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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“The Committee heard that, in 2013, Fermanagh District Council had to move away from a townland system to a road names system and that the decision was taken only because the current legislation did not allow the numbering of properties in a townland system.”
“During the briefing, Committee members were sympathetic towards the intent of the Bill, which is to promote the use of townlands. However, some questioned whether legislation was the best mechanism for that. Other members expressed support for the proposals. <BR /> <BR />Committee members asked Mr Flanagan for his rationale for wishing to legislate rather than to encourage councils to adopt the proposals voluntarily. He advised the Committee that people need a unique property indicator to access credit checks and background checks, which they would not be afforded using an unauthorised system. He said that a voluntary approach would not therefore work.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in today’s debate on the Second Stage of the Local Government (Numbers and Addresses of Buildings in Townlands) Bill. <BR /> <BR />Following the Bill's introduction on 12 October, the Committee agreed to seek an oral briefing from the Bill's sponsor, Mr Phil Flanagan. Mr Flanagan briefed the Committee at its meeting on 5 November. He outlined the purpose of the Bill and his rationale for bringing it forward. As he has outlined, the Bill will amend the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 1995. The amendment would provide councils with the option of numbering individual properties within townlands instead of using roads or streets and would allow the townland name to be placed first in the address and thus become the principal part of it.”
“My party's position is that the Bill is better placed in the Department of the Environment, given that the operations of scrap metal dealers and other waste issues fall under the DOE as set out in the 2013 waste management strategy. The Bill is about the regulation of metal recycling facilities, and recycling is done for environmental reasons, which adds further weight for this being a DOE matter. If we look at England and Wales, it is the role of the local authority to lead on this. As we know, DOE is the Department that is responsible for local government. While there is undeniably a justice aspect to the Bill, especially in the case of prosecution, DOE should certainly collaborate. The Alliance Party is of the opinion that the Bill should be assigned to the Department of the Environment.”
“We need a concerted and coordinated effort from neighbouring countries to drive out those crimes. <BR /> <BR />Cashless dealings in England have proven to be effective. I understand that, in Northern Ireland, all transactions are done by cash. That means that there is no audit trail of financial dealings. Similarly, requiring identification for those who supply scrap metal would provide traceability if theft were to be investigated by the police. <BR /> <BR />It is unfortunate that the Bill has come to the House so late. It is so near the end of the mandate that it may not provide sufficient time for scrutiny by whichever Committee it is assigned to.”
“There have also been incidents in south Belfast of criminals taking copper piping from vacant social housing properties, thereby causing flooding. That happened in the Village during the regeneration of the area and caused considerable problems. In February 2014, copper piping was stolen from a property in Camden Street, which led to a gas leak. That is not just a petty crime; it causes considerable damage and safety risks. I certainly agree that there is a need for more action, and, therefore, I welcome the Bill. <BR /> <BR />In England and Scotland, legislation is already in place, and the Republic of Ireland has also made similar provisions. We risk the displacement of those crimes to Northern Ireland if we are the only region not to have legislation on this.”
“As others have mentioned, as yet no Department has taken the lead in the Bill, although Mr Beggs argued that, given that DOE already issues licences to scrap metal dealers as part of the waste management licensing regime, it sits well with DOE to regulate that activity. He also argued that, with DOE issuing the licence and by linking it to existing regulations, there will be resulting efficiencies for Government and the industry. <BR /> <BR />Metal theft is not a victimless crime; it can cause great distress and expense to those who experience it. Over the years, I have seen numerous metal thefts in my constituency, such as people climbing onto roofs to steal lead flashing, which can cause damage to the roof as it loosens the slates and results in internal damage through rainwater getting in.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to today's Second Stage debate as the Alliance Party's MLA for South Belfast. We support the principles of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />As Mr Beggs outlined, the purpose of the Bill is to license scrap metal dealers to carry out their business, to combat the trade of illegally obtained metal, to reduce the impact on victims of scrap metal crime, and to safeguard valuable resources for individuals and organisations. The Bill proposes to establish the Department of the Environment as the issuing body of the licence, whilst providing the PSNI with the right to enter and inspect the premises of licensed scrap metal dealers. <BR /> <BR />Clearly, there are cross-cutting issues that are relevant for both the DOE and the Department of Justice.”
“I am pleased to hear about the review. I am sure the Minister is aware that the law in England and Wales has helped not only to ensure free speech but to deter reckless defamation claims. Are there any clauses in the Bill that the Minister particularly objects to?”
“I am sorry for my voice today. <BR /> <BR />I am absolutely delighted with the Minister's announcement, and I am sure that the sector is very reassured by it. I understand that the Minister has said that he is still working out what money there will be. What about the built heritage sector? Will it be protected, too? Will it be assured of further funding from that pot?”
“What impact is the ESF having on communities across Northern Ireland?”
“However, we need to make sure that the rates system is as good as it can be.”
“I understand that, in simple terms, any changes that are made to reduce what some pay will result in others paying more. There is no reform that will please everyone.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the NIIRTA meeting, they launched a 15-point plan as a solution. Among the points made, they outlined the need to extend the small business rate relief scheme, which is currently set at £15,000 NAV to £18,000 NAV. They advocate reforming rates to give greater flexibility with economic circles and carrying out rate revaluations every three years. NIIRTA also suggests introducing a rural retail rate relief scheme and providing exemptions for small traders investing in expansion, allowing them to offset capital investment against their rates bill. <BR /> <BR />The Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland believes that there needs to be a wholesale rethink, not only about who pays what and how much is paid but about non-domestic rates as a concept.”
“There is a wider issue of people's perception of how the rates they contribute are used to fund public services. That also needs to be addressed in the review. There needs to be more transparency to make it clear to ratepayers how their money is being spent. <BR /> <BR />The rateable value of a business property is worked out using its net annual value (NAV). For independent retailers and small business owners, the business rate is a significant issue for their business. Former 'Dragons' Den' investor Theo Paphitis, who opened a shop in Victoria Square, described Northern Ireland as a horrendous place to do business. He blamed high rates and rent. We need to be mindful that high business rates can have a negative impact on investment, career opportunities and innovation.”
“DFP has revealed that it is considering whether it would be fair for larger charities to make some contribution to their rates. As Mr McGimpsey mentioned, some shopkeepers have also said that they wonder what they get for their rates contribution.”
“A constituent who owns a furniture shop in Belfast told me that, during a recent visit to England, she met two shop owners, one who, like her, dealt in furniture and one who dealt in antiques. Both advised her that they pay no rates whatsoever. At present, the UK Government have doubled the relief rate for small businesses to 100% on properties that have a rateable value of £6,000 or less. That has resulted in many small firms in England not having to pay business rates at all. <BR /> <BR />I was at the #CutTheBizCost event organised by NIIRTA on 17 September. Many there expressed concerns that rates are far too high, and that charity shops, of which there are many on the streets, get rate exemptions. Charities benefit from £87 million in rate relief.”
“Mr McGimpsey and I are probably the longest-serving MLAs in the constituency, and we have seen a number of shops closed over the years. Ona Jewellers on the Lisburn Road is closing this month; it has been there for 10 years. That follows the closure in the summer of a long-standing jewellers on Shaftsbury Square, which had been there for many years. Like other Members, I am very sympathetic to shopkeepers and small businesses that are struggling to keep their businesses afloat. They work extremely hard and, all too often, find the level of rates to be a big burden. <BR /> <BR />If we look at the situation across the water, we can understand why some resentment exists here.”
“I welcome Mrs Pengelly to the House and congratulate her on her role as junior Minister and on being our fellow MLA in the South Belfast constituency. I also want to thank Claire Hanna for securing the debate today and setting out a comprehensive overview of the situation in south Belfast. It is a very timely discussion, given the Finance Minister's recent announcement of a consultation on a review of the non-domestic rating system. <BR /> <BR />As we all know, rates are essential. We depend on them to raise a certain amount of revenue for public services each year, but, through talking to business owners in south Belfast, as we all have done, we know that many of them are very unhappy with our current non-domestic rating system.”
“Does the Minister use a scoring matrix or any other methodology when determining the spending cuts or increases for arts organisations? If so, will she publish it?”
“Shame on those people who leave litter on our beautiful beaches. <BR /> <BR />Last week, I presented an award from the NGO Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful to the Mill Strand Integrated Primary School in Coleraine — I confess that it is not in south Down; it is in Coleraine — for their dedication in removing litter from the beaches. Every Friday, those pupils go to the beach to pick up litter, come rain or shine. If it is wet, they put on their macs and they still go out. It is a wonderful example from which we can all learn. <BR /> <BR />One of Northern Ireland's greatest assets is its environment. We need to protect it. The increase in marine litter is yet another example of why we really do need an independent environmental protection agency.”
“<BR /> <BR />The survey, which was highlighted during Question Time last week, makes reference to the continual pumping of raw sewage into the sea at Ballyhornan. Mr Kennedy mentioned NI Water. The Environment Committee is aware of the number of instances of NI Water polluting our rivers, and the Committee is looking into that. This is clearly an issue for the council, the DOE and the Department for Regional Development. I will be asking what plans they have for a joined-up, coordinated approach to safeguard our beaches and waters. It is certainly something that needs to be looked at urgently. <BR /> <BR />Like others, I would like to pay tribute to the many volunteers who come out tirelessly to lift litter from our beaches; the schoolchildren and families who come out to collect bags and bags of litter.”
“The survey shows that some beaches are particularly heavily burdened with litter. The 14 litter types shown include materials like plastic and glass, and Ballyhornan had the highest levels of seven of those during 2014. There are also some very concerning results a few miles south at Ardglass. <BR /> <BR />If you continue even further south to Tyrella beach — my children's favourite beach for many years until they got sick of following their parents to beaches when they got to their early teens and refused to come with us — you will find that areas of it are in the top three most littered beaches for 10 of the litter types. The report mentions that the stretch of Tyrella beach surveyed was several hundred metres from the designated swimming area. That shows the significant resources needed to maintain its blue flag status.”
“I am very sorry to have confused you earlier, but I assure you that the Committee is very conscious of the importance of keeping our environment clean and healthy for all of us to enjoy. I am not a South Down MLA, but I spent many happy years with my young family in a rented cottage near the Silent Valley. We loved the mountains and the beaches in south Down. <BR /> <BR />Marine littering poses a growing threat to the marine and coastal environment. Since most marine litter takes such a long time to degrade, if it degrades at all, constant littering results in a gradual build-up in the marine and coastal environment. Studies clearly indicate that marine littering is getting worse. Having read the 2014 marine survey, I can understand why Mr Hazzard has brought this debate to the House, and I thank him for doing so.”
“Mr Speaker, I am not speaking as Chairperson of the Environment Committee. May I go ahead?”
“How do we compare with other regions in these islands?”
“Given the Executive decision to protect the premia for teacher training colleges, what are the consequences of that for the education and training aspects in Northern Ireland?”
“Yes. What has the Department been doing in those years to address bullying?”
“Yes. I wanted to refer to that paragraph to remind the Minister. I am really disappointed. Ethnic minority communities have been here for a long time — since the '60s.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Another finding in the report shocked and disappointed me in many ways: there is a lot of racist bullying in schools. The report states that:”
“I became a fan and have remained one ever since. Most recently, I was lucky enough to see a production of 'Lovers' in Cork over the summer, and I totally enjoyed it. We lost a great talent last week, but Brian Friel's work will live on, and we are all the better for it.”
“His plays are poignant and funny and allow us a glimpse of Friel's searing insight into the identity and lives of people. <BR /> <BR />Brian Friel's plays received world acclaim and were staged from Belfast to Dublin to Broadway. 'Dancing at Lughnasa' was, of course, made into a film starring Meryl Streep. Despite his global success, he remained very grounded and, as a co-founder of the Field Day Theatre Company, he helped to bring plays to school halls and community centres, giving people who would not normally visit theatres the opportunity to enjoy professional productions of his plays. <BR /> <BR />I was introduced to his work when I was a young secretary in the BBC World Service in Belfast in the early 1980s. We produced a programme on 'Philadelphia, Here I Come!', which was aired to a worldwide audience.”
“Fintan O'Toole wrote in 'The Irish Times':”
“I am greatly saddened by the news of the passing of Brian Friel. As people mourn his death, not only across the island of Ireland but throughout the world, my thoughts are especially with the Friel family. I call on Members to join me in paying tribute to Brian Friel, who was arguably Ireland's most iconic playwright and was sometimes described as Ireland's Chekhov.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome the comprehensive strategy being put in place. The Minister said that the strategy has been informed by people with disabilities and the community and voluntary sector. He also talked about working in partnership with the sector in the future. Will the Minister tell us more? What role will the community and voluntary sector have in the delivery of the strategy?”
“We have so much to offer, and it is important to take every opportunity to show the world the positive Northern Ireland that all too often gets overshadowed by our negative politics. This is clearly another missed opportunity.”
“After each of those events we stood here and said how important it is for us to build on those successes. I agree that hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games would be an appropriate step to encourage more international events to be held in Northern Ireland, but action speaks louder than words. What action has been taken in the last year to facilitate that? Hearing from other Members who spoke, it seems that there are a lot of issues with the Executive, with budget and with DETI. We just do not seem to be able to agree on anything. <BR /> <BR />With the huge successes of the Giro d'Italia, the World Police and Fire Games, the MTV music awards and the Irish Open, we know that we are more than capable of hosting world-class international events.”
“We called on the Executive to develop a bid, the deadline for which is the end of September 2015. Today is 28 September. Given the Assembly's unanimous support last year, I am hugely disappointed that no bid has been made so far. I am not on the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, so I am unaware of how much work has actually been put into the bid, but surely it is far too late now to attempt to submit one. It is perhaps another indication of the lack of joined-up working of Departments and the lack of delivery in the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />We celebrated the success of our athletes who competed in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last summer, we were proud of how well we handled the first stage of the Giro d'Italia, and we saw how positive the World Police and Fire Games were.”
“In November 2014, I spoke on behalf of the Alliance Party in support of a bid for Northern Ireland to host the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games. Our position remains unchanged. However, during the previous debate, it was mentioned that conversations had already started and that discussions were under way between the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council, Sport NI and officials in DCAL.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee recognises that this is important and significant legislation, and it is therefore essential that it be afforded the time to fully exercise its scrutiny powers. It seeks to ensure that the Assembly is provided with the right controls and safeguards for any future regulations that will be made under the Bill. It is already aware of some concerns about the Bill and wishes to be afforded adequate time to address those with the Department. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, Mr Speaker, I ask that the House support the motion to extend the Committee Stage of the Environmental Better Regulation Bill to 27 November 2015.”
“To that end, it has already held three evidence sessions, and a stakeholder event has been arranged for 1 October to allow other organisations that submitted a response an opportunity to voice their views on the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is a key element of the Department's regulatory transformation programme. There has been much criticism that environmental regulation is too complex, inflexible, incoherent and time-consuming. Indeed, small and medium-sized businesses cited that the lack of integration between environmental permits and the resource-intensive nature of complying with multiple uncoordinated inspections have hindered them in doing business.”
“The Bill is essentially an enabling Bill and will provide for a more streamlined environmental permitting system; rationalise and simplify the powers of entry for environmental inspection and investigation; and amend existing environmental legislation regarding fuels and fireplaces, air quality assessment and drinking water regulation. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has already concluded its call for evidence and has received 14 written submissions from interested organisations. These were either in response to the signposting notices in the local press or a result of direct contact by the Committee. The Committee firmly believes that it is essential that all stakeholders be given the opportunity to comment on the Bill.”
“On Tuesday 1 July 2015, the Assembly referred the Environmental Better Regulation Bill to the Committee for the Environment for scrutiny.”
“I think that the Minister is right. Maybe the first step is to look at establishing an independent EPA in Northern Ireland, but, given the short time that we have from now until the end of the mandate and before the merging of the two Departments, what process is the Minister planning to carry out to establish the organisation?”
“You called me pretty quickly, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank those Members who attended Environment Week yesterday and today. A number of Members spoke of that. Events are still being held in the Long Gallery and outside, and I encourage Members to participate in them.”
“I am delighted that the Minister is going to the Paris conference on behalf of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Does he agree that the lack of a climate change Act for Northern Ireland will hinder our role or any actions in addressing climate change?”
“Those who survived that journey did so only because they could afford to pay to come up on deck to breathe. We cannot allow that to happen again. We must work together. <BR /> <BR />No one chooses to be a refugee. A person who risks everything, even life itself, in search of a tolerable existence is a person whom we must help. I urge you to support the motion.”
“The scale of this problem is huge, and there are no quick solutions. However, it is clear that there is a very great need for a coordinated European response. This is not just about taking in refugees but is about dealing with the root causes in conflict areas and tackling the criminal gangs that are preying on vulnerable refugees. <BR /> <BR />As Members will be aware, I have a particular interest in ending modern slavery, and the unspeakable horrors that refugees face at the hands of traffickers must be dealt with. I welcome the Home Secretary's recent joint declaration with France for new law enforcement collaboration and intelligence sharing. One of the most harrowing stories to emerge is of the 52 people who died in the airless hull of a boat.”
“Over the years, a number of organisations and Churches have had to step in to provide support to refugees and asylum seekers in the absence of government support. For example, when OFMDFM announced the introduction of the crisis fund to help the most vulnerable in 2014, it took a year until it was put in place. A small amount of money can make an enormous difference to these people, particularly to destitute asylum seekers who are often left in limbo with very few options and have difficulty accessing services. It is paramount that we ensure that our services are prepared for the refugees whom we will be welcoming. I ask that OFMDFM ensures that generous offers made by the public can be turned into practical assistance, and I look forward to hearing, in the near future, from the Department on the progress made in coordinating our efforts.”
“Absolutely; I totally agree and thank the Member for mentioning it. <BR /> <BR />The Refugee and Asylum Forum calls for a long-term commitment to welcome refugees, which is important. Our support should last beyond the news cycle and should include the provision of free English classes and housing. The final request is that the Executive work with those in our excellent support sector, some of whom, I am delighted to say, are with us today in our Public Gallery. Those organisations are already on the ground supporting refugees and asylum seekers, and their expertise will be valuable. <BR /> <BR />One cause for concern is that OFMDFM's track record in delivering is not always the best.”