Tom Buchanan
West Tyrone · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“However, the Bill must give hydro operators clarity and confidence, through a sustainable licensing framework with long-term regulatory certainty, to enable them to invest and upgrade, modernise and improve fish pass technology.”
“I note that quite a bit of work in the Bill falls to the Department with regard to monitoring, enforcement and scientific assessment, which will require adequate resourcing. <BR /> <BR />The Bill must strike the right balance between encouraging investment and protecting sensitive freshwater habitats.”
“I welcome the opportunity to say a few words at Second Stage of the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. It is overdue legislation, which touches on three interlinked systems: commercial fisheries; growing the aquaculture sector; and the wider water environment, with an ambition to modernise regulation while supporting susta…”
“<BR /> <BR />Hydro schemes and hydropower to produce clean energy that will contribute to decarbonisation targets must be catered for in the Bill, with a clear vision for their future expansion. Those are not abstract infrastructure projects but local assets that generate clean renewable energy while supporting employment in rural areas.”
“Minister, under your watch, many miles of posts and wire fencing were put up along the A5 western transport corridor. However, in the past few weeks, a good bit of that has been removed by a mechanical digger and pushed into a pile for dumping.”
“In reality, however, every notice, every new form and every new administrative step will be another cost to councils. We simply cannot keep relying on councils to pick up the cost. We cannot pretend that council budgets are elastic, with plenty of stretch left in them. As is the case in many other sectors, councils are under pressure.”
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“It was refreshing to see that companies had the vision and foresight to tap into the excellent resources in the heart of my constituency. We have 65 companies in the Omagh Enterprise Centre, and there are over 300 jobs there. There is the potential to increase that to over 100 companies and over 500 jobs. At this juncture, I invite the Minister to come down to see the work that is ongoing at the business centre in Omagh and the potential there. Not only do we need to highlight the discrepancies and failures in broadband in rural areas throughout West Tyrone, but we need to highlight and sell what we have. We need to get the Minister to look at what we have and the potential to expand in West Tyrone.”
“At that location, Omagh has one of the fastest broadband connections in the UK, enabling it to compete with the likes of the New York Stock Exchange or the London Stock Exchange. This broadband infrastructure project that links Northern Ireland to north America has unexpectedly provided a unique connectivity opportunity for businesses in the local area to tap into. Indeed, since Omagh Enterprise Centre saw the potential of that opportunity, it has been working with Invest NI to attract major players in the digital field to the west of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Thanks to Project Kelvin, we have a unique opportunity in Omagh through the hub, which means we have a base in the constituency where potentially world-class digital companies could base themselves, with the broadband connection being second to none.”
“West Tyrone is an area of two extremes with regard to broadband. On the one hand, Omagh was chosen as the location for a back-up hub for Project Kelvin, which is a €29·5 million collaborative initiative that connects Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with north America. Omagh is host to the hub that would take over if anything went wrong with the main hub in Belfast. It is important to note that. <BR /> <BR />We are on the cusp of a digital wave, which has the potential to attract global companies to the west of Northern Ireland through the Project Kelvin hub. Since Omagh Enterprise Centre tapped into the Hibernia Atlantic US-Europe cable connections, which are part of that cross-border initiative, it has been attracting world-class industry to West Tyrone.”
“One of the consistent cornerstones of the previous Executive was working with the private sector to develop and implement a strategy that would ensure that Northern Ireland had world-class telecommunications infrastructure in broadband capacity, access and cost. <BR /> <BR />DETI, with my colleagues Arlene Foster and, later, Jonathan Bell at the helm, had a strategic vision for Northern Ireland to be a leading broadband region in the UK and for homes and businesses across Northern Ireland to have 100% broadband coverage and access. That important infrastructure development is a work in progress, and, whilst it is a priority of the Government, it continues to be the backbone of economic development in our region. <BR /> <BR />I am an MLA for the predominantly rural constituency of West Tyrone.”
“I know that there is something very important on this evening and we are holding some folk here, but broadband provision in West Tyrone is an important issue. I want to look at it from a slightly different angle. I want to look first of all at the positives in broadband cover in West Tyrone before moving on to the more negative areas. <BR /> <BR />In this digital age, one of the fundamental components of our economy and our everyday life is excellent broadband cover. Establishing a reliable and high-speed broadband infrastructure has been a priority of this Government over past years, and DETI made considerable progress on the matter. As we start this new term at Stormont, one of the main priorities must be to continue to improve the broadband infrastructure across Northern Ireland.”
“I support the motion and ask the Minister to look at some innovative ways of working alongside the private sector to see how the matter can be addressed, in order to ensure that there is equality of service right across the constituencies for those who really need it for their businesses as they seek to drive the economy forward.”
“However, that does not address the gaps that appear in rural areas, where we have farm businesses, small businesses, schools, schoolchildren and parents contacting our offices about the lack of broadband cover. It is essential for businesses and for children, who seek to study. <BR /> <BR />It is an issue that the Executive will have to face up to, but the question is this: how do we address it? As the Member who spoke previously said, there are private companies out there that we need to hold to account. There are those that we need to work with in innovative ways as we seek to bridge the gap that exists in rural areas. Over the next five years, the Executive will have to face up to how we make progress on improving broadband services in rural areas. <BR /> <BR />The motion is quite clear in stating that the problem still exists.”
“My apologies for missing part of the debate. My comments will be brief. As you know, I have broadband provision in West Tyrone down as the topic for this afternoon's Adjournment debate, so we will be focusing on that later. I will keep these few comments broad. <BR /> <BR />Excellent broadband coverage is one of the fundamental components in the digital age for driving our everyday lives and our economy forward. Technology is continually advancing, and we need to ensure that we have proper broadband and mobile phone coverage throughout our constituencies. Black spots are a particular problem right across rural constituencies in Northern Ireland. It is about how we deal with the problem, because there has been a commitment from the Executive over the past few years to bring on faster broadband speeds and upgrade broadband services.”
“That, in itself, is an absolute disgrace. <BR /> <BR />We call on the Secretary of State and the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland to withdraw the proposals, rethink their position and enter into discussions with the First Minister and deputy First Minister and local councils in the areas to see how this matter can be properly funded and, perhaps, placed within the setting of local councils and still continue to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I urge the Chamber to support the motion.”
“That causes each one of us grave concern, and it raises concerns for the future of the electoral system in Northern Ireland should they continue to pursue the proposals that we have before us. That is why we are calling on the Secretary of State and the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland to reconsider these proposals and adequately fund the regional offices in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />It is disappointing, but, I suppose, not surprising, that these proposals have been put forward, with the closure of at least two, if not three, offices imminent, prior to a consultation process and without any discussion with the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and little or no discussion with the local councils as to how they could accommodate the offices and how this system could be funded if it were within the local council areas.”
“To go on to resources, the risk is that the electoral register will not be comprehensive or accurate, resulting in the recommendation for a full canvass and a further demand on resources. Inadequate staffing could result in statutory deadlines not being met, elections not run successfully and reputational damage to the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Again, when we look at service delivery, there is the risk of being unable to deliver an effective service to the public, loss of public confidence and so forth. We know that this is only the potential risk but let us weigh it against what happened in England. When they introduced online registration, 800,000 voters were lost.”
“I know that only the potential risks have been flagged up, but, with the introduction of the new online registration system, there is a potential risk that the associated technical or operational problems could lead to a loss of public confidence or to an electoral register that is inaccurate or not comprehensive. That could lead to reputational damage and a loss of public confidence.”
“Yet it has to be said that the very proposals it is pursuing propose to do the very opposite to that. The regional offices are the anchor of the electoral system in Northern Ireland. If we take a ship and remove the anchor from it, it will go all over the place and probably, at the end of the day, sink. If we do not keep the regional offices, the anchor of electoral services in Northern Ireland, there is no doubt that they will diminish and sink. <BR /> <BR />Looking at the risk assessment in the corporate plan, I can see that the potential risks are extremely worrying.”
“The question that is, quite rightly, being asked is this: if the regional offices close, who will promote the register and provide the outreach services in and around our schools to instil confidence in the electoral system in our younger generation? <BR /> <BR />In looking through the 2015-18 Electoral Office for Northern Ireland corporate plan, I noted that its mission statement is:”
“That face-to-face contact with staff is invaluable, and losing it will have detrimental consequences for the electoral process right across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I know there is an aim to pursue online registration. While I have no difficulty with that pursuit, in isolation from the regional offices it will fail to deliver, given the ongoing infrastructure problems with broadband throughout our rural areas and the many people who simply will not utilise the online services. Such a system will be successful only if it is run in conjunction with the electoral offices. <BR /> <BR />The regional offices also provide an excellent service in our schools encouraging our youth to register and providing them with electoral identity cards.”
“With a turnout of 62·3% in 2007 down to 54·7% in 2011 and, most recently, 54·2% in 2016, the proposals will further damage democracy and lead to fewer people being on the electoral register and to a diminished role for the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland in our schools and communities. <BR /> <BR />For many of the electorate in rural communities, the regional offices are their first point of contact. Whether it is the elderly, the young, the disabled, first-time voters or those with literacy problems — whatever it is — the regional electoral offices are their first point of contact when they require help filling in their registration forms, need electoral identity cards or have any other difficulties or problems they need resolved.”
“I will speak solely to the motion. I note the amendment that has been selected, but, at the outset, I inform the House that we will not support it. We do not believe that the Executive should pursue the transfer of functions of the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland; we would rather work with the NIO in a bid to keep the offices open and ensure they are properly and adequately funded. <BR /> <BR />The proposed closure of the regional electoral offices in Ballymena, Banbridge, Londonderry. Newtownabbey, Newtownards and Omagh has caused widespread concern among not only the unions and employees but all shades of political persuasion across Northern Ireland. Proposals to centralise the six regional offices in Belfast at a time when we are already witnessing decreasing turnouts at elections in Northern Ireland simply do not make sense.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Can she give the House a reassurance that farmers will still receive their single farm payment this year, irrespective of what way the vote goes on Thursday?”
“I commend the Minister in her new role and wish her well in the future. Can she inform the House what Europe is doing, if anything, to help the hard-pressed pork sector here in Northern Ireland?”
“That is probably one of the more difficult cases, but it gives some indication of the problems that we are facing with the rural roads network in West Tyrone. <BR /> <BR />As I said earlier, I understand that budgets are tight, but I appeal to the Minister that he look at some sort of funding programme for the maintenance and repair of rural roads. In his job as Minister, I appeal to him to look at that and to ensure that we get proper funding in place to bring our rural roads network up to the proper standard again.”
“I will read an extract from an email from another constituent. It states:”
“This pothole was large but it was only about two and a half inches deep. He was saying that their instructions were that, unless it was four inches deep, it was not to be filled. That is causing concern because, as the old proverb says, "A stitch in time saves nine". If we do not do something soon about the condition of the rural roads, I believe that we are going to find ourselves with serious problems.”
“In West Tyrone, we are standing back and watching the fabric of the minor roads network crumbling in front of our eyes, and it raises concerns. We fully understand the tight budget constraints that Departments are under, but this is something that, I believe, needs to be given consideration. <BR /> <BR />Recently, I had an engineer out on site to look at a few areas in West Tyrone. When we were driving from one area to the next, I stopped on the road where there was quite a big pothole. The engineer got out and looked at it and said that he would send me an email about it. Here is what he said:”
“While we need those major projects, and we lobby for them, we must always remember that we cannot leave these other roads behind, because they feed right into the isolated rural communities. Sometimes, the people on the ground say that these roads are the Cinderella of roads funding. It is no reflection on the employees or the management in the area, but it seems that the budget programme for the maintenance and repair of rural roads has been continually reduced over the years. That is something that needs to be considered, and we should seek to put more finances into that to address the problems. <BR /> <BR />Checking for defects on minor roads used to take place on a three-monthly basis, then it was moved to a six-monthly basis and now it is done every 12 months.”
“Those roads are in reasonably good shape, but when we look at the other roads, the ones that service isolated rural communities, that is where the problems lie. Something like 2,800 km of those roads in rural areas serve the agricultural community, the business community and other community organisations that are doing great work. Organisations that care for elderly people have to get to their homes every day to look after them and to ensure that they can stay in their own homes. Rural dwellers and all those types of people are being affected. Therefore, it is good that the condition of these roads is being highlighted in the Assembly this evening. <BR /> <BR />The repair and maintenance of these roads has, over the last few years, I believe, been left behind in the wake of other major road projects.”
“Not only does it affect them, it affects me because, over this past number of months, my mailbox has been overflowing with issues regarding roads, especially rural roads, in West Tyrone. Those of us who represent it will know that it is a constituency with one of the largest land masses represented in the House. Therefore, it has one of the largest networks of roads among the constituencies represented here. <BR /> <BR />For example, in West Tyrone, there are 113 km of A-class roads, 415 km of B-class roads, 749 km of C-class roads and 2,006 km of what are known as unclassified roads. So there are only 528 km of what we would call the "Rolls-Royce" roads — the A- and B-class roads.”
“At the outset, I commend the Member for bringing the issue to the Floor. He talked about two issues that he gets it in the ear about: roads and broadband. They are the very same issues that we get it in the ear about. It is interesting to note that there is an Adjournment debate next week on rural broadband in West Tyrone. West Tyrone is getting a good hearing in the House, and let us hope that it makes a difference. <BR /> <BR />The Member said that it was not really about roads; it was about people. That is absolutely correct; it is about people, but this is what affects the people, because the rural roads affect almost all our constituents in West Tyrone.”
“Thank you. Can the Minister advise on the main sectors where graduate skills and employment are likely to drive the economy?”
“— and the Executive. It is our opportunity to work together to bring forward good for Northern Ireland and to sell Northern Ireland on the world stage and say, "Here's what we have on offer. Come and be one of us".”
“Absolutely. I could not agree more with my colleague. The transport network and infrastructure is another issue that I have in my notes. Again, that needs to be looked at. I ask the Minister to take that and all the issues on board as we seek to move forward. A lot of work needs to be done in this term of government. We need to be radical in our thinking and open up long-term thinking in the House —”
“It is still sitting there, not as a fault of the Executive but due to other issues. We need to look at the roads infrastructure. Broadband, which is another huge issue in West Tyrone, was also mentioned. We have excellent broadband cover and facilities in Omagh, but, when we move out into the rural areas, where we have small businesses and the farming industry that need broadband cover, it is not there. That is something else that I ask the Minister to look at.”
“That is the issue that we need to address. We do not want to come to the Chamber to put our young people down; that is not what we are doing. Our young people are well skilled, but they are not skilled in the right way to meet the opportunities that arise in the job sector. That is something that we need to look at with our universities and employers to ensure that our young people are skilled in the fields that meet the job opportunities that will arise when they come to Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Another issue that we need to look at is improving our infrastructure, which is a big issue. There needs to be an improvement of the roads infrastructure in my constituency of West Tyrone. In the last Assembly term, there were efforts to bring forward the improvement of the A5.”
“A successful economy does not come in isolation but is built on partnership between government, industry and education. Working in partnership will not only deliver a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting real business needs but will underpin economic growth by opening the new opportunities that are required. However, it is no secret that, in many places and in many areas of employment, employers bemoan the skills gap among our young people. We are all well aware of that. I mentioned this yesterday, and I come back to it again: throughout the last Assembly term, the Committee for Employment and Learning looked at the skills gap and worked on those issues. That is not to say that our young people have no skills; however, they do not have the right skills to meet the job opportunities that arise.”
“It is the responsibility of everyone in the House, along with the Executive, to make the tough choices to ensure that their future is secure here in Northern Ireland and they have the opportunities to forge successful a career in their chosen field of work at home.”
“When we ask our young people where they want to work, their answer is usually the same: they love Northern Ireland and want to remain within our shores, but there are simply not the job opportunities or the right type of job to keep them here. I acknowledge the tremendous work that the Executive did over the last five years. We heard the mover of the motion quote the figures for the jobs created and the new employment opportunities, but more needs to be done. We cannot take our eye off the ball. The foundation has, I believe, been well laid, and we must continue to build on it. The children and young people in our schools, colleges and universities today are the workforce of tomorrow.”
“It is the desire of every Government to increase and strengthen their economy, which is the backbone of every society. Due to the many factors that drive it forward, it is essential that improving the economy is at the very heart of the Programme for Government. If Northern Ireland is to be successful on a global scale and punch well above its weight on the world stage, it is imperative that we as a Government focus on the creation of more and better jobs and job opportunities in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />It is no longer an option to stand back and watch our educated young people leave our shores with the age-old complaint that there are no jobs back home for them.”
“— world leaders, despite the difficulties across the sector. <BR /> <BR />Manufacturing excellence does not necessarily equate to business success. As a Government, we need to be smart and to think more like a business. We must provide strong links within a global market and make it much easier for companies to access those markets and do all in their power to ensure that that happens. I support the amendment.”
“That is one example of where the skills and attitudes of businesses in the manufacturing industry can adapt and be —”
“Skills exchange and sharing between education and industry needs to be the hinge on which our strategy swings to improve and grow our sectors in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Foundation industries such as energy and investment by energy companies into long-term projects which meet manufacturing energy needs, are also essential. One of the big areas is broadband provision, which needs to be enhanced. There is very poor broadband provision in some areas of my West Tyrone constituency. That can have a devastating impact on companies, and it is a real factor for businesses that are trying to compete in the global market. <BR /> <BR />Even with such poor infrastructure, however, we have to say that manufacturing industry continues to strive. Precision engineering is a niche market in the west Tyrone area; it is thriving and growing.”
“If we are serious about improving the economic prosperity of our region, we need to build on the good work that was started in the former Department for Education and Learning. Investment in science, technology, engineering and maths is crucial in empowering our young people with the skills that we need to build up the manufacturing sector in our country. In conjunction with empowering our young people with appropriate skills, research and development in industry is a fundamental force that will drive the economy forward. For manufacturing to be successful amongst many other sectors, research and development must be at the cutting edge of growth and preparation for the future. We already have two world-class universities with a wealth of knowledge, which is already informed by industry.”
“It is only through close partnership with industry that we can create a highly skilled workforce that can deal with the dynamic nature of this rapidly changing sector. <BR /> <BR />However, that is only one strand of the partnership. There must be flexibility within government to bring leaders from across the manufacturing sector to share ideas to ensure that we move in the right direction. That type of collaboration between government, industry and education is the vehicle to steer us towards a more efficient and streamlined manufacturing sector as we move forward. <BR /> <BR />A vital ingredient in the future economic strategy, which includes manufacturing, is skills.”
“It is fair to say that, in recent years, cuts to the manufacturing sector across Northern Ireland and a climate of instability led to some very challenging circumstances, at times, for the industry. However, I believe that it is now time and the opportunity is here within Northern Ireland for us to rise again to manufacturing excellence and show again our strength on a global scale. In Northern Ireland, we already have the right ingredients in place to ensure that this long-term vision for the future not only comes together but thrives on a global scale. <BR /> <BR />It is imperative that we as a Government come up with the long-term strategic policies that will empower Northern Ireland to believe in its own strength. Through the mix of all the ingredients, the manufacturing sector will have the tools to become more competitive, globally.”
“The foundation has stayed firm through the centuries, and Northern Ireland has thrived in spite of obstacles on a national and, more recently, international scale.”
“I support the amendment before the House. At the outset, I congratulate my colleague Simon Hamilton on his appointment as Minister for the Economy. I wish him every success in his new role, and it is one that I am confident he will use to lead this country forward to even greater success and prosperity. I wish him well. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland is no stranger to being a world leader on the manufacturing stage. This country has been built on a firm foundation of manufacturing, and this small but powerful nation has a rich history in manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
“I thank the Member for his response and for outlining the number of events that have taken place in the West Tyrone constituency. Based on the feedback received by the Commission, can the Member outline what benefit the schools have found for pupils in the events?”
“It is imperative that each of us does what we can to ensure that the money returned is directed at the purposes for which it is intended. If it is directed in that way, we will reap the benefits.”
“Therefore, there is concern that it may not be used in its entirety for apprentice training. When we look at the challenges in our constituencies in getting young people in disadvantaged areas or who are economically inactive into apprenticeships and on into employment, it is important — even imperative — that we do all that we can to ensure that the money returned is earmarked solely for apprentice training. That is the only way that we will reap the full benefit and value of the levy that is being taken from our large employers in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />An estimated return in the region of £42 million, if directed and targeted at the areas where it should go for apprentice training, should make an immense difference in the workplace and to unemployment levels.”
“I support the legislative consent motion. The background to the Bill was clearly set out by the Minister and the Chair of the Committee. Not being a devolved matter, it is something that we have little control over. However the importance of the legislative consent motion for data sharing, predominantly from HMRC, should not be underestimated, as it allows us to gain data and transparency on what Northern Ireland employers in the public and private sectors have contributed to the levy pot as a whole. <BR /> <BR />While we examine the rationale behind the 0·5% levy on those with an annual pay bill of over £3 million solely for the purpose of the training of apprentices, the main concern is that the money returned to the Northern Ireland Executive is not ring-fenced for that specific purpose.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said at the outset, I believe this is one of the best reports that has been brought forward. As one Member mentioned, perhaps Mr Nolan and other people in the media will pick it up, look at it and bring it forward. Of course, not forgetting the Minister, we are glad that we have his support. He said that, by 16 March, he is going to bring a report back to the Committee and respond to the recommendations. We look forward to that. We assure you, Minister, that you have our support all the way on this issue. We hope that, in the next Assembly, whoever is in ministerial positions will pick the report up, take it forward and implement it in full. We will then begin to see on the ground the difference this place makes for the people who really matter to us in Stormont.”
“Mr Flanagan spoke about coordination and the difficulties some individuals have in finding someone in government who takes responsibility. He highlighted a problem there. My party colleague Mr Newton spoke of the vital role of the social enterprises in supporting people into work. He highlighted the work of the Orchard Vale Trust. He also spoke of the need to use social clauses to open up many more opportunities. <BR /> <BR />Ms Sugden spoke about better information gathering to ensure that young people are represented, know what services are available and, more importantly, know what is right for them. She also highlighted the mapping exercise carried out by Assembly research and said that it was a model that could be used by the Departments.”