Michelle McIlveen
Strangford · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Public confidence depends not only on effective enforcement but on enforcement being exercised fairly and consistently. <BR /> <BR />There is widespread concern across Northern Ireland about the condition of many of our lakes and rivers, and there are a vast number of factors that contribute to water quality challenges.”
“Although we support the overall direction of travel, I think that is appropriate to reflect on the concerns that have been raised and ensure that the legislation is proportionate, practical and capable of delivering its intended outcomes.”
“If we are therefore serious about improving our aquatic environment, every source of pollution must be addressed. New legislative powers are meaningful only if the Department has the resources, the expertise and the personnel necessary to implement them effectively.”
“There is, however, a need for accompanying clear guidance and support and for regulatory consistency and prompt decision-making. Delays, uncertainty and excessive bureaucracy will undoubtedly discourage investment and undermine confidence in the sector.”
“Subordinate legislation should not become a substitute for proper democratic accountability. Consultation and engagement must be undertaken before regulations are introduced, and I cannot overstate the need for stakeholder engagement. <BR /> <BR />I will now talk about the Bill's proposed enforcement powers.”
“The DUP broadly welcomes the Bill. As has been said, it provides an opportunity to modernise legislation that, in some areas, has remained largely unchanged for decades. The Bill strengthens the protection of our fisheries, improves the regulatory framework for aquaculture and enhances the management of our water environment.”
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“I go further: the Committee for Infrastructure has an acute interest in road safety and a determination to assist, where it can, in reducing the number of accidents on our roads, all too many of which are fatal. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has emphasised to the Minister and her officials on many occasions that it will not be found wanting when she brings forward proposals to improve safety on our roads. The Committee has supported new speed limits being introduced outside schools and requested that such measures be broadened to more schools. It has championed and fought for increased financial support for the local road initiatives that have been rolled out through the road safety safe travel grants scheme.”
“It was reassured that the majority of respondents to the consultation recognised how dangerous it is to oneself, to passengers and to other road users to be distracted from driving by a mobile phone, even if only for a split second. <BR /> <BR />As we are all aware, the technical advancements in phones have made the device an indispensable addition to our lives. However, it is the urge to check messages and respond to the sound of a notification that makes them so dangerous whilst driving. The only way to reinforce the danger that they pose is to make the penalty severe. To that end, the Committee for Infrastructure supports the Department in initiating a review to create a more comprehensive definition of using a mobile phone while driving.”
“<BR /> <BR />For those reasons, the use of handheld phones while driving has increased far in excess of what was foreseeable in 2007. The Committee was reassured that this increase in penalties has already been introduced on the mainland, in 2017. In fact, the Committee noted that, last year, the Department for Transport announced plans to review the mobile phone offence again with a view to tightening the legislation even further. The Department for Infrastructure has also advised the Committee that it plans to carry out a similar review in the future with the possibility of primary legislation being introduced. The Committee has indicated to the Department that it will fully support it in any measures to improve road safety. <BR /> <BR />The Committee considered with interest the consultation carried out by the Department.”
“The Committee also considered whether increasing the penalty points from three to six could cause individuals who rely on driving for their livelihood to lose their licence. <BR /> <BR />Despite this deliberation, the Committee had no hesitation about supporting the aspiration of this legislation, as was noted during the Committee's consideration. During its consideration, it called on departmental officials to explain the rationale for the increase in the penalty and how the Department came to the new higher levels. Departmental officials advised members that there had been no change in the level of the fine since the introduction of the initial offence in 2007, despite the fact that mobile phone ownership is so much higher now and that they are so much more integral to everyday life.”
“However, so intertwined are the fines and the penalty points that the Committee for Infrastructure discussed both. That will be reflected in my comments. <BR /> <BR />The Committee for Infrastructure considered the proposals for the legislation on 30 September 2020 and weighed up the undoubted seriousness of the offence with any possible negative consequences of the increase in the penalties. To that end, the Committee sought assurance from the Department that the penalty fits the crime. The Committee deliberated on whether an increase to the fine from £60 to £200 was prohibitive for those on low income and would, therefore, lead to a failure to pay and the consequential impacts of that.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak as Chair of the Committee for Infrastructure in support of this important statutory rule. As the Minister outlined, the statutory rule is one of two considered by the Committee for Infrastructure that will increase the penalties that are incurred by drivers who are found to be using a handheld mobile phone whilst driving. <BR /> <BR />It is well established that using a mobile phone while driving is a major factor in serious and fatal road accidents. It is, therefore, the intention of the legislation to improve road safety by deterring drivers from using their phones while driving by increasing the fine and the number of penalty points for the offence. Although there are two aspects to the penalty, a fine and penalty points, the statutory rule concerns only the increase in penalty points.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I welcome the resolution of the steel issue, which is critical for manufacturing in Northern Ireland. Last Wednesday, the Infrastructure Committee heard from a delegation of haulage sector representatives about the challenges that they are facing as a consequence of the implementation of the protocol. They were united in their call for the simplification of the systems now being imposed. Can the Minister give an assurance that she will use her influence to articulate these views with the relevant Her Majesty's Government Departments and those in a position to bring forward easements to allow trade to return to the levels that Northern Ireland requires?”
“Does the deputy First Minister share my concern that the reluctance of the Irish Government to share the information is perhaps an indication that the system that is being used is maybe not being managed properly by the Irish authorities, and that could have serious consequences for people in Northern Ireland?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee understands the need of the Department to provide adequate support in order that, for the benefit of our economy, the ports can develop the infrastructure required. In its discussion with the Minister and her officials, the Committee sought assurance that the sole purpose of the Bill is to raise the loan and grant limit and that there will be no other consequences from it. The Minister gave that assurance, noting that this is a short and concise Bill. Given the context within which we are operating and the assurances given, I and the Committee for Infrastructure support the Bill.”
“As the Minister has indicated, that assistance from her Department is limited under the Act to a maximum of £35 million. The Minister outlined to the Committee the urgent need to raise the existing level of £35 million to a more substantial £90 million, as set out in the legislation before us. <BR /> <BR />The motivation for the increase was explained to the Committee when it met representatives of the sea ports, on 1 July last year, and they made the Committee aware of their need to grow and strengthen their businesses. However, the Committee also noted the financial impact that COVID-19 has had on the ports and the limitations that this has placed on them. The Committee is cognisant that it is vital that our ports are ready for the challenges and opportunities facing them.”
“However, I have made the Committee's views on this clear at the previous stages of the Bill, and, as I know that the vast majority of the House is sympathetic with those concerns, I will not rehearse them again. <BR /> <BR />As previously noted, the Committee was notified about the proposal for the Harbours Bill at the start of September 2020 and the Minister briefed the Committee on the Bill on 23 September. During the briefing, the Minister and her officials explained to the Committee that Northern Ireland's ports are governed by the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 and that that includes their funding. Under the 1970 Act, the ports are expected to fund their own capital investment, while the Department is able to make loans and grants to assist with major developments.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Final Stage of the Harbours Bill. As I said before, the Bill in itself is not contentious, however the procedure used to bring forward the Bill is something that the Committee found less than agreeable. Agreeing to the accelerated passage of any Bill does not sit well with the Committee for Infrastructure. Our frustration was compounded by the fact that it was left to the last minute to amend legislation that could have been updated at any stage over the past 31 years, the last time that this was carried out. The Committee believes, as most Members of the Assembly do, that legislation should be afforded the full scrutiny of the Assembly processes, including Committee scrutiny.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. What consideration is being given to review the policy that only nurses who retired after 2015 can be added to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register when, clearly, a sizeable number of qualified people who retired prior to that date could assist with the vaccination programme?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Parents and pupils are keen to have provision for post-16 education at Nendrum College, and Glastry College is long overdue a new build. Will the Minister provide an update on what consideration is being given to those projects?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. The previous tranche of funds that was distributed to Ards and North Down Borough Council, which covers the majority of my constituency, was available only to businesses in the designated town centre. That was at the suggestion of her Department, and it left many dozens of businesses without the benefit of assistance. In fact, there were 22 businesses in one street in Comber alone. Will the Minister do anything to provide assistance to those businesses, which by virtue of a line on a map were unable to avail themselves of that funding?”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for her statement. While I understand that there is a format for recording those meetings, it is somewhat disappointing that, given the time that has lapsed since the last update and the work that has been carried out in the interim by Waterways Ireland, all that we are receiving today is a list of noted reports. That said, will the Minister outline the main priorities for Waterways Ireland in Northern Ireland in 2021 and provide details of the properties that the Council has agreed to dispose of? Will she indicate whether she would be prepared to share the reports with the Committee?”
“I appreciate the Minister's response. Obviously, when I submitted the question, I did not anticipate it being quite so timely. I commend Judge Marrinan and his team for the comprehensive report that they have compiled. I appreciate that the Minister has just received it, and it is lengthy, but can she assure us that, in her consideration of the report and in the proposed legislation that she will ultimately bring to the Chamber, she will ensure that private conversations in the home will continue not to be subject to criminal law?”
“Given that assurance, I understand that the Committee is satisfied. While my preference was to have a Committee Stage, I am content to support the Bill at Second Stage.”
“She pointed out that, after objection from the Department of Finance about a lack of scrutiny, that was taken out. She confirmed that there were no objections to the purpose of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Minister was content that she had consulted with the ports and that they were in support of this proposed legislation. The Minister was asked about some of the financial challenges facing the ports, and she advised that those include the likes of urgent quayside repairs, which would be aided by the grant mechanism that is proposed by the Bill. Clarity was also sought on whether checks and balances were in place, what the loan can be used for and the need for that to be addressed in the Bill. The Minister gave an assurance that the Bill was purely for grants and loans and to increase the limit from £35 million.”
“<BR /> <BR />In its discussion with the Minister and her officials, the Committee sought assurances about the narrow scope of the Bill, that the sole purpose of the Bill is to raise the loan and grant limit and that there would be no other consequences. The Minister gave the Committee those assurances, noting that it is a very short and concise Bill. As Members will note, there are only three clauses: the commencement; the title; and a single line to increase the port funding limit. The Committee also asked for information about the consultation that had taken place with the Executive and the sector. The Minister advised the Committee that one issue was raised by the Executive, which was her proposal to include in the Bill the ability for the Department to increase the loan and grant limit at a future date through secondary legislation.”
“This is an issue not just for them, as the ports have taken on a more strategically important role for our economy in the post-Brexit era. The Committee is aware that it is vital that our ports are ready for the challenges and opportunities facing them. The uncertainty of COVID has come at the worst possible time, a time when the ports were meant to be pushing forward with expansion and plans to build on the new opportunities that are opening up to them. Instead, they are now battening down the hatches and weathering the storm. The Committee appreciates the need for the Department to provide adequate support in order that, for the benefit of our economy, the port can develop the infrastructure that is required.”
“Given future uncertainties, the need to build additional infrastructure and the added financial difficulties resulting from the reduction in freight and shipping volumes through the ports as a result of the pandemic, the Committee is aware of the need to raise the existing total limit of £35 million that the Department can provide by means of loans and grants to a more substantial £90 million, as set out in the proposed legislation that is before us. <BR /> <BR />The Committee for Infrastructure had already met, on 1 July this year, representatives of the seaports, who are eager to grow and strengthen their business after EU exit. However, the Committee notes that the impacts of COVID have removed the financial certainty that they would like in order to invest in and develop their business.”
“The Committee was notified of the proposal for the Harbours (Grants and Loans Limit) Bill at the start of September this year and discussed it during its strategic planning meeting on 9 September. The Committee asked the Minister to brief the Committee on the Bill, and, on 23 September, the Committee received that briefing. <BR /> <BR />During the briefing, the Minister and her officials explained to the Committee that Northern Ireland's ports are governed by the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970, which includes funding. Under that Act, the ports are expected to fund their own capital investment, while the Department is able to make loans and grants to assist with major developments. That assistance from the Department is, however, limited under the Act, which states that it should "not exceed £35 million".”
“The Committee reluctantly accepts that, at this moment, accelerated passage is required. The Committee for Infrastructure therefore agrees to there being accelerated passage of the Harbours Bill. However, it would like to be very clear that, in this case, accelerated passage has only become necessary because of the inaction of the Department; it is not because of events. The Committee for Infrastructure therefore supports the motion that the Bill proceed under the accelerated passage procedure.”
“The Committee recognises that the increase is required in the circumstances to ensure the smoothest possible working of our ports in these difficult times. However, surely there must have been someone in the Department with the foresight to see this coming and raise this matter earlier. That would have avoided the need for accelerated passage and given this House its place in properly scrutinising the legislation it signs into law.”
“Therefore, the Committee accepts the what and the how behind the Bill. <BR /> <BR />However, the Committee has been less willing to accept the need for accelerated passage. In the course of the briefing it was established that the 1970 Act, which governs the funding, was last amended to raise the amount that the Department could provide to the ports by way of grants or loans in 1989, some 31 years ago. Therefore, this is legislation being rushed through by accelerated passage — an emergency measure — when there have been 31 years to plan for an increase in the funding limit. On questioning, even the Minister said:”
“<BR /> <BR />During the briefing, the Minister and her officials explained that Northern Ireland's ports are governed by the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970, and that this includes funding. Under the 1970 Act, ports are expected to fund their own capital investment, while the Department is able to make loans and grants to assist with major developments. However, this assistance from the Department is limited under the 1970 Act and shall not exceed £35 million. The Minister explained that, given future uncertainties, the need to build additional infrastructure and the added issue of the financial difficulties resulting from the reduction in freight and shipping volumes through ports as a result of the pandemic, there is a need to raise this existing total limit of £35 million.”
“The proposal for accelerated passage of the Bill does not sit well with the Committee for Infrastructure. Like most Members, the Committee believes wholeheartedly that legislation should be afforded the full scrutiny of the Assembly processes, which includes Committee scrutiny. I welcome the Minister's acknowledgment of that today. <BR /> <BR />The Committee was notified at the start of September about the proposal for this Bill and discussed it during its strategic planning meeting on 9 September. The Committee asked the Minister to brief it on the Bill, and during that briefing on 23 September the Committee sought clarity on three aspects: what the Bill is expected to do; whether it does it; and why the Minister is seeking accelerated passage.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I understand that the South East Area Fisheries Local Action Group (SEAFLAG) has handed back £483,418 of a £2 million pot. A Portavogie scheme worth a quarter of a million pounds is ready to go. Some £200,000 is needed from the fund. However, they have been told that there is a cap of £120,000. The limited grant means that the project will fall. I appreciate the Minister's response, but I would further appreciate his looking at that policy in its current form.”
“I appreciate the Minister's response. The review reports were published in 2017. Has the Minister costed the recommendations that fall within her remit? A number of the recommendations contain a raft of proposals, which include greater digitalisation and use of modern technology. Given that, with the onset of COVID, the use of technology for virtual court hearings has increased, what steps will the Minister's Department take to enhance the use of technology during the pandemic and beyond?”
“Although the European Court has an iron fist in its case law, the European Commission uses a velvet glove in its dealings with member states. Put simply, we can comply with the minimum standards of the directive but still fail its objectives. There is a need to act and for an effective and sustainable plan to address our very real issues, but, unfortunately, the motion is not the way to achieve it.”
“The vast majority of ammonia emissions come from activities that fall outside the scope of the planners and, indeed, the remit of the Department for Infrastructure. As an aside on the habitats directive, developing a process and creating certain obligations have not proven to be effective tools in addressing environmental damage to protected sites. The midterm review of the directive that was carried out by the EU noted a very slight improvement in the number of species in habitats in protected areas, but, by and large, previously noted negative trends continued across the EU and there was a recognition that the EU would not meet its 2020 targets. <BR /> <BR />There is huge scope for member states in their approach to national conservation measures.”
“It would have a potentially detrimental impact on major infrastructure projects, roads upgrades and homebuilding schemes, which could have a further devastating impact on the Northern Ireland economy, on top of the devastation that is being caused by the global pandemic. It would undermine projects that all Executive parties have signed up to and the key objectives of the Executive. Therefore, any party that is part of the Executive should not and cannot support it. <BR /> <BR />Finally, on the report, the Department for Infrastructure is not best placed to determine whether Northern Ireland is complying with its article 6 obligations. With the focus on the planning process, the implication is that tightening the planning process can address the issue in some way. Planners will and do follow the experts.”
“Such a review is, ultimately, a toothless, ineffective and, dare I say it, costly fishing expedition, which does not deal with the problem at hand. It certainly would not be able to assess whether Northern Ireland is in breach of its regulations or obligations under the habitats directive. <BR /> <BR />The request for a moratorium would apply to all such planning applications, not just those within 7·5 km of protected areas. That, again, is open-ended, essentially, until the Department produces a report, which I will deal with shortly. The impact of such a moratorium on Northern Ireland's fragile economy could be enormous. The motion presumes that the planning process is the means by which a solution can be sought to those problems, but I suggest that it is not. A moratorium would grind the system to a halt.”
“It is not time-specific and requests all approvals from any time. A vast range of activities emit ammonia, so that would involve a huge number of approvals. The review also has no scope. If the aim is to revoke or modify approvals, that can only happen if developments have not been completed, which would make the process pointless. It would also require huge resources to assess whether developments have been completed. Is it to assess whether the correct assessments have been carried out? Planning officials will readily acknowledge that they are not experts in environmental law, but they defer to the relevant statutory experts in their appraisal of proposals, which are the NIEA and Shared Environmental Services, bodies that, of course, are outside the remit of the Department for Infrastructure.”
“From the outset, I must make it clear that I oppose this motion not out of a lack of desire to tackle the issue but, rather, a recognition that the steps being proposed by Ms Bailey and Ms Woods are inappropriate. Unfortunately, my party's amendment, which might have allowed for a more practical and workable approach to the issue to be discussed, was not selected for this debate. <BR /> <BR />The first requested action relates to the review. There are a number of problems with this request.”
“I oppose the motion. Everyone in this Chamber obviously recognises that more needs to be done to tackle ammonia emissions and protect our environment. This is an issue that is readily accepted by the agriculture sector, which is responsible for more than 90% of ammonia emissions. However, the motion asks for three very specific actions: a review of every planning permission for ammonia-emitting projects within 7·5 kilometres of a Natura 2000 site; a moratorium on planning approvals for all ammonia-emitting projects; and the production by the Department for Infrastructure of a report on whether or not Northern Ireland has complied with article 6 of the habitats directive.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. While I am disappointed that my constituency will largely miss out on the capital spend of the proposed city deal, I am hopeful that there will be spin-off benefits. <BR /> <BR />There are concerns, with the focus on COVID-19, that projects will be delayed. Can the Minister give an assurance that there will be no undue delay to the commencement of schemes?”
“I welcome the Minister's response. We can all agree that this is a challenging time for the fishing industry. Can the Minister outline how the support compares with that in other regions, and, in addition to that, can he detail the steps that he is taking to ensure that any Brexit dividend in respect of additional landings is proportionately distributed across the United Kingdom and that the Portavogie fishermen get their fair share?”
“The Minister has reiterated her commitment to the A5 scheme, and I note that she received the interim report from the public inquiry on 2 September. Will she outline the issues raised and the recommendations made in that report and detail the timescale for the next steps? <BR /> <BR />Similarly, will she provide a timeline for the development of draft terms of reference for the proposed high-speed rail connectivity study and give a commitment that the decarbonisation of the transport sector will play a major part in any revised work programme?”
“The safety of all road users should be a priority. The Minister will be aware of the work of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) in highlighting the hazard that wire rope-style crash barriers present to motorcyclists in the event of a collision with one. Will the Minister give a commitment to meet MAG, with a view to working with it to look at alternative barriers for schemes such as the A1?”
“The Department has said that it is still working through the possible costs of such a scheme. There is severe hardship and concern amongst those sectors, and some clarity would help assuage fears, particularly as we move through a period of tighter restrictions. I raise that only to request that arrangements for the scheme be expedited in order to be implemented as soon as possible. <BR /> <BR />The Committee for Infrastructure will continue its scrutiny of the Department for Infrastructure budget.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department has also outlined its COVID recovery bids, which were submitted separately under the COVID and economic recovery exercise. The Department has asked for £36·6 million to mitigate a range of lost revenue as a consequence of the pandemic, including Translink passenger revenue and parking charges. <BR /> <BR />During the Committee's budget briefing, members queried why bids had not been submitted for Northern Ireland Water, given the continuing financial challenges that it faces. Officials noted that the £27 million that Northern Ireland Water received for COVID mitigation in September monitoring covered its resource pressures at that time. <BR /> <BR />Mr Speaker, I ask your indulgence to raise the issue of a financial package that is being considered for the taxi, coach and haulage sectors.”
“The remaining £1 million bid for road maintenance is for the Department to take forward some limited minor works; local transport and safety measures, including traffic-signal upgrades; some localised road-widening works and crash barriers; and bridge-strengthening schemes. <BR /> <BR />The Department also provided the Committee with details of its scheme to replace old street lighting, outlining how it is responsible for almost 300,000 street lights, 13% of which have passed their working life of 40 years. To address the backlog, the Department has calculated that it will require £74 million. Some £14 million has been allocated this year, which will maintain the current position but not address the backlog. The Department has a bid in for £1 million to allow it to replace some 500 street lights that are past their working life.”
“Translink has requested additional funding of £1·6 million to meet that requirement. <BR /> <BR />Also in the Department's £9·1 million capital bid is a request for £5·5 million for structural road maintenance and safety measures. As I have said in the House previously, the cost of annual maintenance of our road network in order to maintain its structural integrity has been estimated at £143 million. For this financial year, £75 million has been allocated, which is a reduced amount, given restrictions placed on carrying out work during the pandemic. Once more, however, the impact on work has not been as significant as was thought, and the Department has made a bid for £4·5 million for remedial works following Storm Francis.”
“For many of its capital projects, the projected spend for 2020-21 was estimated down as lockdown took hold and work on many projects stalled. However, work has recommenced and, to a large extent, caught up on initial expectations. That has led to the Department having to ask for money back that it had been quick to surrender going into lockdown. <BR /> <BR />The Belfast transport hub is one such project. At the budget briefing on 30 September, officials explained that, in early April, the estimated expenditure for the Belfast transport hub project was reported as being £19·8 million to £21·4 million on the basis of projected delays of four to six months respectively due to the impact of COVID-19. The project was delayed to a lesser extent than was predicted, however, and, as a result, the estimated spend has increased to £22 million.”
“<BR /> <BR />The October monitoring bids include £3 million to fund a winter service programme in this financial year. The £3 million includes salt, fuel, overtime and shift allowances and maintenance of the gritting fleet. The other £1·6 million is for staff carrying over more holidays than usual this year due to the pandemic. Departmental officials explained that, while that is an issue across government, the significant pressures that remain in the Department mean that it cannot meet the cost from its existing budget. <BR /> <BR />With respect to capital funding, the Department has outlined its bid for an additional £9·1 million across a range of capital projects. The Department for Infrastructure has advised the Committee that COVID has created a number of accounting challenges.”
“As I have mentioned on similar occasions, the financial situation faced by the Department is stark and has been exacerbated by the pandemic's impact. That position was reiterated during the Committee's scrutiny of the departmental budget on 30 September and in ministerial briefings when budget pressures were also discussed. <BR /> <BR />The Department outlined that its 2020-21 resource budget allocation was £417·9 million, up by £33 million from the previous year, and capital was £558 million, up £89 million from 2019-2020. Officials have provided the Committee with a rationale for October monitoring bids. That excludes the Department's bids for the mitigation of the impact of COVID-19, which is through a separate process.”
“I welcome the opportunity to outline the Committee for Infrastructure's consideration of and views on the motions before us today, specifically on how this impacts the Department for Infrastructure and its ability to carry out its responsibilities. Scrutiny of the budget for the Department for Infrastructure — one of the Executive's largest spenders — is taken seriously by the Committee. However, the Committee regrets that there are still so many unknowns, including the ongoing pressures caused by the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />The 2020-21 Main Estimates provides £1·027 billion net resource for the Department for Infrastructure and £1·139 billion net cash requirement. Those figures are up substantially, by 23%, from the previous year.”
“I appreciate the Minister's response. Given the extent and scale of some of the breaches to date and the lead role that the junior Ministers are playing on the ministerial-led group on compliance and enforcement, will the Minister outline the extent of her personal commitment, and that of her officials, to the work of that group?”