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.
My colleague Peter Martin has outlined our position on the motion and the amendment. I do not think that anyone in the Chamber would disagree with the lion's share of the motion. There is not a great degree of difference across the Chamber. To paraphrase, the key point is the fundamental importance of education in…
I thank the Member opposite for taking a question. I agree with a lot of what the Member has said, but will he agree that, given the fact that career pathways are mentioned in the motion, having the conversation without direct input from the Department for the Economy devalues the argument and that the Department for…
I welcome the support for the motion from the Members who have spoken so far. The motion is about a pupil-first approach. It is about strong opportunities for collaboration and sharing resources better. The motion is about how we can work together. There has been a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) focus and an Economy…
I support the motion, which, rightly, underscores the crucial role that education plays in shaping the future of our young people, and, by extension, our society and our economy. Education is about more than just academic achievement. It is about equipping our children and young people with the skills, confidence and…
In a world that is changing faster than ever, we owe it the next generation to provide them with the tools, opportunities and pathways that they need to succeed. Education and learning are the bedrock of progress. We must ensure that every young person in Northern Ireland has access to the opportunities that they…
I beg to move amendment No 2: I thank the Members who tabled the motion. We have tabled an amendment that broadens the motion's scope and acknowledges that this is another issue that requires Departments to work closely together. This should be an energising debate that focuses on giving young people the best…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would like you to view the audiovisual recording of the end of the debate on the motion brought by the Assembly Commission in light of Standing Order 27(1)(b), which states: "the Speaker shall direct that the lobbies be cleared and the division bells sounded if– (b) the Speaker’s…
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…
What is the plan and the timeline for that? I appreciate that it is a big task, but a lot of parks are shut, and obviously we have lost a lot of trees. I appreciate that they do not grow overnight, but what is the plan to get them replanted and get the parks open?
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…
I thank the Minister for his answer. In his earlier answer, I think that he was referring, on the issue of resources, to the £23 million household waste recycling collaborative change programme. I looked that up on the internet: it was launched in 2019 with a three-year timescale. Is that still active? If capital…
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 Minister for his response and invitation; indeed, I will take him up on that. The crux of it is, Minister, that I want you to commit to carrying out a survey to determine the current stock levels of trout in Lough Neagh to establish how long current levels will last and to avoid the trout stocks reaching a…
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 Minister for his answer. Whilst I accept that many people may not like the idea of deer stalking, it is a necessary evil to protect forestation in some areas. As it stands, we have signage up for a period, as opposed to putting signs up on the day that deer stalking takes place, which your officials will…
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…