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 clarification from OFMDFM regarding whether it is seeking to introduce a refugee integration strategy and what interim measures it is planning to take to facilitate integration in the absence of a strategy.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Refugee and Asylum Forum has produced a five-point list of necessary measures to ensure the smooth process of integration for newly arrived refugees. The first is a call for a refugee integration strategy. We are the only region in the UK without a strategy, which is pertinent, given that integration continues to be something of a difficulty in our society. <BR /> <BR />The Strategic Migration Partnership produced a paper in 2013 outlining what the strategy would look like. A key point was that actions taken by Departments and agencies could not be done in isolation. For the meaningful integration of refugees, the approach must be collaborative.”
“In fact, I volunteered with the Red Cross then to help Vietnamese families to settle in Craigavon. They not only integrated extremely well but were entrepreneurial in setting up businesses and seeking employment. The Syrian refugees have much to offer our society. There are doctors, engineers and other professionals in those refugee camps who are seeking a better life. Let them seek it here. <BR /> <BR />However, good sentiments are not enough. We need a plan to ensure that provisions are in place for us to welcome the refugees. That is OFMDFM's responsibility, and I understand that the Department is looking at various ways to help us to play our part and work with the Home Office and other Departments.”
“If Northern Ireland takes only 3% of that pro rata, that is 120 refugees per year. When you compare that with the 800,000 welcomed into Germany or the 24,000 into France, you see that it is clear that we could be doing more. Even Brazil, which is halfway across the world, has taken in 2,000 Syrian refugees. <BR /> <BR />The crisis is now. We do not know what the situation will be in a few years' time. We should be doing all we can now. I welcome the deputy First Minister's proposal that Northern Ireland could accommodate 2,000 refugees. The public will is there; they want us to help. <BR /> <BR />We have a moral responsibility to help refugees, and Britain has a proud history of doing just that. At the end of the Vietnam War, Britain took in 19,000 Vietnamese, the so-called boat people, who were fleeing violence and persecution.”
“Since 2011, the UK has granted humanitarian protection to almost 5,000 Syrians through normal asylum procedures. The Prime Minister recently announced that the UK would accept 20,000 Syrian refugees over five years, but 4,000 refugees a year is not enough.”
“This motion is surely something on which we can all unite. The compassion of Northern Irish people never ceases to amaze me. We have seen rallies, appeals and petitions and even people offering to open up their homes to those in need. In a radio interview three weeks ago, I mentioned that the Alliance Party offices were taking collections for refugees in Calais. To be honest, for a few days it was difficult to move between desks in our premises with all the donations that were received. This is the best of Northern Ireland, and I would like to pay tribute to our generous people whose response has been truly heartwarming. <BR /> <BR />The UK Government have undoubtedly been generous in aid terms, with 0·7% of our GDP rightly spent on international development. However, we are here today to discuss the adequacy of the overall approach.”
“It has been more than three years since human rights groups confirmed the Syrian Government's use of cluster bombs in an attack that killed innocent people, many of whom were children. So far, 220,000 people have died and four million have been displaced, but it took the image of one dead child lying on the shores that his parents hoped would offer them safety to remind us of our common humanity and the need for action. There seems to be some confusion regarding whether a person is a refugee or an immigrant. Economic migrants are different from refugees fleeing conflict, and we must not conflate the two terms. We cannot let the politics of immigration stop us helping those fleeing violence and persecution. <BR /> <BR />We are experiencing great political uncertainty at a time when we find it hard to agree on many things.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement, which contains a lot more information than her previous one. Was an evaluation done of the feedback from students who took part in the workshops in the joint project for integrated schools before it is rolled out?”
“It is a pity that the Minister's statements on the Council's work are always so scanty and with so little detail. It is sometimes very difficult to even know what to ask you. Can I request that, in future, there is a bit more detail? They seem to be always just headlines of what is discussed and the title rather than the details. I am very keen to hear more on all the topics discussed. <BR /> <BR />Can I ask about the EU funding opportunities? You said that you "noted the update", Minister, can you give us a bit more detail on what EU funding opportunities have been examined? There are plenty of opportunities, and we really need to move up a gear to maximise opportunities for North and South.”
“What impact will the ESF have on our economy and society?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Why is he so reluctant to accept that the fundamental principle of sharing is sharing that happens within one school rather than between schools, in exchanges in the playground or when meeting for certain subjects?”
“I congratulate the Minister and his team on the very innovative approach to addressing the major issue of funding HE. In his statement, he mentioned that there is a wide range of delivery models in HE. Will he set out the potential for universities to engage with the new apprenticeships strategy?”
“I certainly welcome the Minister's initiative for consultation, but given the haphazard way that arts funding has been cut — there was a nearly 20% cut to the Arts Council this year — how can she provide us with any reassurance that the arts sector is not going to be decimated?”
“That is a voluntary management arrangement and can help improve a company's environmental and economic outcomes. That concludes my comments.”
“Prosperity agreements aim to improve customer and outcome focus, reduce red tape and unlock opportunities. They allow NIEA to provide additional regulatory capacity where it is needed and to support companies with a stable environmental performance to self-regulate.”
“The ETI Committee has found that a stable and business-friendly legal and regulatory environment is a key selling point to a new investor. The European Commission has begun its regulatory fitness and performance review. Closer to home, DOE has also initiated regulatory reform, which includes the Environmental Better Regulation Bill and prosperity agreements. The Committee recognises that reform is necessary and that there is a need to streamline aspects of the regulatory system to reduce the burden on business and provide a clearer, simplified regulatory system whilst maintaining environmental standards. <BR /> <BR />Prosperity agreements are an innovative approach adopted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to work in partnership with its customers who comply or go beyond compliance with their environmental obligations.”
“<BR /> <BR />While the Committee for the Environment appreciates that a review of the SPPS will be required, we are six months into the new planning arrangements, and it has still not even been published. While the Committee is aware of the reasons for that, it creates great uncertainty amongst local councils and those who either are submitting applications or are affected by them. It is essential that the SPPS is published as soon as possible so that councils can make planning decisions based on a clear policy direction, making the process more transparent and accountable. Also, any planning policy framework must ensure that our local environment and all its inhabitants are protected. <BR /> <BR />The other area that I would like to provide comment on is better regulation.”
“The Committee is aware that DOE is awaiting Executive approval before publishing its single planning policy statement (SPPS) in final form. The draft SPPS outlines its intention to provide a set of overarching core principles that planning authorities should observe in the formation of local planning policy and the preparation of development plans. It will provide a shorter strategic expression of the Department's planning policy. The ETI Committee is of the view that the draft SPPS does not contain enough of an economic "golden thread" to set Northern Ireland apart from its competitors and suggests that an early task of any Minister with responsibility for planning powers in the next mandate should be to review the statement with the aim of achieving an economic golden thread throughout.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in today's debate as Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment. In its inquiry report, the ETI Committee found that there is a perception locally and outside the region that planning in Northern Ireland is too slow and bureaucratic in its decision-making. Planning has recently undergone a huge transformation following the transfer of the majority of our planning functions to local councils in April 2015. This presents a great opportunity to deliver a planning system that will further sustainable development and improve well-being, but also support economic development and job creation. <BR /> <BR />As the new planning arrangements bed in, the Committee will wish to monitor the effectiveness of those arrangements.”
“I will be brief. There was a reference to someone writing my speech. Of course, someone writes the speech for the Chair or Deputy Chair to move any motion, so you are actually criticising staff of the Committee, who wrote truthfully —”
“You did not hear me properly, obviously. I said that the abuse of power was using the petition of concern to try to block the motion. <BR /> <BR />I would like to take this opportunity, and I thank the Member for giving way, also to respond to what Mr Spratt said earlier when he would not let me in.”
“<BR />I know that Mr Wilson referred to the Commissioner for Standards negatively during a television interview last week in response to the commissioner's finding. It sounded similar to what had been said in two closed sessions of the Standards and Privileges Committee. That calls into question the impartiality and objectivity of some DUP members. <BR /> <BR />It is a matter of real regret that the Committee has had to bring the motion to the Chamber. On behalf of the Committee, I ask the House to support the motion.”
“Members are there not to defend party interests; they are there to uphold the expected code of conduct of MLAs. <BR /> <BR />It is disappointing, if not unsurprising, that a petition of concern has been tabled. That is yet another example of the DUP's abuse of power. <BR /> <BR />The commissioner reported his determination on the complaint against Mr Wilson to the Committee on 18 March 2015. Despite the commissioner's clear indication that Mr Wilson's "thug" comment was not protected under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the Committee sought its own legal advice, which it considered at the meeting of 15 April. Even when the legal advice was consistent with the commissioner's view, the Committee deferred making a final decision until the following meeting, on 20 May, which, conveniently, fell after the May elections.”
“Unlike any other Assembly Committee that I have experience of, the Standards and Privileges Committee has often been influenced by party politics when dealing with complaints against Members. People may say that that is politics, but this Committee, above all others, should have members who rise above tribal divisions and set a good example by being impartial and being respectful to each other.”
“The Committee believes that the censure of Mr Wilson is a proportionate sanction relevant to the seriousness of the breach. <BR /> <BR />Before I conclude the speech on behalf of the Committee, I want to say some words in a personal capacity.”
“The Committee had agreed that an appropriate apology from Mr Wilson would allow it to report that the matter had been resolved. However, Mr Wilson did not apologise to Mr Allister: in fact, he made it clear that he had no intention of doing so. <BR /> <BR />It is highly regrettable that Mr Wilson did not apologise. The commissioner and the Committee have concluded that he breached the code of conduct. Mr Wilson should have acknowledged and accepted that outcome and apologised. An appropriate apology from Mr Wilson to Mr Allister would have provided a fitting and proportionate resolution to the matter. The Committee believes that Mr Wilson’s failure to apologise leaves it no other option but to recommend that the Assembly impose a sanction upon him for his failure to comply with the code.”
“I am sorry; I cannot. While the Committee acknowledges the importance of Mr Wilson being able to exercise his right to freedom of expression, the right to be insulting does not outweigh the public interest in ensuring that Mr Allister’s reputation and rights were protected. <BR /> <BR />The Committee did not believe, however, that Mr Wilson’s conduct had brought the Assembly into disrepute. Mr Wilson’s conduct was unacceptable and fell below the required standard. However, the Committee has never previously found that a Member’s conduct brought the Assembly into disrepute and decided that it is not going to do so on this occasion. <BR /> <BR />The Committee wrote to Mr Wilson and told him that he should apologise to Mr Allister for his "thug" comment.”
“The Committee was already aware that, in certain circumstances, a public authority can be entitled to restrict a person’s right to free expression, but decided to seek its own legal advice anyway. After reflecting on that advice, the Committee discussed whether a finding that Mr Wilson had breached the code in this case would be both prescribed by law and necessary in a democratic society to protect the reputation or rights of others. The answer in both cases was yes. <BR /> <BR />The Committee was satisfied that Mr Wilson’s "thug" comment was a gratuitous personal insult that did not attract enhanced protection under article 10.”
“The commissioner had acknowledged that due regard must be paid to article 10 of the European Convention when considering whether Mr Wilson’s comments had breached the code. The commissioner set out how he had done this, and was satisfied that Mr Wilson’s "thug" comment was not protected under article 10.”
“No, I am sorry, I have a lot to go through. <BR /> <BR />He said that the ordinary meaning of the word "thug" has criminal and violent overtones, and that, during his interview, Mr Wilson had accepted this. However, although Mr Wilson does not believe Mr Allister to be a criminal or violent person, Mr Wilson has at no time publicly clarified that he did not mean his comment in this way. The commissioner said that untruthfully describing someone as a "thug" was an abusive and gratuitous personal comment that amounted to an unreasonable and excessive personal attack on Mr Allister, and that it contravened the respect principle set out in the code. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that Mr Wilson had cited his right to freedom of expression as a defence to the allegation that his comments had breached the code.”
“The Committee agreed with these conclusions. The commissioner found, however, that Mr Wilson’s "thug" comment did amount to a breach of the code. He said that the ordinary meaning of the word "thug" —”
“In particular, Mrs Kelly complained about Mr Wilson’s reference to witnesses as "dodgy", Mr Wilson’s behaviour towards the Committee Chairperson, Mr Wilson’s reference to Mr Allister as a "thug" and Mr Wilson’s aggressive tone and language. <BR /> <BR />The commissioner investigated her complaint and, amongst other things, interviewed Mr Wilson. He established that Mr Wilson had neither offered an apology for what he had said at that meeting nor had he any intention of doing so. The commissioner also recognised that the facts in this case were not in dispute. The sole issue for him, therefore, was whether the admitted conduct of Mr Wilson was in breach of the provisions of the code of conduct. The commissioner concluded that Mr Wilson’s comments about the witnesses and the Chairperson did not amount to a breach of the code.”
“Mr Wilson has been found to have breached the Assembly’s code of conduct. The Committee’s report sets out all the relevant detail, which I will now summarise. <BR /> <BR />A complaint was made by Mrs Dolores Kelly in relation to Mr Wilson’s conduct at a meeting of the Committee for Social Development on 16 October 2014. At that meeting, the Committee heard evidence from Stephen Brimstone, the then special adviser to the then Minister for Social Development. This was as part of its inquiry into allegations made in a 'Spotlight' programme in relation to Housing Executive contracts. Mr Jim Allister had been questioning Mr Brimstone, when Mr Wilson interjected to object to Mr Allister’s approach. It was Mr Wilson’s subsequent comments and tone about which Mrs Kelly complained.”
“<BR /> <BR />I support the Second Stage of the Bill and look forward to engaging with stakeholders and seeking further clarification during Committee Stage and Consideration Stage.”
“Businesses will be able to benefit from minimised bureaucracy through a more streamlined environmental regulation system, which will also allow for certain existing permissions to be brought together into a single environmental permit. Much of the detail on how the new system will work in practice will be provided only when the statutory review of powers of entry is completed after the passing of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Consultation will also be carried out on any new powers of entry regulations. As that is still to be finalised, it is hard to comment, other than to stress that it is important that there is a strong monitoring and enforcement system that ensures that those who break the law will face penalties.”
“A document produced by the Northern Ireland Environment Link in 2013 emphasised that the ultimate result of good environmental regulation is good environmental outcomes. Regulation is a means to that end. It is important that we bear that in mind as we move to Consideration Stage. <BR /> <BR />That leads me to environmental enforcement. I have raised my concerns at the lack of enforcement officers in the DOE on numerous occasions. With budget cuts and the future merging of the Department of the Environment with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, there is a risk that environmental enforcement may not be seen as a top priority. We must ensure that, when enacting this legislation, we have the means to deliver. <BR /> <BR />Other aspects of the Bill are to be welcomed.”
“That concludes my comments as Chair of the Committee. <BR /> <BR />With your indulgence, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I want to make some brief comments as an Alliance MLA. The Alliance Party welcomes the overall aim of the proposals to simplify and streamline the regulation system. The current procedures have been accused of hindering good environmental outcomes, because they are inflexible, bureaucratic, expensive, and there is often a low level of enforcement. The new regulations aim to create an environmental permitting system to replace the existing model, which, in theory, will allow the Department to act swiftly to enforce when needed. <BR /> <BR />That streamlined approach will increase the chance of improving environmental performance whilst delivering improved business objectives.”
“The Committee sought assurances that the Bill will not give out a message to businesses that standards will be lowered as a result of simplifying and streamlining environmental regulation. The Committee may wish to consider that during the scrutiny stage. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has already initiated its call for evidence as it wished to notify as many stakeholders as possible of the Bill in advance of the summer holidays. The Committee looks forward to examining submissions and to exploring specific issues in detail. I look forward to developing a good working relationship with the stakeholders and departmental officials to ensure that the Committee is able to scrutinise the legislation properly. On behalf of the Committee, I support the principles of the Bill and look forward to formal scrutiny during Committee Stage.”
“The Bill, therefore, will make it easier and better for businesses.”
“The Committee will wish to look at the rationale for this approach during Committee Stage. <BR /> <BR />Parts 3, 4 and 5 contain miscellaneous amendments to the Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 and the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. The Committee questioned officials on the impact that the amendments, particularly those in Part 3 relating to authorised fuel and exempt fireplaces, will have on businesses. Officials advised the Committee that it is simplifying the law on exempt fireplaces and fuels because, currently, when an operator develops a new smokeless fuel or fireplace, the legislation can take six months to catch up.”
“Officials advised the Committee that the purpose of the review is to provide an opportunity for a thorough and full analysis of all environmental powers of entry and associated powers. Powers of entry are significant powers and a valuable tool for environmental regulators in enforcement. There are also human rights implications associated with powers of entry. The Committee asked officials why the Bill asked for a review of the powers of entry and whether the Department should not first conduct the review and then legislate on the outcome of that review. Officials advised the Committee that there was precedent for this approach in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 in Great Britain. That Bill included a published review that could be consulted on before the regulations were brought forward.”
“Officials advised the Committee that the current regulatory regime contained elements of duplication, making it confusing for industry and regulators, and that the purpose of Part 1 is to rationalise the permitting regime to simplify and reduce administrative costs while continuing to achieve intended outcomes. During its detailed consideration of the Bill, the Committee will wish to ensure that a balance is struck between streamlining the regulatory regime without compromising the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's compliance and enforcement role. <BR /> <BR />Members have questioned officials on aspects of Part 2 of the Bill. It requires a review of powers of entry and associated powers to be completed by the Department.”
“Environmental regulation has developed over time and 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 wide regulatory transformation programme aimed at reducing the burden of regulation on business. 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. Therefore, the Committee will wish to examine the justification for the decision to adopt this structure of powers and what powers the Assembly will have in considering any future subordinate legislation. <BR /> <BR />Part 1 of the Bill relates to the introduction of environmental permitting powers.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in today's debate on the Second Stage of the Environmental Better Regulation Bill. I thank the Minister for explaining in detail the background and purpose of the Bill. In my personal capacity, I endorse the Minister's opening remarks that good environment and business development are interrelated and it is not one against the other. I am sure that my colleagues on the Environment Committee would support me in that. <BR /> <BR />During a briefing on 5 March, officials advised the Committee of the need for an environmental regulatory system that actively supported and recognised responsible business and a need for swift, well-informed decisions.”
“I thank the Minister for a very detailed statement. It is very much his style. He is always thorough and puts thought into his statements. I also welcome the new system following the thorough review of youth training in Northern Ireland. The Minister also published the apprenticeship strategy recently: how will the new system complement the apprenticeship strategy?”
“I thank my party colleague. As for the additional passengers, how many 14-year-olds carry any identification with their date of birth? They will have to go to the police station within seven days; it could be another person who goes to the police station within seven days.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. We were minded to oppose clause 20, but reserved judgement to hear what Members said in the debate. However, if the Minister is minded to make further amendments, we would certainly not want to divide the House. I think that DUP Members are thinking the same way, are you not?”
“There is also the condition that the 21-year-old must have had their driving licence for three years.”
“I am glad to hear that the Minister sounds quite willing to work with other Members to strike a balance between, on the one hand, promoting safety, particularly for younger drivers, and, on the other hand, not restricting young people to that extent. We will listen to other Members when deciding how to vote.”
“<BR /> <BR />In fact, article 5 of the Road Traffic (New Drivers) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 already provides for the revocation of licences for six or more penalty points during a person's probationary period. We believe that clause 20, whilst aiming to deter bad driving further, is too complicated to operate effectively. The Alliance Party wants a simpler and clearer system that targets young drivers who offend through tougher penalties. We can think, for example, about making them retake their test if they commit an offence in the first six months. In this way, we target irresponsible drivers as opposed to all young drivers. We would like to work with the Minister and departmental officials to table an amendment at Further Consideration Stage to reflect this position.”