TB Eradication Partnership

Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Northern Ireland Assembly am 3:15 pm ar 19 Chwefror 2024.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Deborah Erskine Deborah Erskine DUP 3:15, 19 Chwefror 2024

T8. Mrs Erskine asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, after welcoming him in his new post and offering her congratulations, to state whether he will commit to working with the TB eradication partnership, which has developed a strategy to deal with the scourge of TB in Northern Ireland, to implement its recommendations without further delay in order to deal with TB in wildlife and farm animals. (AQT 18/22-27)

Photo of Andrew Muir Andrew Muir Alliance

I am aware of those recommendations. As I said, I engaged last week and will engage in the time ahead with the Ulster Farmers' Union to get its views. Many different suggestions are coming forward to me. I am conscious that time may not be on our side for the budget for next year that is associated with this. I am also conscious that the Secretary of State directed that we consult on reducing the compensation scheme to 90% in the first year and 75% in the years thereafter. I hope that we do not get to that situation. We need to take decisions quickly to ensure that we can have sustainability for our finances but also for farms. The farming community is a key part of the Northern Ireland economy and community, and we need to find a way to support it.

Photo of Deborah Erskine Deborah Erskine DUP

I thank the Minister for his answer. He talked about compensation. Will you commit to not reducing the compensation that farmers receive for TB reactor animals until partnership recommendations have been implemented in full?

Photo of Andrew Muir Andrew Muir Alliance

I cannot give that commitment because I do not know what my budget will be for next year. That is the reality. Whatever settlement I get for next year will have a significant impact on how we can deliver functions for Northern Ireland. I will not seek to reduce it, but I am very conscious of the financial situation. I will work with Executive colleagues and the Department of Finance to see what settlement we can get.

I am conscious of the devastating consequences when TB arrives in a herd. I really hear that. I see the devastation on farmers' faces when it arrives. We need to find out what we can do to support them. I want to be the farmer's friend. People may not listen to me or agree with that, but I want to give them as much support as I can. I will need help to be able to do that.

Photo of Edwin Poots Edwin Poots DUP

That brings Question Time to a conclusion. I ask Members to take their ease while a change is made at the top Table before we commence the debate on the Budget Bill.

(Madam Principal Deputy Speaker [Ms Ní Chuilín] in the Chair)