George Robinson
East Londonderry · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for his answer. As this is a unique event that will never happen again and to recognise the outstanding service that Her Majesty has given, including to Northern Ireland, if the next Speaker agrees, can an invitation be extended to the palace for Her Majesty to attend this momentous event here in Northern Ireland?”
“Does the Minister agree that, if her party and others in the Assembly joined the DUP to oppose the protocol, the money could be distributed to all those clubs tomorrow morning? Clubs such as Coleraine and Limavady United need the money urgently to improve their grounds.”
“Could policing be looked at in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, where there is a shortage of officers on the ground to tackle antisocial activity, particularly in Limavady town in the evenings? We have had windows broken, street lights damaged and homes attacked. The situation is getting out of control.”
“Will the Minister commit to have her officials investigate Linenhall Street in Limavady, which is in my constituency, with a view to implementing a much-needed revitalisation scheme to overcome the dilapidated state of that street? Such a scheme would help existing traders and attract new business to the street.”
“Minister, no ifs or buts, you had plenty of time to release the funding long before the horrific protocol was implemented. You have heard at first hand from Coleraine and Limavady United football officials the absolute need for the long-awaited funding to help transform their grounds —”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome the rural community pollinator garden scheme. It is an excellent, forward-thinking policy that will increase biodiversity and, given the number of successful applications from schools, encourage and educate the next generation to understand and deliver biodiversity into the future.”
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“In recent years, and in common with other areas of Northern Ireland, a number of issues have caused roads to remain unadopted, and requests have had to be made for bonds to be used to sort out those issues on new developments. Over the nine years since the DRD report, there are still Northern Ireland-wide problems. Immediate action is required to address these systemic problems. The failings identified by the 2012 report have a very real and stressful impact on those who have to deal with poor infrastructure in new developments. It is often a case of months, if not years, before a final resolution can be achieved. I also point out that such problems can see residents in situations where there is a negative impact on the price of their property.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Will he assure the public that regular funding for replacement ambulances will continue, given the fact that they are a vital front-line asset for patients of all ages? Will he also take into account the fact that ambulance staff must have top-quality life-saving equipment on board?”
“I will be brief. Thank you for letting me in, Mr Speaker. First and foremost, we must all still act responsibly with this horrific virus, which has caused so much death and devastation to families not just here but right throughout the world. <BR /> <BR />We are coming to the conclusion of the Irish League football season. Are there any plans to extend the spectator capacity beyond the 500-spectator ceiling for the last few exciting matches of the season, provided that the rules and regulations are strictly adhered to by the respective clubs?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Is there a clawback clause attached to the sale of the site?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. When the funding becomes available, will the Minister consider prioritising schools such as Limavady High School, in my constituency, which requires facilities to ensure pupil health and fitness?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Looking to the future, when our tourist trade resumes, does the Minister agree that angling, either river or sea angling, will play an important role in the future of the tourism economy in my constituency of East Londonderry and other constituencies? The Minister has probably answered this already, but will he ensure that every action will be taken to minimise the pollution incident that happened overnight in the Aughlish river in County Tyrone?”
“Now that we see some easing of restrictions, which is very welcome, when do the Ministers anticipate that even a limited number of spectators, provided they abide by the health regulations — wearing face masks etc — can attend Irish League matches and other sporting occasions? <BR /> <BR />I highly commend all health workers who have done such a tremendous job to keep us safe from this deadly virus. Again, I appeal to all in society to still adhere to government guidelines to keep every one of us safe.”
“Considering some of the recent wildfires, including the one outside Limavady in my constituency, has there been an estimated cost to put them out? Maybe it is too early for that yet. I commend all the firefighters and other agencies for their diligence in eradicating the fires at the weekend.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What measures are being taken — North and South — by the PSNI and the gardaí to jointly apprehend the godfathers who are peddling the lethal drugs, particularly to our younger generation?”
“<BR /> <BR />Minister, perhaps in discussion with other devolved Administrations, we in Northern Ireland could develop a targeted plan to enable speedy diagnoses and provide further cancer treatment services. While COVID-19 is undoubtedly the main concern at present, it is essential that we do not take our eye off the ball of life-saving diagnoses and treatments. The full reintroduction of cancer services must be considered as a matter of urgency so that lives can be saved. <BR /> <BR />I fully support this very worthwhile motion, which has been tabled by my DUP colleagues Pam Cameron and Jonathan Buckley.”
“<BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to ask the Minister to invest in diagnostic equipment that will enable our GPs to deliver speedier and more accurate diagnoses. In my opinion, that will save lives. A major concern is that there appears to be a reduction in the number of people seeking diagnosis, as the decrease in samples shows. That must be addressed if we are to ensure that our magnificent cancer services are not overcome in the future. I congratulate the Western Trust, which is in my area, for providing the magnificent new cancer centre at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, which is doing such sterling work for all its cancer patients.”
“That is the best starting point for a plan to restore treatments, care and clinical trials. <BR /> <BR />Our local hospitals, such as the excellent Causeway Hospital in my East Londonderry constituency, could be used to help to alleviate the urgent cancer waiting lists in one way or another. We need good-quality diagnoses to ensure that life-saving treatments can be implemented as speedily as possible, considering how cancer can spread throughout an individual's body. In order to help to ensure that maximum awareness is gained of available services, the Health Department needs to fund an awareness campaign of the symptoms of cancer and encourage people to see their GP ASAP. That takes me back to my opening statement about the fact that the availability of GP appointments is essential for early diagnosis and subsequent early treatment.”
“Thank you very much. <BR /> <BR />I will go on to my contribution. First, I add my sincere thanks to all healthcare staff, including cleaners and domestic staff, for their dedicated service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their excellent work is greatly appreciated by all. <BR /> <BR />I want to concentrate on one particular aspect that I believe is vital in the overall debate, and that is diagnosis. Without early diagnosis, there is no treatment. It is simple. I have been approached on a number of occasions by constituents who had difficulty gaining a GP appointment and were concerned about a cancer diagnosis due to symptoms that they had been experiencing. Our GPs have much to deal with, but if a patient is displaying symptoms of cancer, it is critical that they are seen face to face by their GP as a priority.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, prior to making my contribution and with your indulgence, I take this opportunity to totally condemn the reckless and life-threatening leaving of a viable device outside a policewoman's house in my East Londonderry constituency. I send our best wishes to the policewoman and her family, including her wee three-year-old child, after their frightening ordeal.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I fully appreciate that there is a long-running difficulty with the project. It has caused the adjacent landowner great physical and mental distress since 2013, and, according to information received through the landowner's request under freedom of information, it has cost the taxpayer a lot of money. In the interests of everyone, will the Minister undertake to see whether a speedy resolution can be found to bring this worthy project to a conclusion? Would it be acceptable to have a site meeting or an online meeting with departmental officials, the landowner, the Minister and me?”
“Again, on my behalf and on behalf of my East Londonderry constituents, we offer our sincere condolences and sympathies to the Queen and family on the death of the duke.”
“That is true not just in the United Kingdom but on a global scale. This is a hard-earned but thoroughly justified way for the prince's long life to be remembered. Generations of young people, including many here in Northern Ireland, will continue to be helped thanks to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. <BR /> <BR />The prince was always a great supporter of the armed forces, which he served with during World War II and beyond, and he was among the last of the war veterans and deserves the greatest respect for his service. The prince was a man of great intellect, and, in the days since his death, we have heard of his deep interest in and influence on engineering, sport, ecology and theology. All of us today can learn a lesson from the prince's life in public service. We all will mourn with his family, who are enduring tremendous loss.”
“Last Friday, we learned of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It is, first, correct that our sincere sympathies and condolences are extended to Her Majesty The Queen, who has lost her much loved husband of 73 years. He was her pillar of support and ever-dependable adviser for all those years as she carried out duties here and throughout the world. Prince Philip's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are now left without the role model whom they all looked up to and sought wise advice from. They are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times for all the family. <BR /> <BR />We cannot ever underestimate the lasting positive impact on young lives that Prince Philip had during his long and fulfilling life and, indeed, will have for generations.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does the Minister agree that the vaccination programme is central to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and to fully reopening the economy? What impact has the vaccine roll-out had on our elderly patients and residents in care homes throughout Northern Ireland? The Minister may have answered that question in his previous answer.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he foresee there being an impact on the Executive's capital spend as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that could have a detrimental impact on Departments such as Economy and Health?”
“Could a centre be located in the north-west of the Province?”
“Does the Minister agree that he held on to too much money for too long, which made it difficult for Departments to spend that much-needed money? In some cases, dry-cleaners, sewing businesses and others could go to the wall.”
“I am sure that all Members will agree that this is a shameful and horrific report about so many innocent human beings, namely women and small children. Will the First Minister outline what key differences are emerging between what happened in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does the Minister agree that the Prime Minister, the Westminster Government and the EU are entirely to blame for any delays by agreeing to a deal that did not have an impact on the mainland but has implications for the whole of Northern Ireland?”
“Does the deputy First Minister share the views of the elected representatives in the north-west that any investment there must impact positively on the broader north-west in small towns such as mine, Limavady, and not simply the city of Londonderry or the urban area?”
“Will my colleague agree that it was a useful exercise to hear the different views of all the councils, particularly my own Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer, but will she undertake to ensure that clear guidance is issued to tenants? At present, there is confusion and frustration over the fact that there is no clear pathway for Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants.”
“Given previous incidents, such as the gesture by Sinn Féin's Barry McElduff about Kingsmill, what action would the deputy First Minister take if a Member from her Assembly team was to make insulting remarks that were similar to those of Mr Stanley?”
“Does the deputy First Minister agree that, compared with previous statements, the more cooperative tone from the Republic's Minister for Foreign Affairs is welcome, particularly for Northern Ireland businesses?”
“Minister, what proportion is still to be allocated?”
“Can the Minister give assurances that reducing the number of furloughed workers as soon as possible will give an economic boost to the Northern Ireland economy?”
“First and foremost, I thank all our dedicated health staff who are working day and night to try to protect us all from this horrific virus. When does the Minister hope that the first people in Northern Ireland will be able to avail themselves of the much-needed virus vaccine? What role can rapid testing and potential mass testing play in Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the First Minister for her statement. What progress is being made in the environmental work sector?”
“Does the Minister agree that, because of the present virus situation, some of those clubs could go out of existence without government support?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. Are the Government of the Republic of Ireland cooperating in addressing the issues surrounding Brexit?”
“I thank the Ministers for their statement. Will the commissioner have the ability to suggest new legislation if, while discharging her duties, she finds that that would be helpful to carrying out the very important duties that will be bestowed on her?”
“What is the importance of "Hands. Face. Space" in helping to keep health services open as we move through this horrible pandemic? We are now in the second horrific wave of the virus, so could a testing centre be set up somewhere in East Londonderry?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Why did the Executive not match the 10.00 pm closure time in England? How are Ministers trying to get the message through to young people and students?”
“Does the deputy First Minister accept that Great Britain is our largest market and that avoiding friction in trade east-west should be the Executive's key priority in the ongoing negotiations?”
“With the serious financial impact that COVID-19 could have on our finances, is there a possibility that the Minister will have to lobby the Treasury for additional block grant funding before the end of the financial year?”
“This is a positive way to produce the best possible strategy, fully informed by those who it is intended to help. That is a good example of best practice for greatest results that will be truly beneficial. <BR /> <BR />As I said earlier, I fully support the need for the racial strategy to be completed and implemented, but this must be a workable strategy with genuine beneficial results for Northern Ireland and the increasingly multiracial population, which we should all embrace.”
“progress in dealing with this matter in a timely manner was prevented as the Assembly did not sit for three years. It is important that the strategy is moved forward, and this must be done with care to ensure that whatever decisions are made are practical and, most importantly, workable. Whilst I appreciate that speed is desired, it is better to ensure a practical and workable strategy. I fully believe that an interdepartmental approach is required, and I am glad that there is a racial equality champion in every Department. I also see benefit from each Department's observations being brought to an interdepartmental forum so that best practice can be seen to be the result. Speed is not the most important aspect; accuracy is. Any conclusions must be informed by the ethnic minorities.”
“I do not believe that any MLA would support anything but racial equality and would condemn all racial attacks in Northern Ireland from whatever quarter they came. We must also remember that, while the motion states:”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. Minister, is there any local mechanism that can speed up test results? I ask that because a constituent of mine who is a health worker has been waiting for their results since Friday at 2.00 pm. Also, why is there no PHA service at weekends to answer local queries?”
“Does the First Minister agree with me that the key challenge for the Executive is protecting lives from COVID, but, at the same time, seeking to ensure that our economy can function as best as possible?”
“For many in Northern Ireland, the ability to mark significant birthdays by the flying of our national flag is welcome, both culturally and historically. I sincerely believe that these proposals are a positive move and urge the Assembly to support the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />The proposals recognise that change occurs and that a proactive response to change is essential to ensure that Northern Ireland maintains the same statutory days as the rest of the United Kingdom.”
“I welcome the proposals, which correct mistakes in the original regulations from 2000 and ensure that Northern Ireland is brought into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. In other words, equality for Northern Ireland. When the original regulations were drafted, the Queen Mother was still alive, as was Princess Margaret. With their deaths, there was a net loss of days on which the flag could fly. New members were added to the royal family, for example, the Duchess of Cambridge. Her birthday is a day on which the flag is flown in celebration. The proposed new arrangements ensure that Northern Ireland can mark that occasion, along with the rest of the United Kingdom. Indeed, under the proposals, Northern Ireland will have three additional days.”
“childcare. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the Minister's commitment to a childcare strategy and will support him fully in all his efforts. Members, I stress again how much can be achieved from a childcare strategy for children, parents and the economy in general in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I urge the Executive and all Members to support the motion tabled by my DUP colleagues for the benefit of all in Northern Ireland. I support the motion.”
“Good socialisation aids the child in social interactions. Childcare also ensures a level of movement that helps children with their physical development and benefits their overall educational achievement. <BR /> <BR />All this can be achieved via childcare, as well as giving parents the opportunity to return to work or education and seek promotion in their current employment. It also helps in lowering levels of child poverty and in increasing economic activity. There is a lot to be gained from a childcare scheme. <BR /> <BR />In New Decade, New Approach, there is a commitment to affordable childcare, which I want to be brought to fruition. In a written answer to our DUP colleague Ms Bradley, the Education Minister stated that he would be:”