New Agriculture Committee Chairperson Ready for the Challenge

The new Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Stephen Moutray MLA, is looking forward to the challenge of chairing the Committee.

Mr Moutray said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development. Like other Members of the Assembly, I am well aware of the excellent work of this Committee and of my predecessor Ian Paisley Jnr. The remit of this Committee is wide and varied and I relish the challenge. Agriculture is the biggest employer in Northern Ireland and in the current economic climate our farming industry is struggling to support the livelihoods of those who depend upon it. This Committee is only too aware of the difficulties faced by farmers and those who live and work in rural areas and I am confident that this Committee will continue to work to ensure that legislation and policies coming from the Department will deliver results for our rural communities.

This Committee is currently dealing with two significant pieces of legislation, the Dogs (Amendment) Bill and the Welfare of Animals Bill and I know that there is a demanding and comprehensive schedule of work ahead but I am ready for the challenge and look forward to working with the other Members of the Committee.”