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Mr Andrew Muir: Assembly records
All of Mr Andrew Muir’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to respond to today's important motion on behalf of the Minister of Justice, who, unfortunately, is unwell. I am sure that Members will join me in wishing her a speedy recovery. Like the Members who have spoken today, the Minister is deeply…
Does the Member acknowledge that the marketing of the vehicles, particularly online, is concerning and that security and safety issues are not fully considered by some of the retailers?
Does the Member agree that there is a wider issue about the safety of those vehicles? There is a particular risk of fire, depending on where they are purchased from. People need to have an understanding of their responsibilities in that regard.
Thank you, Trevor: you have raised an important issue. I have had significant engagement with officials on the issue. They are coming to a conclusion on the future of slurry stores and how to get into a situation in which, hopefully, permitted development rights are associated with them: that is where we need to get…
The action that we are trying to take on climate change is about getting off the fossil fuel roller coaster so that people are not subjected to those price increases. The message that I would send to everyone in Northern Ireland, particularly our farming community is this: we are with you. It is important that the UK…
As the Member will be aware, we deliver support through the food programme. He will also be aware of our budget situation and the challenges associated with that and with previous decisions that were taken to ensure that we manage our budget appropriately. I am very aware of the benefit that rural shows have for the…
The seabird conservation strategy — I checked this before I came here — is on its way to my desk, so it should be here imminently. I will promptly consider it, and, hopefully, we can then publish it. It is a good piece of work, and it is important that we get it out and deliver actions on it in conjunction with our…
There is lots that we can learn from it. First, we should recognise the importance of working together and thank the RSPB in particular for its work in conjunction with the community. It has been a collective effort, and I am proud of the community in Rathlin for what it has managed to achieve. It is also about…
The animal welfare pathway sets out a number of actions that we are seeking to take, largely in relation to companion animals. Actions are also taking place, not just within the pathway but in addition to it, in relation to farmed animals. It is important that I give an assurance that that is a priority for me and my…
Thank you, David. That is an important issue, and it has been raised with me regularly. That is why it is part of the animal welfare pathway. The expert review is finalising its work. That report will come to me soon. I will consider it and then publish it in the next few weeks. Once the report is published, we will…
I will engage with you and get a bit more information about that. We need to scope it out. If actions are required, we will not be found wanting. We need to follow proper process, but safety must be paramount.
Thank you, Gareth. I am aware of the concerns around that, and I am glad that you were able to have that constructive engagement last week. If you want to have a chat with me about that later today, I am happy to do so, because the safety of pedestrians and park users must always be paramount.
The situation is stark. Our rivers, lakes and loughs are under mounting and unacceptable pressures. Only 29% of our surface water bodies now achieve good ecological status, which is a deterioration since 2011. Northern Ireland Water has reported that more than 20 million tons of untreated sewage and waste water spill…
Thank you, Kate. In my oral statement on waste water regulation, delivered to the House at the beginning of March, I set out a number of key interventions to strengthen the regulation and enforcement of waste water activities and to reduce pollution across our water environment. Those interventions include introducing…
The question back is this: when will the DUP admit to the folly of climate change denial? People are suffering the consequences of Northern Ireland being subject to the fossil fuel roller coaster and the impact that that has on fuel and gas prices for the citizens and businesses of Northern Ireland. We need to get off…
I am very conscious that this matter is in front of the courts, as I set out in last week's debate. I will have to be careful in my response because I want to respect the legal process that is under way. I am very clear about the benefits associated with climate action. I do not want to see Northern Ireland left…
Part of it will be a requirement to publish an inland fisheries policy statement, and that will be really important so that we are able to look at the challenges facing the fishing sector today and in making sure that there is a level playing field for everyone. That is why we are standardising fines and penalties and…
Thank you, Kellie. The fisheries and water environment Bill is a key piece of legislation. It is being drafted, and I hope to be able to bring it to the House for its Second Stage before the summer recess, allowing Committee Stage to then commence. The legislation is important because we are operating on outdated…
If the Member cared to read the climate action plan, he would realise that it does not; that we are not following the advice of the CCC; and that we are working with farmers to give that thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable future. That is what we are doing. It is important that we recognise the course…
As I set out in response to the supplementary question from Peter McReynolds, there are clear benefits associated with climate action. The Climate Change Committee consistently reports on that. Requirements are also in place in 'Managing Public Money' for any expenditure in government, as everyone well knows. The…
I can, because the issue of just transition runs through the Climate Change Act, which was passed unanimously by the House in 2022. I believe in a just transition. We are setting up the just transition commission to ensure that those voices are heard and no one is left behind. It will be the first time that such a…
The Climate Change Committee's cost-benefit analysis reinforces the message that early, well-planned action is economically preferable to delay and that the cost of inaction would be significant and rising for households, farmers and businesses. In particular, the report highlights that a single fossil fuel price…
Work is well advanced on finalising Northern Ireland's first climate action plan, following the completion of the public consultation and recent publication of the summary of responses on the DAERA website. Responses highlighted strong support for climate action, alongside clear expectations of fairness, affordability…