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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“I thank the Minister for his answer. Will he outline whether he would support Make the Call campaign roadshows revisiting areas of high deprivation to ensure that the maximum benefit is gained by the most in need?”
“What contact has the Minister had with landowners affected by the delay in the phase 2 signal programme, particularly down at Bellarena?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What does the report say about communities who do not report horrendous child exploitation abuse, which we have all been made very aware of in recent days?”
“Does the Minister agree that, by promoting the gaining of qualifications, we are increasing the employability of people from all areas, urban and rural, and from all age groups?”
“I sincerely hope that the Minister will, as the motion suggests, be able to implement improved and robust guidelines and promote support for our GPs. By doing this, we can reduce the number of misdiagnoses, improve survival rates and have a positive effect on those in Northern Ireland who suffer from pancreatic cancer.”
“Pancreatic cancer does not usually give rise to any symptoms or signs in its early stages. Therefore, GPs have a huge disadvantage when trying to diagnose it. The symptoms can also be a sign of other common illnesses such as pancreatitis, gastritis, gallstones or hepatitis. All this means that patients may end up seeing their GP several times, or being referred for a number and variety of tests, before pancreatic cancer is even considered. <BR /> <BR />Unlike the majority of cancers, the relative survival rate of pancreatic cancer has improved very little since the early 1970s. Sadly, this can generally be attributed to difficulties in diagnosis. Increasing cancer survival rates must be a major priority. This must start with accurate diagnosis and early treatment to reduce the high death rate.”
“As a new member of the Health Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak. I support this very worthwhile motion as it highlights the need for greater public awareness and better diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The north-west of the Province seems to be harder hit by cancer, and that possibly needs research and investigation. <BR /> <BR />Even though pancreatic cancer is a particularly aggressive cancer, there are ways to fight it that significantly increase the odds of recovery. Doctors, consultants and other medical staff do their best and must be applauded for the unstinting work that they do, but, sadly, it may not be enough. That shows that there is a need to improve diagnosis techniques and awareness among GPs of the possibility of pancreatic cancer as a diagnosis.”
“Like my colleagues, I am very disappointed to hear the news that the Minister has delivered here today. I have a couple of points. The passing loop at Bellarena was critical, and lots of people living near that section of the track were looking forward to it. Will you, in your capacity as Minister, make sure that that takes place when the project is back on stream again? How many jobs could be affected by what has happened?”
“Will that include B division clubs such as Limavady United?”
“Does the Minister agree that the potential jobs boost and economic stimulus through the use of the entire site at Ballykelly, including her Department's headquarters, which my colleague Gregory Campbell and I strongly lobbied for, will be a vital aspect of the economic recovery of the north-west of Northern Ireland and even further afield?”
“Will the new cancer unit at Altnagelvin hospital relieve some of the cancer service pressures in Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What will the spend on Transforming Your Care be directed towards?”
“I am carrying on. <BR /> <BR />Indeed, it is not cost-effective. As DSD helps to fund placements, it is critical that we ensure that the best possible solution is found for all parties involved, hence the need for close interdepartmental working. We all wish for the best health outcomes for older people, as the motion states. However, we must also ensure that we deliver the services required and in a manner that we can afford. That is what Transforming Your Care is based on. I ask the House to support the motion.”
“This could range from care in their home to requiring a nursing home placement, but it must be primarily dependent on a patient's medical needs. <BR /> <BR />We all appreciate that living in the correct surroundings is beneficial to the individual, especially so for mental health patients as the services that they need are carefully provided. Someone who needs just a little help and support to stay at home should not be taking up a residential or nursing home place, as that is detrimental to them personally.”
“First and foremost, I congratulate the Minister on his appointment to the post of Health Minister. I also take this opportunity to thank him personally for his very successful visit to my East Londonderry constituency last Friday. I can truthfully say that the Minister's visit was very much appreciated. Thank you very much. <BR /> <BR />I am a new member of the Health Committee. The debate focuses on people having the services that they require to maximise the number of people living in the correct surroundings to suit their personal everyday needs. Many of the older generation and their families whom I have spoken to in my constituency welcome that. <BR /> <BR />Recommendation 11 states that the Health Department and DSD should work closely on developing housing options for older people.”
“That does not, however, make up for the loss that this Assembly will suffer as William retires. No offence to whoever will be his successor, but William Hay will be a hard act to follow. <BR /> <BR />The people of the Foyle constituency have lost a strong and dedicated advocate, but we all acknowledge William's wish to have a slower pace of life. To William, I can honestly say "You will be missed", but I hope his retirement is long as he more than deserves it.”
“I have had the pleasure of knowing William Hay for over 30 years. Today is a sad day for Northern Ireland politics as William takes a less prominent role in everyday politics. His honesty, integrity, impartiality and humour will be missed by all in this House. <BR /> <BR />Since I first got to know William, he has never changed from the affable character whose word was his bond and who loved helping others, whether in this Chamber or further afield. Neither he nor I envisaged him taking such a prominent role in Northern Ireland politics, but the challenge came and he successfully stepped up to it. <BR /> <BR />We are all aware of his reasons for stepping down. I join the chorus of good wishes that follow William into retirement, if we can call it that, as I am sure he will take his seat in the Lords and be an active Member of that place.”
“The need to improve the educational outcomes of looked-after children is an area of concern. What assistance is being given to teachers to help them to identify and address the sometimes complex needs of those children?”
“Does the Minister agree that the choice of school can be an important influence and factor in a child's educational attainment?”
“I hear what the Minister has said. Does he agree that the choice of school can be an important influence and factor in a child's educational attainment?”
“Despite my reservations, I support the motion.”
“I agree entirely. <BR /> <BR />The Minister is having to reduce front line services to keep within his budget. Are the sponsors of the motion suggesting that the Minister should make people unemployed to meet budget targets? Let us sort the entire Budget problem out maturely, once and for all and on behalf of all our electorate. <BR /> <BR />When it comes to instituting a comprehensive annual budget process by DRD, is the party of the signatories to the motion aware that, due to the Budget crisis they have helped to create, all Executive Ministers are having to make savings in their Department? I have some sympathy with the Regional Development Minister and find this debate distasteful, as it could be seen as political posturing rather than as a serious attempt to break the deadlock and ease the financial pressures on Departments.”
“That is a matter for the Executive. The Executive, in the main, do a good job.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister has talked of how much stress his budget is under, and, I believe, he has already assessed forensically his budget to see where savings can be made. Does he have any reserves that he could use to offset some of the roads pressure or return to the central pot for redistribution to other needy Departments during October monitoring?”
“It is a disgrace, when Northern Ireland is putting forward all its good and positive points to attract new employment opportunities, to see our road infrastructure being denied the investment it so greatly needs to ensure that improvement and repair works are carried out. We must always remember that our incoming investors look for a good road infrastructure, so it is not a positive image for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Another concern that has been expressed to me has been the financial position when it comes to road gritting and snow clearing. Those are life-saving requirements and are therefore essential. We can all hope for a milder winter so that the roads budget is protected from that point of view.”
“Throughout Northern Ireland, the population is learning about the real-life impact of irresponsible decision-making by some parties, as we face having only urgent road repairs and limited street-light maintenance, which are absolute necessities, particularly at this time of year. I thank all the Roads Service staff and contractors who do a sterling job in the maintenance of our roads and street lighting. The impact will be severe and could cost the Department for Regional Development extra legal fees for claims due to the restriction in road repairs. I hope that those who have created some of the financial uncertainty by refusing to agree to welfare reform will be mindful of the consequences of their action.”
“Let Sinn Féin and the SDLP be positive for once and bring the matter to a conclusion by behaving responsibly and by reaching consensus for an area that, in my opinion, is reasonably well catered for with sports facilities. <BR /> <BR />From a constituency point of view, I have no problem with facilities in any part of the Limavady borough area, but, in the present economic climate, with so many constituents unemployed, the new council has a massive task and needs to be prudent when making decisions on the whole area's needs, economic and sporting. The facilities that I mentioned are just the facilities in the Dungiven area.”
“Perhaps the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure will state where the proposed grant aid will come from, as her budget will undoubtedly be cut as a result of the current political posturing. If there is no grant aid, the likelihood of the project reaching fruition will diminish. My concern is that, although other suitable options for the redevelopment of Dungiven leisure centre were presented, the most expensive option was pushed through by a nationalist-controlled council with little thought of the economic consequences to the local ratepayers. <BR /> <BR />I believe that a workable and sensible accommodation on the size and price of the project can eventually be reached when other overall projects throughout the new Causeway Coast and Glens District Council area are appraised.”
“<BR /> <BR />The so-called sectarian decision, as it was referred to by a Sinn Féin councillor, to put on hold the redevelopment of a new replacement facility at a cost of approximately £7·2 million to ratepayers was not, in fact, sectarian but one of a series of projects deferred by the newly elected Causeway Coast and Glens District Council owing to capital costs. Those also included projects in Ballymoney and Coleraine that have been deferred until October of this year. How that project was deemed sectarian completely baffles me. <BR /> <BR />I believe that sport offers great benefits for the population, and facilities are required to ensure maximum engagement. However, those facilities cannot be built regardless of cost, especially when there is an economic crisis created by the party of the Member who proposed the topic and the SDLP.”
“There are the Gortnahey GAA pitches; the Burnfoot pitches; the Curragh Road football pitches; the Curragh Road play facilities; St Canice GAC in Dungiven town; the Drumrane Road GAC pitch; the O'Brien's state-of-the-art GAC facilities and council-provided play area; St Mary's Banagher GAC in Feeny, which has just received planning permission for an extension; and the main leisure centre in Dungiven town, to name but a few. Does that sound like an area — Dungiven and its hinterlands — in which there is a lack of sports facility provision for a population of approximately 3,000?”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to speak in the debate. First, Dungiven has leisure facilities, and I will not argue that some facilities need to be updated. In March 2013, when I was a member of Limavady Borough Council, I opposed such large expenditure on a replacement facility in Dungiven. If that project had gone through, it would have cost ratepayers in the Limavady area a substantial rates hike. Secondly, I will tell the Assembly of some facility provision that exists within a four-mile radius of Dungiven.”
“I congratulate the Minister on his elevation. I also congratulate Mr McCausland, the outgoing Minister, on a job well done. Thank you very much. <BR /> <BR />When the Minister gets an update on the Regeneration and Housing Bill, will he make sure that it comes to this House?”
“When those parties responsible for the Budget cuts realise the consequences that their actions are having in this community, the Minister will be able to progress these critical health projects with the speed the motion calls for.”
“Is it proper that they deny society improvements in cancer and cardiac care? Perhaps they can tell us how the Minister will find the £140 million shortfall that has been caused. <BR /> <BR />Urgent progression of the radiotherapy and cardiac units is essential, but I have also highlighted the problems of refusing to face our Budget crisis, which is damaging the patients who need life-saving treatment.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister last September outlined the benefits of a PCI service for patients. This enables lifesaving treatment such as stents to be deployed even if the patient is having a heart attack. I believe those to be value-for-money procedures that have an immediate and positive benefit for patients. <BR /> <BR />I fully appreciate that the Minister is under severe budgetary pressures not of his own making. We cannot deny that. I also appreciate the great need for those services to be provided in the west and north-west of Northern Ireland. However, I fear there may be a delay in the timetable we would all want due to the unwillingness of some Members of this Chamber, i.e. Sinn Féin and the SDLP, to agree the implementation of welfare reform. Where is the benefit to society of denying much-needed medical services?”
“I fully agree with my colleague's assertions. The radiotherapy and cardiac units are essential and very welcome. They will also relieve pressures on the services being delivered in Belfast and, importantly, reduce journey times for patients and relatives alike. Those are points that patients and relatives will greatly benefit from and appreciate. Patients from the glens of Antrim to Enniskillen will benefit greatly from the new development and service provision at Altnagelvin. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that cancer is widespread throughout our population. Therefore, it is essential that, when finances permit, the best treatments are delivered by the health trusts for the benefit of the population. The Altnagelvin centres for radiotherapy and cardiology will provide exactly that.”
“<BR /> <BR />During briefings with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the important role that it has played and will play for those of us in the north-west and western areas of Northern Ireland was very apparent, despite the current budget pressures, which the trust has managed skilfully. Indeed, contracts have been signed for the construction of the much-needed radiotherapy unit.”
“I welcome the opportunity to compliment the management and staff of the Western Health and Social Care Trust at Altnagelvin Hospital. I would especially like to thank the chief executive and her senior team and staff for all their assistance in the provision of essential health services over the years. <BR /> <BR />I can truthfully say that when I had cardiac problems a few years ago, I was treated with great dignity, dedication and professionalism by all health care staff at Altnagelvin Hospital. Therefore, as someone who deeply appreciates their professionalism and diligent work, a thank you for the critical work that they carry out is well-deserved from me personally, my family members, and indeed the entire population of the north-west and further afield.”
“Why has the decrease in the levels of fuel poverty not been more significant?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. How can parents become more informed and aware of the illegal drugs that young people and others can avail themselves of?”