Declan McAleer
West Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“The regulations are designed to strengthen and complement the existing framework governing the welfare of animals at the time of killing. They build upon EU regulation 1099/2009 and the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations 2014, ensuring that the North maintains high standards of animal welfare.”
“Inspectors are granted clear powers to enforce the regulations, including the ability to enter premises, carry out inspections and, where necessary, seize evidence to ensure compliance. Enforcement notices may also be issued where breaches are identified, with appropriate mechanisms in place for appeal.”
“<BR /> <BR />From a resource point of view, which is another key debate, and looking at the practicalities of the Bill, we must not create a situation in which councils will be expected to take on significant new responsibilities, incur substantial costs and manage increased workloads without the necessary resources.”
“I will follow on from the key points made by my colleague Aoife Finnegan MLA. First, I record our appreciation of the Committee staff, including Janice and Glenda, for the work that they did. I also thank the Bill Office for its assistance during our scrutiny of the Bill.”
“We support the ambition of the Bill — we made that clear at First Stage and at Committee Stage, and we have made it clear today — to give councils stronger powers to intervene. However, the stronger powers must be accompanied by a framework that is properly resourced, legally robust and workable.”
“There are three council areas in our West Tyrone constituency, for instance. <BR /> <BR />We heard a lot from NILGA and received correspondence from SOLACE about the costs and the fear that costs could not be recovered. If legal challenges were brought to councils about notices that were made, it would be costly to the ratepayer.”
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“Will the Minister assure us that she will continue to protect people from the burden of water charges?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he feel that the proposals go far enough?”
“Joe was a relentless voice for rural communities and all the people of West Tyrone and beyond. Even though we were from different parties, we worked together on many issues, including health in the west, the A5 and common agricultural policy reform. Even before I was a public representative, Joe assisted me by giving me advice and support on planning permission for the house that I now live in with my wife and family. <BR /> <BR />Joe served as an Omagh district councillor with my late father Barney McAleer in the 1990s. Daddy also held Joe in high regard, finding him to be a very fair and effective public representative and considering him to be a friend. <BR /> <BR />On my behalf and that of Sinn Féin, I extend our thoughts and prayers to Joe's wife, Ursula, and all the family and, indeed, to Joe's SDLP colleagues at this sad time.”
“Over the Christmas break, I was very sad to learn of the passing of my former constituency colleague Joe Byrne. Joe spent a lifetime in public service as a lecturer in Omagh college, a councillor and an MLA. He also held many roles in the community and, as Matthew mentioned, was a GAA stalwart. I attended Joe's wake in Killyclogher, and the huge crowds that turned up to pay their respects at the wake and, indeed, at the funeral were a testimony to the high esteem in which he was held in our constituency of West Tyrone. <BR /> <BR />It was a privilege to have been Joe's constituency colleague in West Tyrone. We both served here on the then Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. When I came here in 2012, Joe was the Deputy Chair of the Committee, and, by coincidence, I am the Deputy Chair now.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, you will know the devastating impact of TB on herds and on farmers' health and their finances. We met a group of farmers earlier. Whilst any investment in eradicating TB is welcome, including the £6·4 million from the Shared Island programme, is there not a danger that, without a targeted badger cull strategy, the strategy may not be as effective as you want it to be?”
“Our amendment acknowledges the challenges of Brexit, recognises the opportunities of the Windsor framework, defends the interests of farmers, promotes sustainability without sacrificing food security and calls for clear, practical action to support innovation and investment. I commend the amendment.”
“That is why our amendment supports the DUP's call for the Minister to bring in measures that will unlock greater on-farm investment and innovation. If we want farmers to meet environmental standards, improve productivity and maintain food production, they need certainty, support and the right tools. That includes providing long-overdue clarity on ammonia controls in the planning system. No farmer can be expected to invest in modern infrastructure if planning guidance is unclear, inconsistent or subject to sudden change. We need an approach that protects the environment while enabling farms to modernise, grow and become more efficient. That is fully consistent with the Executive's Programme for Government and is essential for the confidence of the sector.”
“Equally important is avoiding carbon leakage, where reducing local production results only in more imports, with higher emissions and lower welfare standards. That would be an environmental failure and an economic catastrophe. <BR /> <BR />Food security is a priority. Insecurity in global supply chains, geopolitical instability and extreme weather have shown us that the ability to produce food locally is vital. Society needs farmers more today than ever, yet government policy, particularly at Westminster, has too often moved in the opposite direction. For example, the decision to remove agricultural property relief and business property relief will hit family farms the hardest. In the North of Ireland, where family farms dominate and land values are high, that will pose a serious threat.”
“Let us be clear: farmers understand the need to address climate change. They are very much part of the solution. New science, new technologies and new practices are emerging faster than ever. Our farmers are embracing soil testing, carbon surveys and a range of innovations that reduce emissions while improving efficiency. The North's farm support measures have been designed to encourage exactly that kind of progress. We must ensure that the transition is fair, evidence-based and consistent with the principle of just transition for agriculture. Absolutely central to that will be avoiding the kinds of blunt, damaging measures such as culls that would devastate family farms while doing little to address global emissions.”
“Brexit has created significant uncertainty, and vets still have no official guidance on which products may be withdrawn, increasing the risk of shortages of essential treatments. Some supplies are now being routed through the South, which is helpful, but concerns remain about NI-only pack sizes becoming more expensive and hitting smaller farms hardest. <BR /> <BR />We urgently need clear guidance on the veterinary medicine directive, proper communication from the British Government and a practical plan to avoid supply gaps. Importantly, we need to see continued constructive negotiations between the EU, the British Government and all stakeholders in order to secure a long-term, workable solution that protects animal health and our farming sector. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment also places an emphasis on the path towards emissions reductions.”
“It prevents the emergence of a hard border on this island, and it preserves dual market access for our produce. That dual access into the EU single market and the UK internal market is a competitive advantage that no other region in these islands enjoys. It is already opening doors for exporters, particularly in dairy and meat, and we should do everything that we can to maximise that opportunity. We must also acknowledge the serious concerns that exist, such as those among farmers about future access to veterinary medicines and the implementation of emerging regulatory requirements. <BR /> <BR />At last week's AERA Committee, Committee members heard that the North of Ireland Veterinary Association has warned of serious pressures on the supply of veterinary medicines.”
“Yes, I absolutely agree with you, Mr McGlone. One third of the milk that is produced by the industry in the North is exported across the border for further processing. If we did not have that seamless processing trade across the island, our dairy industry would collapse overnight. <BR /> <BR />Recognising that reality does not undermine anyone's constitutional position; it simply means acknowledging how the sector works in practice. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment makes it clear that the Windsor framework, whilst not perfect, provides a workable way of managing the new trading realities created by breakfast — Brexit.”
“Animals and raw ingredients move freely across the island because that is how the industry was designed to operate.”
“Post Brexit, that workforce has drastically reduced, and COVID-19 only intensified the problem. The problem of labour shortage is far more acute in the North. That is because, just a few miles away, in the South of Ireland, firms continue to enjoy full access to EU labour and can operate a general employment permit scheme for third-country nationals. <BR /> <BR />It is against that backdrop that our amendment emphasises the all-island nature of the agri-food sector. That is not a political statement but a statement of economic and agricultural reality. Livestock do not recognise when a field is cross-border. Raw milk does not require customs paperwork as it moves from processing. Our agri-food systems operate seamlessly across the island.”
“The free-trade agreements struck by the British Government with third countries and often negotiated without sufficient regard for the specific structure of our agri-food market pose real risks. Cheaper imports from countries with lower environmental and welfare standards have the potential to undercut our farmers, particularly in their major market: Britain. That is not scaremongering; it is already happening. Our farmers are competing with products from across the world that are produced at lower cost and, often, to lower standards. <BR /> <BR />The loss of labour has been even more pressing. For decades, our food-processing plants, mushroom farms, dairy operations and horticulture businesses were able to rely on a steady stream of EU workers.”
“The sector does not operate in isolation; it is part of a finely balanced all-island system with supply chains, processing networks and labour flows that simply cannot be separated by lines on a map.”
“and, by extension, on our farmers, processors and the rural communities that rely on them. Our agri-food sector is one of the greatest economic success stories. It grew by 7% in 2018 alone, rising to over £5 billion in value. That figure makes it clear that agri-food is not just another part of our economy but a key catalyst for growth, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, retail and exports.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of our amendment, which seeks to place clarity, balance and reality at the centre of our discussion on agriculture, food security, environmental sustainability and the future of our rural communities. It recognises not only the challenges but the enormous opportunities that lie ahead, should we choose to take them. <BR /> <BR />The amendment begins by recognising environmentally sustainable practices, but it also sets out truths that can no longer be avoided. The first of those truths is:”
“Can the Minister indicate when she expects the biomethane policy to be published?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for his communication at the weekend with me, in my capacity as Deputy Chair of the AERA Committee. Minister, this issue is potentially devastating for the farm affected and potentially, but hopefully not, for any other farm that may be impacted on. I appreciate that it is the early days of your investigation, but has any consideration been given yet to compensating farmers who may be very heavily affected?”
“I welcomed in the Minister's statement the reference to the setting up of the cross-border working group to ensure alignment of the A5. What conversations has her Department had with the working group about how the Donegal TEN-T and the N2 in Monaghan will link with the new A5?”
“We know that an EU-UK veterinary agreement would significantly ease pressures, yet the British Government continue to oppose such an arrangement. That is disappointing, but it should not deter us from pressing for progress. <BR /> <BR />There has been some improvement in the risk of medicines being discontinued, with supply lines now able to reroute through the South rather than Britain. That is welcome, but challenges remain, including concerns about certain vaccines such as the botulism vaccine. It is important that the EU and the British Government continue negotiations so that the disruptions are further reduced and possibly eliminated.”
“Throughout the process, we have consistently urged the British Government and the European Union to find practical, long-term solutions that do not undermine the essential mitigations currently in place to reduce the negative impacts of Brexit. Many of those challenges could be eliminated if the British Government were willing to make a political decision to align with EU rules and regulations. Such alignment would reduce trade friction and bring clarity and stability to our business sectors. <BR /> <BR />The EU-UK Joint Committee remains a vital mechanism, especially for agriculture and agri-food trade. Its work has been instrumental in identifying and adopting solutions that strengthen food security and support rural communities. We acknowledge its importance and encourage its continued use.”
“From an agriculture point of view, for example, we export a third of the milk that we produce in the North to the South of Ireland for processing. That is 800 million litres a year. <BR /> <BR />It is important to acknowledge that the earlier backstop arrangement that was negotiated by former Prime Minister Theresa May would have prevented many of the trade divergences that we now face. Unfortunately, MPs opted for a harder Brexit. As a result, we are dealing with challenges today, including those relating to veterinary medicines, that could otherwise have been avoided. <BR /> <BR />We recognise that Brexit continues to present significant challenges in relation to trade agreements. Those are not abstract concerns; they affect farmers, manufacturers, hauliers, pharmacists and families in every community.”
“In 2016, the people of the North voted decisively to remain in the European Union. That democratic expression still resonates today, and many of us continue to believe that our long-term future will be best served by eventually rejoining the EU. We note with interest and encouragement that EU leaders have given firm assurances that, in the event of Irish unity, the North of Ireland would resume full EU membership automatically. In the meantime, the Windsor framework has provided us with a means to deal with the trading realities created by Brexit, prevented the re-emergence of a hard border on the island of Ireland, safeguarded the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement and, crucially, preserved dual market access for businesses operating in this region. Dual access is a unique economic advantage that we must protect and maximise.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I am glad to note that the A5 was discussed at the recent NSMC meeting. Minister, you will be aware that the A5 has been the scene of unbelievable and heartbreaking tragedies that have devastated families. Can you reassure me that the A5 dual carriageway project remains a priority for the Executive and the NSMC?”
“With their huge amount of local knowledge, community groups, farmers and landowners are able to assist the emergency services in dealing with wildfires. Will the Minister give an assurance that such groups will be involved in the new framework?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Can public bodies, such as the Education Authority, benefit from changes made in the Procurement Act 2023 and procurement guidance?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome it while recognising that the matter is also an NDNA commitment. Minister, you will appreciate that there are now quite a number of organisations in the regulatory landscape, such as the Shared Environmental Service (SES), the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), the NIEA, and there is now this new agency. Will it be important to unravel that landscape to explain to the public where precisely the functions sit in those organisations? I am thinking specifically of SES. Where will it sit in the new regulatory environment?”
“Well done to Loughmacrory senior team, the lads from the lough, and good luck against Kilcoo in the Ulsters this Saturday.”
“<BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to Trillick, who really put it up to Loughmacrory in the final, in what was a tough physical encounter but was played in the best of spirits. I recognise that this has been an emotional year for Trillick, especially since the passing of its esteemed colleague Jody Gormley, whose spirit lives on among that team. I was delighted to see the club win the Tyrone league title at the weekend. <BR /> <BR />After the game last Sunday, Loughmacrory clubman Ciaran Meenagh said that, for 20 years or more, he stood in the stand or terrace in Healy Park on county final days hoping for even one day in the sun to see the lads in amber and black walking behind the band. That wish has come true, and it is due to decades of hard work and dedication. I sincerely hope for many more county titles to follow.”
“That included when the Madden Raparees, who won the Armagh championship, arrived in Loughmacrory on Tuesday evening. Our two clubs are for ever connected through the Grimley brothers, one of whom plays for our club and two of whom play for their home club in Madden. That family, more than any, deserves great achievements such as this following the harrowing tragedy that it has endured. <BR /> <BR />Loughmacrory clubman and local historian Seamus Mullan penned the history of our club in a book called 'Making Our Own Heroes'. That title is a most fitting description of how the lads who make up the team and the panel are seen in our community: grounded, modest and disciplined. Our children need look no further than that group of players for role models. I am certain that that is the case for every GAA club across Ireland.”
“I congratulate my home club, Cumann Naomh Treasa Loch Mhic Ruairí, on winning its first ever Tyrone senior football championship last Sunday. The game against Trillick and, indeed, the path to the final were extremely competitive and nail-biting but played in the best of spirits. <BR /> <BR />Our club was formed in 1972, so it is still relatively young. We spent most of those years playing in junior or immediate football, so to win a senior title in one of the most competitive counties in Ireland is a massive achievement of which I and countless others are very proud. The scenes when the lads returned home to the lough last Sunday evening were something to behold, and, of course, the celebrations continued for a number of days.”
“Minister, quite a number of the issues have already been mentioned, and we have been raising with you and lobbying you on the issues of TB and ammonia, the fact that there is no sheep scheme and the fact there is no replacement for the young farmers' scheme. While many issues, such as Brexit and inheritance tax, have been brought to us courtesy of Westminster, what, Minister, are you planning to do to reset relations with the UFU and the farmers that it represents?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I declare an interest as the father of children who have been educated through the Irish-medium sector. <BR /> <BR />Minister, on the topic of staff shortages, a comprehensive workforce strategy is needed to underpin the growth of the Irish-medium sector. Can the Minister confirm whether he intends to support any prospective Irish-medium education teachers with bursaries or other financial assistance?”
“The Minister will be aware that my constituency of West Tyrone is very rural. Will he commit to hosting or having events in the constituency, bearing in mind his responsibilities under the Rural Needs Act 2016?”
“Minister, given the hugely central role of councils in the Bill, can you give a firm guarantee that your Department will consult councils, NILGA and other stakeholders during the legislative process?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As a rep for the local area, I have been speaking to poultry farmers, who are extremely concerned about the outbreak and the potentially devastating consequences that it will have. I note from your statement, Minister, that a full depopulation commences today that may involve up to 20,000 birds. <BR /> <BR />I will double back to support measures. Can you confirm that financial support will be provided to the farmer affected, given the huge and devastating impact that the outbreak will have on that farmer's business and livelihood?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, has your Department engaged with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) on moving forward on and developing proposals for Dean Maguirc College?”
“I thank the Minister for his response; indeed, I share his view that crime in rural areas is compounded by the sense of isolation. In his engagement with the Rural Crime Partnership, would it be possible or desirable to target resources into areas where there is a particular identified need and high risk?”
“<BR /> <BR />I will keep my remarks relatively succinct, because I am conscious that this matter is part of an ongoing legal case, but I cannot stand here without acknowledging the terrible loss of life on the A5. I extend my deepest sympathies to all the families who have lost loved ones and continue to endure unspeakable grief. Finally, I pay tribute to the Enough is Enough campaign. Its tireless work, determination and courage have ensured that the voices of families and communities are heard loud and clear. Its efforts remind us all of why this project is so important.”
“I recognise the hardship and suffering of the families who have lost loved ones on the treacherous A5. I also acknowledge the Minister and her Executive colleagues for working to address the recommendations of the Planning Appeals Commission's A5 inquiry. As an MLA for West Tyrone, I particularly welcome the Department for Infrastructure's decision to serve a notice of appeal against the A5 judgement. That action demonstrates that we are taking the matter seriously and moving to address it. Our focus remains clear: it is about delivering the A5 dual carriageway that our community so urgently needs. That has been reflected across the Chamber today.”
“Minister, given the huge importance of the project for the north-west of Ireland, for no one more than the families who have tragically lost loved ones along the route, will the Minister agree that it is important that we all work together to make sure that the scheme comes to fruition?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Paragraph 23 makes reference to cooperation on rural development. Will the Minister provide an update on his Department's development of the rural policy here and the Connected Hubs, which are mentioned in the rural development part of his statement?”
“We have heard that the long-term uplift in property values will offset the costs, but can that assumption really be applied across all areas, especially where demand is low and depopulation is a concern? <BR /> <BR />We support the aim of creating safer, more vibrant built environments. That can happen only if those tasked with delivery of our council functions and those affected, including small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy, are properly supported. We need a fair, realistic and sustainable approach.”
“The estimated annual cost is £4 million, but how much of that will fall to councils, particularly in cases where the cost of works cannot be recovered? Those concerns are particularly relevant in rural areas, where the rate base is small and the resources to pursue enforcement, legal action and remedial works are already stretched. <BR /> <BR />We must also be mindful of the impact on small, independent businesses. Many operate on tight margins, and unexpected repair bills, particularly for older buildings, could threaten their survival. What flexibility will be offered when it comes to compliance? Will there be phased timelines, and will financial support or grants be available for those businesses that are genuinely unable to meet the cost?”
“The Bill, rightly, seeks to strengthen enforcement and give local councils the powers that they need in order to act. That is a step in the right direction, and, whilst we support the Bill's moving to the next stage, we are cautious about some aspects of it. Many of our councils are already under significant financial pressure, and the new powers must come with appropriate funding. It would be unfair and, ultimately, unworkable to expect councils to take on any additional enforcement responsibilities without the means to do so. <BR /> <BR />Questions still need to be answered about the financial model behind the Bill. For example, how many properties are expected to fall under enforcement each year? What proportion will require significant structural work as opposed to basic maintenance?”
“I thank the Minister for introducing the Bill and commend the Members who have spoken, including the Chair of the Committee, who accurately reflected the deliberations that we have had so far on the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin welcomes the intent of the Dilapidation Bill. Across our towns and villages, the impact of dereliction and neglected buildings is plain to see. Such structures often sit at the heart of our communities in main streets, close to schools and near local businesses, and they send out the wrong message. They harm community confidence, deter investment and, in some cases, pose real safety risks.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. In recent weeks, the AERA Committee met in County Fermanagh, where we met Waterways Ireland and heard about its many plans and the great work that it has been doing. The Minister mentioned the Ulster canal. Has Waterways Ireland delivered any other projects in the North?”
“The rural impact assessment is another point that has been up for debate, with calls for a more comprehensive analysis of how the reforms will affect rural communities, which make up over a third of our population. <BR /> <BR />It is vital that the Bill delivers real benefits and lays a solid foundation for fair, flexible and future-facing agriculture policy.”