Áine Murphy
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />To those who are following today's debate, I say this: the wounds left by rejection, secrecy and institutional mistreatment run too deep for any statute to fully heal. What we can do, however, is to confront that history honestly.”
“As is the case with so many families across Ireland, the legacy of those institutions has echoed through our family history. I am delighted that she is in the Public Gallery to see the legislation reach its Final Stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />During Committee Stage, we worked constructively across party lines, because we recognised that survivors deserved legislation that reflected their experiences. When survivors highlighted ways in which the Bill could be strengthened, we took those seriously.”
“Many had experienced rape, abuse or exploitation even before arriving at those institutions, yet, too often, they were treated as though they were the ones who should carry shame. <BR /> <BR />Throughout Committee Stage, we listened to testimony that was difficult to hear but impossible to ignore.”
“For decades, many victims and survivors believed that nobody wanted to hear their story, and they often carried shame that was never theirs to bear, grief that society expected them to live with and secrets that were forced upon them by institutions that were supposed to care for and protect them with compassion.”
“<BR /> <BR />We heard the frustration of many survivors who spent years trying to obtain the most basic information about their lives. As one group said to the Committee, survivors were told that their records could re-traumatise them. It is worse not to know such vital information.”
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“I support the Bill. It will help to expedite the changes that are required to strengthen our already robust animal welfare regulations, and it will help deter and punish those who would seek to profit from the misery that can be inflicted on our companion animals.”
“<BR /> <BR />Speaking of enforcement, any strengthening of our animal welfare regulations will require additional training and resources when ensuring that any new regulations are implemented and adhered to. We cannot expect already stretched councils to simply absorb the new responsibilities without practical support and, indeed, financial assistance.”
“However, there is also a danger that, with the regulations changing in GB and the EU, we could be left with a loophole here that those who do not adhere to strong animal welfare protections would be only too willing to exploit. <BR /> <BR />In designing the necessary changes to regulations here, we must consider our unique situation and challenges. The Department was clear that the Bill was designed to deal with specific concerns about animal smuggling in south-east England. We need to be cognisant of the problems that we face with regard to animal importation. We must ensure that any changes are compliant with our obligations under the Windsor framework. We should endeavour to ensure that there is island-wide harmonisation in our approach to enforcement.”
“I support the LCM on animal welfare. As the Committee Chair mentioned, we would have liked additional time to scrutinise the Bill in its totality. However, the Department has confirmed that any secondary legislation that is introduced with the enabling powers conferred by the Bill will go out for public consultation and be subject to the full scrutiny of the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />As we know, the Minister intends to bring forward a suite of animal welfare reforms, and the EU has placed the issue to the fore of its legislative priorities in the current mandate. In ideal circumstances, it would be best practice to introduce primary legislation ourselves to deal with devolved competency.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, the ombudsman outlined a number of serious concerns. Were you aware of the seriousness of the issues that led to the ombudsman stepping in?”
“We urgently need targeted interventions; incentives for young solicitors to work and remain in our rural practices; support for specialisation in areas of high demand; investment in modern, accessible infrastructure that allows for hybrid hearings and digital case management; and, above all, meaningful engagement with the legal professionals who work on the ground and see it day in, day out. They see where the pressures are, and they know how they can be addressed. <BR /> <BR />It is not just about legal services; it is about fairness and equity. It is about ensuring that, no matter where you live, be it in Dunmurry or Derrylin, you have the same right to be heard, to be represented and to access justice and legal services when you need them most.”
“It is the result of a range of compounding factors: chronic underfunding of legal aid; significant difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified legal staff; rising operational and insurance costs for small rural practices; and, crucially, the degradation and, in some cases, outright closure of our local justice infrastructure of courthouses, offices and support services. <BR /> <BR />Constituents who seek legal representation are often already in vulnerable, stressful or traumatic circumstances. Whether people are facing eviction, navigating a family breakdown or in need of support through criminal proceedings, that is when they need the system to work for them, not against them. Too often, however, they are met with delay, inaccessibility and confusion. We cannot allow rural communities to become legal deserts.”
“First, I thank our constituency colleague for securing the Adjournment debate this evening. I will highlight the growing and deeply concerning issue of limited access to justice and legal services across Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Access to the justice system is not a luxury. It is a fundamental human right, yet, in our rural areas, it is increasingly under threat. I also thank the Law Society for meeting us a number of weeks ago, along with some local solicitors, many of whom operate family-run practices, who took the time to highlight the challenges that they face across the profession. <BR /> <BR />The crisis has not emerged overnight.”
“I thank the Minister for her detailed response. I have been lobbying her and the Department on the issue continually over the past number of months. Minister, when will we be likely to see tranche 3 being announced?”
“Minister, I also record my solidarity with you following some of the disgraceful commentary on social media. <BR /> <BR />Will you consider undertaking a cost-benefit analysis to determine the return that rural economies get off the back of financial investment in agricultural shows?”
“Does the junior Minister agree that the PFG represents a vital commitment by the Executive to collaborate on enhancing the lives of all those whom we represent?”
“Minister, when do you expect the environment work sector policy report to be published?”
“I thank the Minister for her detailed response, and I welcome the additional investment coming into the south-west. Minister, can you give us an update on the Desertcreat site?”
“Minister, how does your Department ensure adequate North/South cooperation on energy matters?”
“We would like to see an end to the five-day euthanasia policy, and we urge all stakeholders, including the Department, to work together to ensure that our companions are treated with care and dignity.”
“Legislation is only as good as its implementation, so I fully support the call for a comprehensive review of councils' animal welfare policies and agree that we should have a standardised approach across all those areas. We need to support councils in ensuring that they have an agreed approach when they implement those policies. Of course, as has been mentioned, that requires funding. The 90% drop in the number of stray dogs that councils put down between 2010 and 2020 shows what can be accomplished when councils have the resources to effectively enforce good animal welfare procedures. Therefore, I support the calls in the motion for a review and for uniform standards for councils.”
“I support the motion and thank the Members from the Ulster Unionist Party who tabled it. I concur with most, if not all, of the comments that have been made. With that in mind, we should ensure that animal welfare is important and is protected as much as the welfare of anyone. I echo the sentiments of the Dogs Trust and other rehoming organisations, such as Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary in my constituency, which does fantastic work to rehome animals and provide training and education on animal welfare for the community. It operates a strict no-kill policy and relies entirely on donations from the public to carry out its fantastic work. <BR /> <BR />We are lucky to have some of the most robust animal welfare legislation on these islands, and that is a testament to the importance of animal welfare and, indeed, animals to our communities.”
“Minister, what engagement have you had to date with local farmers, given that they can help to prevent and manage the fires?”
“In a world that often turns away from the vulnerable, Pope Francis stood firm. He reminded us that true faith is lived out not in comfort but in compassion and not behind closed doors but in our communities. <BR /> <BR />Today we mourn his loss. We also give thanks for the example that he set — an example of tenderness, humility and empathy. Let us honour his memory by carrying forward his legacy to protect the dignity of every person and to promote peace and dialogue. May Pope Francis rest in peace, and may his spirit and teachings continue to guide and encourage us all.”
“I express my deepest condolences at the passing of Pope Francis — a man who led the Catholic Church with extraordinary humility, compassion and courage. From the moment that he was elected in March 2013, Pope Francis made it clear that he would be a voice for the most marginalised and vulnerable. Throughout his papacy, he showed us what it means to walk alongside those who suffer. He championed not only refugees but the poor, the sick, the elderly and the environment that we share. He called on us to build a world that is rooted not in greed or division but in justice, mercy and peace. He taught that every human being, no matter their circumstances or situation, is valued and cherished. He spoke boldly about the need for peace and dialogue across all cultures and religions.”
“Minister, what steps are you taking to enhance cross-border collaboration on science and research, particularly in areas such as climate, animal health and sustainable farming?”
“I thank the Minister for prioritising rural schools in all our constituencies. What are her plans to address speeding in general?”
“As we look to the future, let us acknowledge that women in agriculture are not just supporting farming but leading it. By breaking down barriers, by providing better access to resources and by encouraging young women to pursue a career in agriculture, we can build a more diverse, sustainable and thriving industry.”
“Fundamentally, we need to challenge outdated cultural attitudes and make women's representation in agriculture the norm rather than the exception. The motion is not only about fairness but about using all the tools at our disposal to secure the innovation and sustainability goals that our agrisector must meet to survive. We need to empower women to help lead and shape that change. <BR /> <BR />Thankfully, my experience on the farm is one of positivity. For years, my uncle's farm has been a hub of activity, where all my cousins and I congregate to help out. Thankfully, we still do, particularly over grass season. From mowing and bailing in the summer months to calving, lambing, foddering and more, my interest was fostered and encouraged.”
“After the Women in Agriculture conference in 2023, a 12-point action plan was produced, and efforts are under way to achieve 40% female representation on state boards related to agriculture. <BR /> <BR />Support needs to be provided for women when it comes to farm succession and land ownership. We also need to develop funding streams for women-led agriculture businesses. We need to ensure that women have access to the necessary training and mentorship programmes, and that those programmes fit around their many, often competing, responsibilities. Decisive action is required in order to increase female representation in farming organisations. Targeted leadership programmes could help rectify the imbalance.”
“By empowering women in agriculture, we can unlock the full potential of our rural economy and ensure the sustainability of the sector for generations to come. <BR /> <BR />This year's theme for International Women's Day was "Accelerate action", calling on us to drive gender equality through bold, decisive actions. The status quo needs to be challenged, as do the systemic barriers that hold back half our population. It is our responsibility as legislators to champion policies that will empower women. The need is even more pressing when we consider the incentives for female entrepreneurs and farmers in the South of Ireland. Since 2014, the ACORNS programme has been helping rural female business owners to establish and grow their enterprise.”
“Daughters are often overlooked as potential inheritors of family farms, and, without land ownership, women struggle to access the financial resources that are necessary to initiate, innovate, expand or even sustain their agriculture activities. According to government statistics, only 5% of registered principal farmers are women and only 4% of participants in business development groups are women. <BR /> <BR />There are glimmers of hope, however. Some 53% of students in higher education agriculture courses are women. The interest and ability is there, so we now just need to harness it in the agriculture industry. Studies have shown that gender diversity in leadership results in better decision-making, increased productivity and greater innovation.”
“I welcome the opportunity to propose the motion. Historically, women have played a central role in our rural landscapes, working on farms, running businesses and spearheading community development, all while doing most of the domestic labour and having caring responsibilities at home. Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities and a cornerstone of our economy. Despite their invaluable contribution, women remain under-represented in farm ownership, decision-making positions and leadership roles in the agri-food industry. Women face structural and cultural barriers that limit their full participation in agriculture.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Minister, supplementary to Robbie's question, have you had any engagement with your counterparts in the EU?”
“I thank the Minister for making her statement to the House. Minister, will you update us on any cross-border working that is taking place in relation to alternative fuels?”
“<BR /> <BR />The cost-of-living crisis and the rise of large online retailers make it difficult for rural businesses to turn a profit. ATMs are an essential driver of economic activity on our rural main streets and have a key role to play in rural regeneration. The order is an important step in protecting the remaining rural ATMs, and I hope that it will also act as an incentive for rural businesses to provide ATM services in future. I wholeheartedly support the order.”
“In recent years, many of the major banks have closed rural branches, effectively abandoning communities and leaving them without face-to-face banking services. My home town of Lisnaskea lost its last bank branch last year. The loss of that bank has been a huge blow to the area and has caused much disruption to businesses and residents alike, leaving them with no access to a 24-hour ATM or a complete banking service. <BR /> <BR />Banking hubs have been a lifeline for many communities, but it has so far proved impossible for the community of Lisnaskea to avail itself of one. However, given the recent change in LINK criteria, I have lodged an application to have the town reassessed, which will, hopefully, provide the town with a banking hub and 24-hour cash access.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the order to the House and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the positive impact that it will have on our rural communities. <BR /> <BR />The order will continue a small but significant scheme that grants rates exemptions to ATMs that are situated in rural areas. As an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, I know the essential service that ATMs provide in our rural towns and villages. <BR /> <BR />Rural dwellers still rely heavily on cash to access goods and services, and, in many towns and villages, ATMs are the only means of accessing cash. Many people prefer to use cash to pay for things, which is a personal choice that must be respected. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more difficult for rural dwellers to access cash, as towns and villages across the North lose their ATM provision.”
“Minister, can you give us any additional detail about the projects that have been added to the updated Urban Villages plan?”
“For those without transport or the means to pay for private care, the choice is grim: endure unbearable pain or put further strain on our already overburdened ED and GP services. <BR /> <BR />The people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone deserve the same standard of healthcare as those living in Belfast or Derry. That means that we need a plan to recruit and retain more dentists, particularly in rural areas. It means properly incentivising NHS dental work so that practices are not pushed towards privatisation through financial necessity. It means urgent investment in out-of-hours dental provision so that those suffering pain are not left without options. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I ask the Minister, in his response to the debate, to outline the steps that his Department has taken to date and plans to take in the future to address the crisis.”
“It leaves people, particularly those on low incomes, without access to affordable dental care. <BR /> <BR />When private treatment is the only option available, effectively, it locks out those who cannot afford to pay, widening the health inequalities that our public health service was designed to prevent. There are fewer NHS dentists, longer waiting lists and an ever-growing divide between those who can pay and those who cannot. For those fortunate enough to be registered with a practice, routine appointments now come with lengthy delays. However, for those unregistered and in need of urgent care, the situation is even worse. Many people find themselves having to call multiple practices in the hope that one might be able to squeeze them in. Others are forced to travel long distances, often at short notice, in search of treatment.”
“I thank my constituency colleague for introducing the Adjournment debate. I agree with all of the remarks that she has made. <BR /> <BR />The lack of available NHS dentists and the absence of reliable out-of-hours dental services in Fermanagh and South Tyrone is not just an inconvenience; it is a full-blown crisis impacting on our constituents every day. Access to dental care is a fundamental pillar of our health service. Yet, across our constituency and, indeed, beyond, it is increasingly difficult to find a practice willing to take on new NHS patients. It is not a case of individual practices failing to provide care; it is a symptom of a broken system. More and more dentists are being forced to remove patients from their NHS lists because it is simply no longer economically viable for them to continue providing NHS treatment.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I ask the Minister, in his winding-up speech, to elaborate on the remarks that he made in his opening statement on interventions that his Department could make to address the gap between land and entitlements.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the AERA Committee, Sinn Féin set out its concerns and requested that the Minister continue the young farmers' payment and the regional reserve until the Farming for the Generations scheme is introduced to address the gap. Our fear is that no new entitlements will be issued after that, meaning that, as existing entitlements expire for one reason or another, the total number of available entitlements will decline, driving up the price of entitlements and having an impact on younger farmers. The North will also be less competitive than the South of Ireland, where new farmers receive free entitlements and financial aid. <BR /> <BR />We will reluctantly support the SR to ensure that there will be no delay in rolling out the basic payment scheme, the suckler scheme and the sustainable agriculture programme.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate and, in particular, to highlight my party's concerns about the effect that the SR will have on young farmers and, indeed, on the regional reserve. No doubt, the Minister has listened to us wax lyrical about that over the past two or three weeks. A major issue is the uncertainty that surrounds the new entrants' scheme beyond 2025. The scheme has been vital for young farmers and those who are new to farming at a time when the industry faces significant generational renewal challenges. As it stands, there will be a gap in support without there being any clarity as to what exactly will replace the scheme.”
“We must protect family farms, ensure fairness in taxation and support those who work tirelessly to feed our people. We stand united in solidarity with our farmers and rural communities, and we will continue to fight for policies that protect and sustain them.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has mobilised in opposition to the inheritance tax changes, securing widespread support throughout the North by way of petitions that have been signed by thousands of farmers and rural residents. They have made their voices heard: the tax will devastate family farms and must be stopped. The UFU has also organised tractor runs over the last number of weeks, uniting farmers from across the North to demand immediate action from the British Government. Those grassroots movements represent the deep frustration and fear and anger in our farming communities. <BR /> <BR />I call on the British Government, as they prepare their spring Budget, to listen to the voices of farmers and reverse the proposed inheritance tax changes before irreparable damage is done.”
“Given the cross-border nature of our agri-food industry, which sees over £1 billion in trade annually between North and South, it is critical that farming in the North remains competitive. We must work together to protect the future of our agriculture sector and preserve family farms for generations to come. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the efforts of the Finance Minister and the AERA Minister in raising these matters with the Chancellor and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister. The First Minister and the deputy First Minister also made representations on the issue at the recent British-Irish Council meeting before Christmas. All parties have made it clear that the tax changes represent an existential threat to family farming and the rural way of life in the North.”
“<BR /> <BR />This is not just a crisis for the North; it is an island-wide issue. Agriculture is deeply interconnected throughout Ireland. In the South, however, targeted tax reliefs and succession planning measures provide vital supports to family farms. The South has various mitigations in place that allow land to be passed down without placing severe financial strain on families. Furthermore, the Irish Government have implemented young farmers' supports, restructuring reliefs and income stabilisation schemes to ensure the long-term health of the sector. In contrast, no such safeguards exist in the North, leaving farmers more vulnerable to those harsh tax proposals.”
“That is not a fair tax; it is an attack on working families who are already on the brink of collapse. <BR /> <BR />The British Government may argue that land transfers can reduce tax liabilities, but that is unrealistic for elderly farmers or in the event of an unexpected family death. The ability to pass down a farm intact should not be contingent on complex tax planning; it should be a fundamental right for those who have dedicated their life to food production and rural sustainability. DAERA has warned that the changes could result in forced land sales, disrupting farm succession and threatening the long-term viability of our rural communities. With escalating development values, some farmers may face even higher tax liabilities, further increasing uncertainty.”
“However, those family farms, which have been passed down through generations, now face the real threat of crippling inheritance tax. If the proposals are enacted, they will not only impose an unbearable financial burden but could force land sales, dismantling viable farms and undermining our nation's food security. <BR /> <BR />The British Government must recognise that land values do not equate to farm income. The changes could force families to sell their land just to meet tax demands, eroding the very fabric that is so important to our rural heritage. It is not merely an economic setback but an assault on our rural way of life. Our agriculture sector is unique and cannot be compared to those of other devolved regions. The truth is that 77% of dairy farms and a third of livestock farms will be severely impacted by the changes.”
“<BR /> <BR />The upcoming spring Budget offers a crucial opportunity to halt the damage that the proposals would inflict. Considering that farmland prices in the North already average around £15,000 per acre, with an anticipated increase, any farm larger than 27 hectares will be affected. Many farm families will be liable for inheritance tax that never existed before. That could force many families to sell land simply to meet the tax burden, leading to fragmented farms and destabilising our rural communities. Our farmers are not only the backbone of our economy but the stewards of our natural environment. The livestock sector alone contributes £1·7 billion annually to our economy and provides 4·6% of total employment.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. <BR /> <BR />Today, we stand with our resilient farmers, who are enduring an unprecedented financial crisis. Escalating costs and unpredictable market conditions that are largely out of farmers' control have left many struggling to stay afloat. Despite all those overwhelming challenges, our farmers continue to serve our communities, safeguarding food security and sustaining our local economies. At this critical juncture, the British Government's decision to impose the punitive inheritance tax measures jeopardises the future of generational farms and rural sustainability. With business incomes plummeting by 46% per farm, many family farms are at risk of collapsing without immediate interventions.”