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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“I am keen to hear more about that. Does the Minister know whether funding will be forthcoming for that strategy?”
“I welcome the progress on the ending violence against women and girls strategic framework. I am also grateful for the information that the Minister has given us today on her Department's work on a domestic and sexual abuse strategy.”
“My understanding is that the AERA Minister brought the environmental improvement plan to the Executive in March, just weeks after his appointment. Do the First Minister and deputy First Minister agree that the publication of that environmental improvement plan is now urgently as well as legally required as part of the actions that flow from the Programme for Government?”
“It seems clear to me that a meaningful environmental improvement plan is a crucial part of tackling the environmental, ecological and biodiversity crises.”
“I thank the First Minister and deputy First Minister for the statement today and, in particular, for the reference to the:”
“I thank the Minister for taking action when others appear to be delaying things. Does the Minister agree with requests from angling associations and others, following recent serious fish kills, to review fines and penalties for environmental crime? Does he also agree that Executive parties and all political parties need to step up and make their position clear on fines and penalties for environmental crime?”
“That connection of Lisburn, Antrim and the International Airport would be of vital benefit all the time, not just at election time.”
“Does the Minister intend to progress work on the Knockmore line in this financial year and, if so, how?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and all involved in the inter-agency work on aquaculture and marine. Directly related to that, is there an update on the recent fish kill in the River Roe?”
“Can the Minister give us more information about what was discussed in relation to Lough Neagh, given the sheer scale of its catchment area and the transboundary nature of the issues surrounding it?”
“I thank the Minister for that reply. Will he outline how he is ensuring or, perhaps, working with others to ensure that social houses planned for rural areas will be energy-efficient?”
“I welcome the Minister's answer on the movement towards an independent environmental protection agency. As that process takes place, will the Minister continue to engage with stakeholders in and around the Lough Neagh catchment area and include them in all policy discussions?”
“The Minister has mentioned this already, but will she confirm that engagement with stakeholders will continue as the recommendations in the review are implemented?”
“Does the Minister agree that all mechanisms available to the Policing Board should be exhausted in such circumstances before any inquiry should be considered? Those matters around policing arrangements are precious and important to the accountability of the Chief Constable to the Policing Board.”
“We do, however, continue to hope that the agri-sector can work towards a supported just transition in ammonia and on other environmental matters.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is much work to be done if we are to reach the UK target of a 16% reduction in ammonia levels in the atmosphere by 2030. Although Alliance supports the motion's goal of reducing ammonia emissions, it is important to note that the motion does not accurately account for our current environmental, legal and financial situation. The motion, for example, references investment and modernisation but does not specify any of the measures, mitigations or installations that are vital to reducing ammonia levels. A more comprehensive understanding of those factors is necessary in order to achieve meaningful and realistic emission reduction goals. <BR /> <BR />We will not support the motion for those reasons.”
“<BR /> <BR />The information that was presented to the Committee, however, made it abundantly clear that outstanding planning applications — those that were mentioned today that are awaiting decisions — are not, in themselves, going to address ammonia emissions at the level that is required. In the discussion with the AERA Committee just four days ago, officials made it clear that the vast majority of applications do not include significant mitigation measures. That being said, the issue that we face with ammonia goes far further than planning application delays. The agriculture sector can introduce cost-effective measures to help reduce ammonia, such as improved storage of farm manure, improved farm manure spreading techniques and improved strategies for cleaning livestock areas.”
“<BR /> <BR />Another harsh and unfortunate reality is that our Departments are facing significant budgetary and resource pressures, with DAERA being no exception. Those constraints are not assisting progress on this or other matters. Separately, I am thankful for the update that was provided by NIEA at the most recent AERA Committee meeting, when it discussed the measures that were taken by its natural environment division over the past three months to address the backlog of applications. Those measures included increasing staff numbers and implementing a new and more efficient approach.”
“Those figures are alarming, to say the least. <BR /> <BR />Reducing our ammonia emissions is vital if we are to improve the overall quality of our air and protect sensitive ecological environments from the adverse effects of nitrogen. Movement from the Department is, of course, much needed, and I know that Minister Muir will be publishing the long-awaited ammonia strategy and operational protocol later this year, which will be evidence- and science-based and will, I am sure, respect environmental obligations. That, of course, could have been done much sooner had the Assembly not collapsed for nearly two years. I remind Members that that collapse was caused by the party whose Members tabled the motion.”
“I speak as the Alliance spokesperson for agriculture, environment and rural affairs, and I am, of course, also a member of the AERA Committee. The motion acknowledges, though only in outline, that Northern Ireland's ammonia levels are unsatisfactory and that the agri-sector's environmental footprint needs to improve. That is laid out clearly in the motion. <BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, the specifics are that the agriculture sector is responsible for 97% of ammonia emissions. Furthermore, despite having only 6% of the land area and 3% of the population, Northern Ireland accounts for over 12% of the UK's overall ammonia emissions. Recent data from 2022 highlights the significance of those high levels of ammonia emissions, as 96% of our areas of special scientific interest have critical levels of nitrogen.”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. I will continue with a question on water quality. Can I have an update on the implementation, if there is to be any, of event duration monitors, which give notification that there will be a sewage overflow issue?”
“I will continue on a theme already established and ask the Minister whether he has any plans to increase dedicated cross-border working on animal welfare such as that done previously, as mentioned in the statement, on the African swine fever contingency plan.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. He almost referred to the fact that it is disappointing news. <BR /> <BR />Given that addressing the extortionate costs of school uniforms was identified as a key priority when the Minister took up office and that, I understand, officials had previously worked on fairly detailed proposals, why has it taken so long to bring forward a consultation on the issue?”
“Will the September 2024 deadline for the green skills action plan be brought forward, given the urgent nature of the plan and the issue?”
“<BR /> <BR />The change to the law will result in an increase in prosecutions, so it will act as a deterrent to those looking to exploit animals for financial gain, ultimately making pet theft a less low-risk but high-reward crime. I take the chance to express my sincere appreciation to the stakeholders that I mentioned a moment ago, as well as to all the others that have tirelessly campaigned for the change for many years. I also thank the AERA Minister for ensuring that the legislative consent motion has been brought before the Assembly and for all the effort that is being made in DAERA to enhance animal welfare standards in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />As the Alliance Party AERA spokesperson, I hope that the Assembly will agree the legislative consent motion and enact the new pet offences in Northern Ireland as soon as we can.”
“The theft of a beloved pet is a despicable crime that causes immense distress to owners, who rightfully consider their pet to be part of their family. That is not to mention the extreme stress and fear experienced by the pets themselves as they are sold on to new families or subjected to even worse fates, such as being forced into dog fighting or into breeding in puppy farms. <BR /> <BR />Animal welfare charities such as the USPCA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection have strongly advocated the change. They emphasise, for instance, that it will enable accurate data recording and build visibility of the true scale of pet theft, thus helping develop more effective preventative strategies and measures.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am aware, and it has been stated here today, that some argue that this is a devolved matter and should therefore be addressed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. That may be a valid point, but we have to acknowledge that we are already behind in this mandate owing to a stalemate that stalled the Assembly for two years. If we were to progress the legislation in the Assembly — primary legislation would be required — it would necessitate using a significant amount of time and resources, which are already stretched, to say the least. The mechanism before us expedites an outcome. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that the sooner that the law is brought into action, the better. According to the Kennel Club, the crime of dog theft affects 200 families across the UK every month, yet just 2% of cases in 2020 resulted in a criminal charge.”
“This LCM, linked to the private Member's Bill that is moving through the UK Parliament, shifts the focus from the owner's loss to the welfare of the animal in the case of pet theft. Therefore I am grateful that Northern Ireland has been included in the scope of the Bill. The inclusion of specific offences for the abduction of dogs and cats acknowledges that pet animals are cherished companions and integral members of the family, rather than mere property. That development signifies a significant step forward for animal welfare in Northern Ireland and offers reassurance and protection for pet owners. Pet owners and many others would say that the act of taking someone's dog or cat should not be equated with stealing an item or an object. Our pets are living beings and deserve to be recognised as such by the law.”
“We cannot sit idly by while nature is destroyed and the threat to our native species increases. My call today is for the environmental improvement plan, as a crucial starting point and framework, to be urgently progressed by the Executive, so that interdepartmental actions can begin to deal with the problems that I have highlighted and the many other examples of such problems across Northern Ireland.”
“One of those incidents was later confirmed as being caused by slurry-spreading during the closed season. There is a serious and destructive problem here that needs to be addressed urgently. <BR /> <BR />The latest incident is all the more worrying as it happened in a river that is a tributary of the Six Mile Water river, which, in turn, flows directly into Lough Neagh. We know only too well the problems with Lough Neagh, as visibly demonstrated by the algal blooms last year, which severely impacted on the environment, community life and businesses along the lough shores. <BR /> <BR />It has become clear, through the AERA Minister's answers and comments in this place, that an environmental improvement plan is awaiting Executive consideration, approval or both. There is no time to waste. Doing nothing is not an option.”
“Over the weekend, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency confirmed a significant river pollution incident in the Four Mile Burn in Parkgate. That is another utterly appalling and environmentally devastating incident of pollution in my South Antrim constituency. It appears to have resulted in the death of well over 1,000 trout of varying ages. Anglers have reported that hundreds of young salmon also perished. That species is already seriously depleted in numbers and is protected by legislation. The incident came just days after I reported suspected pollution in the Three Mile Water river, which is not that far from the area I am talking about today, and follows a statement I made in the Assembly on 12 March about reported and confirmed pollution in the Six Mile Water river in the Ballyclare and Doagh areas.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I particularly welcome the greater focus on good environmental farm practice. In that context, how does today's announcement relate to actions required around making improvements to Lough Neagh?”
“I am grateful to the Member for giving way. I assure him that I ask this question to be helpful. Does he understand my reservation, which is that calling for an environmental governance review — the Minister has already undertaken that and outlined it to the House — seems to be counterproductive and repetitive? That is an issue that I have with the amendment.”
“I am about to address some of those points anyway. <BR /> <BR />I support the call for action on environment, driven by my colleague the AERA Minister, supported by the Executive and delivered through every level of government. As I said, we support the motion. Although I would like to support the amendment, I cannot do so for a number of reasons. First, it considerably weakens the original motion. Secondly, it calls for a review of environmental governance, which the Minister has already commenced. To be frank, the speech to move the amendment sounded like something between pollution scepticism and a case of, "Sure, we will just sit and wait a while to see what happens". I thank those who tabled the motion. I look forward to hearing more from the Minister on these matters.”
“I do not know, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, but I think that I am getting an extra minute. Am I?”
“A new agency should act to increase the cross-border and cross-regional cooperation that is essential in fighting to protect a single biogeographical unit, irrespective of borders and boundaries. In 2022, the OEP's remit was extended to include Northern Ireland, meaning that it can now hold our Government and public bodies to account. However, problems and challenges remain, for example, with resources. The Office for Environmental Protection has no enforcement powers over private businesses and citizens. That reinforces the need for a bespoke Northern Ireland environmental protection agency. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I reiterate the Alliance Party's support for action —.”
“<BR /> <BR />I was reminded today that when the opportunity arose to include the office that we are talking about in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, it was voted down. I have to point out that the party that tabled today's motion did not vote on the Alliance amendment to establish an independent environmental protection agency. We have often said that every policy and practice that has an environmental impact on Lough Neagh should and must be reviewed, including, for example, the sand dredging authorised by the previous SDLP Infrastructure Minister. That is another example of interdepartmental responsibility for required environmental improvement and action. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK and Ireland without an independent environmental protection agency.”
“We are content to support the motion, although it could be argued that an opportunity to link a meaningful environmental improvement plan to enforcement through an environmental protection agency has been missed — a reminder, perhaps, that our frequent calls to eradicate silo thinking should be reflected in how we do business on the Floor of the House. It is clear to us that a properly funded and truly independent environmental protection agency is vital for tackling the climate crisis as well as environmental challenges and is something that Alliance has long called for, and, as Members mentioned, it was a commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement.”
“For example, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs was to publish an environmental improvement plan by July 2023. That was not possible, however, owing to the absence of a Minister. Now, with a Minister in place and, I am glad to say, already active on the issues, we can and must make progress. <BR /> <BR />The environmental improvement plan that I have referenced is key to delivering and measuring progress. We know that the Minister is keen to secure Executive agreement for the plan, and I hope that it can be commenced as soon as possible. Alliance attempted to table an amendment to the motion to reflect the urgent need for approval of the plan, but it was not accepted. I have chosen to address the issue in my speech instead.”
“In addition, we have been tackling and continue to tackle our own ecological crisis at Lough Neagh and across other areas of Northern Ireland, as blue-green algal blooms threaten species, the lives of those living along the lough shore, the livelihood of traders and recreational opportunities. The environmental crisis is something that we can no longer simply brush under the carpet for future consideration, as the consequences of our inaction are being felt now and will, without a doubt, continue to escalate. Indeed, the lack of a Government and, subsequently, governance in Northern Ireland for two years has only made delivering environmental protection initiatives much more difficult. We have missed many of the deadlines already published for urgently required and robust environmental and biodiversity strategies.”
“We should consider everything before us today and all our comments in both a global and a local context, because our basic human needs, such as access to food, shelter and clean air, are threatened as the climate struggles to cope with the strain. It must be put as bluntly as that. <BR /> <BR />Last summer, we witnessed a season full of intense heatwaves, floods, gorse fires locally and wildfires more generally across the globe. The winter also began with prolonged periods of rain and extreme flooding in many parts of Northern Ireland. In recent months, our farmers battled further weather challenges that threatened our food security. I have no doubt that we will face similar or worse situations in the coming months.”
“I thank the Minister for his reply and for the issues addressed in it. More specifically, what plans does he have, if any, with regard to the introduction of Lucy's law in Northern Ireland?”
“Returning to the support and income sustainability theme of the original question, I point out to the Minister that there has been considerable discussion about the subject of minimum farm-gate prices. What consideration has he given to those and to whether they would be effective?”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank Mike Nesbitt — he cannot be here for Members' statements — who has been closely involved, leading the correspondence about today and keeping in touch with us all. I understand that he will be present later. I also want to mention Deborah Erskine, who liaised with us both before today's event, and the other Members who have been involved.”
“I welcome the opportunity to thank them for how they have enriched our community in Northern Ireland and assisted local employers, as well as creating local employment themselves. I say this to the Polish members of our community and to the Polish consulate in Belfast: the Northern Irish welcome remains as warm as ever, and your event in Parliament Buildings is much appreciated. I am sure that Members will join me in saying that, when there are challenges or when a small number of people seek to be unwelcoming or to undermine that welcome, we stand with our Polish community and will be here for it. I wish the organisers well for today, and I support their efforts to enhance relationships through establishing an informal all-party group (APG), which might meet twice a year.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of particular and local relevance today is the fact that, later this afternoon, members of the Polish community in Northern Ireland will host an event in Parliament Buildings to mark the anniversary, which coincides with Polish Heritage Days, an event held annually across the UK in May. It will be a pleasure to join them later to thank them for involving me in the preparation for the event and to take the opportunity to share the special day with them. <BR /> <BR />Like other Members, I am sure, I have been lucky to have worked with members of our Polish community through my role as an elected representative and in my previous employment before I joined the Assembly.”
“I rise to recognise the recent anniversary of the EU treaty that led to the enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004, when what were referred to then as the "A8 countries" joined and changed things positively for many millions of people across Europe. It has been well documented that, following that date, citizens of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia integrated into the EU, and many people from those countries availed themselves of the movement and opportunities that were offered to them, as did, at that time, citizens of Malta and Cyprus.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she have plans to improve the strategy for spending FTC, given the underspends that have occurred in previous years?”
“I thank the Minister for that reply. Given that — if we face it — the allocated sums that have been outlined are likely to fall woefully short in comparison with the scale of the problems of Lough Neagh, and recalling earlier comments about cross-Executive responsibilities, as the catchment area of Lough Neagh extends to and includes parts of the Republic of Ireland, is she willing to work with the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister to try to secure resource from the Shared Island Fund to help deal with those issues?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, and I want to ask for some definition of one aspect of it. The new MOT centre at Mallusk will now, we are told, be delivered in late 2025. The Minister will be aware that it was originally promised for 2024. Can he assure us today that the timeline will not be extended again and that that long-awaited facility will be delivered in late 2025 as promised?”