In light of
the recent hazardous weather in Northern Ireland during the last week Minister
of Agriculture and Rural Development was asked for her assessment of the
coastal flood defences during today’s Question
Time. The Minister confirmed that “there is absolutely no doubt that coastal
defences were severely tested” but that “the defences that the Rivers Agency is responsible for
performed well”. The effectiveness of designated flood defences is constantly
reviewed under a rolling inspection and the agency is also willing to provide
support to other organisations in their assessment of the infrastructure and
coastal defences for which they are responsible.
After the
Justice Minister was pressed on how his department is helping address cases of
animal cruelty in last week’s Question Time, Chris Lyttle took the opportunity
to ask the Agriculture Minister if she has any plans to review her own
Department’s policy. Mrs O’Neill highlighted the important and necessary
changes brought about as part of the 2011 Welfare of
Animals Act citing in particular the new role of local councils in tackling
the problem saying that she is “encouraged by the valuable work that they have
undertaken to date”. The Minister believes that it is important to allow
sufficient time for the new changes to bed in before considering any further
changes.
During
regular oral questions the Minister also answered Members queries regarding
single farm payments and the rural development programme as well as providing
an update on the current status of the plans for new DARD headquarters.
Following
the regular Question Time there was then fifteen minutes of topical questions.
Members took this opportunity to ask the Minister about plans to stop badgers
spreading TB to cattle, single farm payments and the Rivers Agency flood
alleviation work in East Belfast.
