William Irwin
Newry and Armagh · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. We have worked closely together, and I hold you in high esteem. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for agreeing to look into the matter. I was at the funeral on Sunday, and the family are devastated by their loss. The lady was going to get her hair done and was killed on that main road.”
“I thank my party colleagues and Members from all sides of the House who have wished me well on the occasion of my retirement. It has been an absolute privilege to represent Newry and Armagh since 2007. I think that most people will recognise that I represented everyone irrespective of their class or creed.”
“The Minister may be aware that the Bramley apple industry in County Armagh is worth in the region of £20 million to the local economy. For growers, cold stores are vital to the protection and keeping of the apples. Most of those cold stores are now 30, 40 or 50 years old. Growers need help to replace and renew those stores.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her response and for her efforts on the matter. The deputy First Minister will be aware that a large number of vaccines are used by the intensive farming sectors. Does she agree that it would be a serious issue if those medicines were not available?”
“I thank the Minister for his responses so far. We are aware of the reports that thousands of tons of raw sewage has been pumped into Belfast lough. Does the Minister agree that that is totally unacceptable and that something needs to be done as soon as possible?”
“That having been said, securing PGI status for the Armagh Bramley in 2012 was hard worked for and very welcome. That has been a valued and unique selling point, not only for the Bramley variety in the Armagh area but for apples generally in all their varieties, as well as apple-based products.”
The complete record
Every one of 984 lines we hold for William Irwin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 11 of 20.
“<BR /> <BR />The 'New Decade, New Approach' document, of course, takes a wide and encompassing approach to the running of Northern Ireland. Part 2, paragraph 23 of the deal says:”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I do not believe so. I think these issues need to be thought out properly and looked at in great detail before decisions are rushed in to. <BR /> <BR />As I said, I speak as someone who has endeavoured to care for the environment for decades, and I want to see people with a new-found respect for the environment around them. One aspect of any climate response must be a renewed sense of understanding of how our daily actions impact on the environment. As a Province, we can control only what is within our gift to control. It is, therefore, clear that we can, in the very near future, make decisions in a balanced and measured way that continue to protect our green and pleasant land and, in fact, create new opportunities.”
“I do not support knee-jerk reactions, which will do more harm than good to the well-being of the economy of Northern Ireland in the here and now. <BR /> <BR />I fully support the need for the Executive and the Executive parties to agree a financial Programme for Government that can work effectively on measures that, as the amendment says, use an evidence-based approach that will continue to see our environment protected not only in the here and now but for future generations. As I said, I speak as someone who has endeavoured to care for the environment for decades, and I want to see —.”
“Impacting global emissions positively will, of course, take more positive action across the globe, but it will also take a very real effort by consumers to use resources much more wisely and make choices much more sustainably. The amendment I speak on takes a more measured, reasoned approach to dealing with what is truly a global problem, and it is important that the Assembly and Executive take actions that are very well assessed and thought out and balanced by protecting both our environment and the livelihoods of people in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for Departments to simply rush ahead and implement actions "urgently". This is not how it should be done. Actions should be well thought out and need to be sustainable. Proposals and policies need to be tailored to the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.”
“Why is it acceptable for people to hurl their packaging into the verge and for our councils to spend heavily on removing this unsightly mess, costing ratepayers more and more each year? This is only one area, but it shows that responsibility is key to this debate.”
“Farmers are sick of litter being blown across their fields and causing risk to grazing animals. Hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles litter our roadsides, along with coffee cups and takeaway packaging.”
“In 2020, we have a limited number of contracted services that use high-tech machinery and much more capable equipment that covers greater areas much more efficiently. Food products must meet the most rigid production standards, meaning that farmers cannot cut corners. Farmers are encouraged to make their farm as clean and traceable as possible. That, as I said, is bound by strict protocol. That type of responsibility and custodianship, if anything, needs to be replicated across other production sectors and, indeed, instilled in our general population. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned wider society needing to care for the environment. Take a look at our roadside verges. They are a disgrace, strewn with litter and Coke bottles. Our hedgerows are the same. Everything looks unsightly. That is certainly damaging our environment.”
“The UK, by contrast, currently contributes only 1%, owing to very proactive steps taken to reduce carbon emissions, and that is to be welcomed. However, it is somewhat negatively offset by the UK's high-import carbon footprint for goods that are bought in, for instance, from China. <BR /> <BR />Farmers have been leading the way on protecting the countryside. Financial margins for farmers are so tight and competitive that their farming operations must be managed on the strictest and most efficient terms. A few decades ago, thousands of farmers, each with their own sewing, fertilising and harvesting operations, used smaller vehicles and equipment and took many trips to complete a task.”
“Everyone understands that, across the world, there is a growing frequency of climate events that are causing great distress and concern and are upsetting the lives of people in a very serious way. We should all be concerned about that. I want to see the environment be protected in the strongest possible terms. However, I want to see everyone playing a part in that response in a measured and non-alarmist fashion. Consumerism is driving global industrialisation, so it is consumers and their habits that will, to a significant degree, dictate the pace of change. <BR /> <BR />Recent statistics on global emissions point a finger very firmly towards China and other nations with a high reliance on coal and fossil fuels.”
“I say that because I have seen, over many years, all types of different weather patterns, which have given benefit and concern in equal measure. The farmer will agree with me wholeheartedly on that. However, I do not dispute that industrialisation has given cause to an increase in disruptive weather patterns in the global context. In Northern Ireland, as we know, farming the land and relying heavily on weather systems instils in the farmer an acute understanding of the environment. Farmers know a great deal about the capabilities of the environment and, indeed, its resilience. <BR /> <BR />The motion leads with the statement that we are "facing climate breakdown".”
“I speak as a farmer and as someone who is fully committed, first, by my personal desire and motivation and, secondly, of course, by very strict environmental guidelines to be a custodian of the countryside. That is a role that I take very seriously. I am joined in that role by many thousands of other farmers across Northern Ireland who also farm the land and take great care of the environment. That work is of the utmost importance. It cannot be overstated from an environmental perspective. The work, which, as I said, is very tightly controlled and monitored, serves the very important purpose of protecting our ecosystems while also providing vital food to sustain our population in Northern Ireland and, through exports, populations across the UK and further afield. <BR /> <BR />I am not a climate alarmist, and I do not promote alarmism.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I am sure that she will agree with me that it is important that our young people get the best possible education and training as they face a competitive world in a modern economy.”
“I look forward, in the coming weeks and months, to continuing to liaise and work with the Committee, the Minister and wider industry representatives on the agriculture Bill. I certainly will be doing what I can as an elected Member to put the interests of the farmer first and foremost. I support the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />Thanks must go to the Department staff, who deserve praise, as we are the only region in the UK to make 70% of direct payments in October and the remainder in mid-December. This year, 93·3% of payments were made by the end of December, which is an admirable achievement. Farmers have also adjusted well to the online system, and Department staff have made impressive progress in processing times to be the best-performing region of the UK. That is no small achievement, and I reiterate my thanks on that point.”
“The fact that we are seeking continuity of direct payments will be of comfort to thousands of farmers across the Province, and they will welcome the fact that the legislation will pave the way for payments to be made without delay or difficulty. <BR /> <BR />Another important factor is the assurance that the exchange rates from last year will be used for this year's payments. That is a welcome assurance and one that will be well received in the farming community. It is important that, as we continue the Brexit journey, we have some degree of certainty and an ability to absorb pressures and respond effectively. The legislation allows for that breathing space.”
“Indeed, pointing to the potential for positive change going forward, I very much welcome the early indication from Minister Poots that he is minded to review the slurry-spreading arrangements in order to put in place a more responsive and, indeed, environmentally protective arrangement that, I know, will be very welcome in the farming community. That is only one example of where a local Minister can make local decisions that will benefit everyone. <BR /> <BR />On the issue at hand of the continuance of direct payments, I welcome the motion. Of course, as we noted in Committee, there is an acute urgency on the matter, and I welcome the fact that there was consensus around the Committee table on the need to get the matter to the Floor and see the business done.”
“I congratulate the Minister and wish him well in his new office. At the outset, I declare an interest as a partner in a farm business that is in receipt of a direct payment. <BR /> <BR />First, I welcome the fact that we now have a re-established and working Assembly in order to address the many concerns circulating across the Province about a great number of issues. Not least among the farming and rural community, of course, is Brexit, the various arrangements that need to be put in place and the challenges that need to be met, as we move towards what, I firmly believe, will be a brighter future as we free ourselves from the many burdens that the EU has attached to the back of the hard-working farmer in Northern Ireland.”
“Fibre to premises remains the most reliable and cost-effective method for consumers, and the reluctance of BT to improve services for consumers cannot be allowed to hold up progress. <BR /> <BR />It is, of course, most unhelpful that the devolved institutions face a period of uncertainty, and the blame for that lies solely at the feet of Sinn Féin. However, it should not stop the Minister continuing to assess the issue of broadband and working to improve provision in Newry and Armagh.”
“The outworking is an arrangement whereby scores of individual rural homes and businesses have a fibre connection to their premises. This is installed underground and has delivered maximum broadband speed. I encourage Members to look at the project online to see how beneficial it has been to communities there. Locally, the Broadband for Northern Ireland (B4RNI) project wishes to pursue that model, and I am certainly keen that the Minister engage with the group to fully assess the opportunities from such a community-led programme and what it could achieve. I know that my local council is also taking a keen interest in the project and is working to assess how to make broadband improvements in focused areas in the borough.”
“While that is welcome, the pace of technology and ever-growing reliance on the Internet mean that speed trumps everything. Without a superfast service, most of today's online applications and tools do not perform well enough to be used effortlessly. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of the commercial sensitivity with regard to BT and the issues that that presents, making it difficult for a devolved Government to demand change. Other options, however, are emerging, and technology is evolving rapidly. Recently, I found it useful to meet a local group that wants to replicate for their premises a model of fibre supply that has transformed Internet speeds in rural north-west England. Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN) is an independent, community-led social business.”
“<BR /> <BR />In a large number of these situations, residents live within a stone's throw of a green fibre cabinet, but, because of the route of the overhead copper line, the signal that they receive has lost so much strength over the distance that they have very weak broadband speed. That is very frustrating for those in that position, which is representative of a significant number of constituents. <BR /> <BR />As our Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton, has stated on many occasions, the Department has pumped £64 million into encouraging private sector upgrades to broadband provision. Whilst that has increased provision, there remains a need to increase the speed and usability of the connection. Some 7,000 homes in Newry and Armagh have seen improvements.”
“The bottom line remains that, in most rural areas, fibre to a cabinet with copper from the cabinet to the home is completely inadequate over any reasonable distance and delivers a very slow speed, to the point at which Internet access is almost non-existent. This ineffective service means that, for families, businesses and anyone who relies heavily on the Internet, any online activity is extremely difficult and protracted. I have had many people contact me to state that, on countless occasions, when online for banking, shopping or business ordering, a programme crashes or takes so long to load that the process is unworkable. That situation needs to change.”
“Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I wish you well in your retirement. <BR /> <BR />The issue of poor fibre broadband speed in the Newry and Armagh constituency has been and continues to be a source of great concern for many dwellers. I am sure that other Newry and Armagh representatives in the Chamber this evening will agree that, collectively, we have made hundreds of direct enquiries to many bodies in order to try to improve the situation for those with substandard access to broadband. Only a cursory glance at Members' questions to the Economy Minister is needed to see that it has been a very topical subject in recent times. In my case, such approaches have been the result of concerns raised by consumers in the constituency who remain dissatisfied with the roll-out of an adequate speed of fibre broadband in this largely rural region.”
“Why was part 3, which is on the principles, reviewed?”
“The victims deserve better, and Sinn Féin must face up to the knock-on effects of its decision to bring down the Assembly, a result of which has been to cause further upset to historical institutional abuse victims.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. It is almost unbelievable that that happened, as one Member said earlier, not that many years ago. It is unacceptable enough that children suffered at all, let alone that their suffering was disbelieved and their concerns minimised and dismissed. That is a shameful state of affairs. <BR /> <BR />I fully support the publication of the report. It is absolutely important that its recommendations are carried forward. The fact that we now have a period of uncertainty with regard to the future of the Assembly is ridiculous. That fault lies squarely with Sinn Féin, which, for its own agenda, has triggered an election only months after the previous poll. It is deplorable that this long-awaited report has been delivered and now the House cannot move to respond proactively to the recommendations.”
“Another tragedy in the ongoing trauma for the victims is the fact that, as children, they were not listened to. This is a very concerning fact, especially given what the inquiry has found. It is all the more terrible that young vulnerable children, when they needed assistance most, were pushed away, rejected and disbelieved. It is unacceptable enough that children suffered at all, let alone that they suffered —”
“The absolute focus must always remain on the victims and the impact of the abuse on the many victims throughout the years. The effect of the abuse was not isolated to the time that victims spent in the place where the abuse occurred. Leaving the institution did not mean the end of their suffering. The horrendous acts perpetrated against the vulnerable and the innocent have stayed with the victims to this day, and the memory of the abuse they lived through is a daily source of pain for them. An important aspect of this inquiry has been to give those victims, who were so deeply and terribly affected by the abuse, a voice and to say to them that Northern Ireland recognises their pain and wants to help to lessen that pain. The inquiry has been a very important process for the victims in this regard.”
“I fully welcome the publication of the report. I thank everyone involved, not least Sir Anthony Hart, in the setting up and running of the process of the inquiry and acknowledgement forum through to the publication of the final report. A huge tribute must also be paid to the many people who came forward to give their account of abuse. No one can be unmoved by the plight experienced by the victims of institutional abuse in Northern Ireland and how it has profoundly affected their lives. <BR /> <BR />It has clearly been a very detailed and thorough inquiry. It was fully supported by Government in order that those tasked with its operation had all the necessary resources to enable the process to be wholly adequate and robust.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Will the Minister give us any idea of the longevity of the project in future years?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. What will an e-safety strategy mean for schools?”
“I thank the Minister for his replies thus far. Given the issue and the problems with the speed of broadband in remote rural areas, does the Minister have any plans to bid for more funding in next year's Budget?”
“<BR /> <BR />I say to the House that the House's combined community effort on the social investment fund must be supported. Any issues regarding particular individuals must, of course, be handled in an appropriate fashion with due regard to the law and process. That has already been made crystal clear by our First Minister. The social investment fund remains a valuable programme of support for communities, and, with important work ongoing, deadlines being set and contractors being appointed across many projects, there must not be any delay in this programme.”
“The fact that the Alliance Party has called into question the very formation of this programme is such a shame, given the countless hours that have been exhausted by hard-working members of the public and steering groups right across the Province, targeting need and working tirelessly to ensure that projects of real and lasting value are processed. Mr Ford has said that there was never a need for this funding. What a ridiculous statement, and what an affront to the volunteers and groups across the Province. Indeed, Alliance and the Ulster Unionist Party have called it a slush fund, yet I am very sure that we will have members of each party attend the various opening events when projects are completed. What hypocrisy. I will be interested to see in my constituency which members of other parties attend these opening events.”
“That is without doubt what groups were relaying to me on the ground.”
“<BR /> <BR />When I was liaising with members of the public and speaking with groups about various matters relating to SIF, I certainly never got the sense that the process was in any way easy; rather, there was definitely a real sense that the funding process was rigorous and that it was designed to ensure that projects were meticulously planned and that all the necessary procedures and protocols were in place to ensure that projects would be managed to completion and operated to a high standard.”
“It appears that the Opposition have latched on to one single matter relating to an individual in an organisation and are now moving to focus their indignation on the entire social investment fund programme. That is very unfortunate, and it is very unhelpful to the hundreds of people involved in managing SIF projects and targeting need in their communities.”
“The significant efforts of the hub members have ensured that the town not only has a state-of-the-art 3G playing surface with floodlights but will soon have a brand new sizeable community hall and changing rooms to service this fantastic full-size sports pitch, all within walking distance of the town. I refer to that project specifically because I am passionate about what SIF will ultimately deliver when the project is complete. Without SIF, this programme in Markethill would not have had the opportunity of this important investment. <BR /> <BR />I rather feel that the nature of the motion seeks to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
“I believe that the social investment fund is a very important funding stream for communities right across Northern Ireland, and that includes my constituency of Newry and Armagh. Many Members will be aware of the fantastic plans being processed for a new community hall and changing rooms at Kilcluney, which is on Mowhan Road in Markethill. In my view, as the town has not, historically, had the same investment in sports and facilities as other towns in the greater Armagh district, the forward thinking, perseverance and persistence of members of the Kilcluney hub committee have to be commended.”
“What is the promotional aspect involved in encouraging schools to make educational visits to the Assembly?”
“I thank the Member for his intervention, and he certainly makes a valid point. <BR /> <BR />Clearly, a review is the most appropriate method of determining the number, function, benefit and, crucially, the cost of operating each body. It is only through a review of all arm's-length bodies that we can be fully informed and then actively work towards making efficiencies. In an era of efficiencies and prudent expenditure, it is incumbent on the Assembly to initiate the process with arm's-length bodies. I certainly encourage Members to support the motion in order that the Executive can work towards the commencement of a review process. I support the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />There are, of course, arm's-length bodies that play a very important role, and no one is saying that every single body should be done away with. However, it is the right time to start looking at the role and functions of all arm's-length bodies to see where and how efficiencies can be made. In areas where the duplication of remits and services takes place, steps can surely be taken to ensure that that is not the case, and if that means that a particular body is no longer needed or can be subsumed into another existing body with no loss of service, surely a realistic assessment must be made of its future. <BR /> <BR />There are innumerous arm's-length bodies. I am aware that the Communities Department, for example, has 21, not including the Housing Executive, and that is only one Department.”
“The public rightly stated that Northern Ireland, for its size and population, was over-governed compared with other parts of the UK. We in the DUP listened intently to those concerns and took action. We have already overseen the reduction in Departments from 12 to nine and a reduction in local councils from 26 to 11. There are further targets to hit, namely a reduction in the number of MLAs by one in each constituency by 2021. That was all in a bid to rationalise our Government to better reflect our population size. It is therefore only right that we take that a stage further and look at the many arm's-length bodies that exist across our remaining departmental remits and seek, where possible, to reduce the number of such bodies.”
“This is a timely motion, given that we are well into the first year of the new Assembly term. Already, the restructured Departments appear to be responding well to the mergers that took place. Having been the Chairperson of the ARD Committee and having worked through the merger of the Environment and ARD Departments, I know that there was a clear argument for the combination of those Departments, given the many cross-cutting functions of each division of government. I recall that, in earlier discussions on the issue, the DUP was out in front in actively calling for and subsequently working towards a reduction in Departments. For much of that time, our party was a lone voice in pursuing this important matter.”
“How is the Department working with councils to increase the amount of domestic waste, including food waste, being recycled?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. The UK referendum result has an implication for farmers in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Does she agree that, in the event of a hard Brexit, farmers in the Irish Republic could be badly affected?”
“When I was speaking to the Ulster Farmers' Union the other day, it told me that pensions have been boosted big time because of Brexit. Theresa May has guaranteed support for farmers going forward, and I am content, as a farmer, that the type of support system made available post-Brexit will encourage growth and, crucially, be less bureaucratic. Indeed, these mainstays of any future system have already been committed to by DEFRA, and I know that our Executive, including Minister McIlveen, will ensure that these principles of growth, promotion and assistance are adhered to.”
“<BR /> <BR />Brexit has presented a very real and important opportunity to bring about a system that benefits our agri-food industry in Northern Ireland and a system of support based on the realities of food production here. We have a quality of produce that is second to none. Our standards of production are excellent and far exceed the standards in many other countries. Our farm-gate to plate traceability mechanisms are also of an extremely high standard. These are huge positives for our industry in competing in a post-Brexit landscape. <BR /> <BR />Since Brexit, most farm-gate prices have increased substantially. Pig prices, cattle prices, sheep prices and milk prices have all increased over the last number of months.”
“Mr Hogan, in a recent interview, offered only two possible solutions to plug this gap: the generation of new sources of income, which will necessitate new agreements by member states and cost member states more; or a cut in EU expenditure. Surprise, surprise, he suspects that the latter will be the choice. <BR /> <BR />So there you have it. For years, the UK has been forced to pay vast amounts into the EU while getting a vastly reduced return, and this latest announcement from Mr Hogan is certainly no advertisement for continued membership. The result of our exit from the EU will be that member states end up paying more into the EU to get even less in return or, alternatively, they can decide not to pay any more but still get less in return in order to plug the black hole. It does not sound like a great system, does it?”
“The argument presented by the Opposition hangs its hat on the issues of the EU budget and what benefit the agri-sector gains from EU membership. It is therefore worth noting that Commissioner Hogan has given a basic maths lesson on the economics of EU membership. At the time of campaigning, the "Remain" camp made a big deal of the impact that leaving would have on support for farmers. It was not difficult to work out that giving €20 billion to the EU and receiving less than €10 billion in return has not been a good deal for the UK. The fact that Mr Hogan now warns of a €3 billion black hole in the European budget is further proof of the ridiculousness of this system.”