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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“Subject to the approval of the necessary licences, the pilot is expected to include further research on the use of the test and vaccinate or remove (TVR) approach to wildlife intervention, alongside enhanced cattle testing, strengthened movement controls and improved on-farm biosecurity. <BR /> <BR />I understand that sett survey work is progressing exceptionally well, and I am delighted with the level of uptake and engagement from farmers in the area. Findings generated through the initiative will provide important evidence to inform future bovine TB eradication policy on both sides of the border. Although the TVR approach is being used in the pilot, it does not preclude or set a direction for wider policy on wildlife intervention, on which we will consult in the next few weeks.”
“I was pleased to launch the bovine TB regionalisation research pilot with my counterpart, Minister Martin Heydon, in Donegal in February this year. It is an innovative cross-border project that is supported by the Irish Government's Shared Island initiative and the UK Government's transformation funding, and it is intended to tackle the growing impact of bovine TB on farms in a pilot area that covers north-east Donegal and part of the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. It is the first time that a regionalised approach to the disease will have been trialled on the island of Ireland, and a coordinated package of measures will be undertaken.”
“There is collaboration on contingency planning, including joint participation in simulation exercises and preparedness activities. <BR /> <BR />In the event of outbreaks, including the recent outbreaks of avian influenza and bluetongue on the island of Ireland, there has been extensive engagement, North and South, to ensure a coordinated response. The matter is being addressed at more than just an NSMC meeting, however. There is ongoing engagement between officials, as well as between Minister Martin Heydon and me.”
“We seek to cooperate quite closely on bluetongue and other diseases, such as avian influenza, because of the impacts across the island of Ireland. There is well-established, ongoing engagement between colleagues in DAERA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on the prevention, preparedness and response to outbreaks of episodic disease, such as avian influenza and bluetongue. Officials from both jurisdictions maintain routine communication channels at policy and operational levels. That includes regular meetings and information sharing to ensure that, where appropriate, an all-Ireland approach is taken. <BR /> <BR />Both jurisdictions collaborate on horizon scanning through forums such as the all-island surveillance forum, particularly for transboundary issues such as avian influenza and bluetongue.”
“There was a discussion on that, taking into account that my counterpart in the South, Martin Heydon, recently published a Bill on dog breeding establishments. We have also done an expert-led review on that, which was recently published. Officials are considering the recommendations in that, and we will set out a way forward in the time ahead. <BR /> <BR />We are very conscious of the need to safeguard animal welfare, including for companion animals. The cross-border nature of that means that we must cooperate in regard to the risks associated with people exploiting that land border, and we will continue to cooperate on the issue.”
“I am concerned to hear that. I am happy to engage with the Member on it. It is important that we get PEACE PLUS funding out on the ground to support the very good work that it is seeking to achieve. If the Member is happy, officials will follow up with her after the sitting.”
“We have also invited the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) along because I am conscious that Shared Environmental Services works on behalf of all 11 councils, and there is a role for NILGA in cooperation and partnership working around this. Hopefully, that update is helpful. We are seeking to address it at speed.”
“I am aware of the issue and the challenges, particularly the lack of response to queries being posed to Shared Environmental Services (SES). As a result, I had a productive engagement with Pilgrim's, and I have requested a meeting with Shared Environmental Services involving Pilgrim's, NIEA officials and me. They have agreed to that, and we are seeking to set that up as soon as possible. <BR /> <BR />We need to find a way through the issues. They are of real concern to the industry. That is why I have stepped up, and I will seek to engage with Shared Environmental Services so that we can have a better response to the issues. <BR /> <BR />We are aware that the issue does not sit with just one Department in the South; there are others. I will seek to do what I can.”
“It is not lost on me that farming is a very dangerous profession, and it is important that we all work together to address those concerns. There are too many lives lost and people injured in farming accidents, so cooperation is absolutely critical. That is why the meeting focused on that issue.”
“Thank you, Robbie. A lot of work is done by governments in the North and South in cooperation with the farming sector. One key thing in the meeting was the presentation from Embrace Farm and Rural Support on the work that they provide. It is important that we continue to support them in that work in the time ahead, because collaboration is the way forward to address that critical issue.”
“I believe in North/South cooperation; it is of real value. That is why it is important that we do it. The Member is looking for specific examples. There is a Shared Island cross-border initiative on TB. The Member is aware of the details of that, and it is important that we continue to work on it. We continue to work on a North/South basis on many issues, and I am committed to doing that.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC welcomed the important cooperation between both Administrations and the ongoing work to improve farm safety. The Council noted the joint inspection campaign delivered by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) through the North/South farm safety group to raise awareness of the dangers of working at height. Ministers welcomed the presentation by Embrace Farm and Rural Support on the services provided by them to farming and rural communities. <BR /> <BR />The Council agreed to hold its next agriculture meeting in winter 2026. I look forward to working with my counterparts in the South on all areas of cooperation in the agriculture sector. <BR /> <BR />I commend the statement to the Assembly and welcome any questions.”
“Ministers acknowledged the cooperation between DAERA and DAFM on the development of agrienvironment schemes and agreed that officials from DAFM and DAERA will continue to share experiences and lessons learned from the implementation of Ireland’s agri-climate rural environment scheme, particularly in relation to results-based payments and technology solutions. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted the ongoing collaboration between DAERA and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on rural policy making, including through regular meetings of the North/South rural policy forum. The NSMC noted the ongoing investment in rural communities, including through the PEACE PLUS programme, and welcomed the commitment of the two jurisdictions to sharing learning on addressing rural isolation.”
“The NSMC welcomed the announcement of two awards of almost €4·5 million each to support the development of bioeconomy in the agriculture and marine sectors, with co-funding from the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island initiative, DAFM and DAERA. The Council welcomed ongoing cooperation between DAFM and DAERA on identifying further opportunities for research collaboration under existing or new measures. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC welcomed the ongoing cooperation between both Administrations on addressing climate change and loss of biodiversity in the agriculture sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council acknowledged the good collaboration between DAERA and DAFM on research, innovation and bioeconomy. Ministers recognised the successful applications from Ireland and Northern Ireland on nine projects funded under Horizon Europe cluster 6 in the food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment sectors. The Council noted the funding of 11 projects over the past 10 years under the US-Ireland R&D partnership's agriculture theme. Ministers acknowledged progress on the funding of joint projects in both jurisdictions under the DAFM thematic research calls, including the three collaborating NI institutions' participation across six projects.”
“Ministers welcomed the continued cooperation and the opportunities being explored for further joint research resulting from the DAFM visit to DAERA in March 2026, as well as the continuation of joint DAFM/DAERA simulation exercises to test plant health contingency plans in 2026. Ministers welcomed the continued cooperation on laboratory expertise, including the recent designation by DAFM of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) as an official laboratory to carry out analysis, tests and diagnosis of bacterial, nematode and fungal pests of plants and pesticide residues in or on food. The NSMC welcomed the continued collaboration on pesticides through the North/South pesticides group as well as the ongoing exchange of information on pesticide issues.”
“<BR /> <BR />On cooperation on plant health and pesticides, the NSMC welcomed the ongoing commitment of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to proactively take steps to deliver the shared objective of achieving and maintaining good plant health status on the island. The Council noted the ongoing collaboration and sharing of expertise demonstrated through the UK and Ireland plant health coordination group meetings hosted by DAERA in August 2025 and by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in January 2026.”
“Ministers welcomed the close collaboration and engagement that have taken place during times of epizootic disease incursions in both jurisdictions, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), to protect the high animal health status on the island. The Council noted the work under way in both jurisdictions to reduce the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) across the island and welcomed the development of the €11·7 million cooperation project to tackle bovine TB as part of the Shared Island initiative.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the review of the work programme, the NSMC noted the continued implementation of the revised work programme for the agriculture sector, as agreed by the Council in May 2024, and the engagement between both Administrations to review common challenges faced by the agri-food sector in both jurisdictions. Ministers noted that there is sufficient scope in the existing framework to facilitate cooperation on those challenges. <BR /> <BR />The Council acknowledged the ongoing efforts by officials from both jurisdictions to strengthen existing cooperation on animal health and welfare.”
“With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a statement in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 regarding the thirtieth North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agriculture meeting, which was held at the NSMC joint secretariat offices in Armagh on Friday 15 May 2026. Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA, junior Minister Joanne Bunting MLA and I represented the Northern Ireland Executive at the meeting. The Irish Government were represented by Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Mr Heydon chaired the meeting. The statement has been agreed with junior Minister Reilly and junior Minister Bunting, and I make it on behalf of us all. It was a positive meeting, and a lot of progress was made. I will now take each paper in the order in which it was discussed.”
“I recognise that the Loughs Agency's staffing complement, which was last approved in 2006, no longer reflects current operational demands and needs to be reviewed. The agency has confirmed that it is operating within its approved complement as it employs 50 staff, 49 of whom are full-time equivalents, against an approved staffing complement of 53. A review of the agency's approved staffing complement is being undertaken in order to regularise the position.”
“There are probably two questions in that. On the latter question, the Crown Estate issue primarily sits with the Finance Minister. It was discussed with the Treasury as part of the formation talks for the establishment of the Executive, because Scotland has responsibility for its Crown Estate. I mentioned that to the UK Government, and they were certainly not amenable to devolving Crown Estate responsibility to Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />On the first issue, I will have to write to the Member with a bit more detail on that river. I want to make sure that I give accurate information in response to his question.”
“I am aware of the issue that you outline. If I am to be honest, the issue of navigation and Lough Neagh not being covered by a North/South body were omissions from the Good Friday Agreement. I am conscious that the issue falls under the remit of another Minister. I am dealing with a lot in relation to Lough Neagh, and my primary focus is on tackling pollution, dealing with climate change and strengthening environmental protection. If there is a concern, I am happy to raise it with the relevant Minister to see whether there is amenability to cover it.”
“I can confirm that the matter was not discussed at the meeting. Rather than my asking for it to be put on a future agenda, if you write to me setting out more detail on it, I will be happy to raise the matter with my counterpart in the South.”
“As the Member will be aware, I have responded to an Assembly question on the issue. He will also be aware of the legal issues and arguments associated with it. I am wary of walking into a legal issue about the rights, but I am aware of your concerns.”
“Thank you. The Loughs Agency plays a critical role in fisheries enforcement and in responding to water pollution incidents. Since the previous NSMC meeting in July 2025, it has responded to 101 illegal fishing incidents and investigated 172 pollution incidents. It dealt with five fish kills during 2025. Such incidents require a significant response, and I am committed to supporting the Loughs Agency in its critical role in responding to water pollution.”
“I thank the Loughs Agency for taking the projects forward; they are practical examples of cooperation.”
“Thank you, Andy. The first of the five EU-funded projects is STRAITS, which is to coordinate aquatic animal tracking and environmental observation efforts, enabling progress on marine management and planning. The second is NorTrack, which is to monitor the movements of aquatic species that are critical to the north-east Atlantic. The third project is DTOTrack, which is to enable the agency to develop digital twin prototypes of the Foyle and Carlingford lough catchments to improve management and spatial planning capabilities. The fourth project, MOSAIC, is to develop an innovative cross-border marine observation network framework. The fifth project, Catchment Action for Local Management (CALM), is to address critical environmental challenges in cross-border river catchments across the region.”
“Thank you. I will write to the Member to set out more detail regarding the licensing arrangements because I will need to seek advice from officials. It is important that we protect the marine environment in everything that we do, so I will write to the Member to set out a bit more on that.”
“Thank you for your question. Quite a lot is happening around that already. It is important that we have those NSMC meetings but also that work continues beyond the meetings. We are taking forward five EU-funded projects. I thank the Loughs Agency for taking part in those, which is practical North/South cooperation on those issues. The challenges faced in Northern Ireland are not unique to us; they are faced across the island of Ireland. We are a single epidemiological area, and that is one of the imperatives for cooperation, but we can also support the industry, North and South, through PEACE PLUS and the NSMC meetings, and we will continue to do that. I am grateful to my counterparts down south, including Timmy Dooley, who went to the meeting. It is a constructive and fruitful relationship.”
“These are constructive engagements, and I will continue with them, but my desire is to get community ownership of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh, and I will continue in that vein.”
“Thank you, John, for your question. My focus as Minister is primarily on addressing the sources of the pollution that is affecting Lough Neagh, alongside climate change and stronger environmental protection. I am, however, conscious of the issue of ownership of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh. I had constructive engagement on that with the Earl of Shaftesbury recently. He said that he was amenable to handing over the bed and soil, without charge and without terms, conditions or preconditions, for community use, and if that was not possible, to public ownership. I intend to seek another meeting with him to explore the matter further, particularly the opportunities for community ownership. I am seeking advice on what public ownership of Lough Neagh would be.”
“<BR /> <BR />In response to the specific questions from the Member, I have not had discussions on amending our climate targets because my focus is on delivering the climate action required due to the impact that it is having across Northern Ireland. We have responsibilities regarding that, and it is important that we live up to them.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The discussions on climate change at this NSMC focused on its impacts on fish stocks. I outlined more about that to the Chair of the AREA Committee earlier. The Loughs Agency has developed a climate action plan that maps out, at an organisational level, climate risks and impacts, supporting a shift from high-carbon energy, addressing climate adaptation for the organisation, and supporting climate-resilient solutions for the catchments of Lough Foyle and Carlingford lough. <BR /> <BR />Through delivery of the climate action plan, the Loughs Agency will be implementing an agile, risk-based approach to climate adaptation across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. The plan allows the agency to be responsive to direct and indirect climate impacts to prioritise and plan work programmes.”
“Thank you, Mr McAleer. The issue was largely discussed at the NSMC meeting in agriculture sectoral format, so I will talk about it in my next statement. We recognise the challenges to water quality in Northern Ireland and the South of Ireland, so we need to work together. Significant North/South engagement is occurring on that, and there is potential for a Shared Island project. Those challenges are not unique to us, and we are determined to work together on them.”
“Thank you, Robbie. A range of factors is contributing to the decline in Atlantic salmon stocks, including climate change, invasive species, disease and parasites, habitat degradation, stocking practices, predation, migration barriers, pollution and poor water quality, over-exploitation and aquaculture impacts. It is a significant issue of concern. There was a presentation at the meeting that highlighted the challenges and the need for us to work together, North/South, in response to the decline in stocks. Those are all significant challenges, but there is a commitment to work with Loughs Agency to address them.”
“Thank you, Mr McCrossan. I am aware of Loughs Agency's budgetary challenges, and that is why, a fortnight ago, I travelled to its offices in Derry to have a specific conversation about the issues. It was a constructive discussion, which we will continue, because I recognise the challenges that the agency faces with its budget. I will continue to engage in order to seek a resolution.”
“The NSMC commended Loughs Agency for its proactive response to the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on priority fish species and welcomed its continued commitment to collaborative working with partners. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the NSMC agreed to hold its next meeting in aquaculture and marine sectoral format in autumn 2026.”
“Ministers noted the agency's ongoing work to improve monitoring procedures for Atlantic salmon stocks that are used to better assess conservation limits. The Council also noted continued survey work on native oysters, including the commissioning of the oyster mapping eco modelling and growth modelling (OMEGA) project to support conservation efforts. The Council noted the launch of a pilot environmental modelling programme using remote climate telemetry to monitor river temperatures in real time. <BR /> <BR />Ministers noted a range of measures that are being implemented to address climate change and biodiversity loss, including the creation of riparian buffer strips, in-stream habitats, riparian tree planting, bank stabilisation, natural water retention measures and barrier mitigation projects across the catchments.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC approved Loughs Agency's revised business plan for 2025 and also its business plan for 2026 and recommended the associated budget and grant provisions. The Council also approved the agency's corporate plan for 2026-28. The Council noted that the Loughs Agency annual report and accounts for 2024 have been certified and laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas. Ministers noted that a review of the agency’s staffing complement is being progressed, with any relevant recommendations to be brought to a future meeting of the NSMC. <BR /> <BR />The NSMC welcomed the update on the implementation of the Loughs Agency science strategy framework, which continues to focus on salmonids, native oysters and aquatic ecosystems.”
“<BR /> <BR />The NSMC welcomed the report on the activities of the Loughs Agency, particularly its ongoing conservation and protection efforts, as well as its environmental education and outreach programmes. Ministers noted the update on the agency's fisheries management and improvement works, including the delivery of nature-based solutions to support climate adaptation and nature restoration across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments during 2025. The Council welcomed the agency's success in securing PEACE PLUS funding, particularly for the MOSAIC project, which will deliver an innovative cross-border marine observation network with support from 11 international partners.”
“With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, and in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act, I wish to make a statement about the 33rd meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in the aquaculture and marine sector, which was held on 15 May 2026. The Executive were represented by junior Minister Reilly and junior Minister Bunting as accompanying Ministers and by me as lead Minister for the sectoral meeting, which I also chaired. The Irish Government were represented by Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. The statement has been agreed with junior Ministers Reilly and Bunting, and I make it on behalf of all of us.”
“I will be supporting the Bill at Second Stage, and I urge other Members to do likewise.”
“I am confident that, working together, we can ensure that the final legislation is robust, proportionate and effective, reflecting public opinion and our shared commitment to improving animal welfare in Northern Ireland. That is the standard that we are entitled to expect, and that is the standard that I intend to uphold. <BR /> <BR />It is wrong that Northern Ireland remains the only part of the United Kingdom without a comprehensive ban in this area, putting us in an unjustifiable and unforgivable position. The welfare issues raised by hunting wild mammals with dogs are serious and cannot be ignored. They can lead to distress, injury and avoidable suffering for wild animals, and they also raise concerns for the dogs involved. That is intolerable and unacceptable and needs the type of legislation that Mr Blair has set out to us today.”
“To strike the Bill down at Second Stage and not give it a chance for scrutiny and development at further stages on the basis of technical issues and what I believe are unfounded fears about potential impacts on ordinary dog walkers, would be profoundly wrong. As I said, today is about the principles of the Bill. It is about whether you agree with those principles or not. <BR /> <BR />I commend John Blair for bringing the Bill forward and for his tireless efforts over the years to see this legislation progress. As Minister, I will engage constructively with the Member who introduced the Bill, with the Justice Minister on the new offences and penalties that would be created, and with other Executive colleagues as it hopefully moves forward beyond today.”
“At present, the Wildlife Order is enforced primarily by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, with a more limited role for wildlife inspectors within my Department. As we consider the regulation of the new offences, it will be important that responsibilities are clearly defined to ensure that those charged with enforcing them can do so with clarity and confidence, with costs, resourcing, training requirements, potential practical issues and any unintended consequences considered, and with offences and penalties both proportionate and effective. That will, rightly, be for scrutiny at the Committee Stage, Consideration Stage and Further Consideration Stage if the Bill passes Second Stage, where, today, we debate the general principles of the Bill.”
“That is fully consistent with my Department's wider duty to promote and protect the welfare of animals across Northern Ireland. In addition to animal welfare considerations, there are practical implications on the ground. Hunting with dogs can affect farmland and property, disturb livestock, risk disease spread and create wider concerns for rural communities. The reduction of such incidents would be welcomed by rural communities and agricultural businesses alike. <BR /> <BR />The Bill proposes amendments to the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, which falls within my Department's legislative competence. In particular, it would create new offences related to hunting wild mammals with dogs, trail hunting and terrier work, with the aim of closing gaps in the current law and providing clearer protections.”
“Polling by LucidTalk in 2024 demonstrated that 76% of people here would ban fox hunting, 82% would ban hare hunting and 77% would ban rabbit hunting. That demonstrates a clear alignment between public opinion and the intent of the proposed legislation. The Bill presents an opportunity not only to respond to public concern at home but to bring our legislative framework more closely into line with the standards that already operate elsewhere across the United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />As I have said, animal welfare is one of my top priorities. My Department, as the body responsible for overseeing the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 will naturally support any measures that reduce or eliminate the potential for animal cruelty and to extend them to protecting wild animals.”
“As Minister, I am opposed to any form of animal cruelty, and I have made advancing and strengthening animal welfare a key priority for my Department. Our laws must keep pace with modern standards, and, where animal welfare concerns arise, the Assembly should be prepared to respond in a measured and effective way. We have acted before on related areas where the welfare case was clear. Hare-coursing events have been illegal here since 2011, providing an important reminder that the House has previously been willing to take decisive action where the evidence and public interest supported it. The people of Northern Ireland are very clear about their support for a ban on the hunting of wild mammals with dogs.”
“There has been sustained and deeply felt public concern in Northern Ireland about the hunting of wild mammals with dogs, and that concern is reflected in the Bill before the Assembly. This is not a new or emerging issue. There have been strong calls, over many years, for a ban on the hunting of wild mammals with dogs, which, I believe, is a cruel, inhumane and outdated practice that no longer has a place in a modern, compassionate society. I pay tribute to the USPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports for their sustained and resolute commitment against animal cruelty and in favour of a ban in Northern Ireland. Let today be when we move forward to the next stage of that campaign.”