8,847 of 97,616 records that can be analysed have been assessed so far (9.1%); 87,449 are waiting for analysis and 1,320 failed and will be retried. Totals and rankings will change as the remaining records are processed, so they do not yet represent the full mandate. How much has been processed
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Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Non-qualifying, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
Thank you, Minister, for your response. During the evidence-gathering session with witnesses at the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on the Areas with Natural Constraints (Payments) Bill, which I sponsor, many witnesses have said that small farmers, particularly in areas of natural constraint…
My Department’s sustainable agriculture programme (SAP) is delivering approximately £330 million annually in farm support and is being developed in conjunction with the agricultural policy stakeholder group, which includes farming representatives, industry and environmental groups. A key priority is ensuring that all…
I recognise the need for investment in ports, despite inflationary pressures significantly increasing the cost of proposals in the 2021 fishing and seafood development programme. I have met industry representatives to discuss how the fishing and seafood development programme can be progressed to best address their…
Minister, you referenced the fishing and seafood development programme, and I understand that, next month, you are to make an announcement on that. Will that announcement include a budget? Whilst you do not necessarily need to tell us exactly how much, because the sector is so desperate for it, hopefully, it will at…
I recognise that concerns extend beyond the quota availability to include access to fishing grounds, displacement and operating costs. I remain committed to working with the industry to balance environmental objectives with the long-term viability of our fishing communities. Fisheries management is devolved under the…
The Minister will be aware that my constituency of East Antrim has a world-famous coastline, and many of the coastal areas there are protected under various regulatory schemes. How will better management of marine protected areas benefit the environment and the fishing industry?
As I set out in my response, I met industry representatives in Kilkeel in July and committed to working with them to co-design options to secure the sector's long-term future. It is about setting out a long-term vision and strategy. I get the concerns about the pressures in the fishing industry, and they are raised…
It is disappointing that the Minister has not given a commitment to having a bespoke Northern Ireland strategy for fishing. The Northern Ireland fishing fleet needs support, full stop, be that help with crews, help with fuel costs or limiting rather than gold-plating regulation. Anything that can be done should be…
The joint fisheries statement, which was published in 2022, provides the overarching framework for fisheries management across the UK. Its ambition is to deliver world-class, sustainable fisheries management while supporting a profitable fishing industry and a healthy marine environment. I recognise the significant…
I am aware of the concerns, and I share some of them. I spoke with officials yesterday and am seeking to get an understanding of the issues associated with the scheme. I will write to the Member. It is important that we support rural communities not only through that grant scheme but through a just transition on…
Minister, I will refer to a climate of equal importance: the financial climate that affects businesses. I have been contacted by concerned applicants to the rural business development grant scheme about the disappointing news that almost £400,000 of funding that your Department promised to rural businesses in the…
The just transition principle is something that I hold dearly. It runs through the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, and it is important that we implement the principle. The Just Transition Commission is being established. It has been set up in law, and the public appointments process is under way. We are in…
On the back of our meeting, yesterday, with the UK CCC, it was agreed that we need to take a balanced approach to climate action being delivered. We have made it known and promoted the fact that climate action must be progressed through a just transition. I would therefore like to know the time frame for the…
Thank you, Andy. Tackling climate change is not simply a must-do but a major opportunity for Northern Ireland. It can create significant opportunities for our communities; new green jobs and skills; greater energy security; warmer, healthier homes; businesses; nature restoration; and more resilient farms. That is…
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your book recommendations earlier, at the Book Week event, especially 'The Poo That Grew'. Minister, will you outline the opportunities that exist for Northern Ireland from tackling climate change?
My Department is driving a broad programme of climate action through cutting emissions, building resilience and delivering a fair transition for all people, businesses and rural communities. That work includes delivering the Northern Ireland climate change adaptation programme, establishing the just transition…
Scrabo Country Park, like all our country parks and nature reserves, is an important local asset with significant tourism, recreational and community value. The park is managed under an operational management plan that sets out planned improvement projects and routine maintenance, which is subject to available…
I suspected that the Member might raise that, so I have an answer. I thank my officials for pre-empting that. The pond is managed primarily for its biodiversity value. Given its location upstream of the River Roe and its tributaries and its special area of conservation and area of special scientific interest status,…
I thank the Minister for that response. I very much welcome the proposed improvements to the park. Minister, I am in that park often. One of the most common questions that I get from users of the country park is whether the duck pond will be reinstated. I pose that question to you today in order for me to be able to…
My Department is fully committed to the long-term future, sustainability and enhancement of Roe Valley Country Park, which is one of Northern Ireland's most important natural and recreational assets. Alongside an ongoing programme of routine maintenance, inspections and site-management activities, the operational…
Following substantial engagement through the NAP stakeholder task and finish group, a revised set of proposals has been consulted on. The consultation closed on 7 September. No final decision has been taken on the proposals. I intend to meet the stakeholder task and finish group shortly to agree the way forward. I…
Minister, with the nutrients action programme (NAP) consultation now closed, will you outline whether you require Executive approval before the recommendations can be implemented?
I meet farmers regularly. I had a constructive meeting with the Ulster Farmers' Union last week and spoke to its president yesterday. I will continue to engage with people. Perhaps we need to distinguish between perception and reality: many farmers have approached me to state that they support the respectful way in…
Minister, thank you for being here to take questions. Do you accept that relations between you and farmers are not where you would wish them to be? What steps will you take to improve working relationships with farmers?