John Blair
South Antrim · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“It supports the Department's role in enforcement by ensuring that animal welfare standards are being upheld. At their core, the regulations are based on prevention, accountability and transparency.”
“I, like others, rise as a member of the AERA Committee in support of the regulations, which seek to make CCTV mandatory in our slaughterhouses. I do not intend to repeat all of the relevant points that have been covered by the Committee Chair and Committee colleagues.”
“<BR /> <BR />I recognise the work of my colleague the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, who is using the powers within his remit to help mitigate climate change.”
“I rise as chair of the all-party group on climate action to address the extreme heatwave that is forecast to hit mainland UK, including a rare red weather warning, with temperatures forecast to be as high as 40°C. It is yet another reminder that climate change is not a distant future risk that we can brush under the carpet.”
“They place pressure on our health service, disrupt transport and infrastructure, reduce productivity and threaten food production, water supplies and biodiversity. If such events continue to grow in severity and frequency, the cost to our communities, our local economy and our natural environment will only rise.”
“I thank the member of the Commission for that reply. It is good to hear that those reviews take place, of course. However, further to the information that was presented, will there be an ongoing review of the continuous improvement plan, and will that information be available to Members?”
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“The debate is about an undeniably significant issue as we strive for a cleaner and more sustainable environment. I thank the proposer of the motion and her colleagues for bringing it to the House and highlighting a very important issue. I suspect that, as I speak, there will be a lot of similarity between what I will say and what the proposer has said, which, in fairness, does not happen often on environmental matters, but I am genuinely pleased that it is likely to happen today. Hopefully, it might lead us to an agreed position at the end of the debate. I will highlight a pathway to that as we go. <BR /> <BR />It is well documented that disposable nappies account for approximately 4% of the residual waste in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for that answer and recognise, of course, the seriousness of the issues and that the safety of staff must be a priority. Is the Minister aware of any work being done currently, or even before the consultation commenced, to minimise risk for staff? Perhaps he could bring into his reply work being done with other agencies?”
“On the subject of winter preparedness, to which the Minister referred, will health workers and professional bodies, such as the RCN, the BMA and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), be consulted when the Minister starts work on his so-called blank page for winter pressures?”
“I also thank the Minister for his answer and the attention paid to this matter. Given that the Departmental Solicitor's Office (DSO) has advised that health and safety issues can be addressed, apparently, and that the EA has been instructed to carry out urgent health and safety works, is the Minister, given the number of issues that have arisen at that site, prepared to visit it to see the problems at first hand and how lessons might be learned on how to deal with contractual issues?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, for that additional time to prepare.”
“I thank the First Minister for the answer. Evidence to the Executive Office Committee last week was clear that there are people, even people who are still resident in Northern Ireland, who are not aware of the redress scheme on the historic institutional abuse of children. What specific learning has been taken to ensure that that is not repeated in the historical clerical child abuse investigation?”
“Will the First Minister and deputy First Minister give a commitment not to collapse the institutions again, given the untold damage that suspension has caused to health transformation and outcomes, as we see in emergency departments across Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for the information that he has given on the issue so far. How does Northern Ireland's approach to the XL bully breed compare with that of other jurisdictions in the UK and Ireland? Does he have information on further efforts to ensure that dogs are licensed?”
“It is simply insufficient to continue postponing these critical issues for future consideration. We must join forces and work collaboratively to reach these ambitious targets and ensure that Northern Ireland actively contributes to the global fight against climate change. The time for small actions has passed. We need to take significant steps towards a sustainable future.”
“Moreover, in the long run, the financial implications of not implementing the regulations would be substantially more burdensome for all the people whom we represent. Meeting the goals established by the Climate Change Act is not just an aspiration, it is a necessary commitment that we made in the Chamber. Today, we are presented with an opportunity to fulfil some of the promises that we made. We have a moral obligation to do so. We also have a legal obligation to do so, as the Minister made clear earlier. <BR /> <BR />I reiterate what I conveyed in the Assembly just last week. We need actions, not words. I urge all Members to take a moment to reflect on their position, as our shared responsibility, locally and globally, to address the catastrophic impacts of climate change is becoming more urgent by the day.”
“The measures before us are a direct consequence of the Act brought by their Minister just three years ago and passed unanimously by the House, including the Members who now seem to be distancing themselves from it. This is like living in a parallel universe, not just in perception but in reality. It is most disheartening to witness the lack of backing for initiatives that are fundamentally important to achieving our climate objectives and safeguarding the future of our communities and international communities. While the regulations may well be ambitious in scope and their implementation may incur cost, we must also recognise that we are lagging seriously behind numerous other countries and regions that are taking decisive action to combat climate change.”
“It is important to recognise that today marks the final sitting of the Assembly until 2025. By then, it will be three years since the Assembly unanimously passed the Climate Change Act, which the previous DUP Minister introduced. Were it not for that party's subsequent boycott of the Assembly, we would have made significant strides in implementing these vital regulations. I am thankful, however, that we now have in place a Minister who is thoroughly dedicated to promoting our environmental agenda. That is important because we simply cannot afford to continue to fall further behind. <BR /> <BR />I must voice my disappointment that certain members of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, of which I am a member, seem to have expressed their intention not to support these regulations. It is utterly baffling.”
“The passing of the two sets of regulations will represent a critical advancement in our overall climate strategy and will serve as a testament to our commitment to confronting the pressing challenges that climate change brings for us all.”
“At the outset, I want to be clear on behalf of Alliance that I support the two crucial sets of regulations. The first set of regulations will establish the initial three carbon budgets for Northern Ireland, guiding our carbon emissions strategy through to 2037. The second set of regulations will set a definitive emissions target of 77% by 2040, as laid out in the Climate Change Act 2022. Both sets of regulations provide us with essential frameworks for setting the groundwork for our long-term climate initiatives and ensuring that we meet our environmental obligations in a structured and measurable way. <BR /> <BR />It should be pointed out — the Minister and other contributors have referred to it — that all work thus far has been done in cooperation with the UK Climate Change Committee.”
“Can the Minister give us any examples of lessons that have been learned or conclusions that have been reached about managing flood risks, and will those impact on the prioritisation of flood alleviation plans such as those for Antrim town, which are long-awaited and have been requested by me and other reps?”
“<BR /> <BR />To conclude, the legislation signifies a substantial leap forward to a more sustainable future for our horticulture sector. By fostering local food production, advocating for sustainable farming practices and ensuring equitable access to markets for Northern Irish farmers, the legislation will directly contribute to decreasing the carbon footprint of our food system and invigorating our local economy by delivering jobs and growth. Alliance supports the Bill. We urge others to join us in expressing that support.”
“I thank the Member for the intervention. Like the Committee Chair, it is my hope that there will be increased engagement and uptake. Perhaps, the consultations and engagement on the Bill and other arising policy issues will assist in increasing that uptake. <BR /> <BR />As I was saying, the Bill incentivises producers to adopt sustainable practices that safeguard our environment. For example, it could support initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, improve soil health and conserve water resources. I also stress that the legislation provides much-needed clarity and stability regarding future horticulture support, which will, undoubtedly, be welcomed by those who work in that sector. The AERA Committee has been told of the continuing policy work in that area as well.”
“<BR /> <BR />The legislation serves as a vital pillar for fostering sustainable growth within our fruit, vegetables and horticulture sector. It introduces crucial reforms designed to support our farmers and producers as we navigate the post-Brexit landscape, enabling them to thrive in a competitive global market. Without passage of the Bill, the Department will continue to have a legal obligation to fund eligible claims under the existing fruit and vegetables aid scheme, a legacy EU position that would restrict the Minister's ability to prioritise support in a manner that maximises value for money and effectively meets specific local needs, and, crucially, arising needs. Therefore, the Bill allows for a more targeted approach, as other Members have said, incentivising producers to adopt sustainable practices.”
“On behalf of the Alliance Party, I express our support for the proposed Agriculture Bill at Second Stage. The legislation represents a significant step forward in aiding the fruit and vegetables sector, supporting rural communities and ensuring a sustainable future for food production in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The challenges faced by the agriculture sector have recently been the focus of considerable discussion in the Chamber. Today, we have an opportunity to address some of those pressing issues with actionable solutions. First and foremost, I thank the Minister for bringing the Bill to the Assembly. By doing so, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing our agriculture sector's challenges and a dedicated effort to create a more sustainable future.”
“— our responsibility to actively protect our natural world for generations to come —”
“It was most disappointing to me, therefore, that, just last week, the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, of which I am a member, refused to support efforts to reverse leniency on penalties based on cross-compliance in the agri sector. Those would simply have reverted to a previously held position and used penalties as a deterrent to breaches of matters including pollution. We really need to do better than that. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that I will have more to say on the matter when the political reaction to the next Lough Neagh crisis starts. It is crucial that we recognise —”
“Our well-being is intricately linked to the health of the ecosystems around us as they are connected to the processes that provide us with clean air, drinkable water and a sustainable food supply. Protecting wildlife is therefore synonymous with preserving our future. The importance of defending our planet's diverse creatures cannot be overstated. That involves igniting a passion for nature in future generations so that they, too, will appreciate its beauty and understand the urgent need to preserve it. <BR /> <BR />There are constant and dangerous threats to the local natural habitat. Our damaged and delicate ecosystems face many pressures, not least from pollution locally. Lough Neagh presents a current stark reminder of that. Members will know that Belfast lough is also presenting serious problems.”
“<BR /> <BR />The day offers an opportunity for us to reflect on our planet's astounding biodiversity and acknowledge the essential role that wildlife plays in sustaining the fragile balance of our ecosystems. Regardless of size, each species serves a specific function that supports our existence, yet we are confronted with a grim reality as our wildlife grapples with relentless threats, including habitat destruction caused by human expansion, the far-reaching impacts of climate change, the extensive dangers of pollution and the cruel practice of blood sports. <BR /> <BR />The alarming speed at which species are vanishing poses a severe risk to the natural world and, ultimately, humanity.”
“I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of World Wildlife Conservation Day, which is celebrated annually on 4 December. World Wildlife Conservation Day was envisioned and set in motion 12 years ago by then US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. The day was established by a pledge by the US State Department, which committed it to the vital cause of safeguarding wildlife species across the globe. Charities such as the World Wildlife Fund use 4 December to remind people of the urgent need to protect endangered species and their habitats. Over the past 12 years, we have made some strides in wildlife conservation. However, we have a long journey to make before we can truly commend ourselves for the progress that has been made.”
“I note the Minister's comments regarding the increasing spend on legal aid here and her concerns around the sustainability of that trajectory. Can the Minister clarify our spend per head on legal aid in Northern Ireland and how that compares with elsewhere on these islands?”
“That innovative approach not only encourages major industries to prioritise their environmental impact but aligns with our national and international commitments to combat climate change. By promoting a reduction in carbon emissions, the scheme plays a crucial role in facilitating meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. It is crucial for us to actively support such initiatives, as they play an essential role in enhancing the protection of our environment. By doing so, we not only help preserve our natural resources and ecosystems but strengthen our economy, thus encouraging growth and innovation in order to align with other leading economies. I am therefore content that the Order proceed.”
“I intend to speak briefly. I will try to avoid absolute repetition of what has been said, but I will also speak to the greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme. I stress that the UK-wide strategies for environmental protection, such as this scheme, are essential in order to address the challenges of climate change. I express my gratitude to the Minister and his officials for their work on the issue. I appreciate their efforts to keep me and my Committee colleagues updated and thank them for coming to the Committee and answering questions at various stages of the process. <BR /> <BR />As other Members have emphasised, the scheme establishes a framework for trading greenhouse gas emissions.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply and the news that there has been real progress in bringing forward Lucy's law, which will be widely welcomed across the animal welfare sector. In addition to that, what measures will the Minister take to improve animal welfare more generally in the remainder of this mandate?”
“I will continue to support Minister Muir as he urges the Executive to allocate funding for agriculture, the agrienvironment, fisheries and rural development in the Executive's 2025-26 Budget and beyond. <BR /> <BR />While Alliance agrees with the motion in principle, we cannot ignore the challenging financial situation that we face. I am confident, though, that, when the Minister addresses the motion, he will express his openness to exploring potential solutions and will offer support, where possible. I am also confident that any future policies will align with the principles of sustainability and environmental protection. We in Alliance are content with the motion's aim and purpose.”
“The report highlights the specific challenges faced by sheep farmers in Northern Ireland while identifying opportunities for growth and improvement. <BR /> <BR />The AERA Minister informed the Committee that he had met the sheep industry task force to discuss the report, better understand the sector's strategic needs and explore potential future support measures for the sector. The unfortunate reality, however, is that, like other Departments, the Department faces tight budgetary and resource pressures. Furthermore, as has been mentioned numerous times in the Chamber in various debates, Westminster's decision not to ring-fence farm support budgets or adjust funding in line with inflation is severely impacting on our farmers, including upland sheep farmers. The in-turn effect on the Department is obvious.”
“As the motion references, research shows that the carbon footprint of ewes in the upland regions is 8% lower than that of their counterparts in lowland areas. That highlights the potential of our sheep sector to play a significant role in combating climate change. However, balancing the production of food and wool with environmental objectives presents challenges that add to existing significant issues. For example, sheep farmers across Northern Ireland face inflationary pressures: sheep prices rose by 55% from 2020 to February 2024. The recent report conducted by the sheep industry task force serves as an important resource for examining the current landscape and the future potential of the Northern Ireland sheep sector as a whole.”
“It is therefore imperative that we recognise the unique contribution that our upland farmers make to lowering our greenhouse gas emissions and thereby to achieving the targets identified in the Climate Change Act.”
“It is my belief and that of Alliance colleagues that the motion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the crucial role that the upland sheep farming sector plays in Northern Ireland. As a member of the AERA Committee, I have heard how upland sheep farming significantly contributes to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of areas of Northern Ireland. The presence of sheep farming in the upland areas helps maintain the landscape, promote nature recovery, increase biodiversity and restore natural habitats. It is an effective and sustainable method of utilising land that may not be ideal for other agricultural practices.”
“It has been pointed out that they gathered in their thousands last night to remind us of that. We must, therefore, send a clear message of reassurance from the Chamber to our farmers, acknowledging their value and commitment to our society.”
“<BR /> <BR />Equally concerning is Westminster's choice not to ring-fence farm support budgets or to adjust funding levels in line with inflation. That signals a troubling disregard for the challenges facing our agriculture community. <BR /> <BR />Minister Muir has been making the case to Executive colleagues that the funding for agriculture, agrienvironment, fisheries and rural development should be earmarked locally in the Executive's Budget for 2025-26 and those beyond. The Alliance Party will continue to support the Minister's efforts, as that funding is crucial to addressing climate change, protecting our natural environment and supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food sector. <BR /> <BR />Our farmers deserve a commitment to stability and sustainable growth, not uncertainty and decline.”
“That scheme will assist 60 farm families in creating succession plans, conducting a farm business review and developing a personal growth plan for the successor. Succession planning is crucial in preserving family farms in Northern Ireland, where many farms have been passed down through generations. Those farms are maintained by families who have consistently invested in their land. Increasingly, unfortunately, young farmers struggle to pursue their dreams of taking over the family farm. By creating barriers for new entrants into agriculture, we are hindering innovation and limiting growth within the sector. If we want to sustain our vibrant agri-food industry, we must continue to support and encourage young people to consider careers in agriculture.”
“He has engaged with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and DEFRA to voice his concerns and to urge the UK Government to urgently rethink the proposed changes. The Minister has also worked with the Finance Minister to send a letter to the Chancellor outlining the disproportionate impact that the changes will have on family farms in Northern Ireland. I am delighted that that letter was co-signed by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. <BR /> <BR />While we grapple with the recent announcements and the Minister works to reverse the changes, it is important to look at what could be done locally to minimise the potential impacts. The Minister recently launched the Farming for the Generations pilot scheme to support farm succession planning.”
“The financial burden and emotional stress placed on individual farmers are significant, especially as they also contend with price volatility, fluctuating incomes and unprecedented weather conditions, amongst other issues. On a broader scale, we cannot overlook the impact that that will ultimately have on our overall economy, as well as on food security. Despite the Chancellor's assurance that three quarters of claims will be unaffected by the changes, DAERA's data suggests that one third of farms here, and as many as three quarters of dairy farms, could be impacted on. <BR /> <BR />It is important to remember that this is a reserved matter. Nonetheless, the AERA Minister has been actively working to resolve the issue within the capacity available to him.”
“The Alliance Party welcomes the motion, and we thank the proposer and her colleagues for tabling it. I also express our condemnation of the UK Government's total failure to protect farming families and our rural communities in the recent autumn Budget. The decisions made in that Budget regarding our agriculture sector are alarming. A limitation of £1 million of agricultural property relief brings farmers in Northern Ireland within the scope of inheritance tax. That has been made clear over and over again. That poses a direct threat to our farming families — a threat that is disproportionate in scale when compared with the rest of the United Kingdom.”
“We recognise the need for a strategic, well-informed, science-led response to bovine TB, but we must ensure that it does not compromise our ethical standards on the welfare of animals. Those in the sector and our wildlife and livestock deserve such a strategy to be implemented. We must remember that the common enemy here is bovine TB. We can combat it only by working together.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am also encouraged by the recent launch of the strategy to end the badger cull by 2029 from the new British Government. The announcement represents a new direction in defeating the disease. It does not solely rely on traditional methods but looks towards ethical, sustainable alternatives that consider not just the cattle but our wildlife populations. It must also address the public awareness initiatives that are critical to tackling the issue. Those should include educating farmers in best practices to minimise the risk of their cattle being exposed to bovine TB and greater focus on vaccination and bio-security measures, while also being vigilant about farmers' emotional stress. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party supports the motion and the amendment.”
“Therefore, the impact of bovine TB concerns the livelihoods of families who have dedicated generations to farming and are passionate about what they do. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that we need to find a way to address those challenges more effectively. I am grateful that the Minister is committed to delivering a holistic, science-led approach to tackling TB. The Minister tasked the Chief Veterinary Officer to help undertake a review of TB. That will be reported on imminently, and it can inform a new, comprehensive approach to tackling the issue in Northern Ireland. The Minister has made it clear that the purpose of the review is to ensure that the Department's approach to tackling TB is informed by the latest science, evidence and best practice.”
“In a time when budgetary pressures are so severe, that is money that could have been spent on other, vital initiatives across the Department. <BR /> <BR />As many Members who have spoken in the Chamber today and, no doubt, on previous occasions have expressed, this is not solely an issue about cattle. The disease affects our economy, food security and the welfare of both wildlife and livestock. We have all heard of the devastating mental toll that the situation takes on farmers. It is not just the financial losses that affect them. They also have to witness the culling of their cattle, animals that they have cared for so carefully. Even for farmers who have not seen an outbreak on their farms, the constant fear and worry about what the future may bring can be overwhelming.”
“I speak in my capacity as a member of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and in my role as the Alliance Party's AERA spokesperson. I am mindful, too, of my role as chair of the all-party group on animal welfare. <BR /> <BR />The starting point for me is that the statistics speak for themselves when it comes to bovine TB. In the past decade, over 278,000 cattle and over 230,000 badgers have been killed in efforts to control the disease in the United Kingdom. DAERA figures state that, here, one farm in 10 has experienced the difficulties associated with a new TB breakdown in the past year. Further DAERA figures quote a £55 million spend by the Department in the last financial year, and it is said that that may rise to approximately £60 million for this financial year.”
“I thank the Minister for the statement and for the progress that has been made on the review of environmental governance. What difference does the Minister think that an independent environmental protection agency, or a similar body, might make in preventing environmentally damaging scenes such as those that we see recurring at Lough Neagh?”
“How will the Minister ensure that residents' concerns about the incinerator, on issues including but not limited to traffic, residential amenity, visual amenity and, of course, pollution, will be given appropriate weight going forward?”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. Further to that, will he respond to parents who have confirmed that their children are being sent out of Northern Ireland to access respite care? A response to a question for written answer from my colleague Nuala McAllister stated that that was not departmental policy. In addition, given the conversation that we had earlier about the £13 million that is available, how might that be used to address that issue across all trust areas?”
“I thank the Minister for his comprehensive statement. Will he outline any reasons for why the implementation of the Climate Change Act, which was agreed so convincingly in the House, has been delayed?”
“What contribution does the Minister believe that an independent environmental protection agency will make to help environmental protection in general, as well as in the context of initiatives and plans that he has already announced, such as the Lough Neagh plan?”
“I add to the thanks expressed to the Minister for her statement. What is the Minister's assessment of the removal of ring-fencing from agriculture funding? Does the Minister believe that that funding should be protected, given the importance of that sector to the Northern Ireland economy?”