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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“She said that it is an all-island issue because agri-food is produced across the island of Ireland, and she mentioned that there is targeted relief in the South of Ireland and that the North is disproportionately impacted on. She urged the UK Government to reconsider and to protect our farmers and the rural economy. <BR /> <BR />Tom Buchanan of the DUP said that the changes are a betrayal of hard-working farmers, threaten their livelihood and could force them to sell off their land. He cited a study from the NI Rural Valuers Association that shows that farms face severe financial burden, hindering succession by the next generation and preventing investment in new technology for achieving economic and environmental sustainability. He said:”
“He said that the Labour Government should go after those who purchase land to dodge tax and not target genuine farmers, who are providing food security. He also said that the tax is having a disproportionate impact on farmers here. <BR /> <BR />Jemma Dolan of Sinn Féin said that it is an unjust tax that will jeopardise the future of farms and force sales. She referred to the joint representation from the First Minister and the deputy First Minister and the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to the UK Government in November. She talked about the hard work that farmers do and how central that work is to maintaining food security. She said that Sinn Féin will continue to raise the issue at the British-Irish Council.”
“He cited TB, ammonia, planning issues, inflation, uncertainty regarding future farming support, climate change and the fact that 80% of farmland is impacted here. He said that the Executive must do more to lobby the Government before the spring statement. We need every legislative tool at our disposal to support farmers, and this could risk compromising food security. <BR /> <BR />Patsy of the SDLP highlighted the emotional attachment between farmers and their land, especially that which has been passed down through the generations. It is not just an accountancy matter. Farmers could be forced to pass on debt to the next generation, and that debt will ruin future investment in the business.”
“People are being forced into a decision of whether to pay tax or sell the land, and that has a wider impact on the rural economy. He said that the UK Government have disregard for the local agrisector. He referenced the work of the AERA Minister in lobbying the UK Government and the NI Affairs Committee along with the FM, the DFM and others. He said that the UK Government must reconsider the policy and that increased engagement between the Executive and the Government is needed. He also made the point that this is not an "us versus them" contest between farmers and the environment and that the environment and economic sustainability are closely interrelated. <BR /> <BR />Robbie, the Chair of the AERA Committee, recognised the mounting pressures on farmers.”
“There are 6,000 farms here that will be impacted, and we are more severely impacted here than farms across the water, due to land value, age and being more livestock-based. Also, there will be a bigger impact on people who are older or ill or are sole farmers. She said that this will push many farms to collapse. Unfortunately, so far we have seen no move from the UK Government. She called on the AERA Minister to do more to help farmers. <BR /> <BR />John Blair picked up the same theme: the profound impact and deep concern among the farming community. After generations of hard work, the next generation is crucial for sustainability, but the tax change risks this. It impacts about half the farms in the North, particularly in the dairy sector.”
“She noted the roles of the Finance and AERA Ministers and the First Minister and deputy First Minister in making representations to the UK Government and DEFRA. She also mentioned the role of the UFU in mobilising farmers to oppose this. The UFU has been highlighting the genuine fear and anger amongst the farming community. She called on the UK Government to reverse this family farm tax. <BR /> <BR />Michelle McIlveen spoke next. She said that this was a Westminster decision and recognised the huge pressures that are already on farmers such as inflation and livestock costs. She said that farmers work tirelessly on their farms and that farms are part of our heritage and economy and are central to food production and keeping our landscape intact. She said that the Chancellor's decision will impact on farms severely.”
“Thank you. I thank everybody who has taken part in the debate. <BR /> <BR />We kicked off with Áine Murphy highlighting the struggles faced by farmers. The inheritance tax changes will jeopardise farming futures. Farms of over 27 hectares will be impacted. Because of rising land prices, farmers will be forced to sell land to pay off their unbearable tax burden. She also linked it to food security, the erosion of the fabric of rural communities and an assault on the rural way of life. She said that this would impact on 77% of dairy and one third of livestock farmers. Farmers should have the right to pass on family land to their families. She also referred to the South of Ireland, where there are mitigations in place to alleviate and support the long-term health of the agri-food sector, which we do not have here.”
“I thank the Member for his response. The Minister may not want to reveal details of his proposals, but will they likely encompass a successor to the small settlements scheme?”
“While the increases are higher than usual, they are a result of increased NIEA staff costs and a further projected increase in those staff costs. Inherent in 'Managing Public Money', which sets out the main principles for dealing with resources that public-sector organisations use, is the need for the NIEA to seek full cost recovery for its services. Not introducing the increases would result in a £1 million shortfall for the NIEA, affecting its ability to carry out its vital environment role. Apart from being slightly higher than usual, the increases are regular and routine, and we have no issue with supporting them.”
“— in the previous mandate. I support what has been said and underline the importance of rural halls and basic services as part of any future replacement rural development programme.”
“I associate myself with what the Minister has said. Last week, rural halls and the farming community performed admirably during the storm crisis. It was former Minister Poots who introduced the pilot scheme for rural halls —”
“<BR /> <BR />That is the best summary that I can give.”
“He highlighted the regime of negligence penalties as 1%, 3% and 5%, which double if the breach is repeated. He said that, in 2022, when there was no Assembly in place, the cap was set at 15%. He said that some breaches are of high-level severity and that it is not fair on the public and all the farmers who play by the rules. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that he watches the Committee. It is good that we have the Minister watching proceedings every week. The Minister said that he began the public consultation process in August and briefed the Committee in November, and that the SR is important to protect the environment and encourage responsible stewardship and for traceability and animal health. He said that we could not have our cake, which is saving Lough Neagh, and eat it, which is going against the SR through the prayer of annulment.”
“He said that the SR focuses on repeated negligent breaches, that the vast majority of farmers are good custodians of the environment and that we all need to step up and take the necessary action. <BR /> <BR />Gerry Carroll said that he agrees with the Minister. He, too, is against the prayer of annulment, which, he says, suggests that most farmers are polluters. He made the point that small farmers are not to blame and that it is big industrial farmers who do most of the damage to the countryside. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that the cross-compliance regime had been in place since 2005 to set minimum standards on the environment and animal health and welfare that are vital for trade, disease control and human health. The Minister said that breaches result in a penalty.”
“He said that it delivers little for the environment whilst getting farmers' backs up. He highlighted the SDLP's preference for a tiered approach and the importance of having an independent EPA. He said that we needed to see plans to clear up waterways and mentioned that the decision was brought in during a period of Assembly collapse. He highlighted the fact that farmers are the custodians of the countryside and that we do not want to send a message from the Chamber that we are down on or against farmers because the overwhelming majority of farmers are environmentalists and good custodians of the countryside. <BR /> <BR />Eóin Tennyson of the Alliance Party said that we have an opportunity today to do the bare minimum but we are failing. He said that we need consistency from parties in the Chamber.”
“Michelle also highlighted the additional pressures on farmers, citing the examples of bovine TB, bluetongue, ammonia, the Budget and, obviously, climate change legislation. <BR /> <BR />John Blair of the Alliance Party said that there was a predictability about the debate. He said that there were regulations for farmers to adhere to standards on soil health, water quality and biodiversity and that the SR would return us to the pre-2022 position. He finds it hypocritical of some parties to say that they support saving Lough Neagh whilst opposing the measures, which could contribute to saving it. He feels that the Committee's decision was shameful and that the penalty should never have been relaxed. He urged Members to reconsider. <BR /> <BR />Patsy McGlone of the SDLP said that the cross-compliance system fails farmers and the environment.”
“and he felt that the Department should have amended the SR and not taken a broad-brush approach. He gave the example of a farmer who was fined 5% due to a tag issue despite the extenuating circumstances of a death in the family. <BR /> <BR />Michelle McIlveen of the DUP highlighted the important role of the Committee in scrutinising secondary legislation. A lot of legislation is going through the Committee, and it is important that the Committee fulfils that vital scrutiny role. There is an onus on the Committee to do that in an open and effective manner. She said that the SR gave the Department the power to reduce a farmer's subsidy by up to 100% and that farms are also regulated by NIEA.”
“The majority of Committee members did not support the SR, and the Committee divided by one vote against six. The matter was considered again on 16 January, but we felt that no changes had been made to reflect the Committee's concerns. The Committee divided again by one vote against seven, and the majority of the Committee agreed to seek the annulment of the SR. <BR /> <BR />In his capacity as UUP agriculture spokesperson, Robbie said that he understood the pressures facing farmers and referenced, for example, the inheritance tax changes and the Budget. He said that farmers:”
“Some felt that the measures were draconian, while others — one member in particular — felt that that was not the case. <BR /> <BR />My writing is not very good. You were all talking too fast.”
“We have already established substantial penalties for breaches, and additional punitive measures may serve only to harm farmers without addressing the root causes of non-compliance. I urge colleagues to support the annulment of the regulations and call for a more thoughtful and balanced approach that considers the realities faced by farmers. <BR /> <BR />I will turn to my winding-up remarks in my role as Deputy Chair of the Committee. The Committee Chair, Robbie, mentioned the Committee's discussion on 28 November and highlighted the fact that, when officials briefed us, they linked the matter to water quality and environmental concerns. There was a robust discussion and Q&A at the Committee, and a range of views were expressed.”
“We feel that that approach is disproportionate and does not reflect the reality of farming operations. We feel that it is unfair to apply to minor breaches the same penalties as are applied for repeated and intentional non-compliance. We must have a system that differentiates clearly between minor and major infractions. <BR /> <BR />Furthermore, despite the concerns that were raised in the Committee, it does not appear that the Department has considered those issues or adjusted the regulations. That is concerning, particularly given the significant impact that the penalties could have on our farming community. Many of us believe that we need a more tiered system of penalties that better aligns with the severity of the breach.”
“Before I make my winding-up speech, I wish to make a few comments as Sinn Féin's agriculture spokesperson. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin supports the motion to annul SR 2024/211, the Direct Payments to Farmers (Cross-Compliance) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2024. As MLAs, it is our duty to ensure that the policies that we put in place are fair, reasonable and effective for those whom they affect. In this case, we feel that the proposed regulations do not address the significant concerns raised by the AERA Committee. <BR /> <BR />First and foremost, the Committee's discussion on 28 November 2024 highlighted issues regarding penalties for minor breaches. The regulations propose penalties for even smaller, unintentional mistakes that could have severe consequences for farmers; indeed, the Committee Chair described a number of those.”
“I imagine that that will only create difficulty in getting a joined-up approach, and I would like the Minister to shed some light on the potential impact of any divergence between the two schemes on our ability to achieve net zero and have a joined-up approach here to reducing our emissions. We support the motion.”
“Minister, the ETS is important to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and enabling us to achieve net zero in accordance with the Climate Change Act. As such, our party supports the ETS, but it is important to point out that we do so whilst recognising that it is a result of having to move out of the EU ETS, which is another unfortunate consequence of Brexit. We recognise that there is no practical alternative, and we support it for that reason. <BR /> <BR />It is important that the ETS aligns as closely as possible with the EU ETS. I think that we have a situation whereby our electricity, because it operates on all-island basis, remains within the EU ETS, whilst other businesses and industries are part of the UK ETS.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, will you outline the level of engagement that there is with the road authorities in the South, particularly on the link between the new A5 and the N2 in Monaghan and the N14 in Letterkenny, Donegal?”
“Mitigations such as agricultural relief reduce the taxable value of farmland by up to 90%, protecting family farms and ensuring their survival. The British Government must adopt similar measures to safeguard the future of farming here. This Saturday, 25 January, the Ulster Farmers’ Union is holding seven tractor runs across the North in Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, Antrim and Down. Registration starts at 12.30 pm, and I urge everyone who values farming to join in. These events send a united message that the British Government must rethink these flawed proposals before they devastate family farms, rural communities and food production.”
“The proposed changes to inheritance tax on agriculture and business property relief are a direct attack on family farms, which are the backbone of our rural communities, economy and food security. Farming is not just a business but is a way of life passed down through generations. These changes would force many families to sell off farmland to meet tax bills, dismantling family farms and eroding the heritage that has sustained rural communities for decades. DAERA's updated analysis shows the devastating impact that these proposals could have, making it harder for farm families to pass on the land. This would jeopardise not only the future of farming but the long-term sustainability of agriculture here in the North. <BR /> <BR />In the South of Ireland, we see a better approach.”
“It will allow members to consider the issues more thoroughly, engage with stakeholders and ensure that the Bill aligns with the long-term aims of our agriculture strategy. More time will enable us to address gaps in the Bill and deliver legislation that is robust, transparent and fair. The Assembly has a duty to support our agriculture sector, a cornerstone of our economy. By granting more time for scrutiny, we can strengthen the Bill to meet today's challenges and prepare for the future.”
“Additionally, the budget pressures that are faced by DAERA, which have been made worse by Tory austerity, raise questions about whether discretionary funding will realistically support critical schemes such as the FVAS. The research paper highlights the fact that those constraints could lead to reduced or withdrawn support as other statutory obligations are prioritised. The accompanying rural needs impact assessment asserts that the Bill will have no direct impact on rural communities, but the research paper challenges that conclusion, warning that the changes to the FVAS or food promotion schemes could have economic consequences for rural businesses. A lack of further regulatory scrutiny for discretionary funding decisions heightens those concerns. <BR /> <BR />Extending the Committee Stage is essential.”
“The paper also raises questions about the potential for the Bill to constrain future policy decisions and notes a lack of clarity around DAERA's long-term plans for horticulture support. <BR /> <BR />Clause 1 makes funding for the FVAS discretionary. That would have significant implications. The research paper warns that that could effectively lead to the closure of the scheme, creating uncertainty for the horticulture sector, especially the mushroom industry. Although the Minister has given his assurance that it will not be closed, the Bill gives no guarantees for continuation or replacement, so, effectively, it is not future-proofing it. The absence of an impact assessment on how those changes might affect the mushroom industry is another gap.”
“The Agriculture Bill is a pivotal piece of legislation, with significant implications for the agriculture and horticulture sectors. Given its importance, I support an extension of the Committee Stage to allow for more comprehensive scrutiny of its provisions. The Bill grants DAERA rights to modify, amend, repeal or revoke regulations, particularly those concerning the fruit and vegetable aid scheme and food promotion activities. Those are crucial for the future of our agri-food sector, rural economy and alignment with broader policy frameworks. A research paper recently presented to the AERA Committee, which the Chair mentioned, highlights concerns about advancing the Bill before completing reviews of post-EU agriculture support and food promotion schemes, both of which remain ongoing as part of the food strategy framework.”
“Minister, the inquiry runs until the end of March. I note from the running order that your Department and associated bodies such as NIEA are scheduled to take part on most days. Given the strong local feeling and scale of concern, will the Minister give an assurance that his Department and officials are fully apprised of the situation and equipped to scrutinise the proposal to the level that it requires?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, will you consider offering planning apprenticeships to get more people into planning?”
“That is exactly what he did. He was truly an inspiration, and he will be for ever remembered.”
“He did not fear death coming at all, but he regretted that he would not live to see his children blossom and share in their life experiences, such as his son, James, playing football for Trillick. <BR /> <BR />On that podcast, Jody said that he wanted to be remembered as a:”
“He was a distinguished coach with the County Down and County Antrim teams. He won the Tommy Murphy Cup with Antrim, which was the last silverware that was won by the Antrim county footballers. As a teacher, he led Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School to win its first MacRory Cup in 19 years, and it went on to win the Hogan Cup. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his pupils, who are also feeling his loss. <BR /> <BR />When Jody announced his illness a few months ago, he faced it with incredible inspiration and bravery that inspired us all. Anyone who has heard Thomas Niblock's podcast episode with him will know his bravery and the love that he had for his family.”
“Members, we were all saddened last night to learn of the passing of Tyrone GAA football legend Jody Gormley. I extend my sympathy, thoughts and prayers to his wife, Deirdre; his children, Aine, James and Niamh; and the wider Gormley family circle. <BR /> <BR />Jody had a distinguished football career with his beloved club, Trillick St Macartans in Tyrone, as a footballer and as a manager. He also had huge success with Tyrone GAA and London GAA, and he won a County Down junior championship with Bredagh GAC. He showed great grit and determination on the field. Any of us who follow Gaelic games will remember when he scored the winning point in the famous victory in the 1995 Ulster semi-final against Derry; indeed, I was one of the many people who were there to cheer him on.”
“Let us ensure that the legislation provides the necessary support for our farmers and rural businesses, paving the way for a fairer, more prosperous agriculture sector. I look forward to further deliberations and to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the final legislation truly reflects the needs and ambitions of our rural communities.”
“We believe that the North should align more closely with those forward-thinking policies to ensure fairness, sustainability and competitiveness for our primary producers. The post-Brexit context demands comprehensive, strategic action to fill the void that has been left in agricultural policy. We call for policies that promote equity across the island, ensuring that our producers have access to fair opportunities, robust funding mechanisms and the resources needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. <BR /> <BR />As representatives of rural communities, it is our duty to scrutinise the Bill thoroughly — we look forward to doing that during Committee Stage and remaining stages — and to advocate policies that deliver real change.”
“The Agriculture Bill introduces key provisions to modify schemes such as the fruit and vegetables aid scheme, including by granting DAERA discretionary funding powers, enabling more flexible allocation of resources, providing enabling powers to amend schemes in line with evolving local policy needs and ensuring that a legislative framework is in place from 2026 to 2028, allowing producer organisations to plan their operational programmes effectively. <BR /> <BR />We in Sinn Féin acknowledge the necessity of reform, but we remain concerned by the Bill's scope. The proposal is, again by virtue of Brexit, less progressive than the EU's revamped common agricultural policy that benefits producers in the South by funding environmental initiatives, research and development and long-term plans.”
“Whilst it may provide the Department with greater flexibility in managing spending, it also raises concerns about the impact on the horticultural sector and our rural economy, particularly given the divergence from the South, where mandatory funding remains in place because it remains in the EU common agricultural policy. <BR /> <BR />Stakeholders have rightly voiced concerns, during consultations and when my party met them. They noted that this disparity between North and South risks undermining the competitiveness of producers in the North, who are on an unequal footing compared with their counterparts in the South, who still benefit from the robust EU schemes.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak today on the Second Stage of the Agriculture Bill. According to the Department, the Bill reflects the need to update legacy EU schemes, such as the fruit and vegetables aid scheme and agri-food promotion schemes, in the context of the post-Brexit reality. <BR /> <BR />Whilst the Executive have offered their support for the Bill, it should be pointed out that it presents challenges as well as opportunities for rural communities. The Bill marks a fundamental shift from mandatory funding to discretionary funding for the fruit and vegetables aid scheme.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, and I welcome the investment. I can talk with a little experience about my community, where we have a covered sports area that a multitude of sports use, including football and handball. Just recently, Ulster GAA had a wheelchair football session for our local school in that covered outdoor facility. I appreciate its benefits for local schools and the wider community. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister consider reinstating the funding for the Department's GAA/IFA curriculum sports programme, which was recognised by the ETI review but revoked by the DE permanent secretary in the absence of an Education Minister?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. He will be aware that 'Operational Plan 2' — OP 2 — for Dean Maguirc College was to be published on Monday 9 September. Does he have any update to provide on why it has not yet been published?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, on village renewal and regeneration, is your Department minded to work with counterparts in DAERA to look potentially at a future small settlements scheme?”
“The Minister will be aware that, in England last year, over 50% of land sales were by private equity companies and that the super-wealthy have no interest in farming. Is the Minister aware of any steps being taken to prevent that and ensure that farmland remains in food production and accessible to farm families?”
“Let us ensure that our farmers have the tools that they need to thrive, contribute to our economy and continue as custodians of our countryside for generations to come.”
“As a representative of a rural constituency, I see at first-hand the massive contribution that farming makes to our economy and communities, but farming is more than economics; it is a heritage and responsibility. Future generations will be the custodians of the countryside but only if farmers are supported now. If we do not back our farmers, we risk losing not just our livelihoods but the unique character of our rural areas. <BR /> <BR />The Minister, who is with us today, has a key role to play. It is important that the Department sets up a sheep scheme to provide direct support for farmers, levelling the playing field with the South of Ireland and safeguarding the future of this vital industry. Supporting our sheep farmers is not just about economics or tradition; it is about fairness, sustainability and our shared future.”
“Those innovations highlight the potential of sheep farming to be sustainable and profitable, but a dedicated sheep scheme is essential to provide the support and resources that farmers need to implement the practices effectively and fully realise the opportunities. <BR /> <BR />The role of sheep farming in our rural economy extends beyond food production. Sheep grazing plays a critical part in managing our upland landscapes, supporting biodiversity and maintaining the open areas that attract visitors and underpin our tourism industry. Supporting sheep farmers is not a contradiction to protecting our environment; it will complement it. Sustainable sheep farming can be a cornerstone of climate action while continuing to produce high-quality food.”
“According to research led by Dr Aurélie Aubry of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), drawing on findings from the 2022 'Net Zero and Livestock' report, practical strategies include genetic improvements, such as using estimated breeding values and cross-breeding, to boost productivity, as well as nutritional innovations like supplementing lamb diets with microalgae to cut methane emissions by up to 25%. AFBI's long-term research has shown that enhancing key traits, lamb output, ewe longevity and growth rates can help farms become more efficient, environmentally sustainable and profitable.”