Aoife Finnegan
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on Second Stage of the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. Sinn Féin recognises the need to modernise the legislation governing our fisheries and water environment.”
“Those who deliberately pollute our waterways should be held accountable, but enforcement alone will not resolve the underlying causes of poor water quality. If we are serious about restoring our rivers, lakes and waterways, we must continue to invest in waste water infrastructure.”
“Approximately half of respondents to the Department's consultation on the policy proposals expressed the view that the impact assessments accompanying the consultation did not adequately consider the potential impacts of the proposals. That is a significant concern and should not be overlooked.”
“It is one of the reasons for many victims never coming forward and for others withdrawing before their case reaches trial. That should concern every one of us. Clause 26 is therefore a welcome and important step forward.”
“They are asked why they had not reported it sooner; whether they had been drinking; what they were wearing; or whether previous relationships somehow diminish their credibility. No victim should ever feel that they are on trial, yet, for too many survivors, that has been their lived experience.”
“Catalysed by the infamous rugby rape trial, it exposed uncomfortable truths about how victims were treated, and it challenged us to build a justice system that delivers justice without compounding trauma.”
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“<BR /> <BR />Clady Tiny Tots has asked for support to move into the adjoining primary school, which is a reasonable request. It is urgent and entirely possible. Today, I ask the Minister to step in, work with the Education Authority and meet staff and parents. Those children deserve a safe, warm place to learn and grow. They should not be left behind.”
“I speak today on behalf of the families, staff and children at Clady Tiny Tots Playgroup in Armagh. This is a small setting, doing incredible work in very difficult conditions. Its mobile unit has been declared unfit for purpose by environmental health inspectors. It is damp and has structural issues. The setting was forced to shut temporarily, and, even now, it has had to cut hours just to stay open. This is not about politics. It is about children, and it is about a rural community that is doing everything right — fundraising, volunteering and following every rule — but still being failed. The nearest alternative involves a 14-mile round trip. For working families, that is simply not realistic. If Clady Tiny Tots closes, the knock-on effects for the local community will be huge.”
“Minister, to ensure a just transition to net zero, will the renewable electricity support scheme deliver community benefits?”
“I therefore call on the Minister to review the consultation and work towards a more deliverable action plan that will deliver on the ambitions to protect our natural environment and clean up our drinking water for the benefit of all: a plan that works with our farming communities and includes proper support for farmers to transition fairly and carry out the necessary actions in a realistic time frame.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin is up for the work and for working together as we endeavour to tackle the climate crisis, but we want to ensure that the transition is fair, just and affordable, especially for the communities that are most affected by it, which have an important role to play. It is imperative that the environmental damage to some of our inland waterways, such as Lough Neagh, be addressed. Our farming communities are vital and willing stakeholders and should be treated as such.”
“There was not enough consultation of our farming communities or consideration of the disproportionate cost that will be imposed on smaller farmers, who would need to purchase very expensive — for many, unaffordable — equipment to deliver the action programme, or be at risk of huge penalties. I will add that that machinery is unsuitable for small farms and hill farms in areas of natural constraint (ANC), particularly in my area of south Armagh. I am reminded of the Rural Needs Act 2016, which requires us to consider the social and economic needs of our rural areas.”
“Sinn Féin also wants a nutrients action plan, but it must be workable, realistic and fair. The current nutrients action programme proposals have the potential to be extremely harmful, especially to the livelihoods of small family farms that are already overexerted by regulation and ongoing rising costs. Unfortunately, the consultation process has been a missed opportunity. It is disappointing that the Minister's approach has led to the programme being undeliverable.”
“Not at the minute. <BR /> <BR />Protecting our environment and Lough Neagh are critical priorities for Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin firmly supports tackling the issues that harm our natural environment and wants to support the Minister as he does so. I extend solidarity, personally and on behalf of my party, to Minister Muir and call out the online abuse that he recently received over the issue: it was abhorrent and unacceptable. Whilst we have healthy debates and disagreements in the Chamber with the intention of making our policies better, it is wrong to abuse and bully in any format. That toxic behaviour must be called out, especially by political leaders and representatives. Let me be clear: Sinn Féin wants to support the Minister in creating initiatives to protect the environment and the future of Lough Neagh.”
“It benefits everyone to clean up the water in our loughs and rivers, especially in Lough Neagh, from which 40% of the North's drinking water comes. It benefits everyone in the Chamber, every household and every family farm to have a source of clean drinking water. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that many challenges arise from the continued outworkings of multiple factors, which have caused the pollution of the lough and the destruction of its natural habitats and biodiversity.”
“As a Sinn Féin representative for Newry and Armagh, I support the motion and speak on behalf of the family farms that play such an important role in helping to protect our natural environment. They deserve to have sustainable livelihoods during this impactful time of transition. My constituency has many small farms. They are the economic backbone of our rural community and have suffered from the challenges posed by climate change and the pollution of the environment. They want to help. It is in their interests, as much as anyone else's, to do so. It benefits every single one of us to tackle the unacceptable levels of pollution in our environment and the very real threat of climate change that is upon us.”
“Minister, what impact has the contamination of the Mobuoy site had on biodiversity in the River Faughan, particularly on the quality of the salmon?”
“I express my heartfelt disappointment in hearing about the social media comments that the Minister has endured. It is absolutely disgraceful and should never be the case. <BR /> <BR />With regard to the recently released NAP consultation introduced to protect our waterways, there is obviously huge concern from farmers. In the context of that, has the Department undertaken any modelling of how the proposed changes to the nutrients action programme could affect livestock stocking rates or the economic viability of the different farming systems?”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. We have an ecological crisis happening in Lough Neagh. Are other Administrations facing similar problems?”
“Minister, will the agreement improve the availability of veterinary medicines?”
“Minister, the New Decade, New Approach agreement committed to replacing the RHI scheme with a scheme that more effectively cuts emissions. Is that also being progressed?”
“<BR /> <BR />Such incidents will, unfortunately, continue, if not increase in number, with the impact of global warming as record-breaking temperatures continue. The dangerous impacts of extreme weather do not recognise borders, and the best way to deal with the climate crisis is on an all-island basis. Climate change merits an all-island strategy to meet the significant challenge that it poses and deal with the impact that it will have on this island.”
“Between rising temperatures and arson, wildfires have been spreading rapidly across the North this past week, and we are being warned to brace ourselves for more. It is beyond shameful that some of those fires have been started deliberately: they are damaging the environment and putting lives at risk. That is having a serious impact on rural communities as people are having to evacuate their homes due to the danger. The emergency services, especially the Fire and Rescue Service, have to be commended for the work that they have put in, which has kept people safe and helped to minimise damage. I extend my sincere thanks to the firefighters and members of the emergency services who have been working tirelessly throughout this period to protect lives and property.”
“Megan is a young woman from my constituency of South Armagh who already motivates us daily through her work in the Crossmaglen Community Association and her efforts to try to build a better future for her local area through community development. Now, she is bravely following in her father's footsteps by becoming a firefighter, the first female in Crossmaglen to do so, taking her inspirational work and achievements to new heights. <BR /> <BR />Megan epitomises the strength, determination and leadership that women bring to our communities. She has broken new ground in overcoming barriers in pursuit of her goals. In doing so, she has become a powerful role model for others. What makes that achievement even more selfless is the risk and danger that it poses. I wish Megan a long, safe and fulfilling career. Guim gach rath ort, a Megan.”
“Ba mhaith liom an deis seo a ghlacadh le comhghairdeas a dhéanamh le Megan Walsh arb í an chéad bhean dóiteáin í i gCrois Mhic Lionnáin.”
“Will the Minister outline the protections that exist for trans people here?”
“The Minister will know that, for a long time, Lough Neagh has been a vital amenity area for local communities. Of course, bathing activity there has been significantly impacted by poor water quality due to blue-green algae in recent years. Given recent instances of blue-green algae on Lough Neagh, what progress is his Department making to address that for the benefit of local communities?”
“What is the First Minister's view on recent engagements between the Irish and British Governments on the issue of legacy?”
“We share a moral responsibility to tackle the climate crisis that is upon us and create a Climate Commissioner. On that basis, I support the motion and encourage others to fulfil their legal and moral obligations to do so.”
“The draft regulations set an annual monitoring duty for the commissioner alongside reporting and oversight roles, mainly to manage the operations of the Act. <BR /> <BR />The cross-party support for the Act makes it essential that we see the motion passed. We are living in a climate crisis typified by extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Locally, we have seen the impact of flooding, storms and, most recently, forest fires, which cause devastation to the environment and the communities that inhabit them. As we speak, the Mournes are burning and have been for three weeks. Just this week, we have also heard that there is an 80% chance of another massive outbreak of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh this summer. <BR /> <BR />The creation of this role is a legal obligation in the Climate Change Act.”
“Climate change is a defining crisis of our time on a global and national scale. Through the New Decade, New Approach agreement, a commitment was made to introduce legislation and targets for reducing carbon emissions in line with the Paris Accord on climate change. That commitment resulted in the Climate Change Act that was passed in 2022, which sets out ambitious emissions reductions targets for the North to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It established a framework to help do that and requires the Executive Office to establish an independent office for a Climate Commissioner. We need to appoint a commissioner and implement the Act. As we approach 2050 and work towards net zero, we need to honour those commitments and ensure that a commissioner is appointed and the Act is implemented.”
“My constituency of Newry and Armagh shares in the many challenges and opportunities that climate change presents to environmental-facing rural communities across the island. As a Sinn Féin representative for Newry and Armagh, I will work to support family farms and sustainable farming, which play such an important role in our community and local economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin's vision for renewable energy is to ensure that the transition is fair, just and affordable by using our natural resources to create more national wealth for the benefit of all, socially and economically, in the long term.”
“The "One Island-One Environment" event sought to examine another major aspect of climate change here: its future impact on the island of Ireland as a single biogeographic entity. On Friday, I attended the "One Island-One Environment" conference with my colleagues, Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly and Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan. At the conference, the many shared climate and environmental challenges and opportunities that face us as an island were discussed. That includes the potential for us to achieve energy independence and energy security as well as addressing the environmental damage to some of our inland waterways, such as Lough Neagh.”
“As we speak, the Mournes are burning. They have been burning for three weeks. Huge tracts of land have been destroyed, and all manner of unique native flora and fauna have been killed. Furthermore, we heard, just this week, that there is an 80% chance of another massive outbreak of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh this summer. That is why positions such as the Climate Commissioner are crucial. Aside from that being a legal requirement of the Climate Change Act 2022, which the House supported, protecting our environment will require independent offices that can hold Departments to account on their climate requirements and offer expert advice and analysis when needed. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the climate threat has no respect for borders and requires an all-Ireland response.”
“Will the deputy First Minister detail the timeline for establishing a Climate Commissioner after the regulations have been approved?”
“for prioritising investment in road infrastructure in the areas surrounding Craigavon Area Hospital. Even in a very challenging financial situation, the previous Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, prioritised investment in road maintenance, road projects and active travel schemes. During his first year in office, Minister O'Dowd invested £150 million in road resurfacing and road maintenance. That showed a strong commitment to improving and maintaining the road network, and I am sure that Minister Kimmins will be committed to that as well. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that Minister Kimmins recognises the vital role of road infrastructure in making public services — for example, those provided in hospitals such as Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital — accessible to everyone in the community.”
“I am aware that the previous Minister for Infrastructure, my Sinn Féin colleague John O'Dowd, confirmed that the Department for Infrastructure was leading on the proposal to facilitate a secondary access route to Craigavon Area Hospital by creating a new roundabout and that that proposal was shelf-ready. It is important that the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, as the main funder, confirm the finance necessary to allow the project to progress. <BR /> <BR />Molaim an tAire Bonneagair reatha, Liz Kimmins, nó, mo dhála féin, is Comhalta de chuid Shinn Féin ón Iúr agus Ard Mhacha í, agus molaim fosta an t-iar-Aire Bonneagair”
“Often, our rural communities, including border communities in south Armagh that I represent, have greater challenges in accessing services, including hospital services. Access to Craigavon Area Hospital, as well as to Daisy Hill Hospital, is vital for the health and well-being of people in the community. <BR /> <BR />Roads infrastructure plays an important role in accessing Craigavon Area Hospital, given our reliance on car travel. It is also important for the vital role that the Ambulance Service plays in getting people who are in need of urgent care to hospital.”
“Despite the challenges that clearly exist in the North’s health system, health workers continue to provide vital services every day. Sin ráite, tá rochtain ar na seirbhísí sin iontach tábhachtach fosta.”
“We are all aware of the importance of the high-quality healthcare that is provided in hospitals such as Craigavon Area Hospital and ar fud na hÉireann.”
“What engagement has the Minister had with his counterparts in the South to strengthen cross-border cooperation in tackling illegal dumping?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. When did the Minister become aware of the potential overspend?”
“Just a mile across the border, schemes such as Making Farms Work for Women and targeted agriculture modernisation schemes 3 (TAMS 3) provide real support, offering grants of up to 60% for trained women farmers, while women in the North have no such opportunities. We need an all-Ireland approach to ensure that women in farming, no matter where they live, have equal access to the support and resources that they need to succeed. <BR /> <BR />The future of agriculture depends on the full participation of women. Farming is a way of life that requires passion, dedication and resilience. To any woman considering a career in agriculture, I urge you to go for it. Farming needs fresh ideas, strong leaders and hard-working individuals, and there absolutely is a place for you in that industry.”
“Women make up 39% of the global agricultural workforce but still face discrimination in land ownership, financial access and pay. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is committed to addressing those disparities, and we must continue to support those efforts in the North. <BR /> <BR />The South of Ireland is leading the way in supporting women in farming with initiatives such as the Women & Agriculture awards and fairer tax policies. In contrast, the British Government's proposed inheritance tax changes in the North will make it harder for women to inherit or transfer land. <BR /> <BR />Living in south Armagh, I see the stark difference.”
“That disproportionately impacts on women, who already face challenges in breaking into the industry. Initiatives such as the farm business improvement scheme and the farm family key skills programme have seen female participation, but women still represent just 4% of those in business development groups, which highlights the need for more targeted actions. <BR /> <BR />The financial support offered by DAERA for part-time students eases the challenge of balancing farm, family and education. The widening access and participation plan will further support women through bursaries and greater opportunities in agriculture. That work aligns with global initiatives such as the UN's International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, which highlights women's vital role in agri-food systems.”
“By tackling isolation, inequality and limited access to services, it plays a key role in strengthening rural communities and ensuring that the invaluable contribution of women in agriculture is fully recognised and supported. <BR /> <BR />Some positive changes are transforming agriculture into a more inclusive industry. CAFRE is helping to drive that progress, with more women stepping into leadership roles in farm management and sustainability. More women than ever pursue agricultural education, proving that the future of farming is diverse, dynamic and open to all. However, further support is needed, including financial resources and training. The Farming for the Generations scheme claims to support new farmers, yet it removes direct financial aid and entitlement access, creating major barriers for those without family land.”
“With 98% of respondents affirming women's contributions to farm productivity, the report underscored the need for targeted support, including training and financial aid. I welcome its findings and fully support its call for action, urging DAERA to implement meaningful changes that empower women and secure a more inclusive future for farming. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency of south Armagh, the Rural Health Partnership launched a project entitled "Women in Farming: More than Standing in a Gateway". The initiative challenges outdated views of the roles of women in agriculture, highlighting their vital contributions as farmers, farmhands, office managers and caregivers. The project deserves recognition as it closely aligns with the "Breaking the Grass Ceiling" report, highlighting and addressing the barriers that women face in agriculture.”
“I am delighted to discuss the crucial role of women in farming, an industry long dominated by men despite women's vital yet often invisible contributions. Agriculture is the backbone of rural communities, and it is essential that we address the barriers that women face in farm management. As we look to the future, we must ensure that women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead in that vital sector. <BR /> <BR />The "Breaking the Grass Ceiling" report from the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee was an important step towards gender equality in farming. Launched on International Women's Day in 2022, it shed light on the challenges that women face culturally, socially and economically, whilst recognising their invaluable role in modern agriculture.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, as foot-and-mouth disease poses an all-Ireland threat, coordinated action and clear communication are essential. What assessment has been made of the risk posed by funding shortfalls to the all-island animal health and welfare strategy?”
“What does the Department of Finance view as the main factors in sustainable Budgets?”
“Our community deserves answers and a commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all.”
“It is particularly frustrating for staff and patients to see photos of the Health Minister from nine months ago, when he visited Rathkeeland House surgery and awarded over £100,000 to it for a much-needed expansion. Now, less than a year later, the surgery is handing back its contracts due to inadequate support from the health authorities. How could the Minister have visited those premises and not recognised the dire situation that the practice was in? What concrete steps will he take to ensure that the people of Crossmaglen and south Armagh can access essential GP services? At present, the surgeries run by the health trust appear to have little or no availability, leaving patients to suffer. What immediate actions will the Minister take to bolster GP services in our area?”
“The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has taken on additional contracts and pays GPs exorbitant locum fees to ensure that NHS patients still receive care when they need it. That is not a sustainable solution to inadequate funding, with GPs struggling to maintain NHS contracts and patients being left behind as a result. Over a decade and a half of British Government austerity has undermined our ability to invest fully in public services, including health, despite the fact that the Executive continue to prioritise health services. <BR /> <BR />The closure of Rathkeeland House surgery leaves staff facing potential unemployment, with the uncertain hope of being retained by the Southern Trust. It could mean new contracts at lower pay rates for those who have dedicated years to caring for patients.”
“I am profoundly concerned about the recent news of the closure of Rathkeeland House surgery in Crossmaglen. The situation highlights the severe underfunding of general practice, making it increasingly unsustainable for practices to continue operating under existing contracts. Rathkeeland House surgery has served the health needs of the community for many years and has been a vital service that many people have depended on, with over 4,500 patients registered to the practice. It is vital that the Department of Health engage directly with Rathkeeland House practice to ensure that the community of Crossmaglen has access to GP services in the future. <BR /> <BR />Our GPs and their staff have dedicated years of their lives to caring for sick and vulnerable patients, yet they are witnessing the troubling trend of more clinics closing.”
“I am committed to an Ireland of equals — a new Ireland based on fairness, justice and opportunity for all our people on the island.”