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 thank the Minister for the answers provided to this point. Will she outline the timescales for the introduction of the domestic abuse Bill?”
“It does not prescriptively say that the scheme introduced has to be exactly the same as the scheme that was there before. <BR /> <BR />In that regard, I urge the Minister to pay attention to the outcomes of the payment arrangements that are in place, give full assessment to those most affected by the current system and, in doing so, pay due regard to those in severely disadvantaged areas. Apart from that, I support the motion.”
“However, where there is evidence that current arrangements have introduced disparity, as I said previously, we need to reassess the system. In that regard, I draw attention to the fact that the motion refers to:”
“Smaller hill farms are a vital component of the family farming community. They have a crucial role in Northern Ireland in, for example, conservation of the countryside, maintaining the landscape, preserving tourist potential and, in some cases, protecting the coastline. <BR /> <BR />It has to be said, however, that there is some potential for conflicting evidence in payments made under the basic payment system in comparison with what went before. That is worthy of further and more detailed examination, so that we can ascertain properly what the actual losses and gains are to those directly involved. <BR /> <BR />At the time of the Bew report, there were many offices and representatives campaigning against payments being allocated purely on land area.”
“I speak, however, in general support of the motion, its principle and sentiment. Let me explain: there have been changes in financial processes, regulations and, indeed, in ministerial directions. It has been said already that those changes have not come about abruptly; they have been made over time. However, we have a duty to hill farmers, including those on smaller hill farms that, it might be said, are less productive overall than others in the agricultural sector that we hear about more often.”
“Similar to what Mr Catney and, perhaps, Mrs Barton said, I will speak on behalf of the Alliance Party in the hope that we can achieve an outcome, although I recognise that such an outcome will require some balance.”
“I, therefore, express our support for the motion and the amendment that I outlined.”
“There are additional approaches if we wish to seriously nurture a society of lawfulness. For example, there should be visible support from all of us and interaction with police through schools, colleges, public life, universities, employment settings, the family hubs that have been mentioned and wider society. We need to encourage understanding and solutions rather than have judgement on and attach stigma to addiction matters, it could be argued. We need also to have mature discussions on real-life issues such as abuse of prescription drugs on an everyday basis. The collaborative approaches requested in the motion and in the amendment for which I have already expressed Alliance's support are crucial next stages in this process and in seeking understanding as well as solutions.”
“Those are vital approaches if we are to realistically tackle the drugs and alcohol-related issues that have been spoken about already a number of times.”
“<BR /> <BR />Alliance is not in a position to support the additional amendment in the name of Mervyn Storey because of its consistent and restrictive reference to criminal justice solutions and its sole focus on such solutions with no reference to prevention, intervention or rehabilitation. In this context, that is not helpful because we have to seek solutions on a wider basis. <BR /> <BR />In reference to that, there are already some very productive joined-up approaches to the problems that have been highlighted already during the debate. Hopefully, when the Minister speaks, she will elaborate on some of those, such as substance abuse courts, support hubs, which are a growing phenomenon, and multi-agency triage teams, which are helping out in the field.”
“The Alliance Party supports the original motion in the name of Dolores Kelly. We can do that, not least because the motion calls for increased collaborative approaches to crime and the causes of crime. The motion also makes specific reference to victims and communities and the effect of crime on those two groups of people. <BR /> <BR />The emphasis on collaboration also makes it easy to support the amendment in the name of Linda Dillon and others. That amendment asks the Minister to seek solutions, not simply on a collaborative basis but on an Executive-wide basis.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers in relation to this additional provision in my constituency, and for her reference to sustainable transport. Is this not the ideal opportunity, therefore, to look at expanding our railway provision, where that is achievable and sustainable, like, for example, at the Knockmore line to serve Crumlin in south Antrim and the international airport?”
“Given the need to address the needs of all communities, not just two communities, will the previous T:BUC strategy be subject to independent audit and assessment?”
“<BR /> <BR />Action plans and working groups have been referred to, but how best can we ensure that the plans are future-proofed and wildlife-proof with regard to broadleaf species, for example, and local wildlife?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. He has guessed already — of course, correctly — that some of us are more enthusiastic about this statement than the previous one. In that regard, he is right. It is commendable that the Minister's personal interest in and commitment to the Forests for our Future programme are clear from the text of the statement. We genuinely thank him for that. I add a very swift follow-up to a question that I asked as a supplementary. It may have been the Minister's first Question Time when he promised us an announcement soon on afforestation. We look forward to future timely delivery on environmental protection and other matters.”
“Paragraph 17 of the statement mentions that a cross-Administration technical work plan is tasked to deliver the protocol. Is there any detail or timetable around that delivery, given that the clock is ticking, and we are moving closer to December?”
“I thank the Minister for the statement and the information that it provides. However, some of the outflow from the statement and the toing and froing here compels me to say — I hope that he will forgive me for not resisting the temptation — that never has there been less temptation or opportunity for an "I told you so" moment. The Minister and others will be aware that some of us did not want the uncertainty. Some of us did not envisage the prospect of a cliff edge but — the Minister referenced it — the protocol is an international agreement, and there is some detail for all of us to get across between now and the implementation of the protocol. <BR /> <BR />Rather than protracted pro- or anti-EU conversations, we should now move in that direction.”
“I hope that the Finance Minister will refer to that because we are doing so in the context of expectation around the increased visibility of police and a commitment to maximise, where possible, neighbourhood policing. <BR /> <BR />I hope that those commitments in NDNA can be met and will extend beyond collaborative departmental working to ensure that Departments work as closely as possible with other agencies to ensure safer communities and cleaner, more environmentally friendly communities.”
“Without repeating everything that we just said on another issue, that is another clear requirement for more joined-up government, more collaboration, more working with external agencies, and working to extend good projects that are already in place on health triage systems with the police, where first responders work with local policing teams to ensure that those most in stress and most in need are treated with priority when they most need it. It also has the effect of ensuring that we minimise situations where up to a dozen police officers are engaged in A&E departments across one area on a typical weekend night. I am sure that you will agree, Mr Speaker, that that is not a good use of police resources. <BR /> <BR />What I am really addressing is the readiness to meet those changing demands.”
“I said at the start that I will touch on policing. I attended a meeting here at lunchtime with Members who are also members of the Policing Board, and we looked at the policing plan for the years ahead. I am sure that the Minister of Finance will be well aware of the demands made there and commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement, where we will have to examine very closely changing crime rates and crime types, crime trends, cybercrime, human trafficking, corporate crime and, of course, the need for adjustments for the outworkings of the policing of Brexit. <BR /> <BR />It has been said many times over the years that policing cannot be done by the police alone.”
“There is scope to try to extend that across Departments and government. Hopefully, the Minister will indicate whether his Department can lead in that coordination and cooperation across Departments to build that mutual working arrangement, trust and respect.”
“That is simply one business area of one Department tying in with other government agencies in an interdepartmental fashion to deliver to those most in need of it on the ground.”
“<BR /> <BR />I make the suggestion of community linkages not to secure efficiencies or to seek ad hoc casual support, but so that we can share a depth of knowledge that is already there, often linked to local support agencies, such as councils, but all too often not connected to central government in its thinking and delivery. In putting that forward, I refer again to the work that was done, with my experience in DCAL, where that interaction with communities could make real differences to those who are the most vulnerable in our society, such as people suffering from mental health problems and the homeless. It can help with other health projects across the country, for example cancer projects.”
“<BR /> <BR />The New Decade, New Approach agreement contains specific reference to the principles of co-design and co-production, and that brings me to the points that I raised about departmental interaction with communities. Co-design and co-production are a key part of that. I put it to the Minister that there are few areas where this is more ready to go than on environmental and countryside projects and groups that are already working, particularly, though not exclusively, in rural areas. There is, if we pursue this engagement and get it right, an opportunity to harness expertise and commitment in a meaningful, positive and productive way.”
“<BR /> <BR />Proper and justified tribute has been paid during the debate to the work done by civil servants during the absence of an Assembly, and I wish to fully associate myself with the remarks made and do so genuinely. I have to say, looking at the DAERA budget and accounts in the context of the issues that I have just raised, quite frankly, the fact that some Departments are failing to spend tens of millions of pounds begs some questions. I am not seeking that it be done retrospectively, but, hopefully, in the days, months and years ahead, with a joined-up and collaborative approach at Executive level, we will move forward through the remainder of this mandate ensuring that resources are fully utilised to meet the issues that I, and other Members, have raised.”
“There is the need, as well as the commitment in agreements reached, to have, in Northern Ireland, an environmental protection agency, working to safeguard quality of life and our natural habitat. There will, of course, be provision needed for the necessary transition from current arrangements around the environment to that new agency. There has been mention of an environmental office as well, and I expect that the Minister will have to make provision for transition from the current NIEA arrangements. It is an agency that will, ultimately, deal with issues as important as the air that we breathe and the water that we drink.”
“The Department of Finance will, I hope, be prepared for changes in budget requirements as that rolls out and will, I hope, make provision for contingencies in that regard also, because this is an ever-evolving situation and there is still a great degree of uncertainty around the processes involved. <BR /> <BR />There is also growing awareness, of course, of the climate crisis, which has been referred to in the debate a number of times. There is a growing demand that we react to it with action and not words. It is now realistically expected that environmentalism be embedded at every level of government in planning and delivery and that necessary investment is made to change approach in the apparatus in government and departmental infrastructure, so that our collective carbon emissions are reducing towards, hopefully, elimination.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Chair and Deputy Chair of the AERA Committee have already spoken, so I will try to avoid repetition as far as I can, but I will address some of the challenges that the Executive and the Finance Minister face that have been referred to in previous debates. As I said, I will try to keep that brief. <BR /> <BR />Current challenges, both domestic-political and global-environmental, are forcing an agenda for DAERA and its officials, and us as public representatives, like we have seldom seen in recent times. The Finance Minister and other Ministers will be aware that that brings an expectation of financial provision and political responsibility to properly address issues that are really with us, such as the pressures that EU exit could bring to our vital agri-food sector, family farms and our rural communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />Like a number of Members, some of whom spoke today and yesterday, I am relatively new to the Assembly and to our budgetary process. I, like others, am learning from this, and I am contributing to the debate as the Alliance agriculture, environment and rural affairs spokesperson. I will probably touch as well on some of the role that I play as a member of the Policing Board, on which I serve on behalf of this Assembly and my party. I hope as well to address some new approaches to ensuring that Departments work, as referred to a moment ago, in close liaison with communities wherever possible.”
“Mr Speaker, thank you. I promise you that I will do my best to stick to those guidelines. I cannot promise to match in quality or duration the previous exchange across the Chamber, but I will do my best to stick to the guidelines that you have outlined. <BR /> <BR />It is opportune that I am following Carál Ní Chuilín because I was going to refer, in the speech that I prepared, to my experience of working as a civil servant when she was a Minister. I worked in Inland Fisheries when Carál was my Minister, and I am therefore poacher turned gamekeeper in every respect. I know also from that experience that ministerial drive and support of staff in the community can make a real difference to people's lives. Carál touched on it during her speech, and I am going to come to it in a moment.”
“— used in local government may not be effective, and also —.”
“Is the Minister actively considering, in addition to the public interest and the opposition referred to in the original question, the public expenditure element of the arguments about the Mallusk site? In relation to value for money, is he considering the fact that Northern Ireland may not need a number of these facilities and that alternatives already exist? In addition, the structure of waste management currently —”
“I thank the Minister for that reply and her replies so far and in this, my first exchange with her at Question Time, I wish her well and welcome her to her post. <BR /> <BR />Given the long list of outstanding strategies for social inclusion and change — a list that, perhaps one could argue, has been renewed by the New Decade, New Approach agreement — will the Minister assure the House that the Department will seek to involve a wide range of stakeholders from the outset of any consultation, and that stakeholders will not simply wait until, some way down the process, questions have already been set by departmental officials?”
“I assure you that I will try to stick to that.”
“Like previous Members, I take the opportunity to welcome the Minister, a colleague of mine, to her post, and I wish her well for the future. <BR /> <BR />Can I ask for clarification from the Minister whether those who have already given evidence to the Hart inquiry will also be required to give evidence again to the redress board?”
“Can consideration be given to valuations occurring perhaps more regularly than every five years? Can more advanced notice of those valuations be given?”
“It does not, however it seems, deal specifically with animals who are trained and deployed to protect the public. We should never take those animals for granted. <BR /> <BR />Those public-service animals, and Alex mentioned dogs in particular, play an essential public-service role in ensuring our safety. For example, dogs play a crucial role in drugs and arms searches, assist in public-order control and pursue those suspected of crimes — often wicked crimes — against individuals. It is reasonable that we should expect those animals and the role that they perform for our benefit to be recognised and protected in law. I therefore have no difficulty in supporting the motion and offering the Alliance Party's support for it.”
“I support the motion on behalf of the Alliance Party. I commend those who brought it before the Assembly. I welcome the interest in animal welfare and animal protection. My colleagues and I hope that similar attention is paid and sympathy shown when the House comes to debate other forms of animal cruelty, such as fox hunting and hunting with dogs simply for the kill. <BR /> <BR />However, this is a welcome endeavour to deal with a serious and outstanding matter of potential animal cruelty. It is appropriate to think about and reflect on the existing Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, and subsequent amendments to it. The Act deals, fairly extensively, with the responsibilities of an owner or keeper of an animal, and it also addresses, to some extent, deliberate harm that may be carried out by a third party.”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. In addition to the point made, can I be assured that the economic strategy, as it evolves, will link to other strategies in other Departments so that matters like infrastructure, education and other social issues in the Department for Communities are considered as well?”
“Like others, I congratulate the Minister on her appointment and wish her very well for the times ahead. Does the Minister, on behalf of the hospitality sector, support reform of licensing legislation in Northern Ireland? In addition, is she likely to report soon on a recent review of that legislation?”
“Very briefly, does the Minister agree that there should be a joined-up approach on that with councils, NGOs and voluntary bodies to increase the woodland and, of course, the number of hedgerows?”
“The Minister will be aware from the debate last week on the legislative consent mechanism that there is real concern out there that the measures emanating from that LCM do not totally cover all the pillars that are covered by the existing CAP. What action has the Minister taken to address that? If he has not done so already, will he meet the Ulster Farmers' Union to discuss that?”
“Before I close, I want to point out that, for me, and, I am sure, for others, there is no hierarchy of need. There is no hierarchy of justification or merit. All areas of the farming sector and of the agri-food sector have equal need. This is our most vital sector. I am sure that the Committee and Minister will return to those matters in coming weeks. I am sure that the Minister will also take note of that.”
“<BR /> <BR />I do not intend to rehearse in detail those concerns — they have been expressed by the Committee representatives — but I will go over in brief the uncertainty over funding that is separate to pillar 1. For example, the funding that covers environmental farming schemes; funding for future years in the context of the phrase, "Until we have a replacement"; funding to adequately support the promotion of the excellence of our products in Northern Ireland in a changing and competitive environment; general agricultural support post-Brexit; and a concern that recipients of funding for viable environmental farming schemes cannot apply in a separate tranche to help progress, add to or sustain their existing projects. I hope we can look at those.”
“Whilst I am happy to endorse it, I would, of course, as I am sure you know, prefer that these matters were dealt with wholly by this Assembly, steered by the Committee and the Minister, with the appropriate emphasis on local impact. In the circumstances, on behalf of the party, I am happy to accept what is before us. With regard to the process, I think I need to point out that, whilst the LCM and a certain date this coming Friday, and further LCMs and dates, may put some definition on an ongoing issue, they do not in themselves bring certainty to farmers, the agri-food industry and others who have current and real concern about the future.”
“In my work first as a councillor and in my work as an MLA, I never cease to be amazed at the energy of the volunteers and activists and how they seek to work with and for others to make their area a better place. We should acknowledge that they add to the rich tapestry of community and society in our areas, but they do more: they provide an expert and valuable voluntary resource and knowledge that we should, with every effort ourselves, embrace in order to enhance that joined-up thinking and joined-up government that has been referred to so many times. We can improve that civic engagement between those volunteers and ourselves, work together to make our areas better and provide the joined-up government we have talked about so often. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to the LCM.”
“<BR /> <BR />Now that I represent South Antrim, which goes from Toome in the north at the boundary with the Bann, to Glenavy in the southern end of the constituency, going through the towns of Ballyclare, Antrim, Randalstown and the many other towns and villages, I am told that it is traditional on these occasions to extol the virtues and attractions of my constituency. Of course, my constituency has far too many for me to list individually. I can only encourage Members to visit and, perhaps, keep visiting and revisit to see those attractions. <BR /> <BR />There is, however, one aspect of life in South Antrim that I will reflect on and formally acknowledge, and that is the most excellent voluntary and community sector we have across my constituency. I suspect that is also the case in the constituency of colleagues.”
“I should thank those council officials and members of all parties with whom I worked. Indeed, that applies not least to my Alliance colleagues, many of whom are still there, for their support in sending me here and, of course, for the work we do regularly as a team in the constituency. <BR /> <BR />I hope you understand, Principal Deputy Speaker, that I want to pay a genuine tribute to my predecessor, David Ford, for the work he did for South Antrim, for the work he did, of course, as a very effective Justice Minister and, most of all and on behalf of Alliance colleagues from across Northern Ireland, for the leadership and friendship he has given us for many years and still gives us.”
“Principal Deputy Speaker, thank you for that introduction, and may I, in the opening remarks of my maiden speech, take the opportunity, through you, to put on record my thanks to the Members who sought me out to say, "Hello" and "Welcome" when I was appointed in July 2018? You will be aware, Principal Deputy Speaker, that that was a difficult time — it was a time of uncertainty — but without going over old ground, I am relieved and encouraged now that, with the new agreement, we will all be able to work together and move this place forward. I pledge today to play as full part as I can and to work with all Members for positive outcomes. <BR /> <BR />My path to the Assembly was not, as some may have noticed, a rapid or marathon sprint or in any way an accelerated promotion. I came to the Assembly after many years in local government.”