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.”
The complete record
Every one of 4,733 lines we hold for Andrew Muir, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 57 of 95.
“I thank the Member for her supplementary question. I cannot answer for the diary of the Justice Minister, but it is a priority for her to take forward this action. That is reflected in legislation that was introduced in the previous mandate. It is a very serious issue not just for the Justice Minister but for the whole of the Executive and society. One of the most important aspects is breaking the stigma associated with it so that people do not hesitate to report it to ensure that victims can be freed from the perpetrators around us.”
“I thank the Member for her follow-up question. It is absolutely critical that we take practical actions, and there are many outlined in the strategies that we will talk about today. One thing that is particularly critical is how we work with the community and voluntary sector and those who provide support in the community. It is absolutely critical that we do that, because they are often the people on the front line, giving that assistance. They gave assistance to my mother when she was a victim of domestic abuse, and I want to say thank you to them for doing that. One of the challenges that we have is how we support the work that is being done in society in Northern Ireland through the Budget. It is critical that we support those organisations through next year's Budget.”
“The integrated performance framework will enable progress to be monitored and efforts to be refocused, if needs be. <BR /> <BR />It is worth reemphasising that tackling domestic and sexual abuse is everyone's business. These issues cannot be eradicated by any single Department alone. Indeed, they require a whole-of-society approach, with collaboration across government, public services and communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />Given the urgent nature of the question, there has not been the opportunity for a discussion to take place on whether changes are required to the domestic and sexual abuse strategy. However, it is important to note the recency of its publication and to recognise that it was carefully designed alongside subject-matter experts and those with lived experience to address the needs of all victims and to hold perpetrators to account. The strategy is built around five pillars: partnership; prevention; children and young people; support and provision; and justice. Those are the areas that stakeholders considered that we need to focus our efforts on in order to lever the biggest change. A number of actions will be taken forward under those pillars over the lifetime of the strategy.”
“We must recognise that violence perpetrated against women and girls is not restricted just to situations of domestic and sexual abuse but can involve wider issues, reinforcing the need for the Executive's strategic framework on ending violence against women and girls in parallel with the domestic and sexual abuse strategy. <BR /> <BR />That having been said, we are acutely aware that women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic and sexual abuse, which is why the Department of Justice and Department of Health officials worked closely with colleagues in the Executive Office, who lead on the ending violence against women and girls strategy, to ensure that efforts are aligned.”
“That is exactly why the new domestic and sexual abuse strategy was developed: to address these deeply concerning issues. Although such instances are appalling, they are, unfortunately, not new challenges in this context. The aim of the new strategy is to ensure that domestic and sexual abuse is not tolerated in Northern Ireland and that everyone can be safe and free from fear. The clear message is that domestic and sexual abuse is everyone's business and that each and every one of us has a role to play in preventing and tackling it. There are also clear, strong interdependencies with the strategic framework on ending violence against women and girls.”
“I start by offering my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mary Ward, who recently lost her life under horrific circumstances, becoming the fourth woman to be killed here in just six weeks. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the other three woman — Montserrat Martorell, Sophie Watson and Rachel Simpson — who tragically lost their lives in recent months, as well as to all those who have lost loved ones due to the actions of another. The profound and traumatic impact of those untimely deaths on their families and friends is indescribable. <BR /> <BR />We fully recognise that Northern Ireland can be a dangerous place for women, as shown by the troubling statistics on domestic and sexual abuse (DSA).”
“It is important for me to put this on record. Does the Member agree that the mental health impact of TB in our farming community is significant? That is why we need to come together on the actions that I hope to outline in the next few weeks to try to drive it down. It is having a real impact on people in the farming community.”
“I have had a number of stakeholder engagements on ammonia, and I am holding another one later this month. <BR /> <BR />I am committed to working with people on these issues. The most fundamental thing that I can say is that we need the funding so that we can support farmers to deliver the changes that we require in our society and also to support food security across the UK.”
“I met the sheep industry task force last week about support for sheep farming, and I have tasked officials to engage with them around what further support we can provide to that sector. There are challenges in that, but we are going to look it and work in a process of co-design on that. <BR /> <BR />We are taking action on TB. I am not kicking any cans down the road — I do not believe that we should be treating waste like that: we need to deal with it correctly. We need to deal with TB, and that is why Brian Dooher is looking at that issue. I have tasked him to bring recommendations to me in the next couple of weeks. <BR /> <BR />People will know that the Office of Environmental Protection has today published a report on ammonia. Whatever I do has to be within the law.”
“It is absolutely critical that we send the message about the importance of the funding for Northern Ireland. We are facing a cliff edge at the end of March next year and concern arises from that. Also, there is concern at the underspend by DEFRA. That is regularly reported in the farming press and also on 'Farming Today' on BBC Radio 4. We should not feel the consequence of that money being passed back to Treasury and surrendered. As Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland, I send a very clear message, and that is "No surrender" from us of money back to the Treasury. Just because others have done that does not mean that we should be punished as a result. <BR /> <BR />A couple of other issues were raised.”
“My Department is engaging with the Department of Finance on raising these issues with the Treasury as part of broader budgetary processes. It is fair to say that there is regular engagement, informally and formally, between me and the Finance Minister. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for bringing the motion and for the interesting and challenging discussion that the debate has stimulated. I will endeavour to keep Members informed of the outcome of the future earmarked Budget allocation. <BR /> <BR />I have a couple of minutes, so I will deal with queries that were raised. It is clear that this issue of the earmarked funding is primarily the responsibility of DEFRA and Treasury, and it is important that we, as a House, speak together, united on this point.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have also recently stressed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and DEFRA the need for funding decisions to reflect the importance of a just transition and also made the case that there should be a separate, specific and additional capital fund to support just transition in agriculture. We need to ensure that the work that we carry out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero will be fair and will support people on the journey through a just transition. That is why we need to provide those incentives and support. <BR /> <BR />Funding for the just transition fund for agriculture will need to be considered in the context of budgetary pressures and priorities across the Northern Ireland Executive. That is why I made the case to DEFRA.”
“That became very clear last week with the Irish Budget. Our position is clear and strong, and I make it abundantly clear to the Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. <BR /> <BR />Most recently we discussed this in person at the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which met in London on 16 September. Following that meeting, I wrote again to stress the importance of receiving early clarity on future earmarked agricultural support funding for next year and beyond. In my letter, I highlighted the significant contribution that the agriculture sector in Northern Ireland makes to UK food security.”
“Given Northern Ireland's important role in food security, I consider that it is fair and reasonable that there should be adequate funding to support us to deliver environmental sustainability and food security. I stressed to him that any future settlement should, as an absolute minimum, maintain the current Budget allocation, uplifted for inflation, to allow for delivery of my Department's policy objectives and ambitions. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that the competitive position of our farmers is at least equivalent to that which is being provided to EU farmers and, most particularly, to those elsewhere on the island of Ireland. Consequently, the real value of our allocation must, at the minimum, be maintained in real terms. I note that a disparity is starting to appear between North and South in that.”
“The programme is supported by a full programme of communications to inform and motivate stakeholders to participate and establish the understanding required to support the necessary behavioural and attitudinal change. Any reduction in the future earmarked budget would have extremely adverse impacts for not only farm businesses but the successful delivery of the programme. <BR /> <BR />I note that Members have called on me to urgently press the UK Government to set out what replacement funds will be put in place to support our farmers and the wider agriculture sector. Be assured that I have written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a number of occasions expressing my concerns about the future of the earmarked agriculture budget.”
“As was announced in March 2022 by my predecessor, the new farm sustainability payment will provide a balance between providing a safety net, which will help a farm business to withstand shocks that are beyond its ability to manage effectively, and encouraging farm businesses to be sustainable, efficient, competitive and able to manage risk proactively. <BR /> <BR />Over time, the funding allocated to the farm sustainability payment will reduce to enable funding to be diverted to other elements of the farm support and development programme to encourage and support changes in behaviour and deliver better outcomes across a range of defined metrics. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) will provide training to farm business to help them to navigate that period of change.”
“<BR /> <BR />The farm support and development programme will also deliver on my priority of supporting sustainable, resilient and productive agri-food and fishing sectors by securing sustainable productivity in Northern Ireland agriculture and assisting the development of effective functioning supply chains, ensuring food security and high standards of disease control and public and animal health. As part of the programme, it is planned that the current basic payment scheme will be replaced by a farm sustainability transition payment next year, with the full farm sustainability payment's coming into operation in 2026.”
“Although agriculture has partially contributed to nutrient loading in Lough Neagh over the past century and more, today's farmers should not be blamed for the actions of previous generations. Rather than engaging in a blame game, we should focus on solutions and work together with others. We should also be conscious of the fact that the nutrient overloading was from not just agriculture but waste water infrastructure, septic tanks and industry. Everyone needs to play their part, which means that we need to face up to issues such as waste water infrastructure, which is having an impact on our environment, economic development and housebuilding. I am not into a blame game; I am into working with people in that regard. We have be fair in all that we do.”
“I agree: it is about carbon leakage, which was debated when the legislation was being passed. We need to be conscious of that. We cannot, essentially, move the problem around; we need to address it, here and now. That is why I am very keen that the future farm support and development programme addresses the concerns that you raised. It is a legitimate issue to have raised. <BR /> <BR />The delivery of the farm support and development programme will be essential to addressing ammonia- and phosphorous-related issues and incentivising and enabling actions to ensure environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland by contributing to water and air quality, soil health and biodiversity.”
“My ambition is high. Great work has already been done in the agriculture sector, and it has to be built on. Positive solutions are required to deliver at pace, and there is much for us all to do. The farm support and development programme is made up of a range of schemes and actions, some of which, such as the groundbreaking soil nutrient health scheme, are already seen as exemplars by my counterparts in the rest of the UK and Ireland. The schemes that will be introduced through the programme will be essential levers in contributing to Northern Ireland's statutory obligations under the Climate Change Act and achieving a genuinely just transition. I firmly believe that we can strike a balance that allows our agriculture industry to thrive and be sustainable while protecting our environment.”
“Importantly, the programme is being co-designed in consultation with the Northern Ireland agricultural industry and other key stakeholders to target farm support so that it meets the bespoke needs of Northern Ireland. That partnership approach is critical to our collective success in tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.”
“Through my Department's new farm support and development programme, I am seeking to transition to a more sustainable farming sector by implementing policies and strategies that benefit our climate and environment whilst, very importantly, supporting our economically and socially significant agriculture sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Members highlighted, we do not have confirmation of funding for future agricultural support beyond March next year. I share the concerns that were expressed about the significant uncertainty that is facing our farming community. I stress that the future provision of funding for agriculture, agri-environment and wider rural support is a matter for the UK Government. We must be able justify to Treasury that all future agricultural support payments deliver value for money. It is my view that maintaining the status quo for any farm business is no longer a viable option. Change is needed, but I am determined that we do that together.”
“I agree that single farm payments were critical in supporting farms, particularly small family farms, to be financially viable and more environmentally sustainable. I acknowledge that the closure of the 2014-2022 rural development programme is of concern to our rural communities. I am considering the future of rural policy post EU exit. I have recently established a new rural policy unit, which I met today. It will focus on reviewing and evaluating previous rural policy initiatives and engaging with other Northern Ireland Civil Service Departments, councils, public authorities and stakeholders to inform collaborative policy proposals that are mindful of the changed rural landscape and the current and future needs of rural communities. I will meet some of those practitioners tomorrow.”
“However, our environment carries the impact of that agricultural production, particularly through the excess nutrients that have caused deterioration in water quality, biodiversity and our valuable habitats. The blue-green algae crisis in Lough Neagh, which is impacting on society and the economy, is a stark example of that. <BR /> <BR />I must therefore stress at the outset that we are on a journey of change. I have set out my priorities. We have many environmental challenges. We need to support sustainable, resilient and productive agri-food and fishing sectors. I recognise the significant investment in rural communities and businesses and the wider economy that was derived from the single farm payment under the EU common agricultural policy, which has been outlined.”
“What farmers produce is literally life-giving in terms of sustenance to millions of people and life-affirming through the sector's value to communities, businesses, our environment and, indeed, the very social fabric of everyday life in Northern Ireland. I wholeheartedly agree that it is vital that our local farm businesses and rural communities are supported. I highlight the fact that the agriculture sector in Northern Ireland makes a significant contribution to UK food security. Although we have a population of nearly two million, Northern Ireland produces enough protein for 10 million people, and a large portion of that is supplied to other parts of the UK.”
“I am looking forward to that and that is your job. <BR /> <BR />I have a couple of things to say. First, I thank Members for bringing this important issue to the Floor for discussion. Hopefully, we can have unity and purpose around it. Both amendments have merit, which has been debated. The SDLP amendment references the importance of pillar 2. The DUP amendment references the importance of earmarked funding and other matters. Both amendments have strengths. Hopefully, from today, we can come together as one around what is a really important issue. <BR /> <BR />As Minister, I fully recognise the economic and environmental significance of the agriculture industry in Northern Ireland. As custodians of the countryside, our farm families work hard to produce quality food.”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />Before I start, I welcome Diana to the House and congratulate her on an excellent maiden speech. It is great to have you here. I look forward to working with you and with the new Chair of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Robbie follows in the footsteps of Tom, who did an excellent job. You will keep me on my toes.”
“I am focused on solutions to the issues. I have offered to engage with the local MLAs and the MP. I get the concerns about this. I am determined to do whatever we can in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to act on this.”
“I am trying to be constructive and work through the issues.”
“Colin, I am trying to be constructive on this. That is what I am trying to do. I am trying to work through —.”
“If the MLAs and the MP are happy to meet officials and me in the next number of weeks to discuss the issue further, I am happy to do that so that we can have that engagement.”
“Thank you very much. I understand the point that the Member makes. I am constrained by current law and the litigation proceedings that are under way at the moment, but I make a general appeal to all businesses in Northern Ireland to act responsibly. I will continue to do that. Whilst I totally appreciate the concerns that have been expressed, I urge people to appreciate the situation that I am in with regard to the law that is available to me. I also encourage people to promptly report concerns to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency through our pollution hotline, because it is important that those issues are recorded. <BR /> <BR />I am also committed to working in conjunction with the MLAs and the MP for the area.”
“I am aware that there are issues in other parts of Northern Ireland. That has been referenced in the debate. We need to work collectively to resolve the issues. People know that I have engaged with elected representatives, a number of whom are in the Chamber, on the issues, but we have to work collectively. I have to act within the law. I also have to engage with site operators. Where there are litigation proceedings, that can make life a bit more difficult when it comes to engagement. I am determined to work together with people on that. I would also reiterate that I understand the concerns —.”
“The key issue is that Re-Gen, as an operator, has an obligation to the wider community. I encourage it to listen to and engage with the wider community and to act on that, because it is absolutely key that that occurs.”
“The two-minute inspection that was mentioned was a digital recording error, and people have been informed about why that was a short period. We take those responsibilities seriously.”
“I am advised that the control of RDF waste bale stock levels at Warrenpoint harbour is a logistical matter for the operator. <BR /> <BR />I will make a few points in response to some of the issues that were raised in the debate. On the sharing of information with the landowner, which is Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, the Member will be aware of the Data Protection Act and the legal obligations that it imposes. That would inhibit some of the issues that the Member outlined. Other Members have engaged with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority on this issue, and I encourage them to continue to do so. Night inspections would require us to do a trawl through previous inspections to learn what happened. The inspections vary in scope and depend on the circumstances.”
“However, all agencies have agreed to share relevant information and intend to meet again before the end of 2024 to continue to monitor the situation. I wish to thank all the other agencies for their input and their engagement on the matter. <BR /> <BR />My officials conduct and will continue to conduct regular and extensive monitoring of the facility at Warrenpoint harbour in line with regulatory requirements, including carrying out unannounced site inspections and odour assessments, and, if needed, will take any further necessary and proportionate enforcement action in line with the DAERA enforcement policy. In recent weeks, the stock levels of RDF waste stored by the operator at Warrenpoint harbour have greatly reduced.”
“<BR /> <BR />Following my meeting with local representatives on 9 July 2024, I instructed my officials to arrange a multi-agency meeting to ensure that all relevant authorities with potential involvement in the issue are engaged with each other on a collaborative basis in seeking to identify and address any remaining issues. A multi-agency meeting, which included a site inspection, was held by my officials on Wednesday 28 August 2024 and was attended by relevant officials from the Public Health Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the environmental health department of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. I am advised that no major concerns about the facility were raised by any of the agencies that were at the site inspection and meeting.”
“I go back to my opening remarks in saying that whatever I do has to be in line with the law. A breach depends on the scale, intensity and duration of the odour in line with the odour technical guidance. <BR /> <BR />In August and September 2023, my officials identified some minor non-compliances with the conditions of the operator's licence. Those included matters relating to waste storage, the control of odour and the control of pests. Following intervention by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the operator put in place measures to address those issues and to come back into compliance. The measures included but were not limited to increased waste shipments, odour suppression techniques and increased bale wrapping at the RDF production point.”
“I am advised that, at the most-recent inspection of the facility by my officials, on 17 September 2024, it was deemed to be in compliance with its licence conditions. <BR /> <BR />My officials undertake extensive and regular odour monitoring assessments of the facility. Similar assessments are undertaken by other stakeholders — for example, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, environmental consultants on behalf of the operator and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's environmental health department. The odour monitoring assessments by my officials are undertaken in line with odour technical guidance and are completed using olfactory sense-of-smell monitoring at several set locations in the locality. However, evidence of odour beyond a site boundary may not mean that a facility is in breach of its licence conditions.”
“In accordance with article 8 of that order, a waste management licence cannot be granted by my Department unless prior planning permission is in place. I am advised that the operator in question obtained appropriate planning approval on 10 May 2013 and subsequently was granted a waste management licence from my Department on 28 October 2013. The operator's waste management licence allows for the transfer, prior to shipment, of no more than 500,000 tons of refuse-derived fuel waste per annum and the storage of up to 20,000 tons at any one time. The waste may not be stored for longer than three months. So far, in the 2024-25 year, my officials have inspected the operator's facility on nine occasions: 9 May, 17 May, 13 June, 26 June, 9 July, 23 July, 6 August, 28 August and 17 September.”
“It is important that we are respectful to each other, to the officials with whom I am privileged to work in DAERA and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and to people more widely. <BR /> <BR />On 9 July 2024, I met a number of local elected representatives for the Warrenpoint harbour area in order to hear their concerns and those of their constituents. As I said at the outset, I am constrained in my response by the fact that, in November 2023, an application for a judicial review was lodged against my Department in respect of the waste management licence relating to the facility. I confirm that those litigation proceedings remain ongoing. <BR /> <BR />The Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 governs the granting and regulation by my Department of waste management licence activities in Northern Ireland.”
“At the outset, I will say that I am conscious that there are legal proceedings in relation to this matter, so I will have to be relatively cautious in how I proceed. I also have to make it clear to Members and to everyone that, in everything that I do as Minister, I have to act in accordance with the law. It is really important that we do that. I outlined that in my first Question Time in this place back in February, and I will continue to do that. <BR /> <BR />I am also aware of the concerns that have been expressed in emails that come through our Department and of social media commentary on the matter. I am aware of how people feel about it. I appreciate that and take it on board. I have noticed that some of the social media commentary is a bit regrettable, and I ask people to reflect on that.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I hope that I am not jumping the gun too much, but I congratulate Robbie Butler on his selection as Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. I am looking forward to working with you, Robbie, on what is a wide range of issues in the Department. Collectively, we can achieve an awful lot together, as I did with your predecessor, and, hopefully, we can also do that. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of and understand the local objections and concerns regarding the wider Warrenpoint harbour area, specifically those on waste management activities by Re-Gen Waste Ltd, which operates under a waste management licence that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency issued.”
“The potential cost of Mobuoy is about £700 million, which is one example of a cost that the Executive just could not bear. We need support from the UK Government to take that forward. It is absolutely critical, therefore, that we as an Executive work as one to support the Finance Minister, who is taking the lead in the negotiations that are under way with the UK Government.”
“I met the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency this morning, and we discussed the issue. I am seeking definitive timelines to take forward the consultation because we need to get started so that we can engage with the public and move towards finalisation of our preferred option. On the Programme for Government — another Minister is in the Chamber — the financial challenges facing our Executive are very substantial. We need to be honest with the public that we need to work with the UK Government so that they can support us.”
“That is contained in the environmental improvement plan, which is reflected in the Programme for Government.”
“The Programme for Government is necessarily focused on strategic priorities for the Executive. There are many areas in my Department's remit that I would like to see in the Programme for Government, but I have to be honest that there are only so many things that we can put in one document if it is to remain strategic. <BR /> <BR />The Mobuoy site is a concern for me. It is an example of a cost that could be significant to the Executive, and it would be resource rather than capital. No final option for Mobuoy has been finalised because we have not yet undertaken the consultation and considered the way forward. That is what will dictate the potential costs. I recognise the issues around waste management and the need for us to address those.”