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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“We need to stay dedicated to cultivating a culture of compassion and accountability for animals and to promoting thorough animal welfare policies that are centred on the prevention of animal cruelty. <BR /> <BR />Despite the barriers that I mentioned, which are on the public record, and the aspirational nature of the motion, I have no difficulty in offering my support and that of my colleagues.”
“The register must be designed to respect the rights of individuals while prioritising the safety and welfare of animals. The previous AERA Minister, who is a member of the same party as those who tabled the motion, stated those exact issues when I put the question to him about a register in the previous mandate. He said that a register would be untenable because of those issues. I should further point out that I raised the issue with the then Minister a number of times. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party will continue to support and investigate initiatives that not only explore effective strategies for the proposed register but seek to eliminate instances of animal suffering across the region.”
“A register of animal welfare offenders would provide a transparent mechanism for holding offenders accountable, ensuring that those who commit acts of cruelty are recognised and, importantly, prevented from repeating such offences. <BR /> <BR />The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Department of Justice have considered the matter extensively and significant challenges have, unfortunately, been raised. The two main barriers are the significant cost of establishing and maintaining a register and the data protection implications, which, by all accounts, appear to be prohibitive. We need a system that is detailed, accessible and capable of monitoring offenders thoroughly. That will require resources.”
“I thank the Members who tabled the motion, as it is based on an issue that is very important to me and that my party takes very seriously. The establishment of an animal welfare offenders register has long been a key goal of the Assembly's all-party group on animal welfare, which I am pleased to have chaired for a number of years. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for a proactive step, but it also embodies our moral duty to protect animals, which are, of course, unable to protect themselves. The purpose of the motion is evident: individuals who are unkind to animals should be barred from owning them. All too often, we encounter cases where those who are found guilty of serious animal welfare violations are allowed to acquire or even breed animals.”
“Thank you. Will the First Minister indicate why it has taken so long to appoint commissioners on a range of issues from climate to victims to languages, given that that was supposed to have been done within 100 days of restoration?”
“— the Environment and the Infrastructure briefs.”
“— if the proposer of the motion occasionally acknowledged the number of Northern Ireland Executives that his party has sat in, including those in which his party held —”
“Progress necessitates a coordinated interdepartmental strategy. For example, DFI needs to focus on advancing waste water infrastructure through Northern Ireland Water as waste water systems and septic tanks contribute significantly to elevated nutrient levels. Cross-border collaboration is crucial to protecting a single biogeographical unit that transcends borders. <BR /> <BR />I am confident that the Minister will deliver a river basin management plan that addresses the concerns raised in the motion and paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient water management system in Northern Ireland. That is why I can easily support the amendment and have no difficulty in supporting the motion. However, it might help a little, in setting context to all of this —”
“The Department needs financial backing to encourage change and best practice in the agriculture sector while ensuring sufficient resources for effective regulation, testing and reporting. We know that other public services such as the NHS also demand attention, but neglecting to allocate sufficient resources for environmental protection will lead to substantial costs in the future.”
“However, as the Minister has pointed out, time is needed to review emerging information on water quality. That includes reports from the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Office for Environmental Protection. Therefore, while we may feel frustrated by delays, we should be encouraged by the commitment that the Minister has made in the Lough Neagh action plan and the environmental improvement plan. <BR /> <BR />It is essential to recognise the wider challenges that the Minister and the Department face. To begin with, progress is constrained by tight budgets and resource pressures.”
“Additionally, the environmental improvement plan is crucial in showcasing the Minister's dedication to improving water quality. The plan adopts a holistic approach to safeguarding, enhancing and conserving our waterways and water bodies. <BR /> <BR />The motion references the link between the Lough Neagh action plan, the environmental improvement plan and a river basin management plan but does not acknowledge work that is under way, such as the recruitment of an enforcement task force; the awarding of £450,000 to initiatives to develop proof of concepts and potential solutions in respect of blue-green algae; and the progress made on the review of fines and penalties for environmental crimes. <BR /> <BR />We know that a river basin management plan is in draft form. It is being prepared and consulted on.”
“Rivers are a vital part of our everyday lives, impacting on biodiversity, tourism, recreation, fishing and, of course, drinking water. The combination of agricultural run-off, sewage and invasive species is recognised as a major contributor to our rivers becoming unhealthy. Add to that the effects and consequences of climate change, along with years of degradation and underinvestment from previous Ministers and, of course, stop-start governance, and it is no wonder that water quality across Northern Ireland is not what it should be. <BR /> <BR />The Minister has been working to address the issues. The newly released Lough Neagh action plan outlines various initiatives focused on enhancing water quality across all water bodies in Northern Ireland.”
“Lastly, the certification requirement is increased under the regulations from 1 kg to 5 kg, thereby excluding smaller quantities and making the process easier. <BR /> <BR />The issue before us is simply an outworking of a Brexit journey that was supported by some in the Assembly but not by my party. It was never going to be easy, and some of us said so, but we must work as best we can to ensure that there is certainty for trade and the economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />The DUP initiated the prayer of annulment because it believes that the regulations will lead to regulatory differences with Great Britain. However, it is evident that those differences are minimal and, in fact, one could argue, beneficial and that they do not deviate from the underlying policy position in GB. A few benefits of the regulations are as follows. First, in GB, only hard copy documentation is currently accepted. The regulations would allow for the acceptance of hard copy and digital documentation. Secondly, in GB, brewers are required to report to the Rural Payments Agency, the certification and enforcing authority, by 31 October. Under the regulations, the deadline is extended to 15 November, providing an additional two weeks for compliance and, of course, preparation.”
“<BR /> <BR />If we allow these regulations to fall, it will lead to "trivergence" — the scenario where Northern Ireland deviates from EU and GB regulations, thereby creating three separate sets of rules, given that the laws in the EU and GB have continued to move at pace. All the while, we continue to drag the issue out. As a result, Northern Ireland would be governed by legacy EU laws, leading to a loss of enforcement powers. We also risk facing infraction proceedings from the EU, which could lead to financial penalties being imposed on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; penalties that the Department cannot afford. We hardly need to be reminded of current budgetary pressures and constraints.”
“Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I will try my best; thank you. <BR /> <BR />Members of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, including me, have, as was made clear, been fully briefed on this issue. Before I go any further, it is vital to stress that the regulations are purely technical. As was pointed out, there are no hop growers in Northern Ireland, and there is only one, as far as I know, in Ireland. Ultimately, if the regulations are blocked, a hop grower who wishes to set up in Northern will be unable to sell their goods to market. Moreover, an eight-week consultation was launched and received not a single response.”
“Future funding must also be regularly adjusted to keep pace with inflation to guarantee its long-term sustainability. I know that the Minister will continue to press for that and for the sector, as he has told us before. I look forward to hearing what he has to say on that when he responds to the debate. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion. I have no major problem with either of the amendments. I note that neither one fully mentions a just transition or any detail, although one amendment alludes to it. I am slightly disappointed that, unlike the other one — perhaps not coincidentally — one of them does not reference the Brexit challenge at all. Overall, I have no major challenge to any of the proposals that are before us.”
“The Minister has advocated for and, I am sure, will continue to advocate for a similar approach to be taken to that of the EU, where separate and additional capital funds are provided to support the just transition in agriculture outside of the common agricultural policy. That includes eight interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air and water quality. <BR /> <BR />Farmers require the UK Government's support and investment in order to transition to regenerative farming practices, ensuring a sustainable livelihood and stability for the future. The UK Government need to take decisive action to ensure the provision of clear and consistent funding for our agriculture sector, which plays a critical role in maintaining the UK's food security.”
“That assistance will further enable the sector to improve its economic resilience and competitiveness. I was glad to hear the Minister speak in detail on the issue at Question Time last week. Specifically, he announced plans to establish a just transition fund for agriculture in the coming months. However, he emphasised the need for clarity from the UK Government regarding the funding that will be available in future years. I understand that the Minister has consistently emphasised to the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the importance of funding decisions that reflect the need for a just transition.”
“We cannot escape that, and we cannot talk about this without rehearsing all of the arguments over again. We are witnessing an increasing number of such issues in the Department and across other Departments. As well as Brexit, immense challenges are being posed by climate change. Therefore, I must take the opportunity to address the issue of a just transition — an issue that is becoming increasingly urgent. <BR /> <BR />It will come as no surprise to those in the Chamber to hear me say that the transition to a low-carbon economy will significantly affect the agri-food sector. The just transition fund is crucial, because it aims to provide guidance and financial support to the sector as it meets its obligations under the proposals and policy outlined in the climate action plans.”
“<BR /> <BR />I know that the Minister has corresponded repeatedly with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in GB, for example, as well as with the Northern Ireland Office, to strongly express his profound concern about the future of the allocated agriculture budget. The Minister has informed us of that in the Chamber on a number of occasions. The uncertainty around funding arising from DEFRA's underspend has been widely reported. Indeed, the annual report of the farming and countryside programme has confirmed a DEFRA underspend of £358 million in the agriculture budget over three years. That is a very worrying figure in the context of Northern Ireland and that of GB. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, today's discussion centres on a critical implication of Brexit.”
“I thank the proposer of the motion and those who proposed the amendments. I speak in my capacity as a member of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. Members of the Committee are often reminded of the difficult financial situation faced by many in the agriculture sector but also of the Department's difficult budgetary situation. Before I proceed, I express my gratitude to Members for tabling the motion. It is one that the Alliance Party supports in principle. I am sure that, when he speaks, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs will clarify his position and that of the Department. It is my hope that there will be some positive news in that regard.”
“I thank the Minister for that reply. In addition to the measures that he has outlined, what actions are being taken to address the distress caused to claimants by those letters? They are being informed, on one hand, that thousands are being written off, yet the letters remain on file in relation to them.”
“We need immediate action and long-term solutions to prevent future flooding and to protect our community.”
“<BR /> <BR />On one occasion, homes suffered having over four feet of water come in during one flooding episode. That is why flood alleviation must be an absolute priority. Some of us do not set out to generally object to new development or to deter those seeking to move to, move within or invest in our constituencies, but, without preparation, planning, investment in infrastructure and future-proofing, we may have reached breaking point. <BR /> <BR />I assured local residents that I would raise the matter in the House. I will continue my correspondence with the Minister and the relevant agencies and seek solutions, which the residents whom I mentioned deserve. I urge the Minister for Infrastructure to prioritise the urgent needs of those in Antrim town, especially the residents of Riverside and Massereene Street.”
“Residents' resilience is commendable, but we cannot rely solely on individual strength in the face of such adversity. <BR /> <BR />I have written to the Minister for Infrastructure and am grateful for his timely replies. Like residents, however, I remain frustrated at being told that this area of "potential significant flood risk" has not yet been prioritised or placed on a list of planned capital works. I understand that the Department would assess existing mitigations, if there were any, and will also use criteria and identify, if it can, economically viable schemes. I certainly understand the current budgetary pressures, but all that must be weighed against the actual impact on and risk to people and their property and the cost of clear-ups, which have had to happen many times, including as recently as November 2023.”
“My statement addresses recent and recurring flooding in Antrim town, particularly in the Riverside and Massereene Street areas. It has affected residents considerably. Those Antrim town streets, which are very historic in character, are on the banks of the Sixmilewater river. Homes have been submerged, cherished belongings destroyed and stress has literally been brought home by the threat of the flooding happening again. That stress is compounded as we enter another autumn and winter, with storms and heavy rain much more likely. It is also compounded by the fact that we seem no nearer to a prioritised flood alleviation plan for the area, yet development in the area continues, impacting on water levels in the Sixmilewater river.”
“I am grateful to the Minister for the detail in that answer. Further to his answer, can any further information be given on the timeline for the conclusion of the consultation that he referenced?”
“I am grateful for the Minister's interest in the rivers that flow into Lough Neagh and their tributaries, including, of course, the Sixmilewater river. Is his engagement with stakeholders in that regard continuing?”
“The Minister, just at the end, answered the question that I had anticipated asking. To try to clarify the time that it has taken up to this point, is it not the case that some of the toing and froing from the Policing Board to the Department caused the delay until this juncture, and that none of the delay was caused by the Department itself?”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will extend the interest in the Belfast bus routes slightly towards the South Antrim boundary but staying within the city. Will the Minister give us any further information or updates on the introduction of the anticipated north/south Glider route?”
“Lough Erne, the subject of the Adjournment debate, is a fantastic example of such an ecosystem. I genuinely commend the Member for bringing the topic to the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />In a debate a short while ago, I emphasised the crucial need for Executive approval of the environmental improvement plan. We must keep that as an absolute priority in the context of water pollution. The plan is not just a document but a road map to a cleaner, healthier environment that we all must commit to. That earlier debate also showed me that there are those who are not as environmentally progressive or progressive generally as they sometimes lead us to believe. Be under no illusion: that real environmental protection and improvement will be the test for us all. We must not underestimate the importance of preserving the ecosystem and the living environments that have been referred to today. Their survival is essential for the health and well-being of countless species, including our own.”
“Just two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Lough Beg with the RSPB to witness the work that it is doing to preserve the natural environment there. There is much to learn from those best practice for nature examples, and we all, across our constituencies, should embrace them. <BR /> <BR />I express my gratitude to the AERA Minister for his efforts to develop and deliver the Lough Neagh report and action plan. I am aware that work has commenced in line with the plan to engage communities and sectors, incentivise behavioural changes and enforce enhanced environmental protections. It is crucial that significant sustainable funding, of course, is provided in order to ensure the full implementation of those actions and that that beneficial work reaches other waters across Northern Ireland.”
“The decline in the quality of our waters could be and has been easily attributed to Executive collapse, past inaction and previous ministerial prioritisation, but I genuinely prefer to seek solutions rather than apportioning blame, and I think that the current AERA Minister strongly shares that view with me. <BR /> <BR />While Lough Erne may appear to be a local issue, it is a fact that the environmental threat that it faces is a grave concern that could be mirrored in any of our waterways across Northern Ireland and our coastal waters. In my constituency, I regularly receive reports of suspected pollution or threats of pollution in the Six Mile Water and other rivers that flow into Lough Neagh.”
“I fully understand the Member's request for an Adjournment debate on the pressing pollution issue around Lough Erne. I too have brought up the critical issues of water pollution and the state of our waters across Northern Ireland numerous times in the Chamber and at the AERA Committee in this and the previous mandate. <BR /> <BR />Lough Erne is a vital part of this region's tourism and recreation product. It is also important to County Fermanagh's economy and is a valued part of DAERA's public angling estate and should be protected as such at all times.”
“— in relation to Lough Neagh and the broader environment.”
“I appreciate the Member giving way. I understand a lot of what he has said; it is not hugely different from what I said about environmental matters. The Member listed environmental and nature crisis issues. Will he consider whether we should take action on sand dredging on Lough Neagh? My understanding is that his party's Minister passed that in the previous mandate. I said previously in the Chamber that every policy and practice should be on the table —”
“Northern Ireland will be left behind as other economies across the globe make the necessary investments in decarbonisation and broader climate action if we do not take action now. <BR /> <BR />I commend the motion, but I cannot support the amendment.”
“Let us be clear: any upfront costs represent investment in an improved society for future generations, bringing real benefits and opportunities to everyone's daily lives. Similarly, while Ministers will understandably cite budgetary pressures right now, the cost of delaying action will lead to greater budgetary pressures in the future. There is no point in holding back and waiting for an affordable pathway, because agreement around that point will simply never come. Climate and economic experts are clear that we need a green recovery with huge investment and urgent radical changes to our economy.”
“Alliance remains committed to championing environmental issues by ensuring that focused action comes at every level of government to introduce a green new deal in each council area. However, government and industry are not the sole drivers of climate action and green growth, and nor should they be. Collective societal action through businesses, young people, and the voluntary and community sector is also absolutely vital. <BR /> <BR />The DUP amendment calls for:”
“As that is a legal requirement, the Department now faces a legal challenge, potentially diverting funds that could, ultimately, be used to address the climate crisis to that specific issue. If we are to seriously deliver on the three pillars of the green growth strategy — climate action, environmental improvements and green jobs — we need that interdepartmental approach. Various government strategies and plans must be coordinated and integrated to support the goals that are outlined in the green growth strategy. <BR /> <BR />We must see tackling the climate emergency not as inter-sector condemnation or competition, but as an opportunity to build the future that we want, including preserving our planet for future generations and obtaining economic and social transformation. Action must take place across all levels of government.”
“I have said many times that, from every sector to every person, we each have a role to play. If anyone believes that we can address the climate emergency, improve the natural environment and advance the circular economy without huge effort, they are seriously mistaken. <BR /> <BR />It is easy to find examples of obstacles that we have faced to date, such as the Executive's delay in publishing 'The Lough Neagh Report' and its action plan or the pending peatlands and ammonia strategies. Furthermore, it is notable that, in March, just one month into office, the Environment Minister introduced an environmental improvement plan to the Executive, but it has not yet secured Executive approval.”
“Those barriers have materialised — I say so respectfully — with the DUP's proposed amendment to the motion; in particular, its removal of the reference to reform and its failure to deal specifically with the interdepartmental aspects of a green new deal, in particular, and why that was included in the original motion. <BR /> <BR />In history, times of crisis and great upheaval have led to remarkable change. For example, the creation of a welfare state and the NHS after World War II brought about radical and previously unimaginable changes that remain crucial to our lives generations later. Now, we have a similar historic opportunity for change: the chance to develop a long-term strategy to address the climate challenge by balancing climate action with the environment and the economy to benefit everyone in society.”
“To use a very real example, the crisis in Lough Neagh and other waterways across Northern Ireland clearly highlights the impact of climate change and prompts us to find the right balance between expanding the economy and safeguarding the environment. Indeed, the sporadic nature of government, and subsequently governance, in Northern Ireland over the past decade has only made delivering green growth initiatives more difficult. <BR /> <BR />We can no longer brush the environmental crisis under the carpet for future consideration, as the consequences of our inaction now are being felt and will only continue to escalate. Radical change is not just sensible but critical. To be frank, the biggest barriers to green growth in Northern Ireland are a lack of political will and resistance to change.”
“I am speaking today as the Alliance spokesperson on agriculture, environment and rural affairs, with a particular emphasis on the environment. As the motion suggests, I wish to acknowledge the work of the Environment Minister in bringing forward the green growth strategy. When discussing its significance recently, the Minister correctly stated:”
“The Minister mentioned discussions with Executive colleagues, and I understand that. Will he tell us as precisely as possible about his long-term plans to ensure that Northern Ireland Water has the funding that it needs to upgrade the waste water infrastructure and address the problems with Lough Neagh? What measures are being considered to achieve that?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. At this stage, can he give any detail on discussions that he has had with the Department for Infrastructure about the reform of the planning system or with the Department of Finance about budgets to ensure that the housing supply strategy can be properly implemented?”
“— for Environmental Protection. It relates directly to the question, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, which is this: can the Minister give us an update on Northern Ireland's first draft environment strategy and the environmental improvement plan?”
“The Minister might be aware that, yesterday, I asked a question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister in relation to Lough Neagh, on the closely related matter of the environmental improvement plan. I got a reply about Executive confidentiality, even though the matter that I referenced has been widely and publicly reported and referenced by the Office —”