Stephen Moutray
Upper Bann · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Given the recent figures published by the National Pig Association that indicate that, typically, only 30% of the gammons consumed in the United Kingdom at Christmas are of British origin, do you feel that your Department could do more to help to exploit this area?”
“As provided for in Standing Order 33(1), on 12 October 2015, the Assembly and Executive Reform (Assembly Opposition) Bill was referred to the AERC for Committee Stage. The Committee was asked to consider and report to the Assembly no later than 30 November 2015.”
“At its meeting on 13 October, the Assembly and Executive Review Committee agreed to issue a call for evidence to invite interested parties to submit their views on the Bill.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. He will be aware, no doubt, of the angst that often comes to families of children with special needs when they turn 19 and have to leave their special school. Has he consulted schools such as Ceara in Lurgan and Donard in Banbridge, both in my Upper Bann constituency, on issues like that?”
“I rise on behalf of the DUP to support the Final Stage of the Children's Services Co-operation Bill as introduced and brought to the House by Mr Steven Agnew and the subsequent changes at each stage throughout the process.”
“I believe that, with the amendments and the reworking of the Bill since its initial form, we have been able to ensure that we, too, in Northern Ireland are able, like our Scottish counterparts, to connect sector providers with government so that people work collaboratively to deliver.”
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“More victims than ever are presenting themselves to groups that are operating and as individuals to the VSS, and it is important that we address and deal with their needs effectively with as much of the available revenue as possible going to victims. <BR /> <BR />Despite the wording of the motion, our concern is with the victims, and we do not intend to divide the House on this issue.”
“I do not want to see money absorbed into extortionate running costs or administration. I want to see it getting to the innocent victims who still bear the scars. <BR /> <BR />However, owing to the financial hardships that we are experiencing, the Victims and Survivors Service has been asked make a 4·4% saving on administrative costs. That has been done in consultation with them and with the regulated framework in place. That is in line with all other arm's-length bodies, and it is aimed at administration costs as opposed to cutting the services provided, as has been indicated by the proposers of the motion. <BR /> <BR />It is vital that every so often we take stock of the delivery mechanisms and look at how we do things.”
“Since the restoration of devolution in 2007, we have ensured that funding to victims has more than tripled. The additional services secured have meant that more people are coming forward to avail of services, which in itself is a welcome outcome. However, that has led to an increase in demand, which has led to a need to look at how services are delivered, the need to streamline and ways and means of cutting any fat out of the system. <BR /> <BR />We have to note the dire financial situation caused by Sinn Féin and its blocking of welfare reform. We see a fine of £80 million this year, so of course budgets will be cut. Front line services will be impacted on if it continues with its wrecking-ball tactics. I want the money allocated by the Department and Europe, and I want it to get to the people who need it.”
“The Commission for Victims and Survivors is now in its fourth year of promoting the interests of victims and survivors, and the VSS was the final building block of the Department's 10-year strategy that aims to secure a measurable improvement in the well-being of victims and survivors. <BR /> <BR />Funding for victims' services is at an all-time high. In recent years, owing to the high prioritisation of innocent victims, the First Minister has worked to increase the financial contribution made to the services, which is evident from the £50 million allocated to victims in the current Budget from the Department, Europe and other funding pots. An additional £1·1 million was secured in last October's monitoring round, with other amounts being secured throughout the year.”
“<BR /> <BR />The House must never forget the innocent people who suffered most and continue to suffer. As a party, we have prioritised the needs of innocent victims, and our record clearly demonstrates that we do not run away from the ongoing problems, particularly around the definition of a victim. We also have not compromised on the truth about the past and are making ongoing efforts to obtain special pension provision for the severely disabled. <BR /> <BR />The Victims and Survivors Service was and continues to be part of a wider infrastructure that has been put in place since devolution in 2007.”
“The Troubles in Northern Ireland wrecked and scarred the lives of tens of thousands of our citizens. Today, many carry emotional and physical scars, with some having to cope with severe physical disability because of the actions of bloodthirsty terrorists. For many, their career was ended, their quality of life significantly reduced and their capacity to support their family limited. Our party has always been and will continue to be committed to ensuring that the innocent victims of the Troubles are not forgotten. However, I find it somewhat ironic that the Ulster Unionist Party has tabled the motion. Look back at when they were in government: the annual spend on victims was around £3 million, in comparison with the £11 million per annum today. That figure speaks for itself in how this party has prioritised victims.”
“At a time of budgetary cuts, many of them due to Sinn Féin's ludicrous position on welfare reform, can the deputy First Minister outline the levels of cuts that he will support in relation to the North/South Ministerial Council?”
“His son Nigel spoke eloquently on Friday about the saving faith that his father had. I trust that, in the days that lie ahead, that will help sustain the family. They have the knowledge that it is, truly, absent from the body but present with the Lord. I extend sincere condolences on behalf of the DUP to Joy, Kyle, George, Nigel, their families and the Ulster Unionist Party on the passing of a real gentleman. Thank you.”
“George made many lasting friends as a result, and he attended festivals in Mayo on a yearly basis. George was a giant in agriculture. He farmed extensively near Donaghcloney. He served as Deputy Chair of the Agriculture Committee and on the Northern Ireland Drainage Council, and chaired the SOAR rural partnership. <BR /> <BR />Some year ago, I was in the south of England and, in a second-hand shop, I picked up a book that referred to the Savages being resident in Donaghcloney for some 300 years. I gave the book to George on my return and he was delighted because he was, justly, proud of his ancestry. He was also proud of his family: of Joy; of his sons Kyle, George and Nigel; and of their families. <BR /> <BR />Last Tuesday, George would have been 50 years married to Joy.”
“I count it a great privilege to be afforded the opportunity to take part in this tribute to my friend and colleague, not only in the House but for some 13 years on Craigavon Borough Council. George was a quiet, unassuming, affable and mildly spoken person who was not given to rash words even in the heat of debate. He treated everyone the same, no matter what their station in life. His commitment to constituents was second to none. For nearly 40 years, he was an elected representative who was always approachable and contactable, even in his farmyard, as was often the case. His love of farming and country life was known far and wide. <BR /> <BR />Such was George that his friendship spanned beyond these shores. He was influential in the linkage between Craigavon Borough Council and Ballina in County Mayo.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Like others, I concur with the remarks made about him and his predecessor. Is he confident that those very worthwhile schemes can be delivered on time, given the current financial circumstances?”
“I welcome the Minister's answer. The potential for the two bodies to work together is enormous. Is he confident that this vital project will proceed, given the wrecking tactics of Sinn Féin in relation to welfare reform?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. What assurances can he give the House today in relation to businesses, some of which are in my constituency, that open up, never apply for planning permission and are allowed to trade, sometimes for years, before any enforcement action is taken?”
“I found him to be a person of total integrity who was caring and compassionate. I remember being out on the election trail with him. That in itself was an experience. He always had time for the ordinary people on the street. Ian Paisley made a tremendous impact on the life of this Province. He was a force for good. I believe that Ulster is a much better place today because of his contribution. <BR /> <BR />To Baroness Paisley, our colleague Ian and the rest of the family, I extend condolences from myself, my wife and my family. Yet, even at this time of sadness, we are consoled to know that, as Philippians chapter 1, verse 23 says, he is:”
“My first real-life experience of Dr Ian Paisley was in the early 1970s when he came to speak at political open-air rallies in the Mourneview estate in Lurgan. I remember him speaking from a platform, which comprised an open-top lorry, to a crowd of maybe some 500 people. Ian Paisley had a charisma that was lacking in unionism at that time. He appealed to all sections of the unionist community, but particularly to the working-class people, whom he represented so well. My family background was not connected either politically or spiritually with what Ian Paisley represented, but I admired the man from those days for his honesty, his forthrightness and his determination, sometimes against all odds. <BR /> <BR />In later years, through political and church involvement, I got to know Dr Paisley well, and, indeed, his family.”
“There have been many more wins, and I am sure that other Members will mention them in the debate. I welcome the report. It has provided Members with clarity on the task force and its work. I support the motion.”
“Communication of the task force's work is essential, be it with the public, Departments, Committees or key stakeholders. <BR /> <BR />There is much good work ongoing. For instance, the financial gain of €14·5 million at the half-way stage of the Budget period and the Peace IV programme, which is worth €150 million, was lobbied for by the task force and has been secured. Those are key messages — key wins — that we need to get across to the public. We also have benefited financially from the transport and mobility policy, with €28·4 million having been secured for seven projects in Northern Ireland to improve our transport infrastructure.”
“<BR /> <BR />There needs to be a quicker and more effective way of publishing the annual European priorities document and a more regular review of processes by Committees to look at the progress and aid the Executive as they look towards future European priorities. <BR /> <BR />There also needs to be a concerted effort to help improve the accessibility of funding and the completion of application forms by third parties and arm's-length bodies. Unfortunately, there remains a lack of capacity where funding applications are concerned. Often, that is because they are too complicated. <BR /> <BR />Recommendations 8 and 9 deal with communication, and both are key to going forward. Any ongoing work, whether it results in achievements or a lack of progress, must be measured and communicated.”
“Thank you, and I thank my colleague for his intervention. I agree entirely with what he said about red tape and bureaucracy. They still need to be challenged and overcome in relation to Europe. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned earlier the need for the establishment of clear targets, and that is where recommendations 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 play a role. It is clear that, to measure the success of something, you need to set clear targets and clear outcomes and have the capability to capture data to prove the worth of something or highlight that something is just not working. I support those recommendations. There is a need for a better evaluation process of ongoing work and a more open line of communication with the Executive and the Committees.”
“<BR /> <BR />The report contains 11 recommendations, and it is not my intention to go through them all in detail, but I want to mention a few of them that I believe are of the utmost importance. On recommendation 1, it is inevitable that, when there is a change in personnel, the focus changes, relationships change and linkages that were previously established can be lost. However, I believe it is vital that we maintain a focus on what has been achieved, endeavour to hold on to the linkages and connections that have been made previously and realise and further the potential, and perhaps the opportunities, that will come with that change. <BR /> <BR />Of the regions represented, Northern Ireland is among the top achievers, and we therefore have to continue to improve, enhance and build upon what has already come to fruition.”
“It is also very clear that, in terms of policy, the task force has directly and indirectly created positive outcomes for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />In the Programme for Government the Executive made it abundantly clear that the aim was to increase Northern Ireland's drawdown of competitive funds by 20% over the period, and we are all aware that Northern Ireland has exceeded that target. I count that as an achievement. However, it is vital that we continue to work and build upon our proven track record in Europe and move towards the establishment of clear targets and clear outcomes and the capturing of data to prove and demonstrate its successes and to ascertain what else can be done to improve and enhance our drawdown from Europe.”
“I support the motion from the Committee before us today. The report has been enlightening and timely, given the imminent change on the horizon with the presidency of José Manuel Barroso coming to an end shortly. I believe that the inquiry has clearly highlighted the benefits of the Northern Ireland task force and also the areas needing further work and effort to help fully utilise the task force that was established by President Barroso in 2007 to support Northern Ireland's efforts to improve its economic competitiveness and create sustainable employment. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the report it is evident that the task force in Brussels and the task force working group in Northern Ireland have stimulated an improvement and an increased engagement in European affairs by Executive Departments.”