All of Mr Declan McAleer’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
I take this opportunity to speak about the incredible work of the Spirit of Paul McGirr charity and its most recent mission to Lusaka, Zambia, when four young students from the Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore went out for 12 days, along with Clíodhna and Anthony, and gave their energy and hearts to help others.…
I thank the Minister for her response. I commend her for bringing forward that important development, which was agreed by the Assembly in 2016. Does she agree that, given the disproportionately high number of young people involved in road traffic collisions and fatalities, it is important that we do everything in our…
I thank the Minister for his response. I should declare an interest as a parent of children at the school and having taken part in the CCMS case-for-change consultation. Minister, I understand that the final phase of any development proposal plan involves the Department carrying out an eight-week consultation, the…
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) when live animal exports and imports are expected to resume following the restrictions imposed due to bluetongue; and (ii) any conditions which must be met to allow their safe reinstatement.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) the number of bluetongue vaccines administered since the outbreak; (ii) any assessment his Department has made of the likely impact of bluetongue disease during the forthcoming midge season; and (iii) any evidence that is available on…
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for an update on the final opinion from the south of Ireland on agricultural litter spreading; and (ii) to detail any steps his Department is taking in response to that opinion.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any assessment that has been made of the economic cost to the local economy in relation to the continuing rise in bovine TB levels, including the impact on farm businesses, associated industries, and wider rural communities.
I welcome the measures. Like many Members, I have young drivers from our house who are out on the roads, and I do not sleep well at night until they are safe at home. I welcome any measures that are put in place to increase driving experience to make it safer for them. Minister, what changes will your proposals mean…
Minister, I welcome the simplifications and recognise the value of the changes for biodiversity. However, the inclusion of additional land in the rules for the farm sustainability payment and the closure of the regional reserve, with no new entitlements being issued, will mean that there is a shortage of entitlements…
I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, my question is almost a follow-on from the previous one. Land use will be critical to the realisation of the strategy, and 75% of the land in the North is farmed. What engagement have you had with the farming sector, and what further plans do you have to engage with…
In June, along with fellow members of the AERA Committee, I visited County Fermanagh and Waterways Ireland and saw the great conservation work that it is doing. Minister, how will the Department assist Waterways Ireland to deliver phase 3 of the restoration project?
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to future funding programmes, whether he will consider making cattle drinkers an eligible item for grant support.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail his Department’s approach to biosecurity, including its importance in mitigating infectious disease threats facing the agricultural sector.
Over the Christmas break, I was very sad to learn of the passing of my former constituency colleague Joe Byrne. Joe spent a lifetime in public service as a lecturer in Omagh college, a councillor and an MLA. He also held many roles in the community and, as Matthew mentioned, was a GAA stalwart. I attended Joe's wake…
Mr McAleer asked the Minister of Finance whether he welcomes the change to inheritance tax on farms that the British Government announced before Christmas.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the rationale behind the policy that provides only 50 per cent compensation for livestock affected by bluetongue disease, including the evidence or considerations that informed this decision.