Harry Harvey
Strangford · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you for your statement, Minister. I am pleased to see the non-domestic rates element of the review, which we have called for as a party, progressing.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. You highlighted the Change Maker funding programme and support for 65 grassroots organisations. I am sure that you will agree that it is vital that the benefit of schemes is seen at a grassroots community level.”
“Minister, the thrust of graduated driver licensing is to provide new and learner drivers and riders with better experiences and skills over time, doing so in low-risk environments. There was much consternation across the House and in Committee around the way in which the Minister first announced that plan.”
“<BR /> <BR />Further clarity will be required from the Minister and her officials on a number of proposals, particularly in relation to how the learner logbook will operate and how verification by a qualified driver will be policed in practice to ensure that there is limited opportunity for the abuse of that new element.”
“It is no secret that the cohort of 17- to 25-year-olds proportionately remains the age group with the highest involvement in serious injury collisions on our roads. It is against that backdrop that many of the changes that have been emphasised are to be welcomed as the Department seeks to increase safety on our roads.”
“<BR /> <BR />Minister, if you get a chance, I want you to tell us a wee bit more about the removal of the 45 mph speed limit. Maybe we could have a conversation about it at a later stage.”
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“Of course, that is a component of the green growth strategy being spearheaded by DAERA, of which the development of a peatland strategy will be an important strand. Woodland creation is a simple, low-cost option to improve our landscape and remove carbon from the atmosphere to help meet the UK's net zero carbon target by 2050. It does not just provide economic benefits and incentives to farms: it enhances biodiversity in local areas and increases carbon capture. <BR /> <BR />The recent wildfires have highlighted the need for greater protection of our heathlands, peatlands and key environmental assets as a whole.”
“I am aware that the Minister is committed to working closely with the National Trust, which has responsibility for a considerable part of the upper Mournes, to identify the scale of the damage, establish a recovery plan and ensure that funding is provided to allow the roots of recovery to take hold as soon as possible. I welcome those commitments. <BR /> <BR />The Department has also recognised that Northern Ireland's density of woodland lags behind the rest of the UK and other jurisdictions. That recognition has been evident in the initiatives that the Minister has recently commenced to tackle the problem. The Forests for our Future scheme is one of those initiatives, and I was delighted to hear this week that 670,000 trees have so far been planted as a result of that programme.”
“We must all engage in seeking to prevent any recurrence of the scenes that we witnessed, with the silhouette of the blazing Mournes countryside against the night sky. Prevention must be our key focus as the work commences to repair the environmental damage. Greater enforcement and targeted legislation are required to deal with the problem. We cannot afford to take our environment for granted, particularly given its importance to tourism and local communities. <BR /> <BR />Mention has been made of the need for the greater use of firebreaks to limit future damage in light of the sheer size of the area affected by the recent fire. That must be seriously considered for the future. The addition of 2-metre firebreaks could significantly protect heathland and limit future risk.”
“I know that the Minister has already outlined his commitment to work with the relevant stakeholders to rebuild, restore and, most importantly, learn from this tragic event.”
“At the outset of my remarks, I want to take the opportunity to join other Members in paying tribute to the many agencies and individuals who fought the recent fire in the Mournes. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Forest Service, alongside the UK and Irish coastguards and the council all played a role. I wish to echo the words and thanks that have already been given. <BR /> <BR />It is sad to say that the recent fire in the Mourne Mountains has caused untold damage to the biodiversity, wildlife and natural habitats of the area. Without the dedicated and professional efforts of everyone who was involved, the devastation could have been even worse. It will take time to assess the scale of the damage that has been inflicted on the environment.”
“Will the Minister advise whether his Department plans to enhance teacher training relating to mental health issues among students?”
“I welcome the announcement, especially given that it is some 50 years since this level of investment was last made. Does the Minister agree that many farms suffer from an underinvestment in buildings, which then impacts on their efficiency?”
“Any climate change legislation from the House must acknowledge that. <BR /> <BR />As has already been said, we must get the balance right. That is pivotal. Unachievable targets are of use to no one. We must tackle climate change head-on, but it cannot be at too high a price; otherwise, we will have achieved nothing.”
“This Bill proposes a target of net zero by 2045. That is something that the Climate Change Committee has said is not only impossible but is unnecessary for ensuring that the UK's climate change targets are achieved. <BR /> <BR />It is evident that the Bill gives little thought to the impact that a net zero target will have on farm businesses and the wider agri-food sector. Northern Ireland is a significant net exporter of agri-food products, with nearly 50% of agri-food products produced in Northern Ireland being consumed in the rest of the UK. It is only fair, therefore, that other parts of the UK that have a lesser focus on food production bear a heavier burden in meeting the UK target. The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) regularly reminds us that NI farmers feed 10 million people in the UK.”
“<BR /> <BR />Regardless of where the Bill originates, the same core issues are at play, including the need to get a robust legislative framework that underpins environmental targets that, though ambitious, are achievable and do not require us to bankrupt our business community. On that point, I echo the sentiments of Manufacturing NI, which warned the House to be careful not to destroy jobs and livelihoods by failing to strike the right balance. I have concerns that the Bill does not strike that balance. I come to that view on the basis of the direction provided by the Climate Change Committee, the independent body tasked by the Assembly and the other UK Administrations to advise on this important issue. In its recent recommendations on Northern Ireland, it commented:”
“I am aware that Minister Poots has been working on a climate change Bill that is in the final stages of drafting and has been awaiting approval for discussion by the Executive for a number of weeks. Given that 'NDNA' makes it clear that it is for the Executive to introduce legislation, given that the Minister has brought proposals to the Executive and given the urgency with which other parties wish to address the issue, I cannot understand why the matter has not so much as been discussed by the Executive. I find it bizarre that parties that tell us that there is a climate emergency have not even been able to find time to discuss the Agriculture Minister's Bill.”
“through the bringing forward of legislation to:”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in this important debate. The DUP is committed to addressing climate change and ensuring that this part of the United Kingdom plays its role in reducing emissions. I am a firm believer that, as custodians of our planet, we all have a moral and civic responsibility to care for the environment and to do all that we can to create safer and healthier spaces to live in and to enjoy. <BR /> <BR />As has already been said, tackling climate change is a commitment of 'NDNA':”
“Thank you very much, Minister, for your answer. As you know, I have been trying to strike up a conversation with you on this proposal. I ask that you meet me and the manager at the proposed site to look at and listen to the vision and to respond with your thoughts on the way forward.”
“It is my understanding that the Department for Communities, which has responsibility for gambling legislation, is considering a wide-ranging review of that legislation. I urge the Departments to work collaboratively. Cross-departmental cooperation will continue to be crucial to ensuring that policies on competitive sport, business activity and gambling are fair and balanced. <BR /> <BR />As a result of the express text of the 1990 Order, both Down Royal and Downpatrick have been unable to avail themselves of support for some time. Action is required to rectify that situation, particularly given the impact of COVID on those businesses. More generally, the intention of the current legislation should clearly be honoured in good faith. As such, I support the Bill and thank the Minister for bringing it to the House today.”
“I welcome the flexibility at clause 1 in respect of the future definition of a "horse racecourse operator", which will allow amendments to be made by resolution with the approval of the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />There should, of course, be an opportunity to reflect on the general merits of the legislation. There have been calls to extend support to greyhound courses and other businesses connected with racecourses that are not directly involved in horse racing. This must be balanced against the wider societal impact of on- and off-course gambling as well as online gambling. These issues cannot be viewed in isolation. <BR /> <BR />We must be mindful of the wider implications of change.”
“I am happy to support the Horse Racing (Amendment) Bill at Second Stage. Given the difficulties that Down Royal has met with recently, it is evident that amendments to legislation are urgently required. The changes provided for in clause 1 will amend article 2 of the 1990 Order's definition of "horse racecourse operator" to include Downpatrick Race Club and Down Royal Park Racecourse Limited, the current operators of the racecourses at Downpatrick and Down Royal. I note that there is broad support for the proposed legislation from respondents to the consultation that was undertaken by the Department, including from Lisburn and Castlereagh Borough Council, the local authority for the area.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. What is the total cost to the Department of implementing the 20 mph limits at schools, considering that the cost of safety cannot easily be measured?”
“I thank the Minister for his duty of care to the firefighters and to the landowners whose property was decimated by the mountain fire incident. Our grateful thanks goes out to all the fire crews who attended the fire over the past weekend. <BR /> <BR />Minister, given the dry springs that we have had in recent years, what steps are you taking to reduce the potential impact that climate change is having on such wildfires?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does the Minister plan to continue providing localised restrictions support scheme payments to businesses that are working at a limited capacity?”
“Thank you for your answer, Deputy First Minister. Have you considered touring caravans and a risk assessment of the shared facilities on sites?”
“Will the Minister outline what role his Department has in ensuring the free flow of goods between GB and NI?”
“Will the Minister outline how she plans to address the backlog?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. I welcome the fact that COVID-related deaths have fallen for the third week in a row. Can he assure us that services for cancer patients will be reinstated as soon as possible?”
“No problem, Mr Deputy Speaker. I know that we have to look after our own, so it is OK.”
“I welcome the removal of the 3% limit on the increase of the basic payment scheme, which will also provide greater flexibility within the budget allocation. I am also glad to see the retention of the ban on the ploughing or conversion of environmentally sensitive permanent grassland and the increased penalties for breaches of those prohibitions. That sends out a clear message about the importance that the Department places on environmental protections. <BR /> <BR />Leaving the CAP allows us to remove many of the constraints placed on our environmental programmes. I look forward to the progression of further changes in this area. The changes provided for will give legal effect to a range of simplifications and improvements announced for the 2021 scheme year by the Minister in September. I support both motions.”
“It is vital that the Department remember that for the future, that the scope and framework of the scheme are regularly reviewed and that the industry is allowed to play a direct part in this. We must use our new-found adaptability to our advantage. <BR /> <BR />The Minister recently set out his vision for the future. I welcome the direction of travel that he has outlined. A basic area-based payment that provides a safety net but still encourages productivity, the funding of coupled payments to directly target areas such as suckler cow and new breeder cow producers and the new agri-environment programme will all work together to incentivise growth and ensure that sustainability is at the heart of agriculture for the years ahead.”
“It is therefore vital that farmers can be guaranteed the assistance given through the direct payments scheme. The regulations give that much-needed certainty and provide the necessary framework for the next scheme year. <BR /> <BR />The common agricultural policy accounted for 79% of the income of the industry in Northern Ireland between 2013 and 2019. Leaving the CAP allows us to chart a new course towards a support system that is tailored to the needs of the local industry and environment, unique to this jurisdiction and adaptable for the future. Last year, payments provided almost £300 million worth of support to the local agricultural sector, a lifeline for many. As I stated, unlike CAP, the new scheme affords the opportunity for a flexible and bespoke approach to farming support.”
“We are used to having one John Blair; having eight today is certainly more interesting. <BR /> <BR />The direct payments to farmers regulations represent the much-needed continuation of the lifeline of support for the agriculture industry. I welcome the work done by the Department in bringing the regulations before the House today. The regulations will ensure that the relevant legislation is updated to ensure that farmers continue to receive support, thereby maintaining the status quo. The agriculture industry has experienced a turbulent year, like many other sectors, due to the impacts of COVID-19. The knock-on effects of the closure of hospitality and the difficulties being experienced because of the Northern Ireland protocol, to name but a few issues, have significantly impacted on the sector.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Can the Minister indicate how implementation will be monitored?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. The Irish Government are issuing €500 fines for those travelling to airports and ports for non-essential purposes. That is evidently to curb international travel and to keep Irish citizens safe. Will the Minister commit to a similar scheme here?”
“First, I wish you well in your new position, Minister, and I wish Edwin a speedy and full recovery. Will the Minister outline the material risk to Northern Ireland's reputation as a result of the steps taken by the Department?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I publicly thank all key workers, especially the healthcare workers who are on the front line. Last week's announcement of a recognition payment to health workers was very welcome. Will he clarify whether that will include all agency and zero-hour contract staff? Will the Minister provide a time frame for the payment?”
“Does the deputy First Minister call on the European Commission to respond swiftly and substantially to the national Government's efforts to agree new systems and not just grace periods?”
“First of all, it is good to see you back again, Minister. I too wish you well. My supplementary question is this: would you consider progressing a proposed development of a much-needed historic motor exhibition centre in a forest park in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, with the hope of increasing footfall and serving the classic motoring fraternity?”
“Thank you for your statement, Minister. A protein crop support scheme was recently introduced in Northern Ireland. What can we learn from the protein support scheme in the Irish Republic? What environmental benefits can these crops bring?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I appreciate that she is considering upgrades in all constituencies to allow the building of new homes to continue. Can she assure me that she will address the current infrastructure issues in Strangford, particularly in relation to flooding, which poses a health and safety risk?”
“<BR /> <BR />As for future travel in these areas, I look forward to the Department updating the Agriculture Committee on the outworkings of the policies and what input the UK animal health and welfare common frameworks will have in the design of future policy. Whilst EU and UK rules remain the same, that cannot be guaranteed, moving forward. Regulated areas, such as labelling, are at particular risk of divergence, and we will need to bear that in mind, post-transition. In the meantime, for the reasons that I have outlined, I support the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />The regulations are designed to be compliant with annex 2 of the NI protocol, namely to ensure that we can operate effectively after the end of the transition period. My party's position on the NI protocol is well documented, and we have been consistent from its inception. We opposed the Commons Bill, on three occasions, and we continue to believe that the protocol is undemocratic and will be economically and constitutionally damaging for this region of the United Kingdom. That having been said, there is a duty on us to provide as much certainty and clarity as possible for businesses, individuals, producers and consumers. Not to introduce the regulations, regardless of opinion on the protocol, would leave the Department bereft of control in these areas and would not have a positive effect.”
“Both sets of regulations are technical and do not involve any changes to current policy. <BR /> <BR />The first of the draft regulations relating to propagating material involves the transfer of some additional legislative powers to DAERA. That will give the devolved Executive powers in relation to the setting of conditions with which ornamental and vegetable plant material must comply, for instance, as well as the setting of labelling and documentary requirements for plant material. It is, therefore, anticipated that there would be an ability to build greater flexibility into the system in respect of those conditions in order to be as contextually aware as possible. Such flexibility may be required in relation to derogations in the event of temporary supply difficulties, for instance.”
“I thank the junior Minister. I wish to make a few brief remarks on the draft regulations that are before the House. First, it must be noted that the draft Marketing of Plant and Propagating Material Regulations and the draft Plant Health and Diseases of Animals Regulations are necessary alterations to existing domestic legislation. <BR /> <BR />The regulations are being made through powers that were conferred on the Department by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and are necessary for our exit from the European Union at the conclusion of the transition period on 31 December. As such, there is an urgency for the approval of those regulations and others that have come before the House in recent days as we prepare for our exiting of the European Union.”
“As you are aware, Minister, the short stretch of the A7 between Doran's Rock and Saintfield is a main route linking Downpatrick to Belfast. This is the final link in that road that needs to be upgraded. Given that this part of the district has seen little investment in infrastructure lately and given that no work has been carried out on the scheme for some 10 years now, I was seeking assurance from the Minister that she will look into this to see that it is completed soon. I got that assurance. <BR /> <BR />I will ask my supplementary question. Minister, while we are talking about roads and transport issues, have you given consideration to biennial MOT testing for motor vehicles when they reach four years of age as opposed to it being done annually as it is at present?”
“A lot has changed for our commercial ports and harbours since 1989. In the light of that, I call on the Minister to take time to consider any other areas in which her Department has a role, to ensure that all other mechanisms in her portfolio are up to date and provide fit-for-purpose state support to meet 2020 needs. <BR /> <BR />While the Bill is long overdue, I have some concerns about accelerated passage, given the lack of time for wider consultation, which, I note, has not been feasible on this occasion. I appreciate, however, given the limited scope of the Bill, that all the ports that stand to be impacted on have been involved in the consultation process. I am therefore happy to support the Bill.”
“The operational capacity and soundness of our main shipping ports have a direct economic impact on the ability of local companies to export their goods and on our access to key markets and destinations. Should our ports not be fit for purpose, the knock-on effect on other sectors of the economy would be significant. <BR /> <BR />The Department consulted all our main harbours, including Belfast, Larne, Foyle and Warrenpoint. Such targeted consultation is vital to ensuring that the sector is fully involved in all these decisions. At present, communication with our ports and haulage industry is vital, and I urge the Minister to keep those lines of communication open over the next few months in particular and to react, where needed, to support our harbours and our ports. <BR /> <BR />I note that the limit has not been updated since 1989.”
“As already stated, the Bill will increase the existing limit placed on the Department with regard to the financial assistance that can be given to local harbours. The change in the limit from £35 million to £90 million is welcome, and I am pleased to see the Minister bringing the Bill to the Assembly. I am hopeful that the Bill will enable the Department to be much more flexible in responding to the needs of our ports, particularly as we reach the end of the transition period and emerge from COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />Our harbours act as one of our main gateways to the world. They provide the economic and social links that we rely on both within the United Kingdom and to the furthest parts of the globe. We must ensure that they receive the necessary government support to operate and compete on the world stage.”
“Minister, I welcome your statement. You mention a pilot scheme to maximise the benefits of protein crops, beans and sweet lupins. How do you propose to encourage farmers to partake in this scheme, and has it been tried before?”
“Minister, I see from your statement that two subgroups have been set up: I assume that they are an Irish subgroup and a British subgroup. What practical work has been carried out to date by the subgroups? <BR /> <BR />On another point, I see that you are not due to meet again until 2022: would more frequent meetings be beneficial?”
“<BR /> <BR />The motion could have far-reaching consequences for major infrastructure projects, and its call for a review of approved planning applications may not only be totally unworkable but is unlikely to be even legally possible. For those reasons and others, I support the amendment.”
“I am aware that the Minister's Department is working on a dedicated ammonia strategy, and I welcome that. A discussion paper for consultation would be beneficial to formally engage with stakeholders and interested parties prior to such a strategy. The UK Government are currently engaged in a live consultation process on ammonia for England. <BR /> <BR />The motion also touches on the planning process. In many cases, delays with planning approval are hampering the ability of farms to reinvest and replace new buildings, thus reducing emissions. Contrary to blocking planning and construction, we should be encouraging the development of more energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings.”
“As the Ulster Farmers' Union has stated, it was the industry's lobbying that resulted in an additional 28 ammonia monitoring stations being established in 2019 across Northern Ireland to help measure and understand the impact of ammonia emissions. I believe that credit must be given for the willingness being shown by those in the sector to engage and be proactive on the issue. <BR /> <BR />The Department is also aware of its obligations in the habitats directive, and recent actions have attested to that. Some £7·5 million of the farm business investment scheme has been allocated to capital investments. That will reduce ammonia emissions. Research into soil health and the outworkings of the green growth strategy will also address ammonia.”