Rosemary Barton
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Unfortunately, I see nothing about women in agriculture in your statement. You talked about succession, for example. Will there be extra support to allow women to succeed to the family farm? Many women have caring responsibilities.”
“My question leads on from Mr McGlone's. You talked about responsibility for the environment, but everybody has to take responsibility for their local environment, and that is the aspect at which I want to look. What conversations have you had with councils about how they will be able to help you meet the strategy's challenges?”
“Thank you, Minister, for that comprehensive answer. Those investments are all very fine and are very welcome in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. We still have a communication problem owing to the mobile network coverage, however. Can you think of any way in which to put further investment into Fermanagh to try to alleviate that problem?”
“When there is an issue involving devolved matters, it is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assembly to legislate on those matters. The UK Parliament retains the power to legislate on them, however.”
“<BR /> <BR />A number of strengthening arrangements therefore needed to be considered. There must be an assurance that the Assembly is made aware in a timely manner of those Westminster Bills that require an LCM. There needs to be improved communication from Ministers to the Assembly if normal timescales cannot be met.”
“The amendment that we are debating is to Standing Order 3, and it covers what happens in the event that a Member cannot attend, whether through illness or for another reason, the first meeting of the Assembly following a dissolution. That Member, therefore, would not be able to declare his or her political designation.”
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“There is also the anxiety, which is not only another symptom but can be brought about by the lack of understanding of what women are experiencing in their voyage throughout life and in their respective workplaces. <BR /> <BR />It is time that awareness of the subject is increased and policies are designed and developed with improved resources and support put in place for all those affected by this really important healthcare issue.”
“Many articles have been written about the menopause, but there is no definitive guide on the specific experiences of those who are in the menopausal stage. It is now essential that there is improved support in places of employment, and menopausal issues need to be given urgent consideration. <BR /> <BR />While not all women present with severe menopausal symptoms, many do. Those can be physical, including headaches, aches and pains, a reduction in bone density and hot flushes. It is often the non-physical symptoms that are the greatest cause of concern for women. Poor sleep patterns and sleepless nights result in constant tiredness.”
“I, too, wish to be associated with the tributes to Sir David Amess today. <BR /> <BR />Mr Speaker, you may or may not be aware that today is World Menopause Day, and I want to say a few words about that. While the menopause is a natural part of ageing, it is not considered an illness, but going through the menopause brings about an experience of so many varied symptoms that it has an effect on the health and well-being of women, particularly those over the age of approximately 45. <BR /> <BR />With the numbers of women increasing in workplaces and their being in the gender majority in some careers, consideration needs to be given to them and the different experiences that they have with the onset of the menopause.”
“When does the Minister intend to introduce the new domestic abuse protection notices and orders?”
“The Minister spoke about compliance with data protection and said that he wants a register that can be shared with others. Is he indicating that the register will be available to the public to check, if they want to buy a puppy, that they are buying from an appropriate source?”
“Minister, you will be very aware of the Galliagh Shore development in Enniskillen. Can you give me an update on the progress that there has been on the sewerage treatment works there?”
“Will the Minister provide any clarity on the level of vaccination uptake among service users and staff in such facilities?”
“In due course, appropriate amendments will be tabled. As scientific data and evidence emerge, it must be more desirable to work towards a single climate change Bill that will be acceptable to all.”
“<BR /> <BR />Let us not put all of the climate emergency down to agriculture or agri-economy businesses. Of course, questions must be asked of what we, as members of the community and public, will do to improve climate change. It is estimated that daily water consumption in Northern Ireland is an average of 145 litres per person. For 1·5 million people in Northern Ireland, that is a daily water consumption of 217·5 million litres. That is an enormous figure. As individuals, can we reduce that daily usage? Can we reduce our energy usage from electricity, gas, oil and other sources? <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, after years of having no climate legislation, we now have two Bills to consider. While the UUP will support the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill, it is imperative that the best advice and evidence are taken in order to inform decisions.”
“However, it is important that targets are realistic and achievable. <BR /> <BR />We all accept the need to reduce carbon emissions, but that must be put in context. Northern Ireland produces 0·04% of global emissions. China is responsible for 27% of world emissions and continues to build more coal-fired power stations in a bid to meet its internal demand, while Brazil has significant plans to increase its cattle production by millions. Is it not ironic that Brazil is potentially a country that Northern Ireland could import food from if our production does not meet demand due to the impact of climate legislation? Coupled with the added food miles that it would take to bring the food to Northern Ireland, that would certainly not do anything positive for global climate change.”
“<BR /> <BR />The agricultural targets are based on the CCC modelling on changes in consumption patterns, which result in lower demand, and the introduction of low-carbon farming practices, including changes to the diets of animals, the increased use of anaerobic digestion and a move to low-carbon fuels in machinery. There is also recognition of the higher environmental, animal health and welfare standards of locally produced meat and dairy products. There is further recognition that Northern Ireland should continue to fulfil the demand in Great Britain for Northern Ireland-based products. It is expected that nearly 46% of land will have to be freed up through changes in output and more efficient farming methods. Land may have to be released for forestry, restored peatlands and energy crops.”
“As the years progress, with technological advances being introduced, together with support from scientific evidence, DAERA, if the need arises, will have the opportunity to change the targets for emissions and introduce newer, more ambitious ones through regulations that must be approved by the Assembly. To meet the targets set, the Assembly must be prepared to carry out economic appraisals of the potential costs of the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill and to support those who will have greater economic challenges in reaching those targets.”
“Both Bills set targets and carbon budgets, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the major differences is that the Climate Change Bill includes a net zero target for Northern Ireland by 2050, while the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill includes emissions targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050, with 48%, 69% and at least 82% reductions in greenhouse gases respectively. Those targets in the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill are based on advice that was provided by the UK Climate Change Committee, and they are considered fair and equitable for the different Departments. <BR /> <BR />It is acknowledged that achieving the required targets will present the agriculture and food sector and many aspects of infrastructure with considerable challenges and that there will need to be plans to improve housing standards and waste management.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to speak this evening to the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill, which is the second of two climate Bills that are making their way through the legislative process in the Assembly at the moment. <BR /> <BR />It is recognised and accepted that Northern Ireland is not immune to the climate emergency that is trundling towards us very quickly. After years of no climate change legislation, work must proceed to address the climate change emergency with haste. Doing nothing is not an option.”
“In January 2020, when New Decade, New Approach was agreed, it included many commitments that, to date, have not been progressed. The Department for Communities submitted a bid of £703,000 for funding in 2021-22 for children's funeral expenses, but that bid was unsuccessful, and a further unsuccessful bid was submitted in the June monitoring round. We have all patiently waited for the Minister to identify funding for the children's funeral fund, but it is not happening. This situation cannot continue. Therefore, I appeal to the Minister to show compassion for grieving parents who have such great personal and financial burdens to bear and to progress, with haste, to establish a children's funeral fund.”
“No bereaved parent should have the added burden and pressure of having to worry about the cost of their child's funeral. Many parents will have made no financial preparation for such an expense and may have to borrow to meet the costs associated with the burial, just as Carolyn Harris had to do following the death of her eight-year-old boy.”
“<BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to Julie Flaherty, an Ulster Unionist Party councillor on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, for all her work to increase awareness of the concerns of parents who have found themselves in this position. Sadly, Julie is one of those parents. <BR /> <BR />When a parent loses a child, they have so much to come to terms with — grief, shock, supporting other siblings and making decisions about the funeral — that the cost of the funeral is the last thing on their mind.”
“How many of us sitting here this afternoon have not shed a silent tear as we watched a distraught parent carry a small white coffin to a waiting hearse? The loss of a child of any age is a tragedy that no parent can prepare for, and it rarely crosses the mind of a parent until, sadly, it affects them. No parent is ever prepared mentally, physically or financially for the funeral and the expenses incurred. <BR /> <BR />In England, Wales and Scotland, funeral costs for a child under the age of 18 are waived. Much to our shame, no official scheme exists in Northern Ireland. Yes, there has been an interim measure. A number of councils voted in favour of waiving burial fees fully or partially, but that is not the answer.”
“The purpose of the legislation is to make it illegal for businesses to use products that have not been produced in compliance with the law of their country of origin, thus allowing a consistent regulatory approach across the United Kingdom and ensuring similarities for all trading businesses. That should also encourage global environmental protection against issues such as deforestation, and ecosystem conversion. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that the environment is given the protection that is so important and that the legislation is fit for purpose. Thank you.”
“Overall, the aim of this amendment is to permit DAERA to have enabling legislation, to give support and to be responsive to concerns that may arise in relation to specific elements of the Office for Environmental Protection. However, DAERA still has to respect the independence of that office. <BR /> <BR />Regarding the second specific devolved matter, it is recognised that the UK consumes significant amounts of forest risk commodities, which have been particularly associated with global deforestation and with being against the laws of that country. Many of those commodities, such as beef, leather and palm oil, are used in the UK retail trade, which is dependent on them.”
“The two specific devolved matters are, first, the power given to DAERA to issue guidance to the Office for Environmental Protection and, secondly, forest risk commodities that are used in commercial activity. <BR /> <BR />The guidance from DAERA to the Office for Environmental Protection would include how the OEP intends to determine the seriousness of failures to comply with environmental law and how the OEP will determine whether damage to the natural environment or to human health is serious in relation to urgent cases. That guidance, however, must also avoid overlap between the exercise of its functions regarding complaints and that of the Public Services Ombudsman.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to the LCM extension to Northern Ireland of the provisions of the Environment Bill. <BR /> <BR />Overall, the Environment Bill is very complex and is in two parts — the first is the legal framework for the new environmental governance and accountability, and the second part concentrates on the improvement of the overall quality of our environment and the need for biodiversity conservation in order to keep our natural ecosystems functioning properly. <BR /> <BR />The Environment Bill now has a number of UK Government amendments, some of which have been extended to Northern Ireland but are not within the provisions of the previous LCM; that is why they are being brought forward today.”
“Minister, your party leader has made it clear that you will not be participating in future North/South meetings. Will you clarify whether that includes the attendance of the DUP junior Minister, Gary Middleton, at the Specialised Committee meeting on the implementation of the protocol as part of the Joint Committee?”
“What involvement does Shared Environmental Services have with NIEA in this matter?”
“Minister, what sharing is taking place on both sides of the border to deal with the challenges of persistent educational underachievement and its links with children's socio-economic background?”
“The UUP will support both the amendment of Standing Order 10 and the creation of the new Standing Order.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is anticipated that Members' statements will be added to the Assembly's business approximately once a week, with the Business Committee's approval, and it will be the Speaker's prerogative to ensure that Members from a wide range of parties will be invited to speak. <BR /> <BR />As I said, the criteria or parameters for the new Standing Order include three minutes of speaking time. Members will not be permitted to make statements on matters scheduled for debate or to address a Question that has been decided on in the past six months. The criteria also include the figure of speech of asking Members to rise in his or her place. I know that my colleague Andy Allen has an app that he uses to indicate when he wishes to speak. In the interests of inclusivity, I presume that the use of that app will continue.”
“<BR /> <BR />The initial reasoning for the new item, "Members' Statements", was that Members wanted to address a concern that the Assembly could not note topical matters, particularly pertaining to constituencies, if they did not meet the stricter criteria used for Matters of the Day or questions for urgent oral answer. Those constituency issues would otherwise not be brought to the attention of the Assembly. Members' statements will allow Members the opportunity to put issues on the record without requiring the Speaker to judge them against any criteria except those noted in the Order Paper. Permitting Members to make statements of up to three minutes without debate would allow greater flexibility and diversity of topical issues in an allocated period of 30 minutes in a plenary session.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this motion this afternoon, or rather, this evening. While the decision to investigate a method for Members to inform the Assembly of topical issues was taken nearly six months ago, the process began in earnest in April, when it was acknowledged that COVID figures were on the decline and that the scheduling of Assembly business was returning to normal. During the investigative and information-gathering process to inform decision-making, research on the issue was carried out on the other UK Parliaments. It was discovered that there was no such procedure in place in any of them, but there was in Canada, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.”
“Can the Minister provide an update on what steps are being taken to ensure that people who participated in the vaccine trials are not disadvantaged when it comes to securing the appropriate certification?”
“That is decimating parts of our agricultural economy. Look at the issues with drugs, which have already been mentioned. The protocol has got to go. It is impacting on everybody in Northern Ireland, and there is no need for it.”
“It is ironic that, once again, we are discussing the protocol. It was introduced by the European Union through a totally undemocratic process that gave little or no consideration to the people of Northern Ireland. Look at the problems that we have had with the protocol with our pets. There is the possibility that our pets will be vaccinated for diseases that no longer exist in the United Kingdom. What nonsense. Look at the issues with the importation of flowers and plants, just because they have soil from Great Britain on them. How has the soil changed since December 2020? Look at the issues that we have in the agricultural community, with the rules and regulations regarding the importation of animals and keeping animals in Great Britain for six months before they can be brought into Northern Ireland.”
“Minister, will you advise what the final number of posts relocated to the Forest Service headquarters in Enniskillen are? What is the final complement of staff in those posts in Enniskillen?”
“Minister, has there been any conversation between your Department, the AERA Minister and the Minister for Justice in the Republic of Ireland about cruelty to animals and a register?”
“While my thoughts and prayers are with Gordon's wife, Gillian, and his immediate family, I also wish to convey my deepest sympathy to his brothers and sisters in Fermanagh and Tyrone, many of whom I know and have spoken to personally over the past couple of years. I also convey my sympathy to you, his party colleagues, on his passing.”
“It was with a real sense of sadness that I learned of Gordon's passing yesterday evening. I am not here this afternoon to reiterate the tributes that have been paid to Gordon, but I should like to be associated with them. Gordon was one of the first MLAs I met when I came to Stormont in 2016. Gordon, as you may or may not know, is a native of Fermanagh. He came over and introduced himself to me in the corridor, and from that day forward, when he met me in the corridor, he said, "Well, Rosemary, what's new in Fermanagh this week?" We always stopped to have a few minutes of conversation, and that friendly banter continued most weeks. <BR /> <BR />Indeed, Gordon was one of the most highly respected MLAs in the House, and I was greatly saddened to hear of his death.”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. It is good news on the lengthy waiting lists that we have had to endure over the past number of years. <BR /> <BR />You spoke about enhancing rates of pay for workers in priority areas. Do you expect that that will include the full range of staff working in those areas — administrative as well as clinical staff?”
“All farmers have an inherent interest in maintaining their land and protecting the environment to ensure long-term productivity on their farm and enable the natural assets to be passed to the succeeding generation in a better condition. In supporting nature-friendly farming, a balance must be established between climate, biodiversity, food production and rural development. With the ever-increasing demand for food worldwide, its production must be balanced with nature, creating environmental sustainability. The use of more efficient methods of managing carbon emissions must be taken into account, as must the importance of fair prices being paid to ensure that farms are economically sustainable.”
“<BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, we have a number of focused, nature-friendly farmers who have diverse agriculture specialisms and produce a variety of produce, which is not all edible but is all nature-friendly. Those range from keeping a suckler cow herd to arable farming to the rearing of goats, the production of beef and sheep and the growing of Christmas trees. While the Ulster Unionist Party will support the motion and the amendment, it must not be forgotten that all farmers shape our landscape by creating the environments that support our economy, rural communities, tourism and recreation. Those farmers manage 78% of the land in Northern Ireland.”
“Fields and grass are the main assets on most farms in Northern Ireland and the growing of grass for food and fodder has to be maximised for the greatest financial return. With nature-friendly farming, there is encouragement to leave a margin to encourage good hedgerow, so wildlife and biodiversity habitats start to become more important. As hedge growth is encouraged, a programme of hedge management starts to emerge with the cutting of hedges in rotation only every three or four years for the benefit of our wildlife. Meanwhile, the berries and fruit that grow are a vital supply of food for the birds and animals, thus encouraging more birds and animals into the countryside. Hopefully, Mr McGlone will see the return of some of the birds that, he said, were missing from the countryside.”
“Those farmers are committed to demonstrating to the public the value of their product and the need for government to ensure that there is support for a number of interventions, including incentives such as well-funded environmental land management schemes and environmental productivity grants.”
“Nature-friendly farming demonstrates a way of farming that is helpful to wildlife, the environment and the climate while still producing top-quality produce. That farming includes organic and conventional farming methods working together to highlight the fact that farming and nature can be sustainable together, ensuring that the countryside is both productive and bursting with wildlife. <BR /> <BR />Nature-friendly farming aims to promote the best practices and to demonstrate what can be accomplished for nature and the environment while producing the greatest and best produce. Those who practise nature-friendly farming strongly believe that agriculture needs to be not only profitable but sustainable, with farmers receiving adequate payments and support for undertaking environmental and nature-friendly activities.”
“and the poor road foundations. <BR /> <BR />The main issue for the completion of those developments and, consequently, the unadopted roads is the value of the road bond that the original developer surrendered to DFI. It is no longer sufficient for the completion of the developments or to bring roads up to the required standard. It is therefore essential that DFI treat the matter of unadopted roads with some urgency. The Department must review the bond system and the supervision of the various stages of work in developments. Furthermore, a method must be developed for enforcement against developers and for DFI to prioritise the current unadopted developments and roads and get them completed.”
“I thank the Member. I came across that in several developments; it happens frequently. <BR /> <BR />The National House Building Council (NHBC), which provides warranties for new homes, said:”
“Northern Ireland Water is unable to adopt the private sewerage system because the developer is no longer trading, so the system remains in the possession of the bank. <BR /> <BR />The houses received planning permission and passed building control regulations, which allowed them to be sold on. It was only after the developer was declared bankrupt that residents discovered that the developer had not met the legal obligations for the sewerage system to be adopted. That means that the residents are liable for the repairs, which include the unadopted roadway. <BR /> <BR />Meanwhile, because of the health issues, Northern Ireland Water has been very kind in helping to clear blockages and providing a tanker to remove sewage, but it has said that it cannot keep providing that service.”
“<BR /> <BR />Residents living in the uncompleted developments have to haul their bins out to the entrance of the developments for refuse collections. Street lights frequently remain unfixed and sometimes unconnected, while footpaths have been left in an unfinished and dangerous state. As time has passed, in some uncompleted developments, issues in the road foundations have emerged. The surface cracks, indicating that the roads may not have been built to the specified standards. <BR /> <BR />Meanwhile, the network of sewerage pipes becomes displaced and, consequently, the sewers become blocked. Galliagh Shore in Enniskillen is one such development. I make no apology for mentioning it; it is public knowledge.”
“Unadopted roads from developments left uncompleted in the financial crisis in 2008 are a major issue in numerous towns and villages in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. The problem is that roads in the development cannot be adopted by DFI as they have not been completed to the standard necessary for adoption. <BR /> <BR />Completed houses in the uncompleted developments were sold, the original contractor went bankrupt and, eventually, many of the developments were repossessed by the financial institutions. In other cases, continuing work towards the completion of a development was halted overnight for financial reasons and the unfinished buildings in housing developments sometimes became a hub for unsocial activity.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and the panel for preparing the report. <BR /> <BR />Minister, your statement refers to the "central role of parents" in supporting their families and children in education. Some parents may have had a bad experience at school. How do you go about bringing such parents along with you and encouraging them to support their young children?”
“<BR /> <BR />The capital investment allocations will permit DAERA to continue with many of its projects, including the £95·5 million that it took forward through a priority investment programme, with another £48·1 million for priority investment. <BR /> <BR />Overall, this is a disappointing Budget for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs at a time when agriculture faces such difficulties with the fallout from the protocol and the greater expenditure needed to prepare for the necessary changes that a climate change Act will bring about.”
“It is disappointing to learn that £315·6 million has been allocated for direct payments, which falls short of the £330 million manifesto commitment, meaning that £14·4 million of the projected EU funding for the next year has gone directly to Her Majesty's Treasury. Overall, there is a disappointing shortfall of £19·5 million in EU replacement funding. That will have a profound effect on DAERA's ability to examine new measures in the future Northern Ireland agricultural policy framework. <BR /> <BR />Of greater concern, however, is the reduction in the funding allocation of £5·1 million for the programme aimed at eradicating TB. That is an essential programme to ensure the well-being of our animals and the quality of the final product.”