Cathal Boylan
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I also welcome Julie, wish her well in her role as a Foyle MLA, and extend my best wishes to Gary. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to highlight Autism Awareness Month. This year, Autism NI is using this month to celebrate the spectrum and colour and to highlight unique differences.”
“I agree with the reviewer, and what needs to be recognised across all Departments is that the changes needed to better support people with autism do not always cost a huge amount of money. However, the changes require a willingness to adapt.”
“However, it has been disappointing that, in my opinion, the Department of Health was not prepared for the establishment of the reviewer's office, even though it should have been aware of what was in the legislation. Had the Department been in a better state of readiness, the reviewer could have got down to work before now.”
“The delivery plan must see measurable targets that can be monitored and delivered to ensure that people with autism see impact on the services that they access. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to reading the reviewer's first annual report in the near future.”
“I thank the Minister for the statement. As the Minister is aware, one of the reasons why such schemes are so important is that nuisance parking can prevent emergency services or health and social care workers from accessing patients' properties.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. <BR /> <BR />Minister, recent figures show that, in the last quarter of 2025, new house starts were at their highest level since 2018 and that the construction sector has hit a 15-year high, outperforming Britain.”
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“We have seen people out using their bikes during the crisis for essential travel as well as for exercise.”
“Ba mhaith liom labhairt ar son an rúin seo. I wish to speak in favour of the motion. I welcome the opportunity to do so, obviously, because of the situation that we are in. This is a good opportunity for us to conduct some of our business. As MLAs we have a scrutiny role and I want to, with your indulgence, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, use this opportunity to discuss some of those things. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the motion. The Minister knows that we have discussed it in the Committee on a number of occasions. I see this as part of the broader activity in relation to bringing forward legislation and everything else. I welcome the deregulation, which will assist in facilitating a shift towards a more sustainable transport culture in the North.”
“However, if there are any lessons to be learnt with regard to COVID-19 and 10 years of austerity, it is that real investment in our public services is what is needed so that we can all move forward. Sin a bhfuil le rá agam.”
“Then you also have to consider the costs of Brexit upon the North. Although it is difficult to assess the total costs, it is safe to say that the loss of access to co-financing provided through competitive programmes such as the Connecting Europe Facility will have a detrimental impact on our infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, I commend the work of the Minister of Finance who, within the context of this heavily constrained environment, addressed those challenges. That is demonstrated in the biggest increase to the DFI's resource budget since the Department was created, with a significant jump in capital allocation and £95 million being held centrally for transport issues during COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, there are fears among most that a new round of austerity may hit us after the crisis.”
“If, as a result of austerity, it had not had to eat into its reserves over the past few years, it would likely be in a stronger position to deal with the crisis. Instead, Translink was already calling for much needed additional funding way before the virus arrived in this island. Now its situation has escalated as the entire Department is facing significant pressures as a result of the crisis and that is mostly in public transport, NI Water and DVA. The consequences of austerity's disregard for public services is demonstrated in full during the time of public emergency, and is a testament to its failure as a policy. <BR /> <BR />That is also compounded by the fact that the British Government have reneged on their commitments in New Decade, New Approach, one of which was turbocharging infrastructure.”
“COVID-19 has reminded people of the importance of core public services and the people who deliver them. However, the same public services have been stripped of funding for years and years under austerity. That is evident in the fact that, even with an 8·6% rise in the resource budget, it still leaves significant departmental budgetary pressures. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that the Department for Infrastructure has been dealing with constraints for years as a result of the Tories' reckless financial policies. Under normal circumstances, austerity was highly damaging to our public services. Now, however, it is that same sooking away of public expenditure that is harming the Department's ability to respond to COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />Translink, for example, is experiencing a reduction of 90% to 95% of passengers.”
“Looking ahead, the recent announcement of £700 million of funding will also help to develop key infrastructure developments throughout the North, and that is to be welcomed. The circumstances for the Budget are not normal and the reality is that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be held in the confines of the conventional departmental budgets. We need to look at our response to the pandemic in a holistic fashion. That is why, instead of allocating funding on a departmental basis, the Executive have agreed the funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic on a needs basis. <BR /> <BR />We also need to look at the Budget in context in order to completely understand our situation. To do that, we have to recognise the crippling effects that 10 years of Tory austerity has had on our public services.”
“Additionally, £95 million has been centrally held for transport issues.”
“His recognition is demonstrated by the 8·6% rise in the resource budget and an increase of £89 million in the capital allocation from the previous year's opening budget. In fact, this is by far the highest resource budget increase that the Department has received in a single year since its inception as DFI. Compared with the 2016 Budget, last year's resource allocation rose by only around 3%. In the light of that, the Finance Minister's allocation can be viewed as a welcome change from past Budgets and demonstrates that he is fully aware of pressures felt by the Department. <BR /> <BR />I also commend the Finance Minister on his recognition of the importance of transport and connectivity during the coronavirus pandemic, as he, along with Executive colleagues, has secured support for airports.”
“I echo some of the comments about John Dallat and extend my sympathies and condolences to his family and to his colleagues here. I had the privilege of working with John on a number of Committees over the last 13 years. <BR /> <BR />I will speak as the infrastructure spokesperson for the party. The Department for Infrastructure has many responsibilities, including the maintenance of our roads, public transport, water and sewerage services, and planning. Those are important services that people use on a daily basis, and I believe that that is recognised by the Finance Minister, who held this portfolio in a previous mandate. He is well versed in the responsibilities that lie in DFI.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I welcome the announcement on walking and cycle lanes, an issue that I have mentioned a number of times. Minister, can you elaborate on how we will realise the expansion of those cycling and walking lanes and on the issue of resources? Will that include physical structures like bollards? I see that Dublin City Council is engaging more with the public as part of this whole process, and I welcome the announcement that there will be a champion for all of this. Is there any intention to expand that consultation process?”
“The LMC has also highlighted a concern that the sector could be completely undermined as part of UK trade deals due to the implementation of a cheap food policy at any cost. As we move forward, we need to confront the challenges that Brexit poses to our rural communities, agriculture and farming. Agriculture and farming are policy areas that will be significantly impacted by Brexit. As we know, there are many economic benefits for local communities from the subsidies that local farmers receive. What would be the consequences if those farmers did not receive those subsidies or if those farmers went out of business? <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I am interested to hear what the Minister is going to do for the good people of Newry and Armagh following the 2020 direct payments. I support the motion.”
“We need to design a future agriculture policy that is based on the needs of our sector in the North of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />In a recent presentation to the Agriculture Committee, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) highlighted the following figures for cattle and sheep producers: approximately 20,000 farmers are classified as cattle and sheep producers, and the 2018 figures show that they represent more than 25% of the gross output of farms; the beef and sheep meat processing sector employs over 5,000 people, and, in 2017, its annual turnover was in excess of £1·31 billion; over 87% of sales were outside the North, primarily servicing the GB marketplace. <BR /> <BR />We must tell the positive story of our industry. These figures highlight the need to give financial support to our farming industry.”
“The farmers in my area will welcome that, and I congratulate all the Members who took part in that debate and secured it in the House. <BR /> <BR />In a presentation to the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, Queen's University flagged that, without direct payments, 30% of farms are likely to cease functioning, which will lead to unemployment and land abandonment. That is deeply worrying for the agricultural sector. We are very proud of our agri-food industry and our farming community. We have international customers buying our products, based on our high-quality standards. Our farm operations are based on high standards, regulations, farm quality assurance and traceability. We produce food to standards that are amongst the highest in the world.”
“I also note that Scotland and Wales have adopted the same regulations, basically so that there are no policy changes. Farmers will welcome the fact that for this year — 2020 — there will be no changes to direct payments, the application process or inspections. That will provide a degree of certainty and continuity in what are uncharted waters for some of us. Whilst we have certainty, as I said, for this year, there are concerns in the agricultural sector that it cannot survive without financial support. In the constituency that I represent, Newry and Armagh, £25,113,862 a year comes in from single farm payments. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome the fact that the Assembly voted in favour of the new areas of natural constraint scheme a couple of weeks ago.”
“Any urban people who have not spent a day in the mart should go down for one day at least, and you will get your eyes opened to what it is all about. I recognise the contribution of the rural community and the farming community. <BR /> <BR />As I said, I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate and await with bated breath to hear how the Minister is going to get himself out of this one. Whilst I recognise that the 2020 payments will be secured, we are going to have great difficulty over the next number of years in trying to address the concerns of the rural community. <BR /> <BR />As has been said, the intention of this statutory rule is to make technical amendments in order to ensure the operation of the direct payment scheme for 2020.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to this motion. I was talking to the Minister in the corridor a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to sit on the AERA Committee, but I have a good interest in it, representing one of the best constituencies in the North, Newry and Armagh. <BR /> <BR />Sometimes, when we speak about the rural and farming communities — this is not any slight on any Committee members — they do not get the recognition that they deserve for the contribution that they make to the economy and the environment. I went to the Christmas show mart in Keady, and anybody who might think that they could take the farmers for granted would get their eyes opened. If you spend a day in the mart, it is a learning experience for those people who have not tried it.”
“The Minister knows the value of park-and-rides in addressing congestion and air pollution in many towns. Will the Minister prioritise park-and-ride schemes throughout the North? She knows the benefits. I bear in mind what she said about the budget, but, if we are serious about tackling the climate threat, there is an opportunity now. Will she explain her long-term plans for park-and-ride facilities across the North?”
“Will the Minister consider prioritising investment in some of the schools that operate out of temporary Portakabins?”
“Will the Minister outline how many sites are operating under permitted development rights?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and welcome it. Will the Minister expand a bit on whether he intends to use councils to encourage local community groups and schoolchildren to roll out this programme? Obviously, this would give them a bit of ownership, and I think that it would be a better programme if he looked towards rolling it out in that way.”
“Will the Minister commit to an ambitious strategy and targets for circular resource usage, recycling and upscaling of composting in the upcoming environment strategy? Does he feel that those are the best measures by which to reduce waste overall?”
“To follow on, in the absence of an anti-poverty strategy, how does the Minister intend to tackle poverty in the interim period?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and wish her well in her new post. What preparations are being made by the Department to plan for the establishment of the Historical Investigations Unit (HIU)?”
“I thank the Minister for the answer. I appreciate the position of some of the unions. Will the Minister seek funding for any scheme that he wishes to introduce in the future?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and wish her well in her new post. Will she ensure that she engages with the key sectors to ensure that the process rolls out smoothly and that there is a better understanding of it?”
“I support the motion and amendment. I reiterate that I hope that the Minister will take the lead on this and ask for support across the Departments that have a role and responsibility across the autism spectrum.”
“A call was made for mandatory autism training for teachers and classroom assistants. Given that every teacher — this is no slight on teachers; I do not want them emailing me about this — will teach multiple autistic children during their career, that puts those children at risk of being taught by teachers who have not chosen to educate themselves in their own time. If mandatory training were introduced, its quality would be fundamental. It is not enough to simply raise awareness of autism; teachers must also understand autism and be schooled in the techniques and strategies needed to teach a child with autism and all its associated complexities. Mandatory training would be a first step towards addressing and meeting the needs of pupils with autism. <BR /> <BR />We will not divide on the motion. Everybody has spoken very well.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the research for the report, parents told us that they wanted an education system that is ambitious and believes their children can achieve; gives their children similar opportunities to other children; understands and supports their children's needs; allows their children to develop friendships and life skills; allows their children to enjoy good mental health; and prepares their children for life. Those are what any parent would want for a child with or without autism, but, unfortunately, collectively we have left them down. <BR /> <BR />In 2016, the National Autistic Society NI, in conjunction with Autism NI, published 'Broken Promises', a report that highlighted the failures in the delivery of the autism strategy going back to 2011 and the difficulties that children and young people experienced in the education system.”
“That report highlighted the difficulties that children with autism experienced in the education system here. Education, as we know, is a fundamental part of every child's life. It gives children the opportunity to learn about the world they live in and how they can play a part in this world. It should be a time when children feel safe and happy and confident about building relationships and friendships and being able to make the most of their abilities and talents. It should help them to develop independence and prepare them for a bright and happy future.”
“For years, they have helped us to compose questions. Some days, we get the right answers, but, more often than not, we do not make enough progress. Listening to the comments of many of the contributors to this debate, I think that we are going in the right direction. There are two reports that I want to mention on record, because it is important to do so for the people who have helped us a lot to bring us to where we are. Hopefully, as I said, after this, the Minister will take on board the comments of the group and we can move forward with the chair and all the people associated with the group and work with the Departments. <BR /> <BR />The issue of mandatory training goes back to a report that was launched in the Long Gallery in 2012 entitled, 'A* for Autism: Make every school a good school'.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate. I have been a member of the APG since 2008. I will stick to the mandatory training, but I am delighted that the Minister is here, because I hope that, after this debate, he will take the lead on all of this. A lot of us know that a strategy and a plan arose from the 2011 Act, identifying the responsibilities of each Department. The previous Member mentioned this: we hope that the Minister will take the lead on this and show the other Departments the way, because, for a number of years, we have been trying to get the right services for people with ASD. <BR /> <BR />I thank Autism NI and the National Autistic Society, plus all the people who have helped for a number of years with the administration of the work of the APG. A lot of good work has been done.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also want to extend words from Mullabrack GFC, who did a job today looking after the funeral arrangements and everything else for the Mallon family. Those people have asked me to speak on their behalf, extend their thanks and recognise the contribution that Séamus Mallon made to the Good Friday Agreement and to his party. I just want to recognise his contribution.”
“I want to extend my condolences and sympathies to Orla, Mark, Lara, Séamus's sisters and extended family, and to share the loss of the SDLP. We all know the great legacy that Séamus Mallon has left. It is up to all of us, but, more importantly, to the SDLP, to continue that legacy. <BR /> <BR />Being a representative of the same constituency, on occasion, I would bump into Séamus and had the odd robust conversation with him. He was a giant of a man and one you could actually learn from. Over the weekend, when I talked to some constituents, it was clear that they hold him in great esteem. On behalf of the constituents I represent I can say that Mr Mallon was one of those people who will not be forgotten by them.”
“Although it is not flawless, it presents the opportunity for young people to study and work across the EU. That will be lost in the future. <BR /> <BR />A majority of our people voted against Brexit. We will not, and we do not, consent to Brexit. That is the message we should send from the Chamber today.”
“For example, cross-border access to some social security depends on European directives. <BR /> <BR />2.30 pm <BR /> <BR />My constituency of Newry and Armagh is a large, mostly rural area, with over 70 border crossings and some others known to locals only. Brexit has the potential to devastate our constituency. The loss of access to EU funding streams is a grave concern. Newry and Armagh has benefited hugely from EU funding streams, and we have absolutely no confidence in a British Government replacing them. Single farm payments via the common agricultural policy were worth nearly £25 million to the Newry and Armagh economy in a single financial year. <BR /> <BR />Membership of the European Union brings a number of opportunities, including, for example, the Erasmus programme.”
“Our community — workers, farmers, small businesses and students — will face considerable challenges in the time ahead, irrespective of the exact type of Brexit forced upon us. It is worth remembering that the people in the North voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union. Sinn Féin has worked to secure unique arrangements for the North in order to offer some protection for the economy, avoid any hardening of the border and protect, most importantly, the Good Friday Agreement. Those protections were secured not at Westminster but in Dublin and Brussels. Under the terms of the current withdrawal agreement, the people of the North stand to lose rights, funding and opportunities that derive from membership of the European Union. A number of the social, workers' and economic rights we enjoy are based on EU legislation.”
“Ba mhaith liom labhairt i bhfabhar an rúin. I speak in favour of the motion. I put on record my thanks to the likes of BCAB — Border Communities Against Brexit. It played a major and pivotal role and brought a challenge to Europe on behalf of a number of people whom I represent — people who were born and reared in a border county. I also acknowledge the work of ICBAN, the Irish Central Border Area Network, which is made up of a number of councils from along the border corridor. It compiled three reports on the border and Brexit. Any person who has read any of those reports will have seen the remarks made and the challenges that are facing those people along the areas that a lot of us represent. <BR /> <BR />There is no good in Brexit for Ireland. Brexit, in any form, will be hugely damaging for Ireland and the border region in particular.”
“I want — I hope this is the case — the money we are giving to BT to be responsible, value for money and to provide a service, particularly to those rural people. That is the basis of why the Member brought the debate today. Like I said, there is no point coming to tell us that urban speeds are up; it is people in rural areas who are crying out to be connected.”
“Each time the engineers called out, they advised her that she is better off getting connected to the Keady line, which is only 3 kilometres away. Still and all, she is 3 kilometres from the nearest line, but she would not get a connection. For some reason or other, unbeknownst to me, and no matter how many times you contact BT, she cannot be connected to that line. <BR /> <BR />Minister, I hope you take on board some of the comments today. You still have a number of weeks in office to discuss where the 2017 programme is and to update it. I would ask the question, and it is about a wee bit of common sense. It cannot be hard for this lady to be connected to the line. When we phone BT or have meetings with them and talk about an engineering solution, they say to us, "It is not a problem", but that is the end of the conversation.”
“We are giving money to BT, but I do not think it has been upfront on this matter. In saying that, I know that, by the end of 2017, we will get another report into where we are and where the new cabinets have been established. At that point, we will need to collate that information and find out where the gaps are in provision. <BR /> <BR />I will read out another example. It is from a Mrs Helen Hughes at 99b Armagh Road, Newtownhamilton, BT35 0HJ. Mrs Hughes had been having a lot of trouble getting connected to broadband. By way of a bit of background info, she is registered to go on to the Newtownhamilton line, and the box is 8 kilometres away. That does not give her access to suitable broadband. Openreach has been out to get her connected on three separate occasions.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department and BT are offering an alternative satellite solution, which I certainly appreciate. I could read out lists of names all day of people who have contacted me about broadband services and provision — the likes of young Matthew Nugent, Jacqueline McCullough, Martina Gaffney of Tivnacree Road and all these people in rural areas — and I could read out lists of townlands and parishes as well.”
“That letter is from young Matthew Nugent, 58 Tievenamara Road, Keady, BT60 3JA. When his mother enquired on his behalf to BT and talked about an engineering solution, BT said that, if an engineer was asked, it would not be a difficulty. I know that we are working in partnership and that we have given money. In consultation processes with previous Ministers a number of years ago, we used postcodes to identify areas known to Members who have spoken in debates previously as not spots. I have said this on a number of occasions, including to this Minister, and I appreciate him coming to respond to the debate. It will be difficult to address the issue of fibre-optic broadband in all areas. Every Member here will agree that that is the solution that most people who contact us are crying out for.”
“This is 14 or 15 months ago, so the young lad is now 16 years of age:”
“I know that the Minister has taken a lot of questions in his time on the matter, and I want to talk to him about some of the issues that I have been dealing with. I want to read some things into the record, just to get a feel of the issues. To be fair to the Member who introduced the debate, he has had similar experiences to most Members in the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />I will read out this letter to one of my colleagues:”
“When you hear stories like this, you think to yourself, "What exactly have we been trying to do to address the issues?". As recently as 20 January, residents across Armagh city received a letter stating that the superfast broadband team was "delighted" to tell them that superfast broadband was now available on their street. The team had checked the speed line, and certain urban areas could get up to 79 megabytes. Urban settings have been availing themselves of quality broadband for a number of years, so this is no news to us. When we agreed on wanting to go forward to address the issue of broadband — Mr Kennedy has been here on a number of occasions, as has Mr Irwin — the whole idea of the schemes was that they were about rural broadband.”
“A Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle, I wish you well in your retirement. I have had the privilege of working with you over the last 10 years in the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for securing the debate. I say to the Minister that, over the last number of years, we have made progress on the matter. When you look around, you see a lot of new technologies. I want to refer to some people who have already contacted me. The Minister will agree about the key elements: working in partnership and public funds and the responsibility of ensuring that they are spent properly. Those are the key elements of my contribution today. <BR /> <BR />I know for a fact that, over the past number of years, the Assembly has given money to address the not spots across rural areas. I say that because I want to remind the Minister.”
“I appreciate the Minister's answer, but he knows that people are crying out for fixed-line broadband. Will he give us any more detail on how he will address those areas, especially those in rural Newry and Armagh? Does he not feel that, with the national broadband plan in the South, businesses here will be under threat because, if fixed-line broadband is installed in the South, more customers will go there?”
“So, there was ample opportunity for people, if they thought there were issues, to raise them. I did not see any issues, so I will not be supporting the motion.”
“The other key point for members on a group states:”