Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:00 pm on 17 June 2024.
Declan McAleer
Sinn Féin
3:00,
17 June 2024
I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, there were families in my parents' generation and before who were reared on 1 acre. You will be aware that the unanimous view of the AERA Committee is that we should revert to 3 hectares. This will knock potentially 1,400 small farm businesses out of business, which will have a knock-on impact on rural planning and vibrancy. Will it be brought in via affirmative procedure? Will you reconsider your decision?
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
