Question Time: Agriculture and Rural Development Monday 02 November 2015
During today’s
Question
Time, Lord Morrow asked Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, about the
steps she will be taking to address the problem of river pollution. The remit
of DARD covers pollution sourced from farms but is working with other
Departments to prevent pollution in general and improve water quality. DARD and
DOE are working together on the nitrates directive to prevent water pollution
from agricultural sources and to ensure that manures and chemical fertilisers
are used efficiently. DARD also works with other Departments and stakeholders
on the implementation of the water framework directive which aims to deliver
long-term sustainability for the water environment and covers all sectors that
have an impact on water. The Department has also worked with a number of
Departments on a long-term water strategy for Northern Ireland. The strategy is
cross-cutting, and is expected to come to the Executive for agreement in the
coming months.
Mrs O’Neill
then addressed concerns around the lengths of sentences handed to people
convicted of animal cruelty. Following significant public interest in the
enforcement of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011, a private Members’ motion was
agreed in March 2014 to review sentencing guidelines and practices – “The
purpose of the review is to ensure that animal welfare enforcement is dealt
with effectively.” An interim
report of the review, published in February 2015, recommended increasing
the maximum sentence and fine on conviction for the more serious summary
offences and increasing the maximum prison term in the case of indictable
offences – “That will mean that the penalties for animal welfare offences here
are as tough as or tougher than any that are available in the Twenty-six
Counties or in Britain. There was substantial support for the recommendation
during the consultation on the interim report. ” However Primary
legislation is required to amend the original Act. As there is not enough time
to implement this in the current mandate, the Minister has been working with
the Justice Minister to include the provisions in the Justice No.2 Bill. The
Minister is confident that the House will support these amendments as the
Justice Bill progresses through the Assembly.
The Minister
also answered Members’ questions on the Rural
Proofing Bill, the Rural Development
Programme, the river Lagan, farming and horse mussel beds in Strangford
Lough.
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