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.
I accept that we have to consider wildlife as part of a holistic strategy on TB. I am also conscious of the judicial review in relation to the previous wildlife intervention and the outcome of that. Going forward, as I have said, there will be three pillars to our work to eradicate TB in Northern Ireland, and those…
I recognise that, when it comes to tackling TB, there needs to be a holistic approach, and that is why we are taking forward a three-pillared approach of people, cattle and wildlife. We are engaging with stakeholders so that we can bring forward that delivery plan very soon. However, there are actions that farmers can…
There is a significant cost associated with bovine TB in Northern Ireland, particularly for farmers. I understand the mental health impact that this is having on farmers across Northern Ireland, but it is also having an impact on my Department. It is no secret that, in the Budget settlement for the next financial…
As Members will be aware, Brian Dooher, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), was recently asked by me to carry out a comprehensive review of bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ireland. That review, which was published in November, considered the actions contained in the 2022 bovine TB eradication strategy, along with a number…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. It is concerning and, to be honest, frankly ludicrous that we are considering the prayer of annulment. This is perhaps one of the most irresponsible legislative motions to have been tabled in this mandate. Many wax lyrical about their support for the agri-food industry, but…
I thank Members for their contributions. As I explained at the outset, the regulations are essential to ensure that I can deliver for our farming community by opening the farm sustainability transition payment as planned on 3 March and provide the legal basis for the roll-out of other schemes under the sustainable…
I beg to move Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am grateful for the opportunity to propose the motion. The Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 give my Department the legal powers to introduce the farm sustainability transition payment (FSTP), which is expected to attract…
First, I thank the officials in my Department, who were working all weekend on site until late last night to deal with the issue. I spoke to the Chief Veterinary Officer late last night, and he outlined the efforts that are being undertaken to deal with the issue. I prioritised being on site to deal with the issue,…
An investigation was instigated on Friday 14 February at premises near Dungannon, County Tyrone, after a number of mortalities in a commercial poultry flock. Preliminary results have indicated the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1. The unit is a family run farm, so my thoughts are with the family…
Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members for tabling the motion. This is primarily a reserved matter on taxation, but I am happy to respond, and I will respond to the motion as tabled. As Members will know, the issue raised in the motion has caused and continues to cause significant…
I beg to move I am grateful for the opportunity to propose the motion. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) operates an annual charging policy for its regulatory activities. The charging policy covers eight separate charging schemes, of which the waste management charging scheme is one. The waste management…
It is being considered on a case-by-case basis. Crawfordsburn Country Park in my constituency has been reopened, and I thank the staff for that. In other places, the timescales are not as advanced because of the scale of the work. Some of that work requires machinery being brought on-site. Hopefully, we will get all…
Significant damage has been done to our forest parks across Northern Ireland. That is why I took a trip to Drum Manor near Cookstown to see the widespread damage there. It is apocalyptic and really concerning. Some of the most ancient trees at the arboretum at Castlewellan have been destroyed. I pay tribute to Forest…
Thank you, Stewart. I was really delighted to announce the nature recovery challenge fund. It was launched recently in recognition of the need for more to be done to improve our nature, and it is the first of its kind. That funding provides a great opportunity to support the work of local organisations that are…
We are doing good work on nature recovery. The environmental improvement plan for Northern Ireland has a strategic outcome of achieving thriving, resilient and connected nature and wildlife. That includes key targets to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The environment fund is one of the mechanisms used…
I have outlined my vision for agriculture as part of the sustainable agriculture programme. It is a clear and positive vision going forward. I am already on record as saying that I believe that 'Going for Growth' was a mistake, and it does not feature as part of the sustainable agriculture programme, nor my future…
I was delighted to announce the sustainable agriculture programme last week on the basis of the commitment that I secured as part of the draft Budget for the earmarking of agriculture, agrienvironment, fisheries and rural development funding for the next financial year and future years. As I have outlined to the House…
I have been working through the capital budget for the next financial year. We are looking to make an allocation of support within that. Obviously, there will be the comprehensive spending review. We will, hopefully, set a two- or three-year budget around it that will give councils a lot more certainty. Obviously, the…
It is important that we enable councils to plan for the future. I hope to take forward actions on the potential way forward in spring. The consultation has closed. There has been an evaluation of that consultation. I need to engage with councils to show respect towards our partnership arrangement on the issue. We want…
I understand the case that you make. I am particularly aware of the issue of eel stocks in Lough Neagh. I have been engaging with officials and Executive colleagues on that. I will take your comments on those issues and engage with officials. We will also meet to discuss your concerns and what more we can do to…
I thank the Member for raising the important issue of angling and Inland Fisheries. He has outlined specific concerns about that. I am happy to engage with officials. I am also happy to meet the Member, if he wants to discuss it, to give him a comprehensive response on that really important issue.
I am happy to take that issue back, speak to officials and write to you on that. I understand your concern. I will engage with officials and write back to you on that issue, hopefully, in a timely manner.
I thank the Member for his question. I am satisfied that information signage in respect of deer management practices on my Department's Forest Service estate is effective and complies with public health and safety risk management. In response to the question, if Members have particular concerns, I am happy for those…
You make a good point. It is important that we do that in a coordinated fashion. As ever in life, we can learn lessons about what we can do better. If we did not do that, we would not be doing our job properly. You raise important issues about rural communities, and I want to ensure that they are supported in the time…