Robin Newton
East Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for giving way. The Member is aware that the Education Committee took on the very early role, as he requested. Mrs Dodds made the point that the Bill does not have a natural home, and that many suspect that its required budget will be much greater than that outlined in the Bill.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. She is absolutely right about how despicable a crime human trafficking is and about the attempt, via the Bill, to address it.”
“That is not the type of language that we expect to see from such respected bodies. Their overall concern is the education of our children. They represent schools, and they say that the Bill is "flawed" and "not fit for purpose", but it looks as though we will vote it through. <BR /> <BR />I move now to the history of the Bill.”
“Thank you. There seems to be a similar attitude to this legislation. We, on this side of the Chamber, and indeed others, have consistently argued that a private Member's Bill is not suitable for this type of legislation. The ramifications of the Bill are significant.”
“Again, it has been referred to that the chief executives of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools; the Controlled Schools' Support Council; the Governing Bodies Association, which is the body covering voluntary grammar schools; the Catholic Schools' Trustee Service; the Transferor Representatives' Council, which represents the Presb…”
“As we have done at every stage, we oppose the Bill. Mr McCrossan is not in the Chamber at the moment, but I am not unlike him in the sense that I believe in all our children being educated together.”
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“<BR /> <BR />I had some notes on Christian Eriksen, but I will not go into his case, as it was well covered by the previous two contributors. However, the statistics are concerning in that, in the case that was referred to in Denmark, one in four people who have a heart attack survives because of action by folk, yet, in Northern Ireland or GB, one in 10 survives. We should be concerned about that, particularly since Professor Pantridge did all the necessary research and development of the defibrillator. He came from our small community here, and his work is now recognised worldwide in that field. <BR /> <BR />In my friend's situation, he collapsed in a public area. He was in a group of between 25 and 30 people, and no one was able to do anything except dial 999 for an ambulance.”
“I welcome the Member's Bill. It is probably the shortest Bill ever to come before the Assembly. I welcome the fact that it is an extremely focused Bill, which requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and automatic external defibrillator awareness, focusing in on pupils in years 8, 9 and 10 — the 11- to 14-year-old age group. Hopefully, those skills might be carried on into later life. <BR /> <BR />For personal reasons, I have huge empathy with the sentiment of the Bill. I was approached by the British Heart Foundation a number of months ago at a time when I had just lost a friend to a heart attack, so I was keen to support it. With the foundation's agreement, I wrote to the Minister on the matter, and she responded very positively and did some work with the British Heart Foundation in the grounds of this very Building.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement to the House. I also want to thank him and his staff for an extremely innovative scheme. There is no doubt that there have been many challenges with it. However, it is delivering on the ground. The Minister came to my constituency, and we walked around with retailers. I have visited those retailers again, and others. All confirm that they are, indeed, benefiting from the scheme. <BR /> <BR />The scheme has made a contribution. We need to maximise its potential and ensure that we — to use the Minister's words — spend every last penny. How can we encourage people to avoid having a balance on their card at the end of its life?”
“I welcome the fact that the Minister will write to me on the PSNI full-time officers. Perhaps the Minister is able to answer the question on the shortfall in part-time officers at this moment in time.”
“She stressed the challenges and opportunities and emphasised the STEM subjects again. <BR /> <BR />Although Mr O'Dowd took a negative approach — I recognise that Mr O'Dowd does not always do so — he recognised that STEM is important. He supports the idea of a skills council, accepts the need for a skills strategy and recognises that all Ministers need to buy into it. He also made reference to low skills, so I find it difficult to understand why he could not —”
“<BR /> <BR />To succeed, there is an important and prime need to develop a partnership ethos between the Executive — specifically the Department for the Economy — the business community and others, outside the business community, who will make a positive contribution. High-level skills are critical as Northern Ireland attempts to shape its economy for the future. <BR /> <BR />I will comment briefly on what Members said. I have to say that I was disappointed when I saw the amendment, because I do not think that it adds anything to the motion. <BR /> <BR />Mrs Dodds indicated that a strategy is key to investing in all our people and said that employers are seeking suitable applicants. She confirmed that only 30% of Northern Ireland companies have a training budget, which does not stack up with other parts of the UK.”
“<BR /> <BR />I note that the Finance Minister said that the Economy Minister is working on and taking action on a skills fund, which is welcome. However, if we are to develop a strategy, it must embrace all sectors of our community and economy. It must be a strategy to encourage and enable businesses to implement and sustain change and that recognises and acknowledges employees as an asset. Perhaps employees are our greatest asset — in fact, I am sure that they are — and they are worthy of investment. It must be a strategy that drives values, not one that views employees as a cost to be minimised.”
“We talk about costs and budgeting very often, but we seldom talk about investing in education. Until we start to consider investing in education and then invest in it, we will not see the true picture. We want an economic investment in our young people and a return on that investment at all levels. <BR /> <BR />The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development recommended that "a ring-fenced skills fund" should be established to lever greater opportunities for trainees and employees of all levels, all ages and all backgrounds. A building block on which the skills strategy could be built is encouraging more and more of our school pupils to embrace STEM subjects and to open up opportunities to go into STEM subjects, particularly for young women, as the proposer of the motion, Mrs Dodds, said.”
“However, I have done a wee bit of research, and it is worth mentioning that inward investment is frequently brought to Northern Ireland because of the qualifications and qualities of our young people. It is also worth mentioning that there is a wide gap across constituencies in qualifications at level 4 and above. I would not have expected anything less from our Members from the north-west than for them to speak up for that area. However, while South Belfast tops the league table with 70% of those in employment with qualifications of level 4 and above, East Belfast has 53% or 54%, Lagan Valley has 46% and North Belfast has 30%. We need to level up even within greater Belfast. <BR /> <BR />Those figures highlight the actual and potential skills of employees across Northern Ireland and, indeed, the skills and knowledge gaps in education.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have no wish to look back on what happened previously. We are in a different set of circumstances and different economic conditions. Today, we face the challenges of a global economy in which there is an easy movement of investment from one country to another or, indeed, from continent to continent. It is a massive subject, and today's debate can only be an opener for discussions that must come in the future. <BR /> <BR />Some of the comments made by those from other sides of the Chamber were to the effect that those with qualifications are in an OK position and that we need to delve into those without qualifications. I do not disagree wholly with that.”
“That statement, in itself, confirms the holistic approach that is required to tackle all the issues. There was a time when the Northern Ireland economy and Ministers were supported by the Northern Ireland Training Authority (NITA). In addition, each important industry sector had a sector skills council. The motion calls for one skills council for Northern Ireland, but the strength of the NITA and the sector bodies was the make-up of the organisations involved. They were made up of members of the business community, trade unions, further and higher education and those with acknowledged expertise in a particular field who wished to contribute. The sector skills councils were statutory bodies, but they offered a constructive approach, a representative role on behalf of the sectors and a lobbying role with government.”
“I note that 'New Decade, New Approach' states:”
“The last answer that I got, which was dated 13 September, said that the Minister's Department and officials had approved 2,002 Job Start opportunities, but only 192 people were in place in the Job Start scheme. Less than 10% of the places had been taken up. That is not really addressing the needs of a section of our young people who really do need to be invested in.”
“I note that the Minister had discussions, over the holiday period, with employers, who said that there are not enough people with the necessary skills at all levels to fill the jobs. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that the Department for the Economy cannot address all the issues on its own. Indeed, the Minister of Finance has a vital role to play, particularly around the funding, but the Minister for Communities also has a vital role to play. Her job skills programme, Job Start, delivers against the need for an economic revival and, indeed, against the need for our young people to get the skills and qualifications that they need. This is not the first time that I have expressed disappointment in the Chamber about the Job Start scheme.”
“First of all, I thank the Minister for being here today. Indeed, I thank everyone for taking part, even though the motion and the amendment had a different emphasis. However, there is a recognition across the Chamber that action is required, that something has to be done and that we need a skills agenda for all our people, not just for one sector or one type of employment. Indeed, the importance of a recognised skills base to the Northern Ireland economy cannot be overestimated, and we must recognise the potential growth sectors and develop a strategy to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to exploit all the opportunities in either identified growth sectors or those sectors where there is a shortage of skills.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and recognise the fact that health has been prioritised for investment. I do not think that anyone in the Chamber will disagree with that. I welcome, as others have, the investment in special educational needs. <BR /> <BR />Minister, the OECD confirms in various reports that those who achieve a good standard of education will enjoy a better standard of health and, indeed, live longer. Is that not a reason to prioritise education? Doing so will remove the short- to medium-term burden on the health service by enhancing education and the health of those who enjoy successful educational outcomes.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. The Minister has made the point about debt, affordability and so on. I feel certain that she knows this already, but I think that it is worth reiterating. East Belfast has two neighbourhood renewal areas. One of those includes Short Strand, lower Newtownards Road, Albertbridge Road, Albertbridge/Beersbridge Road, the Mount, Woodstock Road and lower Ravenhill Road. The other neighbourhood renewable area, at the other end of the constituency, is Tullycarnet. On the matter of debt and affordability, 11% of the population in Northern Ireland claim housing benefit while in those areas it is 20%.”
“Does the Member recognise that part of what the Housing Executive regards as east Belfast is in fact, in parliamentary terms, in South Belfast? That is the area around London Road, Ravenhill Road and My Lady's Road, where the housing is not of good quality. Much of it is in private-landlord, rented-out quality. Does the Member agree that that is within his constituency, but that it impacts on East Belfast, and that therefore, as has been suggested, there would be merit in an East Belfast working group and, in that part of the city, a South Belfast working group to address the issue?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. It was remiss of me not to mention two other areas — perhaps the Minister will address them in her response — the first being the Clarawood maisonettes, which I understand are under an economic appraisal. My information is that that is likely to lead to demolition. The Minister will not be surprised when I mention the Knocknagoney Avenue flats and maisonettes. I understand that she has been in receipt of a proposal from NIHE for 12 months now. We need a decision. In both cases, there is inadequate housing, and both cases provide sites for redevelopment and the provision of other social housing.”
“It has been found that the number of applicants in housing stress had risen from 7,000 in 2016 to 8,143 in 2020. Indeed, the need for social housing is imperative and can be achieved only when the budgets are there. The total budget for spend on social housing in East Belfast in the past five years stands at £31 million. Yet, in the past two years, the level of funding has reached only £9 million. The total spend on housing in East Belfast —”
“I have to pay tribute to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for realising that there was a need — it might have needed a bit of prompting, but there was not much of that — to set up good communications systems. However, the demolition of the tower blocks raises concerns about compensation for those who own their flat, and those who want to remain in the area have no knowledge at this stage of whether the footprint of the demolished flats will be redeveloped. I know that it is an ever-changing situation, but the last figures that I saw indicated that about 100 people live in those flats, and they will be decanted to 100 dwellings that are not available. <BR /> <BR />In Belfast alone, a total of 10,800 people are in severe need of housing.”
“Good housing can attract individuals in job roles that are considered to be key, such as teachers, nurses, police, firefighters and so on. Key service providers would be attracted to areas rife with good housing, including affordable housing. That attraction would provide a great economic and opportunistic drive for communities. <BR /> <BR />Reference has been made to the unique situation that we are looking at with the demolition of Kilbroney House and the Clarawood flats, as confirmed by the Minister. The demolition of those East Belfast flats adds to the growing need for housing in the east of the city. Demolition of the two tower blocks was approved.”
“With no affordable housing, children living in temporary accommodation, who are considered to be homeless, can miss many days of the school year, causing them to be more likely to struggle with their education and academic achievements. Furthermore, children may have to move schools, leaving behind support networks, pets, friends and close family for their rehousing. East Belfast is a close-knit community, and children seek the family support that has been referred to. The removal of a child from one educational setting to another can inhibit their ability to achieve. <BR /> <BR />Inadequate housing also has an impact on communities. The importance of good housing, says Shelter, is instrumental in a community's economic, social and opportunistic drive.”
“Families are left staying in what can only be described as poor-quality, cramped and inadequate temporary accommodation until they find an assigned place to live. For parents, a great stigma can be attached to becoming homeless. Homeless parents are likely to be struggling financially and therefore find it difficult to afford rent, heating, food, clothes and school uniforms or trips. Too often, parents must settle — everyone who is a public representative in East Belfast will have noticed, witnessed or have evidence of it — for substandard accommodation, as they have few options and feel that they must plump for an opportunity before it disappears. <BR /> <BR />What is the impact of that on children's life and education? Putting them under pressure, it can blight their entire childhood.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am sorry about that. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that there were 2,215 proposed new social development units for 2021-22 and that 4,291 social units were under construction. I then asked the Minister for a breakdown, and the figures sent to me indicated how the numbers broke down between North, West, South and East Belfast. When I analysed the figures, I found that, taking the number of units under construction and proposed for construction together, the allocation for East Belfast is 12%. For South Belfast, it is 15%. For North Belfast, it is 31%, and for West Belfast, it is 55%. <BR /> <BR />We all know the importance of good housing. I will quote Shelter, which says that:”
“I, too, thank the Member for securing the debate on what is an important issue. I pay tribute to Housing Executive staff in the Dundonald office and, indeed, the central Belfast office, who do a sterling job and often go beyond the requirements of their job. They are a dedicated team. <BR /> <BR />Some time ago, I posed a question to the Minister about the number of social housing development programmes in Belfast. She responded by telling me that the current social housing development programme had a gross figure of 2,215 units to be built in 2021-22, and, indeed, that there were —”
“— of when their appeal will be heard. There is a dire lack of communication between the appeals service and —”
“Many who have physical injuries or mental health issues are in dire circumstances, and they have had no indication from the Department —”
“The Minister is well aware that many people have made an application, been turned down on the scoring system and have then made an appeal.”
“— by police informants and other witnesses.”
“— flimsy and unsubstantiated evidence, provided —”
“I accept what the Minister has said. The fact is that there was concern 10 years ago that the matter required investigation. When CJINI says, "Look, this is such a serious matter that we require an investigation to be carried out", which was brought to a conclusion after three years, surely the whole basis for that investigation would not give the public confidence. Indeed, the hounding of former police officers over many years is often on the basis of —”
“Ten years ago, CJINI was raising concerns, and we are raising the concerns today.”
“<BR /> <BR />We believe — there are examples — in the willingness of the ombudsman to exceed its statutory powers in making determinations that certain crimes may have taken place; the trend of the ombudsman interpreting court rulings to establish and adjudicate on offences not prescribed in law, such as collusive behaviour; and the failure to demonstrate procedural fairness to officers implicated in its investigation reports. The protracted delays in completing the historical investigations referred to by other Members, often lasting 17, 18 or 19 years, impact on the health and well-being of victims, witnesses and, indeed, retired and serving police officers. Mr Storey referred to fears about the operational independence of the police in light of concerns raised by CJINI, which date back as far as 10 years ago.”
“We should all be concerned when the judiciary raises concerns. <BR /> <BR />The DUP welcomes the opportunity to debate the motion. The issues that the motion raises are far-reaching and are critical to increasing public confidence in the criminal justice system. The debate is not about calling into question the need for impartial, effective and robust structures for investigating alleged misconduct or criminality. That is at the heart of any democracy. We stand four-square behind the principle that everyone is equal before the law and equally subject to the law. Instead, the motion is about ensuring that the core principles underpinning the Police Ombudsman's remit are delivered in a way that is lawful and procedurally fair and ensures that all investigations are completed to a high standard and in a timely fashion.”
“via a complaint and is in the public interest. Section 61 provides for statutory reports to be made by the Police Ombudsman. They might include a general report on the functions of the ombudsman or a report on matters that have come to the attention of the ombudsman on matters of public interest. They certainly will include an annual report to the Department on the discharge of functions under the 1998 Act and a report on the review by the ombudsman of the 1998 Act at least every five years. We are asking the Minister to consider a report and investigation by the end of this mandate. Section 66 of the Act requires the Chief Constable to provide any information that the ombudsman may require, and, on the point made by Mrs Dolores Kelly, all to be independent and in an impartial manner.”
“Section 60A gives the ombudsman the power to:”
“The DUP welcomes the motion. I thank my colleagues Mr Storey and Mr Clarke for tabling it. <BR /> <BR />The ombudsman's role is to investigate complaints that individuals have been treated unfairly or have received poor service from Departments or other public organisations. The role of the Police Ombudsman is a serious matter and should be of concern to all law-abiding members of our community. The ombudsman has notable powers. Section 55 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 affords that the ombudsman has power to commence an investigation on her own motion where she has not received a complaint and it appears that a police officer:”
“Minister, regarding those apartments that may be in receipt of funding, there is a myriad of potential applications coming forward from owners, tenants, those who have owned a number of apartments or, indeed, the developers themselves. What mechanism will there be for paying compensation to the individual tenant?”
“We expect support from across the Chamber.”
“— estimates that the actions require £10·9 million, rising to £73 million in total —.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will finish with this: Mr Sheehan and Mr McCrossan indicated that they support the 'A Fair Start' report. If we are to support 'A Fair Start', we need Ministers collectively to ensure that —. The report —”
“The EPI acknowledged and welcomed that. <BR /> <BR />I turn to another aspect of Mr McCrossan's concerns. He makes much play with track and trace. The CMO — I assume that he will not disagree with the CMO — has publicly stated his opinion that schools are safe. He has repeated that several times.”
“I turn to another aspect of the motion. The Education Policy Institute report indicated — I accept this — that Northern Ireland is not spending as much per pupil as other regions in the UK. That is why we need the holistic approach from every Department to address it. The EPI states that, whilst the funding level was lower in Northern Ireland, it was also the best of the four regions in that:”
“— a record rise in Northern Ireland terms.”
“I will not give way. <BR /> <BR />The BBC has said:”
“<BR /> <BR />The facts about grades have been stated in reports, if you agree with them, in the 'Belfast Telegraph' and, indeed, by the BBC. The 'Belfast Telegraph' said:”
“I will come back to each of those issues. <BR /> <BR />The DUP approach in the Education Committee has always been to seek increased investment in education and in our special needs schools and our special needs pupils and investment in and support for a SEN principals leadership group; indeed, we have sought to address through a holistic approach the issues that have come out of the pandemic. My colleagues and I have led the debate in the Committee on a holistic approach to the problems. We have spoken about the need for support from the Finance Minister and about encouraging the Communities Minister to involve the local councils in addressing the issues. We have spoken about involving the Health Minister in addressing the health issues, particularly the mental health issues, with the Education Minister taking the lead on the matter.”
“I start by paying tribute to all our teachers and school staff. Regretfully, I will speak against and oppose the motion. In many ways, the body of the motion could have been supported across the Chamber, but, as with previous motions from the same source, the SDLP decided to turn it into another attack on the DUP and DUP Ministers. I will refer to some of the words in the motion. It states that its proposers regret:”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I am not particularly interested in the economic development of his constituency but rather in the potential of the Maze/Long Kesh, which goes much wider than that. Does the Minister believe that my constituents who are represented by the Castlereagh East part of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council would be well represented if the Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation had a member of that council as a full member on it?”