Northern Ireland Assembly, 30 June 2025

477 contributions from 69 members. The official report.

Executive Committee Business

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I inform Members that the Child Support Enforcement Bill received Royal Assent on 23 June. It will be known as the Child Support Enforcement Act (Northern Ireland) 2025, and it is chapter 3.

Assembly Business

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Last week, during Tuesday's plenary sitting, we debated Finance motions on levies and fees. It was previously the convention that, if Members indicated, by continually saying, "No", that they wanted to divide the House, a Division would be called. It seems to happen more and more frequently that a motion is agreed by acclamation. You were not in the Chair on that occasion, Mr Speaker; it was the Principal Deputy Speaker. The same thing happens with Deputy Speakers: on occasion, the motions are agreed by voice. I ask you to refer to Standing Orders, which state that, where a Division is continually called for, a Division should be called, and Tellers should be provided. I ask you to review the matter in Hansard.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

There is no issue. If Members continually call for a Division, we will facilitate that by dividing the House. I will say that Members need to ensure that they continually call. If they really want there to be a vote, they must make sure that that is absolutely evident. That will make it easier for any of the Speakers to make the decision.

Members' Statements

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

Provision of a good healthcare system is top of everyone's demands of politicians and Governments, but here, on this island, successive Irish and British Governments have not prioritised their public health services. They have failed to plan services according to need, to train and retain enough health and social care professionals or to modernise health and social care provision for the 21st century. The gap between public and private healthcare is growing in the South's two-tier health service. Despite the all-party commitment to Sláintecare, little progress has been made towards realising that vision. Waiting times have also grown unacceptably long here in the North, where the crisis is exacerbated by Westminster's financial control and the impact of partition on our ability to make decisions that maximise all-island potential.

The reality is that the population of the island of Ireland is growing. It is expected that the current population of just over seven million will reach eight million by 2050. Those are just some of the pressures that are facing the partitioned economy and healthcare systems. On an island this small, division makes no sense.

That is why, last week, Sinn Féin launched its discussion document, 'The Case for an Irish National Health and Care Service'. In our health and care discussion paper, we make a range of sensible proposals, including that the Shared Island unit develop detailed costings for integrating the healthcare systems, North and South, and that Ministers, North and South, should design, plan and integrate health on an all-island basis. We should establish a single, integrated hospital waiting-list system for the island of Ireland. Emergency services should be aligned in order to maximise recruitment, training and operational capacity, especially in the border region. We think that there is a need to establish a rural health commission in order to develop an all-island rural health strategy.

The reality is that, since the Good Friday Agreement was achieved, the health services, North and South, have been finding new ways to cooperate. However, while cross-border collaboration is fairly common, all-island planning and delivery of services is extremely rare. An all-island national health and care service will be to the advantage of all citizens on this island. In my opinion, the Executive and the Southern Government have a responsibility to examine those matters as a matter of priority.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

I do not need a court decision to know what a woman is and what is required to keep them safe. In many ways, to us, it is complete common sense. Unfortunately, however, women and girls in this country need that protection from the courts. The recent Supreme Court judgement was a common-sense ruling that reaffirmed the importance of sex-based protections. It was a victory for the rights of women and girls, providing clarity and reassurance, particularly around the provision of single-sex spaces. Therefore, it is deeply regrettable that the Equality Commission's response appears to cast doubt on the implementation of that landmark decision. Article 2 of the Windsor framework is about not diminishing rights, yet the Equality Commission does not seem able to set out in plain terms which right was in place and has now supposedly been lost. Rather than encouraging public authorities to honour the Supreme Court's decision in good faith, the Equality Commission is now, in effect, inviting public authorities, including Departments, to raise concerns with the current judgement. That is disgraceful. It risks becoming yet another excuse for obstruction and inaction from certain Departments that have so far failed to prioritise the clear need to uphold the rights and welfare of women and girls.

Those who are responsible for providing essential single-sex spaces and services should not be distracted or deterred by the Equality Commission's messaging. The Supreme Court ruling provides clear legal authority, and it is incumbent on public authorities to move decisively to implement its outcome, not to prevaricate. The Equality Commission is, for whatever reason, dodging that decision. The Supreme Court ruling states that, under the Equality Act 2010, sex is determined by biology. How can biology in Northern Ireland be different from that in GB? How can women and girls turn to the Equality Commission for help and support? How can the Equality Commission represent women and girls in discrimination cases? The Equality Commission's response puts it in a very bad space. It means that women and girls in Northern Ireland will not have the same protection as those in GB. That wrong needs to be righted as soon as possible.

Kellie Armstrong (Alliance, Strangford)

Something fantastic happened on Saturday. I had the absolute pleasure of attending the first-ever Ards Rangers Inclusion football tournament at Londonderry Park in Newtownards. My thanks go to Claire Coney and Mark Smith, who made the arrangements for the tournament. The tournament was made up of young people, boys and girls, playing football, who had autism and different disabilities. You could see the smiles and the joy on all their faces. The final match in the older age group ended in penalties, which was incredible. Of course, Ards Rangers came out on top, fortunately. Thank you to all the teams that travelled, such as Glentoran Inclusion FC, Linfield, Monkstown, Larne, Dungoyne and many others that I am sure that I have left out.

It was a wonderful occasion that showed how taking a collegial approach to football can result in a tournament that makes such a difference to young people's lives. If they were to try to compete in any other league, they would be left out. The skills that I saw on Saturday, from the tiny players right up to the older gentlemen aged 16, were incredible. The young people are a credit to each of their clubs and to their families, who stood in their hundreds to watch on Saturday. As I said, it was a wonderful event. I thank them very much. Praise goes to Ards FC Inclusion for setting it up.

Robbie Butler (UUP, Lagan Valley)

I highlight yet another absurdity that has been born from Brexit and the Windsor framework, and it is the deeply flawed Northern Ireland plant health label scheme. Introduced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and nodded through by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the scheme is actively dismantling the ability of rural businesses to trade freely in what, we are told, is still part of the United Kingdom. The rules surrounding the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are simply unworkable. They are anti-business and anti-farmer. There is no equivalent requirement for machinery moving in the other direction, so where is the logic and the fairness?

Last week, I watched Gareth Gault from Grassmen, a respected and informed voice in the agriculture sector, online. He outlined with clarity and a sense of frustration the real-world impact that the scheme is having. What he said reflects what I hear on the ground, because, on the same day, at 6.30 am, I took a call from a constituent, a second-generation machinery dealer and farmer, who was exhausted and desperate. He was begging for help. He is asking not for special treatment but to be able to trade in the way in which he has been able to for 50 years without being strangled by pointless bureaucracy.

The scheme is not about cleanliness or biosecurity. Our businesses have always complied. It is about political cowardice, cross-departmental failure and a complete disconnect from the real world. Northern Ireland's farming community is being choked by rules that no sane person would design and that, certainly, no Minister who had ever set foot in a yard or a field would defend. The people who put food on our tables are being treated as second-class citizens. It is time for DEFRA to reverse course, for DAERA to find its backbone and for this nonsense to end.

Cara Hunter (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

I speak today with a heavy heart, following the devastating murder of a woman in Donaghadee, Sarah Montgomery, who was just 27 years old and pregnant. It was an unspeakable act of violence that has robbed her children of their mother and shattered a family for ever. There is no grief more profound than that of children torn from the love, safety and care of their mother. Their lives have undoubtedly been changed for ever, and I offer my deepest condolences to the family at the centre of this horror. We must ensure that they are supported not just in the days ahead but on the long road that follows.

Let me be clear: what happened is not an isolated incident but part of a wider and worsening epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. We are failing women; we are failing children; and we are failing to meet the crisis with the significant urgency, coordination and political will that it so greatly requires. Too many women in our communities live in fear: in fear in their home, in fear on the streets and in fear in their relationships. That fear is not imagined but real and justified. Sadly, the statistics tell a grim truth and speak for themselves, but it must never be accepted as normal.

While I welcome the recent publication of the Executive's strategy to tackle and end violence against women and girls, I remain gravely concerned that, without the necessary funding, it will amount to little more than words on paper. Strategies do not save lives: action does, and investment does. As a north-west representative, I have a profound concern about the lack of investment there, particularly for groups such as Women's Aid, which does such fantastic work and yet is painfully underfunded. We know that that can cost lives. We must also confront the deeper systemic issues that enable such violence: misogyny, social inequality and the growing threat of online radicalisation, which warps attitudes and worsens harm towards women and girls. The Executive must work with the UK Government to tackle urgently the root causes of those issues and ensure that we secure the correct investment.

Sarah's life mattered. Her children's future matters. Unless we treat this epidemic with the seriousness that it demands, more women will die. They will be murdered, and, sadly, more children will grow up without their mothers. That is not a future that we can accept: not in this Assembly, not in this society and not in our name.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

I was in the courtroom last Monday to hear the ruling on the A5 upgrade. The sense of disappointment was palpable. My first thoughts, and those of everyone else who was there, were with the families who have lost loved ones along that notorious road. Every single day that the upgrade to that road is delayed brings the risk of more accidents, carnage and death. I use the road every day, including this morning. I also have children who drive on that road every day, and my heart does be in my mouth: you are always waiting for that call and you are always frightened.

The A5 upgrade is crucial, not just for the West Tyrone constituency but for the wider north-west, to save lives, create jobs and reduce journey times. It is not only an important route because it connects the north-west of Ireland to Dublin; it is an important internal route in the North to get those of us from Omagh and Strabane, and all the communities in between, to Belfast and the east, which is very important. The setback is very disappointing, but, as she indicated here last week, the Minister is determined to see the road being developed. The judgement is 100 pages, and she will have to go through it with her officials and the legal teams to plot a way forward.

I have spoken to many people since last Monday, including yesterday, when I was down at Croke Park for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final. I spoke to probably hundreds of people yesterday, and it is a dominant topic of conversation among them. We are all asking, "What is the next step? How can we move forward?". One of the overriding themes among those who spoke to me was that it is important that we all work together. We need to get around the table and work together to get the project back on track and get the new A5 built, because our families, communities, businesses and the people of the north-west deserve no less.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

The local community of Donaghadee has been left shocked and saddened at the death of Sarah Montgomery at the weekend. At only 27 years old, she was a pregnant mother of two young children, with her whole life ahead of her. Devastatingly, her life was cut short.

Sarah was the twenty-seventh adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. The majority of those women were killed in their own homes, which is truly shocking and devastating. A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but, sadly, that is not always the case. The fact that so many lives have been ended, totally devastated and shattered by the ongoing scourge of violence against women and girls in our society highlights the need for tougher sentencing.

I appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately. Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community. I know that the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery and that that will continue into the future. There is a real sense of shock, sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend. I assure Sarah's family and friends of our thoughts, prayers and condolences at this time of tragedy.

Connie Egan (Alliance, North Down)

I wish to pay my condolences to the family of 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery, who was found dead in her home in Donaghadee over the weekend. The police have launched a murder investigation. This is an absolutely tragic loss. My thoughts, first and foremost, are with Sarah's loved ones, her family and, of course, her two little children, who now have to grow up without their mummy. Sarah was also pregnant at the time that she was killed. Her death is a horrendous and tragic loss, and I know that the people of Donaghadee are shocked by it. Tributes that have been left outside her home describe Sarah as beautiful, kind and a wonderful mother.

I spoke to the police about the incident over the weekend. It is extremely important that they are given the time and space to investigate it fully. I urge anybody with information to come forward, contact the PSNI or reach out anonymously to Crimestoppers. Sarah was the twenty-seventh woman to have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. Our rates of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland are shockingly high, and that is completely unacceptable. It needs to be a priority for our Executive and the whole House. We all have a role to play in preventing violence and abuse towards women in our society. I know that people in the local community are shocked by this incident, and we are all thinking of Sarah's loved ones at this time.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The British Government's decision to cut billions of pounds' worth of support for people who are sick or disabled is grotesque and is a direct attack on the most vulnerable in our society. The Communities Committee here in the North and the relevant Committees in Wales and Scotland have written jointly to the British Government to highlight our shared concerns. The British Government must halt those callous plans. In recent days, it has been reported that the Labour Government have done a U-turn on those plans. That is absolutely untrue: all that they have done is extend the implementation period, creating new inequalities and bringing the same austerity measures into play that they had planned all along. That is an absolute disgrace, and no one, but no one, should fall for it. People from 18 to 22 years of age will still be removed arbitrarily from any support whatsoever based on their age. I call on people not to fall for any such deceit.

It is not lost on anyone that it is straight out of the Tory playbook. The Tories used that device, whereby although they appeared to row back on implementation, the measures still caught up with the people who needed the support. If money can be found for weapons of war and mass destruction, surely it can, and must, be found to help people into employment and to protect those who cannot work. Sinn Féin will continue to oppose the cuts and to call for proper investment in welfare support and public services.

Jonathan Buckley (DUP, Upper Bann)

Two and a half years ago, the then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, agreed the Windsor framework. He said that it would enable Northern Ireland to become:

"the world's most exciting economic zone".

It was sold as unlocking opportunities and being a necessity for business, yet the result has been quite the opposite: disruption, diversion, destruction and, indeed, deception.

The Federation of Small Businesses carried out a landmark survey on businesses' attitudes to the Windsor framework. It tells the House what many people who did not have the EU blinkers on said at the time. Some 58% of businesses that were surveyed stated that they were having moderate to significant challenges as a result of its implementation. Over a third have already ceased trade rather than deal with the new bureaucracy and associated compliance documents.

Significant disruption and diversion are happening day and daily. It is not an orange and green issue, but one that affects every consumer across Northern Ireland who sees their costs spiralling as their supply chains are shredded as a result of the bureaucracy that has been imposed upon this place by a foreign entity. Divergence is clear, yet the Government's desire to hide behind the blanket and pretend that it will go away only heightens the problems that are faced. It is time that the UK Government took the matter in hand. It is even accounted for in the very protocol to which they signed up. Where divergence is found, there are mechanisms in that agreement that can help to address that.

The added insult to injury was heightened in the past week with the introduction of foreign certificates to bring second-hand machinery, including tractors, from GB back into Northern Ireland. Gareth Gault of Grassmen, a long-time advocate for Northern Ireland farming and the rural way of life, has pointed out how ludicrous it was that the return of tractors from the Highland Show in Scotland, which he had brought to Scotland without any certificate, was blocked because of the bureaucratic nature of the provisions put in place by the EU. It defies all logic; there is no sense to it. I call on the UK Government to grow a backbone, deal with the issue and defend Northern Irish business interests.

Sinéad Ennis (Sinn Féin, South Down)

Unfortunately, I rise to raise the ongoing issue of the foul stench that has engulfed Warrenpoint town for the past three years. Warrenpoint and the community that lives there face into their third summer living with the unbearable stench that is coming from the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) formed from household black bin waste that is being stored in tens of thousands of tons at Warrenpoint port in close proximity to people's homes.

We — the community and the businesses around Carlingford lough — rely on the summer season for our economic prosperity. Just this weekend, we started our series of summer festivals with the Wake the Giant Festival, and we will have the Ulster Fleadh and the Loughside Festival. The shadow and fear of the smell, which returned and engulfed the town all weekend, will permeate the summer and ruin the festival season for the town, tourists and businesses. That is a real fear for the community.

I have tried my best to resolve the issue. We have sat down with Re-Gen; the AERA Minister, who is responsible; the NIEA; and Warrenpoint port. All those agencies have abdicated their duty to stand up and protect the residents of Warrenpoint, who are forced to live with and endure a constant, sickening stench and odour that invades their lives and homes. It invades every aspect of their life. I call on the Environment Minister to, please, do something now. He has responsibility, so I ask him to work with the NIEA. We know that there have been breaches in the past, but there have been no repercussions for those breaches of the waste licence. I call on the Minister responsible to stand up for the community of Warrenpoint. The waste should never have been there in the first place, and it is long past the time that it should have been removed.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Before I start, I declare an interest by saying that my husband's family are landowners along the route of the A5.

Today is one week since the A5 court ruling. That means that it has been one week with no plan on the way forward from the Infrastructure Minister and no public apology from Alliance, the SDLP and Sinn Féin on why they voted for net zero targets that sound a death knell for the projects that we all want. It is down to those parties to answer why they did not heed the warnings of the DUP in 2022 but called for stricter targets. It is also incumbent on the Infrastructure, AERA, Economy and Finance Ministers to come to the Chamber and outline how they plan to rectify the situation, given the cross-departmental ramifications of the judgement.

There is still major uncertainty. I ask the Infrastructure Department these questions: who is responsible for giving the go-ahead for works to continue at risk during the High Court challenge? How will land be reinstated? What will the Department pay to affected landowners? Given the safety concerns and the chilling words of the judge that more lives would be lost on the A5 in the intervening period, how will the Minister make sure that safety measures are in place to stop that? To date, there has been no plan.

There are also questions for the AERA Minister. My colleague, Community Minister Gordon Lyons, has written to Minister Muir, calling on him to deal with climate change legislation urgently. Minister Muir must act with urgency. He must also, with urgency, support landowners. Their land has been ripped up and, in some cases, will be unable to be farmed. To date, there has been silence from DAERA on that, despite the fact that that Department is referenced heavily in the judgement for not providing information. I ask the Finance Minister this: what funding will be available from the public purse for compensation and the reinstatement of land? Lastly, the Economy Minister must show why she co-signed the amendment in 2022 that brought forward the stricter net zero targets.

The A5 is a key economic driver for the west. Companies are already talking about their disappointment that a key route for freight is not seeing infrastructural improvement. There is also a massive human cost: the loss of jobs and the potential skill drain as a result of last Monday's decision. Many people were in touch with me at the weekend to say that they or their family members have lost jobs as a result of the decision.

The parties in the Chamber must face up to the realities of their decision-making. I call on Ministers to come to the Chamber and put forward their next steps, and I ask parties to reflect on the decisions that they took in the Chamber.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Last week at The Hague, NATO made a historic commitment to increase defence spending to 5%. It did so in recognition of the rapidly deteriorating international environment, with no let-up in Russia's ongoing hybrid war, with near-continuous missile, drone and bombing attacks on Ukraine, and its campaign of sabotage, cyberwarfare and misinformation aimed at the West. Luckily for us, the action by Israel and the USA during the Twelve Day War has emasculated the threat from Iran to a large degree, but we live in a dangerous and uncertain world.

Last week, our national security strategy was updated. It was led by John Bew, who has considerable knowledge of the state and non-state challenges that we face. He clearly stated that the threats, including those from Russia, mean that we now need national preparedness and that that need has never been greater. We are at our 1939 point. For our part of the United Kingdom, we will have an important part to play in aviation, space, cyber, shipbuilding and repair. We can expect several billions of new investment that will bring more jobs, rebuild industrial capacity and create new industries and opportunities. We will also have to contribute to improving food and energy security. The role of our people, as they serve in our armed forces and our reserves, will also need to be significantly enhanced.

The increased preparedness across almost 97% of Europe is to be welcomed. However, as was pointed out by Ms Kaja Kallas, the EU's vice-president for foreign affairs and security policy, the move towards collective security is in marked contrast to the approach of one country: Ireland. She clearly said that it had built up its prosperity while everybody else carried the defence burden. The facts speak for themselves: we are heading to 5% of GDP spend on defence by Europe while Ireland is at 0·23%. The wide-open and undefended borders to our west and south are rightly a concern not just for us but for the rest of the European Union. I cannot see how adherence to a triple-lock neutrality shows our neighbour as being a good European or even a good neighbour. Virtue signalling while others carry the burden wins no friends or influence.

Assembly Business

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Michelle McIlveen has sought leave to present a petition in accordance with Standing Order 22. The Member will have up to three minutes in which to speak.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

I present the petition as a DUP MLA for the rural constituency of Strangford. The 5,000-plus signatories from across Northern Ireland call on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to immediately withdraw the current public consultation on the nutrients action programme (NAP) 2026-2029.

The measures currently proposed could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security. We call on him to bring forward a policy based on genuine partnership, rather than punitive policies that risk the viability of our agriculture industry. Stricter phosphorus limits, mandatory low-emission slurry-spreading equipment (LESSE) and compulsory buffer zones are unworkable and unaffordable. They are proposals that are based on evidence that is scientifically flawed and will lead to a reduction in livestock numbers and a forced contraction of our agri-food sector. They will impact on food security and increase the cost of living, the consequences of which will be felt across sectors, communities and our economy.

This is not about rejecting environmental responsibility; it is about demanding a fair, workable and evidence-based approach.

Farmers are the custodians of our countryside. They care deeply about the land that they work and the watercourses that run through it. To target farmers is unjust. The current proposals are unbalanced and would be impractical and economically damaging. On 10 June 2025, the Assembly debated and passed a motion calling on Minister Muir to withdraw the current public consultation. He has chosen to ignore the Chamber and the rural community. Rather than listen, he has added insult to injury by launching a further consultation on his draft climate action plan, which will not only place a financial burden on the public purse and industry, but, like NAP, lead to a reduction in herd numbers and cripple agriculture in Northern Ireland. If we have learned anything from last week's debacle, apart from the fact that not all legislation is good legislation, it is that policymaking should not be rushed and must be based on robust scientific advice and be economically viable and environmentally credible.

Once again, I stand with our farmers — the keystone of our local economy — and the thousands of rural families who put food on our tables. Again, along with the 5,000-plus signatories, I call on the Minister to listen and act: to withdraw the consultation and find another way, one that is smarter, fairer and evidence-driven and that protects both our land and those who steward it.

Miss McIlveen moved forward and laid the petition on the Table.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Thank you. I will forward the petition to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and send a copy to the Committee.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

I beg to move

That Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4) be suspended for 30 June 2025.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Before we proceed to the Question, I remind Members that the motion requires cross-community support.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved (with cross-community support):

That Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4) be suspended for 30 June 2025.

Ministerial Statements

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I have received notice from the First Minister and the deputy First Minister that they wish to make a statement. Before I call the deputy First Minister, I remind Members to be concise in asking their questions.

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The forty-third summit of the British-Irish Council (BIC) took place on 13 June 2025 and was hosted by the Northern Ireland Executive. The First Minister and I co-chaired the summit plenary meeting, and we were accompanied by Ministers Givan, O'Dowd and Nesbitt and junior Ministers Reilly and Cameron. The Ministers have agreed that I make the statement on their behalf.

The UK Government delegation was led by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP; the Irish Government delegation by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD; the Scottish Government delegation by the First Minister, the Rt Hon John Swinney MSP; and the Welsh Government delegation by the First Minister, the Rt Hon Eluned Morgan MS. The Government of Guernsey were represented by the Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Trott; the Government of Jersey by the Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham; and the Isle of Man Government by the Chief Minister, Deputy Alfred Cannan MHK. A full list of the principal plenary attendees is attached to the statement, which has been provided to Members.

The theme of the summit was the role of AI in reform and transformation. The plenary meeting commenced with a discussion about the importance of digital transformation and the strategic deployment of AI technologies, which offer unprecedented opportunities to modernise government, enhance service delivery and improve operational efficiency to build more agile public services. The council discussed the approaches that member Administrations are taking to harness AI technologies for public-sector reform and transformation across these islands. We took time to share knowledge and best practice, while identifying common challenges and how to make the most of shared opportunities.

Administrations agreed on the need for a shared commitment to collaboration across these islands and stressed the significance of working closely with external partners, including academic institutions, SMEs and global investors. Such partnership working is key to fuelling innovation and growth and unlocking the opportunities that are offered by AI. The Executive Office's recently launched AI and digital office will boost and foster such partnerships and help us to consider how to integrate and promote public- and private-sector expertise so that we can realise the full potential of AI in transforming public services.

Time was taken at the plenary meeting to consider the challenges associated with AI and the need to shape a future in which it serves the public effectively and, importantly, ethically. The adoption of AI technologies will require there to be appropriate governance measures that provide assurances to citizens and stakeholders on data-sharing and security. It is vital that we upskill our people in order to maximise the opportunities that are provided and, importantly, to bring them with us on the AI journey. AI should empower rather than replace and enhance rather than diminish the capabilities of all those in the workplace. All Administrations agree that AI must be handled correctly if it is to make public service more responsive, productive and aligned to people's real needs.

Council members briefed colleagues on significant developments in their Administrations and reflected on a number of domestic and international topics of mutual interest. We took the opportunity to update attendees on the Executive's progress since the Council last met, which was in December of last year. We were pleased to advise members of our Programme for Government's being agreed, and we highlighted the biggest challenges that we face, including tackling hospital waiting times; childcare; affordable housing; growing the economy; and the transformation of public services. We expressed concern about the ongoing challenging fiscal situation, in spite of the spending review, and spoke of our ongoing commitment to seeking a fair and sustainable level of funding that reflects our relative need. In addition to that, we highlighted the impact that changes to welfare reform, inheritance tax and employers' National Insurance contributions have on our economy. We stated that we would continue to make our case to the UK Government for the reversal of decisions relating to those.

The Council discussed international topics of mutual interest and recognised the fact that coming together in the spirit of partnership and cooperation at occasions such as the BIC summit is all the more important in the context of global developments.

Finally, the Council noted that the next BIC summit will be hosted by the Welsh Government in late 2025.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

Deputy First Minister, I wish that I could ask you a detailed question about what happened at the British-Irish Council summit, but I am afraid that there was no detail in your statement. It was full of platitudes and waffle. Having looked at today's Order Paper, I ask this: is it the Executive Office's position that the East-West Council, a body that was not agreed to by all parties, let alone by the two Governments, and is not embodied in statute or underpinned by an international treaty, has some kind of spurious equality with the British-Irish Council and the North/South Ministerial Council, which are both products of the Good Friday Agreement and therefore enshrined in statute?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The leader of the Opposition is embracing the last week of the Assembly term with his usual optimism and positivity. There was detail in the statement. There was a very extensive discussion about AI at the summit. There was clear consensus between all the Administrations that technological advances in AI are happening all around us and that AI, therefore, ought not to be ignored by Governments. It is important not only that we harness the potential of and opportunities presented by AI but that, as Governments, we are aware of the challenges associated with AI, particularly in relation to ethics and data. It was a really useful conversation. All the jurisdictions, nations and regions are having those conversations, and it makes a lot of sense for us to collaborate in this area, not only on the frameworks for an ethical approach but on how best to push forward with the use of AI technologies and the upskilling of people to make sure that we streamline and transform our public services.

On the East-West Council, we are very clear on the framework for that. It is our responsibility to update the House on significant engagements, meetings and developments. That is why we will update the House on that key meeting in due course.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

Thank you, deputy First Minister, for your statement. I want to pick up on the role of AI in reform and transformation. We have a pressing need for health transformation. What discussions took place on research and development in the field of diagnostics?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her question. We looked at that matter in the broader sense, but there were a number of specific examples, and a number of the First Ministers and other contributors took the opportunity to highlight some of the engagement that they have had with AI, including in health. There is no doubt that there is opportunity in diagnostics. With the advances that are happening not just month by month but almost week by week, it makes absolute sense that we embrace those changes but do so in a way that provides security for the people who are subject to it, making sure that systems are reliable and that the people operating them are sufficiently trained and know what they are doing in interfacing with AI. While it can be a useful tool, for example in diagnostics, we want the human element in order to make sure that it is operating as it should. I have no doubt that the Health Minister will come forward with more ideas on that, but there was consensus around embracing the opportunities, particularly in relation to the big challenges that we face in health, education and other public services.

Sinéad Ennis (Sinn Féin, South Down)

At the BIC summit in Newcastle, County Down, there were bilateral meetings with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Scottish and Welsh Governments and the other Administrations. Will the deputy First Minister update us on the issues and topics that were covered in those bilaterals?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her question. I have no doubt that she is aware that we never miss an opportunity to raise a long list of issues. There is Executive consensus on many of those issues, such as the funding pressures that we are under. We took the opportunity to raise directly with the Rt Hon Pat McFadden, whose role it is to coordinate the devolved regions and nations, our concerns about, for example, National Insurance contributions, the Budget, the spending review and our need for capital investment to enable us to grow. We also raised concerns about the impact of some of the announcements in recent Budget statements and events, such as the increase in employers' contributions and the impact that that is having on our economy, as well as the removal of relief on agricultural inheritance. We raised a wide range of issues. That is the value of these summits: the opportunity to have those bilaterals and talk about the specific issues.

Discussions with the likes of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man were much more about collaboration on issues such as AI. For example, there were really good conversations about how the new digitisation programme in the health sector could, through shared learning, be rolled out to some of the smaller jurisdictions. There was really good engagement across the piece.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

I thank the deputy First Minister for her statement. There are public concerns about the appropriate use of artificial intelligence. Can the deputy First Minister tell the House more about how AI is already being used in the Northern Ireland public sector?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. As I indicated, we discussed a number of examples of that in AERA and in the health and education sectors. There has also been an extensive roll-out of Microsoft Copilot on our computers. First of all, it is about reassurance. There is no doubt that AI can create efficiencies and increase productivity. That is not about threatening people's jobs; it is about making sure that people can be upskilled or redeployed into other areas of essential work in order to accelerate public-service transformation and the roll-out of better public services.

The Member is absolutely right about the ethical approach, however. There are risks with AI, and I put on the record that we recognise that. We often talk about harnessing the opportunities of AI, but we cannot talk about that without recognising the risks. For example, concerns have been raised about the use of data: people taking the intellectual property of others and using it in their programs. It is really important — this was discussed at length at the meeting — to set out ethical frameworks for government before we go too extensively down the road of using and deploying AI across our public services. We want to reassure people that our use of AI is ethical, that their data is secured and, indeed, that what we are using is consistent and reliable.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

First, I declare an interest as the vice chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association working group on AI in democracy. The Welsh Government are taking the lead on utilising AI, which includes looking at Microsoft Copilot and its enhanced security issues. I ask that the Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser, Helen McCarthy, given her studies on using technology, particularly AI, to improve democracy, take the lead cross-regionally. I also ask that she look at the real challenges that the digital Irish Sea border will present for data sharing.

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. He will know from his work that the issue extends much further than the British Isles. Every jurisdiction is looking at AI's potential. When it comes to how to use that potential, the Welsh Government's First Minister outlined some of the opportunities that are associated with Copilot and how those can be used. We absolutely want to collaborate. The Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser leads our task and finish group. Just a couple of weeks ago, we launched an office of AI and digital, but its work will be informed by Professor Helen's work through the task and finish group. I take the opportunity to pay tribute to the many experts in the field, many of whom are from the private sector, who are giving of their time freely to contribute to that work, which, we understand, will be extensive. It will form the basis of our strategy and the initial work of our office of AI and digital. It will also identify the opportunities and challenges that we need to overcome by rolling out real action.

Pádraig Delargy (Sinn Féin, Foyle)

I thank the deputy First Minister for her statement. Will she outline the BIC's specific work streams and how they enhance the delivery of the Executive's agreed priorities?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. He will be aware that there are a number of specified areas, but there is also the opportunity for flexibility. Particularly in the bilateral sessions and discussions, we find that the work goes wider than the formal themes. AI is a really good example of that. According to the specific list, we look at creative industries issues as they relate to health; education; early years; energy; indigenous, minority and lesser-used languages; drugs and alcohol; planning and places; social inclusion; transport; and housing. That is an extensive list of specific areas, but, as has been indicated in the many statements that we have made to the House, the work goes beyond that list. How AI opportunities can contribute to transformation is a good example of where we can learn about things above and beyond the specific list through collaborative working and building relationships.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

I congratulate the Executive on hosting a successful British-Irish Council summit in Newcastle, which showcased the best of Northern Ireland in the heart of South Down, where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. Choosing AI as the focus was a prudent move, given how embedded it is in our everyday lives. From speaking with other jurisdictions, deputy First Minister, how well placed do you think that Northern Ireland is to be a leader in AI?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her question. It was an absolutely wonderful setting for the BIC summit. On the Thursday evening, we were hosting the pre-summit dinner, and it was very cloudy outside. The Mountains of Mourne sweeping down to the sea could not be seen at all. Fortunately, the clouds cleared, and the feedback was really positive. I thank the hotel and its staff for what was an excellent conference and summit. It was really professionally run, and we have written to the hotel to convey our thanks. It was held in a fantastic location, and many people commented on the beauty of the Mourne region. We encouraged them to come back and spend their well-earned money on tourism in the Mourne area and more widely across Northern Ireland. The summit was important, and it was good that we had the opportunity to hold it. We host the summit only every four years, so it is really important that we pick the right location in order to showcase the best of here.

There is no doubt that Northern Ireland is well placed to be a leader in AI and in technological advances. From speaking to her, I know that our Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser firmly believes that we are really well placed to lead on that work. It was really interesting, however, to hear from the other jurisdictions, because it is clear that they are all really focusing on AI. They are all looking at their AI strategies, but, from our engagement with Professor Helen, we know that she is clear that we are well placed to become a world leader, provided that we do the work that we need to do now and get that started sooner rather than later.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

You talked about tourism there. It is remarkable that Newcastle is not referred to in the statement, given that the meeting was held in Newcastle and key events will be held here. We were recently told that the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East marketing brands are not being extended North. Did any discussions take place on the development of a joint tourism initiative? If not, are any such discussions scheduled to take place?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. He will be aware that the Shared Island Fund finances some of the shared tourism projects. We have that shared tourism offering and there is a body that provides marketing and support. I am really proud of our Mourne region and our Causeway coast. Those are strong brands in their own right. There has been a huge amount of investment, not just through the councils but Northern Ireland-wide, in promoting those brands, and it is important that they be protected. The Member will be surprised to hear how well known they are, and I welcome the fact that, in just a short number of weeks, we will have the Open coming to our wonderful Causeway Coast and Glens area. If the sun shines, which it hopefully will, that will be a real showcase for Northern Ireland, but even if it does not, it will still show the remarkable and beautiful landscape that we have and and are very proud of. Golf is a really good way to showcase that landscape, not just in the north coast but in the Mourne region, through the fantastic golf courses there.

Emma Sheerin (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

The deputy First Minister outlined that the focus was on AI. Will she outline the proposed benefits and outcomes for the public sector from using AI?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

There are undoubted benefits. I mentioned how Microsoft Copilot can simply summarise a document. Of course, that needs to be cross-checked. Over the past couple of weeks, most of us have had work experience pupils with us. When I talk to young people about my time studying at Queen's University for my law degree, I tell them that, to get a case, you went to the library, found the relevant volume of the 'All England Law Reports' and found it on page 187 or whatever it was. That is completely foreign to the new generation: they simply put it into the computer, and, bing, it is there. That is moving on even faster because of the ability to take complex documents and judgements and get AI to summarise them and put together, for example, briefings, press releases and press lines. We do not use that extensively in government: if we did, we would have to do so within an ethical framework. There is no doubt that there are opportunities with that.

There is a lot of discussion about the quality that comes out of AI. It is really important that, if we are using AI in the public sector, we are using reliable forms of it and not just open forms of it that, as we know, are not quite where they need to be. I have no doubt that we will get there within a very short period.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the deputy First Minister for the statement on this important area. You set out the opportunities that will come with AI. You also touched on the risks and challenges, but will you set out in more detail how they might be managed?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Undoubtedly, there are risks and challenges. If you are using any kind of technological or digital application, you will want to make sure that people's data is kept secure, that that data is used ethically and properly and that the application is reliable and does not allow bias, prejudice or flaws to get into it that can skew the outcome. We are aware of a number of challenges, and we are also very aware that a lot of the technologies are at a very early stage and that their applications have not been sufficiently tested. We need to take care with that. The starting block for that is to set out an ethical framework to which all Departments, public bodies and the public sector should work. We should be able to collaborate on that, not just across the UK but across these isles. There is an opportunity for the British-Irish Council to accelerate that work in every jurisdiction by looking at a common ethical framework for it. Then, a Department or public body will measure any application that they are looking at against the key principles and ethics of that framework before they move forward with it.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

That concludes questions to the deputy First Minister. Members, please take your ease before we move to the next item of business.

(Mr Deputy Speaker [Dr Aiken] in the Chair)

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

The Speaker has received notice from the First Minister and deputy First Minister that they wish to make a statement. Before I call the First Minister, I remind Members that they must be concise in asking their questions. This is not an opportunity for debate, and long introductions will not be allowed.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.]

In compliance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement on the twenty-ninth plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which was held in the joint secretariat offices in Armagh on 20 June 2025. The deputy First Minister and I agreed that I would provide the report.

The deputy First Minister and I led the Executive delegation, and the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, led the Irish Government delegation. The deputy First Minister and I chaired the meeting. This was the first meeting of the NSMC in plenary format since the new Government of Ireland took office and since the publication of Programmes for Government in both jurisdictions. The meeting provided an opportunity for Ministers to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest and concern.

The first item on the agenda related to business and trade matters, and the NSMC had an exchange of views on the business and trade implications of recent developments in the international sphere. The Council noted the respective strategies in each jurisdiction on business and trade-related areas such as industrial policy, competitiveness and AI. The Council agreed that, in what is an increasingly complex and unpredictable international trading environment, it is important that the two Administrations remain engaged with each other at political and official level on business and trade matters. The NSMC agreed that, where appropriate, the NSMC sector should continue to consider how agreed collaborative approaches can contribute to the promotion of economic growth.

The NSMC received an update report from the joint secretaries and noted that, since the last plenary meeting in September 2024, Ministers had met in 10 sectors and that meetings in the remaining sectors would take place by the end of July. The Council reported that it had considered a number of corporate governance matters in each of the North/South implementation bodies, including business plans, budgets and annual reports and accounts. It was noted that board members, including chairpersons and vice chairpersons, were appointed to a number of the bodies and that the NSMC approved the reappointment of the CEOs of InterTradeIreland and Waterways Ireland.

The NSMC noted that engagement on a wide range of policy areas continues across all NSMC work sectors and that Ministers had discussed climate change and loss of biodiversity at the relevant sectoral meetings.

The Council considered infrastructural investment cooperation, and Ministers welcomed the decision by the Executive to proceed with the A5 western transport corridor project and to await the outcome of the legal proceedings. Obviously, things have moved on in that area since the meeting, with the legal outworking last week. The Council noted that Waterways Ireland continues to progress phase 3 of the Ulster canal restoration project. Ministers also noted the ongoing work to progress the all-island strategic rail review's recommendations and the increase in passenger numbers through the hourly service on the Belfast to Dublin corridor. Ministers noted the progress that has been made on the Narrow Water bridge project and welcomed the Government of Ireland's Programme for Government commitment to engage with all relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport. The NSMC noted the work being done on cross-border greenways, including the opening of the Carlingford lough greenway later in the year and the review of further potential greenway opportunities.

Ministers noted the progress that has been made on the Ulster University Magee expansion project. The Council also noted the progress that has been made on the delivery of collaborative research and innovation programmes.

Ministers welcomed the implementation of the PEACE PLUS programme and the discussions with relevant stakeholders on the potential for a successor to the current PEACE PLUS programme.

The next item on the agenda related to mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses. The Council welcomed the ongoing North/South engagement on the potential reciprocal arrangements to disregard redress payments for means-tested benefits for mother-and-baby institution payment schemes and noted upcoming engagements between officials on the forthcoming truth recovery redress scheme. The NSMC also noted ongoing North/South cooperation in sharing knowledge and identifying lessons learned from the redress scheme. The Council noted that Executive Office officials attended an engagement event on the development of the National Centre for Research and Remembrance in Dublin. Ministers noted the ongoing engagement between the Public Record Office and the National Archives on records and that comparable legislation for the preservation of private records related to institutions is now in place in both jurisdictions.

The Council went on to consider ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) and tackling gender-based violence. Ministers recognised the unacceptably high levels of gender-based violence and violence against women and girls that are prevalent across both jurisdictions and noted that addressing the issue will require a whole-of-society approach. The NSMC agreed that officials should continue to explore opportunities for joint working in that area, recognising the common challenges faced.

The meeting closed with Ministers agreeing a future schedule for NSMC meetings across the various sectors and agreeing that the next NSMC plenary meeting will take place in Dublin in the autumn of this year. That concludes the statement.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

First Minister, on the A5, you stated that "things have moved on" since the meeting. Given that the judge said that lives would be lost as a result of the judgement last week, I am afraid that that is one hell of a euphemism, but it is the only thing that you have said so far about that judgement and the delay in delivering the A5. Given that the project appears to have been jeopardised because of extreme incompetence at a Department led by your Ministers and given that you took personal responsibility and credit for it when planning approval was granted in October, do you take personal responsibility at all for the judgement last week? What specific actions are you taking to move the project forward and to ensure that the A5 is delivered? Please be specific, First Minister.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

First, we were all very disappointed with the outworking of the judge's ruling last week. The A5 project was and remains an Executive flagship project. It must be delivered. It must be delivered because of the strategic route's significance and for the economy, job creation and access to services. It must be delivered, because it is a safety issue. It has to be about saving lives. I am absolutely committed, and I stand over our commitment to ensuring that the A5 is built. That is what the public want to hear. They want to know how we will address the issues that the judge set out in his ruling, a detailed ruling at that.

There is no doubt that it is a setback. We need to turn all our attention now to making sure that the road is delivered. That is what we discussed at the Executive this morning, and it is what I will continue to discuss with the Infrastructure Minister. All options are on the table. This is an urgent and necessary issue. The A5 road project will be delivered.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

Thank you, First Minister, for your statement. I am sure that you will join me in expressing sadness at the tragic murder of Sarah Montgomery at the weekend. Your statement touched on ending violence against women and girls. You talked about exploring opportunities: given the unacceptably high rates of murder of our women and attacks on our women and girls, will you please give some specifics on what those opportunities will look like?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I concur with you, as, I am sure, does everybody in the House, and convey our sympathy and thoughts to the family of Sarah Montgomery — another young mother whose life has been taken. It is such a tragedy. It really underlines for us all, once again, that we have a huge problem in our society with violence against women and girls.

It was important that we added the issue to the agenda of the North/South Ministerial Council, because the challenges that we face are felt across the whole island and, indeed, these islands. One of the tangible actions in that area of work is that our officials have now taken the lead in forming a five-jurisdiction working group that is looking at how we all come at ending violence against women and girls. That will very much help us to pick up things that work well in other jurisdictions and apply that learning here. We have our own strategy, because we recognise the significant problem that we have.

We had a really good, engaged discussion across the NSMC about the common challenges and potential areas for exploration. We tasked officials at North/South Ministerial Council level to come back to us with recommendations on potential areas that we can explore together. I look forward to the item remaining on the agenda, because the reality is that, unfortunately, it is a huge societal problem that we all share, and we must apply all our efforts to ending what is a scourge and an epidemic in our society.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

I was pleased to note that the A5 was included on the agenda of the NSMC's most recent meeting. I know that you, First Minister, share the disappointment of the overwhelming majority of the community that the project has been paused as a result of last week's court judgement. Does the First Minister agree that it is vital that we redouble our efforts and work in partnership with the Irish Government, the councils and stakeholders, such as the A5 Enough is Enough campaign, to get the A5 built?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I absolutely concur with the Member: the A5 must be built. The project is long overdue, and we must fulfil our commitment. With every ounce of my being, I will put all attention and effort into ensuring that the A5 is built. There is no doubt that last week's court ruling is a huge setback for the project. However, I say to the Member that we are actively working our way through the detail and that there is urgency to that work.

Let me be clear as First Minister, a Tyrone woman, a mummy and someone who knows closely and acutely how dangerous that road is: we will do everything to ensure that the project is delivered. We all know too many families who have lost a loved one on that dangerous stretch of road. They want to hear from us today that we will fix the problem and deliver the road. We will take on the points that have been set out in the ruling. All options are on the table and are being actively explored as next steps. The commitment to the A5 project stands: the road must be delivered.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

First Minister, your statement outlines that there were discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest and concern. One of the biggest issues of concern for the people of Northern Ireland is the approach by the Irish Government to the issue of legacy, and I think of the families of the Omagh bombing in particular. First Minister, what action did you take at the meeting to call out the hypocritical approach of the Irish Government and to call for them to hold a public inquiry into their role, which led to the murder of innocent people?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

A number of bilateral meetings took place, and the deputy First Minister and I had a chance to discuss the issue of legacy more generally with the Irish Government. It is important that we all turn our attention to dealing with the legacy of the past and that every one of us uses our best efforts to ensure that we bring forward mechanisms that are human rights-compliant. Everybody has a part to play in that. I want to unburden today's generation of the legacy of the past. Let us find ways to do that politically. I recommend that approach to the Irish Government, the British Government and everybody else who wants to get us to a point where we have a way to deal with the past that commands maximum support from victims and survivors.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

I thank the First Minister for her statement. I join Paula Bradshaw and many others in extending sympathy to the family of Sarah Montgomery. The events at the weekend were tragic. The First Minister mentioned that the NSMC is one forum that will discuss ending violence against women and girls: will she confirm that that forum is of strategic importance? Will she ensure that, in all fora in which they meet, the ending of violence against women and girls is discussed and that actions arise from that?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I concur with the Member on the death of Sarah Montgomery at the weekend. It was such a tragedy. A young mummy has been taken from her children. It is heartbreaking and unimaginable. I cannot imagine what that family is going through.

For our part, we must recognise that we have a societal problem to deal with. We have our strategy for ending violence against women and girls, and we must continue to review it to make sure that it is fit for purpose and that we do everything that we can. This is not unique to us; it is a societal problem across the board. As the statement sets out, we have tasked officials to come back to us with practical ways in which we can continue to collaborate across the area. We have to tackle the scourge of violence against women and girls. I want us to do everything that we can. That approach was very much embraced at the meeting, and people felt that it was an area where we absolutely should cooperate. We can do good things when we learn from and lean into one another.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Does the First Minister accept that climate change legislation and targets will have an impact on all Departments here, particularly on infrastructure and capital projects? The A5 and the all-island strategic rail review were mentioned. We cannot build at net zero; that is pretty much impossible. How does the First Minister intend to rectify that tangibly?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

The Executive discussed the matter this morning. The outworking of the judge's ruling is an issue, but let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Let us work our way through practical solutions that allow us to deliver on major capital projects such as the A5 whilst protecting our planet for future generations. We can do both, but we will have to navigate legally around what that looks like for us as an Executive. Like many others, I am concerned about what the ruling means for how we proceed with major capital projects in future, but we can navigate our way through it successfully. We can protect our environment and deliver on big capital projects that, we know, need to be delivered.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

Given the growth in all-island trade that is helping our economy to grow while the rest of the UK flatlines, scaling business support would really benefit our business sector and help to deliver good jobs and increase productivity. Was the offer of further Irish Government investment in North/South bodies such as InterTradeIreland discussed? If so, will you give us an update?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Unfortunately, as the Member knows, there is an issue with the additional funding that the Irish Government wish to put on the table. The problem lies in this jurisdiction, because Executive partners, particularly the DUP, do not want to see that additional funding coming in. That is a case of cutting your nose off to spite your face. It is additional funding to those bodies that could help trade, tourism and a range of areas. I continue to travel in hope and urge there to be a sense of pragmatism about additional funding for our bodies. We should take it.

Danny Baker (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

I thank the Minister for her statement. Was Casement Park discussed? What is next for Casement Park?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Thanks for that question. Casement Park was raised at the meeting and subsequently at the press conference. We have momentum behind the project, insofar as we have the British Government's announcement of their commitment of £50 million towards the project. I believe in investing in sport. I believe in the investment in Casement Park, because of what it will mean for west Belfast and, nationally, for the GAA. Importantly, we must all come at it with a can-do attitude. Let us invest in sport across the board. Let us do that, because sport makes a meaningful and positive difference to people's lives. Now that we have the quantum on the table from the British Government, all attention has to be turned to charting a way forward. I will continue to work with the Minister responsible and all Ministers around the Executive table to ensure that the Casement Park project is delivered and finally brought over the line after many years of delay.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

The First Minister's statement touched on a discussion about mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses and stated that redress payments should not affect benefit entitlements. Was there any discussion about ensuring that, whilst compensation is paid out from the public purse in the first place, the institutions responsible for running the places where harm resulted must make a contribution? Some of them operated on both sides of the border. Was that raised at the meeting? Is there ongoing determination to ensure that they make the contribution that they are obliged to make?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I concur with the Member: the institutions need to pay. That is important, and the Committee for the Executive Office is looking at it as part of the passage of our legislation. We took the opportunity at our meeting to raise the issue with the Taoiseach in the context of learning, because the Irish Government went through the process and took a certain approach. It is important that we engage with them on how they conducted themselves and how successful or not that was. By all accounts, it was not as successful as, you would think, it would be when it is legislated for.

We are also aware of report of the independent negotiator, Sheila Nunan, for the Irish Government. She stated that they were disappointed in what they had been able to achieve and that only a few institutions had provided contributions to the redress scheme. That, in itself, is something that we have to learn from. We will have to take that on board, if we feel that a legislative approach to the issue is required. That is a part of the journey through the legislative process that we will definitely come back to.

Aoife Finnegan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the First Minister for her statement. She will, no doubt, agree that the Peace programme has been central to supporting peace and building cohesion in many communities throughout the island. Can she provide an update on whether a successor programme was discussed at the plenary meeting?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Thank you for that question. Yes, we discussed that matter, because, as the Member will know, the Peace programme has had such a significant impact across all of our communities. We have only to look around us to see the value in some of the projects that have been delivered. The current programme is well under way, with 88% of the programme having already been committed. That is a huge investment of approximately £815 million over 102 projects.

We raised the issue of a successor programme, and it was reported to us that, when the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister had a conversation about that matter, they agreed in principle to a successor programme, That, in itself, is a step forward. Our next steps will involve the continuing engagement of Department of Finance officials with the NIO and the Irish Government on the specifics of what a potential new programme would look like. Suffice to say that, for me, the signs are positive for the achievement of a successor programme.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

Thank you, First Minister. I welcome the reference in the NSMC statement to the mother-and-baby homes and, in particular, to the ongoing cooperation and the lessons that have been learned from the Irish redress model. Is she able to tell us specifically what operational policy insights, particularly around delays and uptake of posthumous claims, have influenced the current drafting of and implementation plans for the Northern Ireland scheme, which she has announced in the legislation?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Thank you for that. I will have to write to you with any detailed considerations. In arriving at the juncture where we have presented the legislation for scrutiny and analysis, we took into account all of the issues, and there is no doubt that it is challenging. People have different opinions about the date for posthumous claims, for example, which I absolutely understand. I encourage the Member, as part of the Executive Office Committee's scrutiny, to work through that. I have no doubt that the Committee will make recommendations that we will have to consider in due course. I am glad that the Bill has been introduced and that we are, at least, at the discussion phase, where we can shape the final legislation.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the First Minister for her statement. I am bit confused by the statement. Sinn Féin has announced all-Ireland health proposals, which is a concept that I firmly support, but there seems to have been no mention of that at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting. Is that a further demonstration of Sinn Féin's "all show and no go" strategy?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I will help you out with your confusion, perhaps. The Health Minister was unable to be at the NSMC meeting, but we discussed areas of cooperation around muscular dystrophy as part of the consideration of rare diseases. There are real advantages to working across the island to support people who have rare diseases, particularly when it comes to access to drugs. The Health Minister's counterpart raised that at the meeting, and I spoke to the Health Minister this morning about that, because we should pick up this area and run with it together. Let us support people with potentially very rare diseases in cases where we do not have the expertise in one or other of the jurisdictions, so that we can make a difference to people's lives. I assure the Member that health is always on the agenda. We have good areas of cooperation in health, and I would like us to continue to build on that.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

As the First Minister will know, the Assembly recently democratically expressed its will that votes in elections for the president of Ireland should be extended to all Irish citizens on the island of Ireland. Further to that, does she agree that the extension of presidential voting rights to Irish citizens in the North should be a priority for the Dublin Government?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I absolutely concur with the Member. That is my personal view, obviously, and not the view of the Office. I welcome the fact that the Assembly voted in favour of presidential voting rights. It is long past time to correct that democratic deficit and long past time for presidential voting rights to be expanded to Irish citizens here. The reality is that, as an Irish citizen in the North, you can stand in the election, you can become the Uachtarán na hÉireann

[Translation: president of Ireland]

, but you cannot vote in that election. That is so out of date and needs to be rectified. It is an anomaly that needs to be immediately fixed. I continue to commend that approach. I also should acknowledge that they had this debate in the Dáil last week, and, again, there was unanimous support. Now it is time to turn that into action, to legislate for it and make it happen and to give Irish citizens in the North the chance to vote for our Uachtarán

[Translation: president]

.

Linda Dillon (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I add my condolences to the family, wider family and friends of Sarah Montgomery. A theme that was dealt with in the conversations in the NSMC was women and babies and girls. Women and girls and their children continue today to suffer at the hands of men — often, the very men whom they should be able to trust.

Minister, with regard to your conversations with the Irish Government about the mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses, given that there was a clear all-island dimension to those practices, will you outline what cooperation is happening or will happen between the Executive and the Dublin Government in moving forward and ensuring that it never happens again and that we take the same approach in ensuring that violence against women and girls is ended?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Yes, I concur with the Member's commentary around the theme. The common theme is women: women who have been failed, women shamefully treated by the state across this island, women and girls, babies robbed from their mothers. When you think about the shameful past of this island towards women, we have to do everything that we can to provide whatever support we can. We are doing that, obviously, with the legislation. You refer to male violence against women: that is something that I am so passionate about. We need to do everything that we can to address the societal problems that we have and the issue of misogyny. I am pleased to see a lot of the work that we are doing in supporting local groups providing work in the communities around our strategy, and I want to see more of that continue.

The Member raised the issue of mother-and-baby institutions. That was an area that we discussed, and we want to learn from what has worked and what has not worked, because the Irish Government have been ahead of us in introducing legislation. There are lessons to be learnt about the contributions from the institutions. They legislated, but they still have not got a better outcome. We need to consider all of those things. There is a raft of areas and dimensions that need to be explored together more carefully, and that is why we have tasked officials to do so.

Daniel McCrossan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, West Tyrone)

First Minister, Monday's judgement on the A5 was deeply disappointing and frustrating for so many, especially the families who have lost loved ones. You keep saying that you will do everything, but your Ministers clearly did not do enough. The judge was critical of the Department and the Ministers for failing to do basic work and consultation, Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) warnings were ignored, and, as a result, Justice McAlinden said that more lives would be lost on the A5. First Minister, do you have faith in the ability of your Sinn Féin ministerial team to deliver the A5, and do you really believe, after the judgement, that Minister O'Dowd's position is tenable as an Executive Minister, given that he failed to do his job?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

The reality is that we are actually in an Executive that can do something about it. The reality is that we are absolutely committed to delivering the A5. The reality is that Liz Kimmins, as the Infrastructure Minister, is doing absolutely everything that she can to work through the legalities of the outworking of the legal judgement last week.

Of course, we are all disappointed. We are absolutely disappointed and rightly so. Everybody I have spoken to feels that. What the wider public want to hear is that we will do everything that we can to ensure that the project gets delivered as a matter of urgency. It has been going on for far too long. The court ruling last week is a setback, but we are working our way through it as we speak. We are seeking all the legal advice that is required, and all options are on the table, but I want the public to understand and hear clearly that the project is something that we are absolutely committed to ensuring is delivered.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

I will also ask about the discussion of mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses. One of the major problems with previous legislation was the failure to build in a statutory requirement for institutions to contribute to the redress scheme. Why was that obvious shortcoming not addressed in the legislation brought before the House last week, or have we still not learnt the lesson of the need to build in a statutory requirement for upfront payments from institutions?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I spoke about that earlier in response to a question from another Member. It is not always the case that, just by legislating, the picture will be improved. Sheila Nunan produced an independent report for the Irish Government, and they were disappointed that very few institutions paid, even though they had legislated for that. I do not have a closed mind to doing that: if it would deliver what we need it to deliver, we have to explore it. Experience from elsewhere, however, tells us that that is not the answer to this question: how do we ensure that the institutions pay up and pay their share? We will, however, explore the issue further as the legislation passes through the House.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

The First Minister says that the public want to hear that the Executive are doing and will do all that they can to ensure the delivery of the A5: with all due respect, the public have been hearing that for 20 years. Is the latest setback, resulting from the latest judgement, yet more evidence of the Executive's lack of capacity to deliver major capital projects? Will the First Minister update us on the Executive Office's consideration of and deliberations on the creation of an infrastructure commission to deliver major capital projects?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I have covered the question of the A5. I have said it before and will say it again for the Member that, with every ounce of my being, I want to see the A5 project delivered. We will do everything that we can to ensure that that is the case. We are urgently working our way through the judgement. All options are on the table for what the next step looks like. It needs to be something that stops the legal challenge and gets the project on the ground. Working with the Minister for Infrastructure and other Ministers, I will do everything that I can.

In a separate but related point, the implications for major capital projects is something that the entire Executive have to turn their mind to. We have to deliver on our climate obligations and provide a safe future for future generations, but we also have to undertake major capital projects, so I want us to work our way through the judgment. We touched on the matter at our Executive meeting this morning, and we will continue to work our way through what it means legally.

Colin McGrath (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

First Minister, given the debacle with the A5, a project that your team is in charge of, and given that your colleague the Infrastructure Minister has said little other than that the judgement is being considered, was it wise to begin the process of handing back the vested land? There are legal opportunities to stop that process, but, because it has now begun, we will have to go through the whole process again of getting that land back. It is an absolute mess of a project that you and your team have been left to look after.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I assure you that Sinn Féin has advanced the A5 project at every turn, particularly in the Department for Infrastructure. I can also assure you of this: sound bites will not build the A5.

[Interruption.]

Sound bites will not build the A5. A Minister who is absolutely committed to the project and to getting it over the line will build the A5. I am absolutely committed to ensuring that that is the case.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Thank you very much indeed, First Minister. That concludes questions on the statement.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

I have received notice from the First Minister and the deputy First Minister that they wish to make a statement. Deputy First Minister, over to you.

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The First Minister and I attended the second meeting of the East-West Council, which took place in Belfast on 12 June. The meeting was co-chaired by the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, and the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Fleur Anderson MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, was also present.

The Council formally agreed its terms of reference, including its purpose, objectives and missions. The Council's stated purpose is to strengthen cooperation between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK by advising on shared challenges and opportunities that have an east-west dimension. Its objectives will be to provide regular and sustained engagement between the UK Government and representatives from Northern Ireland across a wide range of economic and social activity; take forward the Council's agreed missions; raise the profile of the opportunities offered by Northern Ireland by supporting connectivity and connections; drive UK-wide engagement on the development and sharing of existing clusters of excellence; and ensure that the profile of Northern Ireland is appropriately considered in business and government decision-making. The Council's missions are set out in the 'Safeguarding the Union' paper: economic inactivity; east-west investment and trade flows; improving international investment in Northern Ireland; bolstering east-west institutional connectivity and promoting professional and high-skill pathways; and identifying opportunities for deepening connections between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Noting the positive context of the UK Government's commitment to reset relationships with the devolved Governments, we welcomed the opportunities that the Council will provide for Northern Ireland interests to engage formally and directly with their counterparts in GB to share knowledge and to build and, indeed, rebuild relationships following a volatile period. The Council received a briefing from members of Intertrade UK on its draft programme of work and priority projects for the first 12 to 18 months of activity. Those will be taken forward under three key themes: promoting trade in goods and services across the UK and overcoming identified barriers; trade opportunities; and infrastructure and connectivity.

We welcomed the important role that Intertrade UK could play by researching and building an evidence base on barriers to trade and inefficient processes and promoting better information for businesses in GB on how the trading arrangements with NI actually work, as reluctance to supply to Northern Ireland can often arise simply from a lack of understanding. We also emphasised the need for Northern Ireland considerations to be embedded formally and as early as possible in the development of trade policy and that we should be active participants in UK trade missions and promotional activities.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State advised the Council of the launch of the Connect Fund, which is a £1 million fund administered by the Northern Ireland Office and will provide grants to community organisations here for activities that will strengthen east-west connections through the development of civic relationships, support for cultural and sporting links and the enabling of dialogue on areas of mutual interest with their counterparts in other UK jurisdictions. We welcomed the establishment of the fund and urged for it to be operated in a way that is complementary to the support provided to the voluntary and community sector. We acknowledged the potential benefits that can arise even from small amounts of financial support, as the voluntary and community sector here has much expertise to share. We hope that the fund will enable organisations to make valuable and long-lasting contacts with others across the UK on issues of mutual interest and concern.

That concludes the statement.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

I am profoundly concerned that we have had the statement today, not because I do not want the best possible east-west links between the UK Government and the Executive — I do — but because the East-West Council has been presented as having spurious equivalence with the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the British-Irish Council (BIC), which are enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and therefore international law. Given that the statement mentioned that the Council's missions are set out in the 'Safeguarding the Union' paper — a unilateral paper that was produced by the Tory Government after clandestine consultation with the DUP — is that paper now Executive policy? Did your colleague the First Minister and her party agree to the terms of reference as per the 'Safeguarding the Union' paper?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. He will be aware that 'Safeguarding the Union' is a White Paper that was produced by the UK Government. That followed a series of negotiations and set out the framework for restoration of this place. The commitments made in that paper are critical to the continued stability of this place. Of course, the UK Government should step up.

At the heart of that, of course, is a commitment by the UK Government, supported by the shadow Labour Government of the time, to ensure unfettered trade across and within the United Kingdom. That is not happening. That promise was made not just to the political parties in Northern Ireland but to the people of Northern Ireland. The UK Government must step up and remove any existing barriers to internal trade across the United Kingdom.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

Thank you, deputy First Minister, for your statement. There is an element missing from the statement: an update on the international relations strategy from the Executive Office. Will you please provide us with that update?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her question. She will be aware that this is a body that looks exclusively at the internal relationships of the UK. There was a gap, in my view, in what arose from the various negotiations. We had the British-Irish Council, which deals with all the jurisdictions, including the Republic of Ireland, and we had the North/South Ministerial Council, which deals with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but we did not have a body that looked at Northern Ireland's particular place within the United Kingdom. Over the course of the Brexit negotiations and discussions, we, sadly, saw how carelessly Northern Ireland's place within the internal market of the UK was treated by the then UK Government. We had a determination that that should not happen again, hence this formal structure to raise, in a formal way, issues pertaining to Northern Ireland within the UK context.

The Member is correct that there is an element of the terms of reference, particularly with the work of Intertrade UK, that involves attracting foreign direct investment to Northern Ireland. While our international relationships are not devolved per se, we have a role in the international space. Some of that is about attracting international investment — foreign direct investment — and part of that is around the soft diplomacy piece and reaching out through our bureaux, making sure that there is awareness of Northern Ireland, be that through sport, golf or our businesses, and taking part in those trade missions. That is a critical element of the draft international relations strategy that is under development in the Department. We are hopeful of having sight of a final strategy very shortly and aim to have it agreed, presented and published early in the autumn.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

I thank the deputy First Minister for her statement. It is good to hear what was covered at the East-West Council. What other areas could that body focus on going forward?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her question. There is a huge amount of possibility here. Hopefully, we will be able to see some of that through the Connect Fund, as it rolls out. Very often, many of the challenges that we face here are common across the rest of the UK, be that around trying to increase productivity, attract foreign direct investment or the challenges of tackling educational underachievement. We know that, for example, we have an exceptional third sector in Northern Ireland. We want that sector to be given opportunities to connect with other community and third-sector organisations across the rest of the UK to share that learning.

Over the past number of weeks, it has been hugely disappointing to see disorder and racism on the streets of Northern Ireland. That is not unique to Northern Ireland, sadly; it has happened elsewhere, including across communities in the UK. That is another example of where, through coordination, be that from the various police forces, civic organisations, youth intervention or education, there could be really good opportunities to find solutions by working together in a collaborative way to benefit ourselves, but there could also be opportunities for our organisations to benefit others, be they in Scotland, Wales, the north of England, London or wherever they may be.

Joanne Bunting (DUP, Belfast East)

I draw the deputy First Minister's attention to paragraph 6 of her statement relating to Intertrade UK. Obviously, the protocol and its bureaucracy are a considerable impediment to internal trade. Was the protocol's impact raised? What was the outcome? Do the Government accept and understand the problems that the Northern Ireland protocol is causing?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her important question. There are two elements to that. First, all the companies that withdraw from our market do so because they do not understand the current trading relationships or believe them to be more complex than they are. Intertrade UK will have an important role in trying to bust some of those myths to encourage that trade to continue. That is what is best for our businesses, and that is what is best for our consumers. There is also an opportunity for Intertrade UK to promote our excellent goods to the rest of the UK, particularly in the agri-food sector and other sectors.

We are also seeing another real problem. I am sure that, like myself, the Member is continually contacted by companies about the unnecessary bureaucracy that people are facing with the internal market of the UK. The internal market of the UK is important to Northern Ireland — not just to our businesses but to our consumers when it comes to consumer choice. Over the past week, we have seen even more bureaucracy come in. We have heard already today about agricultural machinery coming back from the Royal Highland Show and being stopped because of tightened requirements, and we have seen tweets from the head of Marks and Spencer in which he has talked about 300 to 400 additional lines having to go through the red lane and about the additional bureaucracy, which, in his view, is entirely unnecessary. I agree with him. I have said this before, and I will say it again very clearly: the UK Government promised in what they set out on the Windsor framework in 'Safeguarding the Union' that there would be unfettered internal UK trade. They are not delivering on that. In fact, there is even more paperwork and bureaucracy, regardless of the recently announced UK-EU agreement. The paperwork and bureaucracy are not acceptable, proportionate or necessary, and they need to be removed. The UK Government need to step up and deliver on the promise of unfettered internal UK trade that they made to the people of Northern Ireland.

Kellie Armstrong (Alliance, Strangford)

Thank you very much, deputy First Minister. I really welcome your earlier comment about high-skilled pathways, but I will take you to the paragraphs about the Connect Fund. The £1 million is very welcome — we will always welcome any money that comes to Northern Ireland — but how long that is for and who sets the criteria for it is very unclear. As we know, when the Northern Ireland Office or Westminster set criteria, such as those for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, they are not necessarily aligned with Northern Ireland's priorities. You talked about recent difficulties across Northern Ireland because of riots, so there is an opportunity for the Connect Fund to be used to establish best practice for race relations in communities. Can you give us any further details on the Connect Fund?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her question. The fund was announced by the NIO on the Thursday of the East-West Council meeting. It is live at the moment, so the details are online. You can go through the application process online. At this stage, it appears to have been developed with maximum flexibility. It could be for individuals who, for example, want to attend conferences on the mainland. Alternatively, it could be for people to come from GB to NI. It could also be for community organisations or civic organisations to reach out and join up or to perhaps do some study visits or similar engagement. Great benefit could come from academic and other link-ups in sharing knowledge, experience and expertise.

We have a lot to give. A lot of our programmes would work really well in the other areas of deprivation and challenge that we see right across not just England but Scotland and Wales. There is no doubt that we could also learn from some of the innovative work that is happening there. It is always important in all these things that there be a challenge function and that new ideas and fresh thinking come in. There is a really good opportunity for some new thinking and for new people and groups to work collaboratively with ours to try to really tackle the issues. There is no doubt that we really need to do that. It has to be about action and intervention, not just the right words and warm words in the right place. That fund could, undoubtedly, support that important work.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

I particularly welcome the agreement of the terms of reference and the establishment of Intertrade UK. Last week, the Northern Ireland Federation of Small Businesses published a report that showed that only 14% of firms in Northern Ireland believe that they are benefiting from dual market access. Does the deputy First Minister agree that that once again busts the myths that are being pushed by the rigorous implementers of the protocol?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his important question. As he will be aware, there is a range of different views across our office. Personally speaking, I absolutely agree with him. I raised, as did he and many others, concerns about the so-called best of both worlds. It felt much more like the worst of both worlds, and I think that that, unfortunately, has played out for businesses in that they have faced absolutely disproportionate and unnecessary checks, bureaucracy and barriers to internal trade. The reason why the European Union so stoically and passionately defends its internal single market is because it is precious. The UK ought to have done the same with its internal market and should not have so carelessly tossed it away in the negotiations.

The UK Government promised to restore the integrity of the UK internal market. That has not yet happened. They need to take that opportunity. As the UK develops alignment or arrangements with the European Union, such as what is proposed in the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal, that will remove some of the so-called uniqueness from the arguments about having the best of both worlds with dual market access.

We have seen no significant benefit from it thus far. Companies are interested in it, but there has not been a benefit thus far. Nevertheless, the UK Government must step up and remove the internal barriers to internal UK trade.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

I welcome the first meeting of the East-West Council to have taken place in Northern Ireland and the launch of the Connect Fund, which the deputy First Minister has explained.

One of the Council's objectives is:

"To drive UK-wide engagement on the development and sharing of existing clusters of excellence."

Northern Ireland has clusters of absolute excellence, and our creative industries is very much one of those. Recently, the deputy First Minister and the First Minister joined me and others at the launch of Studio Ulster, which is the most advanced virtual production facility in the world. Can our creative industries, which are recognised as one of our centres of excellence, be developed further by sharing within the United Kingdom?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. Last week, we saw the launch of the UK's industrial strategy, which highlighted key priority areas across the UK. Those areas align very closely with NI's industrial strategic approach. The Member is right: the creative industries are a big area, as are advanced engineering and manufacturing and digital technology, and we are a global leader in cybersecurity. We want to build on those things, and, at the heart of that, we believe that they are the growth industries of the future. Therefore, it is about investing in those industries, which may be our small to medium-sized businesses, attracting foreign direct investment in those areas and, importantly, investing in young people to make sure that they have the skills.

At the British-Irish Council meeting, we talked about the need to invest in AI and digital technology skills at the earliest opportunity in primary schools. We are forward-looking to the time when, hopefully, we get significant growth through our driving that economic strategy, but, importantly, we must have the right people with the right skills to take up those opportunities. No matter what industries or strategies we have, Northern Ireland's biggest strength is its people, their skills and what they can contribute, and that is very much at the heart of everything that we do.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Stewart Dickson.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

No.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Sorry about that, Minister. Harry Harvey.

Harry Harvey (DUP, Strangford)

Will the deputy First Minister inform the House of how the work of the East-West Council differs from the British-Irish Council or the North/South Ministerial Council? How can other parts of the UK get more involved?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The East-West Council can carry out really important work. The reality is that, when we look at all the North/South work over the years, we see that there has been good collaboration between academic institutions and civic and business organisations, and that work continues. Anybody involved in that would say that it has been beneficial to both jurisdictions. However, we do not have the same connectivity with businesses and civic and academic society in Scotland, Wales, the north of England or Manchester. We know that those places have many challenges and opportunities that are similar to those that we face here. The Connect Fund is a good start, and it is important for the body, but I want to see the Council truly build on that and become a "Cooperation UK", so that we can reach out to and know people from across all parts of the UK to have political, civic, academic, educational and community engagement. Those collaborations and synergies will bring benefits for all the jurisdictions in the UK.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

It remains the case that Intertrade UK has no independent offices; no budget; no staff, apart from those seconded from the NIO; and no website that people can be directed to. Does the deputy First Minister agree that the current footing for Intertrade UK is a poor parallel to the bloated body that is InterTradeIreland? Deputy First Minister, what are you doing to address that disparity?

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. I will speak personally on that. Intertrade UK exists; it has been created. The fact that that gap was identified and that there was a genuine push to address it is important. We now have not only the East-West Council but the Council of the Nations and Regions, which is an important forum that engages with not just the heads of devolved Governments but local and regional mayors. Many of the areas represented are significant — bigger than Northern Ireland — and we can have a lot of good engagement there.

Intertrade UK is important. Northern Ireland, as 3% of the UK, has huge potential to sell into the rest of the UK. Having 3% of the UK population, Northern Ireland relies on the rest of the UK for its consumer market. It goes both ways: there are opportunities, but, undoubtedly, there are challenges that need to be removed. As I said, I am deeply disappointed that the UK Government are not stepping up to fulfil the promise that they made to me, to us and to the people of Northern Ireland to protect the internal UK market. Protecting the integrity of its internal market is basic and core for any country. The UK Government have an opportunity to do that, and they should do that. The measures that are in place at the moment are unnecessary, disproportionate, bureaucratic, damaging to business and bad for consumers. We ask that the UK Government deliver on what they promised: unfettered internal UK trade.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Thank you very much indeed, deputy First Minister. That concludes questions on the statement. The next item in the Order Paper is Question Time. I therefore propose, by leave of the Assembly, to suspend the sitting until 2.00 pm.

The sitting was suspended at 1.56 pm and resumed at 2.00 pm.

(Mr Speaker in the Chair)

Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Questions 4 and 5 have been withdrawn.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

1. Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to provide a timescale for the establishment of a dedicated co-design group with a remit to develop a suite of support measures for the sheep sector. (AQO 2243/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

My officials have presented a proposed forward work plan for new areas of policy development work in my Department’s sustainable agriculture programme (SAP) to the agricultural policy stakeholder group to seek its views on prioritisation. The work plan includes support for the sheep sector. It is my intention that sheep-focused co-design will commence towards the end of this year, once the policy development work on the farm sustainability payment and farm sustainability standards is complete and legislation is in place.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

I thank the Minister for his response. Three thousand acres of land were vested by DFI for the A5. Many of the people affected by that are sheep farmers. What support does the Minister intend to give those who have been caught up in that debacle? In particular, will there be any amendments to the payment scheme this year? Will the Minister now confront the reality that Northern Ireland's climate change targets, cheered through by many who are now wringing their hands, are proving to be unworkable and unaffordable?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I met the Infrastructure Minister last week, I have written to her, and there will be further engagement at official and ministerial level between our Departments on the land that was vested as a result of the potential construction of the A5. Responsibilities lie with DFI and, when it comes to requests relating to farm payments, with me; we will continue to engage on that.

I am conscious that climate change is a real issue for Northern Ireland. It is the biggest threat to farming in Northern Ireland. I am happy to discuss the issues, but we have to be clear that, back in 2022, the Assembly passed legislation — it was agreed unanimously at Final Stage —and we have legal duties to implement that.

Danny Donnelly (Alliance, East Antrim)

I ask the Minister for an update on the rationale behind not previously including sheep support in the sustainable agriculture programme.

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The future agricultural policy decisions that were announced by my predecessor in March 2022 did not include proposals for sheep support but indicated that work would be undertaken to explore options for support that would improve the overall performance and resilience of the sheep sector. On 29 January 2025, I announced the timeline for the roll-out of the sustainable agriculture programme over the next two years. One item in the programme that we want to explore is sheep support. As I outlined in response to the Member who tabled the question, we want to deliver the farm sustainability payment. Once that is in place, resources will be released to co-design future work on sheep support.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Dr Aiken is not in his place.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

3. Ms Flynn asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on progress made on the clean air strategy. (AQO 2245/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

My Department has been engaging and continues to engage with the other Departments that have responsibility for minimising pollutant emissions to air in order to agree the actions that each Department can include in the draft clean air strategy. Good progress has been made on the development of that strategy. I have met my officials to set out my policy direction, and there is ongoing liaison between my Department and the Department for the Economy, the Department for Infrastructure, the Department of Health and the Department for Communities. A draft of the clean air strategy was recently shared with those Departments, and my officials are reviewing the feedback on that and revising the draft to reflect their views. I anticipate the launch of a public consultation on the draft strategy later this year. I am committed to publishing a robust strategy that will deliver real benefits to human health and the environment across Northern Ireland.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Minister, recent media reports have revealed the presence of asbestos at a bonfire site in Meridi Street in Belfast. What engagement have you had with the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) on the removal of that asbestos? Do you agree that no bonfire should take place where asbestos is present at or in close proximity to the site?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The management of annual bonfires is recognised as being a challenging and complex issue that requires a range of agreed multi-agency preventative and, where appropriate, enforcement activity. The deposit and burning of controlled waste at a bonfire site has the potential to be a breach of the law. In line with DAERA enforcement policy, the NIEA assesses each incident on its merits before deciding on the most appropriate action. It is the legal responsibility of the landowner to secure their land to prevent illegal depositing of waste. Where sufficient evidence is available, NIEA may conduct criminal investigations in pursuit of offenders who are responsible for the depositing of illegal waste at bonfire sites. NIEA does not routinely release detailed information about any potential or ongoing investigations of such matters, but I can confirm that an active investigation is ongoing in relation to that issue.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The Department for Infrastructure is part of the clean air strategy, as I am sure that the Minister will agree. However, the AERA Minister cares so much about climate change emissions and targets that his Department did not have input into the A5 project. That project, therefore, is effectively stopped at the moment. Does the Minister accept that the climate change targets are causing real problems for Infrastructure? Will he commit to taking on board what the Communities Minister asked him to do by urgently looking at the climate change legislation?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Climate change is a real issue. It affects Northern Ireland and the rest of the world as well. It is having a real impact now. The Assembly cared about that, because it unanimously endorsed the legislation at its Final Reading in 2022. It is a legislative obligation that was set out by the Assembly. I understand the concerns around it that have been expressed to me about the need to take action to address climate change. Those legal obligations are set out in law. If we take a step back and try to understand why we are in this situation, we see that, after the legislation was passed in March 2022, the Member's party walked out of this place. It downed tools, and these institutions did not sit for two years.

[Interruption.]

It is true. Your party walked out and did not allow us to progress the climate change legislation. Had we been able to do that, the carbon budgets would have been set a long time ago, a climate action plan would have been consulted upon and be in place, and a Climate Commissioner and just transition commission would also be in place. We are working collectively on that. We have obligations to the people of Northern Ireland to take action on climate change. I am engaging with my ministerial colleague the Infrastructure Minister about the specific ruling on the A5. It is important that we take heed of it. It is 100 pages, and there is a lot of detail that we need to consider.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

If I may, I will take us back to the original question on air quality. Will the Minister outline how climate action can also improve air quality?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Air pollution and climate change share some similar sources of pollutants, specifically in relation to the combustion of fossil fuels, which leads to the emission of carbon dioxide and many air pollutants that adversely impact on human health. Climate action commitments for Northern Ireland, such as replacing fossil fuel-derived electricity with decarbonised electricity, can lead to reductions in emissions of harmful pollutants. That is good for human health. Another example of the interventions that we can make is investment in active travel, which can encourage a shift away from the use of cars to walking, cycling and using public transport. That will provide both decarbonisation and improvements in air quality, as well as health benefits that extend beyond improving air quality.

Colin McGrath (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

While we await broader progress on the clean air strategy, the people of Warrenpoint are dealing with the very immediate, ongoing issue of nauseating odours. They have been doing so regularly, but the odours have been especially bad over the past seven days. Those people deserve to breathe clean air too. Following the raising of all those concerns by the community and me over the past year, what specific actions is the Minister's Department taking to put a stop to those smells, which have been horrendous over the past seven days?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question. Just before coming into the Chamber for Question Time, I was updated on that situation. Over the weekend, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's waste management licensing team received a significant number of communications — approximately 25 — regarding odours from the harbour. The odours are referred to as being principally from creosote and Jeyes Fluid, and they come from Warrenpoint harbour. It has happened at the same time as the Wake the Giant Festival. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has received some reports that suggest that a significant number of telegraph poles were unloaded at the harbour, and they are being stored on the quayside that is closest to the town. I have that report, and I will speak to the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency this afternoon about it. I get the concern around the issue. People should not have to endure that.

Robbie Butler (UUP, Lagan Valley)

The Minister will agree that the burning of fossil fuels is a massive contributor to the pollution of our air. Will the Minister update us on anaerobic digestion and its benefits when it comes to promoting a clean air strategy? Will he outline what the hold-ups are in interdepartmental working?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Anaerobic digestion has a lot of benefits for Northern Ireland. Sustainable utilisation of livestock slurry, which is part of a small business research initiative (SBRI), is now in phase 2. I want to see that scaled up. We work in conjunction with the Department for the Economy on that, and wider collaboration is taking place. Further collaboration needs to take place, and that relates to the nutrients action programme and how we provide people with the tools to take action. I am keen to do that. I need to get an update from officials to see where that liaison is and what the Department for the Economy is up to, but I understand the importance of anaerobic digestion.

Cathy Mason (Sinn Féin, South Down)

6. Mrs Mason asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline any discussions he has had with the British Government in relation to the fishing and coastal growth fund. (AQO 2248/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I have written to Minister Daniel Zeichner in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to emphasise the need for Northern Ireland to secure an equitable share of the fund and to seek an assurance that my officials will be fully and meaningfully involved in its design, delivery and promotion.

Cathy Mason (Sinn Féin, South Down)

I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you are well aware of the specific needs of fisheries in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie. What funding do you hope to see? What initiatives would you like to implement to support those fisheries, and when do you expect to see such initiatives in place? You know that local fishermen are on their knees and are crying out for help.

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

As I said, I have already raised the issue of the fund with the relevant Minister. I will continue to argue for Northern Ireland to get its fair share of that funding. I have concerns, because there is no more detail about the fund, but I will continue to argue for funding, because harbours in Northern Ireland, particularly Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie, need that support. The Government have announced the fund but have not given us the detail of it. I continue to raise the matter. It is important that we support our local fishery communities.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

When the announcement was made just over a month ago on access to water for the next 12 years, the fishing industry was devastated. Then, hand in hand, the fund was announced. It is a huge number — £360 million — for the fund, but it feels very like something that has been put out there to pacify the industry. Will the funding ever materialise? If it is to be over 12 years, that is £30 million a year across the whole of the UK. Minister, have you any idea of how much will come to Northern Ireland and when? The fishing industry really is on its knees.

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I understand the Member's concerns, and it is important that that funding come to Northern Ireland and not on the basis of a Barnett calculation. The share needs to be much bigger than that. I will write again to the Minister to say that Members have raised the issue with me today in the Chamber. It is important that we get that funding on the ground. If it comes as a Barnett consequential, there is a concern that it will not go directly to fishery communities. We need to make sure that it goes directly to them.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

What work is the Minister doing to support the local fishing industry?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

We have already discussed the fishing and coastal growth fund. I am fighting to get a fair share of that for Northern Ireland. I am also reviewing the potential for a bilateral agreement with the Irish Government for access to their 6- to 12-mile zone rather than have that engagement take place through DEFRA. Officials also recently met Isle of Man fisheries officials on a range of issues, and I await a briefing on the outcome of that meeting. I am also awaiting a submission from officials that it is due soon on the marine environment and fisheries fund, including on how we can support recruitment initiatives and the marketing of fisheries produce. A meeting has also been held between my officials and the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority (NIFHA) to discuss how we can take forward the harbour development programme while reflecting the needs of today and our budgetary challenges. We will also continue to engage with the UK Government on their migration policies and the severe detrimental impact that those have on the fishery industry in Northern Ireland.

I am doing all that I can to support fisheries in Northern Ireland. It is an important issue that is raised often with me, and I am seeking to make progress in a number of areas.

Kellie Armstrong (Alliance, Strangford)

7. Ms K Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the 'Independent Review of Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland - Interim Report'. (AQO 2249/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I welcome the timely publication of the 'Independent Review of Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland - Interim Report'. It marks a significant step in the overall review process, with the independent panel now moving towards its final report. The need to strengthen environmental governance has never been more pressing, particularly in the context of the significant environmental challenges that we face, not least those experienced at Lough Neagh. Many others share my desire to see meaningful change and to support those tasked with protecting our environment. There has been positive engagement with the process to date, and there is clearly significant interest in seeing progress. That is why I chose to publish the interim report.

The panel's final report is expected this summer, and I will then carefully consider its recommendations and include what can be taken forward in the short, medium and long term as part of a proposal to Executive colleagues in the autumn. We all must play our part in protecting our precious environment, and I will play my part in seeing the ways in which we can strengthen environmental governance in Northern Ireland.

Kellie Armstrong (Alliance, Strangford)

Thank you very much, Minister. You mentioned environmental governance: will you outline what the next steps might be to strengthen environmental governance following the publication this summer of the panel's final report?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Kellie. In the interim report, the panel identified two areas that, it feels, require further work. One is fleshing out the proposal for a new non-departmental public body. In essence, that would be the independent environmental protection agency. The other is reflecting the shared responsibilities for improving environmental governance in Northern Ireland. Once I get the final report, I will consider it and bring a proposal to the Executive.

We have talked an awful lot about an independent environmental protection agency. The independent panel has done really good work on fleshing out what exactly that needs to be. The panel will finalise that, and, hopefully, Executive colleagues will be able to agree a way forward.

Sinéad Ennis (Sinn Féin, South Down)

Minister, surely the people of Warrenpoint deserve good environmental governance when it comes to the ongoing decision by your Department and the NIEA to allow Re-Gen to store tens of thousands of tons of putrid black-bin waste in close proximity to people's homes. Minister, the smell returned with ferocity over the weekend. The situation is intolerable, and no community should have to endure it. That is a failure that has been going on for three years. What will it take for you or the NIEA to finally do something about it?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I am very conscious of people's concerns on that, and many are rightly at the end of their tether. I will speak to officials this afternoon, including the chief executive of the Environment Agency. Whatever we do has to be within our legal vires, but I am conscious of the concerns and will follow the matter up today.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

8. Mrs Guy asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of whether proposals for the draft climate action plan 2023-27 are sufficient for reducing emissions in line with the first carbon budget. (AQO 2250/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Mr Speaker, I intended, with your permission, to group questions 2 and 8, but the Member was not here to ask question 2.

I met the former Minister for the Economy, Minister Murphy, in June of last year. I met him again in January of this year, and I met the current Minister for the Economy, Minister Archibald, in March, when the climate action plans and opportunities for green growth were discussed. I can confirm that the policies and proposals in the draft climate action plan are sufficient for meeting the emissions reductions required by Northern Ireland's first carbon budget. The projected emissions are expected to meet the first carbon budget by achieving a 33·1% average annual reduction from the 1990 baseline, compared with Northern Ireland's legislated carbon budget of a 33% average annual reduction.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

Minister, what are the reasons for the delay in delivering the requirements of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

We sit here in June 2025. The Climate Change Act was passed in March 2022. Shortly after that, the institutions did not sit for two years. Those were two years in which the opportunity to implement the legislation was missed as a result of the collapse of the institutions by the DUP. When I brought to the Executive proposals to set the carbon budget and consult on the climate action plan, there was yet more delay. Climate action requires a whole-of-government commitment to decarbonisation. If the institutions had not been collapsed and everyone had put their shoulders to the wheel, we would have had the carbon budget set years ago; the climate action plan would not just have been not just consulted on but agreed and delivered; a Climate Commissioner would have been in place; and a just transition commission would have been up and running.

We cannot change the past, but we can change the future. Together, we must grasp the opportunities of decarbonisation. As Minister, I am determined to drive green growth. A draft green growth strategy was compiled by my predecessor, and I am determined to get it agreed. I sent it to the Executive in December of last year, and I will continue to look for its approval because there are opportunities from decarbonisation in Northern Ireland, primarily in reducing people's energy bills and giving them more security on these issues. Northern Ireland cannot afford to be a laggard on these issues.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

The Minister has raised many times in the Chamber today the issue of climate change targets and his legal obligations under them. Will he urge his party and the Assembly to row back on unachievable climate change targets that are highly damaging to the people of Northern Ireland, as seen in the A5 project?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The targets set out in the climate change legislation were agreed unanimously as part of the overall package of legislation at the Bill's Final Stage. Northern Ireland is not an outlier in its decarbonisation goals. A high percentage of countries are aiming for decarbonisation. It is false and wrong to make out that taking climate action is impossible: it is already happening. Businesses are doing it. The success of the UK economy has been down to growth alongside a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. That is something that we are determined to do. I am focused on delivery, not on turning my back on climate action in Northern Ireland.

Daniel McCrossan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, West Tyrone)

Minister, at any time, did you meet the former Minister for Infrastructure, John O'Dowd, prior to his approval of the A5 in October 2024 to discuss how the A5 project might meet its Climate Change Act obligations? If so, when did you meet?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

First, when it comes to the A5, I want to say one thing: my thoughts are with the families and friends who have been bereaved as a result of accidents on that road. I have met a number of them, and they had heartbreaking stories.

The delivery of the A5 is an Executive commitment. I back it, not just as an MLA but as the Minister responsible for rural affairs, and I am determined to have regional balance. It is important that I say that. The delivery of major infrastructure projects and climate legislation are not incompatible, but a whole-of-Executive approach to decarbonisation is needed. Everyone needs to play their part.

I engaged with the former Infrastructure Minister on the project, but it was an Executive decision. I do not want to give you exact dates until I have checked those with my diary secretary. I will write back to you on that. There was engagement, and there is engagement now, because there is a cross-Executive commitment to deliver this.

It is important that we work through the findings of the judge's judgement from last week. It is 100 pages long. From some people's commentary, it is clear that they have not read it. At the very end, it states:

"The relevant Ministers, departments and officials should redouble their efforts to deal with these shortcomings and that may involve the finalisation of a CAP"

— climate action plan —

"which is long overdue."

Not taking action is not the solution; taking action is. We could have had a climate action plan in place a long time ago, but we do not have one, because one party decided that it did not want to go to work.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Minister, the agricultural targets contained in the draft climate action plan will destroy our agri-industry, with its reduction targets for livestock of 22% in dairy cattle, 17% in beef cattle and 18% in sheep, pigs and poultry. Minister, what steps are you taking to protect the industry that you are meant to champion and to protect food security, or are you happy to stick the boot into the industry, along with the other mad environmentalists?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The climate action plan is out for consultation. If people want to read it, it is on the DAERA website. It is very clear that the climate action plan for 2023-27 is not about herd reduction. It is about productivity, and the plan sets that out.

The actions that I am taking are that I have managed to secure funding of over £12 million for a just transition fund for agriculture. It is very clear that we need to support our farmers on the road ahead, and I am determined to do that, not just in word but in deed, through that financial support. Climate change is the biggest risk to farming in Northern Ireland, and I am determined to support agriculture and farming on the road ahead, because we owe it to them to do that.

The climate action plan is out for consultation. It is a good news story about what we can do collectively to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from decarbonisation. I am very proud of so many farmers across Northern Ireland whom I have met and who do good work in that regard. They are shining lights and exemplars of delivery on the ground. It is important that I put that on the record.

Declan Kearney (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

9. Mr Kearney asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to provide an assessment of the current ecological status of Lough Neagh. (AQO 2251/22-27)

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

14. Mr Honeyford asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on progress made on the Lough Neagh report and action plan. (AQO 2256/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will group questions 9 and 14 together. I will provide you first with an assessment of the current ecological status of Lough Neagh and then an update on the progress made on the Lough Neagh report and action plan.

The 2024 water quality classification for rivers, lakes and marine waterbodies that was published by my Department in February 2025 showed that, in 2024, water quality in Lough Neagh was assessed as being of poor ecological status. It is clear that the Lough Neagh ecosystem has changed due to a range of pressures and threats, including a warming climate, eutrophication and invasive species. NIEA is developing a Lough Neagh conservation management plan to establish the necessary conservation measures to help the lough ecosystem achieve a new equilibrium and improved conservation status for its habitats and species.

With respect to the Lough Neagh report and action plan that were agreed by the Executive in July last year, of the 37 actions contained in the plan, I am pleased to report that 14 have been delivered and 22 are progressing. I am committed to driving forward the implementation of the remaining actions.

Declan Kearney (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht an fhreagra chuimsithigh sin.

[Translation: I thank the Minister for that comprehensive answer.]

Minister, you will be aware that a moratorium has been placed on eel fishing in Lough Neagh since the second week of May. That is causing huge financial hardship, particularly to those in our commercial fishing sector. Indeed, Minister, you met a number of those fishermen with me in the past. In light of those circumstances, what will you do to support the livelihoods of those who are enduring such hardship as a direct result of the moratorium on fishing in the lough in the midst of this ever-deepening crisis?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative's suspension of eel fishing remains in place until the week commencing 14 July, as the Member is aware. The society will provide test fish to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the coming weeks. Scale fishing continues in the lough, and DAERA continues to monitor the situation.

I remain committed to providing whatever support is practical and affordable to eel fisheries, including support through existing grant schemes and any potential new grant schemes. Any case for direct financial support for the shortened fishing season will need to be robustly supported with scientific and financial evidence for the scheme and the impact of the scale of losses that are endured.

I met the cooperative on a number of occasions, and it is looking to pull together the information that will help me to provide the support that we are going to have to provide to fishermen in the lough. Let me say that the story of eel fishing in Lough Neagh that has been emerging in the past number of weeks breaks my heart. If there ever were an example of a link between cause and effect, this is it. I am trying my best to turn the situation in Lough Neagh around. All that I ask from Members is a bit of flexibility and that they work with me on the matter. If we do not work together, those situations will get worse.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

Will the Minister give an update on actions to strengthen the regulation and enforcement on sewage pollution?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

As Minister, I am doing all that I can on that. I have been clear and have put on the record that the statement of regulatory principles and intent (SORPI) is not fit for purpose. A consultation is under way on that between DFI and NI Water that closes at the beginning of next month. I will then take recommendations to the Executive on how we can strengthen regulation and enforcement on sewage pollution in Northern Ireland. It is not acceptable that NI Water gets a separate regulatory regime to everyone else, and it is about time that we called time on that.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

Minister, there is a little bit of diplomacy in your answers. Is it not somewhat ironic that a Sinn Féin Member asks about the Lough Neagh action plan when their party voted against one of the critical parts of the plan? Further to that, it appears that the two big parties in the Executive are going to block progress on the nutrients action plan and that there is no plan to fund Northern Ireland Water. Will you confirm whether all Executive commitments on Lough Neagh will lie in utter ruins if those two things cannot be progressed?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I have outlined what I intend to do on sewage pollution to strengthen the regulation and enforcement. I will bring that to the Executive and look for support for it, because I believe in fairness, and, if people believe that it is wrong that there is a separate regime for sewage pollution, they need to back my plans in order to bring an end to the statement of regulatory principles and intent, which is the bye ball that NI Water gets.

I was deeply disappointed at the stance that some parties took in the recent debate on the nutrients action programme. However, I owe it to the people of Northern Ireland not to play politics with that but to try to find a way forward on the nutrients action programme. That is why I have clearly set out a pathway for it. When the consultation closes in the next few weeks, the Department will set up a time-bound stakeholder task and finish group, with an external facilitator and representatives from farming, agri-food, environmental groups and the Department. Working collaboratively and taking into account the consultation responses, plus any other potential solutions, the group will be asked to propose measures and actions that are evidence-based and workable at farm level with realistic time frames while allowing us to meet our legislative requirements. Following the work of that group, in the spirit of openness and transparency, I also intend to undertake a further eight-week public consultation on those updated proposals and then bring final recommendations to the Executive.

This is a genuine effort on my part to try to find a way forward on the nutrients action programme. I have listened to concerns, but I am also conscious of the fact that we have a crisis in Lough Neagh. I really hope that people get on board with the process that I have set out so that we can turn the tide on water quality in Lough Neagh. If we cannot do that, the Programme for Government that we published is not worth the paper that it is written on.

Maurice Bradley (DUP, East Londonderry)

10. Mr Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how many people have applied for the young farmers' payment in the past three years. (AQO 2252/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The number of businesses that applied for the young farmers' payment from 2023 to 2025 is as follows: in 2023, 181 young farmers' applications were received, with 145 being accepted; in 2024, 195 applications were received, and 164 were accepted; and, in 2025, 358 applications were received, and the number accepted is not yet known.

Maurice Bradley (DUP, East Londonderry)

I thank the Minister for not only answering the question but answering my supplementary question at the same time.

[Laughter.]

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

That will do us, then. Thank you, Minister. We will move on to topical questions.

Patsy McGlone (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Mid Ulster)

T1. Mr McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the implications of last week's judgement on the A5. (AQT 1471/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you very much, Patsy. The A5 is a key concern for everyone in Northern Ireland. I am taking time to carefully consider the judgement that was handed down, and I encourage others to do likewise. As part of my considerations, I am engaging with Minister Kimmins, and our officials are engaging across both Departments. The judge stated that the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 does not prevent major infrastructure projects from being undertaken but that they must fit alongside existing plans and strategies as part of a pathway to meeting carbon budgets and targets. It therefore remains important that we work together to deliver our statutory responsibilities as set out in the Climate Change Act, which was passed by the Assembly in March 2022.

Since coming into office, I have met each Minister who carries responsibility as the sectoral lead — the Minister for Infrastructure, the Minister for Communities and the Minister for the Economy — and I have also met the Finance Minister. At no point during those meetings, despite our recognising that it is not without its challenges, was there any lack of support for working together on our responsibilities as set out in the Act. As the judge noted, the challenge now is for all Ministers and their officials to "redouble their efforts" and to finalise the climate action plan that is already "long overdue". That is where the focus needs to be in the time ahead.

Patsy McGlone (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Mid Ulster)

Thank you very much for that, Minister. Will you provide us with details of the number of occasions on which DFI officials sought advice on the A5 project and of the obligations that the Department had under that advice? Will you also provide that information with regard to other major projects, whether of DFI or others, where your Department, as the host Department, was asked for advice on the obligations to be met by respective Departments on those projects?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Patsy. I will check with officials and write to you, because I do not have the dates in front of me. There was engagement, however. Primarily, the Department for Infrastructure is the lead on the A5 project. It is important that we consider the judgement as a whole. There are 100 pages of it. I have read all the detail and have highlighted all the relevant aspects of it. It is important that the Department for Infrastructure goes through it and carefully considers the way forward after that significant judgement.

A lot of misleading and untruthful information has been given about climate change legislation with regard to the A5. Climate inaction and climate denial have contributed to the issue. Senior members of the DUP are in denial about climate change in Northern Ireland. That does not help us as we try to drive along a road towards decarbonisation. We need to take action on it. We should not have lost two years in moving forward. We also need to work together to drive down greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland, and the A5 can play a part in that.

Danny Donnelly (Alliance, East Antrim)

T2. Mr Donnelly asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the development of the peatland strategy and his assessment of the benefits of peatland restoration. (AQT 1472/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you very much. The peatland strategy went to the Executive some weeks ago. It will have massive benefits for Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to carbon capture, the restoration of protected areas and the prevention of fires in our countryside. That is why I want to get agreement on it. Good work has been done on peatland restoration, but we need to do more. The strategy sets that out.

Danny Donnelly (Alliance, East Antrim)

I thank the Minister for his answer. We all know that there were horrendous issues with fires across Northern Ireland in the spring. What role can peatland restoration play in enhancing resilience to fires in our countryside?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

There are many examples of good work being done on that. We want to redouble our efforts as part of the peatland strategy, so that we can rewet peatlands. That will also address a lot of the issues that have been outlined on fires in our countryside. A lot of environmental and non-governmental organisations are playing a good role in that area, and the strategy seeks to work in partnership with them to meet the targets that the environmental improvement plan sets out.

Deirdre Hargey (Sinn Féin, Belfast South)

T3. Miss Hargey asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what contingency plans his Department is putting in place to ensure that small farmers are supported in the event of an outbreak, given the growing risk of bluetongue spreading from Britain and that compensation for culled animals is limited. (AQT 1473/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I am very conscious of the concerns around bluetongue, particularly the decision that movement restrictions will no longer apply in England, which will take effect from 1 July. That has caused me concern. My Department recently published a framework for our response to bluetongue. We are engaging with stakeholders on whether we make a vaccine available as a preventative measure. It is important that we take action. The biggest role that we can play is in raising awareness, because early reporting will help us to tackle it in Northern Ireland.

Deirdre Hargey (Sinn Féin, Belfast South)

Thank you for that, Minister. Will you confirm that you are actively considering a vaccine in the event of an outbreak? How will you communicate that to farmers to ensure that they get support as early as possible?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Yes, I am actively considering that. There was a meeting with stakeholders on Friday, and I have asked officials for an urgent update on the outcome of that meeting. I will take a decision in the very near future.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

T4. Ms Flynn asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how his Department engages with council-managed and privately managed forest parks, given his remit to work with and support all forest parks, including those that are not directly under departmental management. (AQT 1474/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The Department engages primarily on how we support forest parks through providing advice or financial support. Forest parks play a vital role in Northern Ireland. They are important for recreation but also for the environment. I am keen to support that. If the Member wishes me to visit a particular park, I am happy to do so.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Thanks very much, Minister. You walked yourself into my supplementary.

[Laughter.]

I would be delighted if you could join me to visit Colin Glen Forest Park in west Belfast and see how we can help it to extend its opening hours. It is restricted to opening between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm due to various issues, including antisocial behaviour. I want to see how we can open access to the park to the wider west Belfast community. I extend a warm invite, if you would like to take me up on it.

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I can already hear my diary secretary asking, "When?, but I am happy to accept.

Cathy Mason (Sinn Féin, South Down)

T6. Mrs Mason asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to provide an update on the main issues affecting family farms that were raised in the initial feedback on the Department's draft nutrients action programme (NAP) proposals. (AQT 1476/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The consultation has received nearly 200 responses. I get farmers' concerns about the nutrients action programme consultation. The proposals are complex, and the documentation goes to over 1,000 pages. I am listening to those concerns. That is why, as I have outlined today, once the consultation closes in the next few weeks, we will set up a stakeholder group. It will have an independent external facilitator who will go through the responses and anything else that comes back.

Let us be clear that nothing is off the table. If anyone else has any proposals, I am happy for those to be considered by the group. I will ask the group to come back to me with proposals that are workable at farm level and have realistic time frames alongside our legislative obligations. We will then go forward to a further consultation, which will include an economic assessment of the impact of the proposed measures.

That is a genuine effort to find a way forward. I owe it to everyone in Northern Ireland, particularly the farming community, to shape a way forward that gives people confidence in the nutrients action programme. I understand the concerns that have been expressed. I am a genuine kind of person: I have been listening, and I am trying to find a way forward. A lot of discussions have taken place, and, as I have said previously, I will wish to be able to provide financial capital support. The key determinant of that will be the budget that is allocated to my Department. If the Finance Minister and I can work together, we will hopefully be able to provide support — for example, for low-emission slurry spreading equipment (LESSE) equipment — and help farmers on the road ahead.

It is an important issue, and I will say in conclusion that what we have consulted on will not be the final package. I can say that with confidence because it is a consultation. I have been listening to people's concerns. I am very keen to ensure that we have something that is workable at farm level but has realistic time frames and meets our legal obligations.

Cathy Mason (Sinn Féin, South Down)

I appreciate the Minister's response. Minister, given the feedback, have you considered the impact of the current NAP proposals on hill and sheep farmers, particularly those in the Mournes and Slieve Croob in my constituency, alongside the withdrawal of the areas of natural constraint (ANC) payments?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I have considered that. I have seen the feedback on the draft proposals in the current consultation for 100% LESSE by 2030. I hear those concerns. I want to engage and find a way forward. I am open-minded, because it is a consultation. I have set out a genuine path ahead, and I just hope that people can come with me on it. I have a genuine desire to find a resolution, because we owe it to farming to provide a sustainable way forward so that agriculture can have a successful future, but we must improve water quality in Northern Ireland. I was so disappointed and despondent at the vote a few weeks ago by all parties in the Assembly other than the SDLP, Alliance and Gerry Carroll on the issue, but I hope that we can put that in the past and find a way forward. I do not want stand-offs and stalemates on it: I want progress.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

T7. Mrs Guy asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, for his assessment of the concerning reports of blue-green algae in the lake at Hillsborough Forest park, which is a wonderful facility in the constituency of Lagan Valley. (AQT 1477/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency confirmed the presence of blue-green algae at Hillsborough Lake on 17 June, highlighting yet again that it is not just a challenge in Lough Neagh. It is no surprise, unfortunately, that the algae have reappeared in waterways this year, given the weather conditions, and I expect it to continue to reappear. My Department's protocol, which is in place to respond, is the inter-agency blue-green algae monitoring protocol. It was developed and used operationally for the 2024 bathing season and provided a sound framework for responding to the issues. On DAERA's website, you can see where locations have been reported, and I encourage the public to report any suspected blooms through the Bloomin Algae app or the email address, which is available on our website, with a photograph of the blooms.

Government in Northern Ireland has to be more than photographs; it has to be about decisions. That is why I am keen to find a way forward to improve water quality in Northern Ireland, and I urge people to work with us on that.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Minister for his answer. Will he provide an update on actions to address poor water quality across Northern Ireland?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The Lough Neagh report and action plan sets out a range of actions that we plan to take or have already taken. That applies not just to Lough Neagh but to other waterbodies. The river basin management plan has also been agreed and sets out further actions. Fundamentally, it comes down to simple but difficult decisions, which is that we need to reduce the amount of sewage pollution going into our rivers, lakes and loughs. We also need to have better ways of managing slurry, manure and synthetic fertilisers in Northern Ireland. We also need to have better management of septic tanks. I believe that we can do it. It is difficult, but we can do it and find a way forward to improve water quality in Northern Ireland.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

T8. Mr Boylan asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the meeting that he had with Minister Kimmins last week in light of the disappointing judgement on the A5. (AQT 1478/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I met the Infrastructure Minister last Tuesday. I also wrote to her at the end of last week about the issue. The issue was also raised in the Chamber with regard to farmers who have been affected as a result of the vesting of land. My officials will continue to work with the Department for Infrastructure, and I will continue to work with the Infrastructure Minister in response to the judgement.

Ultimately, the measure of success of the Executive has to be how we work together on the issues and challenges that face us. I am determined to do that not just with the Infrastructure Minister but with the Economy Minister, the Communities Minister and the full Executive. We have to work together to work through the issues. It is clear that we can do so, if there is a collective will to address the issues arising from the judgement.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Minister for his answer and welcome his reassurance. Will the Minister admit that it is vital that we move forward with the project to ensure that more lives are not lost on the A5 road?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I agree. The judgement sets it out that section 52 does not prevent a major infrastructure project that is a source of significant greenhouse gas emissions from being devised, promoted, constructed and put into operation by DFI or any other Northern Ireland Department with responsibility for such activities. However, it clearly rules out the construction or operation of such a major project in the absence of robust planning, synchronisation and coordination between all Northern Ireland Departments to ensure that the project fits into plans, strategies and policies that set out a realistic and achievable pathway to achieving net zero by 2050. The challenge for us is to achieve that, and I am determined to work with Executive Ministers to deliver that. I am committed to the A5 project. It is an Executive flagship project, but we have to do it in a legally robust manner.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

T9. Mr McMurray asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what more can be done to tackle the issue of poisoning in Northern Ireland, given that South Down is home to many red kites, as the Minister knows, and recently one was poisoned. (AQT 1479/22-27)

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

The killing of birds of prey, whether deliberately or through the improper use of pesticides or other poisons, is deplorable. It is a crime, and it diminishes our biodiversity. I met the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group, the RSPB and Ulster Wildlife last week to discuss the issue. I recognise the need to address the persecution of birds of prey in Northern Ireland and am determined to take more action to help stamp out that repugnant activity.

My Department is exploring ways to strengthen enforcement and sanctions for the current plant protection product legislation relating to the storage and use of unauthorised plant protection products. A new working group will also be established to pull together relevant stakeholders and fully consider a potential road map and requirements for any new secondary legislation to prohibit the possession of dangerous pesticides in Northern Ireland in the next Assembly mandate.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Thank you, Minister. You managed 19 supplementary questions. That puts you in equal second place currently.

Oral Answers to Questions — Communities

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

1. Mr McGuigan asked the Minister for Communities for an update on the fuel poverty strategy. (AQO 2257/22-27)

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

The fuel poverty strategy consultation closed on 6 March. Analysis of the responses to the consultation has been completed, and a summary will be published later this summer. Informed by the consultation, my fuel poverty strategy team is continuing to discuss and agree various aspects of the final strategy with other officials, both in my Department and across government. I plan to bring the final strategy to the Executive for agreement by the end of the year.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

Further to that, Minister, what effect, if any, will the reinstatement of the winter fuel payment have on the fuel poverty strategy?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

Of course, it will have an impact. That is something that I have said from the start: the plan would always be flexible to take into consideration the fact that they are not issues that we deal with by ourselves and that we need to work with the UK Government and, of course, other stakeholders.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

Minister, fuel poverty is a scourge on our society. In my constituency of North Belfast, one of the best ways to tackle it was through the affordable warmth scheme. I understand that the Minister made a bid to the Department of Finance in the June monitoring round to ensure that we could continue to roll out the scheme. Given the importance of that, did the Minister of Finance meet your bid?