Patsy McGlone
Mid Ulster · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“Limiting the power to dismiss charges involving the death of or serious physical harm to a vulnerable person will enhance the fairness and integrity of those criminal proceedings.”
“The SDLP welcomes the provisions for the long-overdue establishment of a statutory Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime. That is a significant step forward in the development of our justice system.”
“Putting the office on a statutory footing will ensure that the commissioner's role is legally recognised and accountable to the public and the justice system. The Minister outlined a number of the measures in the process of accountability.”
“OK. I thank my colleague — indeed, the Minister — for responding. It is, as the Minister said and my colleague highlighted, a sensitive area. People who are approached to give a reference should think long and hard about the implications of the references that they give: where they might wind up; the circumstances in which they give them;…”
“The SDLP welcomes the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill and the opportunity to debate it, alongside the Chairperson — or should I say, "Mr Amendment" — at its Second Stage.”
“I accept that the Minister's Department, as she has stated repeatedly, does not have the capacity or resources to develop those legislative provisions during this mandate.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,995 lines we hold for Patsy McGlone, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 24 of 40.
“Will the role of the commissioners for languages be clearly defined in the legislation governing languages?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an ráiteas fosta. An féidir leis an Aire a insint dúinn cén cineál malartaithe tuairimí agus malartaithe taithí atá tosaithe le Rialtas na hÉireann i dtaobh fhorbairt na Gaeilge? Will the Minister tell us what sort of exchanges of information, views and experiences on the development of Irish language legislation there has been with the Irish Government?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As we are moving forward, basic payments are, of course, crucial to underpinning farm life and providing support income to farmers. With Brexit looming, can the Minister advise us what further assurances have been sought or received from the Westminster Government about additional and continuing support for farmers?”
“I thank the Member for making that point. Will the Member accept that that can even happen in cases where the livestock numbers are being reduced and therefore so is the contribution that they are making to extra ammonia in the atmosphere?”
“It is to be hoped that the motion and debate will prompt the Minister to publish his proposals and draft ammonia strategy sooner rather than later.”
“It is the Department that is legally obliged to consider the impact of ammonia emissions and subsequent nitrogen depositions that a proposed building development or development of that nature would have on the environment. Any moratorium could have the unintended consequence of preventing the updating of facilities on a farm and thereby preventing the reduction of ammonia emissions. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that action is needed to reduce ammonia emissions to prevent further biodiversity loss and help to repair the ecosystem. Such action is essential for the sustainable development of the agriculture industry and improving public health. However, responsibility for that area does lie with the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Agriculture Minister has described the strategy on ammonia reduction which has been brought forward by the Department as a comprehensive approach to ammonia, and has repeatedly stated his intention to publish those proposals for consultation soon. It may be that the three-year absence of an Executive has contributed to delay in producing the draft ammonia strategy, but any action by the Infrastructure Minister should clearly be taken in coordination with that strategy and must be complementary to it. I have already mentioned some issues in respect of planning. It is currently the case that DAERA is the statutory consultee on those planning applications.”
“We also welcome the efforts by farmers to reduce those levels, which they are responsible for through modernising their farm practices and facilities. One particular concern of mine about the motion that has been proposed by the Green Party is that, in effect, by reopening planning applications, aside from the considerable stress and resource implications that would have for the Department and councils, which, as we know from the figures, have enough difficulties, we would put pressures on farms and farm businesses. I am concerned that uncertainty would be created about their futures, and that their financiers would have that uncertainty about their futures. That is of great importance to me.”
“However, the current level of ammonia emissions is a barrier to achieving sustainable agricultural development and meeting our shared climate and biodiversity targets. In addition to the ecological damage as a result of ammonia emissions, which has been noted in the motion, the majority of priority habitats and species are now at an unfavourable conservation status. There has been significant and continued loss of biodiversity since the 1970s. In particular, we have witnessed that in the evidence from the past 20 years. It is clear that a big problem with discharges into the environment is imminent. <BR /> <BR />That having been said, we welcome the work that has been done by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs since July 2016 to address the issue of ammonia emissions.”
“The particular problem with ammonia emissions here is that we are responsible for 12% of the UK total, but we have only 3% of the population and 6% of the land area. The proportion of sites here that exceed the critical level of ammonia concentration is, however, higher than in England, Scotland and Wales. Ammonia emissions were also 19% higher in 2018 than they were in 2010. That is higher than the previous peak that was recorded in 1996. Ninety-six per cent of Northern Ireland's ammonia emissions come from agricultural activity, with all livestock sectors being responsible for most of that figure; largely from manure and slurry management and fertiliser spreading. <BR /> <BR />Since 2019, those have been regulated under the nutrients action programme, with a derogation available for some grassland farms.”
“A résumé of the issues that have arisen in the debate include water quality management, habitats, agricultural development, agricultural diversification and poverty in agriculture. Frankly, the wrong Minister is here to be held accountable for those issues and to respond to the debate. Nevertheless, the SDLP welcomes the opportunity to note its concern about the scale of ammonia emissions in Northern Ireland. The party will support the amendment and that will become clear as I speak further. <BR /> <BR />Although ammonia emissions are not unique to us, by any means, they are a particular problem here. As with other environmentally damaging factors, we do not have specific targets for reducing ammonia emissions and our efforts are expected to contribute to the UK target for reducing ammonia emissions by 16% by 2030.”
“The commissioners will be defined in the various pieces of legislation to amend the Northern Ireland Act. As the Member will know, that is how we are taking this forward: the Northern Ireland Act will be amended so that those bodies and commissioners can be set up. It will be clear in the legislation what the two commissioners' roles will be, and, indeed, the role of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression.”
“Thanks very much, First Minister, for outlining that and your commitment to have the legislation in place within this Assembly term. Will that legislation of itself define the roles of the commissioners and the functions of the offices that they hold?”
“In relation to the expansions at points of entry, can the Minister advise whether there has been any consultation with the Loughs Agency around any potential impact, whether environmental or other?”
“In the Minister's statement, heavy emphasis is placed on the exchange of and cooperation on information on marine bathing waters, rivers and the like. What cooperation has there been on the strain of COVID that has been identified in mink in Denmark. As we know, mink inhabit our waterways and rivers. Has there been collaboration between both Departments?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for his response. Will he assure us that, if there is an extension to close-down for specific businesses or sectors, money will be applied to support those sectors? Will he also assure us that the money will be sent out as efficiently as humanly possible? People are really feeling the bite.”
“Can the Minister provide an update on how centrally held COVID-related funding will be utilised to specifically increase support for the hospitality sector in the run up to the Christmas period?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasChéad-Aire. Thank you very much indeed, deputy First Minister. You mentioned that there is a time frame for it. Can you tell me what that time frame is and what articles and elements of the Bill have already been prepared?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle agus gabhaim buíochas leis an LeasChéad-Aire. Tá mé ag iarraidh a fháil amach an féidir leis an LeasChéad-Aire an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an reachtaíocht i dtaobh cultúir agus teangacha a chur in iúl dúinn?”
“Legislation must be brought forward to ban all exploration for the drilling for and extraction of hydrocarbons in Northern Ireland. Here in the North, just as they are across the world, our young people are demanding a climate reset. By accepting the motion, we will let our young people know that we are listening to them and that we are committed to a greener and cleaner future for them and for all. I support the motion.”
“extraction in Scotland. The Welsh Government confirmed in December 2018 that they would not support fracking for petroleum in Wales and, significantly, that they would not "undertake any new petroleum licensing." <BR /> <BR />In November 2019, the British Government finally accepted the scientific evidence that shale gas exploration could not be carried out safely, and they brought in an immediate moratorium on fracking in England. All those Administrations have recognised that the regulation of the activities of the companies that are involved in this practice is not sufficient, but we can and should do more. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly must step up and call on the Executive to put in place an immediate moratorium on all onshore petroleum licensing.”
“extraction in 2015. Last year, they finalised a policy position, which was:”
“because of its potential environmental impact. As welcome as that was, it is time for the Assembly to accept the reality of that environmental impact and to step beyond the presumption of 2015. <BR /> <BR />The evidence has been considered by Administrations across these islands, and they have reached the same conclusion, which is that the onshore extraction of hydrocarbons is not safe. It has a detrimental impact on the local environment and undermines efforts to reduce the use of hydrocarbons as a local and global energy source. <BR /> <BR />In July 2017, the Irish Government banned the:”
“Short-term economic interests cannot be allowed to trump the long-term concerns about the impact on public health or the environment. As we know, like some political parties, the companies that are seeking these licences frequently overpromise and under-deliver. It should not just be about the immediate environmental impact that is caused by extraction; the long-term impact on our climate from the continued use of hydrocarbons is now centre stage, which is where it should be. That impact must be a major part of our policy decisions. <BR /> <BR />As the motion notes, the 2015 strategic planning policy statement set out a policy of the:”
“As one of the co-signatories to the motion, I welcome, on behalf of the SDLP, the motion and the debate. It is an opportunity for the Assembly to make it clear that the environment can no longer be treated as a second-class consideration. <BR /> <BR />In the continued absence of a climate change Bill, it is up to the Assembly to highlight the steps that we must take to safeguard the environment for future generations. As the future is one with a decarbonised energy system, now is the time to demonstrate our commitment to that greener and cleaner future. <BR /> <BR />It is right that the motion calls for action from the Executive as a whole, because this is a cross-cutting issue that goes beyond the licensing remit of the Department for the Economy.”
“The Commission explicitly said that if the Internal Market Bill were adopted it will:”
“The Commission made it very clear, the day after the Internal Market Bill was published, that the UK had violated the good faith obligation since:”
“I thank the Member very much for his contribution. We may agree to disagree on that point. <BR /> <BR />Brussels was never going to let Britain's Internal Market Bill go uncontested. Why would they when the Internal Market Bill gave Ministers the powers to breach aspects of the Northern Ireland protocol on state aid and customs? The Commission is not raising a breach of the protocol in article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, however, because the powers given to UK Ministers under the Internal Market Bill have yet to be used. Instead, the Commission's issue is a general breach of article 5 on the duty of good faith. Article 5 states that the EU and the UK must take:”
“The Chair referred to the difficulty with the computerised system, which may well not be operational until July. As we know, we are supposed to run out of road by 31 December. Those are some of the problems. <BR /> <BR />The good Member over here referred to the big business of the EU and said that it was remote from ordinary people. Maybe the DUP was taken for a wee bit of a ride by people like Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg — men of the people; there is no doubt about that. Essentially, we knew that the withdrawal agreement was coming.”
“Some of those refer to issues around VAT; the role and interpretation of export health certificates; whether GB suppliers into Northern Ireland will have to become European exporters and how that may affect matters; the specific problems with regard to flour and red meat; and many facets of labelling. Last week, I met the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU). The key element of the labelling and marketing of red meat as "Irish meat" is integral to the success of the meat production industry in Northern Ireland. Those are just some of the key elements. <BR /> <BR />We have also heard from the ports, as the Chair mentioned, about the difficulties that they face, even with the good cooperation of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. They are likely to face problems with HMRC.”
“That was all there as a result of the good efforts and the links that were built, principally, by John Hume — God rest him — with other MEPs, the Reverend Paisley and John Taylor, with the likes of Jacques Delors, who felt profoundly about this place and the contribution that the EU could make to breaking down those barriers and underpinning peace in this part of Ireland. That is the essential, key element of where I am coming from. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Chairman, who outlined some of the issues that we heard at the Agriculture Committee, and the difficulties that people face. Most of those difficulties relate to the unanswered questions — questions that cannot be answered.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle as an seans labhairt anseo. Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak. It would be remiss of me not to lay down where the SDLP is coming from on the issue. A key core of the SDLP's philosophy is that we are, centrally, Europeans. The key element of being part of the European project was to ensure the breaking down of barriers in the transmission of goods and people and, indeed, breaking down fear factors that exist around nationalities and cultures, bringing people together to work in the common interest. <BR /> <BR />Members should be aware that, as a result of the EU, we drew down millions of pounds in structural funds and millions of pounds of Peace money to underpin the peace process.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. That issue was raised by representatives of the ports who presented to the Committee last Thursday. Have the Minister or Department done a scoping exercise of the ports to see where there might be problems as we work through the Brexit issues?”
“The Minister has led nicely on to my question. What are the implications for the Department, the Executive and wider trade of the infrastructure at Larne not being ready by the end of what we hope will be the transition period?”
“There is lack of clarity, for example, on how fish stocks, particularly shared stocks, will be monitored and managed through the proposed fisheries management plans. It is essential that fish stocks are not finished above independently-recommended scientific levels. We have a poor record on environmental protection and weak governance in certain areas. It is far from clear, at this point, what the impact of the Bill, and other Brexit-related crossover Bills, will have on the conservation of the marine ecosystem. <BR /> <BR />In summary, there remains a great deal of uncertainty around the provisions of the Bill and how they are to be implemented.”
“We may have been touching upon that in Committee, too. <BR /> <BR />The sector is also heavily reliant on capital grants to maintain and improve its infrastructure. In the absence of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Minister's Department will be responsible for future financial assistance for the fisheries sector. To date, the Department has been unable to secure — this was touched upon earlier, and the Chair referred to it too — any commitment from the UK Government to provide funding for those schemes. <BR /> <BR />The key focus of this Bill should have been the future sustainability of the fisheries sector. To that end, it would have been better if sustainability was the prime objective of the Bill and all fisheries management decisions assessed on that basis.”
“In addition, there are areas of the Bill where clarification is still needed. The Bill grants the UK Secretary of State at DEFRA the power to set fisheries objectives and fishing opportunities for the local fleet. There is little detail yet of what those objectives will mean or how they will be delivered. We will, in effect, be told where the fleet can fish and how much it can catch, as calculated by a yet-to-be-determined method. <BR /> <BR />In the latest amendments to the Bill — I heard the Minister said that there are further later amendments to it — the Secretary of State will be given more time to come to a decision on those matters before publishing the joint fisheries statement. It might have been better to seek an extension to that transition period, which would have allowed more time for detailed scrutiny of the Bill.”
“I thank the Member for his intimate knowledge of the legislature of the Irish Republic.”
“The good relations that currently exist between and with the fishing industries across the entire island of Ireland are also not addressed by the Bill. Such good relations depend heavily on trust and that trust has been severely tested by the British Government's negotiating tactics.”
“Fisheries access remains a key focus of attention of any future UK/EU trade agreement and both sides appear to be still some distance apart from those separate objectives. <BR /> <BR />Fisheries is a sector that has been impacted by the British Government's unilaterally declared intention to break with the terms of the Ireland protocol in the withdrawal agreement. Some Members may imagine that breaking that protocol will make life easier for the fisheries sector, but I suspect that they may be mistaken. <BR /> <BR />The UK Government's negotiating tactics on this issue have merely increased the large degree of uncertainty that was already there for the fisheries sector, and indeed, a multiplicity of other sectors.”
“<BR /> <BR />The legislative consent motion is required to provide for a new legal framework to replace the common fisheries policy because of Brexit. There is concern that the legislative consent, although delayed, may still be sought for prematurely. The COVID-19 pandemic and Westminster parliamentary procedures have severely restricted the Assembly's ability to properly scrutinise this and, indeed, other elements of legislation needed for the end of the transition period. Questions remain about provisions for aquaculture and marine conservation, the impact of climate change and the details of the proposals for legally binding fisheries management plans. There may also be significant changes in circumstances due to the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU for a future agreement on fisheries.”
“I thank the Minister for presenting the legislative consent motion today. From the SDLP's point of view, we welcome the opportunity to debate the legislative consent motion on the Fisheries Bill. As the Chairman said, I raised the issue at the Committee on Thursday around the lack of information on the legislative consent motion and the limited time that the Committee had to consider it. It has been unable to fully explore and understand the potential impacts and implications for this jurisdiction. This difficulty has been further compounded by the fact that I and other legislatures are being asked to do so in the context of the legal uncertainties around the UK Internal Market Bill and the withdrawal agreement.”
“I thank the First Minister for her responses up until now. On the specific question of enforcement, it came to my attention, particularly over the weekend, that the police were saying that there is a grey area, certainly on whether they are to be the lead agency on enforcement, and senior officials in local government are saying precisely the same thing to me. They say that they are waiting for clarification from the Executive on that. Perhaps the First Minister could give us some insight on where we are and when the situation is likely to be clarified. There is a wider issue around the messaging and the clarity of message emanating from the COVID regulations.”
“— to opposing legislative consent in the Assembly for the UK Internal Market Bill when or if that is presented.”
“In the meantime, the First Minister and deputy First Minister should commit —”
“It also raises the question of whether the support for the Internal Market Bill would breach the Northern Ireland Executive's ministerial code of conduct, which, similarly, requires Executive Ministers to support the rule of law unequivocally in word and deed. <BR /> <BR />If we are to believe the British Government, they will seek the legislative consent of the Assembly for the implementation of the Bill. In those circumstances, I would expect, first, that the Executive would seek legal advice on that question and, if they do not, perhaps the Speaker's Office and the Assembly should seek advice. Following a plethora of statutory instruments being foisted on the AERA Committee, we have had to seek legal advice on those and the manner in which the Department seeks to pursue them.”
“That is why Boris Johnson faces a rebellion in his party, by those on both sides of the Brexit debate, and criticism from former UK Attorney Generals. It is why the UK Government's Advocate General in Scotland was unable to reconcile his obligations as a law officer with the policy intentions of the Internal Market Bill. It is also why advice has been given to civil servants in London about what to do if they are asked to work on a policy that breaches the Civil Service code, which makes it very clear that civil servants must comply with the law and uphold the administration of justice.”
“For all his bumbling public persona, Boris Johnson understands that perfectly well. He understands the well-founded concerns of the Irish Government and the parties in the Assembly, as well as those of the other devolved Administrations. He also understands the concerns of the EU regarding the difficulty of maintaining the single market in a no-deal scenario. It is one of the reasons that he is threatening to tear up the protocol. It is, in effect, an attempt at extortion rather than negotiation. <BR /> <BR />Even without the serious implications for everyone living on this island, there would rightly be concerns about the tactics of the British Government; tactics that were demonstrated by the introduction of provisions in the Bill that are designed to break international law.”
“The risk involved is why the UK Government's current approach to negotiations is of such concern.”
“If the Bill is enacted, it would seriously damage political trust between the EU and the UK and, I should add, the USA, where prominent politicians have recently pronounced on the difficulties with the direction that the UK is taking and where that will wind up. It threatens to unilaterally replace that agreed approach with measures that will further erode the authority of the Assembly and the other devolved Administrations. The Bill's measures would create more difficulties for the agri-food sector on the island, damage our economy and undermine political stability. No doubt, some would look to profit politically from that instability, whatever the cost, just as there would be those who would look to profit financially from the economic chaos and uncertainty of no trade deals with the EU.”