Edwin Poots
South Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I call Mr Eóin Tennyson. Again, this is Mr Tennyson's first opportunity to speak as a private Member, so I remind the House that it is convention that a maiden speech be made without interruption. However, if you choose to express views that provoke an interruption, you are likely to forfeit that protection.”
“Sorry — Ms Armstrong. My apologies. <BR /> <BR />That the Assembly could, in some way, get that money out when it is a UK Government responsibility. The UK Government have distributed it directly in Scotland and Wales, not through the Welsh Parliament and not through the Scottish Parliament.”
“I have not got time; I am sorry. <BR /> <BR />Ursula von der Leyen, who was in the Republic last week, made some of the most ridiculous claims about the British Government, who have supported Ukraine in a way that no other Government in Europe have and who have never engaged in the activity that was suggested by Ursula von der Leyen.”
“Today, a lot of statements have been made but there has not been a lot of fact behind a lot of what has been said. We have Michelle O'Neill, who walked out of her role as Health Minister — not for six months but for three years — and abandoned her position when we had Bengoa and there were all the problems with nursing that led to the str…”
“I need to deal with the issues first. <BR /> <BR />He referred to the Budget that he produced. No party supported that Budget. The Alliance Party did not support it, because it did not cover policing and prisons. Infrastructure did not support it, because it would not allow it to do the basics of what had to be done.”
“We had a circumstance where Sinn Féin repeated, month after month after month, that there were hundreds of millions to give to the public when that did not exist and when, in reality, Minister Murphy was racking up debt that will roll into next year, which will ensure that that will be a difficult financial year.”
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“They are ambitious, I grant you, but I make no apology for that, because it is what we must do and what people expect us to do. My Department will work with people from across the political spectrum to make it happen. It is my hope that Members will reciprocate in a spirit of partnership. While green growth will be a major challenge for all of us, I believe that, with a vision of sustainability, goodwill and an evidence-based approach, we can make a huge difference to our place and to the people of Northern Ireland at the heart of the next economic revolution.”
“I hope that the statement gives you a flavour of the opportunities, recognising that co-design means not having all the answers in advance. We can make a difference, and we can achieve economic, environmental and social benefits if we use the right approach; indeed, I would argue that we must, if we are to achieve the benefits together. We need a vibrant economy to provide people with meaningful work; we need to give people an opportunity to work their way out of poverty; and we need to help those who cannot help themselves. Importantly, however, we need to do all that in a way that cares for and enhances our environment, as, ultimately, we are part of that environment. <BR /> <BR />I hope that colleagues will recognise the emphasis on partnership in the statement and the proposals that it contains.”
“The framework will operate under the oversight of the Executive through an interministerial group that I will chair. <BR /> <BR />Given the importance of green growth, I have asked the DAERA permanent secretary to lead the development work together with officials from across the Northern Ireland Civil Service and a broad group of stakeholders. The third element of green growth is the development of proposals to address New Decade, New Approach. The recommendations include commitments on climate change, including legislation and reductions in plastics waste. <BR /> <BR />At the beginning of the statement, I promised to set out the opportunities for Northern Ireland that are possible if we work together to improve our environment and create jobs and economic growth the green growth way.”
“I would also envisage programmes in the first phase for an increase in renewable energy to a point where we become a net exporter and sustainable transport using renewable energy to achieve net zero emissions. <BR /> <BR />I will discuss the proposals with my ministerial colleagues, so that we can bring them back to the Executive. We are also, of course, working with the Department for Infrastructure on adaption programmes to deal with the impact of climate change. As well as planning a significant increase in sustainable transport, we will develop the strategy and delivery framework through a process of co-design and co-delivery. Green growth will happen only if people have ownership and if all the key players work together towards a shared goal.”
“However, we can continue to improve sustainable land use, healthy rivers and growing biodiversity. That will involve the comprehensive mapping of soil quality and water catchments across Northern Ireland in support of low-carbon farming; a significant increase in our green infrastructure, for example, hedges and peatlands, to sequester carbon, improve biodiversity and act as natural barriers against pollution and flooding; new food and agriculture policies to encourage and reward businesses for sustainability and environmental outcomes; a scenario-planning model to map, predict and, ultimately, monitor the benefits of different green growth interventions; and the movement of all sensitive sites towards favourable management, including land and marine.”
“That, in turn, will support a network of new businesses and services by connecting people and communities in Northern Ireland and across the world. Another element is smart cities and rural communities. We will design the programme with communities and for communities to develop natural green connectors and corridors across cities, towns and landscapes, connecting people and their environment. That will also involve the use of connected technologies, such as office networking tools and the Internet of things, to promote efficient energy use. A further element is blue carbon habitats. That will involve the development of blue carbon habitats, increasing biodiversity and carbon capture. <BR /> <BR />Finally, we recognise the valuable contribution that agriculture already makes to our environment.”
“It will be much broader than but will include reform of the packaging producer responsibility system in line with other parts of the UK and participation in a UK-wide deposit return scheme. We will engage in both of those. Another element is growing people’s well-being and confidence through the environment. That will aim to deliver measurable and population-wide improvements in well-being. It will focus on the educational, social and economic benefits associated with the connection between people and their environment, which is something that we have truly appreciated the importance of in recent months. Another element is sustainable growth through technology. That will involve the full roll-out of broadband across Northern Ireland.”
“The first of those will be key foundation programmes, exemplars of what I like to call "strategy by doing"; in other words, they are major objectives that will contribute to the aims of the strategy but in a way that demonstrates real impact on the ground. For example, in March, I announced the first of those in the Forests for our Future programme, which aims to plant 18 million trees over the next decade. That is the type of foundation programme that will be at the heart of what we are trying to do in green growth. <BR /> <BR />Another element to be delivered over the next 10 years and beyond is keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment. Through that programme, all plastic that comes into Northern Ireland will remain in the economy and out of the environment.”
“People in the environment sector understand the importance of working with the business community to secure positive outcomes, and organisations in the community and voluntary sector know that an excellent way to empower people and communities is to connect them with their environment. It is my intention that the strategy will be discussed at the Executive, with co-design and consultation during the autumn and a strategy finalised by next spring. <BR /> <BR />That brings me to the second element of green growth, namely the delivery framework. It will be a series of interconnected programmes that demonstrate green growth in action.”
“There are three key elements to making that work. The first element of green growth is a co-designed, environment strategy from the Executive, entitled the "Green Growth Strategy". It will be designed in collaboration with a broad and inclusive range of people from across the business community, environment sectors and the community and voluntary sectors. Although I have characterised those as separate sectors, in reality, the boundaries are not so clear. I know many people in the business community who are determined to make a difference to climate change and the environment.”
“For evidence of that, we need look no further than our neighbours in the EU, who have adopted green growth as the basis of their European green deal. It aims to transform the European Union from a high- to low-carbon economy while improving people's quality of life through cleaner air, water and improved health. By working together across the British Isles and internationally, we can co-design a green growth strategy and delivery framework that will deliver for Northern Ireland. Green growth is about working together to value our environmental assets, growing those assets and, in so doing, growing our economy.”
“We know that we need to put our environmental house in order and show that we in Northern Ireland have the innovation, skills and determination necessary to influence meaningful outcomes that can benefit us locally as well as people across the world. <BR /> <BR />That brings me to green growth. This is a globally recognised concept, with organisations such as the OECD developing a set of strategic principles in their economic policies. It is not a new concept. It was the precursor to the green new deal that was developed a decade ago in response to the global financial crisis. Although considerable progress was made back then, the concept was, arguably, ahead of its time. I believe that its time has come.”
“<BR /> <BR />I stated earlier that Northern Ireland can become a strategic food zone. I also believe that Northern Ireland can become a strategic energy zone. The success of our prosperity agreement programme demonstrates how we can work in partnership with business to deliver significant environmental benefits. Recently, we signed our second prosperity agreement with Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company. It sets targets for reducing energy and water consumption; for the reduction of CO2 emissions; and for increasing the amount of recycled plastic in its products. <BR /> <BR />The point of citing all these examples is this: even with all the challenges that we have faced in our society and in our history, we know that great things are possible when we work together. We need to be seen to play a lead role.”
“It was designed to increase the quality of recycling. Some £3·45 million has already been allocated to projects estimated to deliver an additional 7,500 tons of recycling and over 7,800 tons of CO2 savings, which equates to £485,000 of carbon savings. <BR /> <BR />The third example is in the area of green energy, and it is a key policy led by my colleague Diane Dodds, Minister for the Economy. Through various means, we have achieved a position in which 45% of our energy is provided from renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. Again, this is a result that would be the envy of many countries across the world. However, through further innovation and investment in renewable energy systems and the storage of that energy, we can go further. The Department for the Economy is developing an energy strategy that will make this a reality.”
“One example of the potential is that, three years ago, my Department provided funding to Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL), a social enterprise company that deals with mattresses. Initially, the project employed 16 people, and it increased the number of mattresses recycled annually from 2,000 to over 60,000. Today, 25 people are employed. <BR /> <BR />Just three of Northern Ireland's manufacturers, employing a total of 750 people, annually create £110 million in economic value for the local economy by reprocessing paper, plastic and glass recyclates from our households. They have the potential to add a further £50 million to the local economy if more high-quality recyclate was available. To address that need, my Department launched a £23 million capital programme last year to provide financial assistance to councils.”
“We can do so by achieving a balance between feeding the world and feeding the planet. <BR /> <BR />The second example is in the area of recycling. When I previously held the post of Environment Minister, the household recycling rate was just over 34%. At that stage, the received wisdom was that we could not achieve 50% by 2020. Since then, we have made huge progress and, I am pleased to say, exceeded that target. However, the circular economy and recycling are not just about a percentage; they are about economic opportunity. Recent studies have highlighted the economic potential of recycling for the Northern Ireland economy. Upwards of 13,000 job opportunities could be created using this approach.”
“Most notably, they have achieved that while growing their business through improved genetics and nutrition. More needs to be done, however, and more can be done right across our food supply chain. <BR /> <BR />It is worth noting that around one fifth of the Amazonian rainforest has been cut down in order to produce beef. If, in future, that beef is imported into the UK in large quantities, it could threaten our market and people's livelihoods as well as the global environment. It is therefore important that we understand just what we have in our agri-food industry and the role that it plays in protecting our future. We can become a global leader in the production of high-quality food from sustainable systems, and I believe that we can become a strategic food zone.”
“In the first two tranches, EFS has delivered over a quarter of a million new trees, which will absorb well over 100,000 tons of carbon over their lifetime. EFS has also delivered over 200 miles of new hedgerows, which, in addition to capturing carbon, is a haven for birds and insects and improves our biodiversity. EFS will also contribute significantly to improving water quality by protecting our rivers and watercourses from livestock. EFS represents a long-term investment in our environment. <BR /> <BR />We have also made great strides on carbon efficiency in the agri-food sector. For example, our dairy farmers have over the past 20 years reduced their greenhouse gas footprint by around 35% for each litre of milk produced, and they produce 2·2 billion litres annually.”
“Northern Ireland Water is the single largest energy consumer in the country, but this is because our water has become polluted due to a range of contributing factors, not limited just to agriculture. So, by minimising the wasteful escape of nutrients into our water, we not only protect habitats and biodiversity but increase productivity and save on energy costs. <BR /> <BR />At this point, I want to recognise the enormous contribution that farmers are making to safeguarding and improving our environment. My Department has been running environmental schemes since 1988. The current environmental farming scheme (EFS) was established in 2017, and farmers have enthusiastically responded, signing up in large numbers. To date, almost 5,000 farmers are participating in the scheme, and more will follow.”
“Imagine the scale of that for a moment. Here we are in this small place, using our natural capital and the skills and expertise of our people to feed a global megacity the size of London. Furthermore, as an employer, our agri-food industry creates opportunities to attract homegrown talent in the form of highly developed, talented and educated young people. Of course, this scale does bring challenges, not least for the environment. They are challenges that can and will be addressed. Ultimately, however, this will be achieved by making the industry more sustainable and profitable. For example, despite progress in reducing phosphorous in our rivers, water quality remains a problem, and the picture in the marine environment is similar for nitrogen. Both cost our environment and us dearly.”
“While we waste nutrients in our food production system, we pollute our water, damage ecosystems and reduce biodiversity. When we fail to support people to develop a connection with their environment, we waste human potential, possibly the most damaging of all. <BR /> <BR />However, when we treat energy, biological diversity, material resources and people as the assets that they are, we begin to see what is possible. I will give you three examples of this. The first of these is the agri-food industry. Essentially, we have created an asset that is the envy of many economies across the world. The asset benefits everyone by providing high-quality foods, jobs and exports, which bring in valuable revenue streams. The industry is worth some £4·9 billion in sales, supports up to 100,000 jobs and feeds up to 10 million people.”
“This will have far-reaching consequences for sea level rise, biodiversity, extreme weather and other factors that impact on our society. <BR /> <BR />Whether or not you or I accept these reports and predictions, reducing emissions will have significant economic opportunities and societal benefits. For example, in 2019, the UK Government estimated that there were more than 430,000 green-collar jobs in the UK and that this figure could rise to two million by 2030. It is important to understand how these benefits come about. First, we must stop squandering our resources. Preventing waste is fundamental to better productivity and more sustainable economic growth. When we waste energy, we produce avoidable greenhouse gas emissions. When we waste assets like food and fill up landfills, we produce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“<BR /> <BR />In 2018, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC, stated, in a special report, that limiting global warming to 1·5°C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society. The new UK net zero target will deliver on that commitment to reduce emissions. Overall, we have reduced our emissions in Northern Ireland by 18% in recent years. We have gone down from emitting 24 megatons of carbon dioxide in 1990 to 20 megatons in 2017, and, while this is not enough, it proves that we can make progress when we work together. Average global temperatures have increased and will continue to rise unless there is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Knowing how to make the best use of what we have is ingrained in us and is a trait that will help us to recover from COVID and serve us well in the future. <BR /> <BR />Why do I say this? Our economy is changing. Over the next 30 years, it will become unrecognisable. There are many reasons for that, but perhaps the most important is the commitment by the UK Government to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. Now, I am not prone to declaring climate emergencies or promoting panic, but I do recognise the value of data and evidence. It is irrefutable that, globally, greenhouse gas emissions are increasing. We, in the UK and Ireland, have managed to reduce our emissions since 1990, but the big picture means that we need to do more.”
“<BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, we have not always been handed the resources that are available to other parts of the world, such as the coal or oil that drove the Industrial Revolution. Instead, we have been blessed with a rich and fertile land that feeds us and sustains our well-being. Those natural assets attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and feed millions of people in the UK and across the world. People come here because of the beauty of our landscape and the welcome that they receive. Our exports grow because we can compete with the best in the world. We must look after both if we are to continue to survive and prosper. We have always used anything that we have to great effect and, as a result, have made a greater impact on the world stage than one would expect given our size, location or history.”
“People have longed for the opportunity to escape the confines imposed by COVID and engage with nature. For many of us, interaction with the natural environment has sustained us through the lockdown. For evidence of that, you only need to talk to the people who make the five million trips to our forest parks each year. <BR /> <BR />I share that appreciation of nature. That is why I have asked for sustainability to be placed at the heart of everything that DAERA does. It is also why I believe that if we understand the value of the environment, our natural capital, the challenges that we face can become an opportunity to benefit everyone. Therefore, my message today is one of revolution — a revolution in our economy that, if embraced, will benefit our businesses, people and environment.”
“Around the world, people are travelling less, using less energy and finding new ways to communicate, to socialise, to work and to learn. At the same time, there have been tremendous benefits for the environment, at the micro and macro levels, that we can all recognise. As we plan our recovery from the effects of the pandemic, it is crucial that we adopt a holistic approach, building on the many lessons learned in recent months. Rather than picking up where we left off, I am recommending economic renewal that recognises the importance of our environment and advocates green growth as a pathway to a sustainable future. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken to Members from all parties and to people across Northern Ireland, and it is clear to me how much we value our environment. That has never been more apparent than in recent months.”
“The public have been very understanding and have sacrificed a great deal to implement the strict conditions that we had to introduce to prevent the spread of the disease. We owe them a great deal of gratitude. Thanks to their resolve and their actions, we have seen a significant fall in transmission, cases of COVID-19 and deaths due to the disease. Therefore, we have been able to introduce greater freedoms. That exemplifies what can be achieved with clear leadership and a willingness to work together to a common good. <BR /> <BR />I firmly believe that, even in the darkest times, we have a duty to plan for the future, and this is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic, despite the pain and suffering that it has caused, has forced us to live and work differently, to think differently and to behave differently.”
“In recent months, the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a swift and cruel blow, with the loss of many lives. It has single-handedly brought countries, economies and people to a standstill across the world, as we work out how to manage and, ultimately, defeat the immediate and ongoing threat that it poses. As in most areas of our lives, the answer to the crisis will involve sustainability, specifically economic, social and environmental, at the heart of everything that we do. Recent months have proved challenging for everyone. There is no blueprint for a pandemic or one single plan that fits all circumstances. We have tried, and will continue to try, to do our best for the people of Northern Ireland, based on the evidence and information available to us.”
“Apologies for not being in the Chamber at the very outset; it is tricky to get used to the new system. <BR /> <BR />We are here to talk about the opportunities that exist for a new green growth strategy and delivery framework. It is hard to imagine circumstances that have had such a devastating global impact as those that we face.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. I indicate my full support for the Minister's actions because there is an element of veterinary medicine to this. The Minister has the support of my Department in bringing forward the LCM. It is the only way forward, and, for those who are suggesting otherwise, there is not another way forward, and they have not proposed another way forward. I will add that we will rely on — I assume on his part, but certainly on ours — expertise that exists in Great Britain that we do not have here, going forward. There is a skills base there, and a quantity of people within that personnel, who are hugely useful to us, in our relatively small pool of people, to deliver on some of these issues. We will continue to have a very close working relationship with the United Kingdom after this is over.”
“It is good to hear the Member speak on behalf of farmers who grow vegetables. That is something close to his heart. Nonetheless, of course we will bear that in mind. In that area, a relatively small number of farmers have been caught out in that way. Potato farmers who have been packing potatoes for the retail outlets have been doing quite well, in the volumes that they have been getting out, and most of their potatoes are gone. However, obviously, those who were supplying that all-important 40% of food through the hospitality sector have been affected. It is an area that we will look at.”
“I am aware of that. Fleeces, last year, were making around £2 each, which covered the cost of the clipping. There is not much money to be made by sheep farmers for wool any more, unfortunately. This year, there is not really a market for it. Some of the companies are taking wool on the basis that, if they get it sold at some margin, they will provide a payment to the farmer, but, at this stage, they do not have that. It is something I am reflecting on.”
“I am happy to support any sector that can provide evidence of COVID-19 having a detrimental financial impact on their businesses. Some cases are clear-cut, some not, but I am very happy to look at all the evidence provided to me. I will arrive at a fair and equitable way to allocate it.”
“In addition, I received numerous emails and letters from political representatives, farmers, businesses, rural groups and organisations representing farmers' interests, requesting support for a range of sectors, including dairy, beef, ornamental horticulture, sheep, wool, hill farming, potatoes, poultry-breeding egg producers. I will carefully consider all those views and opinions, and will, in the near future, make a decision on how best to allocate this funding in a fair and equitable way, based on evidence.”
“Since the Northern Ireland Executive announced the allocation of the £25 million COVID-19 support package, I have invited views and sought input from a range of industry representatives and stakeholders. On 22 May, I spoke to the AERA Committee and invited members' views on how best to allocate funding to those most affected. I have received their views and independent analysis, reports and industry proposals, and I met representatives of the dairy sector, red meat sector and farming unions to hear their proposals for allocating that funding. <BR /> <BR />During those discussions, there was a clear acceptance of the need for support to be targeted at those farm businesses hardest hit financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The answer is no, but the request has been made, and we will work very hard to ensure that we get funding to support this. This is not something that has come about as a consequence of anything that Northern Ireland has done. It is an imposition on Northern Ireland, and, therefore, we need to argue this case very strongly.”
“Whether on this issue, abortion or other issues that he shouts a lot about, he has put the power in the hands of those who care less than we do.”
“How we can move forward is very clear. The protocol means that the absence of any infrastructure at the ports would lead to a situation where all Northern Ireland goods had to be imported through the Republic of Ireland. I am sure that the Member would not want that or find it desirable. I also point out to him the frailty of the position that he adopted from the outset, which was to put all his faith and all his trust in the Westminster Government as opposed to a devolved Administration that he constantly railed against. This is the consequence of not having a Northern Ireland Assembly and of Westminster dealing exclusively with these issues. Mr Allister should reflect on that.”
“<BR /> <BR />I do not like this protocol. Everybody knows that I do not like this protocol. Nonetheless, it is a binding international agreement, it was made by our Government and the European Union, and we are subservient to the Westminster Government on this issue. We have to take actions to ensure that, from 1 January next year, food imported to Northern Ireland is not imported through Dublin. Therefore, we are taking the steps that need to be taken. <BR /> <BR />Access to both the GB market and the EU single market, particularly unfettered access, will, I believe, be of clear benefit to any inward investor coming to Northern Ireland. Therefore, if this is to work well, any issue with export health certificates needs to be obliterated in the negotiations.”
“Quite rightly, the Member quotes the relevant paragraph on goods that are "at risk" of entering the EU market. Many trucks bring in vital goods for our shops and supermarkets. Such goods should not be considered in any way, shape or form to be "at risk". Clearly, they are coming to stay in Northern Ireland. Consequently, we will deal with that. <BR /> <BR />Another series of goods can be easily identified as staying in Northern Ireland. The trusted trader scheme needs to kick in. We had made no progress on this issue for a number of months because the UK Government had not given us the required detail. They did so a number of weeks ago. Consequently, we have started to move forward on the back of that. That has given us a degree of latitude and a degree of confidence that we can better deal with goods coming from GB to Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />My officials have commenced engagement with a range of key stakeholders to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to facilitate the movement of goods and products between Great Britain and Northern Ireland whilst complying with the statutory requirements of the Northern Ireland protocol. To date, this has included engagement with Larne, Belfast and Warrenpoint ports and their key users, in conjunction with representatives from the relevant local councils, HMRC, Border Force, Food Standards Agency and other relevant Departments. Meetings are also being planned with Northern Ireland's airports and Foyle port. I have been clear that I wish to implement the Northern Ireland protocol in a way that maximises the flow of trade and works for Northern Ireland’s businesses and citizens.”
“My Department is scoping and implementing the following cross-cutting programme of work: understanding the processes required to reduce friction on trade, as far as is possible, while meeting the legal requirements of our statutory role, which is to carry out sanitary and phytosanitary checks at the point of entry; understanding the IT requirements that will facilitate movement of trade while seeking to minimise the impact on traders; and understanding the minimum requirements for each of the designated, or potentially designated, points of entry to Northern Ireland that will meet EU specifications.”
“Again, the remit for that falls outside my Department. It is something that I, as a MLA, have received communication on. I recognise that it is extremely difficult to spread something which targets every group and every business in Northern Ireland. It is hugely unfortunate that some businesses have fallen outside. I should say that £410 million has been put into the business economies across Northern Ireland and that will make the difference between a lot of businesses going under and getting to the other side of COVID-19. Whilst I agree with the Member, I also recognise that a massive amount of work has been done in support of business across Northern Ireland.”
“It is going off from the original question but I am happy to answer. I have not made any such decision not to fund them. The eel fisheries only really get going in June, or from the end of May onwards, so we were waiting to assess their markets and we are beginning to get a better feel for it. The Member has requested a meeting with me. I am very happy to do that and hear all the arguments, but no decision has been made.”
“Their work has been key and we should be very proud of what as been achieved by them — the ordinary working people in the agri-food sector — and greatly appreciate all of them, wherever they have come from, on doing the work that, quite frankly, a lot of people in Northern Ireland turn their nose up at. I greatly appreciate the fact that they do that job.”
“Agri-food tends to be ahead of the game and routinely uses PPE. Obviously, agri-food businesses have had to introduce additional PPE, which is a challenge at this time for every organisation, but the businesses are quite versatile. I should say that they are complaining about how much they have had to spend and would like some government support. It is not for my Department to do that; it comes under DFE and is a matter for DFE to consider. <BR /> <BR />Keeping those people safe is important; they account for 32% of our manufacturing output in Northern Ireland. They have kept food on the tables right across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.”
“The food business operators have been working with a wide range of people from various ethnic backgrounds, who have chosen to come and work here, and are expert in their communication with them. Actual communication is not so much of a problem: sometimes the attention paid to some of the communication can be more of a problem. Many people are sharing transport and are from the same households. Leaving aside what is happening in the workplace, there are consequences from where the people live and how they travel to and from their workplace. That said, the levels of absenteeism in the workforce are incredibly low. The public sector would be delighted if it could get to the levels of absenteeism that the private sector workforce has achieved in the midst of a pandemic.”
“At the outset, I can assure you that I share and appreciate your concerns at this difficult time. In response to, and from the outset of the crisis, my officials have coordinated and facilitated regular — often daily — meetings between the relevant representative industry bodies, individual food business operators (FBOs), the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency. The principal objective of these meetings and associated communications is to ensure that the industry as a whole, and individual FBOs in particular, are familiar with and implementing the latest PHA guidance, which is primarily aimed at ensuring a safe working environment for all personnel and minimising the risk of COVID transmission in the workplace.”
“We have been engaging with the environmental NGO sector and recognise the challenges that it is facing as a consequence of COVID-19, such as loss of income and staff and volunteer shortages. We have engaged with other Departments and the UK Administrations to understand the wider impacts of COVID-19 on the environmental sector. The sector is making substantial use of general COVID funding provisions, especially the furlough arrangement. The Department has commented on the proposed charity fund. The Department is not currently considering an additional COVID fund, but that will be kept under review throughout the year.”