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 19 of 20.
“<BR /> <BR />As we debate the Budget Bill today, I will finish by saying that we know that hard times are coming, but the Committee will continue to play its part to ensure that the cuts and savings are made in line with priority services and that the front line is protected as much as possible.”
“For example, I outlined previously concerns that the Committee had around the Northern Ireland food animal information system (NIFAIS) programme. This is a large-scale IT project and its costs, both resource and capital, are substantial. We have had a closed-session briefing on that and had a very frank and open discussion with DARD officials. We also commissioned some research, which helped us to compare and contrast it with similar projects in other countries, including New Zealand and Canada. I cannot speak for the rest of the Committee members, but I feel a little more assured that, despite the high risk factors and the consequence to our industry if it all goes wrong, DARD is working hard to make NIFAIS a success.”
“<BR /> <BR />When the Committee took evidence from the Minister and her officials in January, she outlined that savings of £29·9 million are required in one financial year. She also outlined her five key priorities. Those priorities are the successful implementation of CAP reform; the implementation of the Going for Growth action plan; the headquarters relocation programme; continued support for the TRPSI programme; and continued investment in flood alleviation work. In this coming year, the Committee will keep a close eye on those five priorities and make sure that the budget is aligned to those priorities. <BR /> <BR />We will continue to watch and make sure that services are delivered as efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible.”
“AFBI has a key role to play in the industry, and its research is essential in growing our farming and agrifood industries. AFBI also has an important role on disease control for both plants and animals and is heavily involved with both bovine TB and bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD). However, like every publicly funded body, it is going to have to cut its cloth to match the new reality of decreasing budgets. The role of the ARD Committee will be to ensure that the AFBI budget and work programme is aligned to that of DARD and to the farming and industry priorities. DARD has already told us that it needs to shed around 300 jobs to meet its payroll costs, and AFBI is looking to shed slightly under that figure. Between the two, that is a massive cut in jobs.”
“As a Committee, we had no major issue with that, but we did have some minor concerns. We feel that the Department must acknowledge that the funding for the TRPSI framework has been largely resource-based and that, without doubt, engagement with the stakeholders will be required to ensure that suitable capital projects can be identified and that such projects can be delivered within the framework. <BR /> <BR />As with all aspects of government, the DARD budget may be challenging in the next few years. Tomorrow, we will be hearing from Agri-Food Strategy Board (AFBI), an arm's length body of DARD. From what I have seen, its budget will be very difficult. The Committee will take oral evidence from AFBI tomorrow. I have had a quick glance through the papers that it has provided, and they do not make happy reading.”
“<BR /> <BR />We also count as front line the provision of other services to the wider rural community. That covers such areas as the rural development programme, the rural White Paper and the tackling rural poverty and social inclusion (TRPSI) framework. <BR /> <BR />I just mentioned the TRPSI framework. As some of you will know, it is a Programme for Government target. As a Committee, we recently undertook some in-depth scrutiny of the framework and have just produced a paper on it, which we hope to have debated in the Assembly in the near future. We have a number of recommendations for any successor framework, including one that relates to budget. <BR /> <BR />The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has provided the framework with a budget for the 2015-16 year that is more heavily weighted to capital than previous.”
“The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, like other Committees, takes regular briefs on financial and budgetary issues from the Department as part of its role to scrutinise the Department. I have, on behalf of my Committee, expressed the Committee views on the Budget for 2015 to 2016 a number of times in the last few weeks. So, Members will not be surprised that there is very little in this speech that is new. <BR /> <BR />As always, the Committee position is that, as far as it is concerned, one of the main remits of DARD is to pay grants to farmers. By that I mean the payment of EU grants, particularly what used to be called the single farm payment, but which, since 2015, is the basic payment. In the Committee, we count that as the front line, and we want to make sure that that is protected.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee is pleased that the Minister has considered flood alleviation as one of her priorities. Everyone is all too aware of the devastation that flooding can cause; therefore, an allocation of £8·5 million of capital funding is to be welcomed.”
“The programme has been subject to a Committee review recently, and we heard about the effective impact that it has in rural and farming communities. However, as a Committee, we have expressed concern about why there has been provision for £1·7 million towards capital. Again, the Committee will be interested to hear what the proposals for the capital spend will be, especially when it has to be spent within the very tight timescale of one year. <BR /> <BR />Given the range of cuts outlined across Departments, the Committee is concerned that Departments will not be able to commit to their actions in the rural White Paper. The Committee seeks assurance from the Department that everything possible is being done to ensure that any rural-proofing decisions subject to budget constraints are made without any disadvantage to the rural community.”
“The Committee is keen to see the business case for that project sooner rather than later. There is also concern about whether, with many of the DARD functions moving to other locations — for example, fisheries to Downpatrick and forestry to Fermanagh — a move to Ballykelly, with the costs associated with that, is the most prudent thing to do. Given the recent announcement of the Executive decision to reduce the number of Departments, we query how the relocation plan will stack up, given the additional pressures that will now be placed on Departments and the current financial position. <BR /> <BR />We were glad to hear that the Minister has maintained the £4·7 million funding for the tackling rural poverty and social isolation (TRPSI) programme.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee heard that there will be an additional £1 million of funding available to support farmers in order to assist in the implementation of the farm business improvement scheme. The funding aims to support farmers in the decision-making process and to help them to develop a business plan. The Minister advised that her Department was keen to get the scheme up and running very soon. The Committee is due to receive a briefing on that very soon, and we look forward to hearing the finer details and the outworking of the scheme. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that the Minister had allocated a further £1 million of resource funding to the HQ relocation project, bringing the total resource and capital funding budgets to £5·4 million in 2015-16.”
“One of the concerns of the Committee is that, despite that investment in new IT systems, there may be a reduction in the number of staff available to process payments. Given that there are cuts proposed across the wider public sector and the impact that voluntary redundancies may have on staffing levels, the Committee seeks assurance that payments to farmers, which are a vital source of income for them in running their business, will not be affected by staffing issues. Indeed, the Committee will seek assurances that essential business across the Department as a whole will not be severely impacted. Given that staff who have a wealth of knowledge and years of experience are the people most likely to apply for redundancies, the Committee is keen to hear how that will be managed by the Department.”
“Farmers are being encouraged to submit claims online, the intention of which is to process and pay out more efficiently and promptly. The Minister advised the Committee that, in recognition of the difficulties surrounding the payment process, she has allocated £6·3 million to support that work, in addition to £0·3 million capital investment in IT systems.”
“<BR /> <BR />Bearing that in mind, the Committee was anxious to hear the budget proposals for the Department. Indeed, our most recent briefing was held on 27 January 2015, when the Minister and her officials briefed the Committee on the 2015-16 budget. The Minister outlined that savings of £29·9 million are required in one financial year, and taking that into consideration, she outlined her five key priorities. Those are the successful implementation of CAP reform; the implementation of the Going for Growth action plan; the HQ relocation programme; continued support for the tackling rural poverty and social isolation (TRPSI) programme; and continued investment in flood alleviation work. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that with CAP reform, there will be significant changes for farmers, some of which are causing anxiety and distress.”
“As Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, I will represent that Committee's views. <BR /> <BR />The Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, like other Committees, takes regular briefings on financial and budgetary issues from the Department as part of its role to scrutinise it. The Committee, in its response to the Department of Finance and Personnel to the budget proposals, stated that any cuts and savings in the budget should have a minimal impact on the farmer and the wider rural community. The Committee is adamant that a reduced impact on front-line services to farmers and rural dwellers is given high priority and that those should not be affected to any great level, as that would be detrimental.”
“Given that pig prices in Northern Ireland are running at about 20p per kilo less than the current UK price, does the Minister accept that that leaves our producers at a big disadvantage and that it is, therefore, unacceptable?”
“In the meantime, there remains a need to support our further and higher education sector, and, as contributors have already pointed out, the knock-on effects of maintaining a top-level complement of colleges and universities will ensure that we continue to grow our economy and attract quality inward investment. I support the motion.”
“Many of our institutions maintain very close links with local businesses and industries, enabling our colleges and universities to better respond in their provision of bespoke training and skills development to match the ever-developing world in which we live. <BR /> <BR />The current exercise on the reorganisation of Executive Departments will be an important piece of work for ensuring that cross-cutting roles and responsibilities are effectively brought under the jurisdiction and responsibility of one new Department. Having key DETI and DEL functions combined in a new Department will, I feel, assist in focusing attention on issues and areas of greatest need. Whilst there is a lot of work still to do on any such proposal, it should hopefully lead to significant and positive changes.”
“<BR /> <BR />To further illustrate the contribution of our universities and FE colleges, it is interesting and encouraging to note that the knowledge economy index ranks the region of Northern Ireland with the second highest knowledge growth in the UK. Take the amazing research being undertaken at Queen's, which has been consistently ranked world leading, with 76% of work either three or four star in its value. Those statistics are hard fought and represent a massive commitment by our students and staff, who continually strive to achieve ever higher standards. The key to the success of our further and higher education providers also lies in maintaining the very broad diversity of curriculum that is offered. That enables a wide variety of interests and skills to be developed.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have heard many very positive job announcements in recent times, led by our hardworking Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister. When a company spokesperson is asked, "Why Northern Ireland?", the response has been consistent, "Because our workforce has the skill sets required, the knowledge and the experience." Do not underestimate the power of that message in unlocking yet further opportunities in attracting further inward investment. That being said, there is obviously a great importance attached to maintaining such a solid reputation. Our economic recovery and the need to continue to grow our economy is firmly attached to the performance and resources available to our further and higher education sector, which can underpin our future economic stability.”
“I do not think that anyone will disagree with any of the sentiments contained in the Chairman's motion before the House today, especially given the sterling service that our further and higher education establishments have provided through the years. In my constituency, the Southern Regional College is a treasured local provider across a number of sites. I know that, from my time in Armagh council, we were very aware of the achievements, commitment and determination of the FE sector to continue to grow. <BR /> <BR />When one considers that three out of every four students who enter the FE sector gain a full qualification, it is clear that the structures and systems in place across our complement of providers are working and ensuring that our students are attaining and advancing. That is very positive for our economic growth.”
“The Committee is not convinced that the NIFAIS programme, in its current format, represents value for money, and it remains to be convinced that what is proposed by DARD is not a Rolls-Royce model. I was interested to note that the Committee's concerns are shared by others and that the cost of the NIFAIS programme was raised during the DARD consultation. We raised that issue with the Minister earlier and urged her to revisit the programme to ensure that it is fit for purpose and does not have unnecessary elements.”
“The Committee questioned the usefulness of capital funding in that programme. <BR /> <BR />Given the range of cuts expected across the wider public sector, the Committee encourages the Department to ensure that other Departments remain committed to the actions in the rural White Paper and that those other Departments, in making their budget decisions, take rural proofing into account. <BR /> <BR />The final major issue that I want to cover is the new IT system: the Northern Ireland food animal information system (NIFAIS). The Committee has had a full and frank discussion on NIFAIS with officials on a number of occasions and made its view very well known.”
“When the Committee questioned officials on that, it noted that the increase appeared to be attributable to two causes: increasing pay inflation and pension costs; and increasing staff levels. The Committee agreed that it was not content with that and would urge the Minister to ensure that, notwithstanding the reduction of 300 staff posts, a very close watching brief be kept on administration costs to ensure that they are reduced immediately. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that the Minister has confirmed that the tackling rural poverty and social isolation programme, as with the other PFG targets, would remain a priority. The Committee considered the budget cut that the programme will be faced with in 2015-16 and noted that there was provision for £1·7 million of capital funding.”
“In exploring that further, the Committee questioned the Minister on the proposals for staff reductions and received assurances that the reduction in staff numbers would not affect the payment timetable. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned staff numbers, and there has been much discussion about the Stormont House Agreement and the reduction in Civil Service posts. DARD has set itself a target of achieving 300 fewer jobs this year, and the Committee had some concerns about, first, its ability to achieve that level of reductions in one year and, secondly, its lack of planning for what would happen if it did not achieve that. DARD's original plan was to lose 300 staff and save £5·6 million. I raised that point with the Minister when we met earlier. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that administration costs had risen between 2011-12 and 2014-15.”
“Recently, the Committee was pleased to see information that indicated that the disallowance penalties imposed by the EU had been reduced, in part due to the better controls that have been put in place by DARD. That is another step in getting our controls up to an acceptable level, thus reducing the substantial disallowance penalties that were imposed by EU auditors. <BR /> <BR />The most important issue for the Committee is that front-line services to farmers and wider rural communities should not be affected. The Committee indicated that at least a continuation of the current level of service regarding payments to farmers was its first and main priority.”
“Another further change to the DARD budget is the additional £1 million of resource funding that was received for Going for Growth. My understanding is that most of the allocation will go to the farm business improvement scheme and that the focus will be on helping farmers to complete the business planning process. As the final farm business improvement scheme will involve the possibility of a grant of up to a quarter of a million pounds, the Committee will want to see proper preparation and strong planning by DARD and farmers. That is why I have proposed that we hear more about that aspect from DARD officials in the near future. <BR /> <BR />I also note that DARD has received £1 million in resources from the change fund to allow for integration of control information for EU area-based schemes.”
“The Committee will want to know whether those proposed transfers of functions will be taken account of in the DARD relocation programme.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that farmers are subject to a range of field inspections relating to a wide range of subject areas by both DARD and other government officials. The Committee was of the opinion that there is an opportunity to drive efficiencies in the area with other organisations and bodies with an inspecting role, such as NIEA, having their functions transferred to DARD.”
“From a written briefing that the Committee received from the Department on the Budget I note that the consultation responses supported the relocation of Forest Service, fisheries division and Rivers Agency but were divided on the relocation of DARD headquarters to Ballykelly. Those opposed to the move appear to have the opinion that the decentralisation of jobs should not be prioritised, given the constrained and difficult financial position. There is now another factor to consider in this, and that is the recent announcement in the media regarding the decision by the Executive to reduce the number of Departments and the possibility that some functions of DOE will move to DARD. As a Committee, we raised this very issue in our response to the draft Budget and discussed it with the Minister earlier today.”
“I speak as Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development and will represent the views of that Committee. I start by saying that the ARD Committee has just left a meeting with the Minister at 2.00 pm today to discuss the DARD consultation on the final budget allocations for DARD. I shall therefore outline a few issues that the Committee explored with the Minister today. <BR /> <BR />First, I want to raise the issue of the DARD relocation project. It is proposed that, in the final 2015-16 Budget, DARD will receive an additional £1 million of resource for its HQ relocation.”
“<BR /> <BR />Stroke services are so important. It is absolutely critical that people in the Newry area are not unduly inconvenienced or their health jeopardised as a result of further reorganisation.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister is facing unprecedented financial pressures on his available spend for health. That has been made very clear in recent weeks. The pressures on the health service budget are significant. I feel that it is important for the Minister to refer to the wider financial picture in his remarks to the House. <BR /> <BR />The Transforming Your Care strategy is also at the heart of the matter. I have taken many representations on the plan and its implementation, especially as it has already impacted on my constituency through the reorganisation of various services. <BR /> <BR />Care for the elderly is a sector in our health service that is growing in significance as our population lives longer. With that, we expect pressures to continue to build on the types of services that older people rely on.”
“That is illustrated by the investment made in the 24-hour emergency department and a consultant obstetric unit, and includes other significant upgrades in the building. Plans have also been proposed for the centralisation of paediatric services at the hospital. So, it is clear to me that the Department sees Daisy Hill as continuing to play a key role in providing care across a number of specialisms. <BR /> <BR />The Minister represents South Down, so he will be very well aware of the concerns expressed by all Members this evening, and I, too, will be interested in his views on the subjects raised and to hear his vision for Daisy Hill in the future. I know that he will take on board my concerns on the issue of the relocation of stroke services and the views of people in the Newry area in response to the phased change.”
“<BR /> <BR />For someone living in Newry or the surrounding district who has suffered a stroke, Craigavon is a considerable distance away, especially in the already difficult situation for elderly people who are leaving their home and are unsure of how things will unfold. There are also issues for the family in travelling, visiting and supporting the stroke victim. The changes proposed for Daisy Hill's stroke services are significant. While they are not immediate, the changes represent a significant shift in provision, and, in reality, it is the physical removal of a very important resource. <BR /> <BR />I recognise and welcome the fact that, in the Health and Social Care estate, Daisy Hill Hospital continues to feature strongly as a key provider of care in the region.”
“As a representative for Newry and Armagh, I have to say that Daisy Hill Hospital is a very important and vital resource for thousands of residents across Newry and the surrounding districts. Daisy Hill Hospital is a cherished facility that has provided a superb service for decades. Therefore, it is easy to understand why the public would be concerned at any potential loss of service. <BR /> <BR />There have been many concerns raised of late regarding the future of services at Daisy Hill, and the latest plans to see stroke services at Daisy Hill relocated to a specialist unit at Craigavon have created anxiety.”
“Does the Minister accept that, while many households are suffering, a large number of farms with livestock have no water? Given that there is a work-to-rule and that the Northern Ireland Water staff do not work overtime, it seems very strange that Northern Ireland Water cannot resolve the issue during the day when staff are working. I presume that staff work from 8.00 am or 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Can you give an answer to the question of why Northern Ireland Water staff have not resolved this?”
“I refer the Minister to the reference made to discards at paragraph 17 and the clean fishing of haddock at paragraph 18. As we know, the use of selective gears will be very important, especially as the common fisheries reforms come into play in 2016. What work is being done with the industry on that issue?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. The report states that work experience will be provided from P7. Will the Minister explain how he sees that recommendation working in practice, given the age issues and potential concerns of employers and others in the workplace?”
“I thank the junior Minister for his reply. Will he confirm what budget has been secured for victims for next year?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Minister for her statement. I refer her to paragraphs 8 and 9, regarding the management agreement. As the Minister knows, this has been a recurring theme over many years, and it seems we are no nearer to getting it resolved. Reference was made to a recent exchange of views between the two Departments on this. Will the Minister indicate whether the views were favourably inclined to a management agreement?”
“— the plan held very little information on how the budget cuts and savings could be implemented by the arm's-length bodies.”
“The ultimate cost saving to overall departmental resources could, in such a scenario, be minimal. The Committee was disappointed that that angle had not been properly explored. The Committee noted, with disappointment, that —”
“On the potential to generate a further £4 million from the EU veterinary fund, the Committee asked why, if it was available, it had not been applied for in previous years. <BR /> <BR />Regarding the potential for AFBI to raise an additional £2 million, the Committee heard, as a result of a recent PAC investigation, that there may be an increase in the rates charged by AFBI. However, it is the Committee's understanding that DARD is one of the biggest customers of such services, and any increase in prices may ultimately create an increased bill for DARD.”
“When questioning officials on that, the Committee noted that the increase appeared to be attributed to two causes: increasing pay inflation and pension costs and increasing staff levels. The Committee agreed that it was not content with that and would urge the Minister to ensure that, notwithstanding the reduction of 300 staff posts, a close watching brief be kept on administration costs to ensure that they are reduced immediately. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that it is DARD's intention to raise additional revenues through its veterinary service seeking a further £4 million from EU veterinary fund receipts and from AFBI generating £2 million from external sources, including Horizon 2020.”
“The Committee is of the opinion that further work could be done to drive efficiencies in that area. We would like to see inspecting officials coordinating their efforts, in order to create, where possible, a scenario where a farmer has one visit in which all his inspections are done. The Committee is also of the opinion that other agencies with an inspecting role, such as NIEA, could have their functions transferred to DARD to enable and facilitate a coordinating inspecting role. That would ultimately generate efficiency savings. The Committee strongly recommends that the Department engage with DOE on the issue of a single inspection mechanism with NIEA. <BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that administration costs had risen between 2011-12 and 2014-15.”
“<BR /> <BR />The next major issue that I want to cover is the Northern Ireland food animal information system (NIFAIS), which is the replacement IT system for the animal and public health information system (APHIS). The Committee had a full and frank discussion on NIFAIS with officials and asked for further information. The Committee is not convinced that NIFAIS in its current format represents value for money and urges the Minister to revisit the programme to ensure that it is fit for purpose and has not got unnecessary elements built in. The Committee remains to be convinced that what is proposed by DARD is not a Rolls-Royce model. <BR /> <BR />Farm inspections are an important aspect of the work of DARD and other agencies to ensure compliance with EU legislation.”
“That will make it difficult for DARD, AFBI and CAFRE to realise their reductions without substantial additional costs to the Department's own budget lines. The Committee emphasises that the priority is to ensure that front-line services to farmers, particularly the basic payments, are not affected by the staff post reductions. Although the Committee acknowledged that DARD has recognised the risks associated with the staff reductions, it felt that DARD had not thought through clearly what it may have to do if the full scope of the workforce restructuring plan is not realised. It is not an immediate requirement, but the Committee would encourage DARD to create and put into the public domain the contingencies that it would consider if the full £5·6 million of savings could not be realised in 2015-16.”
“DARD officials also indicated that they expected additional staff post reductions to arise from AFBI and CAFRE but were unable to quantify what those reductions might be. The challenge with staff reductions will be to ensure that essential business continues as normal. The Committee heard that DARD intended to put more of its services and interactions with customers online so as to release staff posts. <BR /> <BR />The Committee expressed concern that there was insufficient funding in the £100 million pot from DFP for workforce restructuring to cover all the NICS and the arm's-length bodies. It is the opinion of the Committee that the workforce restructure fund is likely to be oversubscribed.”
“That leads me to my second point regarding staff reductions. The Committee noted that the DARD proposal to reduce staff posts in the core Department by 300 would provide a saving of £5·6 million. The Committee agreed that that should be done on the basis of a voluntary exit scheme. The Committee noted that the DARD core Department has 2,650 staff and that the reduction would therefore represent just under 10% of all posts. DARD officials indicated to the Committee that the £100 million for workforce reduction, as outlined in the DFP ministerial statement on the Budget, was to cover the entire NICS and its arm's-length bodies. <BR /> <BR />The full details of the scheme are unknown, with details not likely to be available in the short term.”