Andrew Muir
North Down · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. As Minister, I am grateful to the Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee and to Members from all sides of the Chamber for their consideration of the Bill and their contributions to the debate, which have been valuable and useful.”
“I will write to you with regard to your query. <BR /> <BR />The other issue, as I said, is reporting pollution incidents so that they can be effectively investigated. There is a duty on everyone to do that promptly.”
“Aquaculture provides real economic opportunities, and the Bill will help ensure that those opportunities are realised responsibly without compromising the environment. Importantly, the Bill includes transitional provisions so that existing licences can continue seamlessly as aquaculture licences, with their conditions unchanged.”
“That is not about being punitive for its own sake; it is about ensuring that the legal framework reflects the true value of our natural resources and the importance of protecting them for future generations.”
“<BR /> <BR />On strengthening the regulation of inland waters, the Bill modernises long-standing powers under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, ensuring that they are fit for today's environmental and industry challenges. That matters because fisheries management today goes far beyond simply catching fish.”
“<BR /> <BR />A full regulatory impact assessment of the financial impact has been completed. It concluded that the Bill does not introduce significant new financial burdens and that any costs are outweighed by the long-term benefits.”
The complete record
Every one of 4,733 lines we hold for Andrew Muir, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 77 of 95.
“I will speak first to amendment No 26, which is on transport. If we are to ask other sectors such as agriculture to make changes, we need to make real changes to how we travel. There are lots of reports that tell us why and how, but we need to do it. That is why we have tabled that amendment on transport. <BR /> <BR />I turn first to the issue of roads. The Department for Infrastructure has a list of roads projects that it wishes to progress. In that is the widening of the Sydenham bypass to a three-lane dual carriageway. To me, that is the epitome of the problems that we have and why we need to face up to those and bring forward sectoral plans on transport. As people have said in previous years, the widening of roads to reduce congestion is a bit like loosening a belt to tackle obesity.”
“It was crucial that we passed the amendment and got support for that from across the Chamber, because it provides the basis for us to be able to proceed.”
“I will speak on amendment No 18, which relates to sectoral plans; amendment No 21, which is on infrastructure; amendment No 26, which relates to transport; and amendment No 28, which relates to active travel. <BR /> <BR />Yesterday, the Assembly debated the first group of amendments and agreed to a target of net zero by 2050. From my perspective, whilst we can debate and set targets, action will be required across government, business, society and all our communities in order to meet those, otherwise they will be unachievable. That is why the Alliance Party has tabled a number of amendments on sectoral plans, and those are absolutely key in order to achieve the targets that we agreed yesterday. I am glad to hear that there is support for amendment No 18, which relates to overall sectoral plans.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way and for his lengthy penultimate winding-up speech, if I can describe it as that. It has been a useful debate on the group 1 amendments. We have three more groups to come, probably later tonight and tomorrow. We may not agree on some of the points, but there has been a debate on the amendments in group 1. Obviously, the House will vote on the amendments once Clare Bailey makes a winding-up speech. Can the Minister confirm that he will respect the democratic will of the House in the voting on the amendments and the clauses and will not impede the passage of the Bill at Further Consideration Stage and Final Stage?”
“Other parts of the UK have managed to do it; we can do it here as well.”
“The Member touches on quite an important issue. In the first group of amendments, we are debating targets. We are being told why we cannot achieve net zero by 2050. There is a lot of debate on that, and I respect the different views that have been expressed. We have to pull ourselves back from that, however, and ask, "Why are we debating this? Why are we saying that we cannot achieve that target?". The reason is that there is a lack of ambition in Northern Ireland. We have a transport system that, we were told, had real issues of sustainability until it got some money through a monitoring round a number of weeks ago. Its financial future is not secure. If we are to be real about tackling climate change, we will need to put our money where our mouth is and invest to make those changes in Northern Ireland.”
“Thank you, Mr McGlone. Will you agree with me that one of the reasons for the delay has been that a significant number of politicians, particularly from the DUP, have been espousing climate change scepticism and denying that this is a problem until only recently? Even now, we take with a pinch of salt some of their conversion and understanding that this is a real issue that we need to face.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does the Member agree that Wales had set a 95% target but has now agreed to net zero by 2050? In Northern Ireland, different sectors will have to move at different paces. In Scotland, the target date is 2045, and it is no surprise that the level of funding of public transport in Scotland is the highest per capita in the UK. We need to up our game across different sectors in Northern Ireland.”
“The House is debating a climate change Bill. Will the Minister detail to me what impact, she feels, the climate change legislation under consideration will have on new road-building projects across Northern Ireland? How will road safety be considered as part of that?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. At the outset, I declare that I was a member of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at Hydebank Wood a number of years ago, so I am conscious and aware of the extremely challenging circumstances that are being referenced here. I saw them at first hand, and some will remain with me for the rest of my life. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you commissioned the report in November 2020, and it is being published only now, which is 14 months later. How has that affected your response to the findings of the report and to the recommendations that have been placed upon the Department?”
“As we have seen with the renewable heat incentive (RHI), the Executive cannot be left to fill in a blank cheque, as it is the taxpayer who pays when it is eventually cashed. To that end, I will support the LCM today on the basis that current timescales mean that we are left with no option. However, I echo calls from the Committee for Finance that the Minister seek clarity on whether Treasury will assume the burden of the LCM. I also note the views of trade unions on changes to the cost-cap mechanism, the possibility of adverse impacts for members and the difficult timing of the LCM.”
“Reforms to the scheme that are included in the LCM are a cost control mechanism that will adopt a reformed scheme design and the introduction of an economic check that will be linked to expected long-term GDP. <BR /> <BR />From watching Committee proceedings last week — I watch them most weeks — I understand that a number of trade union bodies are unhappy with the LCM, specifically with the speed of the amendment and the cost-cap mechanism changes that are being considered. If the LCM is not passed today, however, we will be left in a difficult situation in which we risk an adverse and serious impact on the block grant, with the possibility that the Executive may have to meet the cost of cap breaches in Northern Ireland public-sector pensions.”
“I speak today as the Alliance Party's finance spokesperson. Party strength at the moment means, however, that the Alliance Party does not have a place on the illustrious Finance Committee. Without a place on the Committee, we are not party to all the correspondence and documentation exchanged with the Committee. We can, however, carry out our own investigations of what goes on at the Committee, and it is my understanding that, despite having passed an LCM for the Bill last year, due to amendments that have been made to the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill in Westminster, further legislation is now required in Northern Ireland in the form of an LCM.”
“The three-year Budget from April presents a massive opportunity to tackle fuel poverty and address the climate crisis. What is the Minister doing to ensure that that three-year Budget is climate proofed and able to deal with the issues that have been discussed here today?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. The policy framework links through to different pillars and to the Programme for Government, but its key driver is the Budget. Does the Minister agree that the Budget needs to be linked through to the Programme for Government in order for this policy, and other things, to be achieved?”
“There is no movement on third-party right of appeal, which is already in place in Ireland, nor are there any changes to enforcement. It is hard for me not to conclude that the refusal to take forward many of the changes proposed by consultees shows that the Department is keeping its head in the sand on the need for reform of the planning system. <BR /> <BR />I urge the Minister to reconsider her decision not to pursue the many major changes proposed by consultees, given that the consultation closed last April, and review her position —”
“The planning system is not fit for purpose in our race to net zero. <BR /> <BR />Recently, the CBI in Northern Ireland reported on the issue and made clear recommendations for action. In the report, it outlined that, in Scotland, the target for major applications is four months, and, in England, it is 13 weeks. In England, 88% of decisions on major applications are made on time. In Northern Ireland, the target is 30 weeks, and we still miss it. There are clear recommendations in the CBI report, such as putting the pre-application process on a statutory footing and introducing processing agreements, yet the report that was released on Thursday evening is littered with the comment that, "The Department is not persuaded".”
“Northern Ireland's planning system significantly affects local communities. It is a key driver for economic growth and can enable us to tackle the climate crisis. The evidence that was presented during the review highlighted a wide range of concerns about our planning system and the need for action. Sadly, the report falls well short. Let us recall that, in Northern Ireland, major planning applications take an average of 56·4 weeks, against a target of 30 weeks. Some of the worst offenders among statutory consultees rest in the Department for Infrastructure, the Department that is responsible for planning. Regionally significant applications have been sitting with the Department not for weeks or months but for years. There is also real concern about how applications are undertaken and the need for reform.”
“I must say that, on reading the report on Thursday evening, my initial response was this: is that it?”
“At the outset, I share the call by Trevor Lunn for people to bring forward information on the whereabouts of Lisa Dorrian's body. That was a horrendous crime. The pain and suffering that that family have had to endure is despicable. I encourage anyone with any information to come forward to enable the recovery of Lisa's body. <BR /> <BR />I will speak about the report on the implementation of the Planning Act 2011 that was released late on Thursday evening by the Infrastructure Minister. As Alliance Party infrastructure spokesperson, I was disappointed that the statement was released on a Thursday evening and that there was no statement to the Assembly about it, meaning that there was no opportunity for MLAs to ask questions. The report has been long awaited. The consultation finished in April of last year.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Donaghadee is a growing town with many new houses, and families are choosing it as a place to live. An integrated primary school in the town would be a great development. Will the Minister accept my invitation to meet parents and the school leadership in order to discuss the school and the future for it in Donaghadee?”
“Before and after the election, the people of Northern Ireland deserve to have a government delivering for everyone, not the politics of crisis, stand-off and stalemate.”
“<BR /> <BR />Without the willingness to pursue that option, we are presented with the draft Grants to Water and Sewerage Undertakers Order. Failure to approve it will bring serious and severe consequences. We support it, but, again, we call for consideration to be given to the options that I have outlined. We cannot forever kick the can down the road. At some time, we will be forced to face up to mutualisation, hopefully within the lifetime of the order, which will enable us to plan for a more sustainable future. <BR /> <BR />I note that the last time that the order was passed was in January 2017, days away from when the Assembly collapsed and we were left with no devolved government for three years. It is my strong hope that that does not occur once again.”
“By continuing to throttle funding to Northern Ireland Water through its current financial operating model, we are continuing only to drag out an issue that is increasingly becoming a risk to our everyday lives and is inhibiting economic growth. Allowing Northern Ireland Water to borrow by establishing it as a mutual company, as has successfully been done in Wales, would mean that we could transform the state of our water and sewerage systems, bringing them up to date and making them adequate to deliver the resource that we require. What we propose can be done without having to incur any additional net revenue from households. It can be done by shifting the money that we raise through the regional rate. In essence, we will get more for our money if we explore alternative and creative solutions.”
“Whilst the Alliance Party is firmly opposed to the privatisation of Northern Ireland Water, the company's funding model is, in our view, unsustainable and needs to change. We need a waste water public service that is fit for purpose and that can borrow to invest in the future. We believe in a shift in resource that is raised through the regional rate on an entirely revenue-neutral basis and coupled with a change in the governance model for Northern Ireland Water, which would provide a stronger footing on which to borrow commercially and, in turn, provide Northern Ireland Water with the vital funds that it so desperately needs. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland is the only UK region where the water utility is not funded to the levels that are required by its independent regulator.”
“There are currently more than 100 areas across Northern Ireland, including 25 cities and main towns, where sewerage and waste water infrastructure has little or no capacity left. It is expected that another 30 towns will reach capacity by 2027. <BR /> <BR />Towards the end of last year, we were given a clear image of how volatile our water and sewerage systems are. The Minister for Infrastructure warned that the provision of clean drinking water and the processing of waste water could, due to financial uncertainty, be compromised. The allocations in the January monitoring round are welcome, but the concerns remain.”
“At the outset, I wish the Infrastructure Minister a speedy recovery from COVID-19. I also want to put on record my absolute abhorrence at the abuse that I saw yesterday on social media towards Nichola following her diagnosis. Words cannot describe my view on some of the abuse that was directed at her. It is just not acceptable — it really is not. <BR /> <BR />At present, our water and sewerage system in Northern Ireland is in an incredibly worrying state. Although the current subsidy paid to Northern Ireland Water is over £300 million every year, our waste water infrastructure is outdated and at maximum capacity in many areas. Half a billion pounds is needed to address strategic drainage problems in Belfast alone.”
“At the outset, I declare that my stepfather is a quality manager for the A6 project. Will the Minister agree that there is a systemic problem in being able to spend capital funding? We got only one bid from the Department for Infrastructure for capital funding, yet so many projects — bus, rail, active travel, road maintenance — are crying out for funding. Will the Minister provide an update on where we are in getting an independent infrastructure commission to address that problem? It looks likely that we will hand money back to Treasury, and, frankly, that is criminal.”
“We remember all the stories of people being killed and seriously injured there. We do not want to hear any more stories of people being killed and seriously injured on the A5, so we need to find innovative ways to ensure that we can get the project delivered and that we do not have to have another Adjournment debate like this, which has been triggered as a result of the deaths of young people. They had their whole lives ahead of them, and those were robbed from them, so we need to find ways to ensure that that does not occur again.”
“We need to support the Minister when it comes to the ways to achieve that. <BR /> <BR />Maolíosa McHugh outlined the stories of people being killed and seriously injured on the stretch of road from Ballygawley to Dungannon.”
“<BR /> <BR />One of my concerns about road projects is that when the project is conceived, it is one massive project, so if one part is successfully challenged, the whole project falls. The question is whether we look at certain elements of the project and prioritise those over others in order to get the work started. My worry is that the constant threat of legal challenge will inhibit the work from taking place in the future. Obviously, it is a priority for the Executive. The money is there, so we need to be able to spend it. <BR /> <BR />It would be useful if, in her response, the Minister could say what more is being considered to ensure that we can get the project done. Hopefully, all of us in the Chamber are united in saying that we want to get the project done.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am also aware of the amount of money that has been spent on consultants in relation to the A5 project. There is real frustration about the amount of money that has been spent on consultancy and preparation work, yet no work has taken place on the ground. As Mr Beggs outlined, I also am conscious of the findings of the report that came back most recently. It is important that we all take into account what that report said. <BR /> <BR />I want to be very clear: the Alliance Party and I support the upgrade of the A5. It has to be upgraded to a quality road of a decent standard. We outlined that the stretch of road that runs from Ballygawley to Dungannon is of the kind of standard that people of the west should be able to have.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am also conscious, however, of all the different legal challenges that have taken place. I echo some of the concerns that Daniel McCrossan outlined about those legal challenges. We need to find a fit-for-purpose system that allows us to deliver infrastructure projects in the North, and the legal challenges that are being taken forward are one of the key challenges. I do not devalue or seek to inhibit anyone's right to be able to seek redress through the courts, but we need to be able to save lives through road safety. That is a key concern for me. The Audit Office is looking at that issue, and it is important that due consideration is given to how we ensure that not only that project but other projects are able to proceed, whilst also taking into account the views of different people.”
“It needs significant upgrades, and the concerns that have been expressed here and outside this place need to be addressed. The Alliance Party is firmly committed to the project to upgrade the A5. We also believe that delivering connectivity in the west should be a key priority, as it is in the Programme for Government. That is right. <BR /> <BR />Some talk has been made around climate change. I am very conscious of the impact of that and the need to prioritise how we do our investment in transport infrastructure. That is right, but we also need to take road safety into account. For me, the priority is around road safety. Far too often, we hear on the news of people who are being killed or seriously injured on the A5. Action needs to be taken to progress the works in relation to that.”
“I speak as the Alliance Party infrastructure spokesperson. At the outset, I offer condolences from my party and me to the families of the three young men whose lives were lost most recently and also to the families of all those who have sadly lost their life along that stretch of road. I understand that, since 2006, there have been 42 deaths on that stretch of road. That is 42 deaths too many, and, obviously, there were many more before that. It is important that we, as an Assembly, unite in our support for the project to upgrade the A5, because far too many people have lost their life on that road. <BR /> <BR />I remembering travelling along that road in 1999, from Derry to Dublin, to meet Mary McAleese at one of her first visits to an LGBT centre. There is very little difference between the road as it was then and as it is now.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. It sends a clear signal that the Minister and her Department are committed to ending the persecution and intolerance that occurred in the past. <BR /> <BR />The LGBT community in Northern Ireland has travelled a long distance — not due to the Assembly but despite it — and many advances have been achieved. Does the Minister agree that yet more achievements need to be set out and delivered so that we have a truly accepting and equal society for LGBT people?”
“People should be here full-time, dedicated to the Assembly. Stormont should not be seen as a plaything for some people. Everyone in this place should be focused on the people and on serving them, not on themselves and their party. <BR /> <BR />I again urge the UK Government to withdraw the proposals. All along, we have been told that nothing in the New Decade, New Approach package could be amended by the legislation in Westminster, despite many worthwhile amendments, but why this? Why now? I think that we all know the answers. It stinks, and the proposals need to be withdrawn.”
“<BR /> <BR />In 2022, we ought to be about enhancing the diverse range of politicians across Northern Ireland who represent the people, whether it be in district councils, the Assembly or Westminster, not about a few hogging multiple top jobs. <BR /> <BR />When Stephen Farry was elected an MP, he legally had to give up his MLA seat, and that is what happened. I replaced him as MLA for North Down. That was the right thing to do. It was also right that I gave up my full-time job and was disqualified from and gave up my role as a councillor. I am dedicated, on a full-time basis, to making devolution work, and others should be likewise. <BR /> <BR />The Owen Paterson scandal again shed a light on MPs taking on professional work while being a full-time elected representative. That also needs to be addressed.”
“I take this opportunity to speak on the UK Government's plan to reintroduce double-jobbing for MPs and MLAs. The Alliance Party firmly opposes the proposals. <BR /> <BR />I joined this place, as did many others, because I want to move politics forward, not turn back the clock and bring back a firmly discredited practice. Double-jobbing was banned in Northern Ireland many years ago, and it should remain so. Being an MLA and doing it properly is a full-time job, as is being an MP. People in Northern Ireland deserve MLAs who are firmly committed to making devolution work, not part-time MLAs who are also keeping their foot in Westminster, shamelessly hedging their bets on the future of Stormont and depending on how their party performs and how they want this place to work.”
“<BR /> <BR />Supporting the clauses will not prevent women in Northern Ireland from obtaining abortions; instead, it will just add pressures and economic strain during what is already an incredibly difficult time in a woman's life, as she is forced to travel elsewhere away from her home to receive healthcare. Nobody should have to go through that trauma. I trust women. I stand opposed to both clauses, and I encourage others to do likewise.”
“The Bill's two clauses, on which we will vote today, seek to roll back rights and the progress recommended in the CEDAW report and enshrined in law. When this place came back in January 2020, I was conscious of the progress that had occurred with the 2019 legislation. I did not join the House to roll back that progress. For far too long, certain Members of the House — I know it far too well — have denied rights and equality to different people and different communities across Northern Ireland. It is long past time that we trusted women and ensured that the rights of women and girls, provided for by the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act, are upheld.”
“Members will be aware that abortion is a matter of conscience for the Alliance Party, so I will speak in a personal capacity as I explain why I oppose the two clauses. I spoke at length at the Bill's Second Stage, so I do not intend to rehearse an awful lot of those arguments here. I also intend to speak at Final Stage, if, indeed, the Bill passes its Consideration Stage. <BR /> <BR />This private Member's Bill is in conflict with the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 and is non-compliant with human rights obligations. In addition, it is contrary to the CEDAW report, which states at paragraph 83:”
“The plan is crucial, yet, just a few weeks after COP26, the Infrastructure Committee received a letter from the Finance Minister in which he shrugged his shoulders at the financial plight of Translink and the need to invest in public transport. He stated that steps must be taken by the Department for Infrastructure and Translink to put the latter's finances on a more sustainable footing. What will the Minister do if the Finance Minister continues to shrug his shoulders at the issue?”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the House in relation to the draft Budget. I think that we will all agree that we should prioritise Health, but my party has concerns with what has been presented and the fact that it is not aligned with the Programme for Government and cross-cutting, outcome-based approaches. When it comes to the draft Budget, what attempts will be made to ensure that we tackle both the causes and symptoms of ill health?”
“<BR /> <BR />Kinnegar logistics base has been part of the Holywood landscape for years and must be utilised, in close consultation with local residents, to create jobs, deliver homes and help keep Holywood on the map as somewhere to live and do business.”
“I urge the council to rethink that in the context of the recent MOD announcement and put in place the necessary funding to safeguard its rates revenue from the site and also be part of efforts to boost its rates revenue and the significant jobs and wider investment that are possible. <BR /> <BR />The Department for Communities must also step up to help ensure the acquisition of the site for regeneration using some of the powers that were meant to devolve to councils but never did. Indeed, the Ministry of Defence must also speed up its work to enable the future development of the site. Crucially, the Ministry of Defence needs to reconsider its disposal policy and work with the Department for Communities and the wider Northern Ireland Executive to align its previous disposal arrangements with other bases.”
“<BR /> <BR />As we have unfortunately seen at other sites across Northern Ireland, far too often assets close down, people move on and all that is left is a site turned into nothing more than an eyesore while public bodies dither and debate its future. In this context, in early 2018, I proposed, and the council agreed, the pursuit of a mixed-use master plan for the site in close consultation with local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders. I was, therefore, very disappointed to learn that, with £31 million of investment and over 1,000 new jobs on the horizon, some parties came together two years later, in February 2020, to defund this master planning work.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst the site is currently the location for the temporary resting place — and that must be kept in place for as long as it is, sadly, required — Kinnegar logistics base offers a huge wealth of potential that could be utilised, but it must be done in close consultation with local people. Kinnegar is already busy with traffic and, with its being built on sand dunes and needing robust flood protections, consulting with and securing the buy-in of local residents is essential in relation to plans and to any works that may be undertaken. The opening up and utilisation of the access road from Airport Road is a critical part of any plans. Additional vehicles cannot be squeezed through the esplanade.”
“I want to raise the future of Kinnegar logistics base in Holywood and to urge central and local government to grasp the opportunity presented by the recent decision, by the Ministry of Defence, to delay disposal by two years from 2022 to 2024. Kinnegar was previously a busy base, employing up to 1,000 civilian staff at the height of the Troubles, but the future need for this 54-acre base has changed. I welcome the commitment given by the Ministry of Defence that no job losses will occur and those currently employed there will be redeployed to other barracks.”
“Significant Barnett consequentials are likely to arise from the similar Bill that is passing through Westminster. Has the Minister considered how that will be allocated as reliefs in the next financial year?”