Robbie Butler
Lagan Valley · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Officials highlighted that alignment was provided through existing EU-derived arrangements and that coherence with existing regulatory frameworks was identified as a main consideration.”
“I note that the Member for Strangford agrees: she understands the value of our fisheries in those areas. There are other complexities. The Isle of Man Government have now done a bit of a circle around that island, which makes it difficult for our fishers from Portavogie, Kilkeel and Portaferry to craft and graft a living from some of the…”
“The Committee took the opportunity to question officials on several issues and highlight matters warranting scrutiny at Committee Stage but was not limited to those areas.”
“As the Minister said, they have possibly been viewed as competing demands, but they are not competing demands, because clean water is part of sustainable food production.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am glad to see language in the Bill on the sustainability of the aquaculture sector, and I want to lean in a bit on that. Aquaculture pastimes have, perhaps, been underutilised, whether they relate to the angling fraternity or other river and water users.”
“Today, I want to talk about a very talented young girl from Lisburn called Freya Terris. Freya, who is 17 years old, attends Friends' School and studies the piano under former Lisburn resident Rory Dowse. Freya is an incredibly accomplished young pianist and has performed in the Ulster Hall.”
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“The Committee also recognises that the final Budget position remains an extremely difficult outcome for DAERA. On 5 June, the Committee will discuss with officials the further work required as part of the June monitoring round to determine the extent of the pressures. The Committee remains concerned about the disparity between the resource DEL bids and the allocations for specific statutory functions and projects, as the allocations range from as little as one sixth to around half of what was bid for. <BR /> <BR />The trajectory of bovine TB remains upwards. Compensation for 2024-25 was projected to be almost £42 million when we reported on the draft Budget, but it now looks to be closer to £50 million for the year 2025-26, and it could be more.”
“The Committee is pleased to hear that the Executive have also agreed indicative Executive-earmarked resource DEL allocations to DAERA at the June monitoring round of £1·4 million for employers' National Insurance contributions and £5 million for Lough Neagh, which aligns with the PFG's priority on:”
“There is no change from the draft Budget 2025-26 capital DEL allocation of £119·5 million, which is £7·1 million less than DAERA's £126·6 million of inescapable and high-priority bids. We were advised by the Minister that he has agreed to make an opening overcommitment of around £15 million. <BR /> <BR />There has been a reallocation in the just transition fund for agriculture. The £12·3 million of Executive earmarked capital will now fund three main projects: £5·5 million for bovine genetic improvements; £5·4 million for the sustainable utilisation of livestock slurry (SULS) project; and a total of £1·4 million for farming for carbon projects.”
“On 3 April, the Executive agreed the final Budget 2025-26, which confirmed the opening allocations for DAERA as £599·5 million resource DEL; £31·8 million ring-fenced resource DEL, including depreciation; and £119·5 million capital DEL. <BR /> <BR />At our meeting last week at the Balmoral show, we considered a written briefing from officials. Unfortunately, the only change from the draft Budget 2025-26 allocations was an extra £3·4 million in resource DEL for the pay award from 1 August 2025. The £19 million general allocation will cover some, but not all, of DAERA's statutory obligations that relate to bovine tuberculosis compensation and the contractual pressures on pay and running costs.”
“<BR /> <BR />On that note, the House should note that, last Friday, the UK Government's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee called on the Government to delay announcing their final agricultural property relief reforms until October 2026 — they come into effect in April 2027 — which will allow for better formulation of tax policy and protect vulnerable farmers. <BR /> <BR />On 6 February, DAERA officials provided the Committee with an oral update on the draft Budget 2025-26 proposals. At that time, only £15·7 million resource DEL was allocated, compared with bids of around £50·9 million. On capital DEL, the Committee heard that DAERA had submitted bids to DOF totalling £179·2 million against the proposed allocation of £119·5 million.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will highlight some of the financial matters raised by the young farmers. We heard of young people's desire to get into and stay in farming, to be nature-friendly farmers and to help improve our environment. They struggle to secure finances, due to high land prices and risks perceived by financial institutions. Financial barriers also limit their ability to invest in modern equipment, technology and sustainable practices. Members heard of the need for additional financial incentives, grants or expert advice to help young farmers navigate the planning process. The proposed changes to agricultural property relief and inheritance tax policies are also causing worry. These changes will lead to the fragmentation of family farms.”
“On behalf of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the final Budget 2025-26. <BR /> <BR />As I stated at the draft Budget stage, the Committee was, of course, pleased that the Executive agreed to earmark resource DEL of over £300 million for agriculture, agrienvironment, fisheries and rural development. However, at the Balmoral show last week, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) highlighted to the Committee the need for long-term ring-fencing of the agri budget, inflation-proofed, to ensure continuity and planning. We were delighted to have a formal briefing from the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) at the Balmoral show last week, which was followed by an informal Q&A with the YFCU and the AERA Committee, when we were joined by members of our Economy Committee.”
“We must act — I see that — but, as a father of five children, I will say that things have developed very quickly. It is sad to see very young children stuck in front of not just phones but televisions, where they are being programmed, and iPads. The conversation needs to extend significantly to families.”
“<BR /> <BR />I strongly support the call for greater counselling provision in schools. I always have done, because online harms often manifest in anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. We must ensure that children have someone to talk to early on and in safe, trusted settings. <BR /> <BR />Finally, we echo the calls for resourcing the PSNI's child internet protection team. Those officers carry out critical work to protect young people from grooming, abuse and exploitation. Funding that work properly should be a core part of any plan to expand our police workforce. <BR /> <BR />In summary, we need to take a balanced, informed and child-centred approach, with the voice of young people listened to at every step of the way. Let us educate, support and empower rather than restrict and exclude.”
“It goes to the point of why we have a problem with mental health, and that is the exclusion of information and not recognising the world that we live in. We live in a digital world, and young people have a digital life now. We look at it through a different prism. We need to trust our young people and ensure that their voices are included in the discussion, but we have to give them the guard rails, and the guard rails are not there. That is the solution. <BR /> <BR />Importantly, young people must be part of the conversation. They are far more aware of the evolving, online landscapes than we give them credit for. Policy developed without their voices risks being out of touch or even counterproductive, so let us focus on co-design and guidance and not simply impose restrictions on them.”
“I will take away with the other hand, because I have a difference of opinion on the most predominant cause of poor mental health among our children. It is adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), poverty and exclusion and a multiplicity of those issues. What I agree with, however, is that uncontrolled access to phones without support and guidelines magnifies and exacerbates the issue.”
“Rather than introducing an outright ban, we must trust young people, empower them with the knowledge and provide them with the appropriate guard rails. That includes high-quality online safety education that is embedded across the curriculum, better support and resources for teachers and consistent, age-appropriate guidance for families. It means modernising relationships and sexuality education to address the root causes of online abuse, misogyny and exploitation. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Minister — this is giving with one hand and perhaps taking away with the other — for the additional support that he is bringing to the Safer Schools app. The good news is that we have something that our schools can access for free, and that is being supported by the Minister of Education.”
“They have a digital life that many of us did not grow up with. It is completely different and alien to many of us, but we must act decisively and in a cross-departmental way to protect them, so we welcome a lot of the stuff that is captured in the motion and the amendments. <BR /> <BR />Whilst we support the intent behind the calls to limit smartphone use in schools, I offer a word of caution against a blanket ban, because digital connectedness is not inherently harmful. The way devices are used and how young people are supported in navigating the online world will make a difference. Many pupils use smartphones to stay connected with their family, to access school materials or, indeed, for safe travel. Such devices are a lifeline for some, particularly those with caring responsibilities or mental health issues and disabled students.”
“I thank the Member from East Londonderry for moving such a positive, proactive motion, even though I feel that it needs an amendment. I welcome the motion and the attention that it brings to a hugely important issue: tackling the impact of online harms on young people. However, it does not just affect young people; as we in the Chamber know, the Member for East Londonderry has been the victim of serious online harm, and our deputy First Minister yesterday outlined the threats that were made to her in a similar manner. <BR /> <BR />When we talk about the impact of online harms on young people, we always have to be cognisant of giving them their voice, which I will return to. There is no doubt that many children and teenagers today are exposed to harmful content, be it cyberbullying, exploitation or the amplification of social pressures.”
“I thank the Minister for her detailed answer. The Minister will know the phrase, "Nothing about us without us". Will she detail what consultation there has been with the disabled community in getting the Bill to where it is now?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I was hoping that Mr Carroll would bring that up in his speech. I was unsure as to the purpose of trade union representation. As a former trade union representative in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, when I lobbied on pay issues, I was representing the members — the firefighters. That is my understanding of what trade union reps do. Perhaps the Member for West Belfast will clarify that through you and through the Chair: whom would the trade union representatives actually represent, when the Bill deals with remuneration for Members?”
“As has been suggested today so far, I find calling into question why this is being brought forward and the morals of Members of the House quite repulsive.”
“I thank the Principal Deputy Speaker for raising that issue. When I looked at some of the amendments that were permitted, I thought that the Speaker's Office had been incredibly generous. Is the Member able to point to any clauses in the Bill that would stop an independent body from considering anything that he has put forward? I know that there is a Member who wants to strip the absolute independence of the board away and has previously offered advice and direction to a panel. We have sought not to give any direction to the panel. Is there anything that the Member can state that would stop an independent panel from considering the things that he has suggested? Is he, or the Member for West Belfast, putting on the record that, in the event of any pay rise, they will not take anything beyond the CPI?”
“<BR /> <BR />We will support all the amendments that were tabled by the Ad Hoc Committee and the Commission. We will reject the amendments that were tabled by Mr Carroll and Mr Gaston.”
“<BR /> <BR />In practical terms, amendment No 13 would indefinitely block the core purpose of the Bill: the establishment of an independent remuneration board to carry out that important work. However, for the avoidance of doubt, the fact that we do not support it does not mean that we support the imposition of the Windsor framework. I have no doubt that the Member will attempt to claim otherwise, but he should not insult the intelligence of the electorate with his amendment. I strongly suspect that he will deliver it in that manner and context, as he has done with other proposals. Voting for amendment No 13, no matter how it is presented, will not change the Windsor framework. What it will do is further obstruct the passage of the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />We do not support amendment No 13. While I do not question the sincerity of the Member's concerns, his amendment fundamentally distorts the reality of the situation, perhaps conveniently so on the Member's part. The Bill provides a clear and workable commencement clause: it comes into effect the day after it receives Royal Assent. By contrast, amendment No 13 would delay key provisions until every element of EU law that is listed in the Windsor framework, which, I have to remind Members, is the child of Brexit, ceases to apply in Northern Ireland and full legislative competence is returned to the Assembly. That is not within the control of the Assembly, the Commission or any Member of this Parliament.”
“Yes, I have indeed. I might be missing a page. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to amendment No 11, if that is OK. Amendment No 11 is unnecessary. The Bill's intention to reestablish an independent mechanism for setting Members' pay and pensions through the new remuneration board is clear. Once that board is in place, it will carry out that role without the need for further legislation. The Assembly Commission has made no indication of any intention to introduce Bills on that issue. Clause 6 already provides for a robust and transparent consultation process. It requires the board not only to publish a draft determination and consult the Assembly Commission and Members but to have a clear process in place. Adding more statutory obligations would serve only to complicate or duplicate what is already a strong independent framework.”
“It may well be that, following careful analysis of all relevant information and evidence, the board concludes that such an approach is appropriate. However, I stress again that that decision rests solely with the independent board. In fact —”
“That would reduce the board's role to little more than that of a formulaic calculator, a move that would cut across the very independence that the legislation seeks to achieve and enforce. <BR /> <BR />Benchmarking against other legislatures is a recognised and reasonable approach for any remuneration body to take. It enables informed, evidence-based decision-making and helps to ensure that pay reflects the responsibilities of the role whilst not deterring people from standing for election, and there are many reasons why people may be deterred from standing for election in this part of the world. That is entirely a matter for the board, which will crucially and independently determine the salary payable to Members of the Assembly.”
“Whilst we understand the intention behind that amendment, particularly given the current economic climate, it undermines, in our view, one of the core purposes of the Bill, which is to safeguard the independent role of the remuneration board. One of the guiding principles behind the 2011 Act was to ensure that decisions on Members' pay were taken out of political hands and entrusted to an impartial body. Amendment No 2 would impose a rigid, externally determined cap on pay increases that would, effectively, limit the board's ability to exercise judgement on the basis of evidence and context.”
“While we hope that such a power will seldom need to be used, it is a sensible and prudent measure that will ensure that the Commission can act swiftly and lawfully in the face of unforeseen circumstances. It adds an important degree of flexibility to the framework without undermining the board's independence. <BR /> <BR />Together, those amendments strengthen the Bill and provide useful clarity and contingency provisions, and we are content to support them. <BR /> <BR />I turn to amendment Nos 2 and 8 in the name of Mr Carroll. Amendment No 2 would place a statutory obligation on the board when exercising its functions under subsection (1)(a) to ensure that any increase in the salary payable to a Member does not exceed:”
“The amendment provides important clarity regarding temporary appointments. It confirms that such appointments are to be treated in all respects as if they were permanent appointments made under section 4(1) of the 2011 Act, thereby ensuring that the full range of disqualification and termination provisions set out in Part 1 of that Act will apply equally to temporary members of the board. That is a necessary and welcome safeguard to protect the integrity and consistency of the board's operations. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 7 allows the Assembly Commission to make provision by order for the temporary appointment of members to the remuneration board.”
“That is the intention of the Bill as introduced, and it is consistent with the principles laid out in the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Nonetheless, given the importance of reinforcing the point beyond doubt, we fully support the proposals to include the word "independent" in the board's title; in fact, that is important. <BR /> <BR />We will also support amendment Nos 6 and 7, which were tabled by the Assembly Commission. Amendment No 6 proposes to remove lines 39 to 41 and replace them with the following wording:”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. My party's position has been clear throughout. We set it out firmly during the Second Stage debate, in which I spoke. <BR /> <BR />We will support the amendments tabled by the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee: amendment Nos 1, 9, 10, 12 and 14. As has been outlined, while those amendments may appear straightforward, they serve to further strengthen the independent nature of the board. That has to form the absolute core of the Bill as it goes forward. <BR /> <BR />The Bill has, perhaps understandably, attracted some controversy, although, in truth, it should not have done so. There are those who seek to make it politically contentious, but it is crucial that the remuneration board is entirely independent.”
“It is climate action with a trowel, is simple and effective and is something in which we all can get involved. International Compost Awareness Week is the world's largest education initiative focused on composting and brings together gardeners, farmers, councillors and communities in a shared effort to protect our planet. I commend Natural World Products and our local councils for helping residents get their hands dirty for a good cause, and I encourage everyone to keep composting, even after the spotlight moves on.”
“It was produced using the very food and garden waste that residents put in their brown bin and is a brilliant example of the circular economy in action. Full credit goes to Mrs Butler for making sure that I put that waste in the brown bin weekly. Councils in Antrim and Newtownabbey, Belfast, Ards and North Down, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid and East Antrim and Newry, Mourne and Down all took part, handing out compost to help residents grow a greener garden whilst supporting a greener planet. <BR /> <BR />The theme for this year's International Compost Awareness Week was "COMPOST ... Nature's Climate Champion", and that could not be more fitting. Composting helps store carbon, improves water retention and encourages stronger and more resilient plants.”
“I want to mark the end of International Compost Awareness Week, which ran from 4 May to 10 May. It was a week dedicated entirely to compost, proving that even potato peelings, grass cuttings, banana skins and yesterday's leftovers can enjoy a bit of positive PR. Behind the humour, however, is a serious message, which is that composting is a powerful and natural way to fight climate change, improve soil health and boost biodiversity. Compost turns food and garden waste into a valuable resource, reducing landfill, cutting emissions and giving plants a nutrient-rich base. To celebrate the week, Northern Ireland's leading organics recycling company, Natural World Products, partnered with local councils to provide free, high-quality peat-free compost to households across the region.”
“It is possible to uphold fairness, security and opportunity for those who come here to seek a new life and for those who already call this place home. That balance should be our collective goal.”
“<BR /> <BR />Transparent reporting and respectful dialogue must underpin future immigration policy.”
“<BR /> <BR />If there has been any failure in immigration across these islands — I think that there has been — it has been the blanket ban on open and honest reporting and the fear that that void creates. Unfortunately, the debate is often hijacked by those who demand almost entirely open borders and those who would shut the door completely. Both extremes polarise rather than inform, leaving little room for pragmatic, humane policymaking. What is needed is a robust, workable framework that balances compassion with control, reflecting real-world needs and the values of the affected communities — the communities that we live in. Northern Ireland, given that it shares a border with the EU, deserves a particular voice in shaping how the reforms would affect movement, labour markets and, crucially, integration.”
“I thank the Member for bringing the debate to the Chamber, even if it is brief. The proposed UK immigration reforms have sparked strong opinions already, but any honest discussion of them must begin by recognising the devolved nature of governance. While immigration policy is reserved to Westminster, its consequences are deeply felt in devolved regions such as Northern Ireland, where the unique social, economic and historical context demands a nuanced approach. Immigration, when controlled, well-managed and transparently reported, needs to be deeply rooted in humanity. It should not be feared, because it enriches our communities, fills critical workforce gaps and brings fresh perspectives.”
“I also encourage Members to spend some time in room 115 tomorrow with us.”
“Through its advocacy, education and efforts, it has kept ME on the public health agenda. I have been proud to support and work alongside the group over the years, recognising the essential advocacy that it provides for a community that is too often overlooked. It has hosted 17 international medical conferences, contributed to biomedical research and collaborated with Queen's University and Ulster University to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. That work is driven by dedicated volunteers but is ably led by the group's founder, Mrs Joan McParland MBE. Joan's personal resilience and leadership have made a lasting impact, ensuring that ME patients are not forgotten. <BR /> <BR />As we begin this important week of awareness, I pay tribute to all who continue to shine a light on this devastating illness.”
“I rise to mark the beginning of ME Awareness Week and highlight the ongoing, often invisible, suffering of those living with myalgic encephalomyelitis. That complex and debilitating neurological condition affects thousands across Northern Ireland but remains chronically under-recognised and, in some cases, underserved in our health system. ME can leave individuals housebound or bedroom-bound for years. It causes profound fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction and hypersensitivity to light and sound. Sadly, many patients still face disbelief, stigma and a lack of appropriate care. Despite its severity, there are no specialist services for ME patients in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />There will be an event tomorrow in room 115 that Members are more than welcome to drop into. For over 14 years, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI has worked to fill the gap.”
“Unfortunately, the response sometimes becomes a recovery operation, and it is so tragic to see two young lives lost in such a way. <BR /> <BR />As other Members have done, I issue a warning about our coastal waters and particularly our inland waters. We have lots of quarries, where, unfortunately, young people congregate and decide to go for a cold dip. Those waters are often much colder and pose more hidden dangers than even the sea does. We need to get to grips with the advice that we issue each year, especially when temperatures rise and the temptation for people is to get into the water. The water is indeed dangerous. I finish by offering my sincere thoughts and condolences to, and prayers on behalf of, the families of the two young boys who lost their life.”
“What has perhaps been of some heart and hope to the families is the response on both sides of the border to the community in Buncrana. People have rallied around that community and shown all manner of unequivocal support, including through prayer and in person. They have rallied around the community to help in whatever way they can. Help has come from Ms Ferguson's constituency, including from the emergency services. <BR /> <BR />As some Members may know, the ripple effect of the deaths will extend further than to the families who have been affected. Those who were at the beach or in its vicinity at the time will have seen things that they will never forget. The ripple effect will extend to those who responded in the hope of saving life, because, when people go out to respond, they hope to make an intervention.”
“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I echo all the words of sympathy and support that have been offered in the Chamber, and I thank the Member for tabling this very important matter for discussion this morning. When we look at the faces of those two young boys, we cannot help but associate them with our own family members. If you are blessed enough to have a son or daughter of a similar age, as a parent, quite often, you transpose that tragedy or incident and ask, "How would I cope?". I do not know how I would cope. It is incredibly sad to see two young lives so needlessly lost in something that we, sadly, speak about far too often in this country.”
“We should send a message from the Chamber that the only route to lasting peace is to talk, end all hostilities and respond with the return of all hostages and those on both sides of the conflict who have been held away from their home for far too long. <BR /> <BR />In the meantime, however, we need to see the restoration of power, clean water, food and medicines to those who are suffering and the innocent people who are paying the price for acts of terror. Let us hope that those who are listening and who have the ear of those in power in the Middle East can act so that we can see real change as quickly as possible.”
“I think particularly of the children whom we read about and whose faces we have seen, who have been so deeply affected. They have either lost their life or their home and perhaps their future. That does not bode well for the future. <BR /> <BR />All those in that region who have acted irresponsibly have set themselves up for an eternal conflict, but that does not need to be the case. I do not mean this in a facetious sense, but, when we think about our conflict here, we find that it was never going to be resolved by anything but talking — sitting down in a room and working out differences with a commitment to strictly peaceful means going forward.”
“When we think back to the actions of the past couple of years in the Middle East, particularly in Israel and Palestine, if you are not moved, angered, disappointed and, at times, horrified, you have a heart of stone. It is a deeply complex region, but what is not complex is humanity. What is not complicated is sanctity of life. What is not up for debate is the fact that too many have suffered. <BR /> <BR />Often, in our media and sometimes politically in the Chamber, we are accused of taking sides and of trying to pit one side against the other: I do not think that that has been the case, when we look at the conflict that is there. What is going on at the moment, however, which is the failure of aid to reach those innocent hundreds and thousands, is simply unacceptable.”
“I thank the Member for tabling the Matter of the Day, because it is of deep consequence, and it should be of deep consequence to every one of us.”
“If the Minister is not going to move swiftly, she should be held accountable for standing in the way of progress. Let us do what is right. Let us pedestrianise Hill Street, not in a year and not after another consultation but now, for the safety of our citizens, the growth of the economy and the future of Belfast.”
“Whilst the Department dithers, the public are left at risk and local businesses are left behind. <BR /> <BR />Let us be clear: pedestrianisation works. Cities across the UK and Europe have proven that, when you prioritise people over cars, the economy flourishes, footfall increases, cafes thrive, property values go up and public spaces become safer, cleaner, more welcoming and, more important, accessible. Hill Street should be the jewel in Belfast's crown; instead, it is clogged with traffic — it is a bottleneck — and we seem to be held hostage to bureaucratic inertia. <BR /> <BR />We cannot afford to wait any longer. How many more near misses, lost opportunities and frustrated business owners will it take for the Department to act?”
“Every week, thousands of pedestrians pour into the area — Mr Brett leading the charge, by the sounds of it — to support local businesses, enjoy the arts and take part in the life of the city, yet they are forced to navigate dangerous traffic. Poor signage and unclear boundaries between pedestrians and vehicles are, frankly, a recipe for disaster. I recognise that there are some difficulties with its being a historic quarter. Pedestrianisation would need to be planned and addressed sensitively, but to do nothing is not acceptable. The failure to pedestrianise Hill Street is not just disappointing; it has become indefensible. The responsibility for the delay sits squarely with the Minister for Infrastructure and her Department. We have had consultations, pilot schemes and photo ops, but what we have not had is action.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for North Belfast Phillip Brett for recognising, with reference to his experience, the difficulties that people face, particularly those with disabilities, when navigating the streets. There are safety concerns for most of us, but the fact that some have to choose whether they access the street due to those difficulties needs to be addressed. <BR /> <BR />This is a matter not just of city planning but of public safety, economic common sense and civic pride, because Hill Street lies at the very heart of the Cathedral Quarter, which has become, perhaps, Belfast's most vibrant cultural and hospitality hub.”