Latest news with #Muir
ITV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ITV News
First climate action plan targets increase in electricity from renewable sources in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's first draft Climate Action Plan sets a target that 80% of the region's electricity should come from renewable sources by 2030. The roadmap also proposes reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill to 10% by 2035 and planting 9,000 hectares of new woodland by the end of the decade. Launching a 16-week consultation on the plan, Environment Minister Andrew Muir described it as a 'milestone moment'. The action plan is a legal requirement of the Climate Change Act that was passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022. It sets out the proposed path that Northern Ireland will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 as well as achieving a carbon budget target of a 33% average annual reduction in emissions between 2023 and 2027. Mr Muir said: 'I am fully committed to delivering Northern Ireland's first Climate Action Plan – one that is grounded in robust science and evidence, shaped by stakeholder voices, necessarily ambitious and aligned with our pledge to a just transition. 'This isn't just a plan, it's a roadmap towards a more sustainable future. 'The publication of the draft Climate Action Plan is a milestone moment that will inform how we reduce our emissions, grow our green economy, protect our environment and improve our health and wellbeing.' The minister said the collapse of the powersharing Executive in 2022 meant that some pace on creating the plan had been lost, adding 'we can ill afford to delay or defer action'. During the 16-week consultation period, a series of consultation events, including sector-specific sessions, will be held across Northern Ireland. The plan sets out a number of policies and proposals to reduce emissions, affecting several Stormont departments. These include the proposals to increase the proportion of electricity produced from renewable sources with an 80% target by 2030. The plan also sets a policy direction of switching vehicle fuels to low-emission alternatives, improving energy efficiency in residential buildings, including through better insulation and reducing energy consumption in the government estate. It targets an increase in household recycling, increasing municipal waste recycling to 65% and reducing waste to landfill to 10% by 2035. The plan includes a policy of reducing nitrogen fertiliser use in agriculture, creating 9,000 hectares of new woodland by 2030 and restoring 10,000 hectares of peatland by 2027. Mr Muir said: 'We have seen the damaging and costly impacts of climate change around the world and closer to home from flash flooding, wildfires and more frequent and severe storms. 'No section of society is immune. 'It is essential we take action and I would encourage everyone to take part in this 16-week consultation.' Met Office chief scientist, Professor Stephen Belcher, said: 'We can see our climate is rapidly changing in our observations. 'We have a responsibility to future generations to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to net zero to stabilise the climate. 'And we also have a responsibility to citizens now and to future generations to accelerate our efforts to adapt to the extreme weather events we are seeing now in our changing climate. 'Action plans such as this are a vital step in this journey and the consultation on this plan is a valuable opportunity for the public to engage with this process.' Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Have adults forgotten how to have fun? New Amazon research taps into the lost art of play with kids
These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. The life of a parent is filled with responsibility - meeting daily schedules, completing household chores, putting food on the table, and teaching children how to live and function in this big, wide world. But sometimes, amid all the seriousness of responsibility, parents forget how to have fun. New research from Amazon Alexa reveals nearly half of Aussie parents (47 per cent) sometimes feel they have forgotten how to tap into their silly bone while navigating adult life and responsibilities, despite 81 per cent stating they feel more connected to kids during silly play. Consequently, scientific research has proved that play also acts to support relationships, increase cooperation, and foster positive long-term mental health for big and little minds. It can also fast-track brain development, reducing the synapse repetitions from 400 to just 10 to 20 repetitions when playfulness is involved. Incredibly, it takes just one minute of play a day to realise these benefits. According to the research from Amazon, household chores (71 per cent) are the biggest obstacle to play, followed by work (59 per cent), mental drain (48 per cent) and lack of time (48 per cent). To inspire Aussie families to balance play with "adulting", Amazon Alexa has introduced 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly, an experience designed to spark micro-moments of play. While over half of parents (51 per cent) admit to feeling stumped for silly things to do or say, they only need to say one thing to any Amazon Echo Device and that is - "Alexa, Let's Get Silly". The "Alexa, Let's Get Silly" prompt accesses four interactive experiences including, "Silly Dance Party" where Alexa remixes all her favourite original tracks so the family can bust their grooviest moves together, "Silly Tricks" where Alexa performs a funny voice, a zany impression, or a chorus of cats, "Silly Sound Quiz", where it's your kids' job to guess that blubbery, blobbery sound, and of course, "Silly Farts", the raucous game of flatulence that is not for the faint of heart. Parenting expert, Gen Muir stresses that playtime shouldn't feel like just another task on the to-do list, a sentiment echoed by one in two Aussie parents (49 per cent). With a large majority (80 per cent) feeling guilty about insufficient playtime, Muir emphasises that playfulness is a skill, not just a trait, and highlights 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' as a practical way for the 62 per cent of parents feeling less playful compared to when they were younger. "Parenting today is tough. From my experience as a parent, humour, laughter and being silly are among the most underrated parenting strategies. When a day is stuck, or the kids are not listening, even a minute of silly fun can be a lifeline for resetting the mood. Our children feel more connected to us, cooperation increases, endorphins are released and cortisol levels drop. "If getting ready for the day is a challenge or your evenings are being overtaken by household chores, 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' is the effortless fun generator for when you're frazzled and silly ideas vanish. I guarantee any joke about a "fart" will be a hit, as will an impromptu getting-dressed dance party", said Gen. Since two in five parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by advice on how they should engage in play (40 per cent), Muir encourages Aussies to keep it simple by using a tool like 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' and using these five tips: "1- Embrace micro-moments: Look for small pockets of time throughout the day - even 10 minutes - to be silly. It doesn't need to be a grand production; Alexa's Silly Tricks should do the trick! 2- Integrate play into routine tasks: Turn chores into games, dance while getting ready with the Silly Dance Party, or take the Silly Sound Quiz during mealtimes. 3- Follow your child's lead: Observe which silly experience most makes your child giggle - Silly Farts is a winner - and join in. Their interests are a great starting point for silly play. 4- Lower the stakes: Don't worry about being the "perfect" playful parent. Just be present and have fun. Imperfect silliness is often the most memorable. 5- Prioritise connection over perfection: Focus on the feeling of connection rather than achieving a specific outcome or educational goal during playtime. Silliness is enough." The 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' experience is available for Aussie customers to experience by saying 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' to any Amazon Echo device. The latest Amazon Echo 15 - a smart device and family organisation hub - is also available to purchase now on Amazon. Buy now for $549 on Amazon. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. The life of a parent is filled with responsibility - meeting daily schedules, completing household chores, putting food on the table, and teaching children how to live and function in this big, wide world. But sometimes, amid all the seriousness of responsibility, parents forget how to have fun. New research from Amazon Alexa reveals nearly half of Aussie parents (47 per cent) sometimes feel they have forgotten how to tap into their silly bone while navigating adult life and responsibilities, despite 81 per cent stating they feel more connected to kids during silly play. Consequently, scientific research has proved that play also acts to support relationships, increase cooperation, and foster positive long-term mental health for big and little minds. It can also fast-track brain development, reducing the synapse repetitions from 400 to just 10 to 20 repetitions when playfulness is involved. Incredibly, it takes just one minute of play a day to realise these benefits. According to the research from Amazon, household chores (71 per cent) are the biggest obstacle to play, followed by work (59 per cent), mental drain (48 per cent) and lack of time (48 per cent). To inspire Aussie families to balance play with "adulting", Amazon Alexa has introduced 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly, an experience designed to spark micro-moments of play. While over half of parents (51 per cent) admit to feeling stumped for silly things to do or say, they only need to say one thing to any Amazon Echo Device and that is - "Alexa, Let's Get Silly". The "Alexa, Let's Get Silly" prompt accesses four interactive experiences including, "Silly Dance Party" where Alexa remixes all her favourite original tracks so the family can bust their grooviest moves together, "Silly Tricks" where Alexa performs a funny voice, a zany impression, or a chorus of cats, "Silly Sound Quiz", where it's your kids' job to guess that blubbery, blobbery sound, and of course, "Silly Farts", the raucous game of flatulence that is not for the faint of heart. Parenting expert, Gen Muir stresses that playtime shouldn't feel like just another task on the to-do list, a sentiment echoed by one in two Aussie parents (49 per cent). With a large majority (80 per cent) feeling guilty about insufficient playtime, Muir emphasises that playfulness is a skill, not just a trait, and highlights 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' as a practical way for the 62 per cent of parents feeling less playful compared to when they were younger. "Parenting today is tough. From my experience as a parent, humour, laughter and being silly are among the most underrated parenting strategies. When a day is stuck, or the kids are not listening, even a minute of silly fun can be a lifeline for resetting the mood. Our children feel more connected to us, cooperation increases, endorphins are released and cortisol levels drop. "If getting ready for the day is a challenge or your evenings are being overtaken by household chores, 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' is the effortless fun generator for when you're frazzled and silly ideas vanish. I guarantee any joke about a "fart" will be a hit, as will an impromptu getting-dressed dance party", said Gen. Since two in five parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by advice on how they should engage in play (40 per cent), Muir encourages Aussies to keep it simple by using a tool like 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' and using these five tips: "1- Embrace micro-moments: Look for small pockets of time throughout the day - even 10 minutes - to be silly. It doesn't need to be a grand production; Alexa's Silly Tricks should do the trick! 2- Integrate play into routine tasks: Turn chores into games, dance while getting ready with the Silly Dance Party, or take the Silly Sound Quiz during mealtimes. 3- Follow your child's lead: Observe which silly experience most makes your child giggle - Silly Farts is a winner - and join in. Their interests are a great starting point for silly play. 4- Lower the stakes: Don't worry about being the "perfect" playful parent. Just be present and have fun. Imperfect silliness is often the most memorable. 5- Prioritise connection over perfection: Focus on the feeling of connection rather than achieving a specific outcome or educational goal during playtime. Silliness is enough." The 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' experience is available for Aussie customers to experience by saying 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' to any Amazon Echo device. The latest Amazon Echo 15 - a smart device and family organisation hub - is also available to purchase now on Amazon. Buy now for $549 on Amazon. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. The life of a parent is filled with responsibility - meeting daily schedules, completing household chores, putting food on the table, and teaching children how to live and function in this big, wide world. But sometimes, amid all the seriousness of responsibility, parents forget how to have fun. New research from Amazon Alexa reveals nearly half of Aussie parents (47 per cent) sometimes feel they have forgotten how to tap into their silly bone while navigating adult life and responsibilities, despite 81 per cent stating they feel more connected to kids during silly play. Consequently, scientific research has proved that play also acts to support relationships, increase cooperation, and foster positive long-term mental health for big and little minds. It can also fast-track brain development, reducing the synapse repetitions from 400 to just 10 to 20 repetitions when playfulness is involved. Incredibly, it takes just one minute of play a day to realise these benefits. According to the research from Amazon, household chores (71 per cent) are the biggest obstacle to play, followed by work (59 per cent), mental drain (48 per cent) and lack of time (48 per cent). To inspire Aussie families to balance play with "adulting", Amazon Alexa has introduced 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly, an experience designed to spark micro-moments of play. While over half of parents (51 per cent) admit to feeling stumped for silly things to do or say, they only need to say one thing to any Amazon Echo Device and that is - "Alexa, Let's Get Silly". The "Alexa, Let's Get Silly" prompt accesses four interactive experiences including, "Silly Dance Party" where Alexa remixes all her favourite original tracks so the family can bust their grooviest moves together, "Silly Tricks" where Alexa performs a funny voice, a zany impression, or a chorus of cats, "Silly Sound Quiz", where it's your kids' job to guess that blubbery, blobbery sound, and of course, "Silly Farts", the raucous game of flatulence that is not for the faint of heart. Parenting expert, Gen Muir stresses that playtime shouldn't feel like just another task on the to-do list, a sentiment echoed by one in two Aussie parents (49 per cent). With a large majority (80 per cent) feeling guilty about insufficient playtime, Muir emphasises that playfulness is a skill, not just a trait, and highlights 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' as a practical way for the 62 per cent of parents feeling less playful compared to when they were younger. "Parenting today is tough. From my experience as a parent, humour, laughter and being silly are among the most underrated parenting strategies. When a day is stuck, or the kids are not listening, even a minute of silly fun can be a lifeline for resetting the mood. Our children feel more connected to us, cooperation increases, endorphins are released and cortisol levels drop. "If getting ready for the day is a challenge or your evenings are being overtaken by household chores, 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' is the effortless fun generator for when you're frazzled and silly ideas vanish. I guarantee any joke about a "fart" will be a hit, as will an impromptu getting-dressed dance party", said Gen. Since two in five parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by advice on how they should engage in play (40 per cent), Muir encourages Aussies to keep it simple by using a tool like 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' and using these five tips: "1- Embrace micro-moments: Look for small pockets of time throughout the day - even 10 minutes - to be silly. It doesn't need to be a grand production; Alexa's Silly Tricks should do the trick! 2- Integrate play into routine tasks: Turn chores into games, dance while getting ready with the Silly Dance Party, or take the Silly Sound Quiz during mealtimes. 3- Follow your child's lead: Observe which silly experience most makes your child giggle - Silly Farts is a winner - and join in. Their interests are a great starting point for silly play. 4- Lower the stakes: Don't worry about being the "perfect" playful parent. Just be present and have fun. Imperfect silliness is often the most memorable. 5- Prioritise connection over perfection: Focus on the feeling of connection rather than achieving a specific outcome or educational goal during playtime. Silliness is enough." The 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' experience is available for Aussie customers to experience by saying 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' to any Amazon Echo device. The latest Amazon Echo 15 - a smart device and family organisation hub - is also available to purchase now on Amazon. Buy now for $549 on Amazon. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. The life of a parent is filled with responsibility - meeting daily schedules, completing household chores, putting food on the table, and teaching children how to live and function in this big, wide world. But sometimes, amid all the seriousness of responsibility, parents forget how to have fun. New research from Amazon Alexa reveals nearly half of Aussie parents (47 per cent) sometimes feel they have forgotten how to tap into their silly bone while navigating adult life and responsibilities, despite 81 per cent stating they feel more connected to kids during silly play. Consequently, scientific research has proved that play also acts to support relationships, increase cooperation, and foster positive long-term mental health for big and little minds. It can also fast-track brain development, reducing the synapse repetitions from 400 to just 10 to 20 repetitions when playfulness is involved. Incredibly, it takes just one minute of play a day to realise these benefits. According to the research from Amazon, household chores (71 per cent) are the biggest obstacle to play, followed by work (59 per cent), mental drain (48 per cent) and lack of time (48 per cent). To inspire Aussie families to balance play with "adulting", Amazon Alexa has introduced 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly, an experience designed to spark micro-moments of play. While over half of parents (51 per cent) admit to feeling stumped for silly things to do or say, they only need to say one thing to any Amazon Echo Device and that is - "Alexa, Let's Get Silly". The "Alexa, Let's Get Silly" prompt accesses four interactive experiences including, "Silly Dance Party" where Alexa remixes all her favourite original tracks so the family can bust their grooviest moves together, "Silly Tricks" where Alexa performs a funny voice, a zany impression, or a chorus of cats, "Silly Sound Quiz", where it's your kids' job to guess that blubbery, blobbery sound, and of course, "Silly Farts", the raucous game of flatulence that is not for the faint of heart. Parenting expert, Gen Muir stresses that playtime shouldn't feel like just another task on the to-do list, a sentiment echoed by one in two Aussie parents (49 per cent). With a large majority (80 per cent) feeling guilty about insufficient playtime, Muir emphasises that playfulness is a skill, not just a trait, and highlights 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' as a practical way for the 62 per cent of parents feeling less playful compared to when they were younger. "Parenting today is tough. From my experience as a parent, humour, laughter and being silly are among the most underrated parenting strategies. When a day is stuck, or the kids are not listening, even a minute of silly fun can be a lifeline for resetting the mood. Our children feel more connected to us, cooperation increases, endorphins are released and cortisol levels drop. "If getting ready for the day is a challenge or your evenings are being overtaken by household chores, 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' is the effortless fun generator for when you're frazzled and silly ideas vanish. I guarantee any joke about a "fart" will be a hit, as will an impromptu getting-dressed dance party", said Gen. Since two in five parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by advice on how they should engage in play (40 per cent), Muir encourages Aussies to keep it simple by using a tool like 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' and using these five tips: "1- Embrace micro-moments: Look for small pockets of time throughout the day - even 10 minutes - to be silly. It doesn't need to be a grand production; Alexa's Silly Tricks should do the trick! 2- Integrate play into routine tasks: Turn chores into games, dance while getting ready with the Silly Dance Party, or take the Silly Sound Quiz during mealtimes. 3- Follow your child's lead: Observe which silly experience most makes your child giggle - Silly Farts is a winner - and join in. Their interests are a great starting point for silly play. 4- Lower the stakes: Don't worry about being the "perfect" playful parent. Just be present and have fun. Imperfect silliness is often the most memorable. 5- Prioritise connection over perfection: Focus on the feeling of connection rather than achieving a specific outcome or educational goal during playtime. Silliness is enough." The 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' experience is available for Aussie customers to experience by saying 'Alexa, Let's Get Silly' to any Amazon Echo device. The latest Amazon Echo 15 - a smart device and family organisation hub - is also available to purchase now on Amazon. Buy now for $549 on Amazon.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Racehorse charity founder appointed MBE
A charity founder who won two BBC awards for her contribution to animal welfare has been appointed an MBE. Grace Muir, CEO of the Wantage Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme (HEROS), has been recognised for services to charity, animal welfare and education in the King's Birthday Honours. She had previously won two Make a Difference awards in 2024 for Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Ms Muir said she hoped the honour would "reflect some of my passion and future vision into HEROS to make us do more". HEROS was established in 2006 with a primary focus on ex-racehorse retraining and rehoming, and in 2023 it opened a forest school for students with special education needs. Ms Muir said she had not started the charity "for any honour". "But it is such an honour," she said. "I couldn't do this without my team and if it can reflect some of my passion and future vision into HEROS to make us do more and make this shine the light on racing and the good it's trying to do, then that's what it's for." Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxford Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) CEO Estelle Bailey as also been honoured with an MBE for services to nature's recovery. The charity's achievements include a £500,000 nature restoration project. "It's really not the sort of letter you get every day," Ms Bailey said. "To read the words MBE was just absolutely extraordinary, it took my breath away for a moment." She added that charitable life was "really hard when you're working really for blood, sweat and tears - also not a lot of money". "But it was that moment of recognition for me that was just really super special." Neil Stockton, chair of Oxford Hospital Radio Cherwell, was honoured with a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to hospital radio and to the local community. Mr Stockton said the service - established in 1967 - provided "more than just playing records in a little cupboard in the corner". "It was actually going round the wards talking to patients, making them the stars of the shows, getting out into local communities," he said. "After all these years it's nice to feel that people have noticed that this crackpot that spends all his time in studios wiring and talking to people on the radio is being honoured in this way." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. HEROS charity BBOWT Radio Cherwell
Agriland
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
NI ag minister receives death threat
Northern Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Enterprise and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir has received a death threat, that has been reported to the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI). Minister Muir said that a comment was posted during a Zoom call he was attending, which threatened to 'have (the minister) shot'. The PSNI said it has received reports of threats, and has launched an investigation. Minister Muir said: 'I'm disappointed to see some of the online comments posted in recent times, both in terms of myself and also officials. 'This does not reflect the vast majority of people in farming, I have been welcomed into many farmers' homes and I'm grateful for the warm and respectful welcome since I took up ministerial office.' The minister also believes it is important to 'lower the tone' in wider public discourse on the draft Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) proposals. He said: 'This is a public consultation – there's no need to issue death threats against me, nor make discriminatory comments about anyone. 'We have a critical challenge in terms of improving water quality in Lough Neagh, and also giving financial stability and certainty for farming here. 'That will not change via death threats or anything else. I have a job to do for the people of Northern Ireland and I will continue to do that,' the minister added. Minister Andrew Muir The deputy leader of the Alliance Party, Eóin Tennyson has described the death threat as 'deplorable and unacceptable'. Tennyson said: 'I am proud of the leadership Andrew has offered on Lough Neagh and the protection of our environment. Whilst there must always be space for honest, open and robust political debate; there can be no place for intimidation or threat of violence. 'Threats against any politician are an attack on the democratic process.' The chief superintendent of the PSNI, Stephen Murray said that the PSNI will do all it can to ensure that politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role 'free from fear and intimidation'. Murray said: 'It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office. We will thoroughly investigate any such incident. 'We regularly engage with our elected representatives in order to provide information on personal safety, how the police service can support them and, crucially, when to report an incident to police.' 'We regularly engage with assembly and parliamentary officials, and the electoral commission, in regard to elected representative safety,' Murray added.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Police launch investigation after Northern Ireland's agriculture minister says he received a death threat
Speaking about threats against those in public office, Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said it is 'totally unacceptable' for elected representatives to face abuse or threats for doing their job. Last week Mr Muir told the Assembly that he and officials in his department had been the target of 'vile' homophobic, racist and misogynistic comments on social media over his department's proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP). However, speaking today the minister said that the situation had 'taken a disturbing turn' in recent days after he received a death threat. It comes during heated opposition from the farming community to Mr Muir's NAP proposals which are currently out for consultation. Mr Muir has been urged to scrap the proposals which are aimed at improving water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing pollution caused or induced by nutrients from agricultural sources. Opponents say the proposals could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security. In a statement on Monday Mr Muir revealed details of the threat which he said did 'not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland'. 'I'm disappointed to see some of the online comments posted in recent times, both in terms of myself and also officials,' Mr Muir said. "This does not reflect the vast majority of people in farming, I have been welcomed into many farmers' homes and I'm grateful for the warm and respectful welcome since I took up Ministerial office. 'Online commentary sadly took a disturbing turn last week when someone posted a comment during a Zoom call which threatened to have me shot. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'That has been reported to police, who are taking it seriously. It is important people lower the tone in wider public discourse on the draft NAP proposals. 'This is a public consultation - there's no need to issue death threats against me, nor make discriminatory comments about anyone. 'We have a critical challenge in terms of improving water quality in Lough Neagh, and also giving financial stability and certainty for farming here. That will not change via death threats or anything else. I have a job to do for the people of Northern Ireland and I will continue to do that.' A spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed that an investigation had been launched adding that any reports of abuse, harassment or criminality directed at elected representatives would be thoroughly investigated. Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray added: 'It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office. We will thoroughly investigate any such incident. 'We will continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation. 'We regularly engage with our elected representatives in order to provide information on personal safety, how the Police Service can support them and, crucially, when to report an incident to police. 'We regularly engage with Assembly and Parliamentary officials, and the Electoral Commission, in regard to elected representative safety.' The Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs said: ''The Department can confirm that, last week, it received a report of a threatening comment made against Minister Muir. The matter was reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for investigation. Due to the ongoing investigation the Department cannot comment further.'
