land. Given that they are at the mercy of the weather, and the unpredictability of animals and the global markets, it is certainly a job that has great variety and many challenges. <BR /> <BR />Further to my experiences, my daughter runs a chicken farm, and I know of many other women in my constituency who operate significant chicken farm businesses every day, and do so very successfully. That proves that there are many women out there in the agri-food sector who are forging ahead, and rightly so. <BR /> <BR />The Committee undertook this piece of work to ensure that a light would be shone on the role that women play in agriculture and the challenges that they face.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. As an elected representative with a lifetime spent on my family farm, this is an area of great interest to me. <BR /> <BR />My father died at the young age of 54 and my mother was a vital source of help and guidance to me when, at 19, I had to step up and follow in my father's footsteps. Back then, she was a great source of encouragement and advice, and now, at the grand age of 94, she continues to keep close tabs on me. She had a very tough time as a young mother; she, very sadly, lost a daughter at a very young age in an accident on the farm. Although all of those things were heartbreaking, my mother remained very strong and composed. Those were the traits that I looked up to at a young age.”
“The amendments will ensure that the UK emissions trading scheme continues to operate effectively and that it contributes to the UK's emissions reduction targets and the net zero goal.”
“This is technical legislation that is required to be laid before devolved legislatures, including the Northern Ireland Assembly. It makes amendments to the main 2020 order to allow the United Kingdom emissions trading scheme to continue to function effectively. The amendments in the draft order come from a consultation involving the UK regional Governments and are aimed at fixing technical points that were identified during the scheme's early stages. <BR /> <BR />In the light of the fact that a consultation was held on the amendments in the draft order, I do not intend to dwell on it longer than is necessary. A trading scheme is obviously important as we move ahead with various actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I, too, welcome him back to the Chamber, and it is good to see him back to health and strength again. Does he agree that it is vital that consultant general surgeons be back in place as soon as possible?”
“Will the Minister provide an update on the rural halls pilot scheme and on the next steps for those groups that are eligible but that did not fall within the first 50 to receive funding?”
“In his answer, the Minister for the Economy rightly mentioned the success of meeting the 40% consumption target by 2020, and, crucially, he states that meeting the 2030 target will require the establishment of a suitable support scheme for renewable electricity. <BR /> <BR />I understand from his official answer that a consultation will be undertaken this year, as per the commitment in the energy strategy action plan, to see how best to devise a support scheme, but I have no doubt whatsoever that lessons previously learned will feature in the building of any new supporting elements.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee believes that there will be a huge benefit from ensuring that, where issues are cross-cutting, data and information is shared more widely across Departments. I welcome the Committee's contribution on the issue and welcome the fact that, since 2017, the Department for the Economy has actively taken steps to address concerns around the renewable energy scheme. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I note, from an official response to a question that I tabled to the Economy Minister, that work is ongoing at pace to meet the target set of having at least 70% of all renewable electricity consumed in Northern Ireland come from a variety of renewable sources by 2030.”
“That has been achieved through various assistance schemes that have been initiated within the hugely ambitious new targets set for emissions, and those opportunities will have to be forthcoming for some time into the future. <BR /> <BR />The Committee's recommendations focus on any new energy initiatives by the Department and on the need to ensure that any potential environmental planning risks are discussed with other public bodies and mitigated. Skill sets and human resources in the Department must be at a level that gives adequate assurance that any new schemes are administered with an assured level of competence and less reliance on outside consultants. There are also improvements to be made by ensuring a greater sharing of information across Departments.”
“The fact remains, however, that, in order to encourage businesses and sectors to pursue the generation of electricity from renewable sources, financial aid must be available, otherwise a business of any sort will resist such a costly exercise as pursuing renewable solutions. It is also the case that renewable technologies are very costly at this time and will remain so. That will change, however, as time progresses, technology improves and energy prices remain so volatile. <BR /> <BR />Those are the challenges that lie ahead for the Assembly and the Executive to ensure that opportunities are provided for industry to harness renewable energy generation. Already, 49% of electricity consumed in Northern Ireland comes from renewable sources.”
“A vote by the House to opt for a net zero target by 2050 will have a significant impact on the generation of electricity from renewables and is something that I do not believe that MLAs and parties who have competed to out-green one another have taken into account. In opting for that target, they have disregarded the advice of the UK Climate Change Committee. <BR /> <BR />That having been said, and focusing on the report that the Public Accounts Committee produced, I believe that there are certain lessons to be learned, as the report highlights. DAERA believes that lessons are being learned in the Department for the Economy about that area of work, and that can only be a good thing as we move forward.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the take-note debate. I will focus my remarks on the report 'Generating Electricity from Renewable Energy'. The generating of electricity from renewable sources is an area of growing importance, given the intensifying debate and actions on climate change and the efforts to lessen the reliance on fossil fuel energy sources. <BR /> <BR />The debate is also becoming more crucial because the House is debating the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill. Much to my displeasure and disappointment, it has voted for a net zero target by 2050, which is massively costly and increasingly unachievable.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the take-note debate. I will focus my remarks on the report 'Generating Electricity from Renewable Energy'.”
“They represent technical repairs to the original Bill and reduce duplication. I again urge Members to ensure that the votes taken today are responsible and add to the general movement towards improving our climate and, crucially, bringing our agri-food industry with us.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many parties claim to stand up for the countryside and represent large rural constituencies. It is high time that we witnessed that support in action. The House needs to pass responsible legislation that works for our agri-food industry's survival and the benefit of the climate. We also need to take a long, hard look at those countries that we rely on so heavily for cheap imported goods and that have woeful records on climate change. Indeed, they contribute very heavily to global emission outputs. I say that Northern Ireland is not the problem here. Far from it; it contributes just 0·04% to global emission outputs. We must be reasonable and calculated in our efforts on this issue. <BR /> <BR />The Minister's amendments in the second group are technical and reasonable insofar as making the Bill function more easily.”
“Amendment No 1 is critical to our agri-food industry to ensure that the path that is taken by Northern Ireland is consistent with the aims of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Climate Change Committee recommendations. The UK Climate Change Committee is a body that is worth listening to. I have in Committee continually referred to the expert advice that is contained in its submissions. It is vital that we follow scientific and expert advice to best allow Northern Ireland to move forward on reducing methane outputs. The amendments that are proposed by the Minister are critical in ensuring that, while moving forward, we do not enforce unbalanced reductions in methane that would, ultimately, decimate our agri-food sector and leave us extremely vulnerable to security of supply issues.”
“I thank the Minister. I certainly agree with him. Farmers are acutely aware of the dire situation that would be before them if some people had their way. <BR /> <BR />The issues of food supply and food prices have been brought into stark focus by the current worrying and ongoing situation in Ukraine. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people at this horrible time. Ukraine has long had the name as the bread basket of Europe, owing to its output of grain and the reliance on that product by nations across Europe. Agri-food security and supply is a vital element for any country. We in Northern Ireland should not seek to limit our ability to meet domestic consumer need. <BR /> <BR />Many of the group 1 amendments that have been tabled by the Minister are vital. I urge the House to support them in full.”
“I assure the farmers who have contacted me that I am listening and that my votes in the House will be to their betterment and that of climate change. I will not vote to damage our agri-food industry, as others have so easily and causally done. <BR /> <BR />The Climate Change (No. 2) Bill is by no means an easy path to follow. However, because of the damaging amendments that the other parties in the House voted for, the path has been made almost impossible to implement. It has been made so costly to our Northern Ireland economy that following such folly to a conclusion would see our agri-food industry decimated and our food supply security so badly exposed that everyone in Northern Ireland would feel the effects.”
“The recent and very obvious change of policy by Sinn Féin is certainly not before time. What is most alarming is the fact that so much time has been lost in the House debating and explaining the damage that net zero targets would bring about, be they through the Sinn Féin-supported Clare Bailey Bill or the Sinn Féin-supported amendments regarding net zero by 2050. The disregard for the farming community in the pursuit of those mindless policies has been alarming and, ultimately, hugely unsettling for our farming community across the Province. I have spoken with many farmers who are genuinely deeply concerned by the actions of certain parties in the Chamber and do not feel that they have been listened to.”
“With my keen sense of smell, I certainly detect a whiff of a U-turn from the party opposite — Sinn Féin — which has, obviously, started in recent days to listen to the voice of the farming community in Northern Ireland. That change of plan is very notable.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the issue and to channel the voice of the farming community into the Chamber today. I am passionate about our agri-food industry in Northern Ireland, about the benefit and security that it brings to Northern Ireland and about defending the industry from the attacks of those who seek to bite the hand that feeds them. <BR /> <BR />Farmers are very much used to the various smells that agri-food production generates. I, too, am aware of those smells.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, what is your view of the use of seaweed, for example, to tackle livestock emissions?”
“— and the robust scrutiny of public finances.”
“The Committee was deeply disappointed and concerned that its views were not reflected in the Budget consultation document. <BR /> <BR />The Committee performs a very important scrutiny role on the Commission's budget, and it expects its views to have value and meaning. However, it would appear to members that the Committee's views are acknowledged and taken on board only when no issues are found. In this case, its views were dismissed. In that regard, the Committee finds it particularly worrying that the Department of Finance has not learned the lessons from the past on safeguarding —”
“Following scrutiny of the Commission's draft budget and having regard to the Department's advice, the Committee agreed that it was broadly content with the Commission's budget plans, with the exception of the costs that are associated with the staffing to support the implementation of simultaneous interpretation. <BR /> <BR />The Committee wrote to the Department to ask that its position on the Commission's budget be reflected in the Executive's draft Budget document, which was going out for consultation. The response from the Department was that it would be highly unusual to report the Committee's views on Executive Budget publications, and it noted that it was for the Committee to make its views known, not the Finance Minister.”
“The fact that current MLAs' preferences are being used to assess demand in the new mandate does not make sense to the Committee. As such, the Committee remains unconvinced of the need for six interpreters and the £1·032 million that has been earmarked to fund them. <BR /> <BR />The Commission's budget-setting protocol requires that, when considering the Commission's draft budget, the Committee should have due regard to the advice that is provided by the Department of Finance. Having examined the Commission's draft budget, the Department indicated that it was content to incorporate it into the Executive's draft Budget 2022-25 document.”