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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“Through the consultation, we heard from the following: trade unions; the agriculture and environment sectors; rural communities; young people, including young farmers; people with a disability; older people's representatives; consumer groups; regulators; councils; academics; and the wider public. I thank all who engaged so positively with my Department. Their input helped shape the regulations before the Assembly today. <BR /> <BR />Respondents strongly supported the establishment of the commission but wanted to see membership broadened in order for it to be more inclusive. There was strong support for representation from the energy and transport sectors, reflecting their importance to achieving decarbonisation. The green finance sector, although not an emissions sector in itself, was considered to be a key support and an enabling sector.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I will start from where I left off. <BR /> <BR />The Department undertook a 10-week public consultation on the draft just transition commission regulations. That consultation was supported by targeted engagement events with groups that are required by the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 to be represented on the just transition commission. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with strong support for the establishment of the commission and for the proposed approach to its operation.”
“The need for a just transition is raised at every public engagement event that my Department or I have held on climate change, which demonstrates its importance to people, communities and stakeholders across Northern Ireland. While it was not legally required, I considered it essential to engage widely, given the high level of public interest in the topic. My Department undertook a 10-week public consultation supported by targeted engagement events with the groups required to be represented on the commission by the Act.”
“Section 30 of the Act makes that a statutory consideration with 11 just transition objectives, including the creation of quality jobs, support for affected communities and tackling social and economic inequality. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the membership. The Act requires representation from seven sectors, including academia, agriculture, civic society, environmental groups, fisheries, trade unions and youth groups. The Act also allows for additional representation, and the regulations have been developed within that framework. There has been a high level of public interest in the just transition and the role that the commission will play.”
“It will assess whether Departments have properly applied the just transition principle when developing emissions-reduction policies for inclusion in climate action plans, sectoral plans and any agriculture or just transition fund. Secondly, the commission will have an important advisory function. It will provide expert guidance to Departments on how proposed policies, strategies and plans align with the just transition principles and objectives set out in the Act. <BR /> <BR />I thank those who passed the Act and ensured that a just transition was a core principle. At its core, a just transition is about ensuring that as we move from a high-emission to a low-emission economy, workers, communities, vulnerable groups and regions are supported and enabled to benefit from the changes.”
“It also delivers on a key commitment in the Programme for Government 2024-27, and I am pleased to bring the legislation to the Assembly to implement the Act and establish that important body. As Members are aware, reducing emissions across our economy requires collaborative action across all the Departments. The Act is explicit that the transition must be just, fair and equitable. To support Departments in meeting that legal requirement, the Act places a duty on my Department to establish an independent just transition commission for Northern Ireland and for the regulations to be put in place to establish the body. <BR /> <BR />I will briefly outline the statutory role of the commission under section 37 of the Act. First, the commission has an essential oversight function.”
“We are seeing the realities of climate change in Northern Ireland, and it will get worse if we do not take action in response to those issues. There are also opportunities for green growth and the decarbonisation of our society, and it is vital that we grasp them. <BR /> <BR />We must ensure that our actions are just and fair and that nobody is left behind, and that is why I am bringing the just transition commission regulations to the House today. I look forward to the debate and to the support associated with it. The Assembly's approval of the Climate Change (Just Transition Commission) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 will be an historic moment for the House. The establishment of the just transition commission is a legal requirement under section 37 of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to move the motion today. Before I start, I will set the context for the debate. We are debating it as a result of the issues that are facing not just Northern Ireland but the world as a result of climate change. I was at an event this morning that was organised by Ernst & Young (EY), and I commend its leadership and the wider leadership shown by the business community on climate action in Northern Ireland. The event was about profiling the science and evidence that we are aware of on the realities of climate change. Lots of inconvenient truths are being told, and it is imperative for us to act. This morning’s event set out the four scenarios, and we owe it to the people of Northern Ireland to take action to ensure that many of those scenarios do not play out.”
“I will make a few remarks now, and you can cut me off.”
“What happened on Saturday night was evil — it was wrong — and we need to stand together against it.”
“The car bomb at Dunmurry police station on Saturday night was a reprehensible and evil attack not just on our brave Police Service of Northern Ireland officers but on the entire community. I thank the police and the other emergency services that responded to the incident with courage in helping to evacuate the area. It is only by the grace of God that no one was killed or seriously injured in that disgraceful terrorist attack. <BR /> <BR />It is incumbent on all of us here today to be united in condemnation of it and in urging anyone with any information that might help to apprehend the perpetrators to contact the police or Crimestoppers. It is clear that the people of Northern Ireland do not want that. Communities do not want that. We do not want to go back.”
“Although the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill already contains other statutory aggravators and amendments to the sentencing framework and may appear to provide an appropriate vehicle for legislating quickly, it is critical to remember that those clauses have been drafted following a thorough policy development process. Minister Long is of the view that undertaking adequate research and consultation into the proposals in the motion and the amendment is the appropriate approach going forward. <BR /> <BR />In closing, the Justice Minister welcomes the opportunity to discuss this important issue and looks forward to working with Members collectively to strengthen the government response to drug misuse and supply, both in the wider public health response and in the strengthening of enforcement arrangements.”
“If the review suggests that changes to current sentencing arrangements may be necessary, any proposals will be subject to public consultation, with a view to informing legislative proposals in the next mandate. Subject to resources, it is anticipated that public consultation on policy proposals arising from the review will take place in 2027. <BR /> <BR />I have limited time, but I will seek to wrap up my contribution. The Justice Minister believes that the sentencing review is an appropriate mechanism to give full and informed consideration to these important matters, rather than rushing to legislate in this mandate.”
“<BR /> <BR />Furthermore, the Minister of Justice shares her desire to ensure that the sentencing framework available for those offences adequately reflects the severity of the crimes and the impact that they have on the community. Therefore, based on the strength of the Jasmin’s law campaign, Minister Long's review of sentencing policy will consider current sentencing practice in Northern Ireland in relation to drugs misuse offences, and departmental officials are undertaking research to better understand how sentencing is operating. The review will also conduct an assessment of sentencing guidelines mechanisms, including the utility of a sentencing guiding council, as proposed in the amendment tabled today.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Justice Minister is aware of concerns around the adequacy of sentencing in specific cases of drug offences in this jurisdiction and is keenly aware of the Jasmin’s law campaign, which seeks to introduce a statutory aggravating factor that would apply when the court is sentencing someone for a drugs supply offence and it can be proven that they have supplied drugs to a vulnerable person, which has resulted in serious injury or death. The Justice Minister has asked me to commend Pauline Duddy, Jasmin's mother, for her dedication and tireless campaigning on the issue. Minister Long has met Pauline on several occasions and is continually impressed by her tenacious advocacy for victims of drug dealers. I, as Minister, personally thank her today.”
“Therefore, any changes to classifications and statutory sentencing maxima would require either Westminster legislation or the consent of the Secretary of State if taken forward by an Assembly Bill. It is also important to note that the court will take into account aggravating factors when sentencing offenders for those offences, including where there is evidence of supply to vulnerable persons, including children, as a possible aggravating factor.”
“That legislation is intended to provide law enforcement with a further tool to tackle organised crime and to criminalise those who, at any level, are involved in the commission and undertaking of serious organised crime. It is important that, in any area of criminal law, the offences and penalties available to the judiciary act as an adequate deterrent and properly reflect the harm caused by the offence. <BR /> <BR />In relation to drug supply and possession offences, Members will be aware that drugs misuse policy is a reserved matter, with significant penalties for offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, including the possibility of a life sentence for the most serious production and supply offences.”
“Although law enforcement partners work hard to combat the sale of those illicit substances and remove them from our streets, organised crime groups continue to try to line their own pockets. Those criminals have no regard for individuals or the communities that they purport to protect. We all have a role to play in protecting our communities, and, on behalf of the Justice Minister, I encourage anyone who has any information on that type of criminality to report it to the police. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that the Justice Minister is creating two new offences in the Justice Bill to tackle serious and organised crime. The offences, which will be added by amendment at Consideration Stage, are participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group and directing the criminal activities of an organised crime group.”
“'Drug Related Intimidation in Northern Ireland', the report commissioned by the Executive programme on paramilitarism and organised crime (EPPOC) and published last year, is clear that paramilitary groups are perpetrators of drug-related intimidation in Northern Ireland, are operating as organised crime gangs and are engaged in drug supply and enforcement. We know that organised paramilitary gangs deliberately exploit vulnerable individuals, drawing them into drug use and drug supply, after which they maintain control of them through intimidation, coercion and the threat of harm, including threats related to drug deaths. EPPOC plays a crucial role in addressing the harms caused by paramilitary groups and is leading our preventative effort.”
“An example of the work of the OCTF's drugs subgroup is its oversight of the Northern Ireland contribution to Operation Pangaea, which is an annual global Interpol operation to safeguard public health and to disrupt and take down criminal activity relating to the trafficking of illegal pharmaceuticals and medical devices that have been purchased online and distributed via the postal system. <BR /> <BR />The link between paramilitary groups and the illegal drugs trade, as reflected in the amendment, is also well documented. Paramilitary groups are criminal gangs that seek to exert control in communities through drugs, violence and intimidation, exploiting vulnerability for their own financial gain.”
“Initiatives include promoting and supporting a preventative approach to drug misuse and harm and to vulnerability issues associated with addiction through local interventions delivered through policing and community safety partnerships (PCSPs) and support hubs; supporting young people who are referred to youth justice services and their families; developing problem-solving justice approaches, such as the Substance Misuse Court; supporting offenders in the prison environment; and supporting individuals under supervision through a range of targeted Probation Board services. <BR /> <BR />The Department of Justice also supports the organised crime task force (OCTF), which is a unique partnership that supports law enforcement, relevant partners and wider civic society.”
“That joint responsibility is manifested in the 10-year-old Department of Health-led substance use strategy, which is titled 'Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery' and was co-produced by Departments, agencies, health professionals, the community and voluntary sector and service users. The strategy has specific outcomes that focus on harm reduction, including drug deaths. As part of that work, the Department of Justice is a member of the Department of Health-led substance use strategy programme board, helping to oversee and drive forward the implementation of the strategy. <BR /> <BR />As for specific actions that contribute to the delivery of the strategy, the justice system is involved in a range of initiatives.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. It is critical that we have a supportive environment that enables rehabilitation. It is important that we do that across government. <BR /> <BR />While enforcement remains necessary as a means of tackling those who supply drugs, it is clear that a complementary approach is necessary. Such an approach includes focusing on harm reduction, treatment and support for those affected by drug use. The Department of Health leads on the development of a public health intervention to address problematic substance use, but, given the complexities of addressing the underlying social determinants, it is recognised that input from key partners is critical to success, with action required from those in education, safeguarding, criminal justice, housing and employment.”
“As is stated in the motion, issues to do with drugs cut across the whole Executive, involving, for example, the Department of Justice, the Department of Health, the Department for Communities and the Department of Education. We can succeed in improving outcomes only if we see substance use in that broader context and work collectively to target supplies and educate and raise awareness among young and vulnerable people to prevent them from turning to drugs.”
“Behind the statistics are lives that did not need to be lost and families left devastated. One drug-related death is one too many. <BR /> <BR />Drug use continues to have a profound impact on people and neighbourhoods. Addressing the harm that arises is an important priority for the Minister of Justice and, indeed, for the wider Executive. The Justice Minister is therefore committed to approaches that combine prevention, support and enforcement, delivered in partnership across sectors. <BR /> <BR />The Minister is understandably focused on the criminal justice response, which includes enforcement of the law and actions aimed at reducing drug-related harm and offending in Northern Ireland. We must, however, be mindful of the fact that there is no easy solution.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to respond to this important motion on drug-related sentencing in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Minister of Justice. The figures quoted in the motion are shocking, and the Minister of Justice is in full agreement that it is a matter of serious concern to see the number of drug-related deaths in Northern Ireland increase so significantly over the 10-year period in question. On behalf of the Justice Minister, I acknowledge the overwhelming impact that drugs can have across society. All too often, lives are blighted, with devastating consequences.”
“Does the Member understand and accept that the sentencing review is the proper forum in which to fully consider that?”
“Will the Member acknowledge that the area that we are considering is complex, and it is important to give due consideration to the issues concerned? The merit of having the review is to make sure that whatever legislation we make is effective and good law.”
“<BR /> <BR />Taking account of recent developments, and in response to today's debate, the Justice Minister plans to write to the Minister for Infrastructure, the Minister for Communities and the Chief Constable to propose a joint meeting to discuss the development of a cross-government approach to the issue. I trust that the Assembly recognises the Minister's commitment to responding to the issue and will support the proposed way forward. We support the motion and the amendment.”
“It is important that the House understands that, if we are to bring something forward, it needs to do the job. As I said, the Justice Minister remains committed to working collectively with the Department for Infrastructure to introduce any necessary amendments as soon as possible. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I hope that the Assembly recognises that the issue cannot be adequately addressed by the police and the justice system alone. Enforcement powers must be complemented by accompanying regulations that properly restrict the illegal use of the vehicles on our roads and in public spaces. It is also vital that recreational initiatives, such as the motorcycle awareness project, are developed to ensure that there are adequate opportunities for the vehicles to be used safely in the community. I know of one location where that occurs.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. Yes, powers are in place, and it is important that they are used. <BR /> <BR />There is a wider societal issue, which has been raised throughout the debate, about the need for people, particularly parents, to understand the risks associated with e-scooters, given their availability for purchase online at relatively low cost, which are to do with not just road safety but, as has been highlighted by the relevant statutory bodies, the risk of fire in houses. <BR /> <BR />A wider collective approach is required to the use of existing legislation and the consideration of any new legislation in the next mandate. <BR /> <BR />The Justice Minister believes that it is important to await the outcome of the recent Home Office consultation to ensure that any amendments are comprehensive.”
“Given the limited time left in the mandate, and the current legislative agenda, the Justice Minister sincerely does not believe that any such changes are possible before the next Assembly mandate.”
“<BR /> <BR />Developments in other jurisdictions demonstrate not just the need to ensure that adequate enforcement powers are available to the police but the key role that robust regulation of such vehicles through road safety legislation plays. That is why it is vital that any government response to the issue comprehensively considers the need for change in both areas of the law and why the Justice Minister has committed to working with the Minister for Infrastructure to ensure that any necessary amendments to the law in Northern Ireland are identified. <BR /> <BR />It is important to note that any such amendments would require both primary and secondary legislation to be enacted and would cut across the responsibilities of the Department of Justice and the Department for Infrastructure.”
“<BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, the use of drones to tackle antisocial use of vehicles is an operational matter for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and it is a matter of public record that the PSNI has operated drones since 2013 to help detect, prevent and investigate crime. The deployment of such resources is an operational matter for the Chief Constable to consider, so it would not be appropriate for the Justice Minister to comment further or to direct the use of drones for particular types of crime. As my colleague Nuala McAllister said, there is an opportunity to raise that issue for further scrutiny through the Policing Board.”
“Members will be aware that vehicle registration is primarily administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) UK-wide, and the UK Government do not appear to have any definitive plans to introduce registration at the point of sale. Other jurisdictions, however, such as the Republic of Ireland and Germany, have started to move away from a reliance on the traditional enforcement model, which focuses on police intervention, towards the introduction of a stronger regulatory framework. The Justice Minister is aware that police forces in England, Wales and Scotland have used drones as a tactical tool to tackle the illegal and antisocial use of scramblers, e-scooters and e-bikes. The amendment calls for that to happen here.”
“<BR /> <BR />The DUP amendment to the motion:”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I am aware of statutory bodies' responsibilities, but when it comes to private landowners' responsibilities, I will need to speak to you in a bit more detail about the specifics. I know of a location in the Strangford constituency where scramblers are used on a private landowner's land, but that is done in an organised fashion. That shows understanding of the importance of the sport, but it is also done to keep people safe and to protect the wider environment. It therefore can be done, but if scramblers are being used on a private landowner's land, there will be civil powers to address that. I am happy to discuss the matter with you. Alternatively, you may wish to write to the Justice Minister to seek clarity on the specifics of the incident to which you referred, because I am not aware of it.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Justice Minister wishes to highlight the recent increased regulation of e-scooters that the Irish Government introduced in 2024 under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 and the recent introduction of Grace's law, which has significantly increased regulation of the use of scramblers in that jurisdiction.”
“Those powers are in articles 65 and 66 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008. Similar powers are provided to constables to seize vehicles driven without insurance under the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. <BR /> <BR />The motion refers to developments in other jurisdictions. Proposals in the Crime and Policing Bill, which I understand is now in its final legislative stages in Parliament, remove the requirement for officers to issue a warning before seizing a vehicle. The Home Office recently consulted on proposals to increase statutory charges and to reduce the disposal time frames for seized vehicles.”
“Its success could not have been achieved without cross-sectoral support, however. If such initiatives are to be expanded urgently, as is proposed in the motion, the Minister of Justice believes that it is important that the justice system receive support from other Departments, such as the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities, as well as adequate funding from the Executive to support delivery. <BR /> <BR />Under the current legislative framework for such vehicles, police constables have powers to seize vehicles, including scramblers and e-scooters, that are used:”
“Through feedback and evaluation, students also reported improved mental health, employment opportunities and personal development benefits. Students have subsequently contributed to off-road motor sport, including by working at Arenacross and local motorcycling events. As the motion correctly identifies, and as the success of the motorcycle awareness project demonstrated:”
“Previous interventions to address the illegal use of scramblers have often focused on awareness raising and enforcement, with limited success when it came to tackling the root causes of the issue. Instead, the motorcycle awareness project sought to harness young people's passion rather than suppressing it as the means for diversion from offending and antisocial behaviour. <BR /> <BR />As recognised in today's motion, the motorcycle awareness project was a resounding success. Feedback from participants highlighted improved behaviour at home and changed attitudes to their riding and even to the police. There was also evidence of a ripple effect in the community as students informed peers of the dangers of that activity.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Justice Minister commends the Police Service of Northern Ireland for the dedication that it has shown in tackling the problem, using the existing enforcement powers available to it and other diversionary approaches such as the motorcycle awareness project. <BR /> <BR />The motorcycle awareness project was developed following the establishment of a cross-government working group in 2016, convened by the Department for Infrastructure, which holds policy responsibility for road safety. The working group was convened following the death in July 2016 of Valerie Armstrong, who was tragically killed when she was struck by a scrambler being ridden illegally while she was walking her dogs in Colin Glen Forest Park. Sadly, that heartbreaking incident was followed by a number of others like it in 2016 and beyond.”
“Incidents such as the gathering of approximately 20 motorbikes in Falls Park earlier this month can also be accompanied by antisocial behaviour, which can cause further disruption to the public and even damage public facilities. In more serious cases, illegal use of those vehicles in public spaces can lead to significant injury and even death. The Minister of Justice has asked me to take this opportunity to acknowledge and extend her sincere condolences to the families of those killed on our roads through the dangerous use of scramblers and e-scooters, and I share that. Every one of those deaths is a tragedy, and, in conjunction with my Executive colleagues, the Justice Minister believes that it is essential that we consider very carefully how we work together to have the greatest impact on saving lives.”
“Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to respond to today's important motion on behalf of the Minister of Justice, who, unfortunately, is unwell. I am sure that Members will join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. <BR /> <BR />Like the Members who have spoken today, the Minister is deeply concerned about the increasing use of scramblers and e-scooters in public places. Dangerous driving of vehicles such as those not only poses a significant risk to safety but has the potential to cause significant distress, as noted in the motion. At the lowest level, improper and illegal use of those vehicles in public spaces can be a nuisance to other members of the public, not to mention the noise that they create.”
“Does the Member acknowledge that the marketing of the vehicles, particularly online, is concerning and that security and safety issues are not fully considered by some of the retailers?”
“Does the Member agree that there is a wider issue about the safety of those vehicles? There is a particular risk of fire, depending on where they are purchased from. People need to have an understanding of their responsibilities in that regard.”
“What we are talking about, particularly when it comes to the challenges associated with ammonia, is a policy issue first. Alongside that, but separately, significant effort has been undertaken by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to improve response times. I was briefed about that again this morning: a submission was sent to me about ensuring that people are given more timely and detailed updates on that and that we improve the turnaround times. A planning performance improvement plan is in place, and it is important that we continue to deliver on it. <BR /> <BR />I get the issue about the need for us to be able to have a more agile response on slurry stores. We are seeking to deliver on that.”
“Thank you, Trevor: you have raised an important issue. I have had significant engagement with officials on the issue. They are coming to a conclusion on the future of slurry stores and how to get into a situation in which, hopefully, permitted development rights are associated with them: that is where we need to get to.”
“This week, we will convene a round table of relevant parties to consider the issues in more detail and the practical supports that we can deliver. It is important that we do that.”