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.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,597 lines we hold for Michelle McIlveen, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 38 of 52.
“I thank the Member for his question. As he will be aware, we have committed to delivering a statutory review of the carrier bag levy by April 2017. It will be conducted on behalf of my Department by business consultancy service, which is a division of the Department of Finance. The terms of reference of that review will be to look at three options: maintain the existing arrangements; discontinue the existing levy and remove the 5p charge; and, finally, increase the levy to 10 pence for all bags with a threshold extended to 40 pence. The Member also asked the cost of the review. It is costing £29,948, which in itself is not insignificant.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Again, those are scenarios that we are looking at when considering what is particular to Northern Ireland, especially given the issues around our land border, which, in itself, is peculiar to this part of the United Kingdom. I do not want to get into a position where I tie myself to a particular scenario at this stage. It is still early days, but I am happy to share it with the House once it has been scoped out.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As she indicated, that announcement was made yesterday, and, obviously, we are at today. My Department has been working over the last number of months on the issues pertaining to it, and that work will continue. Over the next number of months, we will have other conversations with George Eustice, Andrea Leadsom, David Davis and so on. I have invited George Eustice to Northern Ireland, and he is planning to visit in the next number of weeks. We are still at a very early stage with regard to a timescale for what the basic payment will look like, but I assure the Member that we will be looking for the best outcome for Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I have; I held the first meeting with the agri-food sector just a couple of days after the result was known. Those were the issues that were highlighted to me, and they were the basis for most of the conversations that I have had with Minister Creed in the Irish Republic and with George Eustice, Andrea Leadsom and David Davis, the Secretary of State. While it is accepted that there are issues with those matters, those conversations will need to continue. They have been highlighted by me and by other colleagues, who are very aware of them.”
“I thank the Member for her question. If she missed it, the UK voted to leave. I do not want to refer to her in the same way that the First Minister referred to "Remoaners", and I hope that she is not falling into that category. However, there is no doubt that there are conversations that need to be held, which is why my Department is working hard on them. I have established a consultative group, and I now regularly meet colleagues in the various jurisdictions, and that work will continue. We are not going to redo the referendum. The referendum result was very clear: we will be leaving the European Union.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said during questions two weeks ago, most farm-gate prices have also improved, partly as a result of exchange rate movements. That is encouraging, and we can say that the early impact of the vote to leave has been positive for agriculture. The longer-term impacts remain to be seen, but I intend to do all that I can to protect and promote the interests of the Northern Ireland agri-food sector in the forthcoming negotiations. I intend to be closely and directly involved in the domestic agricultural, environmental, fisheries and trade policy agendas as they unfold in order to maximise the opportunities that we will have from leaving the European Union.”
“A full assessment will depend on new arrangements that will be put in place and on how well we can exploit the opportunities that leaving the European Union will present. Since the referendum in June, we have seen a positive impact on the Northern Ireland agri-food sector. There has been a significant depreciation in the value of sterling, compared with the euro and the dollar, and that continues to be beneficial to exporting companies, and that devaluation has had a positive impact on the value of basic farm payments to farmers. As I announced last Friday, the total value of 2016 basic payment scheme and greening payments is 16·5% greater than in 2015, resulting in a boost to the total net value of 2016 direct payments to local farmers of £39 million compared with 2015.”
“<BR /> <BR />As you will be aware, a complete ban was discussed during the debate on the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, which went through the Assembly in 2011. It was debated at length and rejected. The new legal requirements will help to promote best possible practice in the use of snares, but I have sympathy for the Member's comments.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Personally, I have sympathy for the calls to ban the use of snares outright. However, as mentioned, a practical approach to land management is needed. Young lambs are susceptible to fox predation, as are game birds and other species, and farmers and gamekeepers require a practical and effective means of vermin control. The alternatives are not viable: the use of poison is potentially prohibited, less targeted and more inhumane. It is not reasonable to ask landowners to patrol their fields with shotguns at night, when foxes are most active, and it would also be costly and potentially dangerous to allow others to do that work on a large scale on their behalf.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, if the order is not actioned, we will have the status quo. The current levels of protection, which are beneficial, will remain, but they are limited, including, for example, the requirement to inspect set snares once every 24 hours. The additional restrictions that the order would bring, such as snares having to be fitted with permanent safety stops, are, I feel, required. The purpose of a stop is to prevent the noose closing too far and inflicting damage to the caught animal, particularly through strangulation. I imagine that this and other restrictions would be welcomed by responsible landowners and those who see snaring as an indiscriminate means of pest control. I do not find the status quo acceptable.”
“However, there is a need to protect farm animals, game birds and other species from predators, such as foxes, at certain times of the year. The use of snares provides an effective and practical means of providing that protection. I feel that the additional safeguards in the snares order should help to negate the concerns of those opposed to the use of snares, as the additional restrictions are intended to reduce suffering.”
“The Member may recall from his role on the Environment Committee that there was a commitment to place further restrictions on the use of snares. That commitment was to be achieved through the snares order, which was subject to affirmative resolution. The order was laid in October 2015, however the Assembly's approval was not sought during the previous mandate to bring the legislation into force. <BR /> <BR />I intend to complete the legislative process, which will require a revised order due to the timescale involved since the previous order was laid and the subsequent new Assembly structure. That approach will ensure complete transparency in the process. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious that many organisations and individuals see the use of snares as inhumane treatment of wild animals. Indeed, some would like them banned altogether.”
“I recommend that any agreements are documented so that farmers can then provide the necessary evidence to ensure that they demonstrate the agricultural activity they have carried out on the land during the year.”
“For direct payments and areas of natural constraint (ANC) payments, farmers need to demonstrate that they actively farm all the land that they have claimed. That can be done by demonstrating that they have the decision-making power, the benefits and the financial risks for the majority of the agricultural activity carried out on the land. Where the farmer has carried out substantial amounts of agricultural activity on the land during 2016, permitting someone else to graze the land for six to eight weeks is unlikely to undermine their ability to meet the requirement. That may not be the case if a farmer with surplus grass has carried out little or no agricultural activity on his land in 2016.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, as I said in answer to the previous question, I have had conversations about how we can assist farmers moving forward. I have met the Ulster Farmers' Union — I meet it regularly — and I plan to go to Fermanagh later this week to speak to local groups from the Ulster Farmers' Union. Those discussions will be ongoing. While the weather is starting to improve, that does not necessarily mitigate all their concerns. I will be in a better place after Thursday.”
“<BR /> <BR />The challenges faced by some farmers over recent months as a result of high rainfall and the severe weather conditions in 2015 have been exceptional; therefore, where a farmer has reasonable cause to spread after the end of the season, the farmer will be able to spread. Such cases would be considered by the NIEA on a case-by-case basis and must be evidence-based, showing that the farmer had taken all reasonable steps to manage the situation and was left with no alternative. I encourage farmers who are experiencing particular difficulties to speak either to their DAERA adviser or to the local farming organisation.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I am aware that calls have been made for farmers to be granted a dispensation to spread slurry during the closed period, which comes into force at midnight on Saturday 15 October. There is no legal provision in the Nitrates Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 to grant a complete waiver. I want to be clear that, in exceptional circumstances beyond the control of and not foreseeable by an individual farmer, a defence may be made for non-compliance with some of the requirements of the NAP regulations, including spreading organic manures during the closed period.”
“Further guidance is available on the DAERA website that will help farmers to plan for a good supply of fodder for the winter months ahead and to make the best decisions for their farm businesses.”
“<BR /> <BR />In June, as the Member will be aware, I announced my commitment to pay at least 95% of eligible basic payment scheme applicants in December, and I confirmed that I would introduce advance payments this year from 16 October. That will undoubtedly help farmers to meet the financial challenges that arise as a result of the recent poor weather. In addition to that, CAFRE advisers are available at business development group meetings to discuss with farmers and growers how their business might respond to the impact of poor weather conditions. CAFRE will also deliver feed efficiency and business management workshops in the areas worst affected by poor weather conditions during the autumn and winter.”
“I am fully aware of the impact that the recent poor weather has had on farms across Northern Ireland, particularly in the north and west of the Province. Unsettled weather during the summer months has resulted in difficult conditions for silage making, slurry spreading and the harvesting of arable crops. In localised areas, cattle have been housed earlier than usual, which means that feed and forage are already being used, at an additional cost to the farmer, and the harvesting of spring cereal crops has not yet been completed. Also, much straw has still to be baled, and progress with the potato harvest and the sowing of winter cereals has been slow. All those issues combined to have an adverse impact on cash flows on farms.”
“I thank the Member for her question — again, a fellow member of that group and a constituency colleague. Scoping is something that we will have to look at as we move forward. I am the Minister who is responsible for the Rural Needs Act, and rural proofing will be part of that. It is early days as regards what that will look like, particularly what funding will be required for coastal erosion. Some of that may fall under the Department for Infrastructure, particularly the coastal flooding aspect of things. Again, it is something that we will need to look at.”
“<BR /> <BR />With regards to Bateman and having a lead Department, you will understand that part of the terms of reference that we are establishing for the forum will address those concerns. I am not clear whether we need a lead Department at this stage. My Department working in partnership with DFI may in itself be adequate. Again, that is something that we can explore as we go. Obviously, by doing that, we have reduced the number of Departments that will naturally be involved anyway. It is something that we can explore. We are on a positive pathway to that.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As a fellow member of that group who attended a number of meetings, I absolutely want to acknowledge the work of Eric Rainey, Sandra Henderson and others involved. They really have brought this to the attention of the House. On the back of that, I was delighted that I could move that forward. That group was represented in the initial meeting that I had of the coastal forum. I want to use the template that they established with regard to community action. I have spoken to Members from other constituencies, and I think that it is very important that we get that from a grass-roots perspective. The community is our eyes and ears along the coastline.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Absolutely. In my previous role, I met the Member with regard to the issues at Kinnegar. He will also be aware that coastal flooding is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure. Kinnegar has been identified as at risk of flooding during extreme tidal events and is included in the coastal flood response plan. It is important that various agencies work together and are at a place where they can react quickly to flooding, particularly in areas such as Kinnegar.”
“One of the issues that we have is lack of data. That is one of the things that we need to look at when we do our scoping exercise, particularly around the terms of reference and how we move forward in order to achieve that. Various groups are collating their own information, and we have a lot of science work and research being carried out by universities. Individual councils are also carrying out work. DFI is doing work, particularly around the structural infrastructure side of things. It is about bringing that together so that we have a full view of the impact, and potential impact, that this will have as we go forward.”
“I thank the Member for his comments. I plan to have a good working relationship with DFI with regard to that. In the past, when I was in the Department for Regional Development, I had a good working relationship with the former Minister of the Environment and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. She allowed a representative from her Department — David Porter — to come forward, and he worked very well in that group. Establishing that was useful, and I hope to see it moving forward to have a meaningful outcome.”
“These include the completion of a robust scientific evidence base on coastal processes in Northern Ireland and allocation of the coastal erosion risk management function. I am confident that the forum will help to deliver on those issues. <BR /> <BR />I should say that coastal erosion is a natural process, so it is going to continue. The challenge that we face is to find the best way of managing coastal change, both erosion and flooding. It is about having a clear vision of how we want Northern Ireland’s coastline to be shaped, now and into the future. I assure Members that I will continue to play my part wherever possible.”
“I am acutely aware of the devastating effects that coastal erosion can have on people’s lives. It is one of the reasons why I established a coastal forum when I was the Minister for Regional Development. I could see that we needed to deal with coastal management in a more strategic way, particularly in relation to coastal erosion. Now that I am the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, my responsibilities have, of course, changed. My Department is responsible for marine licensing and nature conservation protection, but I am still very keen to be involved. I have met Chris Hazzard, Minister for Infrastructure, and we have agreed to co-chair meetings of the forum. The forum has already identified the key issues that need to be tackled.”
“I have only been in post since May, so I am unclear as to what the processes were before that and what engagement there was with the previous Minister and DETI colleagues. All I can say is that I have given a commitment to this, there is a purpose to it and we should get behind it in order to deliver on it as quickly as possible.”
“Let me be clear that we will take these decisions as quickly as possible, and we will start to implement the scheme as soon as possible.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I had a very good day in the north-west; I was also in Limavady for the International Ploughing Championships. The agri-food processing investment grant scheme has a proposed budget of £27·5 million. Its purpose is to improve the economic performance and competitiveness of the agri-food sector. This will be through capital investment in processing, marketing and/or development of agricultural products. Again, we are working with the Economy Department and Invest NI to explore the scope and feasibility of a single streamlined offering to support the food sector. I want to make sure that we deliver a scheme that best fits the needs of the local agri-food processing sector.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I appreciate that. I met the Agri-Food Strategy Board in relation to that. Obviously, there are some issues in relation to what the model looks like and how it will be presented. There is an opportunity to bring all the groups that we currently have together under an umbrella organisation quite quickly. The Agri-Food Strategy Board has been working on it for some time, so it perhaps sees a different model. There is an urgency in relation to setting it up.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The need for a marketing organisation was established long before Brexit. Brexit reinforces the need for the body. We need a marketing body for Northern Ireland produce. We need to ensure that our product goes to appropriate markets and that our markets are open right across the United Kingdom. We need to retain existing markets and have the opportunities to go to new markets. A marketing organisation allows us to do that. It needs to be set up as quickly as possible, and I am working along with colleagues in Economy to do so.”
“Local farmers and fishermen need to be confident that there are sustainable markets in which to sell their produce. Any strategic growth in the agri-food sector will be export-led, and a strategic, coordinated approach to marketing through a single organisation is key to delivering that growth. My officials are supporting their DFE counterparts and industry representatives in developing an agreed model that will allow the Executive to provide suitable government support to the new body and will satisfy the requirements of the industry and government.”
“In 'Going for Growth', the Agri-Food Strategy Board recommended the creation of an agri-food marketing organisation with a clear food-promotion strategy. Following that, my colleague the First Minister, in her former role as Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, commissioned a review of agri-food marketing arrangements in Northern Ireland and endorsed the review's conclusion that an agri-food marketing body be established to coordinate the marketing of our food and drink produce based on the model of Scotland Food and Drink. <BR /> <BR />Work on the project is being led by the Department for the Economy. I share my colleague Economy Minister Simon Hamilton's view that the marketing body should be established as soon as is practicably possible.”
“Work on a sustainable land management strategy is also well advanced, and I hope to receive a report from the expert working group in the very near future.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Obviously, Going for Growth is central to the achievement of my vision and that of others for a thriving and sustainable economy. Going for Growth outlined a number of recommendations. Good progress has been made to date. We have secured access to 49 new markets and funding approval for the first phase of the farm business improvement scheme. The knowledge transfer element is well under way, with almost 3,000 farmers enrolled in over 150 business development groups, and farm family key skills programmes are now open. I launched the preparatory stage of the FBIS capital scheme today, and the scheme will again open for applications — I said this earlier on a number of occasions — in October.”
“Work is ongoing, to the point that the best way forward is to include the option of moving to the Hillsborough site. I am happy to provide further information and updates on the AFBI estate strategy as we move forward on it.”
“I thank the Member for her question. There is a master plan for the farm buildings at the AFBI Hillsborough site. It is envisaged that a consolidation and replacement modernisation programme will be taken forward out to 2020. This will be undertaken in conjunction with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) to ensure that there is a holistic approach to the development of DAERA's farming platform. Such an investment recognises that research is vital for good policymaking and for driving forward the advances that we need. <BR /> <BR />With regards to AFBI's headquarter location, it is recognised that the current premises at Newforge Lane are excessively large and are inefficient and expensive to operate. There is potential for AFBI to move off-site onto a smaller purpose-built facility elsewhere on the estate.”
“<BR /> <BR />To help AFBI in this new phase of its development, we are currently considering some exciting plans for the AFBI estate, which would see AFBI consolidating onto a much smaller footprint with modern, efficient, leading-edge facilities. I am also supporting the organisation through the creation of an AFBI-directed research fund to encourage AFBI to achieve excellence in science and seize opportunities for longer-term developments in frontier research that enhance scientific capability within DAERA's area of policy interest and support the local agrifood sector. <BR /> <BR />In summary, I am fully committed to the work of AFBI and the future delivery of science, which is so important to the agrifood sector in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for her question. For AFBI to be successful is extremely important to my Department. It will bring immeasurable benefits to our local agrifood industry and underpin its sustainable development. Research undertaken by AFBI, including that carried out at Hillsborough, is vital for good policymaking and for driving the technological advances that will underpin the future competitiveness of our industry. In view of this, I am committed to supporting the development of the organisation, as it seeks to consolidate its efforts around a number of core scientific pillars, where it is seeking to establish a critical mass of world-class expertise and form a stable platform from which to exploit external opportunities and grow.”
“<BR /> <BR />At this time, there is no united view as to how this money should be spent, but I have met a number of stakeholders, as have my officials, and we are trying to maximise the impact of that money right across the livestock industry. I want to ensure that we get the best value from that money and that it will make a meaningful difference to our industry.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The early indications are that we will be receiving €4·8 million of that package. This is an enhanced allocation in recognition of the extreme difficulties faced by farmers here. I am currently considering the options for how to spend this money effectively. We are required to select at least one activity from a menu of options given to us by the Commission. This will include production reduction beyond that covered by the EU production reduction scheme or not increasing production. On small-scale farming, we could be looking at the application of extensive reduction methods; we could look at the application of environmental and climate friendly production methods; or, finally, the implementation of cooperation projects.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The £150 million milk production reduction aid is part of the broader €500 million farming support package. It is to encourage farmers to reduce milk production in order to counter the oversupply situation and help restore prices. Obviously this is a voluntary scheme, and I encourage those who feel that they need to take up the opportunity that it is there to do that. The applications close tomorrow, so there is an opportunity for them to take advantage of the scheme. Milk prices are starting to increase slightly, so that is a decision that each individual farmer will make.”
“I assure the Member that everything is being done to ensure that there is an efficient process in place in order to handle the applications that are received. The use of funding workshops and expressions of interest has meant that LAG admin staff are dealing with fewer applications, but they are of a much higher quality. There is now a 90-day turnaround for applications from the date of the close of call until the applicant receives a funding decision. This will help to ensure that businesses receive a decision as quickly as possible. I hope that her local LAG has found this to be beneficial.”
“<BR /> <BR />Job creation is a major theme under the rural business development investment scheme, and indications from the applications received in the first funding call are good, showing that there is great potential to create significant numbers of rural jobs. Indeed, I had the pleasure of being able to present letters of offer, which amounted to approximately £180,000 of grant, to three companies in the Causeway coast and glens area to help develop their businesses. I look forward to projects similar to those right across Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Good progress has been made. All the local action groups (LAGs) have now signed and returned their legal contracts to enable them to start delivering LEADER on the ground. The rural business investment scheme has now completed its first call across nine of the 10 LAGs from successful attendees at the funding workshops. Some 229 applications have been received, which is worth around £8 million of grant aid. The first assessment panels have now commenced, and the first four letters of offer have issued, with more due to issue in early September.”
“I appreciate the Member's concern around all those particular instances. He will be aware that the Department for Infrastructure is looking at how these schemes are taken forward in the future. I want to give the Member some reassurance that I will take all this very seriously, particularly with regard to pollution and environmental waste crime as we move forward.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the wider point about an independent environment protection agency, I am the Minister for the Environment, and I am determined to make a positive impact on the environment in Northern Ireland. I have no plans to hand those powers to an independent body. However, I was somewhat surprised that a previous Environment Minister, who is now in the Opposition, removed independent board members from the NIEA. The former Minister, who is not in the House, can perhaps explain why he thought it best to do that. I have asked my officials to look at a number of boards with the possibility of adding independent people to them.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He referred to the fish kill at Faughan, and I have had a discussion with the Loughs Agency about it. It is currently going through the courts or is in the process of going to court. <BR /> <BR />On Mobuoy, the Member will be aware that there is an ongoing legal case, so it will be difficult to comment without prejudicing the outcome of it. For the Member's information, I visited the Mobuoy site last week to see the scale of the problem for myself. On general waste offences, I assure the House and the Member that I take environmental crime very seriously. If the Member or any other Member is aware of any type of waste offence, they should notify me, and I will ensure that I look into it.”