Caitríona Ruane
South Down · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I support outdoor pursuits and education centres. I remember, many moons ago, when I trained as an outdoor education facilitator in an outdoor pursuits centre on Achill Island, which was funded by the education system. I have some of the best memories of those times. That centre is still open and still funded by the education system.”
“The Minister has a substantial budget — and I note he is pointing at the Minister for Finance — and money should be found from within his budget to fund these centres, rather than passing the buck.”
“<BR /> <BR />During difficult budgetary times it is important to focus where money should be focused, and that is why I ask the Minister to really think carefully about cutting money and closing these centres, because they do contribute to academic as well as physical education.”
“They told me how centres such as Killowen, Ardnabannon and Delamont, as well as other centres throughout the North, not only keep young people active but help with mental health, the obesity crisis, and academic achievement.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. I understand the difficulty with budgets, as we all do, but does he agree with me that at a time of austerity, at a time when we have a serious obesity crisis, at a time when the Executive are working together to try to bring about changes, and at a time when we want to deal with underachievement, it i…”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an ráiteas. I welcome the statement and, if the Minister is looking for a rural town for the scheme, Warrenpoint will be very open to having it. Will he outline in more detail his interesting proposal to enable companies to access rate relief by accrediting with the Living Wage Foundation?”
The complete record
Every one of 307 lines we hold for Caitríona Ruane, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 7.
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I welcome the opportunity to debate this very important issue in the House today. Like others who have spoken, I am very conscious, as I speak, of the wide range of opinions and emotions around termination of pregnancy. I, like many of you, have received letters, met delegations and talked to women about their experiences. What I do know is that enormous hurt and anger are felt by women who feel let down by the state in which they live when they are forced to travel abroad for a procedure that they felt they should have been entitled to at home. <BR /> <BR />I thank Stewart Dickson, Trevor Lunn, Anna Lo and Steven Agnew for the considered amendments that they have brought forward. I will begin by outlining Sinn Féin's position.”
“We will vote against it, and, in particular, we have lodged petitions of concern, along with the SDLP, to clauses 13 to 21 and also the schedule, because of our view that they could undermine the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.”
“To conclude, we believe that the Fresh Start provisions for an official opposition are the best and most appropriate approach on the issue. Sinn Féin, therefore, supports the provision for an official opposition, as set out in the Fresh Start Agreement. <BR /> <BR />In relation to the Assembly Opposition Bill, throughout Committee Stage, Sinn Féin outlined its concerns that aspects of the Bill can and do impact on the principles of equality, inclusiveness and representativeness, as set out in the GFA. As Sinn Féin supports the provisions for opposition in the Fresh Start Agreement, we do not support the Assembly Opposition Bill.”
“In fact, the vast majority can be done through Standing Orders. The Assembly Business Committee today agreed to put a motion from the Executive Committee for a statement from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister of proposed entitlements of an official opposition. <BR />In the Assembly and Executive Review Committee, we listened to evidence from a wide range of sources, and many academics and experts queried and raised concerns about aspects of the Bill. I will use one example, and that is from Professor Coakley. In his evidence to the Assembly and Executive Review Committee, he said:”
“Sometimes, the debate around the need for opposition is anchored or based in majority rule or majoritarianism. Any structure of governance depends on the circumstances. We have the arrangements in place that best suit our needs, and we are a society coming out of conflict. The safeguards in the Good Friday Agreement are there for very good reasons. <BR /> <BR />I believe that my colleague from South Down John McCallister came to this with good intention, but the outworking of his Bill could lead to majoritarianism and the potential undermining of the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin would like to put on record that we have engaged with John at every step of the way. There are many things that we can support in his Bill, but we do not believe that we need legislation to do them.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Sinn Féin believes that the Fresh Start Agreement, published on 16 November 2015, makes provision for parties elected to the Assembly to form an opposition. These provisions do not impinge upon the principles of equality, inclusiveness and representativeness underpinned in the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) and, subsequently, in the St Andrews and Hillsborough agreements. <BR /> <BR />The provisions for an opposition outlined in the Fresh Start Agreement do not require, in our view, any legislative change. We have heard in the media and will, no doubt, hear today from some parties that they want to be in opposition, yet they still have their seats in the Executive. Some would say that that is abdicating responsibility.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she outline when she expects the Bill to have completed the legislative process?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. I certainly will write and let you know the names of the roads. I told you of one earlier: the Tamnaharry Hill road in Hilltown. Can the Minister outline how much of the £1 million earmarked for flood-hit roads will be spent in the South Down constituency.”
“I am very concerned about the Minister's answer. As she will be aware, the annual average is £70 million, so there is an enormous gap. Obviously, that has led to deterioration of the roads. I would just like to let the Minister know that the Tamnaharry Hill road in Hilltown has subsided. I would welcome an update — in writing, if she does not have the answer today — on when it will be dealt with.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a freagra. I thank the junior Minister for her comprehensive answer. I wonder whether she will outline the next steps in the active ageing strategy, especially given the number of older people in our society.”
“I thank Bernie, Martin's wife; his four children, Grainne, Fionnuala, Fiachra and Emmet; and his seven grandchildren, Tiarna, Cara, Rossa, Óisín, Ciana, Dualta and Sadhbh for sharing Martin with us. I have no doubt, as I make this nomination, that Martin will continue to show leadership, to be a deputy First Minister for all the people and to build a strong relationship with Arlene Foster in the same way as he did with Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson.”
“People will know that Paula and I and many other women in the Assembly are really trying to ensure that we have greater gender equality, and I think that we will all agree that today is a step forward in that. We want to see women right across the political spectrum taking up our rightful places. <BR /> <BR />Martin McGuinness is a man who I have worked with for many years. I consider him a friend. He is ethical and principled and has shown incredible leadership. He is also generous on a personal and political level. He uses his good office to outreach across all political classes and creeds, and, most recently, Martin and Peter led the way in welcoming refugees to our shores. As a mother and a grandmother, I understand just how difficult it is for families of politicians, and, without family support, this job would not be possible.”
“I worked with Peter when he was Minister of Finance and also First Minister, and I have to say that, while we did not always agree on issues, I do believe that we had a very polite, courteous and friendly relationship. I thank Peter for that. I also wish him and his family well in the coming months. I am sure that they will be glad to get some time with him. <BR /> <BR />I welcome Arlene Foster's nomination as First Minister. We look forward to working with Arlene and her team in the weeks and months ahead. I wish her all the best, and I think that it is important that we acknowledge that it is historic that we have a woman in such an important office.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Ba mhaith liom an tUasal Máirtín Mac Aonghusa a ainmniú ina LeasChéad-Aire. I would like to nominate Martin McGuinness as the deputy First Minister. <BR /> <BR />As we know, the next few months are very important in the history of these institutions — the Assembly, the North/South bodies and the British-Irish Council — and the public want to see our institutions delivering for people on the ground. They want to see us all working together, and they want this generation and future generations to benefit from peace. They want to see stability and more mature politics. We now have our Fresh Start Agreement, and I pay tribute to Peter Robinson for the key role that he played along with Martin McGuinness and other political leaders.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I notice that the Member, when he named the individual, did not give him his correct title. For the record in the House and for the Member: his name is Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.”
“We need B&Bs, hostels, hotels and self-catering accommodation. Given that there is currently a lack of provision, particularly in the southern end of the county, can he outline what work he is doing to ensure that that provision is created?”
“Go raibh maith agat. Does the Minister agree that south Down, like other counties in the North of Ireland, needs a range of accommodation provision? Accommodation is the biggest spend of any tourist.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he accept that proposals to increase tuition fees would have a negative impact on his Department's commitment to widening access to people from disadvantaged areas? We have just heard from the Minister of Education about the increase in the number of young people in west Belfast getting better qualifications. Does the Minister accept that his proposals to increase tuition fees could disadvantage pupils from deprived areas?”
“As I said in an earlier answer, the event was attended by 60 students from Belfast Metropolitan College and Ulster University. The speakers at the event included the spokesperson of the embassy of Israel in London, representatives of the various political parties and representatives of local media organisations. The Member will be aware from my previous answer that contact has been made with the Palestinian Mission in London to arrange the second leg of this event in the same format.”
“Le do chead, a Phríomh-Leas Cheann Comhairle, ba mhaith liom ceisteanna 11 agus 13 a fhreagairt le chéile. With your permission, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I would like to answer questions 11 and 13 together. <BR /> <BR />D’eagraigh feidhmeannaigh ón Stiúrthóireacht Eolais agus For-rochtana an t-imeacht cumarsáid i nDomhan polaitiúil’ ar 12ú de mhí na Samhna 2015. Officials from the information and outreach directorate organised the communicating in a political world event on 10 November 2015.”
“I thank the Member. Gabhaim buíochas leis an gComhalta as an cheist sin agus aontaím léithi. Speaking as a member of the Assembly Commission, I should say that it has failed to reach consensus on flags. As a member of the Assembly Commission, I would like to see that all our traditions and nationalities are respected. As an Irish republican, I would like to see my flag represented, or we should have a neutral position. It is unfair to have one tradition reflected and others not. An equality impact assessment is currently being carried out, and I hope that, in future, we will be able to ensure that all traditions are reflected. It is a question of equality or neutrality.”
“As a member of the Assembly Commission and a representative of a significant number of MLAs, I certainly would like to see my national flag flying — the national flag that our party adheres to. Having said that, I think that, in the interests of moving forward, as an Assembly we should have either equality or neutrality. The Member will be aware that there are currently issues around flags and that there is no consensus in relation to the matter. The best way forward is that we reflect everyone's traditions or nobody's traditions.”
“I can certainly agree with the Member that we should keep the proper flags flying.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Gabhaim buíochas leis an gComhalta as an cheist. I thank the Member for his question. I ndiaidh ardú na mbratacha ar 3ú Meitheamh 2015, chríochnaigh Seirbhís Póilíneachta Thuaisceart Éireann a n-imscrúdú thart faoi 15ú de mhí Meán Fómhair 2015. Ach, ainneoin fiosrúcháin a dhéanamh, ní dhearnadh duine ar bith freagrach as. Following the unauthorised flying of the Irish national flag on 3 June 2015, the PSNI concluded its investigation in or around 15 September 2015. However, despite enquiries, no persons have been made responsible. Dúirt siad freisin nach féidir leo an t-ábhar seo a thabhairt níos faide ag an am seo. The PSNI has indicated that it can take the matter no further at this time.”
“I thank the Member for his question. We have just brought forward a new outreach and engagement strategy, the meetings on which I chaired. We are doing everything that we can to increase the number of visitors and schools coming here. All the Commission members, from every single political party, did everything in their power to protect the outreach and education budget. We will continue to try to do that.”
“We have made some extra spaces available here at the Building. I will ask officials to forward the Member full details on the number of car parking spaces, including the extra ones, here and in some of the outlying car parks.”
“Go raibh maith agat as an cheist sin. I thank the Member for his question. <BR /> <BR />Recently, an event was organised with 60 students from Belfast Metropolitan College and Ulster University studying communications, journalism and politics. Representatives from the Israeli embassy in London were present, as were representatives of local political parties and local media organisations. Bhíothas i dteagmháil leis an Mhisean Pailistíneach i Londain leis an dara céim den imeacht seo a reachtáil sa bhformáid chéanna. I am pleased to say that contact has been made with the Palestinian Mission in London to arrange the second leg of that event in the same format.”
“It provides young people from a very early age and schools right across the North with an opportunity to engage with politicians from all the different political parties. That is invaluable.”
“I absolutely agree with you on the work of the Education Service. I can give you a breakdown of visitor numbers and education groups now. In 2011, there were 71,556 visitors. In 2012, there were 81,710. In 2013, there were 73,645. In 2014, there were 70,830. In 2015, which obviously has not completed yet, there have been 48,415 visitors. <BR /> <BR />For the education programmes, we had 576 groups in 2011, with 18,185 visitors. In 2012, there were 587 groups. In 2013, there were 520 groups. In 2014, there were 476 groups. In 2015 so far, there have been 393 groups. You can see the significant number of groups that have visited. <BR /> <BR />The work that the Education Service does is second to none.”
“The Assembly Commission will be able to provide the Member with the yearly totals for the numbers of visitors in writing, broken down into functions, functions with tours, tours with hospitality and education programmes. Indeed, if they are interested, we can provide that information to all Members.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an gComhalta as an cheist. I thank the Member for his question. Ó Eanair 2011 go mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2015, thug 346,156 duine cuairt ar Fhoirgnimh na Parlaiminte. From January 2011 to October 2015, the total number of people on record as having visited Parliament Buildings is 346,156. <BR /> <BR />That number represents the total number of visitors attending a diverse range of events, functions, guided tours and schools’ education programmes. The Assembly does not, however, keep a record of the number of public visitors who attend plenary sessions or Committee meetings or who use the public dining facilities during recesses.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for her answer and welcome the increase but note that we still need to do more. The Minister will be pleased to hear that the new Commissioner for Public Appointments will speak at the North/South Inter-parliamentary Association meeting. She is travelling to Dublin. We will be working with her, but will the Minister continue her efforts to ensure that we continue representation?”
“Does the Member believe that quotas are the way forward, given the lack of representation of women?”
“I argue that we should not take for granted where we are now. Look at our world today. Look at the difficulties that we are encountering. It is important that we put resources into ensuring that we are democratic and representative. For that reason I argue that we should wait for another few years. I welcome the agreement. Let us put it in place now, but let us also make sure that each one of us is proactive in ensuring that we have more women on the ticket.”
“That is why I am going to argue here that I do not think that 2016 is the time to make the changes, because I do not want to see unrepresentativeness. It will only create even more difficulties down the line. <BR /> <BR />The other point that I will make is that I have represented my party as part of various delegations and have met delegations that come here from conflict areas. As someone who has worked in deep conflict areas throughout the world, such as Nicaragua, El Salvador and South Africa, during very difficult times, I know that there are people in those areas who would love to see the process that we have.”
“I have already taken two interventions, Chris, and one was from your party, so if you do not mind. <BR /> <BR />What I would like to see is a much more representative House, with many more women in it. In bringing about the changes that we are bringing about, I am aware that reports have shown that there are potential dangers to women. The challenge that I am throwing out here to every single one of us is that we need to say to our parties that they need to put women into winnable seats. Otherwise, we will come back here in 2021 worse than we are now, and where we are now is nothing short of disgraceful. That is why we have an Assembly and Executive Review Committee report, and a very good report it is. However, Sinn Féin is the only party that supports quotas. If we are really to change things, I argue that we need quotas.”
“If we do not do something about that in all parties, we are ensuring that we are not representing our constituencies adequately.”
“Gabh mo leithscéal. We have somebody representing the unionist community — John McCallister — whom I have tremendous respect for in our constituency and who does tremendous work. He began as an Ulster Unionist, and now he is still representing people from the unionist community, despite the fact that Mr Nesbitt might have difficulties with that. <BR /> <BR />We have an RPA for local councils, policing, health and education. I welcome that. We are at least beginning to change the undemocratic deficit that we had before. <BR /> <BR />People spoke about gender. Members right across the political spectrum — I see members of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee here — will know about the low number of women that we have in the Assembly. It is absolutely disgraceful.”
“Absolutely. There are many different ways of having democracy. Mr Dickson cited Westminster as if it were democratic. If you look at the critique of the first-past-the-post system, it is fundamentally undemocratic. Therefore, it is not useful to use it as an argument against us here.”
“<BR /> <BR />My colleague Pat Sheehan spoke about what was agreed on reducing the number of Departments and on reducing the number of MLAs from six to five. I share the view expressed by him and others, including Alex Attwood, in their comments on the context that we are coming out of here; that is, the context of conflict, lack of representation, and the Civil Service and direct rule Ministers running the North of Ireland. I and my party believe that it was very important to have the broadest possible representation. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency, which is seen as a majority nationalist constituency, we have two Sinn Féin Members, two SDLP Members, one UUP Member and one DUP Member. If we had changed the rules, that would not be the case. I think that it is in all my constituents' —”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh an díospóireacht seo. Cuirim fáilte roimh chomhaontú na seachtaine seo caite. Tá sé thar am go mbeidh muid ag déanamh dul chun cinn leis an obair a chaithfidh muid a dhéanamh. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the debate. Unlike some others in the Chamber, I welcome the agreement that we had last week. All our constituents want to see us moving forward and getting on with the work. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Alliance Party for tabling the motion. It has received some criticism about the timing. I do not share that criticism, because it brought forward the motion before an agreement was reached. Therefore, to be fair to my colleagues in the Alliance Party, I suppose that they could call it helping set the agenda.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. In the first part of Question Time, when junior Minister Ms Pengelly was answering some questions, she referred to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister just as "Office of First Minister". I think that this House will be aware that no such office exists; it is a joint office and its full title is OFMDFM. I understand that it was Ms Pengelly's first Question Time. That said, she has worked at some level in that office for a significant time. Will the Speaker make sure that this does not happen again?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. We welcome the ruling that the motion is in order. <BR /> <BR />This is a historic agreement. It has been reached across a range of issues after weeks of debate and negotiations. It is about the future of our society. It is about protecting our most vulnerable: our people who are on benefits and who are suffering. It is about defending our public services. It is a very serious debate. <BR /> <BR />We should get on with the debate. That is where we need to make the points and where all of us, together, need to ensure that we protect our most vulnerable and defend our public services. To be honest, I think that Mr Allister would be better placed doing that than the gimmick that we have seen today.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I will not mention South Down in my question, although I hope that it gets some resources. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas. I welcome the statement, which is very important, and I welcome the end-year flexibility for schools. I am sure that the improvements to the schools estate, as was mentioned, will help our construction industry. <BR /> <BR />The Minister mentioned children with special educational needs, and I share her concern about that. Will she outline what difference the additional resources will make to our special educational needs children?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I am aware of the bridge order, North and South, and the planning. In the light of the fact that it is such an important project — it is a tourism project but also an economic one — will she do everything that she can, including meeting the Taoiseach where appropriate, for the project?”
“Tá mé buíoch as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for that answer. I absolutely agree with him on the operational independence. It is something that we will raise at the Policing Board. In relation to the last comment that you made about a united front, it is important that all Departments work together. Will the Minister confirm that he is willing to work with all the Departments to make sure that people from different countries who have travelled here and live here and families who have lived here for 20 years and still have a petrol bomb come through their house do not feel afraid?”
“Why would I, who can get married, try to say to someone in another community that they cannot but I can? <BR /> <BR />See the argument about children? I do not buy that, folks, and I will tell you why. Many of our children might be gay or lesbian or bisexual or transgendered. Are we going to say to our children that they are less equal than straight young people? I am not going to say that. That is not good family values. Equality, love, respect and commitment, for me, are important family values. <BR /> <BR />I am calling on everyone here today to vote yes. Let us get a majority and let us make a bit of history. For those who feel that they cannot vote yes, please abstain. Please abstain and play your part.”
“The other arguments that we have heard are the family values arguments. My message to those people is: do not insult families. Families come in all shapes and sizes. We have one-parent and two-parent families. We have gay and straight families. We have extended families. We have children who are fostered and adopted. We have families who have come from countries throughout the world. Yes, I am a huge believer in family values, but it depends on how you define "family". I was reared in a good family, and I am lucky to have a wonderful family myself, with children and a grandchild. The glue that holds my family together is the traditional family value of love, commitment and deep respect. Do people from the LGBT community not deserve love, commitment and respect?”
“What we are calling for today is marriage equality in civil marriage. That debate is one for people in the various Churches. Let us not be diverted; let us not have a red-herring debate. That is a debate for the Churches. Every party in the Assembly that votes yes is absolutely clear that yes voters support freedom of religion by allowing religious institutions to define, observe and practice marriage according to their beliefs.”
“As legislators, we are not here to legislate according to our consciences; we are here to legislate on the basis of equality. Nobody is saying that the Churches must practice equal marriage. That is a matter for the Churches now and in the future. Let us also be clear that there are many people who have religious beliefs who believe in equality and equal marriage. Let us not pretend that this is between Christians and non-Christians or people who practice various religions.”