Arlene Foster
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Yet, like too many projects, it has been tied up in legal wrangles. Too many infrastructure projects are being swallowed up in the courts. We need to improve the expertise in infrastructure delivery. We need better infrastructure for the next generation, but key projects being delayed by 10-plus years is unsustainable.”
“Any agreement involves compromises but NDNA had two central pillars that, I believe, remain important: ambition for devolution and a new cultural deal. The breadth and depth of issues that NDNA set us all to deliver on would have been enough to fill an entire term or perhaps more, let alone two years of government.”
“That confidence-and-supply agreement will leave a legacy but also highlights our challenges. Some £150 million has been rolled out via Project Stratum to bring broadband to rural areas and leave Northern Ireland as the best-connected region in Europe. When it is completed, the project will be transformational to our economy.”
“However, such short-term advantage comes at the cost of long-term harm to relationships. It is not a real partnership. Imbalance and instability are built in that will fester and deteriorate. If Brussels continues to think that the protocol is enough, it is in denial.”
“Colleagues inside and outside the House know very well that all periods of leadership must come to an end. That is why, when we are privileged and, indeed, honoured to hold such a position, we must not waste a moment in frivolous brinkmanship but forge ahead on behalf of those whom we represent.”
“The recommendations of the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition (FICT) are to be taken forward as well. I encourage all of you to do all of it, to take it forward in its totality and to speak of and implement it as one complete, independent package: a new cultural deal for Northern Ireland's new century.”
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“At its heart, an outcomes-based Programme for Government is designed, as the name suggests, to be focused on outcomes, not on inputs or processes. "Outcomes-focused" means being citizens-focused and evidence-based. It requires a collective approach, looking to draw in all the contributions in government and, importantly, beyond government to make the biggest and best difference possible. It makes a real statement of shared purpose at political, administrative and societal level.”
“That is why, when the parties to the Fresh Start Agreement met in autumn last year, we began to look at how we could do things better in the future, how we could make the breakthrough on the difficult issues, the solutions to which have eluded previous Administrations, and how we could meet the hopes and expectations of our people, who, too often, have felt let down by how our institutions have performed. <BR /> <BR />We agreed that a new approach should first identify desired societal outcomes and look at what should be done to achieve them. This outcomes-based approach is a widely recognised model that has been used with success in other jurisdictions, including parts of the United States, Finland and, nearer to home, Scotland.”
“It is time to move Northern Ireland forward with a completely new way of doing politics. It is time for a new, better and innovative approach. There will be no more working in silos; instead, our nine new Departments will work together to deliver the best possible outcomes for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Over the years we have faced many significant challenges. They have been wide-ranging and have encompassed many areas of life, including keeping pace with a rapidly changing global economy; improving the health of our citizens; giving our children the best possible start in life; and dealing, of course, with the hurt and pain caused by our past. If the solutions were easy, they would have been implemented long ago and we could all sit back and put our feet up, but the simple truth is that there are no easy solutions.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Principal Deputy — or Mrs Principal Deputy Speaker, I should say. I apologise. <BR /> <BR />As today is the first full plenary sitting of the new mandate, it is fitting that we should consider the draft Programme for Government framework, which was agreed by the Executive at their very first meeting. Today is a day of firsts, and it is a time of change. There are many new faces around the Chamber, and I take the opportunity to congratulate all the Members on their election. I look forward to working with everyone in a spirit of cooperation as, together, we take on the serious responsibilities, expectations and challenges that go with being a Member of the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />We now have a more streamlined structure, with nine Departments where there were previously 12, and provision for an official Opposition.”
“I select the Deputy Chair of the Committee on Procedures and nominate Edwin Poots.”
“I select the Committee on Standards and Privileges and nominate Adrian McQuillan as Deputy Chair.”
“I select the Assembly and Executive Review Committee and nominate Christopher Stalford as Chair.”
“I select the Committee on Procedures and nominate Gordon Lyons as Chairperson.”
“I select the Committee for Infrastructure and nominate William Irwin as the Deputy Chair.”
“I select the Committee for Health and nominate Gary Middleton as Deputy Chair.”
“I select the Committee for Justice and name Pam Cameron as Deputy Chair.”
“Mr Speaker, I request a short adjournment to consider matters as allowed under Standing Orders.”
“I select the Committee for Infrastructure and nominate Mr William Humphrey.”
“I select the Committee for Health, and I nominate Paula Bradley for Chairperson.”
“I select the Committee for Finance, and I nominate for Chairperson Emma Little Pengelly.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I select the Committee for Justice, and I nominate as Chairman Mr Paul Frew.”
“I select the Department for Communities, and I nominate Paul Givan.”
“I select the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and I nominate Michelle McIlveen.”
“I select the Department of Education, and I nominate Peter Weir.”
“I select the Department for the Economy, and I nominate Simon Hamilton.”
“<BR /> <BR />Public duty is not always easy, but the worthwhile things in life never are. There may be hurdles and difficulties along the way, but we stand, I believe, on the cusp of a new and exciting era for Northern Ireland. We have a Fresh Start, we have a new mandate, and we must — and I am determined that we will — capitalise on every opportunity to build on the strong economic foundations to underpin the future stability of Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />The past five months have been the most demanding and the most rewarding of my life. When I was asked by the media if I was relieved that the electorate had once again voted to make the DUP Northern Ireland's largest party, I said I was elated. I was elated, and I still am. I feel incredibly proud to be Northern Ireland's First Minister. I have said it many times since January but it is worth repeating: growing up as a young girl in rural Fermanagh who wanted to make a difference, who wanted to make Northern Ireland a better place, I could never have dared imagine that one day I would be chosen by the people of Northern Ireland to be their First Minister. So, I want to thank everyone who has helped me on this wonderful journey, personally, professionally and politically. I am immensely grateful to each and every one of you.”
“The election was fought and won on the basis of my five-point plan and I believe it forms the foundation for a Northern Ireland that can continue to take centre stage for all the right reasons. We have come so far, but, with determination and a can-do approach, we have the potential to achieve so much more. <BR /> <BR />When I sat down with my 37 newly elected party colleagues on Monday, I told them that I wanted this to be a mandate of delivery. I want to get things done for the people of Northern Ireland. We all have a job of work to do and the voters have entrusted us to build on our vision for the future. I will work with other parties to get the best results for Northern Ireland. I believe that we can agree a Programme for Government over the coming days that will keep us on a winning footing.”
“I want everyone who lives here to be proud of this vibrant, beautiful part of the world. That positive ethos will be at the cornerstone of everything I do over the next five years.”
“The media made much of the election campaign being a personal campaign. I do not often say it, but, in some respects, they were right. It was personal. I take the role of First Minister extremely personally. I feel an enormous sense of responsibility, not just to the people who voted for me and my party colleagues but to everyone who lives here. I am determined to keep Northern Ireland moving forward and to make it a safer, peaceful and more prosperous place.”
“I am deeply humbled to have affirmed the Pledge of Office and to return to Stormont as Northern Ireland's First Minister. When I became First Minister back in January, I said that I could think of no greater honour than to serve my country and the people of Northern Ireland, and, today, that sense of honour is magnified as I look back at the huge vote of confidence placed in me and my party by the electorate.”
“I confirm that I am willing to take up the office of First Minister, and I affirm the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.”
“Yes. <BR /> <BR />He had many years' experience of the procedures of the Assembly even before he was elevated to Principal Deputy Speaker last year. Over the last 15 months in post, Robin has proven himself in the role, and he is superbly well qualified to hold the post. Indeed, over the last 15 months in particular and across his whole career, Robin has demonstrated that he is an ideal candidate for the post. <BR /> <BR />If such a thing exists in the House, Robin Newton is a conciliator. I suspect that, at times, it will take all his natural skills to manage this new term. I have no doubt that he will carry out his duties in a fashion that will be recognised by Members as impartial and fair, and I urge all Members to support Robin Newton as our next Speaker.”
“Robin has been honoured by Her Majesty The Queen and is a Member of the Order of the British Empire. He was first elected in 2003 and is thereby a veteran of the House. That makes me a veteran of the House as well, which I am rather alarmed at, but anyway —”
“I am delighted to propose my party colleague Robin Newton for the office of Speaker. If elected today, I am sure that Robin will bring great dignity and sure-footedness to the position. He has a long and distinguished career in public service, first with Belfast City Council and then here in the Northern Ireland Assembly. During his time in the Assembly, he has served as a junior Minister and led the DUP team on the Policing Board.”
“With your indulgence, Mr Speaker, before I make my proposal, I will say that this is the first day of the new mandate, and it is a new era. Every election brings change, and I thank you, as outgoing Speaker, for your service to the House. I also thank the outgoing Clerk for his service to the House. <BR /> <BR />I nominate Mr Robin Newton for Speaker.”
“As the Member is aware, air passenger duty is an issue for Westminster. At a United Kingdom level, we have long called for the air passenger duty rate to be abolished for domestic flights. As he is aware, air passenger duty for international flights, such as the Newark flight, has been abolished, and it cost the Executive a considerable amount of money to be able to do that. If we were to do the same and not have air passenger duty on a UK-wide basis, it would again cost the block grant a considerable amount of money. However, I believe that airports can do much more to help themselves. We can do much more to help them through air route development, and I am sure that, if the Member puts a question to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, he will be able to update him on that matter.”
“We have a very good proposition, as well as the new tool of a lower rate of corporation tax, so I am very confident about the visit when it happens next week.”
“There are a couple of messages there. I will certainly invite people to come to Northern Ireland because, once they do, it overcomes some of the perceptions that have grown up over many years about this place as somewhere to do business. As well as that, we want to invite them here from a tourism perspective. We will certainly be doing that. I have found that, once people come to Northern Ireland, they are enthusiastic about the place. <BR /> <BR />Certainly, my key message will be to try to invite as many people as possible to visit us here and to tell them why. That is, of course, about our proposition, which is our good young people, who are very willing to work and have a very high skill base and good education. The cost of accommodation here is considerably lower than that elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and, indeed, on this island.”
“It is one thing for us to go out and talk about all that is good about Northern Ireland, including the lowering of corporation tax, but it also very good to have advocates for Northern Ireland in the United States.”
“I thank the Member for his question. We have a very good story to tell about our work with the United States and companies. Just last week, the deputy First Minister and I met separately with Drew O'Brien, who was sent here by Minister Kerry as an economic envoy. He brought some people with him from universities and businesses, and we were very pleased to meet with him because we want to have more people like that come to visit us in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I have not had an opportunity to speak with the deputy First Minister about this yet, but I found that they were enthused by what they found in Londonderry and Belfast, and hopefully, they can now act as agents for us in the United States.”
“I understand that there are two issues here. There is the PUL issue on funding for the work that has been going on for that programme, and there is a cut, I think, for wider facilities and services that have been given. I support the Member in saying that we need to give clarity as quickly as possible. I think that is absolutely right. As I understand it, this is to come to a head at the end of this month; therefore, we need to deal with the matter quickly, and he has my assurance that I will deal with it swiftly.”
“Yes, I am aware of that and similar organisations across Northern Ireland. I hope, again, that funding is found so that those people who provide a really good service, particularly in rural areas of Northern Ireland, will be able to continue. It has been raised with me directly by my colleague Mr William Irwin, who is the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, and I intend to take it forward.”
“I thought that I had answered that question, but I will try again. It is a matter for the Minister of Education, and I hope that he will find the resources to do so, because it is making a real difference. The ability to help young people is the most satisfying thing that any of us as politicians can hope to do to inspire them, motivate them, and encourage them. That is certainly something that we should look to do.”
“When I came into OFMDFM, I had a look at all the different strategies and interventions that we were involved with. I have had the opportunity to visit a number of schools and hear their feedback, on a one-to-one basis, around some the interventions we have made. This has been one of those interventions that has been hugely appreciated, not just by teachers but by families. It is a matter for the Minister of Education, but I hope that it can continue because it is making a real difference to families across Northern Ireland.”
“This a very complex issue, and I know that our Executive colleague, the Minister for Employment and Learning, is taking the matter forward. There are issues around part-time working and caring duties to take into account, and those are all part of the gender equality strategy that we hope to bring out towards the end of this year. Just to make sure that my male colleagues do not feel left out, International Men's Day is on 19 November.”
“OFMDFM has many strategies, such as the gender equality strategy, which is in development and is in early draft stage. We hope that that new strategy will be published in late 2016. It is very important that the Member should raise that issue this week, Mr Speaker, because we recognise that you have designated this as a week in which we should be aware of all the aspects surrounding women's issues and we thank you for doing that. Tomorrow is International Women's Day, and we look forward to all our male colleagues celebrating that with us.”
“— I am sorry; £30 million, added to the £40 million that was allocated to him in the last monitoring round to deal with health service waiting lists. That is a total of £70 million to deal with waiting lists, and rightly so, because we have all noticed that there have been difficulties in relation to this issue. I am glad that he is listening to that and has been able to allocate that money.”
“Of course, we trade with many nations across the globe: it is not just our trade with the Republic of Ireland that we need to concentrate on. I know, perhaps more than most in the House, that our new and emerging markets are hugely important as well, particularly in the Far East and Middle East, never mind the Americas. It is difficult to assess just what difference it would make whether we are in the European Union or not; but people will make their own assessment and judgement. <BR /> <BR />In relation to the Member's comments on health and education, I am delighted that my colleague, the Minister of Health, has made £30,000 more available to deal with health service waiting lists, adding to the £40,000 that was allocated in the monitoring round —”
“<BR /> <BR />Let me say this: we should not take our eye off the ball, as a very important election will be held before then and there are matters to be dealt with on a Northern Ireland basis before that referendum comes.”
“Of course, whether there is a yes vote on the 24 June is a matter for the people of Northern Ireland. It is not a matter for political parties; it is a referendum and not an election. Therefore, each individual will make their assessment as to whether they believe that we are right to remain in the European Union or whether we should leave. For my part, I believe that the United Kingdom should establish its sovereignty again, particularly our economic sovereignty, although I understand that the Member's party has taken a different view. However, it is a matter for the people of Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom, and we look forward to that referendum.”
“I hope that the Police Service of Northern Ireland, if it is aware of anyone who has a case to answer, should deal with that issue. I was asked that question on Friday, and my answer then and now is that, with respect to you, this is a matter for the Chief Constable and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The Police Service is in operational control, and it would be wrong for a politician to direct it as to how to do its job. All we can do is give leadership and support him in whatever resources he decides he needs. He will not find me wanting in that respect.”
“I think that we were all very concerned to hear the assessment from the Assistant Chief Constable on Friday as regards dissident republicans and the fact that they were going to use Easter 1916 as an excuse, if you like, to perpetrate their violence, mayhem, and their agents of death. I absolutely believe that we, as politicians, need to give very strong leadership on this. We need to say that it is entirely unacceptable and reject it, but, more than that, we have to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland to bring these people to justice. It is for that reason that, whilst the find at Larne was very disturbing, the fact that we were able to find it makes for a good news message.”
“However, it is a key part, and I hope that it will be a key part of our Programme for Government for the next mandate.”
“The focus of the early-intervention programme will be on delivering a systematic change in how mainstream services to children and families are delivered, with the anticipation that different approaches at an earlier stage will measurably improve long-term outcomes for children, many of whom are most vulnerable. Recently, when I was in Harpurs Hill family and children's centre in Coleraine, they told me that when interventions take place at a very early stage, it means that children do not come to their attention later. Yes, it was a long time to wait for an outcome, but it was an outcome worth waiting for. Sometimes in government we like to see targets met year on year, but it can take 10, 15 or 20 years to see the outcome of early intervention.”