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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“The point of this key action in the plan is very important. This aspect will help former prisoners and those who demonstrate that they want to make a transition, so that they will not be marginalised if they sign up to peaceful and democratic means to effect political change. <BR /> <BR />To end criminality, we need communities to support and trust the PSNI, and we need the same support for and trust in the criminal justice system. On top of that, I welcome the recommendation in the plan that the Executive will put a dedicated fund for restorative justice initiatives in place and will provide enhanced resources over longer periods to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities.”
“The comment that I am reading is actually in response to a question that you, Christopher, asked the deputy First Minister. I will finish that comment:”
“Such obstacles must be removed if we are to facilitate the reintegration of former prisoners and their families who fully support peace and the political process. On that note, I also commend the positive contribution to building peace by many ex-prisoners, and I endorse the comments made by the deputy First Minister in the Chamber on 17 October on the same subject:”
“<BR /> <BR />The Government have a responsibility to support and protect our community. That is why the Executive agreed with the work of the panel and produced an action plan entitled 'Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime' that allows for greater coordination across Departments, the PSNI, the justice system and civic society to achieve those aims. It is why the Executive have pledged substantial funding. That, in my view, is not a lacklustre response. <BR /> <BR />Although I do not have time to go through all the 43 key action points, I want to highlight a few issues. As already highlighted by Doug Beattie and my party colleague, the report recognised the difficulties faced by former prisoners and identified and made recommendations to address those problems.”
“Unsurprisingly, I intend to speak in support of my party's amendment. I begin by saying that, 18 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, there are no reasons why any person, young or old, should end up in jail, take a life or lose their own life on this island for political purposes. However, there is every reason for people, young or old, with a political outlook to engage in politics, in activism and in their communities to help those communities and us all to create a better place for everyone to live in. To that end, the Fresh Start panel recommendations covering the four key areas — promoting lawfulness, support for transition, tackling criminality and addressing systemic issues — and the 43 action points that flowed from them are important and key areas of work.”
“How has the decision to adopt an outcomes-based approach been received during consultation?”
“Given the uncertainty on international investment following the EU referendum result, has the Minister considered increasing support to local government to allow it to increase support to business start-ups?”
“I welcome the Minister's commitment to ensuring safety at sporting events. Just following on from the previous question, can the Minister confirm that the organisers are working with other colleagues in the Executive and statutory partners to minimise the risks associated with motorbike racing?”
“Given the fact that the Minister said that this is something she plans to look at, does she plan to introduce measures that will enable the administration of effective community sentences as a preferred option for dealing with those who would otherwise receive a short custodial sentence?”
“I thank the Minister for her comments about the two hospitals. How prepared is her Department for the pressures of winter in the months ahead?”
“I thank the Minister for that fulsome answer. Can I ask for a wee bit more information on the meeting in Antrim and on how else he intends to engage with recipients of Peace and INTERREG funding?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for his answers and for detailing the work of the Executive's action plan. Following on from his answers, may I ask how he and the First Minister will ensure that the work of the Executive's action plan on these activities complements and brings added value to the work already ongoing at community level?”
“I support the motion, and I call for it to be implemented, along with, in the future, an equality Act in the North.”
“I am glad that the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination report welcomed the racial equality strategy as a positive step and a road map to tackle racial discrimination. I am less happy that the UN report had to point out that, in the absence of an equality Act here in the North, we still face challenges to combat racism.”
“Sometimes what we say and how we say it produces consequences. I take exception to Doug trying to compare imposing economic sanctions, as used against apartheid South Africa, with derogatory comments denigrating people because of their ethnicity.”
“As well as welcoming those sentiments, I praise the people in our community who do great work to make the lives of those who come to our shores easier and to tackle racism. In particular, I thank the Ballymena Ethnic Minority Forum for the work that it does in my constituency. While I agree with Martin that government cannot do this alone, politicians, as others have said, have an important role to play in trying to eliminate racism. Whether it be discussing this subject, migration, refugees, conflicts across the world or even Brexit, we need to be careful with our language.”
“The racial equality strategy is a vital cog in that wheel, and the motion calls for the strategy to be given the priority and financial support to see that it is implemented. The strategy demonstrates a commitment to eliminate discrimination, promote equal opportunities and develop good relations. It is key to identifying the real and varied needs of our ethnic minority population. It identifies barriers and how to overcome them, and it raises awareness and helps focus responsibilities. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the words of Martin McGuinness on the publication of the strategy:”
“Over 32,000 people gave their ethnicity as something other than white. That figure will continue to grow, and I welcome that. It has already been said by my colleagues Seán Lynch and Doug Beattie that people who come to Ireland add to our society. They add to it economically through their work and spend, but they also add to it culturally. The world is now a smaller place. It is a much smaller place than it used to be, and our neighbours may not have an "O" or a "Mc" in their surname any longer. While society is changing, it is important that our policies and practices change and adapt to the new situation. <BR /> <BR />We must ensure that equality means equality for all.”
“<BR /> <BR />When I think of the millions of Irish citizens who left this island out of necessity at the time of the famine or in the early and late 20th century and the various forms of treatment that they received, both good and bad, when landing in America, Australia, England or elsewhere around the world, I believe that we have an extra special duty to welcome, embrace and support all those who come to these shores. Whilst the "No blacks. No dogs. No Irish" signs may be an iconic snapshot of a previous time, let us just hope that those sentiments remain where they belong: in history. They should, however, serve as a reminder for us to remain vigilant to hatred. <BR /> <BR />The 2011 census figures demonstrate the diverse nature of the minority ethnic community here.”
“Muhammad Ali was correct, of course, but it is an unfortunate reality that racism exists in our society today. Whether it takes the form of physical attack, attacks on property, graffiti, verbal abuse, bullying on social media or the not-so-visible unequal access to jobs and services that others take for granted, racism is destructive to individuals and communities and needs to be tackled. Just yesterday, as Mr McPhillips said, it was reported that, in the past six months, over 500 race hate incidents took place in the North. That is between two and three race hate incidents a day. One race hate attack in any time period is one too many.”
“Like everybody else, I welcome the opportunity to speak to today's motion. Muhammad Ali once said,”
“Given that the Minister has outlined the importance of the site and a number of possible proposals, does he intend to use the site for much-needed social housing in the Ballymena area and other much-needed community regeneration purposes?”
“Going beyond the two bureaux, can the First Minister comment on the importance of international relations to our economic development?”
“Fadhb ar bith, a Cheann Comhairle. Tá sin ceart go leor. Given that the Minister spoke in glowing terms about the new councils and the fact that European funding is essential to them, was any concern expressed during the meeting regarding the future of EU funding?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers thus far and for his praise of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, of which I was until recently a member. The Minister placed importance on the Dark Hedges as an environmental and tourist attraction. How does he envisage their long-term management, given the cross-cutting nature of his Department, other Departments, the local heritage trust, tree preservation bodies and the council? Who does he envisage taking the lead in their future management?”
“Will the Minister make an assessment of the Make the Call campaign taken forward in conjunction with the Older People’s Commissioner.”
“OK. We can deliver better outcomes for the people and ensure that our health service works for the people and makes our lives better. This is a difficult task given the finite budget and will require parties across the House to continue to achieve this.”
“<BR /> <BR />My colleague had twice as long to speak, so he could afford to go into twice as much detail. I support, and have been on record as supporting, the efforts to protect and build on all these local facilities and I will continue to make the case for equality and access for the people of North Antrim. <BR /> <BR />I know that the Health Minister is studying the report on the future of health services, led by Professor Bengoa, and I look forward to hearing the Minister's views on how we, as a society, can secure and improve health service delivery across the full spectrum of health provision. That approach will require careful nourishment by her securing and building on the strengths in her current provision.”
“Who could not agree with that? <BR /> <BR />North Antrim is a largely rural constituency covering a large geographical area, including Rathlin Island. This, in itself, throws up challenges including travelling time, access to services, emergency response times and much more. Ambulance response times are a genuine concern in life-threatening situations for people living in the glens and in other remote geographical locations in North Antrim and need careful consideration in any future plans for the health service. <BR /> <BR />As has been said already, constituents in North Antrim, are served by two acute hospitals — the Causeway in Coleraine and Antrim Area Hospital. They are also served by two community hospitals — the Robinson in Ballymoney and the Dalriada in Ballycastle.”
“In my new role, I hope to work positively with the management of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and staff to ensure that the health and well-being needs of all my constituents are met. <BR /> <BR />In my three short weeks in this role, I have already received representations from a number of constituents covering waiting times for referrals and other specific treatment issues. I am acutely aware of the current pressures facing citizens requiring treatment and, in turn, the onus that this puts on the health service and on health service staff. <BR /> <BR />I welcomed the words of the Minister in the Chamber last week during another health related debate when she said:”
“I am delighted to be reunited with Mervyn and look forward to working constructively with him and all the North Antrim Members on behalf of the people we serve. <BR /> <BR />The future of healthcare provision in North Antrim is one of the important issues for citizens there, probably the most important issue. Nobody could underestimate the challenges that this brings for the Minister, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and all healthcare providers, and I am delighted that the Minister is here for this contribution. <BR /> <BR />Before continuing, I also want to thank those who work in the healthcare profession for their selfless service and excellent care.”
“Ar an chéad dul síos, is féidir liom a rá gur onóir dom bheith ag labhairt den chéad uair sa Tionól ar an ábhar seo agus is pribhléid dom bheith ag obair ar son na ndaoine in Aontroim Thuaidh. It has been a while — 10 years in fact — since I last spoke in the Chamber. So, at the beginning of my contribution today I want to reiterate that it is a great honour and privilege to be allowed to represent the citizens of North Antrim and, along with my Sinn Féin team, I hope to do it well. Whether you live in Carey glen or Glenravel glen, Ballintoy or Ballybogy, Dunloy or Dervock, Cloney or Clogh, Ballycastle or Broughshane and everywhere in between, my office door will be open. <BR /> <BR />I want to thank my old sparring partner from our days in Ballymoney Borough Council, Mervyn Storey, for bringing this debate to the House.”
“Will the deputy First Minister provide an update on elements of the Fresh Start Agreement relating to the North/South Ministerial Council?”