Anna Lo
South Belfast · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“In 2007, when I decided to run for election, it was an exciting time filled with a promise of change to a better, more inclusive and progressive society. I have seen change, though, borrowing a line from Yeats, "peace comes dropping slow". More still needs to be done.”
“As one of the few pro-choice MLAs, I was naturally disappointed that the two amendments to the Justice Bill, one tabled by colleagues and one by me, to allow abortion in very limited circumstances did not pass. We cannot afford to ignore the issue; women need our help. <BR /> <BR />I want to thank my constituents.”
“I also pay tribute to the environment sector whose expertise and commitment have been invaluable to us. <BR /> <BR />As the only ever MLA from an ethnic minority background, I was glad to be in a position to set up the all-party group on ethnic minorities and human trafficking, as well as to lobby extensively with the voluntary sector for…”
“I thank the Minister for his kind words. I want to thank him too for his always very valuable contribution to the Environment Committee. We definitely had a very good working relationship. <BR /> <BR />When the voluntary sector is being cut, I think that the role of volunteers is more important than ever before.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. The higher and further education sectors have suffered severe cuts to their budgets, so much so that the University of Ulster had to axe the whole of its languages department. How can the Minister justify the economic case for the creation of the two academies?”
“The Committee was advised that the Minister intended to discuss the matter at the Executive with a view to gaining colleagues' agreement to develop a community planning engagement protocol that clearly establishes the nature of the relationship between Departments and local government.”
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“I would like to conclude my comments by taking this opportunity to place on record my thanks to all those organisations and individuals who took the time to provide written and oral evidence to the Committee and the members of the Committee, past and present, for their contributions during Committee Stage. I also thank the Minister and his officials for their positive engagement with the Committee, during and after Committee Stage, and for taking the Committee’s amendments on board. Last but not least, I thank the Committee staff for their valuable assistance during the entire process of the passage of the Bill. On behalf of the Committee, I support the Bill.”
“I believe that the Committee’s detailed consideration of the Bill has ensured that there is sufficient scrutiny of the regulations and that the protection of the environment remains at the forefront of any regulatory programme.”
“The Committee sought an amendment to extend this scrutiny to the Department’s draft code of practice in relation to powers of entry and associated powers. The Committee expressed concern that the Bill gave the Department broad powers and that the definition of "environmental activities" in Part 1 of the Bill was wide-ranging and all-encompassing. Therefore, the Committee sought the removal of powers provided to the Department in schedule 1 to further define or modify the definition of "environmental activities" and to specify additional environmental activities. The Committee also ensured that the purpose of the Bill — streamlining and reducing the regulatory burden while protecting and improving the environment — was reflected in the Bill.”
“The Committee recognises the merits of better regulation. However, it is important that, as the subordinate legislation programme is developed, standards are not lowered as a result of simplifying and streamlining environmental regulation. A balance must be struck between streamlining the regulatory regime and not compromising the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s compliance and enforcement role. <BR /> <BR />The Bill has been improved and strengthened because of amendments that the Environment Committee persuaded the Department to accept in the following specific areas. As the Bill is an enabling Bill, the Committee ensured that the level of protection afforded to the Assembly in the scrutiny of the regulations was sufficient.”
“On behalf of the Environment Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Final Stage of the Environmental Better Regulation Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Bill was introduced to the Assembly in June 2015, and the Committee undertook its detailed scrutiny of it and reported to the Assembly in November. The Committee recognises that, as environmental regulation has developed over time, it has become complex, with different inspection regimes and different rules making it confusing for businesses. The Committee is aware that the Bill is one aspect of a wider regulatory transformation programme aimed at reducing the burden of regulation on business. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is in essence a skeleton Bill, meaning that the real operation of the Act would be made entirely by the regulations under it.”
“Is the list of the historic buildings at risk back online on the DOE website? An article last November detailed that it had been taken off the website.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Alliance Party accepts that Northern Ireland's financial situation is very serious. However, we do not believe that the Budget is sufficiently prudent. We therefore oppose the motion.”
“The Budget prioritises health and education at the expense of the economy, despite the Programme for Government stating that the economy should be the top priority. In fact, you could argue that the scale of protection of those budgets creates less incentive for reform of those two Departments. The Budget provides a 2% increase to Health, which has a major impact on all other departmental budgets. In fact, 2% is not really enough without reform and reconfiguration of the health service. Investment would need to be around 5% to keep up with demand. There is a case for some protection of the health budget, but there is significant scope for reform in the health sector, driven in part through benchmarking, market testing and reforms to the estate.”
“We believe that there are missed opportunities to reform the health service and education, to address the costs of a divided society and to invest in the economy, especially with a decision now taken on the reduction of corporation tax from 1 April 2018. We know that corporation tax is important for economic growth, but it cannot deliver the outcomes that we want without investing in key economic drivers, especially skills, yet Northern Ireland is reducing investment in higher education. <BR /> <BR />The £60 million cut from last year's Budget compounds a pre-existing gap between us and the rest of the UK of about £40 million. I acknowledge the announcement today of an increase of £20 million in funding for DEL for this year.”
“However, that is certainly not an exhaustive list, and the Committee is concerned that those functions may be diluted in a larger Department. The Committee will reflect that in its legacy report. That concludes my comments as Chairperson of the Committee. <BR /> <BR />I now wish to say a few words on behalf of the Alliance Party. Our party recognises that the Budget is for just one year — 2016-17 — with a four-year Budget to follow. However, that does not change the fact that this Budget is not strategic and was not subject to public consultation. Although the figures balance, it does not have any mechanism for making public finances more sustainable. There is also no mention of revenue raising. This Budget is predicated on a 100% cuts-and-reallocation basis.”
“The Committee has been advised that, following the May elections, the June monitoring round will provide new Ministers the opportunity to reallocate and realign budgets to reflect their priorities more closely. <BR /> <BR />There are so many priority areas in the current functions of DOE: local government, which recently underwent its own significant reform and has faced financial challenges; the natural environment fund, which provides important funding for projects that aim to protect our environment and our precious biodiversity; and road safety. The Committee has stressed the need for a communications strategy to raise public awareness of the provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, which recently passed its legislative stages in the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee is aware that approximately £16 million resource has been allocated for road safety and policy and strategic planning and policy in the Department for Infrastructure and approximately £28 million for the environment functions in Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Officials also advised that £56 million had been allocated to the Department for Communities for local government and the historic environment division, although that is not clear from the Executive's Budget document. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has sought to ensure that the current environment functions receive the appropriate budgetary and policy weight in their new Departments and that there is no diminution of planned programmes.”
“I welcome the opportunity to outline briefly the discussions of the Committee for the Environment on the Budget for 2016-17. Departmental officials briefed the Committee at its meeting on 14 January. Officials discussed the in-year monitoring position, the transfer of functions from DOE to three new Departments and the budget for 2016-17. <BR /> <BR />The Committee is aware that the Budget for 2016-17 is based on the new nine-Department model. As current DOE functions are being split over three Departments, the Committee sought clarification on what funding would be available for current DOE functions following the transfer. Officials advised the Committee that a 5·7% reduction had been applied to the resource budget. That will present challenges to the new Departments as they seek to maintain the delivery of priority services.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. I am sure she is aware that, on the last few occasions, the funding process went very late in the day and decisions were not made until May or June, causing a lot of uncertainties in the ethnic minority sector. When exactly will the funding application be open, and would it not be sensible for the current funding to be extended to cover next year for all the organisations that are now receiving funding?”
“<BR /> <BR />I conclude my comments by taking this opportunity to place on record my thanks to all the organisations and individuals who took the time to provide written and oral evidence to the Committee, and I thank the members of the Committee, past and present, for their contributions during Committee Stage. I also thank the Minister and his officials for their positive engagement with the Committee during and after the Committee Stage and for taking the Committee's amendments on board. Finally, I thank the Committee staff for their hard work in assisting the Committee to the conclusion of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I believe that this legislation can only help to reduce the number of fatalities on our roads. On behalf of the Committee, I support the Bill.”
“The Committee recognises the importance of working with young people to explain the reasons for graduated driving licences and restrictions and of using organisations such as sports clubs and the Ulster Farmers' Union to help to get the message out. Subject to the Bill's successful passage today, the Committee looks forward to hearing from the Department in due course on its communications strategy in relation to the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I believe that the Committee's detailed scrutiny of the Bill has provided a fair and balanced approach for all drivers to help to make our roads safer.”
“It was the Minister's initial intention to have restrictions apply on a 24-hour basis. However, the Assembly agreed to amend that so that it will apply only between the hours of 11.00 pm and 6.00 am. Officials advised the Committee that they undertook stakeholder engagement regarding the issue and believe that the provision strikes a balance between the road safety benefits that can be achieved and the impact on mobility for young drivers. <BR /> <BR />The Committee recognises the significant challenges now facing the Department going forward in communicating this message to all drivers — young and old, new and experienced.”
“<BR /> <BR />Another significant change to the Bill made during the amending stages is in relation to restrictions on drivers under the age of 24 from carrying any other passengers aged between 14 and 20 unless they have a "relevant accompanying person" with them in the front seat, who must be aged 21 or over, hold a full licence and have held that licence for not less than three years.”
“The Committee discussed this issue at length. After considering the evidence from stakeholders, the Committee recommended that the minimum age for obtaining a provisional driving licence should remain at 17. <BR /> <BR />The third issue considered by the Committee was in relation to the length of time that a person should hold a provisional licence before taking the practical test. The Bill initially proposed a period of one year. The Committee was concerned that this was an unnecessarily long period of time and considered the impact that this might have on particular groups, for example rural dwellers. The Committee felt that six months would be more effective, provided that it is properly structured and recorded in the student log book.”
“The Committee sought to remove this option, which permits a driver who has provided a breath test that is marginally over the prescribed limit to ask for a blood or urine specimen to replace the breath test. Evidence taken by the Committee from the PSNI suggested that the statutory option presents logistical challenges and that modern breath-testing technology has vastly improved since the time when the statutory option was envisaged as an essential safeguard. It now provides more reliable and consistent evidence. As a result, the Committee recommended the removal of this statutory option. <BR /> <BR />The second amendment relates to the minimum age at which a young driver can obtain a provisional driving licence. Currently, the minimum age is 17 years, and the Bill initially sought to reduce this age to 16 and a half.”
“The Committee recognised the potential of the Bill in reducing road deaths, and therefore it wanted to give proper consideration to the provisions in the Bill. The purpose of the Bill is threefold: to implement measures to tackle drink-driving; to improve how new drivers are trained and tested by reforming the learner and restricted driver schemes and introducing a system of graduated driver licensing; and to make mandatory the wearing of a helmet while using a quadricycle on a public road. <BR /> <BR />The Bill has been improved and strengthened because of the amendments that the Committee persuaded the Department to make. The Committee’s detailed scrutiny resulted in three amendments to the Bill. The first of the amendments relates to provisions around the statutory option.”
“I echo the sentiments on the sad loss of so many lives on our roads in recent months, which the Minister just mentioned. I want to send my sympathies to the families and loved ones of the deceased. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of the Environment Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Final Stage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill. I am pleased that the Bill has reached this important milestone, as it brings the road safety measures contained in the Bill one step closer to becoming law. The Bill has had a substantial legislative journey. It was first introduced to the Assembly on 12 May 2014, and the Committee undertook its detailed scrutiny of the Bill, reporting to the Assembly in March 2015.”
“I commend the Minister for providing further protection for employees in the case of public interest disclosure. No doubt, this legislation will act as further encouragement for employees to bravely speak out. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that we build our skills base to meet new job demands, particularly in view of the forthcoming reduction in corporation tax. Therefore, it is welcome that clause 18 strengthens powers to specify conditions for, and appropriately target, apprenticeships. Clause 17 provides clarification on the powers that deal with the delivery of impartial careers advice. <BR /> <BR />The new Employment Bill is balanced legislation, and I commend the Minister and his staff for their work on it.”
“<BR /> <BR />Clause 15 introduces a liability provision so that, where workers suffer detriment from a co-worker because of their whistle-blowing, this is actionable against the employer and co-worker. Where a whistle-blower is bullied or harassed by a co-worker, but the employer has taken all reasonable steps to address that, as outlined in the Bill, the whistle-blower could bring a claim against the co-worker. <BR /> <BR />I welcome clause 16, which includes student nurses and student midwives, who had been excluded from the scope of whistle-blowing protection. The clause will also allow for further amendments to include other workers. The Minister's placing of a duty on regulators to report annually on whistle-blowing issues will ensure that action is being taken.”
“However, all too often, would-be whistle-blowers are apprehensive about the potential consequences for them and the likely outcome of their efforts to disclose problems. It is positive that the Bill includes measures to protect employees — whistle-blowers — who make public interest disclosures, whilst guarding against disclosures that are not made in the public interest. Those measures will give an industrial tribunal the power to reduce a compensation award where it considers that disclosures have not been made in good faith. They will also provide for the employer to be liable if an employee who whistle-blows subsequently experiences detriment from colleagues.”
“That concern has been raised by many stakeholders. <BR /> <BR />Clause 4 provides discretion for the offer of a neutral view on the potential outcome of a dispute. That will aid those involved before they embark on a potentially costly and formal process, and, of course, it will manage expectations. Receiving a neutral view on the case will be entirely optional. The Minister has explained that it will be put in place only when the early conciliation process is working and a review has been carried out. However, it is important to note that it is an extremely innovative measure, and I look forward to seeing it develop in the future. <BR /> <BR />Whistle-blowing is an important source of intelligence in identifying wrongdoing, and society has benefited from it.”
“It will help avoid stress, long-term deterioration of employer/employee relations and the negative impact that such things can have on the workplace atmosphere. In many cases, I believe that it will also prove easier to talk through issues in a less formal setting. Additionally, people reaching a resolution themselves, as opposed to having a decision made for them, is most likely to protect good working relations. <BR /> <BR />Clauses 2 and 3 bring an important aspect to the Bill. Setting time limits for bringing about a resolution ensures that cases are not prolonged unnecessarily. However, there is flexibility, and extensions may be made to ensure sufficient time for early conciliation so that the claimant is not disadvantaged. Adequate resourcing of the LRA is essential for that to work.”
“I therefore recognise how valuable the development of a new early conciliation service can be. <BR /> <BR />The first step, which is to require most employment tribunal complaints to be raised with the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) for potential resolution, is a sensible approach to encourage an attempt to resolve matters through a less formal and legalistic process. However, the balance is that, although conciliation must be offered before proceeding to a tribunal, there is no requirement that conciliation be accepted. The right to have a tribunal, even without early conciliation having taken place, will still be in place. <BR /> <BR />There are many benefits to having early conciliation.”
“I am speaking on behalf of the Alliance Party. The Bill is welcome legislation and is notable for the balance that it manages to strike. It intends to increase business confidence while maintaining the rights of individual employees. <BR /> <BR />As a founding commissioner of the Equality Commission, I oversaw, during the four years of my tenure, many cases brought under our discrimination laws by individuals against their employers or colleagues. In the decade that I spent as director of a voluntary organisation, I managed at times up to 20 employees and, on a few occasions, had to deal with employment disputes. Throughout those experiences, I witnessed anxiety, stress and unpleasantness, not to mention time, effort and costs, borne by claimant and defendant.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and welcome the new strategy. Given that we have had the FE Means Business strategy for a number of years, why is he producing a new strategy now, and how is it different from the old one? Is the coming reduction of corporation tax of any relevance to it?”
“However, should the issues prove insurmountable, it will be a challenge for the Committee to complete thorough scrutiny. It is important to ensure that any legislative base to address metal theft is workable, enforceable, effective and will not damage the economic viability of legitimate traders. I therefore ask that the House support the motion to extend the Committee Stage of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill to 19 February 2016.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee and the Assembly supported the general principles of the Bill at Second Stage. The Committee and many of the stakeholders recognise the merits of the Bill and the good and honest intentions of the Bill's sponsor to tackle metal theft. The Committee is aware that this is not a victimless crime. Indeed, the evidence from the Northern Ireland Utilities Working Group on Metal Theft arguing for a legislative mechanism to deter and minimise incidents of metal theft was compelling, particularly considering the subsequent impact on local communities and the health and safety implications. <BR /> <BR />The Committee will endeavour to continue its scrutiny of the Bill. A further briefing is scheduled for tomorrow with the sponsor of the Bill that might help to move the issues forward.”
“<BR /> <BR />Some of the challenges identified to date include: whether there is a need for legislation, given the recent changes to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 that seek to tighten regulation for waste operators, including scrap metal dealers; whether DOE is the most appropriate body to issue licences, given that the function of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency is to tackle environmental crime; the concerns outlined by DOE around dual regulation, which it believes might be open to a challenge in the courts and might contravene EU legislation should the Bill proceed in its current form; inconsistencies in Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland legislation and concerns that, without similar regulations being made in the Republic, this might harm both employment and economic growth in the Northern Ireland recycling industry; whether the existing voluntary code could be strengthened and form the basis of a legislative framework; and concerns regarding the impact of a cashless system or a system allowing de minimis cash transactions and their enforcement.”
“Indeed, the Committee is aware that, even if it reported on 19 February, it would still be a challenge for the Bill to pass its remaining stages, and it would need to report at the start of February to ensure that there is enough time for the Bill to continue its legislative journey. <BR /> <BR />The Committee would like to advise the House that that is an incredibly challenging timescale. A number of complex issues have been raised during the evidence sessions to date and it is imperative that the Committee give those issues proper consideration and thought.”
“The Committee recognises that this leaves a significant gap in its evidence and wishes to hear from the industry that will be most directly impacted by the provisions of the Bill. Therefore, it is the Committee’s intention to invite scrap metal dealers to provide oral evidence over the coming weeks. <BR /> <BR />The Committee is seeking an extension to its Committee Stage until 19 February 2016. The Committee is aware that an extension beyond this date might mean that the Bill will not have sufficient time to pass all of its remaining stages before the Assembly is dissolved.”
“These were either in response to the signposting notices in the local press, or as a result of direct contact by the Committee. Prior to the Second Stage debate, the Committee took evidence from the sponsor of the Bill, Mr Roy Beggs MLA. The Committee also took early evidence from the British Metals Recycling Association; the Northern Ireland Utilities Working Group on Metal Theft; the Department of the Environment; the Department of Justice; and the PSNI prior to the deadline date for written submissions. <BR /> <BR />The Environment Committee firmly believes that it is essential that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to comment on the Bill. To date, the Committee has only received substantive written submissions from a small number of scrap metal dealers.”
“On Tuesday 17 November 2015, the Business Committee referred the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill to the Committee for the Environment for scrutiny, under Standing Order 64A, after it successfully passed its Second Stage debate in the Assembly. The Bill’s principal objectives are to combat the trade of illegally obtained metal; reduce the impact on victims of scrap metal crime; and safeguard expensive resources for individuals and organisations. The Bill seeks to do this by licensing the carrying on of a scrap metal dealing business and certain aspects of the sale and purchase of metal in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Upon referral of the Bill to the Committee, it initiated its call for evidence, which concluded on 11 December. The Committee has received a total of 17 written submissions from organisations and individuals.”
“However, as the Department was unable to provide examples of that, the Committee requested the removal of paragraph 1 of schedule 1, as it remained concerned that it gave the Department too much scope and flexibility. After seeking legal advice, officials advised the Committee that the Minister intended to bring forward this amendment to remove those powers. Officials also agreed to provide further clarification on clauses 5 and 13 on particular definitions in the EFM. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I support amendment Nos 1 to 5 and amendment No 7, and I urge the House to support them. <BR /> <BR />I will very briefly make some remarks as an Alliance Party Member. I confirm that we support amendment Nos 1 to 5 and amendment No 7.”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, amendment No 7 to schedule 1 removes powers given to the Department to further define and modify the definition of, and to specify, other "environmental activities". The Committee requested the removal of this power, as it believed that the Department already had sufficiently broad powers under Part 1 of the Bill, particularly under clause 5, where the Committee felt that the definition of the term "environmental activities" was wide-ranging and all-encompassing. <BR /> <BR />Initially, the Department argued that something might emerge in the development of subordinate legislation that might not already be covered by the Bill or which would require further clarity.”
“Some stakeholders suggested that there should be a role for the Assembly in scrutinising the code. Members accepted that suggestion, and, at the Committee’s request, the Minister agreed to table amendment Nos 4 and 5, which allow for further Assembly scrutiny of the code of practice. <BR /> <BR />Officials notified the Committee late in the Committee Stage that an amendment to confer powers on the Secretary of State to enable interests of national security to be taken into account was required. The Committee undertook no scrutiny of this clause, as it was introduced at a late stage in the process. However, the Committee was advised by the Minister on Thursday that he does not plan to move this amendment, as there is sufficient provision in existing primary legislation on the issue.”
“Amendment No 3 is a technical amendment that addresses advice from the Examiner of Statutory Rules. The Committee supports the amendment and asked that the Department provide a detailed explanation of this technical point in the explanatory and financial memorandum (EFM). <BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 4 and 5 relate to the code of practice on powers of entry. Clause 12 places a duty on the Department to prepare a code of practice on the exercise of powers of entry and associated powers for which the Department has a statutory function related to environmental activities or for protecting and improving the environment. The Department is required to publish a draft code of practice, to invite representations on it and to consider them, to publish the final code and to review it from time to time.”
“The Minister agreed, and amendment No 1 will remove that. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 2 is a new general purpose clause outlining the Bill’s objectives. The Minister agreed to insert the new clause to address the Committee’s concerns about the vagueness of the Bill, to better define the framework of what will be enforced in the future and to ensure that the purpose of the Bill was elaborated on.”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 1 to clause 3 requires the Department to consult certain regulators and such other persons as it thinks fit before making regulations to protect and improve the environment. During Committee Stage, comments were made by stakeholders that the clause should be amended so that, if powers were being removed from regulators or councils, the Department would be required to consult in those circumstances. The Department confirmed to the Committee that no functions would be removed in the environmental permitting regulations, as their purpose is to streamline the system and make it more effective. However, members expressed concern that clause 3(1)(b) gave power to the Department to consult such persons only "as it thinks fit". The Committee sought the removal of the subjective text.”
“The Committee also ensured that the purpose of the Bill — that of streamlining and reducing the regulatory burden while protecting and improving the environment — was reflected in it. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to each of the amendments. The Minister tabled seven amendments. Five of them were requested by the Committee, as the Minister has already indicated, one addresses comments made by the Examiner of Statutory Rules and one was brought forward by the Minister to address issues around national security. I know that the Minister is not moving that amendment today. I thank him and his officials for engaging so positively with the Committee and for taking its views and comments on board.”
“As the Bill is, in essence, a skeleton Bill, the Committee noted that the policy outcome would be developed only in the subordinate legislation programme. That was a challenge for the Committee, as it sought to future-proof the regulations and ensure that the level of protection afforded to the Assembly in the scrutiny of the regulations was sufficient. <BR /> <BR />The Committee expressed concern that the Bill gave the Department broad powers. Therefore, it sought the removal of powers provided to the Department in schedule 1 to further define or modify the definition of "environmental activities" and to specify additional environmental activities. The Committee was satisfied, however, that the Assembly has appropriate scrutiny of the regulations to be made under the Bill.”
“The Committee also held a stakeholder event on 1 October, which was attended by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Asda, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Northern Ireland Water. <BR /> <BR />I place on record my thanks to all the organisations and individuals who took the time to provide written and oral evidence to the Committee. I also thank the members of the Committee, past and present, for their contributions during Committee Stage. Last but not least, I thank the Committee staff for their hard work throughout the Committee's scrutiny process. <BR /> <BR />The Committee concluded and agreed its report on 19 November. It was broadly supportive of the Bill. However, it raised concerns on the following issues.”
“On behalf of the Committee, I welcome the opportunity to outline the Committee's consideration of the Environmental Better Regulation Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Bill was referred to the Committee after its Second Stage on 30 June 2015. The Assembly agreed to extend Committee Stage until 27 November. Given that this is very important and significant legislation, the Committee was keen to allow adequate time for scrutiny and to hear from a variety of stakeholders. A total of 14 organisations responded to the Committee’s request for written evidence. The Committee took oral evidence from the Department, Arc21, Northern Ireland Environment Link, the Ulster Angling Federation and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.”
“The disturbing numbers of BME children who suffer racial bullying highlights the deficiencies and underlying gaps in the protection of ethnic minorities in Northern Ireland across all key policy areas. I do not need to remind the House that we are still waiting for the racial equality strategy. Policy deficiencies must be rectified to tackle the underlying inequalities and prejudices that cause hate crime in Northern Ireland.”
“Communication between the school and parents should be strengthened, ensuring that information on bullying policy is available. That should include translated materials. <BR /> <BR />NICEM believes that racist bullying is worsened by the fact that schools are not designated as public authorities in section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which means that schools are not subject to the section's equality duties. The Education and Libraries Order 2003 requires grant-aided schools to have an anti-bullying discipline policy. However, the lack of centralised guidance certainly results in less awareness surrounding bullying, particularly racist bullying. I therefore welcome the legislation and will vote in favour of it. <BR /> <BR />I would like to make one final and very important point.”
“Racist bullying does not just discourage attendance or exacerbate poor grades but contributes to a sense of exclusion. In fact, the 2011 report states that 25% of BME pupils are subjected to exclusion from school activities and to verbal threats. <BR /> <BR />There are practical measures that can be taken. I would support the appointment of a designated teacher and school governor to be responsible for dealing with racist bullying. The Department and the Education Authority should not only bring in experts to conduct professional training but educate pupils on the unacceptable behaviour of bullying and the different forms that it takes.”