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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“I could not live with myself if I did that.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is right that there is no perfect solution and that the measures will largely deal with public settings rather than the home. That speaks to the point that I made about the legislation that we have at the moment. I am sitting here as Minister in week five of the job. The tools presented to me in terms of legislation are all that I have access to, so I am working with what I have. I have a desire to look at legislation in the longer term to see how we can make the situation on the issue here fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />We are all aware of the stories, not just the fatalities but people who have had life-changing injuries as a result of this. That causes me real apprehension and concern. As Minister, I honestly did not feel that I could take no decision on this or take no action.”
“I look forward to engaging with the all-party group to see how we can achieve that, because converting policy proposals into legislation can be a challenge. I look forward to the discussion on that.”
“I would be delighted to attend a meeting of the all-party group. It is important that, as Minister, I engage with the relevant all-party groups, as well as the stakeholders and statutory bodies, as outlined by Member McIlveen. It is important to state — I will put it on the record again — that I am not taking the decision in isolation. It is my strong desire that we do not just bring animal welfare legislation up to speed — we have fallen behind compared with the rest of the UK and Ireland — but become an exemplar to others. Realistically, it will take around 18 months to enact primary legislation. I am dealing with the situation that presents itself now. It is my desire, during this mandate, that we bring animal welfare legislation up to speed and become a role model for others across the UK and Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As part of the work in the time ahead, we will engage with relevant stakeholders, including the ones that she mentioned, because I am aware that, on the road to implementation, we will need to engage with different stakeholders in society. I look forward to continuing our engagement with the people whom she mentioned.”
“On inheriting the Department, I was made aware of that issue and the budget challenges that the permanent secretary was managing in-year. I am keen to look at how we can invest in animal welfare and work with district councils to support them. The most fundamental issue will be how much money my Department is awarded for the next financial year. That will determine the way forward. I recognise that the decision will provide challenges for many. Taking the decision has provided challenges for me, but, most importantly, it will provide challenges for rehoming centres, stakeholders and district councils. I am keen to do whatever I can to support them within the budget that I have for next year.”
“I thank the Member for his question. In the weeks ahead, my officials will engage with councils to plan for the operational delivery of what I have proposed. I acknowledge that that will involve additional work for councils. In the weeks ahead, my Department will engage with them through the working group so that we can advance the development of the scheme. I am conscious of the financial pressures that are associated with district councils. The budget settlement that I receive for the next financial year will be key to what my Department can achieve when it comes to working with councils and what they can do and general animal welfare issues. It is critical that I outline that, because the budget that I receive next year will be instrumental in determining what more we can do as a House and a Government on animal welfare.”
“I say to those listening to me today who wish to shape the future: please work with me to enhance our legislation and put in place initiatives that eradicate the irresponsible practices and ownership that have created the conditions that I am now trying to put right. I am, however, faced with the situation and the reality of today. Safeguarding measures must be implemented for the safety and protection of the public.”
“<BR /> <BR />I realise that there will be dog owners and stakeholders in our community who feel that I have valued their views less than the views of others: that is not the case. In the longer term, I have a desire to explore the possibility of meaningful reform to our dog control laws in close cooperation with key stakeholders in the sector. I am acutely aware of the calls to deal with the deed, not the breed, and criticism of breed-specific legislation, but, as Minister, I am left with the situation as it presents itself and the legislation as currently available in the context of public safety risks.”
“My officials will now work at pace on the necessary legislation, as well as the scheme to register and record XL bully breed-type dogs. <BR /> <BR />Given my announcement today, I urge prospective owners of XL bully breed-type dogs to seriously bear in mind the need to adhere to the new safeguards. This is an appeal to those people: if you are minded to acquire an XL bully breed-type dog and currently do not own one, you need to know that the laws and your obligations will change. I appreciate that there will be a thirst for more information. My Department will develop guidance and practical support to allow owners to understand the impending legislative changes, including how to identify an XL bully breed-type dog using the standard developed by the UK Government.”
“<BR /> <BR />Let me reassure the owners and advocates of the XL bully breed-type dogs: I am committed to providing you with the right information and the necessary space to make informed decisions about your dog ownership. However, if the owner of an XL bully breed-type dog does not wish to adhere to these measures and no longer wishes to keep their dog, provision will be made for them to surrender that dog, and their dog will be euthanised. No owner will be forced to give their dog up or made to hand over their dog. I am giving the owners of XL bully breed-type dogs the ability to be responsible and compassionate owners, which, I know, many are. I am offering them a pathway to enduring and lasting ownership of their valued dog. Only the owners of the dogs will determine what happens.”
“Following my announcement today, I will write to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, with my officials writing to all local councils to inform them of my decision. I recognise that this decision will have a definitive impact on the dog warden service. I would like to use the expertise and experience of our councils and their dog wardens in particular, who are well versed in the right and proper ways to deal with dangerous dogs and dog control measures, so, with that in mind, I intend to establish a working group containing representatives from my Department and key council staff to design and implement an exemption scheme that is as straightforward as the legislation can permit.”
“I also advise that, once the legislation is made, it will no longer be permissible to sell, abandon or give away an XL bully breed-type dog. My Department will provide further detail on those safeguards and the dates when they will come into effect in due course.”
“Their XL bully breed-type dog will also be neutered, and breeding from the dog will be prohibited.”
“Many Members will be aware of the public case in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area in which a man suffered life-changing injuries at the hands of one such dog. None of us wants to hear about another attack like that. <BR /> <BR />The public safety of the people of Northern Ireland is my utmost concern, so today I am announcing the introduction of new safeguards surrounding XL bully breed-type dogs in Northern Ireland. I will lay legislation before the House that will require the owners of XL bully breed-type dogs to take measures when their dog is in public. I will introduce a scheme that will require owners to appropriately record and account for their dog with the relevant authorities. Owners will be required to keep their dog on the lead at all times in a public place and ensure that the dog is muzzled.”
“However, I am conscious of our capacity in Northern Ireland to receive unwanted dogs, and I do not want to expose the public to an exacerbated level of risk. I have been advised that 140 XL bully dogs are licensed right now, which is up from around 90 last October. Therefore, it is time to act while numbers remain manageable and we can, in the main, track where the dogs are. <BR /> <BR />I reassure Members and the people of Northern Ireland that I have not rushed into a decision. I have carefully considered all aspects of the matter, and I have not taken it lightly. I am also aware that I cannot delay action any further. Northern Ireland has, sadly, not been immune to attacks by XL bully breed-type dogs.”
“It has not escaped me, however, that the number of XL bully breed-type dogs in Northern Ireland could very well be under-reported. Unfortunately, I cannot rule out the possibility that the significant uplift in the number of XL bully dogs finding a home here is due to their displacement from England, Scotland and Wales. I understand that well-intentioned individuals and organisations have expressed a desire to rehome the dogs, which, they feel, might otherwise be abandoned. However, there is no way of determining whether those dogs have been appropriately trained and socialised or have demonstrated aggressive behaviours in the past. <BR /> <BR />I do not wish to scaremonger. I will remain grounded in the facts. The overall population of such dogs remains low, especially in comparison with other parts of the UK.”
“Therefore, I tasked my officials with keeping track of the number of XL bully breed-type dogs that are licensed in Northern Ireland on a weekly basis. In the five months since the announcement of measures in England and Wales to restrict ownership — measures that were then replicated in Scotland — there has been a greater than 50% increase in the number of XL bully breed-type dogs licensed by our councils. I should make it clear that, when dog owners license their dog with the council, the breed is self-declared and not subject to further scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />I know just how much people here love and value their dogs, and I am in no doubt that the overwhelming majority of owners license their dogs properly and record the breed to the best of their ability.”
“The action taken now to safeguard the public against the risks that the XL Bully breed-type pose should be viewed as complementary and additional to our dog control policies rather than as being instead of or at odds with them. When it comes to dog control, however, there is an onus on me to ensure public safety and act when there is a need. <BR /> <BR />As the Minister with responsibility for the area, I must balance the needs and concerns of all our citizens. I have read the letters that have come across my desk and responded to questions that Members raised. It is evident that there is public worry about XL Bully dogs in Northern Ireland and the harm that they could do. When I assumed this role, I knew that I would have difficult or potentially unpopular decisions to make. I will not shirk that responsibility.”
“It has quickly become clear that there is no perfect solution to the problem. <BR /> <BR />My officials and I have met animal welfare organisations to hear their views on the matter and the approach taken elsewhere to deal with dangerous dogs. I appreciate the "Deed, not breed" approach that is advocated. Welfare groups and umbrella bodies such as the Dog Control Coalition have made their case passionately. I have nothing but admiration for the dedication and commitment that such organisations demonstrate to safeguarding animals. I too have made it clear that I want to protect animals and enhance animal welfare. Let no one be in any doubt that I am on the same page as those valued stakeholders.”
“In short, in the wrong hands, the dogs are abused as a commodity, a tool or even a weapon. <BR /> <BR />Let me repeat that I acknowledge that there are many genuine XL bully breed enthusiasts who look after their dog with boundless love and dedication. I want to be crystal clear on that point. However, I am also conscious of the public safety risk and that Northern Ireland is the only place across the UK and Ireland that still permits unrestricted XL bully ownership. I have to determine rapidly whether that remains a sustainable position. As Minister, I have to juggle competing priorities and work out how best to protect the public, the interests of dog owners and the welfare of the dogs and how to make a decision that is proportionate and based on the best possible evidence.”
“Breeds of this size and nature require careful, experienced and dedicated training by owners who understand their characteristics and temperament. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, in some instances, XL bully breed-type dogs are seen as status dogs. Their size and stature can be heralded and sought after by entirely the wrong sort of dog owner. They can be used to intimidate, enforce and project an image for the person holding the lead. No responsible dog owner would let their dog be the subject of a range of ear mutilations such as we have seen with several XL bully breed-type dogs. Such dogs have also been a high-price commodity, fetching tens of thousands of pounds, leaving the breed more vulnerable to improper breeding as well as being bred for illegal fighting.”
“The Department indicated that, until 2021, there had been around three fatalities a year; that there were 23 fatalities from 2021 to 1 February 2024; and that the XL bully breed type was involved in many of those tragic attacks. In response to the measures against the breed introduced in England, the Scottish Government has now also felt it necessary to take action for the purposes of public safety. <BR /> <BR />There are countless genuine bully breed enthusiasts who look after their dog with boundless love and dedication, but, unfortunately, the development of the dogs has sometimes suffered at the hands of the wrong types of owners. Dogs have been bred to have exaggerated features or to be overtly aggressive. Their sheer size, strength and aggression can, in some instances, make them inherently more dangerous.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on my decision on how Northern Ireland will deal with XL bully breed-type dogs. <BR /> <BR />Like all Members, I am acutely aware of the devastating impact that can arise when dogs become out of control. Sadly, as we have seen across the UK and Ireland in recent months, the devastation is multiplied when the dogs involved are large and powerful. Only last month, we learned of another tragic death, in Essex, attributed to an XL bully breed-type dog. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs recently highlighted that actions taken in England and Wales against the breed were done following a concerning rise in fatal dog attacks involving the XL bully breed type.”
“— to make the adjustments that are needed, but I wish to see delivery for the industry.”
“Michelle McIlveen, in her opening remarks, raised the issue of whether the timetable of 2026 is viable for the commencement of the harbour development programme. As Members will be aware, the Assembly and the Executive did not sit for two years, so, given the absence of Ministers and the budgetary challenges, that has now been delayed for commencement until 2027. <BR /> <BR />I will not shy away from my ministerial responsibilities to assist the industry in tackling key issues that may prevent a more economically and environmentally resilient industry from developing over time and being one of which we can be proud. I recognise that that will take a significant amount of time, investment and commitment and will mean working in partnership —”
“I have a concern that their proposals are driven more by ideological motivations and with an eye to an election rather than by the concerns of Northern Ireland or of the sectors that are affected as a result. I again urge the UK Government to reflect on that and to abandon what, to me, are devastating proposals. <BR /> <BR />The issue of the 12-mile zone around the Isle of Man was raised, as were the concerns about fisheries in the Republic of Ireland. I met officials yesterday, and I am looking to convene a meeting of the British-Irish Council (BIC) so that we can discuss those issues in that forum. Patsy McGlone raised issues concerning Lough Neagh. I have engaged with people around Lough Neagh and have further engagements, particularly about fisheries, planned over the time ahead.”
“I assure Members that I am supportive of all sectors of our fishing industry and appreciate the work undertaken by the industry, often in partnership and with full support, financial or otherwise, from my officials to date. I am content to record my support for the fishing industry through continued and extended financial support, should the funding be secured. <BR /> <BR />I will respond to some issues that were raised. The most key issue for me is labour access and migration. A letter has gone to the Home Secretary, and it is very clear and direct about my concerns and the concerns of the sector and Members about what the Government are proposing.”
“<BR /> <BR />In addition, my Department supported the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority in making a successful application to the UK Seafood Fund to deliver a £3·6 million upgrade to the current slipway facilities at Portavogie harbour. I hope that Members can gain reassurance that plans are in place to continue and, indeed, extend the support available to the industry in a manner that, as far as possible, takes on board the concerns that were expressed when the new funding strategy started to be developed. The proposals also cater for the need to increase focus on green growth, net zero and environmental protection and restoration. <BR /> <BR />I have already been privileged to meet many people in my time as Minister — this is week 4 — and I look forward to engaging with more over the term ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />Due to the scale of the investment and these challenging times for the public purse, there needs to be a robust and comprehensive business case to allow a final decision on the viability of such an investment to be taken. To progress the matter, I am pleased that my Department secured approval from the Department of Finance to spend £1·47 million on the environmental and technical studies that are needed to inform the outline business case for the harbour development works at Kilkeel and Ardglass. In the coming weeks, Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD) will advertise the invitation to tender for integrated consultant teams to progress those studies.”
“It will provide support for developmental green-growth-focused initiatives and investments by inland fisheries, the aquaculture and processing sectors, port authorities and service providers that directly support the operation of the fisheries sector across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />In parallel to the initiatives that I will consider in the funding strategy, I will continue to progress the recommendations from the fishing and seafood development programme to prepare an outline business case for the infrastructural improvements at Kilkeel and Ardglass harbours. Members may be aware that the investment proposed as part of the harbour development programme is currently estimated to cost around £120 million to deliver, and that estimate was made before the recent inflationary rises.”
“That includes the objective of the fishery sector contributing to the achievement of net zero commitments; promoting the circular economy through initiatives, such as addressing end-of-life fishing vessels and gear; the disposal of environmental waste at and around ports; and the provision of clean power around the three primary fishing ports at Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie. <BR /> <BR />The draft strategy will also recognise the need for innovative initiatives on energy efficiency, mitigation of climate change and delivery of a blue-carbon action plan, which will require continuing collaboration between the industry, NGOs, science providers and governments. Members are asked to note that the funding strategy will cover more than sea fisheries stakeholders.”
“<BR /> <BR />Naturally, safety remains one of our key objectives — I argue that it is the top objective — for fishers and fishing vessels in what is generally recognised as one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. We will continue to support the industry in making improvements to safety on board fishing vessels through education and training to gain skills and professional qualifications, newer and more modern vessels, and improved operational and living conditions on board vessels. <BR /> <BR />Members raised the subject of green growth. I am pleased to advise that the proposed funding strategy will focus extensively on providing support for projects that are aligned with the principles of green growth.”
“I am going to continue. <BR /> <BR />Any new propulsion systems need to be practical and safe for our vessels and fishers and will require extensive research to identify what will work best for our fleet. I am delighted that industry and government in Northern Ireland have already started work on that issue over the past two years, aiming to develop options to deliver a net zero fishing vessel for the local fleet. A working group meets regularly to progress that objective and is drawing expertise from Queen's University Belfast, local engineers and boatbuilders. It has established links with Norwegian stakeholders, who are considered to be world leaders in that field.”
“I thank the Member for his contribution. I listened to his speech. The Member spoke about the cost of dealing with the challenges associated with climate change and with taking those opportunities. I ask the Member to also recognise that there is a cost of not doing anything on those issues. In the time ahead, we need to look at climate change as an opportunity for us to re-energise our economy and support industries. Other Members outlined that. We need to focus our minds differently in that area. <BR /> <BR />Any new propulsion systems—.”
“<BR /> <BR />The emerging funding strategy was developed through initial engagement with and listening to industry on what the key issues were going to be over the next five years. I will seek to provide support on issues such as crewing, reducing input costs and the age of Northern Ireland's fishing fleet. The strategy will also consider the provision of financial support for industry-led initiatives that aim to encourage a career in fishing for new entrants, training and gaining of relevant qualifications. In addition, the strategy should include funding to reflect the age of many of the vessels in our fleet and the need to modernise or replace vessels with more modern equipment and technologies, including propulsion systems that will either reduce diesel fuel consumption or replace diesel as the primary means of power.”
“<BR /> <BR />In ongoing practical and financial support, I will shortly consider a draft five-year strategic plan for the support of the marine and fisheries sectors that, as well as offering support consistent with those themes available through previous EU funding programmes, should provide incentives to enable the industry to become more economically and environmentally resilient. Should the funding be secured to deliver the proposed scheme, there would be significantly more support available for industry annually over the next five years than was available under the recent European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. It all depends on the budgets that my Department is awarded.”
“That is highlighted in the 'Joint Fisheries Statement', which also emphasises the importance of working with the catching and processing sectors, along with their supply chains, on succession planning, training, access to domestic labour and fair remuneration to encourage new entrants. My Department is committed to promoting the consumption of locally sourced seafood as a healthy, high-quality protein source and supporting prosperous and resilient UK and international markets.”
“The development of fisheries management plans provides an important opportunity for Northern Ireland fisheries management, by enabling us to draw on the best available science and the expertise of our fishers and other stakeholders, to ensure that our fish stocks are healthy and sustainable into the long term. Officials from my Department are working closely with stakeholders and other UK Administrations to develop fishery management plans for our key fishing stocks. The fishery management plans will set out policies for maintaining stocks at sustainable levels or restoring them to those levels, if needed. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the importance of fishing, recreational sea fishing and aquaculture in Northern Ireland to many of our coastal communities.”
“The appointment of an industry sustainability officer has also been fully funded in order to progress issues which may impact on the current and future sustainability of the fleet and its operating environment. I encourage industry to continue on that path of co-management; indeed, it is pleasing to note that the industry itself, for stock sustainability reasons, has encouraged the introduction of two increases in the minimum landing size for brown crab that have been successfully introduced. <BR /> <BR />I am committed to continuing the stakeholder engagement to ensure that the UK 'Joint Fisheries Statement' policies are implemented effectively and deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry for Northern Ireland whilst improving the marine environment.”
“That is not surprising, as healthy fish stocks are dependent on healthy ecosystems and restoring our seas to good environmental status will maximise longer-term opportunities and, ultimately, revenues and profits. <BR /> <BR />Over the last few years, industry and my officials have worked well together to promote sustainability and reduce the impacts of fishing on the marine environment. A large number of industry-led schemes have been supported by my Department to underpin a sustainable industry. They include the appointment of a Northern Ireland gear technician to identify, in partnership with fishermen and fisherwomen and science providers, and trial more selective fishing gears and practices.”
“Industry and government must ensure that non-quota species are harvested at a sustainable level. We all have a duty to recognise that. However, we can support industry in taking measures that will help reinforce the long-term viability of our fisheries and ensure that they are economically and environmentally sustainable for the next generation. I say that they go hand in hand. <BR /> <BR />My officials will continue to engage at a national and international level to ensure that Northern Ireland's fisheries interests are represented. They will continue to work with all stakeholders to bring forward policy that promotes positive change for the industry. It is reassuring to learn that the industry promotes itself as guardians of the marine environment: I saw that last week.”
“<BR /> <BR />The industry must be commended for continuing to operate, especially during 2022, when the cost of fuel soared to over £1·10 per litre, and for successfully negotiating and securing an increase in market price for their landings, which, if they had not been covered, would have been devastating for the industry. While the current cost of red diesel for the fleet ranges between 70p and 80p per litre, that does not include the rebate provided annually by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, called the marine voyages relief, which returns just under 10p per litre to vessel owners. <BR /> <BR />There are limitations to securing an immediate uplift of fishing opportunities from quota species, given that quotas and rights are based, rightly, on the best scientific evidence.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that the local fishing industry has experienced challenging times, especially over the past five years. The COVID pandemic impacted on fishing opportunities and markets and therefore profitability. More recently, increased input costs, especially the price of fuel, which rose significantly during 2022, has again impacted on the profitability of the fleet. I am pleased that, during the COVID pandemic, my Department was able to provide six schemes of financial assistance to assist the sea-fishing, inland-fishing and aquaculture sectors to remain viable during those challenging times.”
“Crews embark on their vessels each day not knowing what trials they may encounter, yet, despite those challenges, they persevere. <BR /> <BR />I assure all Members that I recognise the vital role that the fishing industry plays in Northern Ireland's economy, cultural heritage and rural communities. In advance of the debate, I made a deliberate effort to engage. Last week, I went to Portavogie harbour, as Members have outlined. I also met the Northern Ireland Fishermen's Federation. I am conscious of the invite that I received last week from Diane Forsythe and other Members to visit Ardglass and Kilkeel harbours. I am keen to do that, and we are looking at how we can facilitate it. It is important that I contribute here but also that I engage with communities when I get out of Parliament Buildings.”
“I will start by thanking Members for bringing the issues to the Floor for discussion. A number of points have been raised in the debate. I will seek to pick them up in my ministerial response. <BR /> <BR />As Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, it is my strong desire to work with Members and the fisheries sector to safeguard and advance a sustainable fishing industry for years to come. I earnestly believe that that will be best achieved by collective action, direct liaison and partnership with industry stakeholders and their dependants. I am acutely aware of the risks faced by fishermen and fisherwomen every day at sea, navigating the vast expanse of the ocean, with its unpredictable weather patterns and formidable challenges, which serves as both their arena and their livelihood.”
“I cannot give that commitment because I do not know what my budget will be for next year. That is the reality. Whatever settlement I get for next year will have a significant impact on how we can deliver functions for Northern Ireland. I will not seek to reduce it, but I am very conscious of the financial situation. I will work with Executive colleagues and the Department of Finance to see what settlement we can get. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious of the devastating consequences when TB arrives in a herd. I really hear that. I see the devastation on farmers' faces when it arrives. We need to find out what we can do to support them. I want to be the farmer's friend. People may not listen to me or agree with that, but I want to give them as much support as I can. I will need help to be able to do that.”
“I am aware of those recommendations. As I said, I engaged last week and will engage in the time ahead with the Ulster Farmers' Union to get its views. Many different suggestions are coming forward to me. I am conscious that time may not be on our side for the budget for next year that is associated with this. I am also conscious that the Secretary of State directed that we consult on reducing the compensation scheme to 90% in the first year and 75% in the years thereafter. I hope that we do not get to that situation. We need to take decisions quickly to ensure that we can have sustainability for our finances but also for farms. The farming community is a key part of the Northern Ireland economy and community, and we need to find a way to support it.”
“We have to recognise that Lough Neagh is an example of what we want to make sure never occurs again.”
“In approaching the Lough Neagh issue, we have probably three tools: one is education, and that is probably the one that we need to divert to first; the second is regulation; and the last is enforcement. If we get into the game of issuing fines, we have failed. We will probably have to move to that, because some people will not go with us, but I want to bring people with us in turning the situation around. I will look for the support of the entire Chamber for the plan for Lough Neagh. <BR /> <BR />It is easy, in discussions around Lough Neagh, to say that the situation is appalling but, on the other hand, run away when we have to take really difficult policy decisions. The Lough Neagh situation did not occur just out of the blue; it occurred because of generations of environmental misgovernance in Northern Ireland.”