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.
I thank the Member for giving way, and I will clarify some of his points. We made the motion intentionally narrow because we feel that there are several stages to the broader careers conversation. The intention of this is to change the funding model so that, with the specific element that currently lies with schools,…
I fully welcome the debate. I thank the proposers of the motion for tabling it. As you will note, our amendment accepts over half the original motion. My colleagues will pick up on that point in their speeches. The original motion misses a key aspect that is important when we look at those areas, and that is the role…
I beg to move Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. In order for our young people to thrive, we must ensure that they are in an environment that harnesses their full potential. Young people should be free to choose the path that they feel best fits their interests and abilities. Our education system should not…
Before I make my winding-up speech, I wish to make a few comments as Sinn Féin's agriculture spokesperson. Sinn Féin supports the motion to annul SR 2024/211, the Direct Payments to Farmers (Cross-Compliance) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2024. As MLAs, it is our duty to ensure that the policies that we put in place…
Thank you, Minister. For the purposes of accuracy in the debate, it is, in fact, in the Committee minutes that the key issues that were highlighted at the Committee were — yes, environmental issues — environmental standards, food standards and animal welfare. Those were the three principal issues that were…
I thank the Minister for giving way. I think that most Committee members are here. Was the Minister made aware — I am sure that he was — of the Committee's form of words, which was to look at a tiered, segregated response that would take out all the pertinent points that relate to climate and the environment? I will…
Does the Minister accept that a 15% penalty can equate to many thousands, or tens of thousands, of pounds for a farmer? Never mind his regime; what he wants to do is bring us back to draconian measures from the European Union. That is the situation, and many, even in his Department, accept that privately.
Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to the debate on the prayer of annulment. In responding, I will set out the context to explain why my Department has laid the Direct Payments to Farmers (Cross-Compliance) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024.…
I thank the Member for giving way. I do not believe that it is that simple. From listening to the debate and, indeed, the evidence, it seems that, in recent times, over 600 cases of cross-compliance were brought and only three were for pollution. It did not stack up that non-compliance was effectively addressing…
Just on the point that the Member raised, to clarify and answer his question, there was no communication from any big industry, such as Moy Park. In fact, there was very little lobbying from stakeholders except farmers, who will be impacted on by the SR. Let me put this on the record: the Member for Upper Bann is…
Quite often, with regard to climate issues or the environment, I am critical of the Minister and the Executive for not acting swiftly enough or for having the strategy of trying to merge the interests of agri-food businesses with those of environmentalists. Quite often, with that strategy, the latter and the…
In an uncharacteristic gesture, I give some credit to the DUP for consistency, because the DUP has been honest about its environmental credentials. It opposed the Climate Change Act, and it consistently stands up against environmental and climate action. However, what we have heard from other parties in the Chamber…
Sorry, but I sat for numerous hours in the Chamber debating the Climate Change Bill, and I voted for it. On the point that the Member raised about my colleagues on Belfast City Council, that is not incompatible with what was proposed at the Committee, where it was proposed that people who are potentially in serious…
I am grateful to the Member for taking my intervention. I hope that he can clarify the situation. We have shared space at Lough Neagh rallies. I am puzzled that his colleagues on Belfast City Council, just down the road, called on: "the DAERA Minister to reinstate the previous more stringent penalties to more…
I thank the Member for giving way. He mentioned Scotland. Does the Member not recognise that Northern Ireland is an outlier on the issue that we are debating? The changes, which were made in the absence of a sitting Assembly, do not apply in Scotland, nor do they apply in Wales or in any EU member state. Is it not…
So had you. Well, that is grand. You can start away. Cross-compliance has ultimately proven ineffective in addressing pollution problems. Three cases of breaches have been brought forward. Each year, as little as 1% of farms are inspected, with the majority of breaches associated with improper record-keeping. Even…