Question Time: Agriculture and Rural Development Tuesday 03 February 2015
Steven Agnew
expressed concern for the wild animals used in circuses and the conditions they
are forced to live in during today’s Questions
to Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill. The Minister hosted a meeting
with the Born Free Foundation, Animal Defenders international and the Captive
Animals Protection Society to discuss the issue in January 2013. The issue was
also raised at a number of North/South Ministerial Council meetings. Mr Agnew
wanted to know if the Minister would be prepared to act on her own in introducing
legislation in Northern Ireland. However she expressed reticence at this idea
as “when we create legislation we have to make sure that it is relevant and is
responsive to a need. Given that we do not have a circus based here and only
have visiting circuses from the Twenty-six Counties and, indeed, from across
Europe, the best solution that we have at the moment is to develop a very
strong protocol so that everybody is clear about their responsibilities.”
Kieran
McCarthy then asked the Minister for her assessment of the current schemes to
ensure a sustainable supply of labour for the fishing industry. The Minister
assured that “I am very supportive of our fishing industry and the contribution
it makes to the economy, and I am keen to support the industry through measures
geared towards helping businesses adapt to the challenges they face.” The
European Fisheries Fund has provided funding to encourage new entrants into the
industry. The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, to be launched later
this year, will provide further opportunities to support the fishing sector and
contribute to developing skills and knowledge of the fishing industry. The Minister
also assured that the Department will continue to consult the fishing industry
to identify the measures required to meet its needs.
The Minister
also answered Members’ questions on DARD funding for GAA clubs, pig meat market
price, flooding in South Belfast, and banking arrangements for farmers.
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