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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“You touched on the really important issue of young people in Northern Ireland and their concerns about climate change. I know from meeting the Children and Young People's Commissioner and representatives with whom he works that there is real anxiety. That is why I am looking to convene a citizens' assembly for young people on climate change. That is a work in progress. We want to partner with others, because it is important that we hear their voices on such issues. <BR /> <BR />I get the particular concerns that you outlined about young people working in farming. We need to have succession planning and to give people hope for the future. That is what I am doing day and daily. It is absolutely vital that we get young people into farming and agriculture in Northern Ireland. Climate change is an issue of our generation.”
“I am now engaging with the Finance Minister, as part of the budget for the next financial year, to see what we can put together as a just transition fund for agriculture. That is important,. and I will work with the Finance Minister and Executive colleagues on it.”
“I thank the Member for his question. There are two parts to it that it is important to answer. <BR /> <BR />One question that we want to tease out in the consultation relates to the sectors that will be represented and the inclusivity of that. We will be keen to hear responses on that. The requirement for a just transition fund for agriculture is set out in the Act. As part of discussions on the Budget that was announced at Halloween, I made the case to the UK Government that there should be separate and additional capital funding to qualify as a just transition fund for agriculture. I was not successful in that, and, as we know, the Budget was not good for agriculture in Northern Ireland.”
“I believe that it is a challenge that, together, we can and must rise to.”
“From speaking to people across Northern Ireland, it is clear how much we value our environment, and we need to protect it. That has never been more apparent than in the impact that our actions have had on Lough Neagh, which we now seek to reverse. Climate change is the issue of our time. We have the opportunity now to stop its worst effects impacting our communities and businesses whilst we also grow a sustainable economy. I believe that we owe it to ourselves, our young people and future generations to do all that we can now to tackle climate change. Everyone in the Chamber and beyond has a leadership role and a part to play. With the impact of climate change we face challenges that go beyond anything that we have dealt with before as a society. It impacts every aspect of our lives.”
“I believe that the progress that we have made to date and the steps we are about to take in setting our first three carbon budgets, finalising the development of the first climate action plan and publishing our green growth strategy will act as a springboard to drive forward necessary emissions reductions and begin to realise economic, health, social and well-being outcomes for all our communities. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I hope that colleagues will recognise my emphasis on partnership and collaboration in the statement and in how I do business. No single Department or sector can deliver the road to net zero. We need to all work together to bring all sections of society along with us in a just and fair way, as we transition to a net zero society and economy.”
“Northern Ireland has the chance to showcase our globally leading science and technology and to embrace future industries that will attract green investment and have real economic benefits. During my brief time in New York, it was apparent that we have much to be proud of in Northern Ireland in the progress that we have made to date and, in particular, the strength and depth of our climate change legislation. It was evident that other regions admired our approach and the strength of our legislation through elements such as embedding biodiversity, soil and air-quality targets; the establishment of a Just Transition Commission; and the important embedding of the just transition principle in our legislation.”
“During Climate Week, I was fortunate to be able to engage in a range of events and discussions with Ministers and governors from across the globe, see first-hand the world-leading Billion Oyster Project in New York harbour and engage in a number of direct bilateral meetings with our international counterparts. The key theme of Climate Week was that the time to act is now, not tomorrow. I was reminded that we are not alone on this journey. It is a global problem, and we all have a role to play in finding the solution. <BR /> <BR />Across the region, we have so much expertise, knowledge and skills and a strong history of innovation that we should rightly be proud of. We are already developing local solutions.”
“Subject to Executive agreement, I will launch a public consultation on the draft third Northern Ireland climate change adaptation programme later this year. <BR /> <BR />Whilst Northern Ireland Departments will not be attending COP29 in person, we will continue to support the UK Government's COP objectives where needed. Recently, I had the privilege of being invited by the Under2 Coalition to attend New York Climate Week. The coalition represents 178 individual states, regions, provinces and sub-national Governments, like ours, totalling more than 50% of global GDP.”
“What would a year's worth of rainfall in eight hours do to our businesses, farms, economy and communities? We know the impact last year on Downpatrick, Portadown and other areas. <BR /> <BR />To improve our resilience in the context of climate change, my Department has been leading on the coordination of the development of our third Northern Ireland climate change adaptation programme. That plan will set out the actions by all Departments that are under way and in development to adapt to climate change risks. It is important that we acknowledge that, even if we were to achieve net zero by 2050, we would still have locked-in impacts of climate change to which we must continue to ensure that we are adapted to, in order to improve our climate resilience.”
“I intend to present the updated green growth strategy to the Executive in the coming weeks so that there is an agreed framework in place for all Departments to develop policies and deliver programmes that tackle climate change, protect and restore our environment and support the growth of our economy. <BR /> <BR />In the draft Programme for Government, the Executive have recognised the impact that climate change is already having on our communities, the environment and our economy, particularly through increased occurrences of severe weather events, leading to impacts such as flooding that we must address. The devastating events in Spain that we witnessed at the end of October, with the sad loss of life, should be a wake-up call for us all.”
“As Members will be aware, a consultation on the Executive’s draft green growth strategy was launched just before COP26. My Department, in consultation with all other Departments, has been working to refresh that strategy to ensure that it is current and up to date. "Green growth" is an accepted OECD term, and, in their draft Programme for Government (PFG), the Executive have recognised the importance of harnessing the potential of green growth and decarbonisation for our economy. The green growth strategy will provide our framework for tackling the transition to a greener, sustainable future.”
“<BR /> <BR />When considering collaboration, it is important to emphasise that this is a whole-of-society issue. We cannot do it alone. Collaboration and partnership across government and with all key stakeholders are vital. In tackling climate change together, it is essential that we protect our environment and take advantage of opportunities to develop our green economy and, in particular, to seize economic opportunities to showcase Northern Ireland as a leader in innovation, technology and science that will drive inward investment. Members will be aware of the world-leading manufacturing that we have on our doorstep, with Wrightbus, Artemis Technologies and many others. We must support, invest in and continue to grow those opportunities or risk being left behind. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the green growth strategy.”
“It requires transformation. We must work together to drive forward action on climate change for our current and our future generations: it is the issue of our time. We must provide leadership and deliver clear direction to our businesses and society on how net zero will be achieved. Our approach must be fair, must benefit the most vulnerable in our society and must create high-value work and a sustainable economy. It is vital that we listen to the public as we shape our approach, and that is why I am determined that we publish our draft climate action plan for consultation as soon as possible once we have set the carbon budgets. I look forward to bringing the first CAP to the Executive in the coming weeks, and I will update the Assembly in advance of the 16-week consultation.”
“I will then bring them to the Assembly. By setting the carbon budgets, we will show collective leadership and make clear our commitment, alongside every other nation on these islands, to decarbonisation. <BR /> <BR />We will deliver on our carbon budgets through the development of a series of climate action plans that will set out the policies and proposals across all sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the associated five-year period. My Department has been leading on the development of our first climate action plan with input from all Departments. Extensive work has been undertaken to ensure that we have a credible plan that is supported by robust science and evidence. To put us on the path to net zero, our policies and proposals have to be ambitious. Our current policies are not sufficient, as they stand.”
“<BR /> <BR />A key mechanism for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions will be through the setting of our carbon budgets, which will set the maximum amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted in a given five-year period. Their primary purpose is to ensure that a mechanism is in place to put us on track to meet our 2030, 2040 and 2050 statutory targets in a planned and gradual way. Last year's consultation on the proposed carbon budgets, which were in line with the recommendations of the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC), showed significant public support. Over recent months, I have been working to secure the agreement of my Executive colleagues to the setting of our first three carbon budgets and our interim 2030 and 2040 emissions reduction targets at a level that we consulted on and that was recommended by the CCC.”
“<BR /> <BR />There are significant benefits for all the people here, if we fully embrace the opportunities provided by addressing climate change not only through welcome investment in sustainable, green energy and technologies but through the new employment opportunities that those will bring and the benefits of decarbonisation through increased energy supply security. From my engagement with leaders across many sectors, the message is clear: we in the Chamber need to provide clarity to investors and businesses here and internationally that we have a clear and long-term commitment to decarbonisation to ensure that, as a region, we do not miss out on the investment opportunities that tackling climate change can bring.”
“Plenty has, indeed, been done. The Assembly not only voted to declare a climate emergency in 2020 but voted unanimously at Final Stage for what is now known as the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. Since coming into office earlier this year, I have been very conscious of the obligations and opportunities that arise from the Act and have been working to deliver on our climate commitments. In May, I introduced legislation for new climate change reporting duties for public bodies. In September, I secured Executive agreement for Northern Ireland’s first environmental improvement plan (EIP). Alongside that, I have been progressing the carbon budgets and the climate action plan to provide us with the ambition and the delivery plan to enable Northern Ireland, as a region, to maintain pace on our climate targets.”
“<BR /> <BR />I turn to delivering on our climate commitments. In February 2020, I spoke to the motion declaring a climate emergency. It was my maiden speech, in which I quoted Alan Turing, who once stated:”
“However, I am of the view that, to fully address the transformation required, the commission may need to broaden its representation from others, such as those from the energy and transport sectors. Once the commission is established and fully operational, it will be an invaluable resource to the Assembly and Departments as a source of expertise to help ensure effective and inclusive emissions reduction policy. <BR /> <BR />The commission will provide advice to Departments on how to ensure that their emissions reduction policies, including climate action plans (CAPs), comply with the just transition principle. Importantly, it will provide an independent oversight function to ensure that Departments are held accountable and are adhering to the just transition requirements set out in the Act.”
“I am therefore delighted to inform the Assembly that I have launched a public consultation on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission for Northern Ireland. The establishment of the commission is one of the key legislative requirements arising from our Climate Change Act. The consultation is a key milestone in moving that forward and ensuring that we establish a commission that delivers on the functions envisaged by the Assembly, as set out in the Climate Change Act. It is important we have the right membership on the commission to ensure that it is as effective as possible. The 2022 Act sets out the sectors and groups that must be represented on the commission.”
“That brings me to my first update, which seeks to ensure that all sections of society are placed at the centre of and involved in our decision-making. The Assembly should be commended for the fact that a just transition runs through every aspect of the Climate Change Act that we passed in 2022. A just transition requires a whole-of-society approach to tackling climate change and its impacts, an approach that seeks to promote inclusion and to respect human rights while promoting development and the creation of decent work and quality jobs. <BR /> <BR />The just transition approach that we are taking ensures that, as we transition to a low-carbon society and economy, we do so in a way that is fair and just and does not leave anyone behind.”
“COP29 will continue with that theme, with a focus on climate justice for those who are most impacted by the effects of climate change but did not necessarily contribute towards the emissions that have led to those impacts. I believe that, alongside others, we have a moral duty to take action to tackle climate change and to deliver our climate targets. To that end, I am fully committed to our doing so in a way that is fair and just.”
“Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity to update the Assembly on progress on our commitments, arising from the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. <BR /> <BR />Today, world leaders are gathering in Baku, in Azerbaijan, for the twenty-ninth UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, otherwise known as COP29. The twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties focused on placing people and livelihoods at the heart of climate action, with inclusivity of a diverse range of stakeholders.”
“<BR /> <BR />She was a gentle, kind and humorous person and someone whom I admired deeply. I wish that we could have more politicians like Anna. We were very lucky that Anna chose North Down as her home in recent years, and I was delighted to have Anna as a constituent. She will be missed not just in North Down but by her friends and colleagues in the party and more broadly across Northern Ireland and in this place. Anna was a wonderful person. Her dedication to the environment was well known, and that is something that gives me inspiration in the job that I do so that I can serve the people of Northern Ireland just as well as Anna did.”
“Today, as we mourn the passing of Anna, I want to give thanks for a life of public service, and that has been outlined by many today. That public service included her role as head of the Chinese Welfare Association then as an MLA for South Belfast and Chair of the Environment Committee. We are so lucky that Anna chose Northern Ireland to be her home, as her book title states, 'The Place I Call Home: From Hong Kong to Belfast - My Story'. What a wonderful story it is: a story of being courageous in the face of numerous threats and racism, a story of being committed to serving her constituents diligently and a story of being a powerful leader on very difficult topics but someone who stood up and spoke out for many people, including on women's reproductive rights. I give thanks for that.”
“We are reviewing the current plans and taking into account the report from the Office for Environmental Protection and the other issues relating to the nutrients action programme. We are taking multiple steps, but I am reliant on others to deliver water quality for Northern Ireland. I am focused on regulation and on enforcement for those who pollute our waterways.”
“The steps that I am taking forward are multifaceted: one relates to working with the Minister for Infrastructure on waste water infrastructure, which, as evidenced in today's Question Time, is a key issue; and another relates to river basin management plans.”
“It is, and I welcome the developments that are being taken forward by the Minister for Infrastructure in that respect.”
“The lack of investment in waste water infrastructure in Northern Ireland is having a severe impact on water quality. It is contributing to about 24% of the issues in Northern Ireland. That is why we need to invest in those areas. The lack of investment in waste water infrastructure is not just holding back housebuilding and economic development but damaging our environment. That is why we need to work together, collectively, on how to address the issue.”
“I am not personally aware of any discussions, albeit I am not saying that they have not occurred. I will make enquiries, today, and write to the Member by the end of the week.”
“I am concerned about that. My Department has received correspondence and is considering the issue. I encourage people to consult their general practitioner and health officials, in the first instance, because, obviously, it is a public health issue. The Department is looking at the issue, and I know the concerns about it.”
“I am firmly committed to a just transition. I made a bid, via the Department of Finance, to the UK Government for a just transition fund for agriculture. That was not met, last week, as part of the Budget, so I will be engaging with my Executive colleagues on that funding for next year. Whatever we do around climate change, we need to work with people and be able to deliver it in a fair and meaningful way. It is about practical issues, such as energy efficiency in the home and being able to support people who are being pushed into fuel poverty, and addressing that. We also need to do that in agriculture so that we can support farming on its road towards net zero. That is absolutely key, and I will be making further announcements about that, next week.”
“We are progressing the third climate change adaptation plan and engaging with Executive colleagues on it. Alongside that, we are looking to set our first carbon budgets and to introduce our first climate action plan. They are absolutely critical interventions that we need to make for Northern Ireland. I engage regularly with businesses, and they are clearly on the road to net zero. I had a positive meeting with Belfast harbour on Friday: its commitment to tackling climate change and investment in decarbonisation is there, and we, as government, need to match the ambition of so many in Northern Ireland.”
“Yes. That is something about which I talked recently with relevant organisations, and it is something that I wish to do. Obviously, we need to have a discussion with the Finance Minister about it, but multi-annual budgeting would be fantastic because it would allow us to plan for the future. Now that the Member has raised the issue with me, she has given my argument more strength.”
“I am aware of that ongoing issue. I am meeting the previous Chair of the AERA Committee, Lord Elliott — he has not gone away, you know — tomorrow, in relation to these issues, because we need to get the grants out on time. I am concerned about the delays that occurred in the previous financial year, and I am keen that we get the grants out as soon as possible. Further to the meeting tomorrow and my engagement with officials on the matter, I will update the Member, because it is important that we get the support out and meet the planting season and Northern Ireland's forestation targets.”
“I have outlined my response through correspondence. I understand the Member's concern about what is a historic case. I will review it again in response to the Member's questions, and I will write to him further to that. I have corresponded extensively with him on the specific case, but I have to respect due process.”
“I am aware of the correspondence that the Member has sent not only to me but to officials on that. I am reluctant to comment on the matter in the Assembly, but I give a commitment to review the correspondence. I believe that the decisions that my Department has taken to date on the matter are correct.”
“I am glad to accept the invitation. <BR /> <BR />The issues facing farmers are important, because we are talking about people's livelihoods. The Budget is causing real concern for people, and it is concerning for me, because the decisions on inheritance tax, agricultural property relief and removing the earmarking of the funding were like a bolt from the blue. The UK Government are clearly doubling down on that. <BR /> <BR />Our issue is that farmers are the custodians of our countryside. I want to work with people, but, if we do not have farmers, we will not have custodians of the countryside. That is why all of us, I think, are collectively concerned about the issues. Hopefully, we can work together on them, because the ultimate success of the Assembly and the Executive will be based on how we can work together.”
“I will be delighted to visit any peatland in your constituency to see the good work that is occurring in North Antrim.”
“No problem at all, Sian. Peatlands are important to me. I was up at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) hill farm recently to see the work being done on peatland restoration. <BR /> <BR />We want to do more than just the work at the hill farm, however. We are progressing a peatland strategy for Northern Ireland that will provide a framework to guide the conservation, restoration and management of semi-natural peatland habitat in Northern Ireland. Peatland restoration will play a key role in Northern Ireland's meeting its net zero commitments, providing a nature-based solution to reduce carbon emissions and support climate resilience. The publication of the peatland strategy will be subject to Executive approval and is a priority for my Department.”
“It is important that we support them and are on the side of farmers. I will do whatever I can to support them through this. The Executive need to come together around the need to ring-fence the future budget for farming, fisheries and rural development. That is one key measure on which, hopefully, we can shortly take a decision to give an element of reassurance. The decisions on inheritance tax and agricultural property relief are bad. It was a bad Budget for farmers, and we need to do all that we can together to address those concerns.”
“My Department has done some initial analysis. As you are aware, the announcement was made on Wednesday, and we are digging through the details. I am happy to place in the Library the analysis that we have done on it. Hopefully, that will help Members. <BR /> <BR />We are dealing with an evolving picture. You know what the UK Government have outlined. We are working through the data and the different thresholds that are in place. We will do what we can. I have engaged with the Finance Minister and shared the information that we have to aid her in this case, because, primarily, this is about the relationship between the Department of Finance and Treasury. <BR /> <BR />I am very keen to see family farms in Northern Ireland being successful. They are the bedrock of our countryside.”
“We will work with the farming community and help them on the journey ahead. It is a significant issue. I will do all that I can in the Department to assist the people affected by it.”
“The Department recently announced the Farming for the Generations programme, which is about proactively managing the succession of farms. Unfortunately, there are instances where people pass away and it is difficult for farms to be passed on and be successful in the future. We do not want that. We want to see family farms in Northern Ireland being successful. That is why we need to plan for the future. As part of that programme, my Department will assist people with that. We need to do more to enable that, particularly in light of this significant announcement from the UK Government. For example, inheritance tax is not paid if you pass on a farm but do not pass away within seven years of doing so. That will obviously come into play if this decision is proceeded with.”
“I have to focus on the vires of my Department in this. I have spoken to the president of the Ulster Farmers' Union about it. We need to work together on the matter. It will obviously commission its own research on the change, and that will be valuable when making our case for Northern Ireland. Hopefully, in the Chamber and wider society, we can make our case to the UK Government.”
“I am meeting the Secretary of State today and will ask him for a rethink on it. We, in our Department, will do all that we can to enable and encourage succession planning. However, the issue is causing real concern in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for his important question. This is what Question Time is about: what affects people in Northern Ireland. The limitation of £1 million of agricultural property relief brings a considerable number of Northern Ireland farmers within the scope of inheritance tax. It is impossible to precisely determine the number of farms that will be affected, but, from the data, one third is a reasonable estimate. The number affected in the dairy sector will be much higher: potentially 75%. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland has some of the highest value agricultural land in the UK and Ireland. In 2023, an 'Irish Farmers Journal' survey showed that agricultural land sold in Northern Ireland had an average value of £13,794 per acre. This change will therefore have a significant impact in Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />In October 2024, my Department awarded contracts worth £4 million each to two companies in Northern Ireland as part of phase 2 of the sustainable utilisation of livestock slurry (SULS) small business research initiative. By the end of year three, the project seeks to remove and export at least 1,000 tonnes of phosphorus per year from livestock manures that are applied on the land in Northern Ireland. The launch of phase 2 of SULS delivers on action 10 of the Lough Neagh action plan.”
“A wide range of actions are being progressed. The nutrients action programme is the key measure to control nutrient pollution from agricultural sources and improve water quality and includes a wide range of measures on the storage, spreading and management of slurry, manures and chemical fertilisers. The nutrients action programme is currently being reviewed, and a public consultation and proposals for the updated NAP will be launched in early 2025. <BR /> <BR />My Department is also developing an ammonia strategy to deliver reductions in ammonia emissions from agriculture. I wish to seek additional views on the proposed mandatory ammonia reduction measures in the ammonia strategy, including the use of low-emission slurry spreading equipment (LESSE), as part of the NAP consultation process.”