Debate contribution: Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Debate contribution by Miss Áine Murphy on 6 October 2026.

MLA: Miss Áine Murphy
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 6 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5776618

Text

What happened in Fivemiletown has had a lasting impact on the local community and the entire constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. People witnessed the destruction of cattle on land that many of them travel past day by day. Many, including children, have been left with distressing memories and a deep sense of unease about how those events were allowed to unfold. The issues raised go far beyond the events of that day or the 48-hour period that ensued. Why did DAERA take the course of action that it did? Were its policies and procedures followed? Given the Department's previous involvement with the farm, could intervention have happened sooner? During an emergency sitting of the AERA Committee in August, DAERA informed us that there was a court order in place, and the Department had a legal duty to act. However, that does not remove the need to examine the decisions made beforehand, the level of oversight exercised or the manner in which the operation was conducted. Those matters deserve careful scrutiny, based on all the evidence available. For the people of Fivemiletown and south Tyrone, the story has not been viewed from a distance. It unfolded in a close-knit, rural community where relationships run deep and where many in the local area know the family involved. As a result, local people have had to deal not only with what they witnessed but with the lasting impact that it has had on the community's confidence. Farmers must be able to trust that, when difficult situations arise, the Department will act fairly, proportionately and with respect for everyone involved. That trust is particularly important in rural communities where engagement with DAERA is a regular part of day-to-day and weekly life. Once it is damaged, rebuilding it is not straightforward. The concerns do not disappear when an operation such as that ends. They continue to be discussed across the farming community, in local marts and even in local shops. Dr Martin Blake, who is undertaking the review into the operation, met informally with the AERA Committee a number of weeks ago. The scope of the external review that he outlined provides an opportunity to examine not only what happened during the operation but the sequence of decisions that brought matters to that point. The review will consider governance, accountability, animal welfare and the wider public interest. That breadth is essential because a narrow examination of the final two days of the operation could never complete or provide a full picture of what occurred. It is right that the process is evidence-led. The testimony of those who were present, alongside the accounts of those responsible for key decisions, will be central to establishing the facts. Anyone with relevant, first-hand information has the opportunity to contribute, and I know that Dr Blake was very keen to engage directly with anybody who had seen the incident first-hand. When the review is complete, the public will expect a clear explanation of what happened, the basis for the decisions that were taken, where accountability rests and, most importantly, what action will be taken and not simply a record of events but a pathway of actions. Where shortcomings are identified, the Minister must set out what steps will be taken, who will deliver them and how the progress will be measured. I understand the strength of feeling behind the motion. The Minister now faces a significant task in restoring public confidence. The people of Fivemiletown and the surrounding community deserve clarity, accountability and transparency.

585 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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