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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“We accept the importance of farmers: they are the custodians of the countryside, and 75% of the land here is farmed. Does the Member accept that, if this region were considered one that does not meet its global responsibilities towards climate change and the environment, that would have a detrimental impact on our farmers in marketing their produce on the international stage?”
“Has the Member been following at all the legislation that Minister Muir is introducing? The Department is introducing measures by which we can meet our targets without slashing the national herd.”
“I thank the Member for taking an intervention. Clearly, he is a climate change denier. The agri-food industry is so important to here. Does the Member accept that, if this region were labelled as one that is not fulfilling its global commitments in regard to climate change, that would have a devastating impact on our agri-food industry? International customers would vote with their feet.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee considered the matter for a final time at its meeting on 27 March, when we were advised by DAERA that further amendments to the Bill had been made as a consequence of the House of Commons Report Stage. However, none of the amendments changed the clauses to which Minister Muir had consented, and no new clauses had been introduced that were relevant to DAERA, so the LCM did not need to be amended. We noted that we had already agreed to support the LCM, that Minister Muir's requested amendment had now been included and that the Department was satisfied with the LCM as drafted. <BR /> <BR />After considering the matter at four meetings and taking oral evidence from DAERA and DFC officials, the Agriculture Committee supports the extension to here of provisions of the UK Employment Rights Bill through the LCM.”
“We discussed the Minister's proposed amendment, which was to give assurance that the Secretary of State's powers to amend relevant labour legislation in NI would not be exercisable in the absence of Executive approval. The Committee also heard that the GLAA's functions would continue until the Fair Work Agency was operational and that there would, therefore, be no gap in the service provided to workers and employers. <BR /> <BR />The Committee heard that the Bill would bring benefits in protecting workers' rights and create a single recognisable brand for workers. The Committee then agreed to write to DAERA and the Committee for Communities in support of the LCM.”
“We were advised that, as well as DAERA, the Department for Communities, the Department of Finance and the Department for the Economy were within the scope of the Bill and that DFC would lead on the LCM. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that Minister Muir had indicated that he was content to support the LCM subject to the Bill's being amended in Part 2 of schedule 4 to ensure that approval from the Executive was required in the event of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade choosing to exercise the powers to amend relevant labour market legislation as set out in Part 1 of schedule 4. The Committee agreed to seek an oral briefing from DAERA and DFC officials. The briefing took place at our meeting on 20 February.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion on behalf of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. <BR /> <BR />On 19 November, we first considered correspondence from DAERA on the potential extension to here of provisions in the UK Employment Rights Bill that would abolish the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, move its enforcement powers to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and create a UK-wide Fair Work Agency that would carry out the work of the GLAA going forward. Minister Muir was minded to agree to an extension of the powers to NI via a legislative consent motion. <BR /> <BR />We next considered the matter at our meeting of 23 January 2025, when we received an update letter from DAERA and noted that Minister Muir had now agreed to the extension of the powers to here.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I should declare an interest as a former pupil, former teacher and a parent of two children who are at the school. Does the Minister have any indicative timeline for when the DP will commence and, indeed, conclude? The school was built in 1966 and is in urgent need of capital investment.”
“Is the Minister minded to take a look at that threshold?”
“The Minister will understand that, apart from the fact that we do not have regeneration schemes at the moment, the criterion to have a population of fewer than 5,000 people is having a detrimental impact on rural towns and villages.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Will the Minister give her assessment of the cross-cutting commitment to peace in the Programme for Government?”
“Minister, from your engagements with your counterparts in Westminster, do you have any update on the provision of a just transition fund?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, is this the first time that NI Water has indicated a potential overspend?”
“Minister, will you elaborate on what your Department is doing to address waste water capacity issues?”
“A number of Members have said that, in isolated rural areas, there may not be another provider in the community or one close enough, meaning that getting to another provider could involve driving some distance. Public transport is not as widely available in parts of West Tyrone, and Fermanagh, as it is in other places. The groups that have been in contact are telling us that the EA cap is putting the squeeze on them. They need a more flexible approach from the EA, so they are calling for a level playing field from their statutory partners.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak about the pressure that is being put on community and voluntary playgroups in my constituency. As has been said, the cap that the Education Authority has placed on providers is squeezing many of them. A lot of community and voluntary playgroups are very much involved in, and, indeed, are at the heart of, the community. In my area, families have been going to them for generations. Many of the groups that have contacted me have outstanding inspection reports, and the pupil:teacher ratio of eight pupils to one teacher makes for a very good learning environment. <BR /> <BR />The groups provide a vital service in communities, particularly in areas of deprivation and in rural areas.”
“He said that that will focus on breaking down barriers to "Accelerate action" and that gender equality is a focus for DAERA. He also said that this cannot just be done by the Department or the Government but that there is a huge role for the sector with a bottom-up approach. He said that outdated attitudes must be challenged, and he also challenged organisations to read the NFU Scotland report and implement its findings. He said that partnership is crucial if we want to make a difference.”
“In an intervention from Linda Dillon, the issue of schools and education was addressed. It is sad, and, in Robbie's contribution, he mentioned that, because of outdated stereotypes amongst careers teachers in some schools, many women had been put off going into farming. He gave a very good example from his personal experience of the Fire and Rescue Service. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that the debate was timely, following on from International Women's Day, and that, if progress goes at the current pace, it will be 2158 before there is full gender parity. He referenced his sustainable agriculture policy, with Farming for the Generations looking at the barriers to women. He said that his new rural policy that is under construction is being co-designed and that that is the central feature of it.”
“He said that action needs to be taken to remove the barriers and that societal change is also needed. Agriculture needs new ideas, and it is very important that young women are involved in the co-design of the Farming for the Generations scheme. <BR /> <BR />Emma Sheerin gave her experience of being a farmer's daughter and described the multitasking role that women play on the farm. They are working on the farm, but they also take on most of the responsibility for rearing the family. A lot of women do the unseen work behind the scenes, such as the administration of the herd's movements. <BR /> <BR />Robbie Butler said that the sector had been shaped by outdated structures. He gave a good example from his experience from the Fire and Rescue Service, where those structures were removed.”
“<BR /> <BR />Patsy McGlone highlighted the fact that women face too many barriers. He concluded by saying that the imbalance is not only wrong but inhibits the growth of the agriculture sector. <BR /> <BR />Aoife Finnegan referred to her experience of the Rural Health Partnership report in South Armagh, and that was very illuminating. There may be an opportunity to forward the report to the Department, if it does not already have it, so that it can look at some of the learning. Aoife also mentioned the all-Ireland approach. She sees the example of farms, down the road from her constituency of South Armagh, where very practical measures have been put in place by the Irish Government to encourage female participation in farming. <BR /> <BR />Tom Buchanan made the point that women are taken for granted and labelled as "the farmer's wife".”
“Sian Mulholland famously mentioned not just the "glass ceiling" but the "sticky floor", and that is a very memorable comment. She also mentioned the importance of partnership and the whole-sector approach. <BR /> <BR />Michelle McIlveen made the point that women are the unseen glue that holds the farm business together. She stressed the importance of continuing to invest in encouraging young women into the sector and said that the Farming for the Generations scheme is an opportunity to shape the policy. <BR /> <BR />Diana Armstrong said that the male-dominated culture and attitude need to be addressed. She gave a good example about a constituent called Vicki, who was not from a farming background but has embraced farming and become a strong advocate, which she very eloquently explained.”
“However, when it came to inheriting the farm, they were looked over, and it went to the male in the family who perhaps had no role in the farm. The females who contacted me continued to labour under that shadow and did not want to cause any rifts in the family, but it was a source of annoyance to them. It was very sad that the women felt that they could not be heard to say that, but they still wanted their voices to be heard. Their voices are reflected in the report. <BR /> <BR />John did a good job of summing up the debate, but I want to touch on some bits. Áine mentioned that only 5% of principal farmers are female and that that is a gross under-representation, but there is hope because 53% of the students doing agriculture courses are female, and that is good.”
“Thank you. I thank everyone for their constructive participation in today's debate. I was Chair of the Committee when the 'Breaking the Grass Ceiling' report was produced. I am glad that the report has not been left to sit and gather dust but is still a live document and that the Department is progressing some of its actions. <BR /> <BR />I have many memories from when the report was being produced, but something that I remember most — everything has been touched on today — is that quite a number of females were very anxious about taking part in the study. They sourced my constituency office phone number to ring me up and share their experiences, because they did not want to be identified. The shared experience was that they had worked on the farm and were its natural inheritors; they had done all the hard yards and heavy lifting.”
“The emotional impact in 2001 was desperate, as herds from bloodlines that had been in the family for generations had to be culled overnight. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you referenced the fact that the island of Ireland is a single epidemiological unit: so is the island of Britain. Do you sense from your engagement with DEFRA that it is looking at using the natural sea barrier around the island of Britain to prevent the disease from coming in? Have lessons been learned from the 2001 outbreak and the COVID lockdown?”
“Will the Minister elaborate on what support is available to ratepayers?”
“We need action and a commitment to real, sustainable change for our farmers, rural communities and the environment. Now is the time for a clear, practical approach to securing the future of our rural communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />A significant success is the achievement of the all-island protected geographical indication (PGI) status for grass-fed cattle. That designation, as it does for Parma ham, for example, enhances the reputation of our beef, strengthens market opportunities and boosts consumer confidence in its quality and traceability. The Programme for Government also commits to a just transition for agriculture and the establishment of a just transition fund. Rural communities cannot be left behind in the transition to a greener economy. A just transition must deliver benefits to farmers and rural areas, ensuring that they are supported through that transformation. <BR /> <BR />The Programme for Government lays a foundation for agriculture, the environment and rural affairs.”
“Farmers need better incentives for carbon sequestration and biodiversity initiatives, along with targeted funding to help them transition to sustainable practices without compromising food production. Clear and fair policies on ammonia controls are also crucial, allowing farmers to upgrade or replace infrastructure while maintaining a competitive agriculture sector. <BR /> <BR />Our agri-food sector is world class, yet food producers face rising input costs, supply chain disruptions and changing market demands. The agri-food investment initiative is a step in the right direction. It offers support to innovate, boost productivity and reduce carbon emissions. However, funding must be accessible, practical and tailored to the real needs of producers.”
“I call on the AERA Minister to engage with Executive colleagues, rural communities and stakeholders to bring forward a replacement rural development programme at the earliest opportunity. <BR /> <BR />The Programme for Government also recognises the importance of environmental sustainability. I welcome the fact that Lough Neagh is listed as a key priority. Farmers play a critical role in helping the North to meet its environmental and climate targets. There must be strong partnership with farmers, backed by practical investment. That means supporting sustainable farming to strengthen food security, protect the environment and maintain soil health.”
“<BR /> <BR />We must also address the ongoing challenge of bovine TB. Farmers have been waiting too long for a comprehensive strategy that balances disease control, animal welfare and economic sustainability. The Programme for Government commits to prioritising eradication policies, but we urgently need to see meaningful action. Sinn Féin is seriously concerned about the lack of progress on a new rural policy. Rural communities and services have suffered greatly through lack of investment since we were forced to leave the EU rural development programme (RDP). The AERA Committee recently heard at first hand the impact that that is having when it held its meeting with rural stakeholders in Loughry college in Cookstown.”
“To support farmers, investment in rural businesses, agri-tech innovation and infrastructure must be a priority. Investment in broadband, transport links and energy security is also essential to ensure that rural communities remain connected and resilient amid global challenges. <BR /> <BR />Brexit has created uncertainty for our family farms, and the removal of a ring-fenced budget for agriculture and rural affairs has deepened that instability. One of our most vital industries now faces a lack of financial security, making it difficult for farmers to plan ahead. We cannot allow agriculture to become a casualty of poor decisions that, in many cases, as with inheritance tax and Brexit, are in opposition to the wishes of people here. The Programme for Government must work to ensure that the sector is given the stability that it needs.”
“The Executive's Programme for Government rightly focuses on economic growth, sustainability and regional balance. I welcome its publication, as it outlines a framework for the future in which farmers and food producers should and must remain central to those ambitions. Our rural economy depends on agriculture, which supports thousands of jobs, from family farms to food processors and supply chains. The Programme for Government recognises the importance of regional economic development, but recent inheritance tax announcements by the British Government highlight ongoing inequalities. While tax cuts benefit the wealthiest in Britain, farming families here face an unfair burden when passing land to the next generation. Those inequalities must be addressed to create a thriving agriculture sector here.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, at a recent budget briefing, it was indicated to the Committee that TB reactors in cattle will cost in the region of £46·5 million in this financial year. I believe that that is in the region of a £10 million or £10·5 million shortfall. How does the Department propose to bridge that gap?”
“I agree with the Minister's previous comment: I would love to see the day that the Glider passes through Omagh, Strabane and other places in west Tyrone. Minister, do have any indication of when BRT2 will become operational?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Does the Minister have any update on the work of Advice NI to promote the living wage?”
“Patsy, thanks for allowing me an intervention. The Member mentioned exports to the rest of the island: does he agree that food is processed island-wide, particularly dairy products?”
“The North's reputation as a producer of safe, high-quality agricultural products could suffer lasting damage. <BR /> <BR />The SR is not about imposing unnecessary regulations; it is about maintaining a system that has served us well for years and ensures compliance, safeguards public health and protects our agri-food sector from unnecessary risks. To oppose the measure would be to undermine the foundation of our livestock industry's credibility. For those reasons, I urge Members to reject the prayer of annulment and support the responsible governance of our agriculture sector.”
“That transition, which is already under way, provides clarity for farmers and trading partners and is necessary to comply with our international commitments. <BR /> <BR />The Department has questions to answer, however, about why the SR, given its significance, was not brought to the Committee when the institutions got up and running last year. If the prayer of annulment is successful, the consequences will be severe. The Department will lack the legal authority to enforce livestock identification and movement regulations, undermining disease control measures. Public health could be compromised due to weakened traceability of livestock from farm to consumer, and export markets may question the North's compliance with EU requirements, potentially leading to trade barriers and economic harm for our farming sector.”
“Without a legally enforceable traceability regime, we risk damaging consumer confidence and jeopardising trade relationships that our farmers and the agri-food sector rely on. <BR /> <BR />The EU animal health law, which came into effect in April 2021, consolidated and replaced various EU laws on livestock IRM. Since the North remains aligned with certain EU agri-food regulations under the Windsor framework, our domestic laws must reflect those updates. The statutory rule simply amends outdated references in existing legislation, ensuring that our legal framework remains functional and enforceable. The introduction of the XI country code for the North's livestock's tags is, additionally, a requirement under the AHL to distinguish the North's exports from those of Britain.”
“I oppose the prayer of annulment against this essential statutory rule, which makes necessary and technical amendments to the North's livestock IRM regulations. The changes are not about policy shifts, nor do they introduce new burdens on farmers; rather, they ensure the continued operability of our livestock traceability system, which is critical to public health, trade and the reputation of our agriculture industry. <BR /> <BR />For decades, the North has had a robust farm-to-fork traceability system that has ensured the highest standards of food safety, animal health and disease control. That is not just a domestic priority but a vital requirement for maintaining access to key export markets.”
“I thank the Minister for liaising with the Chair of the Committee and I last night on the matter. Minister, I understand that a closed flock of birds was involved. Have you any assessment at this stage of how the contamination came in in the first place?”
“Minister, you referenced climate change in response to my question and, indeed, in response to the previous question. How can social value help to mitigate the impact of climate change?”
“I had almost finished, so thank you very much.”
“He explained that he has raised the issue with DEFRA and made the point that the average land value is £21,000 per hectare, which is from the DAERA farm business survey —.”
“He said that most land here is not impacted on and that the campaign was being led by the political right and hobby farmers who buy land to dodge tax. He also said that big landowners are responsible for driving up prices, which has an impact on small and tenant farmers. He also called for targeted support for biodiversity and environmental measures. <BR /> <BR />Andrew Muir highlighted the fact that this is a reserved matter but said that he was happy to respond. He said that he spoke at the UFU rally against the tax and has been working with his Executive colleagues to oppose it. He also said that he was frustrated by the lack of engagement with the UK Government and the devolved Governments on the issue. He said that land values do not reflect earning potential, and he linked it to succession planning.”
“<BR /> <BR />Timothy Gaston said that the Labour Government have no empathy for farmers and that land prices here are twice as high as prices across the water, meaning that the policy change will have a disproportionate impact here. He said that it is double taxation, as farmers have already paid tax on their land. He said that they have limited cash reserves and will therefore be forced to sell off their land, thus impeding the passing on of farmland to the next generation. He said that it is important for all parties to represent farmers' interests. He talked about farmers' worry and stress, the devastation that the tax could cause the agri-food industry and how it could lead to food shortages in the future. He said that we need to resist the tax at every level. <BR /> <BR />Gerry Carroll opposes the motion.”
“She said that it is a land grab by the Labour Party and that there was a perfect storm of many issues, such as TB, avian flu, the changing weather, inflation, a lack of sectoral understanding of the tax and the constant hits that farmers keep getting. She talked about how, when there is a sudden death in the family, families are now thinking about whether the taxman or woman will be at the door at a time of grief. She said that the tax has potentially ripped the heart out of rural communities. She said that young people do not want to inherit what will effectively be a millstone of debt around their neck. She added that there are not that many viable farms that are valued at under £1 million, that it is time to step up and support farmers and that we all need to sing with one voice in seeking change.”
“She commended the Ulster Farmers' Union, which is articulating the anger of the farming community at this time, and said that the Ulster Unionist Party is in Westminster arguing the farmers' case in the Lords and the Commons. She also said that rising land values will force many small or moderate-sized farms to cross the threshold, leading to a situation in which farmers are having to pay the tax. She added that it is important to balance farm policies with environmental policies. <BR /> <BR />Deborah Erskine said that the tax has had a massive impact in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, causing stress, worry, burnout and the fear of an unexpected death.”
“He called on the Minister to stand up for farmers and highlighted the many other issues facing them, such as TB, ammonia and the need for sustainable agriculture policies. He congratulated farmers on their noble protests. <BR /> <BR />Diana Armstrong of the Ulster Unionist Party welcomed the opportunity to reaffirm the House's opposition to the tax. She talked about how having no farmers means having no food and said that there is a knock-on impact on the wider rural economy. She also referenced the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). Of course, there is CAFRE campus in her constituency, and she knows how important it is. She said that it is a tax on top of the many other issues that farmers face, including increasing bureaucracy.”
“and called on the Minister to do more to support farmers. <BR /> <BR />Andrew McMurray of the Alliance Party said that the NI Rural Valuers Association made a striking finding. He gave the example of a dairy herd of 100 being increased by 41% to make up the cost of the tax and said that the increase in land prices could cause a lot of stress for farmers and result in their family losing the farm if they were to pass away early. He called on the Executive to lobby the UK Government. <BR /> <BR />Jonathan Buckley talked about the positive impact that farming has here and said that the decision is potentially devastating for local farms, which are now fighting for survival. He said that it was a double whammy from the Labour Government and referred to the tax as a "death tax" that will restrict young people from going into farming.”