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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“We also shared a lot of political interests, such as 'House of Cards' — the UK edition, of course. In good, old-fashioned debates in the Chamber, his comments never turned unnecessarily personal, but you knew that, when Christopher asked to make an intervention and you accepted it, the strength of your argument was going to be well and truly tested. That was Christopher's nature, but, afterwards, you had a good chat. <BR /> <BR />In my view, Christopher was an excellent Principal Deputy Speaker. He loved the role, and he would have absolutely excelled in the role of Speaker. He was fair but firm, and he was across the detail. When he was in the Chair, Members knew that he knew the score.”
“He was capable of humour and a wry smile during debates, particularly when someone was making a comment or contribution. If you looked across at Christopher, you got a smile and knew that, really, you agreed. <BR /> <BR />Christopher had real passion for and pride in the area that he represented. The last conversation that I had with him was about my pride in the fact that he had not forgotten his roots. He was someone from the area that he represented, and he did it so ably. <BR /> <BR />We had a number of conversations when I first joined the Assembly, which I remember. He saw me wearing my dicky bow and he took that as a challenge, because he was always impeccably turned out. He wanted to see whether his waistcoat and his excellent dress sense rivalled mine. We continued to challenge each other on that.”
“It is hard to put into words how I and so many people feel at Christopher's passing. As others have said, it is really hard to comprehend the news that Christopher is gone. Yesterday, my immediate thoughts turned to his wife, Laura, his four lovely children, his family and his wider DUP family. That is where my thoughts are today. This place has so many people with different views and opinions, but, to me, as someone, like others, who has been here for just over two years, Christopher stood out. I feel very lucky that I got to know him over my time in the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I had a lot of respect for Christopher. He was one of those politicians — I wish that we had more of them — who was able to play the ball and not the player. He always had a warm welcome for me when we met, even after a feisty debate in the Chamber.”
“The impact of not implementing the Bill will be felt by the public through the increased cost of motor insurance. There are many other Brexit-related issues that we will have to navigate over the coming weeks, months and years, and it is vital that we work together as we navigate our way through the implications as a result of EU exit. I support the Bill.”
“Failing to do that and, instead, implementing it in domestic legislation could see a £1·2 billion increase in insurance premiums across the UK. The judgement also places an additional financial pressure on our motor sports industry. A consultation was undertaken by the Department for Transport in 2016-17, and 94% of respondents opposed the implementation of the judgement in domestic legislation. Different rationales were outlined, particularly in relation to cost. A Bill is being brought through Westminster, and it will, I understand, extend to England, Scotland and Wales. I understand that it is currently in the House of Lords, but the Minister can maybe confirm that. <BR /> <BR />Until the conflict is resolved, there is vulnerability for motor insurance claims for incidents on private land.”
“Unless there is a change, there is an issue on which we will be in conflict with Great Britain, which is obviously progressing legislation in relation to that, in light of the vulnerability associated with those claims. We are aware of the background to this, and the Chair of the Committee outlined a bit more about the judgement that was passed. We need to take action, and we need to do so before the end of the mandate. <BR /> <BR />As I outlined at the beginning, the most important element is the cost that will be felt if we do not implement the Bill. Ultimately, it will be felt by the public through increased motor insurance premiums. The Bill will end the effect of the Vnuk decision, which is in retained EU case law.”
“I rise in support of the Bill at Second Stage. It is important that the Bill be given passage by the Assembly, and I commend the Minister and her officials for introducing it. I am conscious of the positive impact that it will have on people across Northern Ireland. The Assembly should be about doing that: helping people and having a positive influence on their lives, not the contrary. <BR /> <BR />Motor insurance is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland, and the Bill removes the conflict between domestic legislation and retained EU case law. An existing statutory provision in the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 restricts mandatory motor insurance to the use of motor vehicles on roads and in other public places. We are all conscious of the Vnuk judgement.”
“I am very conscious that, if an Executive had not been sitting and agreed this, family budgets and their motor insurance policies would have been hit hard by yet another impact of the collapse of the Executive.”
“The Bill will not, however, prevent us from making changes to the existing statutory provision for motor insurance in the future. Also, it is very important that, in the context of the cost-of-living crisis that has hit so many people and families across Northern Ireland, we grant accelerated passage and pass the Bill. It is important that we give whatever assistance we can to lessen the impact on those people and the bills that they face. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, can the Minister confirm whether Executive approval was sought and given to introduce the Bill? I highlight, yet again, the need for us to have a functioning Executive and Assembly to progress legislation.”
“The Alliance Party will support accelerated passage. I understand the context behind this, and I have been following the issue since it was raised with the Committee. The Minister had originally asked officials to work with their counterparts in the Department for Transport in London to progress a legislative consent motion. I understand, however, that, on 21 December last year, DfT said that that was no longer a viable option as the late inclusion of amendments could endanger the Bill at Westminster. Whilst accelerated passage is unusual, and it is important that we scrutinise the Bill, it is the only option left to get the Bill through in this mandate. <BR /> <BR />Most of my comments about the Bill will be at the next stage, if we agree on accelerated passage.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. To be honest, I feel very angry on hearing the statement. This is the impact on people's lives and livelihoods of the DUP actions. Minister, will Departments not having a budget for next year and being able to spend only that 45% allocation not mean that public services will have to look at cuts, protective redundancies and a halt in recruitment, just when we need to be rebuilding our public services, particularly our health service, whose desperate waiting lists are the worst in the UK?”
“Over £10 million of public funds have been spent on the scheme, and there will be £50 million of economic regeneration if approval is given. Will the Minister consider requesting a meeting with the Infrastructure Minister to ensure that the project gets the green light? Bangor has been waiting for far too long.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. That is an important issue, because you go right to the bottom of the queue. There is also the issue of key workers, who are in vital need of transport. <BR /> <BR />At the end of the debate, let us focus on leaving here with solutions and with positivity, because that is what people are looking for from the institutions. People are looking to us to provide leadership and solutions. I have no doubt that the Minister is committed to doing that, but let us all focus and, yes, unite on the motion.”
“It seems to be a very simple administrative thing, but we could send people letters much further in advance to encourage them to book their appointments. That is a simple solution to the issue. <BR /> <BR />The other key issue is the availability of driving tests. That has impacted so many people, particularly key workers who do night shifts and need access to a vehicle to undertake their duties. There is also an impact on people as a result of increased use of taxis. I appreciate the efforts that have been made, but there is not a great deal of light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the backlog for driving tests. I need to hear a bit more from the Minister about what more is being done on that.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. <BR /> <BR />One solution could be a targeted use of temporary exemption certificates, which have been discussed, to deal with the backlog. That is particularly relevant, given the engagement with the National Franchised Dealers Association that I outlined on assurance about roadworthiness before any further TECs are issued. <BR /> <BR />Another solution lies in the length of time that people get as notification for their MOT. If I had waited for the letter for the MOT for my vehicle to arrive, I would not have been able to get an appointment before the MOT expired. I knew the day that I could go on and book, and, as soon as that came around, I was able to get an MOT.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. <BR /> <BR />Turning from problems to solutions, we are very good at talking about problems in this House, but we are not too great on solutions, particularly in the current situation —”
“I must recall, however, the frustration that there was with the new booking system when it was launched and the problems associated with it. There were significant queues and frustration with trying to get an MOT booked. <BR /> <BR />As has been discussed, there are also issues with insurance. Some insurers are not showing the flexibility that we had hoped they would. Also, if you do not have an MOT, it is, frankly, impossible to get your motor tax. That issue impacts motorists and, in particular, those involved in used car sales. Last week, alongside other MLAs, I met the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which outlined the frustration that they are experiencing in getting MOTs for the used car fleet to enable them to sell those cars on, particularly at a time when demand for them is high.”
“The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said that it would take 10 weeks to clear the backlog, and it was confirmed that eight of the 60 test centres had reported waiting times longer than 10 weeks. So, the issue is not unique to Northern Ireland, but it is one that we need to address. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of the testing regime that we have in Northern Ireland, and we can, perhaps, debate that another day, but the background is that it is in place for good reasons, and it is important that we take that into account. <BR /> <BR />I thank those responsible for the work that has been done on MOTs, with the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime, the conducting of tests on Sundays and bank holidays and additional slots being made available.”
“Far too many people have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19. I pay tribute to and thank all the staff at DVA for the work that they, as key workers, have done to provide key services. It is important to recognise that work. The measures that suspended MOTs and driving tests and the current operational arrangements for MOTs were put in place as a result of public health measures to protect staff and the customers who access those services. <BR /> <BR />This is a key and serious issue that needs to be addressed, but it is not unique to Northern Ireland. At the end of last month, it was reported in the 'Irish Independent' that learner drivers were waiting an average of 10 weeks to take a driving test and that 33,000 drivers were waiting to take their driving test, with, on average, 3,500 tests being done per week.”
“I thank the Minister for coming here and the Committee for tabling the motion. I will talk a bit more about MOTs, about which a number of Members have already spoken, and driving tests. <BR /> <BR />I recall from back in January 2020 the situation that arose from the suspension of all MOT testing as a result of cracks being found in 52 of the 55 vehicle lifts in 15 test centres across Northern Ireland. That is the background to what we are dealing with, and a report was published following the investigations into that. It does not make for great reading, but that is the context for what we are dealing with. MOT tests had already been cancelled, and, unfortunately, we then moved into the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a devastating impact on people's lives and livelihoods.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party will support the Bill today in the hope that its passage through the Assembly will prevent any further increase in rates for businesses that have been hit hard through the pandemic. The Bill is an example of the exceptional legislation that is needed in exceptional times. Similar legislation is being brought through in Great Britain, and it is important that we do the same.”
“<BR /> <BR />We take the opportunity to welcome the £50 million in rate support packages for businesses in the next financial year that has been included in the draft Budget. However, the decision of the DUP to walk out and resign the First Minister post means that applying that support is now in serious doubt, as is the ability to strike a regional rate, as well as the other serious implications that, sadly, we know, come as a result of having no Government. We know that from 2017 to 2020. I want the Minister to comment on that, because, whilst we pass the Bill today to give assurances on rates revenue, the issue about the ability to send out rates bills, strike a rate and give rates relief is in doubt.”
“As things stand, without the passage of the Bill, there is a real risk that businesses and households will face a significant increase in rates. <BR /> <BR />Councils that are considering their rate-setting process will be aware of the current risk of a mass payout needed for thousands of non-domestic properties on the basis of appeal due to COVID. With that in mind, they would need to make financial preparations to cover the cost of that, increasing rates to ensure that they have enough money to pay out on any successful claims. That would have a detrimental effect on households and families across Northern Ireland and local businesses, hitting them hard with higher rates bills. We cannot afford to let that happen.”
“I rise today as Alliance Party's finance spokesperson and will begin by thanking the Finance Committee for its speedy scrutiny of the Bill. Accelerated passage was considered for the Bill, and, given the associated time pressures, I am pleased to see it come to the Final Stage before the end of the mandate. <BR /> <BR />The past two years have been an incredibly difficult time for our local businesses, with huge uncertainties, financial worries and a range of restrictions all being faced throughout the pandemic. It is important that we acknowledge the hardships that many business owners and staff have faced and the strain that it has put on everyone. The current situation that we find ourselves in risks putting additional financial pressure on households and local businesses.”
“It says a lot about the DUP's respect for the rule of law that the Agriculture Minister announced, on Wednesday, his desire to breach international law, and, by Friday, the party was once again choosing to cosy up with paramilitaries and meeting the Loyalist Communities Council, which is group that includes the outlawed, proscribed terrorist organisations of the UVF, the UDA and the Red Hand Commando. <BR /> <BR />Whilst the DUP fights internally like cats in a bag, continuing its own stunt politics as a pathetic attempt to claw back votes lost, it is our duty as MLAs to get as much legislation passed as possible. Now is not the time to knock off early. We need to get the job done and work to the end of the mandate.”
“That was Carla Lockhart from the DUP. <BR /> <BR />Collapsing the Government and starving public services of funding, including vital health and social care provision, is wrong. Just when we had the prospect of a three-year Budget to give certainty to invest in and improve our NHS, it has been dashed right in front of our eyes. On a day when we are hearing that over 250 people died waiting in emergency departments in 2021, the people of Northern Ireland deserve much better. <BR /> <BR />Concerns about the Brexit that the DUP birthed ought to be resolved through the negotiations under way between the UK Government and the EU, not by collapsing Stormont and subjecting local people to the pain that a lack of Government causes.”
“So here we are again: Stormont in crisis. The First Minister has resigned, no Executive meetings can take place, no Budget is in place for the next year, the regional rate has not been struck, and no rates bills can be sent out. Sadly, we have all been here before. For three years, we had no Government. I recall, in the dying days of the last mandate, one MLA stating:”
“<BR /> <BR />As Mr McGuigan said, during the pandemic, walking and cycling played a significant role in people's lives. We should have taken the opportunity to build on that, but, unfortunately, we did not. This is an opportunity to deliver on the goals and on active travel. I encourage Members to support the amendment.”
“I welcome Mr Aiken's support for the amendment and his case for it. <BR /> <BR />The last amendment that I will talk about is amendment No 28 on active travel. I declare that I am a volunteer with Sustrans, which has been a strong advocate in that area. It is also one of its manifesto pledges, which have been circulated to political parties. If parties are going to support the Sustrans manifesto, they need to support the amendment because it gives it real meaning. We should also note that Scotland, in its Programme for Government, has committed to spending 10% of the transport budget on active travel. Another region of the UK has committed to net zero and is doing something similar to what we propose. In Northern Ireland, the budget sits at 2%, which is £7 per head; other parts of the UK and Ireland are moving much further ahead.”
“Thank you for making the case for my amendment.”
“I thank Mrs Kelly for her intervention. The most recent funding bids by the Minister for Infrastructure were all met in the monitoring round, but there was a failure to make any further bids. We are moving off the subject.”
“I will just finish this point, Mrs Kelly. When you apply for a renewable energy project, a significant amount of money is spent on that application. If a decision is going to be yes or no, once the statutory consultees have eventually replied — I note that some of the statutory consultees who are slowest at replying are from the Department for Infrastructure — it is best that the decision is quicker and prompter than it is at the moment. People put applications in for renewable energy and then have to wait for years. Because of the system, some applicants decide not to make those applications in Northern Ireland, so they make them in other parts of the UK and Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for his intervention. That was going to be my concluding point on planning. How do renewable energy and climate change relate to planning?”
“The planning system could be a major driver for tackling climate change, but it is failing in that respect. That is why we propose the sectoral plan for infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />This issue is not aired enough. We hear it not only from applicants in particular but from objectors. There was an opportunity to consider whether we should introduce a third-party right of appeal as part of the planning review, but that was also rejected. The system is not fit for purpose. If we are going to be real about passing the Bill, all Departments need to step up. Frankly, from my perspective, the Department for Infrastructure has failed abysmally on planning in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention, and I agree entirely. The whole consultation process in the planning system is flawed. CBI Northern Ireland recently made recommendations for change to our planning system. One of its recommendations was that the pre-application process be put on a statutory footing. However, that was rejected last Thursday. Also, it was recommended that there should be processing agreements. One of the worst things is that, when you put in a planning application, you do not know how long it will take. It could take weeks, months or years. If the decision is a rejection, it may as well be a rejection that was decided in a more speedy fashion and with the proper consultation with local communities. The system is not working.”
“There was a statement from the Minister for Infrastructure last Thursday on the review of the Planning Act 2011. The evidence on the performance of our planning system in Northern Ireland is extremely clear in the statistics. The planning system could aid our efforts to tackle climate change, but it is not, and that is connected to processing times for applications. We have regionally significant applications — Dr Aiken talked about one of those — that have been sitting in the system for years. The processing time for major applications is meant to be 30 weeks, yet if we look at the most recent statistics, we see that the average time that is taken is 56·4 weeks. In England, the target processing time for major applications is 13 weeks, not 30 weeks, and 88% of decisions meet that target.”
“I thank the Minister for his intervention. I agree that Northern Ireland Water is leading the way in many of the things that it is doing, particularly on energy generation and hydrogen, but it needs the funds to be able to continue that good work, and it is being starved of that funding. It frustrates me that people protest and say that they want change, but when change is presented to them — what we need to do to achieve a net zero future — they balk at it. Northern Ireland Water is a clear example of that. The Minister asked why we are enshrining the sectoral groups in legislation rather than leaving it to the green growth strategy. This is an opportunity for us to enshrine in law the requirement for change. <BR /> <BR />The next issue that I will talk about is planning. I spoke about it on Monday in Members' Statements.”
“I know that there is no consensus in the House on that, but, if we are to pass this Bill, we will have to take some really difficult decisions. To be honest, the institutions in Northern Ireland are not very well known for doing that, and we will have to face up to that.”
“Again, there are particular issues around cross-departmental working when it comes to building regulations, how those relate to planning and how all of that can be coordinated. <BR /> <BR />I also want to talk about Northern Ireland Water. Climate change is a significant inhibitor of growth in Northern Ireland, and Northern Ireland Water has a key role to play in combating it. Northern Ireland Water's representatives have been giving evidence to the Committee for Infrastructure this morning, but I have had to miss that meeting in order to be in the Chamber. One of the key things that needs to happen is that Northern Ireland Water needs to be given the tools and the funds to invest in improving our infrastructure. One of the issues that we need to face up to is the mutualisation of Northern Ireland Water.”
“I share the frustration that no one has taken a lead. A working group has been established, but we need action. <BR /> <BR />That brings me to the next issue, which is the sectoral plan for infrastructure. Infrastructure — I will speak specifically about construction and planning — has a key role in delivering our goal of net zero and in what the Alliance Party has set out in terms of the green new deal and the 50,000 jobs that we envisage could be created as a result of investment in green technology and green growth. <BR /> <BR />Thus far, much of the discussion at Consideration Stage has been about the negative connotations associated with climate change. There are, however, positives around that in terms of jobs and growth.”
“I thank the Minister for his intervention. That points to the issue that the Bill is cross-departmental and therefore requires action from across government. There have been promises of certain developments in electric vehicle charging, and funding came through recently from the UK Government. From my perspective, however, if you are making a longer journey, the state of the charging network means that it is hit-and-miss as to whether you will be able to recharge your vehicle, and that needs to be addressed. <BR /> <BR />The other issue that needs to be addressed is the connection charge at electric vehicle charging points. At the moment, a significant fee has to be paid for the supplier to be able to do that. The connection policy needs to change, and that needs to be driven by the Utility Regulator and the Department for the Economy.”
“We all know that. Northern Ireland has fewer of them than any other region of the United Kingdom, and rapid charging is also an issue. There is a real need to take that forward, yet we are told by different Departments that energy sits in Economy and that we have Infrastructure, which deals with transport, and then there are certain environmental elements in DAERA. There is no collaboration to deal with that. That is why we need a sectoral plan for transport.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. I agree. <BR /> <BR />The argument in some of the objections of the party opposite to the sectoral plans put forward today has been, "That is for another Minister". That points to where the problem is for Northern Ireland, not only in how it faces up to the climate crisis but in how it faces up to wider issues in government, with siloed departmental working and no collaboration. People expect collaboration. Just because the system of government in Northern Ireland is different from that of the rest of Europe does not mean that we are not capable of doing that collaborative work and linking the issues together. That is why the sectoral plans are crucial. <BR /> <BR />Dr Aiken spoke about electric vehicle charging points. Northern Ireland's electric vehicle charging points are abysmal.”
“If we do not invest in public transport, we will not be able to achieve the goals that are set out in the Bill. That is fundamental. Yesterday, there was a lot of forthright debate about targets, but we need to face up to some of the real issues of what we need to achieve on transport. The Budget is part of that, because you cannot achieve the changes required without putting funding towards certain areas.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Fiscal Commission recently reported that transport is the only public service in Northern Ireland on which spend per capita is significantly below the UK average. The UK connectivity review highlighted the fact that per head spending on public transport in Northern Ireland is only about 27% of the average spend in the United Kingdom. That is linked to the Budget. We have a draft Budget for the next three years that is out for consultation. It is not strategic and does not link to the Programme for Government. Most importantly, it does not link to our climate objectives for the future. <BR /> <BR />If we are to agree a Budget, it has to link back to this Bill, and it has to link back to the Programme for Government.”
“For me, the phase 2 junctions upgrade of the A1 comes under road safety, because the number of people who have been killed or seriously injured as a result of that scheme not proceeding provides clear justification for it to proceed, but we need to put road-building projects through a climate compatibility assessment. <BR /> <BR />The other issue is public transport. It has been well documented that the level of expenditure on public transport in Northern Ireland puts it at the bottom of the league in the United Kingdom. Spending on public transport is at 2·1% of expenditure overall, compared with the percentage for England, for example, which is 5%, and Scotland, which is 4·8%.”
“I am aware of the York Street interchange issue and the air quality issues. I am also aware of the impact on local communities, but, when we are prioritising new road building, we need to put it through what Scotland describes as a climate compatibility assessment. That is what we need to put projects through and to review. Agreeing targets and passing the Bill are meaningless unless we are prepared to agree sectoral plans for transport and to look at road building from a different perspective.”
“Thank you, Mr Aiken. That is an important point. I will come on to what they are doing in Scotland, and that will, hopefully, address some elements of that. <BR /> <BR />The Scottish Government have agreed to a target of net zero by 2045. Their Programme for Government states:”
“I will just finish the quote, if that is OK:”
“Projects such as widening the Sydenham bypass to a three-lane dual carriageway do not align and are not compatible with net zero by 2050 and cannot proceed if we allow the Bill to pass. <BR /> <BR />I look at the approach to new road building projects in other parts of the UK. In Wales, as we know, they have agreed a target of net zero by 2050. The Deputy Minister for Climate Change recently announced a freeze on new road building projects whilst a review of highway schemes across Wales is carried out. That is what is happening in Wales. The Deputy Minister also stated:”