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.
Minister, I also record my solidarity with you following some of the disgraceful commentary on social media. Will you consider undertaking a cost-benefit analysis to determine the return that rural economies get off the back of financial investment in agricultural shows?
Thank you very much for your question, Gary, and thank you for your kind comments. DAERA generally has a presence at those shows, and I think that that presence is warmly welcomed. They are a good opportunity for engagement with the agriculture community, and we will continue that engagement alongside the support that…
Minister, I thank you for that extensive response and join others in condemning those who have attacked you personally or your officials. It is unacceptable and needs to be called out. Agricultural shows are welcome opportunities to showcase the industry. They also offer DAERA a useful opportunity to encourage people…
Provision of funding for local shows is not a statutory obligation under the Agriculture Act (Northern Ireland) 1949, and opportunities for financial support in the form of discretionary sponsorship are extremely limited. One such potential opportunity for funding exists under the Northern Ireland regional food…
Thank you very much, Connie. Your comments are very much appreciated. The scheme will align with those in England, Scotland and the South of Ireland. Wales has decided to do its own thing, and I have meeting with Welsh officials on the matter afterwards. It is good that there will be North/South alignment, and,…
Minister, I would also like to add that the abuse that you, your officials and others in the sector have received is totally unacceptable. How will the deposit return scheme align with those in the rest of the UK and Ireland?
Thank you very much, Mark, and thank you for your kind comments. It is important for you to say that, and I appreciate it. The deposit return scheme will be positive. There is a value in the products that are being returned, so that will help people to understand the scheme's financial viability going forward. There…
I thank the Minister for his answer. I also offer my solidarity and support to him and his officials in the face of the abhorrent abuse that he has been on the receiving end of. Is the Minister aware of what budget will be required to roll out the deposit return scheme? What lessons can be learned from the scheme in…
I am pleased to report that, alongside the EFRA Secretary of State, I approved the appointment of the UK Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) on 6 May as the operator of the deposit return scheme (DRS) in England and Northern Ireland. Subject to parliamentary approval, it has also been designated as the DRS scheme…
The carrier bag levy income is used to fund environmental projects, and each project is assessed against the environmental benefits that it can deliver. While all the projects and their benefits are too numerous to list today, I would like to highlight just a few examples. The levy funds the reuse and repair…
It has made a contribution. In the greater scheme of what we can do on household recycling, it is not that significant, but it has an important role to play not just in recycling but in reducing waste going into, for example, our marine environment, which is something that we want to deal with. There is a wider sphere…
I welcome the success of the carrier bag levy, which, since its introduction in 2013, has already removed approximately 2·4 billion bags from circulation across Northern Ireland. Our carrier bag levy is the most extensive of its kind across the UK and extends to bags of all materials, not just plastic bags. The…
Thank you, Matthew, for your kind comments. Some of the social media commentary from well-known personalities and the comments below that commentary — they are platforming it — do not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland. The reception that I have had from all arts and parts in Northern Ireland has been…
Minister, I add my voice to those who stand in opposition to any inappropriate, homophobic remarks. That is utterly disgusting. You have the Opposition's support in calling that out. You are doing your job as a Minister, and you can be challenged on substance but not on anything else. Minister, it is clear that Lough…
Thank you very much, Robbie. It was really good to meet you and the Deputy Chair beforehand, and I thank you for your ongoing productive relationship with me and the Department. We have a challenge here. We have a crisis in water quality. It is not just Lough Neagh: Lough Erne and many other waterbodies across…
I associate myself with the comments that have been made across the House. Holding any Minister's feet to the fire should never descend into personal attack, particularly around sexual orientation, so the Minister has my full solidarity on that matter. Minister, I will hold your feet to the fire, however. There is a…
Thank you, Trevor, for your kind remarks. In the discourse around this and many other issues, it is much better to play the ball and not the player. There is a consultation on the issue. There are many good people across the Chamber for whom I have a lot of respect, and we can debate these things. Let us find a way…
I join the previous Member in saying that no one should personalise those things against anyone. I am sorry to hear your comments around that, Minister. That should not be the case for anyone. I do not support that commentary. In your response today, you referred to water quality and to your scientists. What do you…
Thank you for your kind comments. They are appreciated. A regulatory impact assessment has already been undertaken, and we will undertake an economic impact assessment. Let us be very clear: my agenda is not about herd reduction; it is about financial and environmental sustainability. The outcome from the meeting this…
I express my heartfelt disappointment in hearing about the social media comments that the Minister has endured. It is absolutely disgraceful and should never be the case. With regard to the recently released NAP consultation introduced to protect our waterways, there is obviously huge concern from farmers. In the…
Thank you, Michelle. There is a requirement arising from the Lough Neagh action plan and the environmental improvement plan. There is also a requirement in law to review the nutrients action programme. We are undertaking a consultation on draft proposals. No final decisions have been taken. As I have always stated, it…