Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Natural Environment: Northern Ireland

Wednesday 24 April 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kerry McCarthy raised concerns about the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh caused by agricultural runoff, climate change, and zebra mussels.
  • The Minister acknowledged the condition of Lough Neagh and noted the lack of an Executive for a period, expressing delight in its constructive forward movement.
  • Oliver Heald complimented Frank Field's legacy in pensions and the Minister agreed, expressing interest in discussions on nature-based solutions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Climate Northern Ireland Environment
Context

The question was prompted by concerns over the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh, which supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. The issue is exacerbated by agricultural runoff, climate change, invasive species and sewage dumping.

Question

I am concerned about the long-term sustainability of Northern Ireland's natural environment, especially regarding the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh supplying 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. This issue has been caused by agricultural fertiliser run-off, climate change, zebra mussel spread and sewage dumping. Can you provide more information on this issue? Additionally, I have found that your Department and DEFRA have not been willing to work with Stormont to address environmental issues in Northern Ireland. What can you do to improve the situation?

Answer from Steven Baker

I have been conscious of the condition of Lough Neagh when standing on its shores, a body of water partly devolved in responsibility. Given the lack of an Executive for some time, we are delighted it is back and being carried forward constructively. I will continue to work with Minister Muir without treading on his toes but offering help reasonably. He is dedicated and energetic, and I look forward to him succeeding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific environmental issues at Lough Neagh and collaborative efforts with Stormont were not addressed directly.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Northern Ireland Environment
Context

The question was prompted by the ongoing ecological disaster at Lough Neagh, a critical water source affected by agricultural run-off, climate change, invasive species and sewage dumping.

Question

I thank the Minister for his response. The issue of the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh has been caused by fertiliser runoff from agriculture, climate change, zebra mussel spread and sewage dumping. Can he provide more information on this matter? In the past, my Department and DEFRA have not shown willingness to work with Stormont to address these environmental issues in Northern Ireland. What concrete steps will be taken?

Answer from Steven Baker

I have stood on the shores of Lough Neagh and been conscious of its condition. Responsibility for it is devolved, and we did not have an Executive for a period. We are delighted that it is back and being carried forward constructively. I will continue to work with Minister Muir without treading on his toes but offering help reasonably.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific environmental issues at Lough Neagh and collaborative efforts with Stormont were not addressed directly.

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Q3 Oliver Heald Con
Climate Northern Ireland
Context

The question was prompted by discussions on the ecological disaster at Lough Neagh and potential nature-based solutions to address similar issues.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Frank Field left an immense legacy in the field of pensions? He started off as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the Maxwell pensioners problem, was then an inspired Minister of State, and has been involved in major debates on pensions. We will miss him. What impact does the Minister think nature-based solutions could have on problems like those we have discussed?

Answer from Steven Baker

I am grateful for my right hon. and learned Friend's question, agreeing with him on pensions. On nature-based solutions, I would love to have that conversation in the Tea Room as it is not my specialist area, confident Minister Muir would be interested.

Not addressed: The specific impact of nature-based solutions was not discussed directly.

How: Change Of Subject

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