Trevor Clarke
South Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“For recruitment to the current Youth Assembly and on the basis of research on the youth demographic in Northern Ireland, a minimum of 10 young people with disabilities were sought in order to be representative of the data. Of the 90 young people appointed to the Youth Assembly, 18 have a disability.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Youth Assembly regularly uses social media to promote its work, and, when preparing for a new mandate, targeted multimedia recruitment campaigns are used to engage young people and encourage participation.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Assembly Commission also has an apprenticeship and placement framework that provides the opportunity for people with a disability to avail themselves of short-term supported placements.”
“In 2025, 770 tours were delivered and the number of events hosted in Parliament Buildings almost doubled to 583. <BR /> <BR />Our Education Service promotes its programmes to schools and colleges through an annual September mail-out, outlining provision for the relevant Key Stages, including a focus on inclusive engagement for children wi…”
“Mr Speaker, I may require an extra minute to answer the question. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for her question. The Assembly Commission's school work experience programme is facilitated through a partnership between our internal education services team and an organisation called Futures For All, a social mobility charity.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, with your permission, I may need an extra minute to answer the question, and I thank the Member for it. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly Commission's public engagement strategy 2025-27 aims to increase awareness, improve understanding and enable participation in the work of the Assembly.”
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“It is a difficult job to try to create a situation where that slice of cake is distributed round each of the various Departments and arm's-length bodies to carry out their role. I commend my party colleague Arlene Foster for the number of jobs that she has brought to Northern Ireland, but we are still not in a situation where our pockets are full and there is money for people to spend, which would pull us out of the deficit that we have on underinvestment. <BR /> <BR />Underinvestment has not come since devolution here in Northern Ireland; it has been here since we were ruled by Westminster, so it has been a continual problem in Northern Ireland. I certainly do not support the Alliance Party's call for the introduction of water charges now that we have devolved institutions here in Northern Ireland.”
“Not taking away from the Water Service, if you look at the same Minister's portfolio, I think that the officials are on record as saying that the investment in roads alone at the last count was £830 million to bring our roads up to a reasonable standard. <BR /> <BR />I hope that, when the Alliance Party supports water charges, it will not be calling on central government to increase our vehicle road tax to increase the revenue that we can generate to fix our roads and bring them up to a reasonable standard. The two things are on a par; we have hundreds of millions of pounds of underinvestment in both areas. However, let us live in the real world: we have an awful lot less money coming to Northern Ireland.”
“The Minister has been supported, and he continues to be supported, by his Executive colleagues. I remind him that he got the fourth best settlement in the Budget this year. I know that he is finding it difficult in other areas, but, in that Budget, he was very generous towards NI Water. However, it has been underfunded in the past, and, going forward, that may be the case again. Efficiencies should be found in the Minister's Department, and I trust that he will do what he can to find those efficiencies to divert as much as possible to the underfunded water infrastructure, which we have been failing for many years. The facts are there for what is required in infrastructure investment.”
“I have been critical of the Minister since becoming the Chair of the Committee, but the Minister has to be commended for the work that NI Water has done in recent months to drive efficiencies in the organisation. We cannot be complacent; just because it has found some efficiencies does not mean that there are not more to be found. Given the work that has been done over the last number of months and the commitment that the chief executive has given, I trust that more efficiencies will be found in the organisation. The direct correlation should be that, wherever efficiencies are found, more investment should go into infrastructure. I definitely do not want to see us, as ratepayers, having to pay more. That is how it has to be done. <BR /> <BR />I indicated that I will support the amendment.”
“I think that the Alliance Party has been on record these last few days as trying to distance itself from some of its comments. The reality is that a portion of the £800 goes towards NI Water (NIW) through the DRD, but it is a very small portion; it falls short of £400. I think that the officials were on record last week or the week before, when they came to the Committee, as saying how much that charge would be. To put a burden of an additional £400 would, I think, be irresponsible of the Alliance Party. I look forward to hearing what its Members say in their contributions. <BR /> <BR />I agree that there has maybe been a lack of investment in infrastructure.”
“I am certainly glad that that has been the commitment because, for many, it is a struggle to find what they have to pay without an additional burden being put on them. The other thing that bothers me is that many depend on rate rebates and suchlike, which someone else picks up. Ultimately, someone has to pay that cost, whether the individual has the money or not.”
“That is something which, I am thankful, all the other parties in the Executive have avoided for some time and hopefully will do so for the foreseeable future. <BR /> <BR />If there were a situation where money was plentiful and the pockets of people in Northern Ireland were full, you could ask people to pay more. Unfortunately, we are not in that situation in Northern Ireland and I do not see us being in such a situation for the foreseeable future. It is now on record what such a charge would be. We are all familiar with the fact that the charge would be, on average, just over £400 per household. The average rates bill per household is approximately £800. As a public representative, I am glad — and I keep saying that I am glad — that other Executive Ministers have supported the non-introduction of water charges.”
“From the outset, I make it clear that I speak as a member of the DUP and not as the Committee Chairman. I thank Members for their attendance. <BR /> <BR />Obviously, the motion is primarily about the introduction or, as I hope, the non-introduction of water charges. It is to be welcomed that, until now, the Executive have supported the non-introduction of water charges. I also want to make it clear that I welcome the amendment proposed by the Ulster Unionist Party and will be supporting it, albeit I may make some remarks about it. <BR /> <BR />We are in election season. There are ones out there at the moment who, for their own purposes, are making suggestions as to what they believe should happen in relation to this. It is no secret that the Alliance Party has always strongly advocated the introduction of water charges.”
“I appreciate that answer. I know that the Minister accepted an invitation from Creavery Primary School and visited it last year. However, I am sure that he was as horrified as I and other representatives from the area were when we heard that the classroom ceiling fell down. Fortunately, no children were injured, but the school has highlighted the substandard nature of the classrooms. What can you do, Minister, to make sure that the board ensures that appropriate action is taken to bring not only that classroom but the rest of the school facilities up to a good standard?”
“I do not want the Minister for one minute to think that I was suggesting that his Department does not work closely with the DOE, because, from the day that we spent at Ballycraigy Primary School, I know that they work very closely. My concern is that one of the DOE officials said something about funding being withdrawn. Road safety should be part of the DOE's bailiwick. If we do not teach children at school, an opportunity is missed. I encourage the Minister to work with Executive colleagues to make sure that they do not remove funding from the DOE and that there is an effective mechanism in schools. As I said that day, we had cycling proficiency at school many years ago, and it seems to have drifted away. The work that is being done now is invaluable in educating children at a young age.”
“This is unprecedented from me, but I join the Member in his congratulations to the Minister. I know that he and the Minister were at the event last year. If more people could have embarked on something like that, they could have opened up their imagination to what cycling is about and the enjoyment that they could get from it. If I had not gone, I could not have appreciated what some of the contributors brought to the event. <BR /> <BR />As the Member says, it is about lifestyle and how you change it, but you have to embrace it. If it had not been for the conference in Belfast last year, many of us would not have had that experience. It was a very useful event.”
“Following on from the previous question, Minister, we would not describe it as minor, given that you were told by the chief executive of Translink on 4 November and you did not make the decision until around 11 December. It is not somewhat minor. You ignored the chief executive of Translink, who reminded you of the protocol with the Consumer Council.”
“Following on from the previous question and maybe the one before that, when the Minister was complaining about his budget, given that the other solution will save probably in excess of £100 million, I do not take from your language today, Minister, that you are exploring it with much vigour. Maybe the Minister could outline exactly how much more consultation there has been with the person who made the suggestion, where exactly those plans stand and whether they will work or otherwise.”
“I note that the Member refers to the Cycle to Work scheme. I think that I have raised this point before, but does the Member not find it ironic that the scheme that is operated in this very Building is not open 12 months a year? Each of the Departments encourages cycling, but the Assembly, through the Commission, only opens the scheme for a very limited time, and I have to say also that it is very difficult to access. I am sure that the Member will be surprised.”
“I appreciate the Member giving way. I forgot to touch on this when I was reading my contribution. Maybe the Minister can address this point. It is obviously not in the Minister's bailiwick, but we are aware, from the day we did the visit, that some of the funding for the Active School Travel programme was in jeopardy, not from DRD but from DOE. Can the Minister give us an assurance that he will work with his colleagues to ensure that DOE plays its part? Unfortunately, on the road safety aspect of this, the number of deaths was very high last year; probably one of the highest in quite a number of years. It is important, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, that the Minister does what he can with Executive colleagues to ensure DOE's continued support.”
“Those venues offer a degree of safety and segregation for cyclists and walkers, and all efforts should be made to open up other venues. In addition, the Committee believes that future road capital infrastructure investments should be health proofed. <BR /> <BR />Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, the Committee is content that the potential for significant contributions to the economy through cycling can be achievable. The impacts of cycling transport can be environmental, social and economic, and the benefits of promoting cycling occur in society as a whole, as well as on an individual level. I look forward to hearing the remaining contributions from Members and, in particular, the Minister. On behalf of the Committee for Regional Development, I commend our report to the House. Thank you very much.”
“Evidence from the Chief Medical Officer stated that just 53% of adults meet the current physical activity guidelines, whilst research shows that children in Northern Ireland are the least physically active anywhere in the United Kingdom, with 50% of seven-year-olds here not getting the recommended one hour of physical activity each day. <BR /> <BR />Those statistics support the fact that physical activity is number four in the global causes of mortality. Whilst the Committee believes that it is erroneous to claim that cycling is a cure for obesity, it is, if properly targeted, a powerful tool to encourage physical activity. That is one of the reasons why the Committee is so supportive of the Active School Travel programme and other initiatives and events in the likes of our forest parks.”
“Ultimately, those who participate in cycling, while on holiday or as a leisure activity, may be encouraged to cycle more frequently, other than for utility purposes The Committee has recommended, therefore, as a matter of urgency, that Tourism Northern Ireland, in conjunction with relevant Executive Departments, develops a cycling tourism package for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Finally, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, the Committee has received substantial evidence about the positive impact that cycling could have in respect of tackling obesity.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Assembly research paper on cycling for leisure, recreation and tourism detailed the benefits of cycling tourism. Cycle tourism can provide incentives for people to visit an area and help to attract new types of visitors who can stay longer and spend more in a particular destination. It can also support existing local trade, particularly in the hospitality sector, and offer business start-up opportunities, such as bike hire, particularly in rural areas. It is an environmentally sustainable form of tourism, with minimal impact on the environment, and it can help reduce traffic congestion. It also utilises existing and often underused facilities such as quiet laneways, canal towpaths and disused railway lines.”
“That is a significant return on a reasonably insignificant investment. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted the progress that has been made in developing over 450 kilometres of off-road trails in Northern Ireland over recent years, including the international mountain bike trails in Davagh forest, just outside Cookstown in County Tyrone, and Rostrevor and Castlewellan in County Down, which attracted up to 82,000 visitors in the first year of operation. Figures from Scotland show that such trails can generate 1·3 million visitors per annum for mountain biking alone, which is equivalent to about 300,000 bed nights. In 2009, it was predicted that the economic value of mountain biking in Scotland would rise from £119 million to £155 million.”
“It is disappointing, therefore, that NITB, or Tourism Northern Ireland as it is now, has not followed up on those successes through the publication of its much-heralded, but unseen, legacy report. The impetus that I have referred to must not be allowed to diminish but built upon to promote Northern Ireland as a cycling tourism venue as part of the EuroVelo cycling package. That does not require significant levels of investment, as the Committee witnessed at first hand in Mulranny, County Mayo, when it visited the Great Western Greenway. That 42 kilometres of disused railway line between Westport and Achill Island cost little more than €5·6 million. It has contributed to and maintains 65 new jobs, has in excess of 210,000 users each year and, in 2010, was estimated to be contributing over €7 million to the local economy.”
“Investment should not be Belfast-centric, and consideration should be given to investing in communities through, for example, funding an equivalent to Walking in your Community, which is being delivered by Outdoor Recreation and other such programmes and initiatives. <BR /> <BR />I will turn briefly to the impact of cycling on tourism. The success of the Giro d’Italia and the follow-up, with the staging of the Gran Fondo in June, have been major contributors to the impetus for cycling and cycling products in Northern Ireland. That has been recognised by the managing director of Chain Reaction, who stated:”
“Unfortunately, the Committee fully recognises that there are limitations on the levels of investment, and many of the solutions that will most likely effect a significant change in cycle numbers must correlate to the nature and consistency of existing and future infrastructure. That is why the Committee has called on the Department to be imaginative with its budget for cycling. Cycling provision in Belfast is, for example, very piecemeal. Indeed, the Committee, while visiting public hire taxi ranks in Belfast, noted a length of cycle track that went no more than 100 metres before disappearing in its entirety. <BR /> <BR />A strategic and well-planned cycling infrastructure is needed, and, whilst it might not be segregated by separate kerbs, for example, more cost-effective segregation should be considered.”
“The company has approximately 500 employees and a turnover in excess of £150 million. Through employment, mail distribution, capital investment and taxes, Chain Reaction contributes around £40 million to the Northern Ireland economy annually. That is a consequence of having no targets. The Committee believes that establishing a baseline that allows you to measure progress through the lifetime of a strategy is essential, and we recommend that accordingly. <BR /> <BR />Our friend H G Wells stated:”
“A recent UK report stated that some cycling schemes have a benefit:cost ratio of 35:1. To put that into perspective, the £43 billion HS2 proposal has a benefit:cost ratio of 2:3. There is no definitive evidence about the value of cycling to the Northern Ireland economy. The Committee heard evidence from Sustrans that, extrapolating figures from a London School of Economics study, the benefit of cycling to Northern Ireland could be in the region of £89 million. CTC, on the other hand, put that figure for Northern Ireland somewhere between £300 million and £400 million. <BR /> <BR />We can substantiate some contributions to the economy. During the inquiry, the Committee conducted a site visit to Chain Reaction in Doagh, which is the world’s leading online cycling product retailer.”
“When we asked the Department to identify cycle tracks and lanes on main roads in rural areas, we were given the Sydenham bypass, the A55 Parkway, the Holywood Road, the Saintfield Road and Belvoir Road as examples, because the Department uses the classification that some of those roads have been classed as rural roads and are subject to a speed limit of more than 40 mph, while our urban roads are subject to a limit of 40 mph and under. Such distortions are unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />The Committee made a number of other recommendations that aim to strengthen the strategy, some of which will undoubtedly be touched on by other contributors to the debate. I want to cover other contributions that cycling can make to our economy, tourism and the health sectors.”
“The Committee believes that objectives and targets are essential to provide clarity for the end vision, to drive the strategy and subsequent delivery plans forward and, very importantly, to make the Department accountable for the success of the strategy. We have made recommendations about those in our report. Additionally, the Department should not try to distort the measurement of success against the targets, as it has for rural provision.”
“Those should be our targets because, unlike the Department, the Committee and many of the cycling fraternity believe that the strategy must have targets. It is ridiculous and unacceptable that a Department has consciously chosen to set an arbitrary Northern Ireland-wide target for the percentage of people cycling, as we do not think that it would encourage people to use a bicycle at a local level. <BR /> <BR />Cambridge has just achieved 30% of all journeys being taken by means of cycling and walking, but has it consciously chosen to do away with targets? No; it has instead increased its targets for people walking and cycling to 40%, which is higher than that in the Netherlands.”
“Communities will have the freedom to travel, and we will start to build the mutual respect that is needed by all road users. By striding towards this simplified vision, we can journey towards a healthier population, connected and cohesive communities, and a more affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport system.”
“That is why the Committee has suggested a very ordinary vision; a vision of a Northern Ireland where people from all sectors of the community cycle for transport and enjoyment. Cycling must become an ordinary, everyday event that is carried out by ordinary people, in ordinary clothes, as an ordinary form of transport. If we accept this as our vision, we can begin to plan for all those other things that the Department aspires to in its statement of intent. <BR /> <BR />We can plan for an infrastructure that goes beyond the Belfast-centric aspirations of the statement. With this will come the confidence for people to begin cycling and walking or to get back on bicycles. Our culture of dependence on the car will begin to erode.”
“Firstly, I would like to thank the Minister and his officials within the very enthusiastic cycling unit for bringing forward the draft strategy. Whilst the Committee might be seen to have been critical of its content, it is nevertheless a valiant attempt to bring cycling to the fore of our thinking. It is, however, the Committee's view that it is more a statement of intent than a strategy. This viewpoint has been endorsed by the Department, as recorded in Hansard. Sustrans described the vision as being more of an aim than truly visionary. <BR /> <BR />This aim talks of culture, mutual respect, freedom and confidence as all being very aspirational, but, put in its most simplistic terms, cycling should be no more difficult than getting into a car or on a bus or train.”
“<BR /> <BR />It might be more apt, therefore, to say that every time we see a person, rather than just an adult, on a bike, we no longer despair for the future of the human race. It is also very apt that the Department's draft strategy recognises that education, both of children and adults, is a key component in helping to make the transition from inactivity to activity, from the car to the bicycle and from non-cyclist to cyclist. It is not the only action that is required, but it is nevertheless integral to helping both to change people's mindsets about cycling and to bring about the modal shift from vehicular forms of transport. <BR /> <BR />I would like to dwell a little bit longer on the draft strategy.”
“The Committee recently held an external meeting in Ballycraigy Primary School. After that meeting, we had the opportunity to witness how the children were being introduced to cycling and how they were developing their cycling skills through the Active School Travel programme. The Committee would like to thank the principal, teachers and children at Ballycraigy Primary School for the inspirational display that they provided to members on that cold, snowy morning. The Committee therefore welcomes the fact that the Minister is continuing to support this valuable programme and hopes that this will continue for the long-term future, irrespective of the financial pressures that his Department might otherwise be facing.”
“I also record the Committee's thanks to our own support team, Hansard and our Assembly researcher for their invaluable contributions. <BR /> <BR />H G Wells said:”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak — if I can and my voice holds out — to the House on this very important subject and on our report on the benefits of cycling to the economy. This represents a significant body of work, and I would like at the outset to record my thanks to the many contributors to the report, including the members of the Committee; the members of the all-party group on cycling; external witnesses; and officials from the Department for Regional Development, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department of the Environment. In particular, I would like to thank those from the Great Western Greenway and Chain Reaction Cycles for hosting the Committee on external study visits.”
“I thank the Member for his conciliatory approach. I note his comments about everyone supporting the Bill. It is not a case of trying to put it on the long finger. When we get to the stage of doing it, we need to do it right. It is important that we try to widen the consultation as much as possible, and I know that the Member referred to that. There were a small number of responses, and we really need to make an effort to try to reach out as far as we can to get the public to engage.”
“I very much hope to meet the Member shortly to discuss how best that can be achieved. <BR /> <BR />I assure the House that the Committee has developed a very testing time frame to complete its consideration of the Bill and to report on its deliberations to the House. That time frame also takes into account the Executive's legislative programme, which will shortly be introduced to the House, and, of course, the Department's continued scrutiny.”
“Given the significance of the principal objective of the Bill and on the basis that the consensus is that 20 mph speed limits need our communities' support, the Committee believes that a much more substantive consultation is required, particularly as the Bill has road safety, health and justice consequences that will require input from the relevant Departments and Committees. The Committee favours a minimum period of six weeks to undertake the consultation. <BR /> <BR />In addition, the Member agreed during Second Stage that the Bill would require amendment. It is important that both he and the Committee allow themselves an appropriate amount of time to consider what amendments might be required to achieve the Bill's principal objective, namely, the reduction of the level of fatalities and accidents on our roads.”
“I am seeking the House's approval to extend the Committee Stage of the Road Traffic (Speed Limits) Bill to 16 October 2015. I appreciate that that may appear to be a significant period of time for the consideration of a Bill. However, I am sure that the House and the Member sponsoring the Bill will appreciate that there is an onus on the Committee to fully consider the Bill and, indeed, to conduct a fuller consultation on it than has previously been undertaken. <BR /> <BR />As the Member will be aware, there were only 41 responses to the consultation exercise that the original sponsor of the Bill undertook.”
“I thank the Member for his answer, however, it does not answer the question I submitted. Given that there is a review, has consideration being given to the fact that each Government Department opens its scheme 12 months a year, but employees of the Assembly are eligible to apply only once a year?”
“That was one of the things in the Chairman's remarks: we have looked for a fair balance and are looking for an opportunity to increase the Attorney General's accountability. Having that opportunity for him to attend at the request of a Committee should allow that, while he can make his report, the Committee will have the opportunity to hold him to account in respect of his views. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I would like to thank all the Members who have contributed to this debate, as well as the Chair and my Committee colleagues. I commend this report to the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have heard the Chair of the Committee on Standards and Privileges go into detail in relation to some of the work. We should take cognisance of that as the Committee goes forward to the next stage of this. We also heard from Committee member Alban Maginness, who said — and I have to agree — that the position of the Attorney General in Northern Ireland is unique but that he should still have the freedom to carry out his work. What we have agreed here today will not restrict him in those duties. <BR /> <BR />We then heard from another member of the Committee, Mr McCarthy, who emphasised the Alliance Party's position that we need a fair balance and to allow for accountability.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee has recommended that a discrete Standing Order is created to describe how the AGNI will participate in proceedings in respect of ensuring impartiality of the office and a registration of interests. It also recommends that Standing Orders provide for the AGNI to attend the Committee for Justice when his annual report is laid. This should be only at the Committee's request and will allow the AGNI to make a statement or answer questions on the content of his report. However, the Committee could find no benefit in codifying the AGNI's participation in respect of answering Assembly questions or referral of Bills after Final Stage. It therefore recommends that no changes to Standing Orders be made in this regard.”
“I welcome the opportunity to conclude today's debate on part 1 of the Committee's report on this matter. As we have already heard from the Chair, this has been a complex piece of work. It has taken some time to conclude, but this has been necessary in order to deal with the complexities of seeking to add value while ensuring that the integrity of the institutions and individuals involved is protected. <BR /> <BR />The final area of the Committee's consideration is yet to be finalised, but today's report stands alone and provides recommendations on four of the five discrete areas that the Committee agreed to consider in its inquiry. The Chair has outlined these, but I will summarise them.”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. Given the untimely pull out from Antrim a couple of years ago that left an excellent site vacant, does the Minister believe that his Department is doing enough to fill the void that has been left in post-16 education in Antrim?”
“The Committee for Regional Development considered the policy for the legislation at its meeting of 10 December 2014 and was content with the merits of the policy. The statutory rule came before members at the meeting of 18 February 2014, and members had no objections to it. The Committee for Regional Development, therefore, supports the motion.”
“I appreciate the Member giving way. It is a very important subject, and, hopefully, no one is dismissing that. You quoted statistics from 30 mph zones. Do you have the figures to show the speed of the drivers who caused those accidents and how much over 30 mph they were doing? Some of us are concerned that, regardless of the speed limit — I know that your colleague referred to my colleague when he talked about the minimum — the difficulty is that a lot of those accidents happened because people were driving above the limit, so reducing the limit does not necessarily mean that it will address the issue. However, if the Member has statistics, it would be good to have them on record.”
“I appreciate the Member giving way on that point. I draw him back to the advertising campaign. I think that most people gave the campaign a fair wind. You recognised that, statistically, there has been an increase in deaths. Many of us know people in our constituencies who have been affected by road deaths through their family or another connection. What alarms me most about the graphic nature of those adverts is the number of people who tell us publicly that they turn over to another channel when they come on. The impact that you are trying to achieve is lost because their graphic nature has the opposite effect — people turn away.”
“The highest number of deaths on our roads have been in rural areas, and, as someone who represents a rural constituency, I would not like to see a position where, although the highest number of deaths have occurred in rural areas, we are trying to address an issue that is urban-centric.”
“It is important to try to educate young people before they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. <BR /> <BR />I noticed an intervention or two from the Member's colleague on the Back Benches Mr Dallat. Let me remind Mr Dallat that, when he goes over the bridge heading from here to the M3, a 50 mph limit applies. On many nights, Mr Dallat goes past me, and you would not see him for dust. Maybe if this were to go into these zonal areas, Mr Dallat would need some sort of device on his car to get him to reduce his speed to 20 mph. I was not joking; that is true, but, on a more serious note, we cannot get away from the fact that far too many people are losing their life on the roads. <BR /> <BR />The only other thing that concerns me about this Bill is that we are focusing on urban areas.”