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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“Currently, 17% of the basic scheme will be modulated to pay for beef, carbon and suckler schemes, yet no funds are allocated to a dedicated sheep farming scheme. That inequity undermines the livelihoods of farmers in upland areas, where the climate and topography lend themselves naturally to sheep farming. The problem is compounded by the loss of the areas of natural constraints (ANC) scheme. <BR /> <BR />Sheep farmers in the North could increase profitability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
“For many sheep farmers, especially those in upland areas, those changes are simply not workable due to the nature of their land, their businesses and the climate. We need urgent action to ensure that those farms are not unfairly penalised and left without viable alternatives. Trade deals with Australia and New Zealand, which import lamb that competes directly with our locally produced meat, have only added to the challenges. Meanwhile, farmers in the South have a sheep scheme in place, which gives farmers across the border a competitive advantage over our local farmers. That must be addressed. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster Farmers' Union has called for a sheep scheme to ensure fairness and support for our local farmers.”
“It is essential that we ensure the sustainability and future of sheep farming. Sheep farming is not just a tradition; it is an economic lifeline. The two million sheep that we have in the North are part of an industry that plays a huge role in the agri-food sector — a sector that is worth £5 billion. Livestock marts, which are at the heart of that economy, are not just places of trade; they are vital hubs for farmers to meet, share knowledge and support one another. <BR /> <BR />Farmers here face significant disadvantages. From 2025, sheep farmers face losing 17% of their basic payment unless they change their practices to include the growing of protein crops or the integration of cattle into their systems.”
“That concentration of sheep on larger farms underscores the pressures that smaller farming operations face in maintaining their flocks in increasingly challenging economic and environmental conditions. Those figures highlight the urgent need for a sheep support scheme for the sector. With sheep farming making a significant contribution to our economy and rural communities, we cannot afford to ignore the pressures facing farmers today.”
“He highlighted the fact that such measures, which are already in place in the South of Ireland, could enhance efficiency, market competitiveness and environmental stability across our sheep farms. <BR /> <BR />The latest agriculture census figures for 2023 published by DAERA reveal some concerning trends in the sheep farming sector. The total number of sheep in the North has decreased by 3%, leaving a population of just over 2 million. That includes a 2% reduction in breeding ewes, with numbers falling to 973,718 compared with 2022. It is also worth noting that larger farms with more than 500 sheep, as of 1 June 2023, now account for 41% of the total sheep population.”
“Farmers across the North have voiced serious concern about the absence of a proposed sheep scheme, and we must recognise the public good of using land for food production. As we face an era of global uncertainty in food supplies, the issue is about more than farming; it is about food security, economic sustainability and supporting the custodians of our land. <BR /> <BR />During a meeting of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs earlier this year, County Antrim sheep farmer and sheep task force member Campbell Tweed emphasised to the Committee the urgent need for targeted schemes, particularly those focused on improving flock performance and genetic merit.”
“Thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I welcome the opportunity to open the debate on a motion that acknowledges the vital role of the sheep sector in the agri-food industry, recognises the lack of support for sheep farming and calls on the Minister to outline his plans to support it. At the outset, I say that the debate is not just about sheep farming but about the future of our uplands, our rural communities and the very fabric of our countryside. It is a matter of protecting a way of life, preserving a vital industry and ensuring fairness to farmers who play an indispensable role in producing the food that we all rely on. <BR /> <BR />While we currently lack a ring-fenced budget for agriculture, it is, nevertheless, crucial to table the motion to establish a much-needed sheep scheme to support our farming communities.”
“Food security must be a priority and be built on the foundation of strong, stable support for our farming community. <BR /> <BR />Our farmers are the custodians of the countryside, the producers of our food and the stewards of a way of life that enriches us all. The Assembly must give them the assurance that they are valued, that their contributions are understood and that their future is secure. Let us send a clear message that we stand firmly with our farmers against policies that threaten their livelihoods. The Assembly will support them today, tomorrow and for generations to come.”
“Without that security, farmers cannot plan or invest in the sustainable practices that are needed to address climate challenges. Rising costs for fuel, feed and labour are pushing many to the brink. Expecting farmers to do more with less will bring greater personal financial strain and is deeply unfair and unsustainable. <BR /> <BR />If farm businesses falter, the economic fallout will ripple across the North and beyond. Agriculture is the backbone of the rural economy and supports thousands of jobs and industries. Undermining it will drive up food prices and hit hard-working families and the most vulnerable in society. <BR /> <BR />We need policies that protect farm succession and encourage young people to enter farming and which ensure that sustainable, modern agricultural practices can thrive.”
“If families are forced to sell land or scale back operations, domestic food production will decline. In a world where global supply chains are increasingly unpredictable, undermining local food production is not just short-sighted but irresponsible. I think that Patsy McGlone touched on that in his contribution at last night's meeting. Food security depends on resilient, productive farms. <BR /> <BR />Of course, this situation comes on top of the challenges created by Brexit, which stripped farmers of the stability provided by the EU common agricultural policy, and the British Government's failure to replace that support with adequate measures. Farmers now face rising costs and administrative burdens, without the certainty of stable funding. Equally alarming is the Government's refusal to ring-fence farm support budgets.”
“In addition to threatening succession, these policies stifle investment in farming businesses. Why would you invest in a farm if you were just going to pass on a huge tax burden to your children and the next generation? Modern agriculture demands continuous innovation, investment in technology, sustainable practices and great efficiencies. Farmers are already working to meet the challenges of climate change, food security and environmental responsibility, but, instead of supporting those efforts, the British Government have created an economic climate that makes progress harder to achieve. Farmers need certainty that their investments will secure not just their future but that of their children and grandchildren. <BR /> <BR />The consequences of these decisions go far beyond individual farms.”
“It is in Westminster today, meeting the Secretary of State and other leading political figures and taking the fight over there. I also commend the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) for making the premises available. <BR /> <BR />The decisions in the Budget reveal a deep disconnect from the realities that farmers face. The new thresholds that are proposed for inheritance tax strike at the heart of family farming. These measures jeopardise succession planning, making it harder for families to pass down their farm to the next generation. Farming is more than a business; it is a way of life. It is a tradition that has been rooted in our communities for generations. These tax burdens may force families to sell land in order to pay this unfair family farm tax, which will eat away at the fabric of our rural life.”
“I too welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. It addresses a matter of critical importance for our farming families, rural communities and the wider agriculture sector. The Assembly and, indeed, our party condemn the British Government's recent autumn Budget for neglecting the pressing needs of our rural economy and failing to support the very families who put food on our tables and keep our countryside thriving. The debate is timely, following the meeting in the Eikon centre last night, which, as Robbie Butler reminded us countless times, is in the Lagan Valley constituency. It was an absolutely phenomenal meeting, and we heard some harrowing personal stories from farmers who are going to be impacted on by the changes. I commend the UFU for organising the event.”
“We are committing to the well-being of our farmers, the resilience of our rural economy and the health of our livestock. Let us work together, across party lines, to ensure that a strategy is developed and implemented swiftly. Let us make it clear that we will not rest until bTB is a problem of the past, our farms are free from the grip of the disease and our farming community feels the full support and strength of the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I commend the motion.”
“Let the Assembly commit to comprehensive solutions that address all sources of infection, including wildlife, to secure the future of agriculture here. <BR /> <BR />I cannot stress enough that the time for action is now. We cannot afford to delay the implementation of a comprehensive bTB strategy. The financial, emotional and social costs of the disease have been carried by the farming community for far too long. The motion serves as a reminder that, while we have made efforts in the past, our work is far from over. We must commit to seeing this through, and to giving our farmers the tools, resources and support that they need to overcome the challenge. By supporting the motion, we can affirm our commitment to the future of agriculture here.”
“<BR /> <BR />Experience in countries with limited wildlife reservoirs shows that rigorous testing, biosecurity and cattle movement controls can achieve disease eradication. However, in the North, Britain and the South of Ireland, where badgers are a significant reservoir of bTB, such measures alone have proven to be insufficient. That stark reality highlights the need for targeted, science-driven wildlife interventions to break the chain of infection. <BR /> <BR />Our farmers, livestock and rural communities bear the burden of the disease. If we are serious about protecting their livelihoods and eradicating bTB, we must confront the issue with evidence-based policies that prioritise animal health and public confidence.”
“Bovine TB does not recognise borders, and its impact is felt across the entire island of Ireland, which highlights the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the disease on both sides of the border. <BR /> <BR />Research from the North shows that 21·3% of roadkill badgers that were tested were infected with bTB. That figure, although alarming, is likely to be an underestimate due to the limitations of post-mortem testing. To put it in perspective, it is over 20 times higher than the rate in our cattle population. As a wildlife reservoir, badgers perpetuate the cycle of infection, making it impossible to eliminate bTB from our herds through cattle-focused measures alone.”
“Those successes underline a critical point, which is that tackling wildlife reservoirs is not optional if we are serious about eradicating bTB. Without addressing the upstream driver of infection, farmers and rural communities will continue to bear the cost of ineffective disease control. <BR /> <BR />As policymakers, we must act decisively to implement evidence-based and targeted interventions to protect our agriculture industry, safeguard animal health and secure the livelihoods of our farming families. Wildlife management therefore is a key component of any effective strategy. Let me be clear: wildlife control must be done in a way that is humane, scientifically justified and ethically managed. Our goal should be to protect the health of our cattle and the integrity of our natural environment.”
“Only through a multi-pronged strategy can we expect to achieve a lasting reduction in bTB rates and, ultimately, eradicate the disease from our herds. <BR /> <BR />Evidence from across the globe shows that effective bTB control requires targeted wildlife intervention alongside robust cattle management practices. In England, the badger control policy reduced bovine TB incidence in herds by 56% in intervention areas, while field trials in the South of Ireland have shown clear evidence that proactive badger removal leads to infections in cattle declining significantly. Similarly, New Zealand and Australia achieved bTB eradication through wildlife management targeting reservoirs such as brush-tailed possums, combined with stringent cattle testing and movement controls.”
“It has done so with dedication and through collaboration. Despite our collective efforts, we are still faced with a high prevalence of bTB across the region. We need a strategy that brings lasting results and that integrates scientific evidence with a holistic approach to eradication. <BR /> <BR />That brings us to the core of the motion, which is a call on the AERA Minister to bring forward a comprehensive and holistic bovine TB strategy. Effective strategies must be backed by science and rooted in an evidence-based understanding of disease transmission and control. Tackling bTB requires a well-rounded approach that addresses multiple factors including wildlife control, cattle management, biosecurity and testing.”
“Recent figures show that bTB-related compensation costs run into millions of pounds annually. That is an unsustainable burden. Farmers are central to the issue and deserve our respect and support. Agriculture is the backbone of the rural North, and our farmers' dedication ensures food security and resilience. Those farmers bear the brunt of bTB's impact and will lead the efforts to eradicate it, however, and, for them to succeed, they need clear support and strong guidance from us: their representatives. <BR /> <BR />One organisation that has been crucial to addressing the crisis is the TB Eradication Partnership. It deserves our gratitude and commendation for its work and its commitment to tackling the disease. The TB Eradication Partnership has undertaken essential work to identify, assess and address the spread of bTB.”
“I welcome the opportunity to address an issue that is of immense importance to the agriculture community and has a far-reaching impact that affects farmers, families, our rural economy and, ultimately, food security. The motion acknowledges that bovine tuberculosis remains a serious and persistent threat to farming in the North. Not only does the disease present an animal health crisis but it represents a matter of economic and social importance that impacts on our communities in profound ways. <BR /> <BR />I emphasise the urgency of the motion and the need for DAERA to act decisively. Bovine TB is a highly infectious disease that has devastating consequences for livestock. It creates significant economic and emotional challenges for farmers, which include the cost of testing, cattle losses, movement restrictions and ongoing uncertainty.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Minister, the statement referenced the NIEA. Without pre-empting the outcome of the inquiry that you are setting up, how do you envisage that NIEA will interface or sit alongside the new proposed IEPA?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, will you seek a reserve claim this year?”
“I welcome the Minister's announcement. I am sorry for missing the start of his statement, but I have read it. Will there be any opportunity to fund the work of Rural Support, which is a charity that provides a lot of debt advice and support to farming families?”
“Minister, you recently introduced a number of small business research initiatives (SBRIs). How will those help address the issues at Lough Neagh?”
“The Assembly's endorsement reflected broad political will to ensure that our agriculture sector and rural areas receive stable funding in an uncertain economic landscape. <BR /> <BR />As we navigate the challenges, it is crucial that we advocate a policy to support family farms, ensure food security and provide stable funding for the agriculture sector. We must recognise that farmers on the island of Ireland have common challenges and goals. It is essential that we develop coherent strategies that bolster their resilience and enhance food security for all communities, thereby safeguarding the future of our agriculture industry.”
“That discrepancy not only places farmers at a disadvantage but threatens the cohesion of the all-island agriculture sector. The application of the Barnett formula, post Brexit, heightens concerns about future funding for agriculture, leaving farmers uncertain about the financial support that they can rely on. <BR /> <BR />A motion passed by the Assembly expressed strong political support for a ring-fenced budget, underscoring agriculture's critical role in the local economy and rural communities. Unfortunately, the calls made in the House have gone unheard. MLAs argued that a ring-fenced budget is essential to replace the stability previously provided by EU funding, which provided for sustainable farming, rural development and environmental initiatives under the common agricultural policy (CAP).”
“There is a risk that the new threshold will push small farms into financial distress, making it increasingly difficult for families to pass down their livelihoods and maintain the agricultural practices that sustain our communities and the environment. <BR /> <BR />The Government's recent U-turn on the taxation of double-cab pickups, reclassifying them as cars rather than vans, adds another layer of complexity. The change increases tax liabilities for farmers who depend on those vehicles for their operations, further straining their resources. <BR /> <BR />Those issues are compounded by the absence of a ring-fenced budget for agriculture, unlike in the South, where substantial funding support for farmers has been committed, along with an EU multi-annual budget.”
“Like other Members, I want to touch on the recent Budget announcement and its impact on farming. <BR /> <BR />The recent announcement of a £1 million inheritance tax threshold by the British Government will pose significant challenges for family farms, which are essential for our food security. As Members will be aware, many farmers' assets are tied up in land and equipment, and those are often accompanied by loans and mortgages. Whilst those assets may be fixed, farmers struggle to make ends meet and feed their families week on week.”
“No doubt, the Minister will touch on that in his response to the debate. There are questions around data protection, privacy rights and cross-jurisdictional enforcement that must be addressed carefully to ensure that the register can be implemented without facing legal obstacles. By proactively addressing those issues, we can ensure that the tool is not only lawful but an effective means of preventing further cruelty to animals. <BR /> <BR />Together, we must ensure that the island of Ireland remains a place where animal welfare is a shared priority and is treated with the seriousness and respect that it deserves.”
“The 2016 review highlighted concerns about the efficacy of a central register, including complex issues regarding data protection, privacy and the ECHR. We must continue to work with government agencies, animal welfare groups and the public to ensure that our laws are enforced, that services are effective and that best practice is shared with rehoming organisations to enhance their assessment processes. <BR /> <BR />I commend the progress that we have made since the passage of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011, but let us be clear: there is still a lot of work to be done. The creation of a register for those who are convicted of animal cruelty is a step that could have a profound impact on deterring future offenders. However, we must also be mindful of the potential legal challenges that that could raise.”
“People felt that those who committed serious acts of cruelty against animals were not being held fully accountable. That is why one the most important outcomes of the review was the decision to increase the maximum penalty for the most serious animal welfare offences from two years to five years. That change reflected the gravity of those offences and sent a strong message that cruelty to animals would not be tolerated. It was a recognition of the public's demand for justice and a signal that we, as legislators, were serious about animal welfare issues. <BR /> <BR />The review, however, was not just about penalties. Many of the recommendations focused on enhancing communication between enforcement bodies, improving delivery processes and ensuring that the public is aware of the resources and services that are available for animal welfare.”
“Following that debate, the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O'Neill, took swift action. In partnership with the Department of Justice, she initiated a review of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011. That review was not just about ticking boxes but about making real, impactful change. The final report, containing 68 recommendations aimed at strengthening the animal welfare framework, was published in February 2016. Those recommendations addressed key themes such as sentencing, delivery structures, enforcement collaboration, public service, dog breeding and online pet sales and equine welfare. <BR /> <BR />One of the most pressing concerns that was raised by stakeholders during that consultation was the perception of unduly lenient and inconsistent sentencing.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. It reflects our collective commitment to safeguard the welfare of animals. Under the Welfare of Animals Act 2011, we have a crucial framework that provides the powers to protect farmed animals, non-farmed animals and wildlife. The Act is a vital tool in ensuring that we do everything in our power to uphold the highest standards of welfare. <BR /> <BR />In March 2014, the Assembly took a decisive step by passing a motion that called for a review of the implementation of the Act. It was clear then, as it is now, that we need to take a hard look at how effectively we combat animal welfare offences, particularly in relation to sentencing guidelines and practices. The public's demand for action was loud and clear.”
“I thank the Minister for her response; she has partially answered my second question. Will the Minister and the Executive recommit to pressing the British Government for fair funding for the Executive and for guaranteed long-term funding for our farming community?”
“It would deter the creation of potential future businesses and risk reputational damage to the Department as well as potential EU infringement proceedings. Blocking the updated regulations would create real and immediate diversions in Britain and the EU.”
“Furthermore, it will make the importation of hops for private hobbyist growers more difficult, with the lack of certification meaning that they could get lower-quality hops that do not meet safety standards. In addition, if somebody ever wants to start a commercial hop-growing business here, as we have seen happen in other parts of Ireland — for example, there is a successful hop farm in the Wicklow mountains — it will make it more difficult for them to do so. <BR /> <BR />In short, refusing to allow the updated regulations to come into force would provide no benefit to any person or business anywhere in the North. It would make a hobby that many people here enjoy more difficult, less safe and, in all likelihood, more expensive.”
“I will speak briefly on behalf of Sinn Féin. The hops certification regulations are a routine part of business. They refer to fairly minor and largely technical updates to existing legislation that will keep us in line with Britain and the EU on this niche issue. We know that it is niche, because, after the Department put out the consultation, it received no responses because there are no hop growers here. <BR /> <BR />Failure to update the regulations will see the Department not fulfil its obligations under the withdrawal agreement, risk reputational damage internationally and, possibly, even be subject to EU infringement proceedings.”
“He said that the legislation was a simple update of the EU rules to make positive technical changes, particularly on the digitisation of certification. The Minister warned that, if we do not pass the legislation, there will be an impact on consumer confidence, a risk of lower-standard hops in the local market and a risk of EU infractions. We do not want to end up in a situation where there are no regulations, meaning that growers here would not be able to have their hops certified and we would be the only part of these regions in that situation. It is important that we facilitate international trade.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. No, nothing whatever. In fact, it would be hugely detrimental to growers here. Whilst we do not have hop farms here, we have hobbyist growers. If we vote for the prayer of annulment, we risk creating divergence not just from the EU but from Britain. <BR /> <BR />Mr Gaston of the TUV made the point that no one grows hops here and said that we should be subject to UK not EU rules. He said that it was a dry run for the vote in December. <BR /> <BR />The last Member to speak was the Minister. Again, he said that they are EU regulations on the import of hops and are embedded in annex 2 of the Windsor framework. He said that the public consultation carried out between 7 May and 2 July gained no responses.”
“However, the DUP does not support regulations that may cause divergence of the North from Britain. <BR /> <BR />John Blair also highlighted the fact that the Committee had been fully briefed. He pointed out that it was a purely technical matter, that there are no hop growers here and there were no responses to the eight-week consultation. He also highlighted the prospect of "tridivergence" between Britain, the North and the EU and the risk of EU infraction. He also made the point that it was the outworking of Brexit and that we must do our best to protect our growers.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. First, I will make a winding-up speech, and then I will make some comments on behalf of Sinn Féin. <BR /> <BR />At the beginning of the debate, Robbie Butler, in his first foray into the Chamber as the Chair of the Committee — I welcome him to the role — pointed out that new regulations came into effect on 24 March. They were applied under annex 2 of the Windsor framework, were passed by negative resolution and came into operation on 18 October. He said that the Committee had already had two oral briefings on the regulations. <BR /> <BR />Michelle McIlveen highlighted the fact that it was a protocol-related matter. She was not happy with it being a stringent requirement for imports from Britain to Northern Ireland. She recognised the limited practical impact.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply and welcome the timeline. The Minister will be aware that, when the schools relocate to the campus, there will be a number of vacated sites in the town centre that could be strategically important to the development of Omagh. Has the Department engaged with fellow stakeholders about how to maximise the opportunities presented by those sites?”
“I welcome the announcement of £138 million per year to the local economy and an extra 1,000 jobs. That is great news and I welcome it, albeit I would like to see some of the jobs created for the west, for example, in Omagh, the county town of Tyrone. If you could keep that on your radar as well, it would be welcome. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you mentioned that the positions will be funded by DWP. Will there be any cost to your departmental budget in the creation of those 1,000 jobs?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Will local enterprise agencies be involved in local economic partnerships?”
“<BR /> <BR />While we support both amendments, I understand that the SDLP amendment will be voted on first and if it is passed, the DUP amendment will not be voted on. The Speaker will keep me right on that. I am certainly not going to pre-empt how Members will vote. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly must ensure that farm support continues so that our farmers, who are the custodians of our countryside, can continue to feed people and contribute to the global food supply. I look forward to the debate.”
“The SDLP amendment — amendment No 1 — helpfully includes the need for a separate, ring-fenced pillar 2 scheme. As we know, pre Brexit, CAP pillar 2, which was also known as the rural development programme, provided funding for agrienvironment schemes and the farm business improvement scheme as well as social and economic development programmes through the local action groups. In the current post-Brexit arrangement, there is only one farm budget envelope available — there is no pillar 2 — but all the schemes proposed in the new farm policy will be modulated out of the basic payment scheme, which will reduce the value of farmers' entitlements. All of that is in the context of no overall clarity from the British Government on the Budget.”
“We eagerly anticipate the Chancellor's Budget announcement on 30 October, which is expected to shed light on the funding that will be available. It is crucial that the Minister promptly assesses the implications of that funding for our agriculture sector and ensures that it aligns with our goal for sustainable development and a just transition. I welcome the fact that the Minister is with us in the Assembly this evening. <BR /> <BR />We need a robust, long-term commitment to agriculture, similar to pillar 1 and pillar 2 of the common agricultural policy. It is our duty to fight for that in the upcoming spending review. We must secure the future of farming in the North for the good of our rural communities, our environment and our collective food industry. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin supports both amendments. We support the DUP's call for a:”