John O'Dowd
Upper Bann · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As I set out in response to the previous question, we have in place the vacant property rate relief scheme and the small business rate relief scheme, which are very successful. I set aside £10 million in the draft Budget for small business rate relief to be invested.”
“I am particularly keen to hear from those impacted by vacant commercial units and especially about how any phased increase can be implemented in a sustainable way that is fair, proportionate and sustainable within the tax system.”
“I outlined my intent to take that approach in my statement on 18 November, alongside the fact that reform of rating policy should support growth, make better use of property and ensure that the system is fair, proportionate and aligned with wider economic objectives.”
“The accelerator will operate alongside our highly successful Back in Business scheme, which has helped to bring over 100 vacant high street properties back into use since May 2024. Those issues have been the subject of considerable interest and comment in the Assembly, and it is right that we grasp the nettle now.”
“There are no circumstances in which a hard border would be good for the people of Ireland; it would not be good for anyone. Those who suggest that are being naive at best and dangerous at worst, in the sense of not understanding this society. <BR /> <BR />Rural communities along the border are one and the same.”
“This announcement represents the next step in that. That said, I also put on record my intention to strengthen support for small businesses. In that vein, £10 million has been set aside in the draft Budget to broaden the impact of the small business rate relief scheme in order to increase the number of businesses that can benefit from it.…”
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“The question from today's debate is this: what happens when you underfund a public service for x number of years? In this instance, you end up with the challenges that NI Water has. Those are the consequences of the underfunding of public services in the North over many years, and, as I said, I am glad to see that all parties are united in engaging with the British Government to try to resolve the issue. <BR /> <BR />NI Water receives 70% of its revenue from my Department in the form of domestic subsidy, and for that reason, it has been classified as a non-departmental public body by the Office for National Statistics. As an NDPB, all of NI Water's capital and resource expenditure scores in the government Budget, so this means that it cannot borrow from external sources.”
“Let us not put this down to ideology or "the Tories this, the Tories the other"; all parties have accepted it, so it is a realty.”
“Although we provided significantly more funding than was required at the time, Members will appreciate — Cathal and others mentioned it — that rising costs, such as those of inflation and energy, have presented a huge challenge to NI Water in providing its services. The problem, however, is not how NI Water is governed. Rather, the issue is the level of public expenditure that is available to the Executive to allocate to NI Water. That is a consequence of the underfunding of public services in the North over many years. I am glad to say that, despite some comments in the Chamber today, all parties are united in engaging with the British Government to try to resolve that issue. All parties have accepted that this place is underfunded.”
“At present, the Utility Regulator is undertaking a midterm review to determine the investment levels that are required for the remaining three years of the price control period. My Department awaits the outcome of that review, as it will, in the first instance, inform immediate 2024-25 Budget allocations. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the current funding position. To date, my Department has fully funded NI Water for the first three years of the price control period. Indeed, my Department has provided almost £90 million of capital funding over and above the funding level recommended by the Utility Regulator during the period.”
“Indeed, planned improvements in operational efficiency between now and 2027 will save consumers £62 million. <BR /> <BR />NI Water delivers a high-quality service, and its status as a regulated utility company means that the Utility Regulator protects the interests of consumers by challenging NI Water to deliver high-quality, value-for-money water and sewerage services. As Members know, the Utility Regulator determines the total revenue requirement for NI Water through what is known as the price control process. For the period 2021-27, the Utility Regulator has determined that a capital investment of £2·1 billion is required to deliver the best value for customers and to deliver the much-needed services.”
“First, I thank the UUP for securing the debate on NI Water's funding model. I also send my best wishes to John Stewart and wish him a speedy recovery. <BR /> <BR />As Members know, NI Water was established in 2007 as a government-owned company — it is not a private enterprise but rather is wholly government-owned — to provide water and sewerage services across the North. Since its establishment, it has been Executive policy to provide subsidy to NI Water in lieu of domestic water charging. Since 2007, nearly £3·5 billion has been invested in our water and waste water infrastructure. NI Water has reduced its efficiency gap with similar companies in England and Wales from 49% in 2007 to 5% today. It is therefore £65 million more efficient than it was in 2007, and that is a credit to NI Water.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle.”
“I will ask officials to review it, but the issue goes back to personal responsibility and driver responsibility. If drivers ignore a 60 mph sign, will they ignore a 40 mph sign? That is the balance that has to be struck. I can, however, assure Members that the safety issues along that road are under active consideration in their entirety.”
“On the matter of coastal erosion, my Department is responsible for the road and a point just beyond the road. We have had to install a number of flood defences against that wall. If there are further weaknesses, I will ask my officials to look into them. If any Members have particular points that they would like examined, please inform my office, and we will follow up on them. I think that there is one way in which we can ensure the regular maintenance of the footway. I will ask my officials to follow up on that to ensure that there is engagement with landowners along the route to ensure that they are aware of their statutory obligations. <BR /> <BR />The speed limit is one of the policy decisions that we have talked about. It is currently based on best practice.”
“The road surface has been reported as being slippy in various areas. My officials are looking at that and examining ways in which we can improve the situation. That may result in resurfacing. I will also ask my officials to look at the matter of lighting at junctions.”
“As I said, I will continue to engage with my officials on road safety along the A20. However — this is not a comment on any individual accident that has happened on the A20 or elsewhere — the best way to ensure the safety of our roads and to fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on the roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. No matter how much my Department spends on improving roads, if all of us drivers do not change their attitude towards speeding and careless driving, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to increase. <BR /> <BR />I will turn to a number of specific matters. Michelle, I do not have the full details of flooding along the road in front of me.”
“That is a different location; OK. <BR /> <BR />The draft road safety strategy to 2030, which was published in October 2021, is being revisited. I hope to present it to the Executive in the coming weeks. The strategy will set out my Department's approach to road safety in line with the internationally recognised Safe System approach, which accepts that collisions will happen but should never result in death or serious injury. The prevention of death and serious injury is focused under three key pillars: safe vehicles, safe roads and safe people. The debate calls into question whether significant sections of the A20 are safe. I commit to Members here that I will continue to engage with my officials in that regard. <BR /> <BR />I again thank Michelle for bringing the Adjournment debate and the Members who contributed to it.”
“I hope that the first project of 750 metres of resurfacing, which will extend from the Teal Rocks junction, will happen in 2024-25, subject to confirmation of my budget. That programme of resurfacing will address any defects in the road, creating an improved surface that will enhance the safety of our road network. <BR /> <BR />Other planned works on the A20 include a bus lay-by and hard stand at Strangford filling station beside Teal Rocks and footway near Cunningburn Road junction, which will complete the footway from Newtownards to Greyabbey and make the area safer for pedestrians. Just to check with Miss McIlveen, is that the same location as the rolling planning permission?”
“In fact, over the past number of years, they have introduced a number of road safety measures along the entire A20 from Newtownards to Portaferry. They continue to examine what more can be done to make a causative difference. For example, the Department has enhanced signing and road markings at the Finlay's Road junction to make the presence of the junction more apparent to motorists who may not be familiar with the area. In an effort to further improve driver awareness, warning signage, verge marking posts and white lines along the route have been upgraded. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased to inform Members that my officials are preparing a rolling 10-year resurfacing programme of stretches of the A20 Portaferry Road between Newtownards and Portaferry.”
“The research indicates that there were different reasons for each collision at those two locations, which makes identifying one intervention or even a group of interventions that would have made a difference to those collisions a lot more challenging. <BR /> <BR />Away from those two locations, the collisions that have occurred on the A20 have generally been spread out along the 18-mile stretch. Again, there is no common cause, and a wide range of factors were recorded. <BR /> <BR />As some Members have said, any investment that we make needs to be effective in improving road safety along that stretch of road. The varied picture of causes and location makes that extremely challenging. That said, my officials do not simply stop at that.”
“Development of those programmes has informed our review of collision data from the PSNI, which includes detailed analysis of the factors deemed to have caused an accident, as best as they can be identified. <BR /> <BR />A review of the collisions that have occurred along the A20 highlights that there are two locations where there are small concentrations of collisions, tragic though those are. First, in the vicinity of Teal Rocks, which has been mentioned many times during the debate, there have been six injury collisions. Secondly, at Finlay's Road junction, there have been five injury collisions. The data — it does not seem appropriate to talk about "data" when we are talking about people's lives.”
“They have offered to sit down with elected representatives — it might be useful to start this in Strangford — and go through why they have come to some of their conclusions and to further take on board comments from local representatives. That would be a very useful exercise. In fairness to my officials — you will appreciate this — road safety is of deep concern to them as well. They are members of the public. They are road users, and their families use roads. They, therefore, want to make sure that we get it right at all times. <BR /> <BR />Officials continually develop specific programmes of work, known as collision site remedial measures, to reduce the number and severity of collisions at sites where there has been a cluster of collisions.”
“Again, each of those deaths is a tragedy, especially for the friends and families of the people who lost their lives. <BR /> <BR />My Department has a range of policies, and I want to explain briefly what is behind those. As an elected representative, it can be an affront when an official turns round and says, "That does not meet the policy". Of course, we have to assure ourselves that the policy is up to date and that it is based on evidence and best practice. As for the skill sets of our well-experienced team of officials, be they in my Department directly or in the DFI Roads division that covers that area, in interpreting policy, I can assure you that, when I look at such matters, I quiz my officials on how they have interpreted a policy and what the outcome of that is. Before we had this debate, I engaged with my officials.”
“As representatives of the area will know, the A20 is a central feature of life for those living on the Ards peninsula and the many thousands of people who use it daily. I am aware that the A20 is a popular local tourist drive, and volumes can be much higher during holiday periods and summer weekends. I have travelled it a number of times during those periods. As we all know, the road runs parallel to the shoreline of Strangford lough for a significant length. While that gives it a rich and beautiful character, the resulting alignment sharpens the focus on safety issues such as sight lines and safe overtaking opportunities. I am very aware of the number of collisions that have occurred on that stretch of road from 2020 to 2023. There were 48 collisions reported, and, sadly, five of those resulted in fatalities.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Members will know, unfortunately, road safety statistics across the North have been following a worrying trend. Last year, 71 people died on our roads. That is the highest figure in the past eight years and is significantly higher than in 2022, when 55 people lost their lives, and in 2021, when 50 people lost their lives. As of 7 March this year, a further 10 people had lost their lives on our roads. Each of those deaths is a tragedy for the families and communities impacted. It can never be acceptable that people are seriously injured or killed on our roads. That principle underpins my approach to road safety and is a daily focus for my officials as they seek to discern the right response. <BR /> <BR />I turn specifically to the A20.”
“First, I thank Michelle McIlveen for instigating this important debate on road safety on the A20 Portaferry Road. As has been pointed out, every life lost is a tragedy for those involved, and that is why road safety is one of my highest priorities as Infrastructure Minister. <BR /> <BR />I have listened intently to the comments on the issues raised by Members and have heard their concerns about road safety along that stretch of the A20. Road safety is an issue that impacts on us all in our everyday lives. We all have a personal responsibility to travel in a way that keeps ourselves safe. We also appreciate our shared responsibility towards other road users. My Department's role in contributing to that responsibility is very important to me.”
“Harry Harvey talked about a 10-lane super-centre. I can advise him that we have eight- and nine-lane super-centres coming on board but not a 10-lane one.”
“I hope to report to the Assembly on these matters after the Easter recess, which shows the urgency of the matters involved. <BR /> <BR />I will quickly address a number of other matters. A number of sites have been proposed west of the Bann. Land has been purchased at Enniskillen and Campsie. Further financial clearance and a look at our business cases will be required to make sure that they are fit for purpose.”
“While many of the public support biennial testing, it has to be emphasised that the PSNI is opposed to such a measure, as is the insurance industry, which, in response to the call for evidence, said that, as well as the road safety issues, biennial testing may lead to increased insurance costs. I am sure that no Member wishes to increase the burden on hard-pressed workers and families by seeing insurance companies cranking up insurance costs. <BR /> <BR />As I have said, I will explore carefully all matters that have been raised today. It is my intention to ensure that we increase the number of MOT tests that the DVA can make available. There are measures announced today that can happen immediately; others may take a little longer. I have asked my officials to bring a report to me.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I have said, DVA staff are working extremely hard to reduce waiting times through increasing capacity. I have asked officials to bring forward for my urgent consideration options that might help to relieve pressure on the system, such as the introduction of temporary exemption certificates and proposals to consult on biennial testing, which the amendment calls for. The proposers of the amendment will be aware that DFI undertook a call for evidence on the potential introduction of biennnial MOT testing for private cars in 2021. As has been stated, there were over 1,200 responses.”
“Some Members have called for the adoption of a vehicle-testing model through a network of authorised test stations, similar to that in Britain. Let there be no mistake: that is a call for the privatisation of MOT services, which would take jobs away from valued public-sector workers and their families, the same public-sector workers whom Members are so quick to commend. I will never accept that approach, today or tomorrow. The existing legislative framework does not allow for it, and I have no plans to change the legislation. Indeed, Britain is an outlier in the private testing of vehicles in that manner. It is more expensive, and, as has been much debated elsewhere, there are concerns about fraud at a number of centres in Britain.”
“<BR /> <BR />On increased fees, the DVA has not been immune to the increased costs that all organisations face. DVA staff costs, accommodation costs, contract costs and service costs have all increased significantly. The DVA operates as a trading fund. It is required to cover the cost of delivering services from the fees that it charges customers. Driving test and vehicle test fees have increased from 1 October 2023. Fees for the majority of driving tests had not increased since 2009 and for vehicle tests since 2005. The new fee of £38 for a car MOT represents good value for money and is below the comparative fees of £54·85 in Britain and €55 in the South. <BR /> <BR />I appreciate the frustration that many customers feel, but privatisation is not the way forward.”
“We have increased our maintenance check-ups. The maintenance and health and safety of any equipment in our test centres is paramount. All test centres are operating with the lifts in place. <BR /> <BR />The contract for the construction of a second new test centre at Mallusk was awarded on 25 January 2024. Work will commence on the site in mid-May, and the test centre is expected to open in autumn 2025. Once fully operational, the two new test centres at Hydebank and Mallusk will provide the capacity to test over 200,000 vehicles per year. DVA officials keep me updated on developments at Hydebank. Subject to successful testing and due diligence of the equipment, I hope to be able to update Members and announce the opening of Hydebank test centre for vehicles later this year.”
“Once that is complete, the DVA will put the equipment and software through extensive stress and testing to ensure that it operates to the required standards in a simulated test centre environment. I am sure that Members will agree that it is critical to ensure that the new equipment at Hydebank has been assessed by DVA as safe and fit for purpose before the test centre can open to public vehicle testing. <BR /> <BR />On the point that Dr Aiken and other Members have raised, no lift equipment in MOT centres has failed. Minor cracks have been found in a number of the joints by an independent assessor who has assessed those cracks as being in the lowest category. The assessor has confirmed the health and safety of that equipment and that it can continue to be used. No lifts are not functioning as a result of the detection of those cracks.”
“It is a matter of public record that, in August 2022, the court found in its favour whilst applying conditions on the successful installation and commissioning of new equipment at Hydebank. The DVA has had to re-engage the contractor, agreeing measures to de-risk the project, and has since been progressing the delivery of a revised work programme with it. The contractor completed the installation and commissioning of new equipment and associated software at Hydebank in early February 2024. The DVA is working with it to complete user acceptance testing to ensure that the equipment functions in accordance with the requirements of the tender specifications.”
“Members will be aware that that was in the middle of a pandemic, and we were dealing with a public health emergency and the many restrictions that that imposed on us all. Inevitably, that and other factors, such as a global shortage of construction materials, caused delays to the programme of works. However, I am pleased to confirm that the construction works are now complete and the office accommodation is in use. <BR /> <BR />During 2021, considerable difficulties also arose with the equipment implementation contract. Having worked to resolve those issues without success, in February 2022, the DVA issued a notice of termination to the contractor. The contractor sought an injunction.”
“That will provide additional capacity for vehicle testing across its network of test centres. I have asked the DVA to release additional appointments for those new recruits as soon as possible. Fifty-five new examiners will provide a hugely significant increase in appointments each year and are expected to have a positive impact for customers. The DVA is also recruiting new full-time examiners, who will take up positions from late March onwards. That will reduce requirements for dual role examiners to conduct driving tests, which will also have a positive impact on vehicle testing capacity. <BR /> <BR />To further increase vehicle testing capacity, the DVA is investing in new test centres, as has been said, with the construction of Hydebank test centre and new office accommodation at the same location commencing in January 2021.”
“No, I have a lot to get through. <BR /> <BR />As with many public services — I remind Members that it is a public service, and it has faced the same crises and difficulties as other public services — the recruitment and retention of staff has become increasingly challenging for the DVA, given the competitive marketplace for mechanics. Positively, however, DVA vehicle examiners were regraded to the next higher grade in 2023, and the implementation of long-overdue public-sector pay deals will hopefully stabilise that position. The DVA has 55 staff vacancies across its network of test centres, and, through tackling pay, it has received 133 applications in its recent vehicle examiner recruitment competition. It is anticipated that successful candidates will begin to be posted to test centres from early June.”
“Certainly, the legal position is this: even if you were to drive out of an MOT centre with an MOT certificate and you were stopped by the police the next day and they found a fault with your vehicle, that MOT certificate would not cover you. You are legally responsible for the upkeep of your vehicle at all times — at all times — so, on the idea that we are asking people to travel distances in a car that may be unroadworthy, I say this: they are legally responsible for that vehicle. They have to make sure that their car is roadworthy.”
“On that point, I find it remarkable that, as a society and as political leaders in society, we are comfortable telling people to travel significant distances to have a medical test or life-changing operation or treatment, but we are aghast — some Members in the Chamber have been aghast — at the fact that we have asked people to travel an extra distance to get an MOT test. That is one issue on which we could debate at length where our priorities are. I will give way quickly to the Committee Chair.”
“In addition, anyone who cannot secure an appointment before their tax expires or whose tax has already expired should complete a short-notice appointment request form for an urgent appointment. The DVA currently asks customers to contact them within five days of their tax expiring, but I can confirm that, with immediate effect, the DVA is extending that window to 10 days to provide more flexibility for customers and reduce any anxiety. When Members of the House are contacted by members of the public who are concerned about their tax running out, I encourage you to tell them that there are options available to them. The test will not always be at their nearest test centre, and it will not always be the most convenient, but options are available.”
“<BR /> <BR />The demand for MOTs is increasing, driven by increasing numbers of cars of MOT age on our roads. The cost-of-living crisis means that we own our cars for longer and more MOTs are required. Waiting times for vehicle testing therefore remain longer than usual, and, in some cases, customers may not be able to have their vehicle tested before their current MOT certificate expires. I recognise the frustration that that causes customers, often requiring them to make multiple visits to the booking system in order to identify a suitable appointment. <BR /> <BR />The DVA has taken steps to ensure that motorists are still able to use their vehicle when they are unable to secure an MOT appointment before their current certificate expires by securing the support of the PSNI and insurance companies.”
“Disappointingly, over 50,000 customers failed to attend a booked appointment in 2022-23, which was also the highest number on record. In a survey conducted by the DVA, the most common reason given by customers was that they simply forgot, which calls into question whether the MOT test is too expensive. Customers said that they simply forgot about their test, their vehicle was not ready for the test or they had sold the vehicle. The DVA's new booking system has the facility to issue an email and SMS reminder to customers two days before their test is due. Previously, customers had to opt in to receive those reminders, but the DVA updated the system in July 2023 to issue the reminders automatically unless the customer chooses to opt out. That appears to be having a positive effect that will, I hope, be reflected in future statistics.”
“That suggests, Keith, that the staff working in those centres are underperforming, and I reject that. The staff are working hard and doing overtime. You cannot force staff to do overtime, but many staff are doing it. The centres that are open and the staff in them are performing a significant public duty, on many occasions, over and above the call of duty, and I commend them. Far too often, the debate has, understandably, been negative, and the butt of that negativity has been the staff. The staff are doing their job. We have to ensure that they are given the resources and the facilities to do that job. <BR /> <BR />The DVA continues to greatly exceed pre-COVID levels of vehicle testing as it tries to manage the continuing high demand for this public service.”
“I will give way briefly, but I will not give way again after that.”
“That was achieved by recruiting additional vehicle examiners and offering vehicle testing appointments on Sundays and bank holidays when testing is not normally available; indeed, DVA centres were open every day last year apart from seven days. Other than health services, I can think of no public service that is more accessible to the public.”
“There has been significant political and media interest in the delivery of DVA services not just recently but over the past few years, and it is timely that I address the Assembly to advise of the steps that the DVA has taken to increase its vehicle testing capacity and the further proposals to address the continued high demand for those essential services. As everyone knows, there is increasing demand, and it is difficult to meet, but we have to plan for and meet that demand. <BR /> <BR />In 2022-23, as has been said, the DVA conducted over 1·5 million vehicle tests, which is the highest number ever recorded in a year.”
“Before I enter the substantive debate, I say this to Members: yes, there was a press release prepared for the debate, but it was embargoed until 7.00 pm, so I do not know why it is in whatever media outlet it is in. I have asked my Department to follow that up, because I respect the Chamber, and, as would be expected, I have come here to respond to the debate and inform Members of my plans. I apologise to the House for that happening, and I will follow it up. <BR /> <BR />I thank Deborah Erskine, Keith Buchanan and Stephen Dunne for tabling the motion on MOT testing.”
“Just to clarify, what pieces of equipment is the Member referring to when he talks about "them" being broken?”
“I also commend those grieving families who have made their voice heard in relation to the A5. Despite their grief, they have championed the cause of improved road safety for all users of the A5.”
“However, major projects such as the A5 are inherently complex and can be vulnerable to legal challenge. I appeal to the people who were behind the previous legal challenges to think carefully about their actions, to think about the greater good of our society as a whole and to think of our communities and future generations in getting a safe road in place that serves the needs of all road users. <BR /> <BR />I thank Nicola for bringing forward this Adjournment topic. I also note and welcome the support of all Members who have spoken for the construction of the A5. I assure Members of my commitment, and that of my Department, to progress the project in accordance with the statutory procedures as far as possible to reach a decision within the shortest time frame that is reasonably possible.”
“Work remains ongoing in considering those recommendations, and I hope to be able to make an announcement on the project in the coming months. In response to Mrs Erskine's comments, when I make my announcement, I will publish the PAC report at the same time. <BR /> <BR />When I make my announcement on the Executive flagship project, I will do so in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures and on the basis of all the evidence, representations and advice that I have received from my officials; statutory agencies, North and South; members of the public; and other bodies that have participated in the process to date. <BR /> <BR />Subject to the completion of all necessary statutory processes and environmental assessments, as I have outlined, the construction of the project could begin later this year.”
“<BR /> <BR />In an interim departmental statement issued in March 2021, DFI accepted the recommendations relating to flood risks and route alternatives. That led to the publication of and consultation on a further environmental statement in March 2022 and the release of information for consultation in November 2022 and January 2023. The 2020 public inquiry was reconvened in May 2023 and concluded in early June. Members will be aware that many members of the public also attended, including grieving families. The Planning Appeals Commission, which administered the public inquiry, issued its final advisory report to the Department on 31 October 2023. <BR /> <BR />I have been fully briefed on the current progress and the advisory recommendations of the PAC.”
“<BR /> <BR />With 264 representations made to the 2019 consultation exercise, the Department concluded that a further public inquiry would be necessary, and the third inquiry took place over seven days in February and March 2020. In September 2020, my Department received an interim report from the PAC on its findings from the inquiry. It was not a final report, as would be the normal procedure. The report contained two key recommendations on the need for further assessments: on flood risks and scheme alternatives. The PAC recommended that the assessments be incorporated into further addenda to the environmental statement and made available for further public consultation. The PAC therefore adjourned the inquiry, indicating that it could be reconvened when the Department had taken those steps.”
“It is a requirement when assessing environmental impacts that decisions must be based on up-to-date environmental information. With that in mind, updated environmental information in the form of an environmental statement addendum was published for consultation in March 2019. By necessity, that information continued to relate to the base data contained in the original environmental statement of 2016. It is important to note that, with the passage of time, new and updated environmental standards are being continuously introduced through legislation and other technical guidance, and that can present a risk of challenge.”