Philip McGuigan
North Antrim · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I concur with the Minister that patient safety is ultimately the top priority, but patient safety is also important, as the Member said, in terms of assessments. If you cannot get assessments, your safety is compromised.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Further to my party colleague's point of order about the DUP's internal investigation, what is the point of doing an investigation if you are telling us that you have nothing to answer for? You were the leader of the DUP at a time when accusations were levelled against Jeffrey Donaldson.”
“Minister, in your previous answers you talked about the pressures and the difficulties. You said that you were looking for a fair funding model, and you spoke of the need for taxpayers here to be treated equitably.”
“Minister, the inquiry found systematic abuse, neglect and serious governance failure at Muckamore Abbey Hospital over many years — failures that were not isolated incidents but reflected systematic issues across leadership, staffing, safeguarding and oversight that resulted in decades of physical and psychological abuse.”
“When I engage with health service sectors as my party's health spokesperson, there is not one that does not talk about workforce pressures and problems with staff recruitment and retention. That is clearly the case with doctors.”
“First Minister, you have spoken previously about the opportunities created as a result of our unique economic and trading position and about the increased potential that comes with all-island cooperation.”
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“I rise to voice my concerns about the introduction of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA), an unnecessary barrier to travel by visitors to this island that is being imposed upon us by the British Government. The ETA requirement will mean that all non-European travellers will have to apply and pay for a digital permission to visit here. The ETA comes with a processing delay of three working days after application that will, effectively, end spontaneous travel northwards.”
“The Member said that he is a proud Northern Irish man, but his concerns seem to be about businesses in GB. How does he react to businesses in the North when we look at the export statistics published by HMRC that show that Scotland was down 13%, England was down 4·5% and Wales was down 9% from June 2023 to June 2024, while, here in the North, business exports were up 7%.”
“So, through necessary constitutional change on this island and the building of a new Ireland — a noble and worthy positive outcome on its own — we the citizens in the North can rejoin and access benefits from full EU membership, something that I want to see and something that will be better for all the people of this island.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the short term, the certainty and stability in the relationship with the EU that the protocol and Windsor framework offer are vital and must be endorsed by the majority in the Chamber today. As I said, I would welcome relationships between the EU and the new British Government becoming closer, and, should that transpire, it could and should bring with it positive outcomes for the North in the medium term. Today's vote and the continuation of the protocol protections are vital. Ultimately, though, I believe that the majority of people in the North want, as they indicated in 2016, to be part of the European Union.”
“The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) that has been imposed by the British Government will undoubtedly disrupt and damage the number of visitors travelling northwards and impact on our tourism and hospitality sectors. There are still outstanding areas of concern for some sectors and small businesses here. <BR /> <BR />The Labour Government at Westminster have stated that they are determined to reset the relationship with the EU. If that transpires, it will be a welcome development for us in the North too. I want to see progress made on the issue of veterinary medicines and the need for a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement between Britain and the EU. Those are issues that can and should be resolved through agreement, and I hope that that happens sooner rather than later.”
“This trade between North and South in 2024 continues to be dominated by exports and imports of food, live animals, chemicals and related products, and it continues to grow in value and importance. <BR /> <BR />Are there issues? Of course there are. This is not perfect. However, the protocol at least mitigates the worst excesses of Brexit. As I said earlier, Brexit could not be anything other than negative and was always going to cause problems. We have managed to protect ourselves from the worst impact, but there have been impacts. Community and voluntary groups, businesses, sporting organisations and rural communities have lost access to millions in EU funding. Our young people are losing out on the full benefits of the ERASMUS scheme.”
“Those are the hard-fought and hard-won protections that absolutely need to continue and that we will vote for today. They are protections that are necessary and which offer certainty and stability for our businesses. The certainty and stability that our businesses want to be clear will continue after today's vote. They are protections that have contributed to trade increasing across this island by 125% between 2018 and 2023, growing from €4·5 billion in 2018 to €10·2 billion in 2023, according to the Central Statistics Office in Ireland, which also states that trade from the South to the North increased by 104% to €5 billion in 2023. Trade from North to South increased by 150% to €5·2 billion in 2023, up from €2·1 billion in 2018.”
“Sinn Féin continues to give people in the North a voice in the EU through our two MEPs, Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion. In previous negotiations, the terms and conditions of the Good Friday Agreement were front and centre. Thankfully, the EU was not going to allow peace in Ireland to be collateral damage of English or British nationalism. <BR /> <BR />The protocol and further agreements offer us, particularly our businesses, protections from Brexit's worst excesses, as they allow for dual market access to the EU and British markets. The objectives of the agreement are listed in articles 1 and 3 of the protocol/Windsor framework, which forms an integral part of the UK's EU withdrawal agreement, and it states that its purpose is:”
“Those who say today that they do not consent to the protocol seem to forget the fact that the North never consented to Brexit in the first place. As I said in a previous debate, there are those who, prior to the Brexit referendum and after it, appear intent on pursuing a strategy of political self-sabotage on a grand scale regardless of the implications for peace on this island or the prosperity of businesses, communities and citizens in the North. It was clear that Brexit, whether in Britain or Ireland, was never going to be positive. That is a fact that, hopefully, even its initial proponents across the Chamber can, at least in private, now recognise. <BR /> <BR />Thankfully, for those of us who live in the North of Ireland, our voice was heard and listened to during the negotiations between the EU and the British Government.”
“Official British Government statistics produced by HMRC concluded that, in the 12 months ending June 2024, compared with the previous 12 months, England, Scotland and Wales each experienced a decrease in the value of their exports. Here in the North, that value increased, with HMRC stating that trade from the North is growing, suggesting that the Windsor framework is working for our domestic exporters. <BR /> <BR />I do not intend to rehash the debate about Brexit, but it is important to set today's vital debate and vote in context. In 2016, the vast majority of citizens in the North voted to remain in the EU. They did so in the knowledge that, politically and economically, it is in our best interests.”
“The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), in a report analysing the impact of Brexit, concluded that the post-Brexit relationship between Britain and the EU:”
“I thank the Minister and welcome her statement and, additional to that, the fact that she intends to carry out a review of the cost of doing business here. In the Minister's discussions with businesses, today and previously, what has she heard from them about the impact of the increased employers' National Insurance contributions?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. The Minister will know that gambling-related harm is not officially recognised as a public health issue. Does the Minister agree that it should be recognised officially as a public health issue in the North?”
“I thank the First Minister for that statement. It is positive to hear that progress is being made. Further to her answer, can she give a timeline for the recruitment process for the three bodies and indicate when commissioners will be appointed?”
“If we want to see our high streets not just surviving but thriving, we need to play our part in promoting and supporting them. This Saturday offers a great opportunity to do so.”
“That is certainly the case in the main towns in my constituency of North Antrim: Ballycastle, Ballymena and Ballymoney. <BR /> <BR />As we go about our Christmas preparations, Small Business Saturday presents a timely reminder to look to the small traders and independent retailers who can offer unique products and fresh produce with a shorter supply chain, as well as showcasing local talent in arts and crafts, bakeries, restaurants and much more.”
“This Saturday, 7 December, is Small Business Saturday. The initiative, now in its twelfth year, aims to encourage people to visit their local town centres and support local traders and businesses. Essentially, it is to encourage people to shop and trade locally and to support the many micro and small businesses across the North that are the engine of our local economy and local communities. <BR /> <BR />Recently, we had a debate in the Chamber on rejuvenating our high streets. The consensus across the Chamber was that the hospitality sector, local traders and independent retailers play a vital role. There was agreement not only on their economic value but on their role in creating vibrant centres where we can live, work and socialise.”
“The price of energy is one of the contributing factors to fuel poverty. What is DFE doing to reduce energy costs?”
“I thank the Minister. The all-party group on gambling harm will certainly respond to that. <BR /> <BR />Further to my first question, Minister, the initial code of practice refers to the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order 1985. However, it seems that no one has taken responsibility for the monitoring, compliance and enforcement of this legislation. Will the Minister confirm who is responsible for the monitoring, compliance and enforcement of that legislation?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Democratic Scrutiny Committee had also asked the Committee on Procedures to consider proxy voting to provide for even greater flexibility, but, having considered legal advice on the matter, the Committee is content that provision for substitute members only is progressed at this stage. Nevertheless, we welcome the fact that the Committee on Procedures intends to undertake a review of the Standing Order in approximately 12 months' time to assess how it is operating in practice. Any issues can be addressed then. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I thank the Committee on Procedures for its work on bringing forward the Standing Order, which will, hopefully, provide the Democratic Scrutiny Committee with the flexibility that it needs to discharge its functions effectively during recess periods.”
“Consequently, there is a risk that a notification may be made during a recess period, when members of the Committee are unavailable to reach a decision. Should several members be unavailable, it may be impossible for the Democratic Scrutiny Committee to reach a decision because a quorum cannot be reached. The Standing Order before us today will allow for a substitute member to consider the relevant issues and take part in reaching a decision. The substitute member would receive all the advice that would have been provided to the absent member and would attend the Committee meeting to exercise all the functions of the absent member.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Democratic Scrutiny Committee has a number of statutory duties that are unique to it. Its work is also subject to very tight time frames: for example, it must decide whether to hold an inquiry into a replacement EU act that is the subject of a notification from the British Government and must do so within five working days. The Committee's work programme, to all intents and purposes, is not under its control; it is largely dictated by notifications from the British Government on foot of acts being published in the Official Journal of the European Union. That means that the Committee cannot be certain when notifications will be made. It also means that notifications can continue throughout the Assembly's recess periods.”
“At its meeting on 21 November 2024, the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee considered the draft Standing Order that is before the Assembly today. The Standing Order follows a request from the Democratic Scrutiny Committee (DSC) to the Committee on Procedures to bring forward the provisions. On behalf of the Democratic Scrutiny Committee, I thank the Chair and members of the Committee on Procedures for the work that they have done and for bringing the Standing Order to the Assembly today. <BR /> <BR />As the Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures has outlined, the Standing Order provides for the Committee itself and makes provision for substitute Members. The Chair has outlined the rationale for providing for the Committee in Standing Orders, so I will concentrate on the provisions for substitute Members.”
“That happens to children as young as three or four, at preschool age, and many children struggle to or cannot cope with such journey times. The EA must engage with parents to provide suitable transport plans for those children to ensure that our most vulnerable do not have to endure excessive journey times. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I know that the Minister, whom I welcome, has inherited this problem and that, as a result of Tory austerity, our education system as a whole, and special educational needs in particular, has suffered from a lack of investment. I want to hear his plans and proposals, with a particular focus on improving the situation for children and parents in North Antrim.”
“Another issue is the shortage of chaperones, who are essential for SEN pupils when travelling. That obviously causes stress for parents and the children, because the children cannot attend school when those issues arise, and they arise much too often. Another issue is the journey times for those with special educational needs. In some cases, these can be very long. I have constituents whose children live 15 to 20 minutes from school but face a one-and-a-half-hour journey every morning and evening, due to the fact that the bus has to travel around collecting other children in order to transport them to and from school. For many children with SEN, those travel times are very difficult. Sometimes children must leave the house as early as 7.00 am for a school start at 9.00 am and endure the same journey home.”
“Specialist units for SEN children are available in mainstream schools like Our Lady of Lourdes School in Ballymoney, Ballymoney High School, Dunclug College and St Patrick's College, Ballymena, but again, those schools can face issues with oversubscription and lack of resources. These schools provide excellent outcomes for some children who require SEN support, but, for many children, there is no substitute for special schools and the resource available in those specialist settings. <BR /> <BR />Every year, I am contacted by many constituents about travel for those with special educational needs. The most vulnerable often face the most issues with school transport. For example, there are often issues with the lifts on buses breaking down, meaning that SEN pupils who use a wheelchair cannot be lifted onto the bus.”
“There are currently around 380 students enrolled at the school, with applications far outstripping available places. Castle Tower is the only dedicated SEN school in the whole of North Antrim. Children in our area are forced to travel long distances to access special educational needs provision in Coleraine, Limavady, Magherafelt and even, in some cases, Belfast. Those distances are difficult for any child, but, for a child with special educational needs or disabilities, such journeys are particularly difficult. We need more specialist provision, similar to the fantastic service provided by Castle Tower, available to our vulnerable children in North Antrim.”
“Perhaps the Minister can clarify whether there are any plans to expand special school provision in North Antrim. Earlier in the year, I had conversations with the Department about a school in North Antrim that had closed down. I thought that it could have been used, but it did not meet the Department's requirements, which was disappointing. <BR /> <BR />As Mr Crawford mentioned, in Castle Tower in Ballymena in North Antrim, we have a first-class school where fantastic modern services are available for those children who need them and specialist staff provide the highest level of care and support to our most vulnerable children. However, the school and many like it are vastly oversubscribed. Castle Tower was designed based on a business case for 285 students.”
“Without an early diagnosis, many children are left in mainstream schools without access to the support systems necessary for their social and academic advancement or without access to special schools or SEN units. Parents who try to circumvent the long waiting lists by seeking, in their frustration, private assessments are mostly told that those assessments, for which they paid large amounts of money, are not recognised by the Education Authority. <BR /> <BR />There has been a 50% rise in the number of children with a statement of SEN over the past five years and a 25% increase in the number of pupils in special schools. The Department — I know that the Minister has moved on this — needs to quickly develop the special school sector and provide additional special school places and classes.”
“In order for the system to work for everyone, early intervention is key, which the independent review of education recognised. Unfortunately, instead of early intervention, too often we see long waiting lists and a lack of cross-departmental working. We need to see the Health and Education Departments working side by side on the issue. Education teams, supported by health experts, will give those children the best possible start in life, because delays in early intervention have a clear knock-on effect on the next stage of development. From nursery to primary school, and from primary to secondary school, children should attend the most appropriate school for their needs.”
“I thank Colin for securing the Adjournment debate. It is a very appropriate opportunity to discuss an important issue. I begin by declaring an interest. My wife is a special educational needs assistant in a school in North Antrim. <BR /> <BR />Every child, irrespective of background or ability, is entitled to an education. Every parent and family of a child with special educational needs is entitled to support. Ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities get the highest levels of support is a priority for Sinn Féin. Too many children with special educational needs and disabilities are being left behind, and too many families have to battle with the Department, the Education Authority, schools and transport providers for that appropriate support. <BR /> <BR />Those children and their families deserve better.”
“How will the Minister's Department report on the impact and outcomes of the funding to ensure accountability?”
“I would welcome relationships between the EU and the new British Government becoming closer, should that transpire and bring with it positive outcomes for the North in the medium term. Ultimately, I believe the majority of people in the North want, as they indicated in 2016, to be part of the European Union. The conversation that we are having today about future relationships with the EU, in tandem with the ongoing conversation about constitutional change in a new Ireland, will, I believe, bring about the long-term solution: a new, democratic Ireland, with all its citizens, North and South, benefiting from EU membership.”
“Our young people are losing out on the full benefits of the ERASMUS scheme. The issues with veterinary medicines and the need for a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between Britain and the EU are problems that need to be resolved. The electronic travel authorisation that is being imposed by the British Government will undoubtedly disrupt and damage the number of visitors travelling northwards and impact on our tourism and hospitality sectors. We will support the amendment, which mentions most of that and adds value to the original motion. <BR /> <BR />In the short term, the certainty and stability in our relationship with the EU that the protocol offers are vital.”
“In the negotiations, the terms and conditions of the Good Friday Agreement were front and centre: the EU was not going to allow peace in Ireland to be the collateral damage of English or British nationalism. The protocol and further agreements offer us and, in particular, our businesses protections from Brexit's worst excesses, as they allow for dual market access. We all need to be mindful of that fact when, in a few weeks, a democratic consent motion on the continuation of the current arrangements, which bring protections, certainty and stability for our business, is voted on in the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />The current arrangements are not perfect. As I said, Brexit could not be anything other than negative. Community and voluntary groups, businesses, sporting organisations and rural communities have lost access to millions in EU funding.”
“Thankfully for those of us who live in the North of Ireland, our majority voice was heard during the negotiations, and, more importantly, on the EU side at least, our voice was listened to.”
“In 2016, the vast majority of people in the North voted to remain in the EU. They did so in the knowledge that, politically and economically, it was in our best interests. For reasons that are for others to explain, both prior to the Brexit referendum and after, some wanted to pursue a strategy of political self-sabotage on a grand scale, regardless of the implications for peace on the island or the prosperity of businesses, communities and citizens in the North. Three minutes is clearly not enough time to allow me to give the detail of the last eight years, but suffice it to say that the results of Brexit, whether in Britain or Ireland, were never going to be positive. That is a fact that, hopefully, even its initial proponents across the Chamber can, at least in private, now recognise.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. What is his response to the British Government's proposal to reduce the Shared Prosperity Fund?”
“I encourage people, wherever they may live, to attend them.”
“In particular, it creates a space for conversations to be had about achieving better mental health for citizens not just in Dunloy but across North Antrim and beyond. <BR /> <BR />The first event, which is being held tomorrow at 7.00 pm, is a conversation led by Zest that will focus on understanding suicide and bereavement. The event is open to everyone. The second event, which is on Friday 22 November at 7.00 pm, is a men's night to discuss men's mental health issues, with special guests Oisín McConville, Keith Gillespie and Joe Donnelly. Both events are free and will take place in Dunloy parish hall. Details can be found on Dunloy Stronger Together's Facebook page. <BR /> <BR />I commend those involved with Dunloy Stronger Together for their work and for hosting those two important events.”
“Over the past 10 years, an average of over 200 people a year have lost their life to suicide here. In my constituency of North Antrim, between 10 and 20 families are devastated and heartbroken in those circumstances every year. As we know, a disproportionately high number of suicides occur among young men. Unfortunately, that has recently been the case in North Antrim, with a number of families and friends trying to come to terms with the loss of a young son, brother or uncle. <BR /> <BR />November marks Men's Health Awareness Month, and I highlight two events organised by Dunloy Stronger Together, an organisation in the community and voluntary sector that does great work across all areas of community support.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What is the current position of InterTradeIreland's staffing levels?”
“In my constituency of North Antrim, which sits in two council areas — Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council — the growth deals are, as they have been described numerous times in the Chamber, a "game changer". The investment and outworking of the projects in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council areas will certainly be seen positively across our high streets and town centres.”
“We should look at expanding townscape heritage initiatives that have borne fruit elsewhere. <BR /> <BR />The impact of car-parking charges, again, is something that needs local consultation. That is important, because every situation can be different. The increased use of pedestrian zones will benefit many of our town centres. <BR /> <BR />Before I conclude, I welcome the recent announcement that the pause on the city and growth deals, particularly the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deal, which relates to my area, and the Mid South West growth deal, has been lifted and that all deals across the North are now progressing.”
“She has restored the Back in Business scheme that was introduced previously by her colleague Conor Murphy, which offers businesses a 50% rate discount for up to two years if they move into vacant premises that have been unoccupied for 12 months or more and were previously used for retail purposes. <BR /> <BR />Rejuvenating town centres and buildings while protecting their heritage is also important in many areas to ensure that the high streets, town centres and buildings remain attractive to potential new businesses. Ballycastle is one of the most unique towns in the North because of its retail offering, but we recently witnessed a road closure for a number of days and scaffolding right in its heart, because the Antrim Arms has been allowed to dangerously degrade into disrepair.”
“As others have said, we also need to look at locally based solutions and initiatives. While many of the issues will be similar across the North, every area, town centre and high street will have its particular strengths and challenges. In the three major towns in my constituency — Ballymena, Ballymoney and Ballycastle — the issue of derelict buildings is continually raised by businesses. <BR /> <BR />Obviously, an increasing number of vacant and derelict buildings will reduce footfall in a town, impacting on existing businesses. I welcome the work of the Finance Minister on that subject.”
“Public realm and environmental improvements, revitalisation schemes, planning and infrastructure, development schemes, urban development grants, licensing laws and many other connected issues impact on the success of our high streets and town centres and touch on numerous Departments. <BR /> <BR />The high street task force was established by the Executive. Its membership is drawn from retail, hospitality, academia, central and local government and the community and voluntary sector. As has been mentioned, it has already put forward its recommendations following extensive engagement. It should be the template for moving forward. We need to focus on how the recommendations from the task force can be progressed with the current budgetary challenges that we face.”
“Many of the challenges existed before the pandemic, but they have undoubtedly increased since then because of the changing ways in which we access goods and services, including online and mobile services, shopping centres and out-of-town retail parks; the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the legacy of the COVID pandemic on how people spend their time and their decreased disposable income; and more working from home and less lunchtime spending. Rising overhead costs and inflationary pressures for businesses are also having an impact. <BR /> <BR />The motion and amendments mention the Economy and Finance Departments, but addressing the issues will require a partnership approach across a number of Departments, as well as councils.”
“I thank the proposer for providing the opportunity to speak on the issue today. I absolutely agree that thriving high streets and town centres are vital to the economic vibrancy and social fabric of our communities. They are also the spaces where we live, work, shop, socialise and access public services, so they need to be welcoming, safe and sustainable locations for businesses. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, as the motion states, high streets and town centres face many challenges that have a visible impact on small and independent retailers.”