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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“Those jobs also support many more in ancillary industries, such as transport, animal health supplies, construction and many more. It is no exaggeration to state that the local economy relies on our food production, which is known for its quality across the world. It is therefore vital that, instead of placing unworkable burdens on the sector around ammonia reduction, we must work with the industry on this issue and support it in what is already being done to tackle it. <BR /> <BR />Local research around the Making Ammonia Visible strategy is already providing Northern Ireland with relevant science to help tackle ammonia emissions on farms and inform the best course of action for the industry.”
“In Northern Ireland, approximately 94% of ammonia emissions come from agriculture. I am sure that this Assembly does not need reminding how vital the agriculture sector is for Northern Ireland's economy, environment and people. Northern Ireland farmers and growers are a central part of rural economies and communities, providing secure jobs and driving growth in food production and diversified industries, such as renewable energy and tourism. Indeed, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers have played a vital role in feeding the nation, and we all gained a greater appreciation for our local produce. <BR /> <BR />Some 70,000 livelihoods depend on the agri-food industry, which is worth £5 billion to the Northern Ireland economy.”
“Its production, both naturally and from man-made sources, cannot be eradicated. As such, the net zero position adopted by the Green Party on the proposed moratorium is neither proportionate nor pragmatic.”
“I rise in support of the amendment to the motion tabled by the Green Party. Whilst the motion deals with an important issue, it fails to strike the right balance. In fact, it fails to strike any meaningful balance between ammonia reduction on the one hand and protection of future sustainability of the agri-food sector in the other. The motion seeks to place a ban, albeit in part, upon activities that would overload critical thresholds in relation to the production of ammonia within specific geographic locations. The outworkings of such a proposal would be a direct attack not just on sustainable food production but on other Executive priorities, something I could not support. <BR /> <BR />First, we must acknowledge that ammonia production is a fact of life.”
“Thank you, Minister. My question probably relates to the previous one. What steps are being taken to ensure that illegal oyster trestles are stopped in Lough Foyle, given the impact that that unregulated practice will have on the environment?”
“We are back to waste: what commitments have been made to ensure that greater enforcement measures are put in place to stop illegal waste practices?”
“Whilst I appreciate that that will be a factor in ongoing negotiations, the sooner those involved are aware of which option is to be used, the better. There is also a balance to be struck between climate change ambition and the cost and danger of carbon leakage. <BR /> <BR />The draft Order draws on the best of the current system, which the UK was instrumental in developing, and adds improvements that, it is hoped, will ensure greater flexibility to work in the interests of the UK and fight against climate change. I support the motion.”
“We must not only incentivise reduced emissions but provide sustainable alternatives to greenhouse gases in the longer term. <BR /> <BR />The UK has been successful for many years in balancing those factors. Over the past 30 years, our emissions have gone down by 45%, while the UK economy has grown by 75%. It is absolutely the case that reducing carbon emissions is not the enemy of economic development but, rather, can work well with it. We must ensure that that is maintained and the economy is supported in tackling emissions. <BR /> <BR />Reducing emissions while supporting UK businesses must be our priority. Certainty is needed across the UK in respect of whether the UK ETS will be the preferred option or whether the Government's fallback option of a carbon emissions tax will have a role.”
“There must be an acknowledgement by the EU and the Irish Government that any decisions made to alter the trading system will directly affect Northern Ireland, which in turn must afford the Assembly a role and a say on that. It is expected that the EU ETS and the UK ETS will be closely aligned, which will be of benefit. <BR /> <BR />As we work to reduce emissions, we must also work to increase renewable energy forms, thus providing viable alternatives. I welcome the fact that interest in the hydrogen economy is accelerating locally. Northern Ireland has the potential to lead the way on hydrogen technology and fuel clean, cutting-edge economic growth. If we cannot realise green alternatives such as hydrogen, the likes of the ETS will fail to achieve its long-term aim.”
“The green growth strategy and tangible projects such as Forests for our Future are key to achieving that goal. <BR /> <BR />The Economy Minister told the House that clean energy is one of her Department's highest priorities. I welcome her Department's commitment that the new 2030 renewable electricity target will be at least 70%. That is significant, given that it is estimated that the electricity market currently accounts for 80% of Northern Ireland's ETS. It is worth bearing in mind that only 20% will move to the UK ETS when it commences, unlike the rest of the UK. <BR /> <BR />It is, therefore, vital that, if we are to remain within the EU ETS for electricity because of the all-island nature of supply, there is meaningful cooperation between both jurisdictions.”
“As was outlined, the draft order establishes a workable emissions trading scheme for the UK that will replace the current EU ETS. I welcome the fact that it has already been agreed by the devolved Governments of Scotland and Wales, working alongside Westminster, and following an extensive consultation on the future of UK carbon pricing. <BR /> <BR />The purpose of the order is to tackle climate change and drive down greenhouse gases by gradually encouraging the reduction of emissions. While the UK ETS will be a key tool in the armoury to combat emissions, it is not the only tool. It is imperative that we consider this matter in the context of what complementary schemes and systems are operational across commerce, industry and agriculture in order to safeguard our environment and aid our net zero commitment.”
“Thank you, deputy First Minister. How can we increase the number of those downloading and engaging with the app?”
“However, under the current criteria, many terminally ill patients are unable to benefit from that help due to the six-month life expectancy rule. Surely, it is inhumane to place a life expectancy time frame on such a tragic situation, especially one as meagre as six months. It is important that the terminally ill are not denied support simply because they are likely to live longer than a stipulated period. As the motion states, "a fairer definition" is required that is sensitive to the needs of those who are living with a terminal illness. I trust that the Minister will move to reform the current legislative provisions and to support people and families living in such difficult circumstances.”
“I rise briefly to support the motion. I am glad to see it brought to the Floor. One of the most important recommendations to come out of the Walter Rader review relates to the abolition of the six-month criterion placed on a terminal illness diagnosis. <BR /> <BR />A diagnosis of terminal illness impacts not just on an individual but on an entire family network. Few of us could even begin to imagine the impact that such news has on those who receive it and their families. People who find themselves in that situation should be afforded the opportunity to live out their final days free from financial worries. Access to PIP is one of the fundamental ways in which society can provide practical support to those most in need. Few are more needy than individuals who receive a diagnosis of terminal illness.”
“Has the Minister had discussion with Her Majesty's Treasury on further assistance to support those sectors?”
“As a Strangford representative, I can speak about the decades of damage that have been inflicted by the shackles of EU bureaucracy on the fishing industry. Under the Fisheries Bill, our fishermen will be able to fish in their own waters, land their catches in our own ports, create economic growth and rekindle an industry that has been all but denied by Europe. I wish the Bill well as it moves to Report and Third Reading in the coming days.”
“I am therefore pleased that the Bill protects the rights of all UK fishermen to operate the length and breadth of our territorial waters. Such equal access will be of benefit to local fishing vessels operating further afield. <BR /> <BR />In relation to the role of DAERA, I note that the Secretary of State's remit extends to offshore waters of Northern Ireland only. That should be devolved, in keeping with other regions, and I encourage the Minister to make representations on that point. <BR /> <BR />Briefly and in conclusion, should the NI protocol be enacted, it must not be allowed to place any additional burdens on our fishing industry. As with other sectors, our fish suppliers must have unfettered access to the GB market if they are to compete and if we are to have an economically viable industry.”
“, the Secretary of State must have sufficient capability to adapt policy decisions to meet the needs of the industry, working alongside the devolved Governments. Furthermore, flexibility is needed in order for us to set future total allowable catches (TACs) that are fair and practical, whilst ensuring that we have sufficient environmental protections to ensure long-term sustainable fish stocks. <BR /> <BR />There is a balance to be struck that works for the industry, and, with the cooperation of the industry, this practical and pragmatic approach represents a significant departure from the common fisheries policy. Proportionally speaking, Northern Ireland has the smallest sea area of any of the UK regions, and the local industry relies heavily on its ability to operate beyond local waters.”
“I am pleased to see the motion, as it represents another step in the journey towards taking back control of our fishing industry. I believe that, working collectively with those in the sector — the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation Ltd (NIFPO) and the Anglo-North Irish Fish Producers Organisation (ANIFPO) — and the other devolved regions, we now have the opportunity to herald a new dawn for UK fishing. Whilst the Bill will never satisfy everyone fully, it represents a practical framework and will provide certainty for the sector at this time. As my party colleague at Westminster, Jim Shannon, the MP for Strangford, said at Second Reading, the Bill is workable, fair and fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />Flexibility is key for the industry and, therefore, key in respect of the Bill.”
“Thank you, Minister. Is it likely that museums will benefit from the Department for the Economy's voucher scheme?”
“I thank the Minister not only for her kind words but for her positive consideration of the scheme and for bringing it to its implementation stage. I hope that I have plagued you in a pleasant manner; even though it was a regular occurrence, we never managed to fall out. <BR /> <BR />Minister, do you agree that historical vehicle owners deserve credit for their mostly unrecognised charitable work? They put hours into their vehicles while raising huge sums of money for charities. I convey thanks and appreciation on behalf of all the enthusiasts whom I have lobbied for.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. Has the idea of an agreed joint position on the fight against COVID been discussed in the four-nation meetings as we head into the winter?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement and for your great work to date. Have you the necessary funding and available kits to carry out tests in the care homes for as long as the need exists?”
“Given the COVID situation, what current support is available to pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly to enable educational catch-up?”
“The new energy strategy will likely set ambitious targets and actions for a fair and just transition to a zero-carbon society as we move towards the UK's 2050 commitment date. <BR /> <BR />There is much to be done, but the work has already commenced. Sustainability will lead to economic growth and, hopefully, future prosperity for everyone. We must use the resources that we have been blessed with wisely.”
“I thank the Member for his comments. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland undoubtedly has the innovation, skills and motivation across all sectors and industries to play a leading role in the development of green energy for the benefit not only of our environment but of our economy for the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sadly, the effects of COVID-19 are already being felt, with job losses and economic uncertainty. We must ensure that our efforts around climate issues benefit people on the ground. Exciting opportunities lie ahead, as we work to transform the economy from high- to low-carbon, with the potential for sustainable job creation as a result. As we focus on emerging technologies, it is great to know that we can build on firm foundations such as our manufacturing sector, as we look forward towards carbon alternatives, such as hydrogen, in the energy strategy.”
“I thank the Member for his comment. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for the work currently under way, particularly in relation to the green growth strategy within the delivery framework and the Forests for our Future initiative, which aims to plant 18 million trees by 2030. That is the sort of positive action that is required. Similarly, the efforts to tackle plastic pollution, through the deposit return scheme, thereby ensuring that the plastic remains in the economy, will be of great benefit and quality to our environment. Prosperity agreements already encourage business to rethink how they can do business, creating greener and more sustainable solutions. As the Agriculture Minister has stated, sustainability must be our guiding light in all that we do.”
“Rather, we must approach the issues with positive action to ensure a cleaner environment and a sustainable future in the years ahead. For such a goal to be achieved, it will require the collective will not just of the House but of society as a whole. I am glad that positive action has already been taken by my party colleagues in the Executive to formulate a coordinated and strategic approach to tackling the challenge of climate change. It is incumbent on us all that we take our responsibilities seriously. It is worth reflecting on the achievements that have already been made in tackling carbon emissions and waste outputs. For instance, 47% of our electricity mix already comes from renewable energy forms, and that is a solid statistic on which to build.”
“The issues addressed by the motion affect us all: the environment around us, the economy within which we do business and the energy that we all consume. The experience of lockdown afforded many of us the opportunity to enjoy Creation and benefit from an altogether less polluted environment. Northern Ireland has an incredibly natural and diverse environment. A recent research paper from academics at Queen's and Napier universities noted that there are 308 different soil types across Northern Ireland, compared with around 700 in the whole of England and Wales. That statistic alone testifies to the wealth of our natural resources. <BR /> <BR />I do not believe that any benefit is to be had from whipping up a frenzy of panic on climate change.”
“Are sufficient vaccinations available for 2020-21 and will the programme start on time?”
“Social distancing measures will be problematic in their implementation on board fishing vessels. With much of the processing workforce having left the UK or being unable to travel due to restrictions, there will be further hurdles to overcome in the weeks and months ahead. <BR /> <BR />The UK fishing industry faces an uncertain future, first disrupted by Brexit negotiations and now the impact of COVID-19. It is of note that the financial provision made thus far by the Executive is the most far-reaching scheme in the UK, covering fixed costs for three months. It represents a clear commitment to support our local fishing industry, and I know that that will continue.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am glad that the Department acted swiftly to announce financial assistance to our fishermen in the region of £1·5 million. The Minister has been proactive in ensuring that the Executive have assisted all of our food sectors, and I thank him and his Department for their work. Many fishermen are either self-employed as crew members or work as small businesses, and I know that a lot of the work that is normally available to them has not been there during the pandemic. Supply chains have been disrupted, buying prices of fish have been affected, and there have been challenges getting products to market. Whilst the £1·5 million grant scheme will greatly benefit the industry in weathering the present storm, it is vital that the fishing industry is assisted to enable a safe and sustainable return to full operational capacity.”
“Thank you, Minister. It is vital that we continue to recognise the hard work not only of our farmers but of our fishermen, who have, throughout this difficult time, continued to provide local produce for our tables. The past months have affected every sector, and the fishing industry has been no exception. As a Strangford representative, I know too well how badly affected the industry has been due to COVID-19. The collapse of the domestic and European fish markets made trade virtually impossible throughout the pandemic. That, coupled with the loss of labour and cash flow problems, created major challenges for our small fishing businesses and our fishing communities the length of the Ards peninsula and elsewhere.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement and the way in which he highlighted the important role that farmers play in protecting the environment and the importance of continuing to support our farmers in that work. How does the Minister foresee his Department assisting farmers in the future?”
“Junior Minister, what impact has the absence of a Government in the Irish Republic had on the effectiveness of North/South bodies?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. A significant proportion is exported via markets to the Republic. Will the Department take market prices in the Republic into consideration when determining whether assistance is required?”
“Thank you for your response, First Minister. Our tourism sector will be significantly impacted by the lack of international travel and the current quarantine regulations. Do you foresee the sector requiring additional assistance in the time ahead?”
“It is important that the intervention fund maintains flexibility in scope and reach to allow for that. It is essential that individual farm businesses can benefit from the intervention fund and that it focuses on meeting first the needs of the worst impacted, regardless of sector or locality. If we want to ensure that the fund is distributed as fairly and as equally as possible, it must be flexible in providing financial assistance to our farm businesses across Northern Ireland. Their viability is crucial to our wider economic recovery post COVID.”
“I have been contacted by numerous sheep farmers in my constituency about the viability of their business in the weeks ahead, with lamb prices having remained low and likely to be volatile for some time to come. Concern has been expressed to me that, in the weeks ahead, there will be further pressure on prices as a large number of lambs become available for slaughter. There is also the additional vulnerability of sheep farmers given their reliance on the ROI market, with 45% of lamb flock being slaughtered in the Republic of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Department has focused its energy on the beef and dairy industries, given the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on them. However, as the situation evolves, others, such as sheep farmers, may require similar support. I ask the Department to bear that in mind.”
“<BR /> <BR />The £25 million intervention fund represents the most generous allocation made to the agriculture sector by any UK or EU Administration. It reflects the importance placed on the sector locally. The Minister was instrumental in lobbying Executive colleagues to ensure that a bespoke funding package was established, and I join the Ulster Farmers' Union and others in expressing my thanks to him on behalf of the farmers in my constituency. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that the challenges faced in farming are deep and complex. The closure of the food services sector, which accounts for 40% of beef sales, and the challenges faced in the procurement of inputs have affected the beef industry particularly. The implementation of new protocols regarding social distancing has also had an impact across the sector.”
“As has already been acknowledged, COVID-19 continues to have a serious impact on our agri-food sector. Farming is a volatile industry at the best of times, and COVID-19 has brought additional challenges for local producers that were unimaginable at the start of 2020. <BR /> <BR />The motion refers to the challenges faced by those farming in areas of natural constraint during the COVID-19 crisis and calls on the Minister to ensure that equality and fairness underpin the allocation of the agri-food sector market intervention fund. Unfortunately, the impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the farming sector, regardless of farm location. It is therefore vital that, in the interests of equality and fairness, we do not deem farmers ineligible for support due to land location.”
“Minister, I noted a few points, when reading the legislation, that you could maybe clarify. This legislation requires a visible tag on e-cycles. Is this part of the frame or is it just a label on the motor to prove its legality? Can a consumer purchase a motor and fit it to their own bicycle without having to obtain a single-vehicle test from the Department if it is an approved kit? Is there an age restriction to riding one of these cycles or will the rules mirror that of other bicycles? The limit on power on the electric motors is 250 watts, which means you can do a maximum of 15 miles per hour. I assume that any power above that will mean that the bike is a normal motorcycle.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Is there money in the budget to ensure that the projects happen?”
“However, I hope that that is an area that will receive the necessary consideration in due course. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the flexibility provided for in schedule 6 for Executive Ministers to develop policy moving forward. Whilst I note the absence of an applicable sunset clause, I know that the Department will not be found wanting in its efforts to bring more tailored legislation to the Floor in the future.”
“We cannot be placed in a situation where we are at a disadvantage in trading terms to the rest of the UK as a result of additional burdens placed on us by the EU. Such difficulties, in any event, remain an unknown quantity at this stage. <BR /> <BR />Finally, in respect of rural development, I have concerns about the SPF policy and how it will operate and shape rural development provision beyond CAP. Rural development has always been a profitable element in the past, and, indeed, in my constituency, many projects have benefited from the local action groups (LAGs). Unfortunately, no firm policy proposals have so far been put forward by Westminster, and there is little reference in the Bill to rural development. There is no guarantee, as yet, that replacement funding will be ring-fenced.”
“However, further work is required in that area; for instance, the requirement to report on food security once every five years is a time frame that I do not believe is sufficiently frequent, especially in the short-to-medium term. Given the current context of uncertainty and change for the agri-food sector, it would be beneficial to have more frequent reporting. Similarly, tailoring that to the devolved regions would be of benefit, particularly for Northern Ireland, given the unique challenges that we face. <BR /> <BR />Secondly, clause 31 deals with fertilisation, which is an area that acutely flags the difficulties that could present themselves further down the track with regard to overlapping with the Northern Ireland protocol. It is essential that we are treated equally to the rest of the United Kingdom, our largest trading partner.”
“I support the motion. As much of the Bill is not applicable to this region, I will limit my remarks to the provisions that are. The Agriculture Bill, alongside the provision for direct payments under the direct payment regulations, which were previously before the Assembly for consideration, will provide certainty in the short-to-medium term until such times as the Department brings forward further legislation. I will briefly address a number of issues in the NI-applicable provisions. <BR /> <BR />First, I welcome clause 17. Food security was not provided for in the 2017-19 Bill, which, of course, fell with the last Parliament, so I am pleased to see it in this Bill. The measures will, hopefully, increase transparency and fairness in the supply chain for farmers and food producers.”
“In the meantime, provision for the continuance of direct payments under the CAP scheme is essential, and I thank the Minister for ensuring that that is the case.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is evident that any future policy must be compiled in light of the UK's trading position beyond Brexit. That will, undoubtedly, have a major bearing on what help farm businesses will require and, therefore, on what form the new policy will need to take. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster Farmers' Union, with other union representatives, was before the AERA Committee recently. It was evident that their members are in need of continuity and stability, given the fact that there has been an estimated 26% depletion in income for farmers over the past two years. The retention of some form of resilience payment, incentivising production and growing sustainable, environmental activity will need to be considered in a future policy. We must also ensure that Northern Ireland farmers can compete with their counterparts in the Republic.”