Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
The research vessel Jocelyn Bell Burnell will give AFBI a step change in how it observes and protects the marine environment. It will be able to gather high-quality data and samples across the marine environment whilst reducing disturbance to marine life and lowering emissions. It will strengthen AFBI and DAERA's…
Northern Ireland Water initiated work with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in May 2024. Samples were collected from over 20 stations covering the marine environment and the catchment. There were approximately 15 sampling points along the Cotton river. Northern Ireland Water agents also found a number of…
Minister, I share your concern about the unacceptable levels of pollution in Belfast lough. Will you provide an update on the investigation into the sources of pollution in Ballyholme bay?
I thank the Minister for his responses so far. We are aware of the reports that thousands of tons of raw sewage has been pumped into Belfast lough. Does the Minister agree that that is totally unacceptable and that something needs to be done as soon as possible?
We have progressed or are progressing three Bills. The Agriculture Bill is now in law as the Agriculture Act, and the Dilapidation Bill is progressing. The fisheries and water environment Bill will strengthen regulation and enforcement around water pollution. It is out for consultation, so, if you have any views,…
Minister, I share your concern about a lack of clarity on investment in NI waste water, which is why I hope that you and your party will support our Opposition motion tomorrow on the need for an investment strategy to deal with these things. Another document that was published very quietly on Friday a week ago was the…
As a Minister, and also as a representative for North Down, I am very worried about the state of Belfast lough and where we are heading. That is why I am losing patience over the need to take difficult decisions on investment and waste water infrastructure. We cannot dodge tough decisions in this place. I am prepared…
Last November, I brought to your attention in the Chamber, Minister, a whistle-blower who had reported to me that Belfast lough had the potential to become the new Lough Neagh within the next 10 years. Part of your reply to me that day was this: "I feel that, sadly, we are on course for seeing Belfast lough become our…
I recognise the critical importance of safeguarding water quality in Belfast lough and affirm my strong commitment to implementing comprehensive measures to improve water quality in Northern Ireland's water bodies. My Department's corporate plan 2025-27 contains a specific pledge to deliver an improvement in water…
Yes. We need to show people in Northern Ireland that this can be a place for good. Far too often, and even from the start of today's business, there has been negativity. We can scrutinise and examine, but we also need to show people a bit of hope. This legislation will allow councils to have the powers to intervene,…
First, thank you, Minister, for joining me to visit the Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle during the summer to see just how much impact dilapidated buildings can actually have, particularly on small rural towns. Secondly, I agree with your positive outlook on life, so do you agree that the Dilapidation Bill will make a…
We will take into account the feedback that has been received, particularly by the Committee as a result of its call for evidence. I have been looking at some that has come back. Councils have it coming onto their agendas, so I look at their reports. I have also looked at the RaISe report that the Committee…
Thank you, Declan. My officials have liaised with councils throughout the policy consultation process. Since the restoration of the Assembly, several councils have contacted my Department asking for updates on the Bill. My officials have also contacted the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) on the…
Minister, given the hugely central role of councils in the Bill, can you give a firm guarantee that your Department will consult councils, NILGA and other stakeholders during the legislative process?
Thank you, Justin, for your question. I take a more positive approach to life when it comes to this. The legislation will give councils the power to act, and it will be up to them to decide. There are many examples of where the power will allow councils to take action and say to the owner of the building, "You fix it,…
Minister, you seemed to outline a take it or leave it approach there. The Bill's explanatory and financial memorandum says: "It is not anticipated that the Bill will have any financial effects on the Department." Does the fact that no funding is attached to the Bill not mean that councils will be reluctant to spend…
Whilst the Bill does not specifically contain such guarantees, the provision of robust and effective measures to ensure that the appropriate person or organisation pays for the necessary remedial actions is key to minimising cost to the public purse. Councils will not be expected to take remedial action in every case.…
We will continue to work through that. The announcement was significant and something that I was keen to achieve. We now have to work together, North and South and with stakeholders, on where that will be. It is likely to be in a border area because it is a Shared Island initiative. It is a good example of where we…
Following Friday's announcement on the cross-border initiative, will the Minister be more explicit about the target zone for the pilots? Will there be a regional assessment, or will it be in the border regions?
I have been consistent, unlike many others in the Chamber, in respecting science and evidence. We will follow a process; we will do this right. We will consult on the wildlife interventions, and we will take decisions on the way forward. We have to learn lessons from how we did it previously, and we have to respect…
Minister, it is past the time for honeyed words and more talking shops about an issue that affects people's livelihoods. If the science points to a badger cull, will you introduce the necessary legislation to put it in place during your time as Minister?