Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:30 pm on 10 September 2024.
Andrew Muir
Alliance
2:30,
10 September 2024
I am aware of the issues that the Member has outlined about the closed period. I will be honest with him: given the current situation with water quality in Northern Ireland, I cannot move towards changing that closed period and would not have credibility with others in society if I were to change it. However, I outlined the interventions to Members, and, if we are able to take action on the better management of slurry, options will be available to us. At the moment, I cannot look at changing that. I am being honest with you.