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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“The answer is yes. The Strategic Investment Board (SIB) did a review of the partnership. The outcome of that has been shared with the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. There is a role for the TBEP, and we have to decide what the format of that is, but it is important that whatever we do is based on science and evidence.”
“A strategy is already in place, as the Speaker will be aware. We are not about creating new documents; the Chief Veterinary Officer has been doing a short and sharp review of what is and what is not working and what more we can do. The results will be announced in the next number of weeks. It is fair to say that there has been a lot of stakeholder engagement on the issue and a lot of review of the science and evidence, and we need to take forward actions. It is clear that there is more that we can do, particularly on biosecurity. We need to pay much more attention to that, and we need to take action to drive the levels down. The current situation is not sustainable, and I will outline a path ahead in the next number of weeks.”
“Officials are working through the responses to that consultation. Hopefully, I will be able to set out a way forward in the next number of months. I am engaging with stakeholders on the consultation. I am meeting a number of chief executives from district councils tomorrow, so I am attuned to some of the concerns that exist and am happy to engage and listen. Alongside that, we will bring forward a waste management strategy. It is really important that we embrace the issue and look towards a future where we reduce, reuse and recycle.”
“We should not consider it inevitable that we will keep sending the same volumes of waste to landfill and for incineration. We need to drive those volumes down, and we need to drive up recycling levels in Northern Ireland.”
“My Department is taking forward a number of actions to improve recycling. We recently closed a consultation on proposals on recycling, and we are evaluating responses to that. In the climate change legislation there is an ambition that we reach 70% by 2030. That is a good target, and I want to exceed it. I have that desire because others can exceed it. Wales has the second highest level of recycling in the world, so let us not have Wales outshining us. There are benefits not just for our environment but for district councils in the costs of waste management in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I have real ambition in the area and hope to get over to Wales to see what is being done there to allow them to have such high levels of recycling.”
“However, let us make sure that it does not happen in the first place and that we have vigilance across Northern Ireland on the issue.”
“I am also engaging with my southern counterpart later this week around the issue, because we need to work North/South on the matter. The Chief Veterinary Officer in my Department meets regularly — a number of times each week — with his counterparts across the rest of the UK so that we can keep an eye on it. The situation is extremely concerning, and it could have a significant impact on our agri-food economy in Northern Ireland. We need to take it extremely seriously, and it needs to go much further up everyone's agenda. <BR /> <BR />People may feel that bluetongue will not arrive on our shores. Let us hope that it does not, but, if it does, we need to take action as quickly as possible. We are putting in place plans for a response to it, and that response will be swift.”
“I am concerned about the bluetongue situation. I had a meeting with the president and officers of the Ulster Farmers' Union and the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association yesterday, alongside the Chief Veterinary Officer and officials. I emphasise to the House, because we all have a role to play as MLAs, the importance of vigilance and early reporting of any concerns. If bluetongue arrives on our shores, we need to be able to do whatever we can quickly to stamp it out. <BR /> <BR />The fact that bluetongue has arrived in north Wales is a concern. Previously, it has been isolated in the eastern end of England. It is really important that we have vigilance on this. Further efforts will be made to put out messaging on the issue.”
“We need to get the cost down, not just because of the cost to the Department but to farmers across Northern Ireland. The Chief Veterinary Officer was tasked, on taking up office in April, to take forward actions in relation to this and review where we are. I hope to announce, over the next number of weeks, the way forward on this. I consider it to be a key issue not just in the cost to the Department but to farmers in Northern Ireland.”
“The cost of TB is significant to my Department but also, more particularly, to farmers in Northern Ireland. I recognise that, while there is a cost to compensation, that does not reflect the full cost to farmers in terms of the loss that is felt on the farm and, to be honest, the mental health impacts. I have spoken to farmers, and it is devastating. <BR /> <BR />The costs are not sustainable, but I have made it clear that I desire to continue the level of compensation at 100% as long as I can and have the budget to cover that. I will do as much as I can. To be fair to the Finance Minister, support has been given around that, and it is recognised that this is a pressure that arises that we cannot sometimes forecast. However, I am taking action on this.”
“and a commitment to a nature recovery strategy. A lot of this is absolutely key to the actions that need to be taken forward. Hopefully, you are buzzing after that answer.”
“I would be delighted to take up that invite. I am busy, but it is important to get along to it. In the plan, there is a strategic outcome that is”
“It is good that the plan has been agreed, and I look forward to working with everyone across Northern Ireland, in this place and in the Executive, as we deliver the ambition set out in the environmental improvement plan, which is our first environmental strategy for Northern Ireland.”
“It is fantastic that the environmental improvement plan was agreed. It was a long time coming, but we got it agreed. It is a key framework for us for the actions that we need to take to protect our environment and to address environmental degradation. It is not the ceiling of my ambition, but it is a key framework for us. Funding is critical to allow us to take forward many of the actions and strategies in the plan. It is also really important for environmental governance in Northern Ireland, because the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), which arose from the Environment Act 2021, will use it as a tool to measure performance. <BR /> <BR />There are many objectives — six — in the environmental improvement plan. The first is”
“There are real risks that we could lose investments to other parts of the UK, Ireland and Europe, if we do not grasp the opportunities that exist for us as a result of green growth and green jobs. I met my counterparts from Scotland and Wales recently, and there was a real zeal for working with the UK Government on the issue. There are real benefits and an opportunity for a green new deal not only for Northern Ireland but for the rest of the UK. It is important that we grasp that opportunity.”
“The green growth strategy was developed by officials. A draft was consulted on. We hope to bring the final document to the Executive very soon, because the strategy makes it clear that there are opportunities ahead for us from decarbonisation and taking the road to net zero. I am very keen to do that. I met the Green Growth Forum recently, and there was a lot of positivity in the room. We also met members of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the road to net zero, and there was a real aspiration for us to move forward on that journey. <BR /> <BR />There is a real risk that Northern Ireland could be left behind, if we do not get on board with the road to net zero.”
“I am also looking at setting up a citizens' assembly on climate change for young people. Lastly, I am glad to see the issues raised and commitments made on climate change reflected in the environmental improvement plan (EIP) and the draft Programme for Government. <BR /> <BR />There is a lot that we need to do, and time is not on our side. We lost two years of the mandate, during which we were not able to progress such issues, but I am working hard and at pace with my ministerial colleagues and the rest of society to take forward the necessary actions to address climate change and to take advantage of the opportunities that arise.”
“I have lead responsibility for climate change in the Executive, but it is also a cross-departmental responsibility. We also need to step together across society, because the only way in which we will address the issues arising from climate change is by doing so together. I take the issue seriously, and I have prioritised it. <BR /> <BR />One action that arose from the climate change legislation is reporting by public bodies. I took that action forward and made regulations earlier this year. I have tabled proposals on the setting of carbon budgets to the Executive, and I am engaging with my ministerial colleagues. I am also preparing to table the first climate action plan for Executive approval. This month, I will commence consultation on establishing a just transition commission.”
“I am meeting stakeholders next Tuesday about our future rural affairs policy. The issue that the Member outlined will form part of that consideration. Through the consultation on the future rural affairs policy, we will be able to incorporate the findings and recommendations from the report that the Member mentioned to ensure that what we have reflects both policy and potential legislation and how we can use it.”
“That work has been undertaken. It has come across my desk. We have also written to Departments to see whether they want to designate any other bodies under it. I am also undertaking a review of rural affairs policy. Ideally, I want to be able to review the 2016 Act to give it more teeth, but I need the resources to do that. I will consider that during this mandate.”
“I have had significant engagement with stakeholders, most recently the Antrim and District Angling Association.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I recognise the issues that he outlined. I will write to the Member with specific information. It is quite detailed. We must recognise the importance of protecting our environment. I also recognise the issues that he outlined about, for example, leisure activity and how that is being inhibited. If the Member is happy, I will write to him. If he wants to meet me to discuss the issue, I will be happy to do that.”
“As Lough Neagh is also designated as a special protection area (SPA) and is protected under the Ramsar convention, a habitats regulations assessment must be undertaken to ensure that any dredging in the SPA or areas protected by Ramsar is not likely to have a significant effect on site selection features or the achievement of conservation objectives. That responsibility lies with the competent authority responsible for issuing permission for the proposed activity. NIEA officials have had initial discussions with DFI officials on the matter.”
“My Department does not have a statutory duty to undertake dredging in Lough Neagh at the mouth of the Sixmilewater river. That rests with the Department for Infrastructure, which is responsible for the navigation channels and carrying out necessary maintenance work on certain quays in Lough Neagh to provide navigable access. However, as Lough Neagh has been designated as an area of special scientific interest (ASSI) under the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, as amended, public bodies and private individuals are required to give the Department notice and receive permission from NIEA if they wish to dredge within the boundary of the ASSI.”
“I am happy to speak to the Member afterwards. If there are concerns about the hotline and its responsiveness, we will be happy to address them.”
“NIEA has in place an enforcement policy regarding water pollution investigations. It is important that I encourage everyone to report pollution incidents promptly. I have had Members report pollution incidents to me far too late in the day. We need those reports to come through immediately. We have a pollution hotline that operates 24/7. The earlier that we receive the reports, the easier it is for us to investigate them and, hopefully, bring about prosecution. Bringing prosecutions around water pollution that meet an evidential threshold can be difficult. Getting the reports early, with as much information as possible, will help us to bring forward prosecutions.”
“I know personally about the issue of bathing water quality at Ballyholme. The problem has been going on for far too long, and it needs to be addressed. Ballyholme bathing water had an overall "sufficient" status from 2018 to 2021, but it was "poor" in 2022 and 2023. To address that drop in annual classification, Northern Ireland Water has instigated a thorough investigative programme for the whole catchment, working alongside my Department, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and AFBI. The purpose of the Ballyholme study is to further identify key sources of pollution that are adversely impacting on water quality so that remediation plans can be appropriately targeted. That is an important example of what we need to see: identifying the problem and funding the solution.”
“I am aware that open-water swimming and bathing is extremely popular and that there has been an upsurge in those activities in recent years. The situation with water quality is not acceptable, and we need to take action. We need to invest in waste water infrastructure, look at the regulatory regime between NI Water and the Department and look at agricultural run-off. Members will know that I am taking all actions that I can on that. I look forward to receiving Members' support for those interventions, which will improve water quality and address the issues around it in everyone's constituency in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />We also need to improve reporting. Funding is absolutely critical to that, because the more funding my Department can get, the more sampling and reporting it can do on those issues.”
“My Department is working to compile results and to work through the process so that it can release the 2024 annual bathing water classification. As the results are an official statistic and subject to the Pre-release Access to Official Statistics Order (Northern Ireland) 2009, I cannot comment further at this point. I hope to be able to release the results during the autumn. I will ensure that they are published promptly and that all Members are made aware of them.”
“Tree planting is critical. Northern Ireland's woodland cover is low: 8·6% of land area. Compared with other UK countries and with the Republic of Ireland, that is extremely low. We have one of the lowest areas of afforestation in western Europe. We need to take action, and I see a lot of thirst and ambition to do that. One of the challenges is land use. I, with my Department, am exploring how to tackle that. <BR /> <BR />All woodlands are important for biodiversity, but many of them are small, and they are fragmented across the landscape. Tree planting in order to extend forest areas and join up woodlands at landscape scale, creating habitat networks, will contribute to environmental resilience, provide new and more diverse habitats and support wildlife, and I hope that that is something that everyone can get on board with.”
“I have met other Ministers to expedite the development of the climate action plan. <BR /> <BR />My Department continues to support woodland creation under its Forests for Our Future programme, seeking to establish 9,000 hectares of new woodland by 2030. Almost 2,000 hectares of new woodland have been planted since the launch of the programme in 2020. However, there needs to be a significant increase in annual planting rates to meet the challenging target. I am pleased to have opened the 2024 forest expansion scheme application period — in September — and I intend to open a small woodland grant scheme for applications in the forthcoming weeks.”
“Increasing the area of forests and woodlands is a key challenge and focus for my Department. Having more woodlands provides greater opportunity to capture carbon, improve water quality, enhance our environment and our important habitats and extend outdoor access to provide health and well-being benefits for our people. It also provides opportunities for rural employment and contributes to the local economy. <BR /> <BR />The climate action plan will take forward DAERA’s afforestation commitments in line with its legislative obligations to have a balanced pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. Given the cross-cutting nature of the climate action plan, the draft will need to be approved by the Executive prior to its publication for consultation. I am determined that the draft will be published for consultation as soon as possible.”
“I understand the issue, but it probably extends a bit beyond the Bill. That issue sits largely with the Department for Communities and with your colleague Gordon Lyons. I am happy to work with Gordon on that, as well as with the councils, to see how we can help. Smaller amounts of money can often help towards the regeneration of local communities. We work together on regeneration, and there are opportunities to go forward with that. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to speak to the Member if there are any particular areas in his constituency where we, together with Communities and the council, can help with regeneration and dealing with dilapidation.”
“I will work with anyone to deal with any issues in society around that. Later this week, I will meet Belfast City Council. Obviously, the issue is on its agenda. The strength of the Executive is in how we work together on those issues. The Bill relates particularly to dilapidation powers. Councils have significant responsibilities on that. It is important that they step up. I am prepared to work with them. If the Member wants to meet to discuss those issues, I am happy to do so.”
“The intended powers will enable councils to act in the absence of an identified owner by extending the range of persons on whom notice could be served to include any person with an interest in any neglected site, such as an owner-occupier, a person with a charge over or other financial interest in the land, or a person who has had responsibility for the management or maintenance of the land. In such a scenario where an owner cannot be established, a council would still be able to take action by serving a notice on an interested person. That is what is key about the legislation, because, often, it is difficult to get hold of whoever is responsible for a building. Even one dilapidated building can have a significant impact on a neighbourhood. It is key that we get that legislation through. It is nearly ready to go.”
“It is my intention to introduce a dilapidation Bill to the Assembly in the autumn term of the current session, subject, of course, to the agreement of my Executive colleagues. The proposed Bill would provide councils with a modern, fit-for-purpose regime and clear toolkit of powers to tackle dilapidated buildings and neglected sites, including a series of notices, offences, penalties and appeals. Powers would be similar to those that are available to local authorities in other parts of the UK, where low-level dilapidation can be dealt with at a much earlier stage. I am very keen to see that happen. The Bill is nearly ready to go. It is something that I called for before I took up ministerial office. You can be assured that I want to see it happen.”
“It is absolutely key, because it is sharing not only intelligence but ways in which to promote the efforts that it is making on that. That is why I want to engage with animal welfare stakeholders to see how much more we can bring them on board with what we are doing, because we need to be able to work together to tackle those issues. It is not just about puppy smuggling; we need to work together on a number of other issues. As I said, the key issue is how much funding I will get to enable me to support that in the time ahead.”
“It was good to be in Larne. I got a warm welcome. I really commend the multi-agency work that is being done on this. It is an example of what we can and should do to deal with those issues. It is absolutely critical. What I have seen is that there has been a real deterrent effect as a result of the work that is being undertaken. It has also given us the information for HMRC, especially, to follow up and take action on that. That has proven to be extremely effective. If people want more information on that or publicity materials that they can share, I encourage them to contact me. I can provide that.”
“I have given a commitment to bring forward Lucy's law, so I will do that. It is key that we bring forward that legislation. What is more, I am engaging with animal welfare stakeholders in the short time ahead to discuss the wider issue of animal welfare and what else we can do on that. One of the key issues that will affect what I can do to tackle animal cruelty is the budget settlement that I get for next year. I need staff resources to bring forward legislation, whether it is secondary or primary legislation, to deal with that issue, which is a stain on our society.”
“I thank the Member for his question. It is really an abhorrent trade. I was in Larne a few weeks ago to see the work of the multi-agency approach. Some of the stuff that I heard was shocking, including the story of an attempt to smuggle pups that were hidden under garden waste through the port. That is wrong. We need to ensure that the public is made aware of it so that no one ever participates in or facilitates it, because it is absolutely despicable.”
“Increased communications are planned in the lead-up to Christmas, a time when there is usually an increased demand, in a bid to raise awareness of that abhorrent, illegal trade and to ensure that potential owners source pups responsibly.”
“<BR /> <BR />As well as pups that have been illegally bred in Northern Ireland, my Department and its partner agencies remain aware that pups are being moved illegally from unlicensed breeding establishments in the Republic of Ireland to domestic premises in Northern Ireland. There is, therefore, regular liaison between DAERA officials and their Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine counterparts to consider the detection of illegal trading of pups in both jurisdictions. <BR /> <BR />A Paws for Thought public-facing awareness campaign is ongoing to highlight the role that everyone has to play in tackling puppy smuggling.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 4 and 14 together. <BR /> <BR />My Department created the Paws for Thought multi-agency group in 2020 to coordinate the actions of relevant statutory agencies here in order to disrupt the trafficking of low-welfare pups. The group comprises representatives from the police; HMRC; councils; Belfast Harbour Police; ferry companies; and officials from my Department. Through that group, it has been possible to target individuals who are known to move consignments of low-welfare pups to Great Britain through ferry terminals. That joined-up working has resulted in a significant number of seizures of pups and the criminal convictions of those who are involved. In addition to the targeted checks, follow-up activities are carried out to identify potential illegal breeding sites.”
“I agree with the Member. An analysis that my Department undertook found that, in real terms and by using the consumer prices index, in 2020, £330 million, which was when the UK left the EU, would have been approximately £390 million at the end of 2023. Therefore, we need to ensure that future payments are indexed in line with inflation. I am glad to see that the basic farm payments went out last month. That follows progress that was made in the previous year. It is important to get the help out to people so that we can support the agri-food business in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He touches on a key issue that far too many people in Northern Ireland have forgotten . That is the loss to Northern Ireland of that rural development funding. A lot of promises were made during Brexit. Very few were fulfilled. One of those was rural support in our communities, and I lobby the UK Government hard for that support. That is because we should not lose sight of the benefits that it gave to our communities or of the need for that funding to come back to Northern Ireland and into those communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have already stressed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the need for funding decisions that reflect the importance of a just transition. I support the EU's approach, which is outlined in the report 'Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture', that says that a temporary just transition fund should be established outside the common agricultural policy. The rest of Europe is moving on the matter. The UK Government need to support us to do likewise.”
“It is absolutely key. I am committed to setting up a just transition fund for agriculture in the months ahead, but, first, I need clarity from the UK Government on the level of funding being made available in the years ahead. We need to ensure that the work that we need to carry out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero will be fair and will support people on that journey. That is why we need to provide those incentives and support. <BR /> <BR />I will consider, in conjunction with Executive colleagues, the best approach to take on that and other requirements placed on us as a result of the Climate Change Act 2022, learning, where appropriate, from the experience of others.”
“In my letter, I also highlighted the significant contribution that the agriculture sector in Northern Ireland makes to UK food security. <BR /> <BR />I have stressed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the need for funding decisions to reflect the importance of a just transition. I also made the case that there should be a separate, specific, additional capital fund to support that just transition in agriculture. My Department is engaging with the Department of Finance on raising that with Treasury as part of the broader budgetary processes.”
“I have written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a number of occasions expressing my deep concerns about the future of the earmarked agriculture budget, with the current funding package coming to a conclusion at the end of March next year. I have 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. Most recently, we discussed that in person at the inter-ministerial group for environment, food and rural affairs in London on 16 September. Following that meeting, I wrote again to stress the importance of receiving early clarity on future earmarked agriculture support funding for next year and beyond.”
“I am working with the Finance Minister to roll out funding support to people, and I made a bid for further support through TRPSI, so it is not for the want of trying to roll out funding to people. We are in the financial situation that we are in, but I am lobbying hard on behalf of rural communities for the support that they need.”