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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“All of the sentiments that have been expressed — certainly those in support of the motion and the amendment — can be done in the spirit of the motion; involving, providing for and protecting our people.”
“That makes it all the more important that we examine that pathway at all levels of government — national, regional and local.”
“I do agree. That would meet the commitment that I mentioned a moment ago that is in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document.”
“<BR /> <BR />In reference to Mr Allister's comments, I really want to stress that I am not averse at all to exploring opportunities at Wrightbus or anywhere else because some of us are not afraid of referencing aspiration at the same time as trying to deal with desperation or deprivation. Those things are not mutually exclusive. It is perfectly doable to work on all those matters at one time. All of that can be done —.”
“Gary Middleton spoke very clearly about our need to protect the vulnerable. John Stewart referenced to some extent small businesses and the challenges that will exist around that going forward. Gordon Dunne mentioned the rescue packages that are already in place. Christopher Stalford paid tribute to government for the measures that are there and did not rule out that we have to look at exploring new measures as well. Declan McAleer, who is no longer in the Chamber, mentioned the agriculture sector challenge, and I will explore that with Declan and others through the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Matthew O'Toole, in his closing remarks, mentioned support for the motion, which is very welcome.”
“I agree totally. It is a matter that should be considered going forward by all of us but, specifically, by the Northern Ireland Executive. That green new deal would bring with it economic benefits to exploring and developing that circular economy. It will require new expertise. It will present opportunities for new learning experiences, and, in addition, it will bring opportunities to allow individuals to develop their own skills as well as new skills to help to provide this greener, cleaner future. <BR /> <BR />I will turn now to the comments made in the Chamber. I am very pleased that most of them, with one notable exception, were wholly supportive of the proposal and the amendment. Sinead McLaughlin mentioned the need for social dialogue, which I referenced a moment ago.”
“<BR /> <BR />Also, the green new deal, which has been spoken about today, is not merely aspirational; it is a commitment in a document called, 'New Decade, New Approach', which made it more attractive for some of us to be part of the Government. That is about making sure that we make and meet a commitment and nothing more than that. I will now turn to —.”
“I want to draw down two examples that relate to how we can better facilitate a just and economic recovery, which is the focus of the motion. First, the collaborative approach, which I mentioned and which has been beneficial at this time of crisis, should become the working model for the future. It is essential that government — regional, national and local — work together with communities to ensure mutual understanding of challenges and to shape solutions. That, in itself, might help to embrace the community spirit demonstrated so that those people who have made that huge effort in recent times can feed in to the near future, the medium future and the longer-term future.”
“We will, I am sure, reflect for some time on the human loss, the changes in our methods of governance and, of course, the time when our interaction with others was seemingly stopped completely. However, there are positives, even in these darkest of times, to be taken from what we have learned thus far. I want to mention in particular the collaborative working that is taking place in government and in Departments. Hopefully, the Minister will take back to her officials, as I have said here with regard to other issues, our sincere thanks for the work done in an ever-changing environment. <BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to mention also the most outstanding community reaction that there has been to assist those most in need. We have seen that in every locality.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and thank the proposers of the original motion for accepting our amendment. I thought originally that I was coming to respond to the amendment only, but I should be able to make some comments in response to remarks made. Before I do so, I will make some comments of my own. <BR /> <BR />I will start by adding to the thanks paid to our front-line workers. I am hopeful that the debate today and the sentiments expressed will offer them some reassurance that we are looking to safeguard the services that those people provide for the future as we begin to look for recovery and the necessary societal change. <BR /> <BR />There will be many lessons learned, and some have been referenced already today, from the COVID period.”
“Perhaps he will also indicate that the necessary funding has been requested from others and tell us whether it is being provided and whether it can meet the declared commitments. <BR /> <BR />It could be argued that the first matter that I highlighted is political; the second, natural. However, both involve imminent changes that will affect all of us. I hope that the Minister will clarify today that the necessary measures and finances are in place. Perhaps they are hidden in the detail that was mentioned a number of times earlier. We know that they are needed to deal with these serious issues, and soon.”
“<BR /> <BR />We know that this will require collaborative efforts across Departments, not least DAERA, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for the Economy, although a commitment to financial provision is also required, and I hope that the Minister will refer to that later. Going forward, there well be opportunities to work with others as well, including through the recently established all-party group on climate change, chaired by my colleague Rachel Woods. However, those involved in that work will want to see commitment with policy and budgetary detail. Perhaps the Minister, when he responds, can offer this insight and assist, hopefully, in the coordination of this commitment across Departments.”
“This pledge, listed in the published agreement under "Priorities of the Restored Executive", was accompanied by a pledge also to bring forward a climate change Act. Recent, much-reported environmental improvements — less traffic and reduced pollution — albeit in a time of unique and challenging circumstances, have demonstrated clearly that change can happen. However, thus far, that change has been circumstantial rather than policy driven. To harness the short-term, recent gains in air quality, it would be reassuring to see a firm, coordinated departmental commitment, backed by budgetary provision, to ensuring that the pledges previously given are fulfilled.”
“Surely, it is reasonable to expect that provision is being made and that checks are in place in the Department of Finance to ensure that there is capacity for the considerable upscaling of the current arrangements in ports, which apply only to live animals. Hopefully, the Minister, in his response, can provide some detail of the planned provision, especially the additional staffing costs that it is expected will be involved and the arrangements to ensure that the necessary staff resources are in place. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the environment. Earlier this year, Executive commitments understandably raised expectations of imminent action to tackle climate change. New Decade, New Approach brought us this promise:”
“<BR /> <BR />The first of the two urgent issues is that we know, as clarified in a recent UK Government report, that the forthcoming Northern Ireland protocol, which is an integral part of the withdrawal agreement, will require, without doubt, expanded infrastructure at ports in Northern Ireland. This requirement, of course, relates to checks on animal and food products coming here from GB. Quite separate from our thoughts or opinions on the journey that got us to this point or, indeed, the current circumstances, preparations for the protocol and its pending implementation are essential.”
“I add my thanks to those expressed previously to the Minister and his officials for the work that has been done in recent weeks in response to a major crisis. I hope that, as well as other messages, when the Minister leaves today, he will take the message to his officials that all of us, I am sure, even when we do not immediately get the answers that we want, even when we make further demands on behalf of those who are in need, are massively indebted to those officials for how they have swung into action to deal with the crisis. <BR /> <BR />As the Alliance Party spokesperson for agriculture and the environment, I want to address two important and urgent issues. I do that mindful of the financial commitment that has been required already in relation to COVID and, of course, the necessary post-COVID planning as well.”
“<BR /> <BR />Principal Deputy Speaker, in keeping with your instruction to limit speeches to the remit of the regulations, I will miss any further reference to the Committee's publicly expressed desire for a sunset clause to be introduced to the Agriculture Bill. I will sum up by saying that what I see before us is a very relevant example of local issues requiring local solutions. Perhaps, in his response, the Minister can expand on his thoughts on how local and regional factors, not least the proportionate importance of agriculture in Northern Ireland compared with other regions, can be factored in to catering for these specific needs in the future. Other than that, I am happy to support the Bill.”
“Such a situation will have introduced additional difficulties and challenges separate from crop diversification issues. The regulations, of course, bring with them reminders of other factors apart from weather-related and seasonal matters and the responses required at times to assist our agriculture sector. The processes that are currently in place are enacted in the context of local alignment with EU regulations, in accordance with the withdrawal Act, although those arrangements are in place only until the end of 2020. We need to give serious consideration to how we deal with those matters post 2020. The clock is ticking, and circumstances, not least in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, present additional difficulties in preparing for the future.”
“In keeping with the position taken by the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, referred to by the Committee Chair and others, I rise on behalf of Alliance to support the regulations. I offer support recognising that the derogation is limited in time and in scope and that, hopefully, there will not be any adverse effect on the overall efforts and aims to assist in the greening of farming through environmental schemes. It appears that these actions are aimed at a few hundred farmers out of the many thousands in Northern Ireland. It is, therefore, fair to assume that costs are minimal, if any. <BR /> <BR />It is important that we recognise and react to the problems that faced arable farmers following a winter that brought record rainfall.”
“I am pleased to hear that processes are being put in place so that councils can assist with enforcement matters. I look forward to receiving more information about that when the latest updates and amendments are before us, if not before then. <BR /> <BR />I and my colleagues, like all others, look forward to better times. We are willing to continue efforts guided by scientific and medical advice to get us there. In that light, we are content to support the regulations as amended.”
“Perhaps, in their response, the junior Ministers will give us their thoughts on two things: first, the need for clear and consistent messaging from every Minister and every Department so that information is presented from where and when it is expected and is accompanied by the clearest guidance possible; and, secondly, the need to assist the public in developing a common-sense approach to implementing the regulations by reviewing and, if necessary, refreshing the messaging that is out there to ensure that we maximise the audience and hold public attention at all times as things change. We know that challenges to police work in implementing the regulations are ongoing, as witnessed in recent days at the Obel Tower in Belfast and on other occasions. Every effort must, therefore, be made to assist police in their duty.”
“It is that effort that has allowed some relaxation of the regulations that were put in place. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the limited alleviation of the regulations, just like every other public announcement, will bring further questions. There will be questions about whether it is safe to gather in a particular open space. There might be questions about whether, if a fishery is open, as was announced on late-night television, the forest park around that fishery will also be open. We know that acceding to every request could fragment the coordinated approach to battling the virus. That could lead to an ad hoc development of policy and create uncertainty and have the most serious of consequences, especially if any lack of cohesion led to a second wave of coronavirus.”
“On behalf of Alliance, I thank the Ministers for their statement today on previous amendments to the regulations. I also thank them and their Executive colleagues for the further information that was released yesterday, which will have brought some hope and reassurance to many people. We are reminded, especially at a time when some people are benefiting from reassurance, that there is still much suffering and anxiety in our communities, stress about the road ahead and, of course, grief for those who have lost loved ones. We think of all those people today. It is right that we also reflect today on the huge effort made by people across Northern Ireland to follow advice, adhere to regulations and join together to save lives and protect our health and front-line services.”
“<BR /> <BR />Even at this stage, I am hopeful that the Ministers can reflect on those points and take action in the interests of true fairness and representativeness.”
“I am perfectly happy that the question is there, although I am less happy that it will be posed as an optional question, rather than a compulsory one with a very clear option of, "prefer not to say". <BR /> <BR />In the interests of gathering full, or as full as possible, data, we should proactively seek information that is truly reflective of our entire community. That is vital in the need to shape policy that is representative and meets the needs of all in society, especially in trying to address bias, discrimination and hate crime. It is also important that any question on sexual orientation allows the respondent to identify who they are beyond the rigid categories of gay, bi or straight. I hope that too will be addressed in the reflections made by Ministers.”
“However, I know that as soon as I say that that I am going beyond the personal, because I know, and it has been widely analysed and reported, that a substantial and growing number of people in Northern Ireland take that position and make that choice. The reality is that some of us consciously decide not to be defined in that way. You might expect that we would have the right to do so. The core issue here is the right to be who we are irrespective of perceptions. I hope that the Ministers present will take that on board when they are making their reflections at a later stage. <BR /> <BR />To go further on the issue of identity, and in staying on the theme of being who we are and allowing others to do likewise, I will address the inclusion in this census of a question relating to sexual orientation.”
“My colleague has most ably just reflected on the difficulties for many of us on the religious question in the census 2021 questionnaire. I fully concur with her comments regarding that matter and I want to take the opportunity to make clear my feelings. <BR /> <BR />In many ways, you could say that this is a personal comment and I think that is understandable in the circumstances because, just like everyone else in the House, and the many millions outside of it, I am an individual. Therefore, I am entitled to decide whether I have a religion or not and I should also be able to decide whether or not I leave it up to others to decide that for me. I should never be put in a position where I am expected to declare the expected perception of others on an identity that I do not believe that I have.”
“<BR /> <BR />For those reasons, while I support the motion, I ask that the Ministers who are present take with them today if they can, first, a request for consistency of messaging that is steered, of course, by professional health and scientific advice and, secondly, full explanation, whenever possible and as regularly as possible, as to the reasoning behind the restrictions and the regulations. Thirdly, I ask them to make every effort to ensure consistency in delivery across government and different levels of government and in local government. If that requires liaison with the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) or the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) or any other body, so be it. In supporting the motion, I make those requests.”
“I include in that some Members of the House who have been bereaved recently. That subject was also being broadcast on the airwaves as I travelled here today, so I accept that that is in the news. Access to parks was on the news over the weekend. As we entered the weekend, recycling centres were a news topic. We have to be aware that the mixed messaging that is emanating from those conversations is not conducive to clear guidance. It creates grey areas and uncertainty, and has the potential to put already stretched public services under further pressure.”
“If we take, for example, the restrictions laid down by local councils on their services and the difficulties that that creates for ratepayers, we must immediately relate that to consistency of messaging so that ratepayers understand the link between those restrictions to restrictions on movement and the generally accepted, publicly important issue of social distancing. There are signs, at this stage, that social distancing is having an effect, though it is far too early to be confident, let alone complacent, in that regard. We need to be very careful about conversations in the House around the relaxation of regulations. <BR /> <BR />We have already mentioned cemeteries today. I am very mindful of the sensitivities and the real grief of people in and around that issue.”
“The Minister convincingly described the terms of the regulations and, understandably, outlined some of the frustrations around them. He, then, rightly, reminded us of the fact that those regulations are in place to save lives. Further to that, perhaps, I will reflect a little more on the Chair of the Executive Office Committee's remarks, in which he mentioned the need for consistency of messaging in relation to the regulations and the public health and public safety relevance of that messaging and how we put that out. I want to concentrate on that messaging and the consistency of its delivery across our public services. <BR /> <BR />It might be possible to find restrictions in every aspect of the regulations that cause difficulty for an individual, for a sector or for a group.”
“I thank the junior Minister for moving the motion. I associate myself with the remarks of sympathy that have been made for those who have been bereaved and those who suffer. I also offer our support to our excellent and valued front-line services.”
“I hope that the Minister will address those matters in his response and in forthcoming discussions so that the importance of Northern Ireland agriculture not only to the economy but to everyday life will be at the forefront of the outworkings of the Bill and of any future replacement or enhancement that comes before us.”
“It has been referenced as well — I apologise for any repetition, but there are matters that have been referenced that are important to me, my colleagues and those we engage with on a regular basis — that the Minister will be aware of concerns raised about Northern Ireland's reliance on migrant labour and about the perceived threat of the proposed points system to that workforce and the impact that could have on a region where, in 2017, for example, 20% of agricultural and 43% of agri-food workers were from a non-UK background.”
“We must also at this stage seek more clarification of rural development funding, which was also referenced and for which there is no concrete proposal, as I understand it, or guarantee that future funding would be ring-fenced. Food security also remains a concern for the sector and, I suspect, for many customers. Given the current commitment that the GB Minister would report every five years on these matters, there is surely good reason to seek more regular and more localised updates, especially during any transition period for trading and agricultural support. <BR /> <BR />Not dissimilar to that is the remaining uncertainty over the traceability of animals and whether any diminishing of local DAERA control could impact negatively on competitiveness, especially in that regulatory divergence scenario.”
“Overshadowing all discussion on the Bill is, of course, the continued uncertainty over the Northern Ireland protocol, coordination of preparation for that protocol and lack of clarity on the implications of any future regulatory divergence in these islands. I hope that, when he responds, the Minister will address and provide some clarification on that. <BR /> <BR />The AERA Committee has considered and expressed a preference that has also been referenced for a sunset clause that would, as we have seen, for example, in Wales, facilitate a future bespoke Bill that would work best for Northern Ireland, our rural industries and our rural communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />Evidence from the crucially important sectors that I have mentioned was given to the AERA Committee and has provided us with a list of concerns that warrant continued scrutiny, review and, if necessary, a further legislative response for the greater economic and community good.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also thank the Minister for the information he brought here today and the DAERA officials, including his direct staff, who are doing their best to provide us with answers and information. I have received that information in the most timely way in recent days and I am grateful for that. I wish to put that on the record. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of the Alliance party, I support the motion and its continued passage, if nothing else. However, there are some concerns on outstanding and unresolved issues that I must mention. I raise those concerns not to rehearse previous discussion on what brought the Bill here, but as an expression of support for our vital, valued and quality agricultural and agri-food sectors.”
“I start by associating myself, and my colleagues, with the condolences expressed to the families of those that have already lost their lives in these sad circumstances. There are also those who are deserving of our thanks for their efforts in these sad and challenging times. I want to thank those working in the agricultural and agri-food sectors who are doing their best, in the most challenging of circumstances, to ensure that we have food on our tables. Members across the House will know that, from the farm to the local butcher, from production plants to the excellent voluntary contribution and effort that has been made in our rural communities, there are a lot of people outside the House who are deserving of our recognition and thanks.”
“On behalf of my colleagues, I assure the Minister and her teams in the Department and its various agencies of our total support in these difficult times.”
“<BR /> <BR />I do not intend to repeat the concerns raised around HR resources in Departments at this time. We are all aware of the reasons for such shortages and urgencies in Departments and, indeed, other employers. It might be worth mentioning that, as recently as yesterday, I heard that some new universal credit applicants were already finding that the verification processes were not coping with demand and applications were being delayed as a result of that. I am hopeful that that can be addressed, especially in the context of the measures being brought forward on welfare mitigations as we approach the 1 April deadline. <BR /> <BR />I raise those issues as concerns and not as criticisms.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the statement and information to the Assembly today. I rise on behalf of the Alliance Party to support and, hopefully, raise a few concerns. In doing so, I will try to avoid a repetition of concerns already raised. I am mindful of the unique circumstances in which the motion was moved and the urgency that brought the motion to us today. I am hopeful, though, that, as we go forward, more information can be released on the application process for such grants, that bureaucracy will hopefully be kept to an absolute minimum and, therefore, waiting times also can be reduced. Hopefully, the Minister can give us some information that that process may be publicised, at least online, to increase public awareness of that.”
“I also thank the Minister for her statement. Whilst, like many others, I support the emergency Coronavirus Bill and understand the rationale and urgency behind it, can the Minister assure Members that measures will also be put in place to ensure that any long-term impacts on basic civil liberties will be minimised, if possible?”
“The Minister will not be surprised that I will take the opportunity now to do the same thing and ask that consideration be given to an alternative corridor to the one that I mentioned. That, of course, is the Antrim Road corridor. It has to be accepted that the other corridor is already served by a railway line, while the Antrim Road corridor is not. I am hopeful that that issue will be taken into consideration.”
“I appreciate the Minister's reasons for the lack of detail or prediction in the answer. Can the Minister commit to working with the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, councils, environmental groups and others to ensure that such applications — current and future — on waste management are dealt with in the interests of the environment?”
“Apart from those issues, I am happy to support the budget on behalf of the party.”
“<BR /> <BR />I particularly want to take this opportunity to welcome the provision made to progress the establishment of a youth assembly. I, for one, like other Members, I am sure, appreciate that that engagement with youth across Northern Ireland is a vital component of progress for the Assembly to make. <BR /> <BR />I am satisfied that there is provision and scope within the budget to make further considerations, if required, that might entail additional provision in relation to the staffing of constituency offices, the advancement of the IFRP review, and that we may be given an opportunity to consider lone working arrangements for our staff and any outstanding pay disparity issues. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to playing a full part, with Commission colleagues, in considering those issues.”
“As the Alliance member of the Commission, I support the budget as presented and the statement made by the Member who moved the motion. <BR /> <BR />I support the budget, for a number of reasons. However, before giving some of those reasons, I place on record my thanks and that of my party colleagues to the Assembly secretariat for the work undertaken by them in speedily getting the Assembly up and running and servicing our needs, as best they could, in the early days of the recent restoration. <BR /> <BR />I fully accept that the budget reflects the need for a full complement of staff in the restored Assembly. It also looks, quite properly, at considerations that will have to be made for additional measures in relation to legislation and commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement.”
“Is the Minister seeking the additional funding from Treasury on the basis of a package of agreed reforms?”
“Can the Minister confirm her commitment to shared housing by ensuring that new housing that is planned for the south Antrim area and, indeed, all other areas will be shared housing? Will she also commit to ensuring that all shared housing projects are promoted and managed as being inclusive for all citizens?”