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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“He has introduced measures to increase household and business recycling rates, supported the planned introduction of the extended producer responsibility scheme and backed steps towards a deposit return scheme, to name but three actions. Those are practical, evidence-based actions that will help Northern Ireland move away from a throwaway culture and towards a genuinely sustainable system of resource management. <BR /> <BR />Our recycling rates have improved markedly over the past decade, and, in some areas, they are comparable to those in other parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland. We still, however, lag behind many of the best-performing regions in Europe, where recycling rates are substantially higher than ours. <BR /> <BR />On Global Recycling Day 2026, we should be clear that recycling is not a niche environmental issue.”
“At a time of global instability and rising costs, a strong recycling system also supports green jobs and a more resilient circular economy. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party has consistently led the way on waste and recycling policy at every level of government. In local government, Alliance councillors have driven improvements in kerbside recycling and food waste collection; championed better information for residents; pushed for investment in modern recycling infrastructure; and worked to ensure that reusing and recycling are championed over landfill and incineration. In the Executive, the Alliance Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has continued that leadership.”
“I rise to mark Global Recycling Day, which is celebrated each year on 18 March. The Global Recycling Foundation established the day in 2018 to recognise recycling as the seventh resource, alongside water, oil, natural gas, coal, minerals and air. Since then, Global Recycling Day has grown into an international call to action, reminding Governments, businesses and individuals that what we once saw as waste is, in fact, a vital resource in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. It will come as no surprise to Members when I say that recycling is key to cutting emissions, conserving resources and reducing pollution. By reusing materials rather than extracting new ones, we reduce the pressure on our land, water and air.”
“In good faith, I tell them that my door is open if they want to speak to me about those insults and the differences between those comments and a difference of opinion on a democratic policy. <BR /> <BR />Colleagues of the Members whom I have listed also spoke on similar issues. In conclusion, we need to deliver an environmental protection agency that protects the environment, ensures accountability and regains public trust. In simple terms, the public expect more from us in the Chamber, and, quite frankly, our natural environment deserves better.”
“I know a bit about that community. I know a bit about those insults.”
“An insult is when members of a political party say that a community and its membership make them sick to their stomach.”
“An insult is different from a difference of opinion in a democracy. An insult is when members of a political party call an entire community "an abomination".”
“I am not insulted by them, nor should she be by my views.”
“The fact that the matter has cross-party agreement, not just agreement from the Alliance Party, was also ignored. The Member for Strangford used some latitude, I suggest, to refer to other Ministers, agencies and even a cake. In doing so, she seemed to conflate or confuse "distraction, deflection and insult" with having a difference of opinion on policy in a democracy. Let me make it clear, in good faith, to the deputy leader of the DUP that I respect her views on Europe, her views on the environment and her views on the motion.”
“I said it respectfully. <BR /> <BR />Aoife Finnegan highlighted the need for action and called out the seriousness of the crises in our environmental systems, pointing out the crisis at Lough Neagh as one of them. Robbie Butler said clearly that, in principle, the Ulster Unionist Party agreed with having an independent environmental protection agency but that the process must be rigorous. Declan McAleer talked of the needs of smaller family farms and the important role that farmers can play in finding solutions in that regard. <BR /> <BR />The deputy leader of the DUP referenced other quangos. That dealt with the quango element of the NIEA, which is not a quango. Facts, such as the fact that the independent environmental protection agency could replace some of those groups, were, I think, deliberately ignored.”
“Before I turn to other Members' comments, I will clarify — because the point was made by a number of Members — that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is neither an ALB nor a quango: it is an Executive agency in a Department called DAERA. That demonstrates very clearly its lack of independence in that regard. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to comments from Members from parties other than mine. Matthew O'Toole, when moving the amendment, said that it was intended to aid accountability. I accept that. I hope that he does not mind my saying, respectfully, that he criticised other parties for not having preconditions on entering an Executive but did not manage to demonstrate a single gain for the SDLP from the many preconditions that it laid down before taking part in an Executive.”
“An independent environmental protection agency will act not only as a vital watchdog and a deterrent to polluters but as a catalyst for restoration, investment and fostering public trust in institutions. It can drive improvements in cross-border cooperation and help to protect what is a single biogeographical unit spanning the island of Ireland.”
“Difficult choices will be necessary, and funding will need to be secured, but that should not be viewed as a drawback but, rather, as an opportunity and an investment in our future. To achieve lasting and effective solutions, we must embrace cross-departmental collaboration. Environmental challenges do not respect departmental boundaries or sectoral silos. They demand an all-of-government approach that is underpinned by strong political will and shared responsibility. The EPA must be operationally independent, but it must also be supported by and work with every part of government. I want to highlight the fact that this is not only about obligation but about opportunities for positive, lasting change.”
“<BR /> <BR />The distressing situation at Lough Neagh, the tragic loss of biodiversity, the state of our rivers, illegal dumping at sites like Mobuoy and many others, and the ever-worsening impacts of climate change are testament to the costs, environmental and financial, of inaction. We cannot continue to accept fragmented environmental governance, divided across multiple agencies with blurred lines of responsibility and accountability. That fragmentation breeds inconsistency and inefficiency and, most harmful of all, allows vital deadlines and targets to slip past unfulfilled. <BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party recognises that creating a genuinely independent agency will be challenging and that it is not a quick solution to our problems.”
“I appreciate the points made by Mr Butler, but we were all at the talks and, after the deal, back here to work. <BR /> <BR />As I was saying, it is therefore fundamentally undemocratic for an independent agency on the environment to be unilaterally vetoed by one party that represents a minority in the Assembly as a whole. When one party can block a cross-party, publicly stated commitment, it undermines faith in this institution and in the agreements that underpin it. Accordingly, the motion calls on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to take meaningful steps to ensure that the commitment in NDNA is implemented. If this Assembly is prevented from delivering on its own agreed commitments by a one-party veto, it is right that the UK Government should act to uphold what was promised to the people of Northern Ireland.”
“I will give way once more, but this will be it.”
“The Member is repeating lines that he has rehearsed many times. He knows my position on climate action, and I know his position on climate denial. <BR /> <BR />As the motion states, we should also remember that a commitment to an IEPA was contained in the New Decade, New Approach deal. That was a collective agreement, and it is therefore fundamentally —”
“Not at the moment. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly must also be honest about what has been happening politically. The motion rightly and strongly condemns the blocking of the establishment of an independent environmental protection agency by the DUP. It further condemns the hypocrisy of those who express concern about the Lough Neagh crisis, the illegal dump at Mobuoy and wider environmental degradation but then refuse to support plans to enhance environmental accountability and safeguards. We all know the line. They say that we, or the Minister, must do something about Lough Neagh, and they then come to the Chamber and vote against the very measures that have been proposed to improve things. <BR /> <BR />I will give way to Mr Buckley, but I may not take many interventions.”
“Despite the difficulties that he continues to face at the Executive, the Alliance Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has refused to step away from delivering on his commitment to establish an independent, effective and well-funded environmental protection agency.”
“The recent independent review of environmental governance provided a thorough and scientific assessment, highlighting not only the depth of the environmental pressures facing Northern Ireland but the critical gaps in governance, accountability and enforcement that have undermined the achievement of real progress. The report's conclusion was clear: an independent EPA is needed to strengthen environmental governance in Northern Ireland.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The Alliance position has been ably set out by my party colleagues, but, as the Alliance environment spokesperson, I will make some comments of my own before I reflect on the contributions that Members made during the debate. <BR /> <BR />As I have stated before, to the Alliance Party, creating an independent environmental protection agency is more than just a policy; it is a fundamental principle and long-standing goal. We have advocated for it consistently. We view its establishment as vital for a sustainable future in Northern Ireland. The need for such an agency is pressing, and the evidence is irrefutable.”
“Not at this stage, no. <BR /> <BR />Therefore, the Order helps to protect Northern Ireland from the economic impacts of divergent ETS regimes between the UK and the EU while embedding the principle that maritime emissions must be accounted for and reduced. Such initiatives are vital if the UK is to meet its climate commitments. They safeguard our natural resources and ecosystems while strengthening our economy, creating opportunities for growth and innovation, and keeping us in line with other leading economies. <BR /> <BR />Alliance supports the direction represented by the Order and will continue to work for a future in which Northern Ireland is at the forefront of climate action and green innovation, not playing catch-up.”
“The Order in Council cannot be made without the agreement of all the UK Administrations. Therefore, this is not only a local environmental measure; it is a decision with clear UK-wide implications. In real terms, that has consequences. It also affects parity on the Irish Sea. If we fail to pass the Order, there is a real risk of businesses rerouting via the Republic of Ireland to avoid additional costs in the future, which would undermine our economy and our environmental goals by shifting, rather than reducing, emissions.”
“However, the decision last year by the EU and UK to begin negotiations to link the schemes is very positive. That has long been called for by Alliance, very specifically in our recent 'Stronger Together' document. From an environmental perspective, linked systems can reduce carbon leakage, stabilise carbon prices and create clearer incentives for decarbonisation across these islands and throughout Europe. The inclusion of maritime emissions in the UK ETS is essential for linking the UK and EU schemes. That linkage will also facilitate an exemption from the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism — as was pointed out, there is more detail on that to come — removing a major barrier to trade and lowering costs for UK businesses. <BR /> <BR />If the instrument does not pass at the Assembly today, it will fall everywhere.”
“I will come shortly to levies and investment in the sector, which, as I am sure that the Chair will admit, were not represented in his report. <BR /> <BR />It should be noted that some ferry operators already include an environmental fee in fare charges. There is no doubt that that will have helped already in decarbonisation efforts. The principle is not new. I am intrigued as to why the report from the Chair, and, therefore, the Committee, did not reflect any of that. I will be blunt: two of the three shades of the TUV have spoken already and have chosen to ignore that, just as they chose to ignore CBI opinion, which was also offered to the Committee. <BR /> <BR />Since Brexit, the UK and the EU have operated separate emissions trading schemes.”
“I will give way briefly, but I am keen to make progress.”
“In simple terms, the more that you pollute, the more that you pay, and the more that you will save by cutting emissions. We must embed that logic across our economy if we are serious about meeting climate targets, which, I remind Members, are legally binding.”
“By placing a cost on emissions within a cap-and-trade model, they create a long-term price signal that incentivises sectors to innovate, invest and cut their carbon footprint.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the draft Order, which aims to decarbonise the maritime sector. I thank the AERA Minister for presenting the Order and for his ongoing and significant engagement with the UK Government. I appreciate the support provided by departmental officials to the AERA Committee, and I thank the stakeholders who shared their views with the Committee. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, Alliance views the Order as a significant declaration of intent by the United Kingdom domestically and internationally. It shows a strong commitment to climate action in a sector that has traditionally been more difficult to regulate and decarbonise. Emissions trading schemes such as the one being discussed today are a proven tool in driving down carbon emissions.”
“What consideration has the Minister given to reviewing the exemption for takeaways from the carrier bag levy?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for his determination that Northern Ireland must do better on water quality. Further to that, how will the proposals and actions outlined in his statement support existing commitments in the Programme for Government and the environmental improvement plan?”
“I thank the Minister for that reply. How is rurality factored into policy decisions regarding service configuration and access to urgent care?”
“Those residents who have faced repeated flooding can be assured that I will continue to raise the matter with the Minister and seek the detailed updates that she has promised on the flood alleviation scheme for the area. My constituents cannot wait for the next storm to find out whether lessons have been learned. I have raised the issue before, I raise it this afternoon, and I will continue to do so until the people of South Antrim see the meaningful, climate-proofed action that they deserve.”
“When the river bursts its banks, it carries sediment, agricultural run-off, nutrients and pollutants into the wider catchment, which, of course, includes Lough Neagh. Flood events damage water quality, undermine biodiversity and further strain already fragile ecosystems. We have all seen the images of blue-green algal blooms and the severe pressures on Lough Neagh, and we need not willingly contribute further to that situation. <BR /> <BR />It is vital that the Infrastructure Minister rapidly bring forward robust flood alleviation plans for areas historically affected by flooding so that we will not be back here next autumn and winter, making the same requests.”
“I thank the Member for the intervention. That is why the flood alleviation plans must examine and assess the entire Sixmilewater catchment area and development areas around it. <BR /> <BR />As I was saying, fear and flooding have been a reality in Ballyclare, Dunadry, Glenavy and other communities across South Antrim, especially those residential streets in Antrim town, on so many occasions. The negative impact of continued development and associated run-off along the banks of the Sixmilewater can no longer be questioned. That reality must form part of future planning and infrastructure strategy. <BR /> <BR />Flooding along the Sixmilewater is not only a threat to homes, roads and businesses but an environmental crisis.”
“<BR /> <BR />My frustration is nothing compared with that of the people who live with daily flood risk and fear for their safety, families, homes and businesses every time heavy rain is forecast. I saw that fear again at the end of January and start of February, particularly in Ballyclare, Dunadry, Glenavy and other communities across South Antrim, especially —”
“We have endured an exceptionally wet winter. What were once-in-a-decade events now occur regularly. The recent devastation is yet another stark reminder of the long-overdue need for a comprehensive flood alleviation scheme along the Sixmilewater and other locations in South Antrim. It is deeply frustrating to be contacted repeatedly by distressed constituents while I, and others, including Members who are here, have consistently pressed the Infrastructure Minister and her predecessors for mitigation measures. Ministers have indicated that there may be progress on an alleviation scheme by summer 2026. That work must proceed without delay. I will continue to press for it inside and outside the Chamber.”
“I am pleased that this important issue has been brought before the Assembly. I thank my South Antrim colleague Steve Aiken for securing the debate. The discussion is particularly timely, given the recent and, sadly, in many areas, ongoing flooding that is being experienced across my South Antrim constituency. I pay tribute to residents for their organised reaction during the floods recently and their proactive approach in organising meetings after the events. I also thank the Infrastructure Minister for taking the time to visit South Antrim, just a couple of weeks ago, to witness first-hand the devastation that has been caused by the flooding; and for being in the Chamber to respond to the debate. <BR /> <BR />As climate change accelerates, heavier and more-frequent rainfall is becoming a regular feature of our weather and a reality.”
“I thank the Minister for that reply. I am sure that he will understand that I hoped for a bit more information on committed funding. What direct engagement has taken place with other Departments on how they can contribute to the anti-poverty strategy? Does he have a commitment on it from any of them?”
“Has the Minister met those who provide front-line homelessness services, especially those who have experienced issues with the severe weather emergency protocol in recent weeks?”
“I thank the Minister for that reply. How can separate recycling streams improve the quality of the recycled product as well as benefiting the circular economy?”
“Pay, workload and burnout all contribute to that, and we as elected representatives should and do take that seriously. We know that the NHS is vital to our society, and the Alliance Party remains committed to prioritising it. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to the Minister's update on the efforts to improve access to GPs in South Antrim. My colleague who secured the Adjournment debate has made it clear that it was brought here in the spirit of a constructive conversation. I hope that continues, and I hope that we can assist the Minister in his part of that constructive conversation.”
“That means timely appointments, well-staffed practices and clear, consistent systems for contacting surgeries and the management of those systems. <BR /> <BR />Avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions is key to relieving pressure on the wider health service. When people cannot get a GP appointment, many of them end up in overstretched emergency departments or out-of-hours services, often with conditions that could have been managed in primary care if the capacity had existed and been available initially. That is not good for patients, staff or the public purse. <BR /> <BR />There are wider structural issues that we cannot ignore. For example, across Northern Ireland, fewer people are entering or remaining in the medical profession, including general practice.”
“Too often, people are left in pain or anxiety and are unsure about where to turn. <BR /> <BR />GP practices are the front door to our health service and are central to prevention and early intervention. They deliver initial cancer testing, antenatal and postnatal care, vaccinations, chronic disease management and mental health support, among many other services. When people cannot access those services promptly and consistently, we miss chances to diagnose earlier, intervene sooner and prevent conditions from worsening. Access to such care is not a luxury; it is fundamental to safe and effective healthcare. We need GP services that are accessible and sustainable, regardless of where in South Antrim someone lives.”
“It is for the Health Minister and his Department, of course, to ensure that access to GP services in South Antrim and across Northern Ireland is improved and sustained, and the Minister and the Department need our support in delivering that. As MLAs, however, we hear directly from those affected when the access is not there or falls short. Like my South Antrim colleagues, both in the Assembly and at local council level, I am routinely contacted by constituents who have struggled to get a GP appointment or who are stuck on waiting lists for what they describe as "an eternity". People phone the GP at 8 am, and they redial repeatedly only to be told that all the appointments have gone. All MLAs are familiar with that story. Other people wait weeks to be seen about issues that cause real distress.”
“I thank Pam Cameron MLA, my South Antrim colleague, for introducing this important issue to the Assembly this afternoon. Like her, I am grateful that the Minister is here to hear us and to respond. <BR /> <BR />First, I record my sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and wider staff who provide GP services across South Antrim with such care and compassion. Their dedication often goes unrecognised, yet they work under immense pressure, with rising demand and limited resources. They deserve our stated respect and support. <BR /> <BR />Our population in South Antrim is growing, with new housing, an ageing population and more people living with long-term conditions. Our health service must keep pace, or our constituents will pay the price through increased frustration and pressure.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I would like to point out that parties have worked and are working together on this at the meeting last week and outside that meeting. What specific and immediate directive has the Minister issued to Rivers and the Planning Service to review all planning applications in the Antrim catchment area? Can she assure the House that the cumulative impact of new developments on surface water drainage has been adequately assessed? Can she commit to a moratorium on major approvals in that area until a full drainage capacity study is complete?”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. I will stay with priorities. The permanent secretary seemed to confirm to the Health Committee that the Department of Health's priorities have been outlined for the first time in 11 years. Can the Minister explain why he, or his predecessor and party colleague, did not do that sooner?”
“If I may, I add my welcome to our visitors.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Are green skills initiatives being fast-tracked in order to ensure that our local workforce is qualified to install low-carbon technologies, which, ultimately, the Department will be subsidising?”