Andrew Muir
North Down · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. As Minister, I am grateful to the Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and to Members from all sides of the Chamber for their consideration of the Bill and their contributions to the debate, which have been valuable and useful.”
“I will write to you with regard to your query. <BR /> <BR />The other issue, as I said, is reporting pollution incidents so that they can be effectively investigated. There is a duty on everyone to do that promptly.”
“Aquaculture provides real economic opportunities, and the Bill will help ensure that those opportunities are realised responsibly without compromising the environment. Importantly, the Bill includes transitional provisions so that existing licences can continue seamlessly as aquaculture licences, with their conditions unchanged.”
“That is not about being punitive for its own sake; it is about ensuring that the legal framework reflects the true value of our natural resources and the importance of protecting them for future generations.”
“<BR /> <BR />On strengthening the regulation of inland waters, the Bill modernises long-standing powers under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, ensuring that they are fit for today's environmental and industry challenges. That matters because fisheries management today goes far beyond simply catching fish.”
“<BR /> <BR />A full regulatory impact assessment of the financial impact has been completed. It concluded that the Bill does not introduce significant new financial burdens and that any costs are outweighed by the long-term benefits.”
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“My role as Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs includes regulation and enforcement. I have made it clear how I want to strengthen the sewage pollution situation. I want to end Northern Ireland Water largely getting a bye ball, if that is due to historic underinvestment. The issue is that we need to face up to tough decisions about our waste water infrastructure. As an MLA for North Down and as Minister, I know the dire state of Belfast lough, and I am taking action, for example, on the designation of sensitive areas (SAs) that require more investment. I have also set out more on the statement of regulatory principles and intent (SORPI), but, fundamentally, the issue sits with the Department for Infrastructure.”
“As Minister, I am taking the tough decisions and putting my head above the parapet to turn around the situation in Lough Neagh, but others need to do the same, particularly the Department for Infrastructure. Mountains of reports are gathering up about the inadequacy of our waste water infrastructure. We need to turn the sewage pollution tap off, take brave decisions and end sewage pollution not just in Belfast lough but in many other waterways across Northern Ireland.”
“Thank you very much, Stewart. Waste water pollution is of significant concern to me. I have responsibility for regulation for and enforcement on pollution. I am on record and will say again that it is unacceptable that a separate arrangement is in place for Northern Ireland Water whereby, since 2007, it has, in many instances, got a bye ball when it comes to pollution. I will be taking proposals to the Executive on that, because it is important that we regularise enforcement on sewage pollution in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The other issue is the investment that is required for waste water infrastructure. I will be really honest with Members: I am fast losing patience over the need to take tough decisions on waste water infrastructure. It impacts not just on our environment but on housebuilding and economic development.”
“Thank you, Cheryl. I understand that there were lots of nominations during the previous review. As an MLA for North Down, I nominated areas, as did many other Members. The new review that is coming up will be an opportunity for us to take forward nominations, but it is crucial that we work in conjunction with councils on that, because they have a responsibility for it. We will work closely with councils. We have ongoing engagement, and it is important that we look not just at which sites are designated but at the season, because we are seeing a lot more people swimming outside the designated bathing season.”
“I share the Member's concern about water quality in Belfast lough. I am also aware how popular sea swimming has become, which is why I formally identified seven new bathing water sites on 1 June this year. I have recently committed to a new bathing waters policy review for Northern Ireland, which will commence shortly. The review marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health, enhancing water quality and protecting our natural environment. New bathing water sites will be considered as part of the review. The review will also look at the length of the bathing season, as I recognise that a lot of bathing takes place outside of the current bathing season, which runs from 1 June to 15 September.”
“Councils have a key role in that. They play a central role in identifying and prioritising regeneration initiatives. I fully support the empowering of councils to lead that effort. They have been encouraged to take a strategic, place-based approach and to work closely with local communities in order to shape proposals that reflect local aspirations and challenges.”
“We are very conscious of our lead responsibility on rural affairs. I am proud to hold that Ministry and have that lead responsibility. Each Department has a duty to serve rural communities in Northern Ireland. It is a demonstration of how we can collectively come together and ensure that the needs of rural communities are reflected. We have lost out through the loss of the rural development programme, but, hopefully, we will see a new approach to ensuring that people in rural areas are properly served through Shaping Sustainable Places and other initiatives that will flow from the new rural affairs policy, on which we will consult early in the new year.”
“Following the UK's decision to leave the European Union, I have welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the Department for Communities, as lead for regeneration policy, and the Department for Infrastructure, as lead for active travel, in the proposed Shaping Sustainable Places programme. Together, we are collectively implementing a long-term, community-led approach to support regeneration initiatives in our village, town and city centres across Northern Ireland. My intention is to propose that my Department invest £50 million into the £150 million fund that will be earmarked for spend to support regeneration activities in rural settlements with populations of 5,000 and below to ensure that no rural community is left behind.”
“At the outset, I record my concerns about recent events concerning public representatives and my complete solidarity with Naomi and Michael Long, my ministerial colleague Liz Kimmins and Dáire Hughes MP. It is important that we all stand full square in defence of democracy in this place and that all Ministers record their support for their colleagues who have faced appalling intimidation. <BR /> <BR />My Department previously supported regeneration activities in rural settlements with a population of 5,000 and below on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive through successive European Union rural development programmes.”
“I will peel back that issue and highlight the point that, while I am aware of the support schemes that are available in the South, if Members have noticed the Budget from the Irish Government today, they will know that the South struggles with surpluses, whereas we struggle with deficits. The financial position in Northern Ireland is challenging. I continue to engage with the Finance Minister so that we can deliver support, most particularly through the sustainable farming investment scheme. As Minister, I will continue to engage with the sector. I understand the importance of doing so and am keen to see apple-growing expand. Armagh is indeed known as the "Orchard County", and we should celebrate it.”
“I have, and I am coming on to that. <BR /> <BR />Applications for the sustainable sector growth groups and growers training support schemes will open on 31 October. In addition, under the sustainable agriculture programme, my Department is developing the sustainable farming investment scheme, which will provide financial support for equipment and technology to improve environmental performance and business efficiency. It is proposed that the scheme will be open to all primary production sectors, including apple growers. I have been engaged with the Minister of Finance about funding for the new scheme. More information will be announced in the coming months. <BR /> <BR />Mr McNulty referred to arrangements in the South of Ireland, and perhaps that gets to the core of his contribution.”
“The scheme, which will be delivered as part of the sustainable agriculture programme, comprises three pilot subschemes: the sustainable sector growth groups pilot scheme; the growers training and support pilot scheme; and the innovation driver and support pilot scheme. Public awareness sessions to publicise the scheme are ongoing and have included sessions with apple growers.”
“<BR /> <BR />My Department is also working with the apple industry, through CAFRE, in the delivery of industry training and knowledge and technology transfer to meet its needs. The support includes disseminating modelling reports to growers on the influence of environmental conditions on pest and disease risk. CAFRE's Loughry college also helps the top-fruit industry by providing technical support, advice and training relating to the processing and packaging of apples and apple products. <BR /> <BR />Commercial apple growers who hold a category 1 or 2 farm business ID can also avail themselves of support through the horticulture pilot scheme.”
“Since 2015, funding totalling £123,758 has been awarded for projects delivered through my Department's Northern Ireland regional food programme for promotional activities associated with the annual Food and Cider Weekend, which I enjoyed recently. That funding has supported a wide range of activities, all of which focus on celebrating the region's PGI status for the Armagh Bramley apple. As part of this year's Food and Cider Weekend festival, as I said, I recently attended the apple spirits tasting masterclass in Armagh, and I was pleased to learn more about the journey of the apple from the orchard to a range of finished products. This year's festival was awarded £14,100 from the regional food programme.”
“I understand the importance of the industry to agriculture, the local society and the economy. <BR /> <BR />I want to outline that land use for the commercial production of apples is eligible for financial support under my Department's farm sustainability transition payment. It will continue to be eligible as the scheme transitions to the farm sustainability payment within the sustainable agriculture programme in 2026. On 1 September this year, my Department commenced the 2025 farm sustainability transition payment to farm businesses. A total of £299,388 was paid against land in County Armagh registered for use as commercial orchards. That includes payments to commercial apple growers.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. As Minister, I am very aware of the importance of the apple harvest to growers in County Armagh and the positive impact that it delivers for the economy, the environment and biodiversity in the region. <BR /> <BR />Before taking up this post, I often visited the "Orchard County". I have bought apples from the "Orchard County" and made apple pie and apple crumble. In 2020, I planted an apple tree in my garden, and those apples have been used for consumption at home, in an amazing apple crumble that my mum made, but they have also been given to Hydebank Wood Secure College for consumption by the horse on site, and they have been eagerly taken up. Therefore, I am very aware of the benefits of apples. I have been down to Armagh as Minister and have met the producers and processors.”
“On compensation, we are guided by the Department's legal vires. As I have outlined, we will compensate farmers for the birds that are culled at our direction and for the initial disinfection of premises. <BR /> <BR />The wider issue of how the outbreak has occurred highlights the challenges posed by avian influenza. It is a real issue for us. Biosecurity is important, but businesses operating an exemplar premises with the highest biosecurity can still be affected by the disease. The veterinary service will continue to investigate the outbreak, and we will continue to do our work of depopulating the site. Collectively, we can send a message that biosecurity is important and it is important to adhere to the advice that is issued.”
“Mr Gaston, gas has arrived on-site, and depopulation is occurring this morning. I thank veterinary service staff for their work on that. The situation on the affected site is challenging, but depopulation work is under way.”
“The main clinical signs of HPAI in birds are a swollen head; blue discolouration of the neck and throat; loss of appetite; respiratory distress; diarrhoea; fewer eggs being laid; and increased mortality. Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) is usually less serious. It can cause mild breathing problems, but affected birds will not always show clear signs of infection. The severity of LPAI depends on the type of bird and whether a bird has other illnesses.”
“The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), in conjunction with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, will continue to monitor the development and availability of vaccines for their utility in preventing and responding to avian influenza outbreaks as they are put forward for market authorisation by vaccine manufacturers. Any future decisions on disease control measures, including vaccination, will be based on the latest scientific and veterinary advice.”
“Thank you, Diana. It is DAERA's policy not to permit the vaccination of birds outside of zoos as an immediate disease control response. Stamping out is the most effective means of controlling an outbreak. A high standard of biosecurity, separation of poultry from wild birds and careful surveillance for signs of disease also remain the most effective means of controlling the disease and protecting other animals. Due to the role of zoos in global conservation, the vaccination of zoo birds is permitted in Northern Ireland. To date, no zoo birds have been vaccinated. <BR /> <BR />The UK continues to invest in avian influenza research. We monitor current vaccine usage in Europe and globally, as well as the effectiveness of any disease control measures taken, including vaccine deployment.”
“We can take a number of steps in addition to those that I have outlined. We will take advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer. There are additional actions that we can take to make Northern Ireland an entire control zone. We have done that previously. We can take that step, but we need to do so in the context of the risks that we face. We can also issue a housing order. We can step through those. I will be advised by officials in that regard, and officials will continue to engage with industry on the issue. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious of the impact on the industry. That is why we continue to engage with it. The best thing that we can do collectively is to accentuate the important point around biosecurity and, as a Department, fulfil our duty regarding compensation for the birds that are culled at our direction.”
“The spread of the disease can be minimised primarily through the biosecurity measures that I have outlined. They are available on the DAERA website. The premises that have been affected have excellent biosecurity, to the extent that anyone coming in and leaving the premises has to go through relevant checks. It is important that that is done at all premises. People also need to be conscious of the risk of ingress that can occur during storms. It is important that people evaluate their premises now, when storms are not occurring, to make sure that they are protected against water ingress and access from rodents. They are key issues on which we can take action.”
“As we move into the winter months, there is a likelihood that we may see more of this, so it is important that we accentuate the importance of biosecurity.”
“They are still in effect. We will take advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer on any movements to relax those restrictions. There are two zones in place, and it is important that we manage movements in the area so that we can restrict the spread. <BR /> <BR />Avian influenza does not respect borders. That is why it is important that we cooperate North and South. The Chief Veterinary Officers from the North and South are cooperating on it, and I have reached out to my counterpart in the South. They have issued messaging around the issue down South. <BR /> <BR />It is important that I came to the House to update Members on the issue. If the issue occurs again, I will write to the Committee and keep it apprised.”
“Thank you, John. It is a mandatory legislative requirement that all keepers of birds, except keepers of pet birds that are kept in the owner's home, must be registered with DAERA. That registration enables DAERA to communicate with bird keepers quickly to manage potential disease outbreaks. Registered keepers will receive important information on biosecurity rules and disease outbreaks to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian influenza. Having information on the location of all susceptible kept birds also allows for more effective surveillance in disease control zones and, for trade purposes, enables disease-freedom requirements to be met following an outbreak of disease in Northern Ireland. The message is that, if you are not registered, do it today.”
“The veterinary service is adept at responding to such crises and has been very prompt in dealing with this, to the extent that it was meeting at 8.00 am on Sunday to deal with the issue, and it will continue to work through this. It is important that the Department, collectively, supports the agri-food industry. I am proud of the veterinary service and the work that it does, but it is important that Members accentuate the importance of biosecurity.”
“The budget position in-year in Northern Ireland is extremely challenging. I understand that there will potentially be only one monitoring round coming up, which will be in December, so the challenge will be to meet the costs out of that. I give the Member and the House an assurance, however, that we will meet the costs. That means that it will be tough for us internally, but it is important that we meet the costs of compensation, because there is a significant impact on the premises holder.”
“There will be compensation payable for the birds that are culled at the Department's direction. We will also cover the cost of the initial disinfection that takes place. The depopulation will start late this morning. Approximately 23,000 birds will be depopulated, but I repeat the assurance that we will cover the cost of the birds that are being depopulated at our direction and also the initial disinfection cost.”
“That, however, emphasises the challenges that we face, the impact that an outbreak can have and the need for us collectively to do what we can to try to protect agri-food in Northern Ireland from avian influenza.”
“Significant engagement occurs North/South and east-west by veterinary service colleagues in the Department. I reassure the Member that that engagement is ongoing. I have also contacted my ministerial counterpart in the South, Martin Heydon, and I spoke to the Scottish and Welsh Ministers on Sunday at the Anuga conference in Germany, so there is significant engagement ongoing. There is a real need for us all to accentuate the importance of biosecurity, because that is our best protection method against the risk of avian influenza. <BR /> <BR />I echo the comments made so far about our concern for the affected premises. In some ways, it is an exemplar premises, practising the best biosecurity methods.”
“As I outlined, this has been reported to the House as a suspected case, because we still need to get the results back from the National Reference Laboratory (NRL). We therefore have to follow a process. If, however, a notifiable strain of avian influenza is confirmed on a premises, compensation, based on current market value, will be payable for all poultry culled at the Department's direction.”
“Taking such steps will further help ensure the protection of our livestock and of the agriculture sector, which is vital to our economy.”
“Continued vigilance is paramount, and it is essential that private veterinary practitioners and flock keepers remain alert to any unusual symptoms and immediately report such symptoms to a veterinarian or directly to DAERA. Further detail, including photos of clinical signs, is also available on the DAERA website. <BR /> <BR />We must continue to convey clear messages of maintaining high biosecurity standards and promptly report any unusual symptoms in order to help protect Northern Ireland's farms and the wider industry. At this time, I request that Members assist us in disseminating key messages about maintaining vigilance and high biosecurity standards and about the need for farmers to report any unusual symptoms immediately.”
“I will be happy to return to the House if there are any further significant and serious developments in the time ahead. My officials will continue extensive ongoing engagement with officials across all jurisdictions. They will also ensure regular and timely updates to all our key stakeholders. My Department will also continue to deploy wide-ranging communications, reminding all flock keepers of the necessity of adhering to high levels of biosecurity. <BR /> <BR />Comprehensive biosecurity guidance is available on the DAERA website, and adhering to that protects against disease spread. It emphasises the importance of maintaining high biosecurity standards to help to reduce the risk of transmission of those diseases.”
“All flock keepers within the disease control zones will be contacted with information on the restrictions and the requirements that have been laid down by my Department for the moving of poultry and poultry-related products. A movement-licensing centre has been established to facilitate those movements. My departmental officials, including the Chief Veterinary Officer, remain in close contact with colleagues across the other jurisdictions and will keep key stakeholders in the industry updated. <BR /> <BR />On the next steps and communications, I will keep in regular and close contact with my colleagues in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. I will ensure that updates are provided as necessary to my Executive colleagues and, very importantly, to the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee in the first instance.”
“Poultry and egg production contributes significantly to the agri-food economy and is valued at over £600 million, and it is vital that we protect that industry. <BR /> <BR />I will outline the actions and measures that are being taken by my Department in response to the incursion. My Department commenced a full depopulation of the site on Tuesday 7 October 2025. I put on record my thanks for the engagement and cooperation of the flock owner during a time that, I recognise, is incredibly difficult for them, the staff and their families. My Department has also implemented disease control zones around the premises, and the necessary surveillance activities are ongoing.”
“<BR /> <BR />Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds, and it is essential to emphasise that failure to report it constitutes an offence. The advice from the Public Health Agency (PHA) notes that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and that the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The advice from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) notes that avian influenza poses a very low food-safety risk for UK consumers and that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. Northern Ireland relies heavily on the wider agri-food industry as a source of employment.”
“A 3-kilometre TCZ A and a 10-kilometre TCZ B were introduced on Sunday 5 October 2025, effective from 9.00 am. It is the first suspected case of HPAI in a commercial poultry premises in Northern Ireland since the last confirmed case on 24 February 2025. I am sure that you will agree, Mr Deputy Speaker, that that is devastating news for the premises owner concerned and for the wider industry. The last confirmed case of HPAI H5N1 in a wild bird that was collected in Northern Ireland was on 24 July 2025. England continued to have cases of HPAI in poultry premises throughout the spring and summer of 2025, with the most recent case confirmed on 28 September 2025 in a commercial poultry premises in Cumbria.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to make a statement to the Assembly on the recent suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial poultry premises outside Omagh, County Tyrone. A veterinary investigation was instigated on Friday 3 October 2025 at a commercial broiler breeder poultry premises outside Omagh, County Tyrone, after a number of mortalities. Samples were taken for testing at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). Following the preliminary results from AFBI, which indicated the presence of HPAI H5N1, the Chief Veterinary Officer took the decision, based on a number of factors, including the preliminary results, clinical signs and the epidemiological picture, to establish two temporary control zones (TCZs) centred on the infected premises.”
“I inherited unparalleled challenges. We commissioned the Chief Veterinary Officer to tackle TB. On his first day in work, I said, "Congratulations," and gave him the task of reviewing the issue and finding a way forward. He did that, managing to get agreement from all the stakeholders around the table on a blueprint for the way forward. We are focused on delivering that. One of the fundamentals —”
“The Bill is wide-ranging with regard to the properties in question. There are already powers in place, but the legislation is outdated. The Bill will give much more flexibility with regard to potential fixed penalty notices. All MLAs in the Chamber will know of buildings that cause real dilapidation in neighbourhoods, affecting neighbours and all the rest of it. The Bill will allow councils to move in to address that. Hopefully, that will turn the situation around quickly from the beginning. It will be important legislation. It has been a long time coming. I am grateful to the Committee, ably chaired by Robbie, for its scrutiny of the Bill.”
“It will have a very positive impact not just in North Antrim but in North Down, South Belfast and West Tyrone. That is what this place should be known for: delivery. The Dilapidation Bill will say to people who own the buildings, "Either you fix it, or the council will fix it and send you the bill". It will be an example of good legislation being passed in this place. It will turn the situation around and bring back vibrancy in neighbourhoods, villages, towns and city centres and will help to support councils and build their rates base.”
“A key, fundamental issue is that, when we were in the EU, we had ring-fenced funding support for agriculture, agrienvironment, fisheries and rural development but that ended at the end of March 2025. I was the only Minister in the UK to secure ring-fencing of that funding in this and future years. It is absolutely critical that we have that funding support in place. We have been rolling it out through the farm sustainability transition payment. We will continue to do that in the years ahead. We need to support farmers to build resilience and have a successful and sustainable future. We are doing just that.”
“My Department is doing that through the roll-out of the sustainable agriculture programme. We want to build resilience in farming and a successful future for it while ensuring that we meet our environmental goals. The idea that environmental protection and farming do not go hand in hand is untrue. We see it happening daily on farms in Northern Ireland. I am grateful for the great work that is being done. I want to be able to support farmers on the road ahead. A lot of myths are being perpetuated about farming in Northern Ireland, including in the Chamber today. It is a success story. Good work is being done. We want to support farmers on the road ahead.”
“The overwhelming majority of our peatlands in Northern Ireland are in a degraded state. Many of them are emitting carbon rather than capturing it. By restoring our peatlands, we can turn that situation round and offer benefits to local communities. It is a win-win. I am grateful for the support that we have got through the Shared Island Fund and PEACE PLUS. I will continue to engage with the Finance Minister on additional support for that.”
“Recently, I was delighted to launch the peatland strategy to 2040. It is Northern Ireland's first peatland strategy. It offers five strategic objectives and 26 actions that will allow us to move forward with the benefits of peatland restoration. The benefits are clear in carbon storage, nature restoration and improved water quality. I am very grateful for all the stakeholder engagement in the process to date and to the stakeholders who came along to the launch. It offers us many benefits, including, in particular, the opportunity to create good green jobs in Northern Ireland.”
“I made it clear that we hope to make an announcement about an external facilitator this week. Hopefully, we will be able to have a meeting of the group in the time ahead. I am grateful for the role that everyone has played. It has been challenging — that is people's job — but it has been constructive, and we will work to deliver on it. The negativity from the DUP comes daily in this place, but the positivity comes from these Benches.”
“I must have been the subject of this morning's DUP team meeting on its strategy for questions. <BR /> <BR />The answer to your allegation is a complete no. As Minister, I have been out and about, and your representations of me and the Alliance Party could not be further from the truth. As Minister, I am focused on delivery on the ground. The DUP offers negativity, wedge issues and culture wars: negative, negative, negative.”
“Once I have the resources, I will put them towards the development of the scheme. When I read the 'Irish Farmers Journal' every Wednesday evening, the North/South differential is not lost on me. Part of that is a result of leaving the EU. I am left with the consequences of that and have to develop new farm support policies for Northern Ireland. Leaving the EU has been a monumental disaster for Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. We are grateful for the benefits that we have through the Windsor framework, which allows us to trade with the rest of the UK and the EU. Without the Windsor framework, the dairy industry would be destroyed. I am very focused on delivering support for the sheep sector, but we have to focus on delivery on the ground and on having the resources to do that.”