McAleer welcomes assurance that no final decisions have been made on NAP 2027-2030

The West Tyrone MLA said: ''There has been significant concern across the farming community following comments by the Minister indicating that aspects of the proposed Nutrients Action Programme measures would need to change, despite the consultation process and associated assessments not having been completed.

''I therefore sought clarification from the Minister on whether the Department was adhering to the principles of due regard and open-minded decision-making established in the Brown case, which requires decision-makers to properly consider all relevant information before reaching a conclusion.

''In response to my Assembly Question, the Minister has confirmed that no final decisions have been taken and that consultation responses, alongside equality, rural needs and economic impact assessments, are still being considered as part of a rigorous and open-minded decision-making process.

''The Brown principles are there to ensure that public authorities approach consultations and impact assessments with an open mind, give proper consideration to the evidence before them, and avoid any perception that decisions have already been predetermined.

''It is essential that due process is followed and that all evidence submitted by farmers, rural communities, industry stakeholders and environmental organisations is fully and fairly assessed before any final decisions are made.

''The Nutrients Action Programme will have far-reaching implications for family farms and the wider agri-food sector. Decisions of this significance must be based on robust evidence and a genuine consideration of equality, rural and economic impacts, as well as the views expressed during the consultation process.

''The Minister's response provides an important assurance that the consultation remains live and that no final decisions have yet been reached. Those who took the time to contribute to the consultation will rightly expect their views and concerns to be given full and proper consideration before any measures are finalised.

''I will continue to engage with farmers and stakeholders and will closely scrutinise the Department's final proposals to ensure the principles of fair, lawful and evidence-based decision-making are fully upheld.''