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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“That should include essential projects such as the flagship capital projects, including the A6, investment in waste water infrastructure, greenways and cycle lanes, the improvement of our rural roads and road safety, not least through the delivery of the vital A1 safety improvements. <BR /> <BR />It must be said that significant challenges will persist for all Departments because, for as long as we continue to be wedded to austerity policies, the North as a whole will be limited in its ability to deliver an expansive Budget that is fit for the people of the Six Counties.”
“That is a strong demonstration of the Finance Minister's recognition of the importance of public services such as public transport. <BR /> <BR />The next financial year's Budget is a standstill one, as it largely reflects the Budget that was in place last year when our block grant was, in real terms, £360 million below pre-austerity levels. I say all that without mentioning the woeful yet predictable lack of follow-through from the British Government on the commitments in 'New Decade, New Approach'. Despite that, in the draft Budget, the Department for Infrastructure received an allocation that is £135 million higher than this year's opening position. I urge that to be prioritised for the improved delivery of services and the decarbonisation of the transport network.”
“COVID has once again demonstrated the undeniable need to prioritise properly funding our vital public services, and, no doubt, it has reasserted the need to break away from the failed economic policies of the past. <BR /> <BR />It is in the context of that strenuous financial position that I commend the work of the Finance Minister in delivering what he has during his tenure. Last year, the Department for Infrastructure saw its resource budget rise by 8·6% while receiving a capital allocation of £558 million. That was the largest ever made to the Department. Meanwhile, throughout the year, the Department was a large recipient of funding for COVID pressures, receiving around £200 million for those pressures. Around half of that went to Translink.”
“Our water and waste water services suffered inadequate funding, and the provision of public transport was sustained only by Translink's reliance on its reserves. For example, its reserves have reduced from £56 million in 2015 to a projected £24 million by March 2020. <BR /> <BR />As I said in previous speeches concerning the Budget, if public transport had been better funded throughout the years, it might have been in a stronger position to respond to the pandemic. Meanwhile, funds that have gone to Translink could have been spent on other high-priority issues during COVID. However, it was in a dire financial position even before the pandemic began.”
“It goes without saying that the North was in a financially precarious position, even before the first COVID case reached this island, due to the years of scathing Tory austerity that stripped away our vital public services. Those same services, mind you, continue in their heroic efforts to respond to these extraordinary times. <BR /> <BR />From an infrastructure standpoint, you need not look far to see the damage of the lack of sustainable funding. The central resource issue for the Department for Infrastructure arises from the cut to its resource budget, which has been evident from 2015, as the block grant suffered cuts at the behest of austerity. During that time, roads maintenance suffered from inadequate baseline funding, resulting in a skeleton maintenance service.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, and I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motions. No doubt, this year proved to be a highly challenging period for setting the Budget. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that the financial circumstances this year have been unique, to say the least. Primarily, we are living through a public health crisis, with COVID-19 having a devastating impact on many families and communities as the virus spreads. On top of that, it has also become a severe economic and social crisis, with nearly every aspect of society being impacted in some way. Throughout the period, the Executive have had to act quickly to provide funding to deal with it. However, the pandemic continues to exact a heavy toll on our economy.”
“There was excess funding available in this financial year: did you bid for additional funds to tackle the backlog?”
“Following on from that, what is the Department's approach to dealing with the flying of flags and banners? Has she any statistics on the number of times that the Department has been asked to remove such items?”
“I am glad that the Minister answered that question. I will follow on from the previous question. The Minister is keen on active travel. Were there any discussions about bolstering active travel? She will know that we have learnt through COVID that there is an opportunity now for people to live more active and healthier lives. As part of any planning process or any planning regulations, will she ensure that active travel is built into any physical infrastructure?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, I know that this was not raised, but can you give us an update on the greenway, especially phase 2 from Middletown to Monaghan? Furthermore, what are the implications for the role of the chief executive of Waterways Ireland, now that the transition period has ended?”
“Minister, in the future, post-COVID, what steps can you or Translink take to ensure that it is on a solid footing? I know that it received money in the January monitoring round and that it provides a vital public service, but what steps can you take to ensure that it is on a solid footing in the future?”
“It also includes improving roads infrastructure as well as rolling out effective road safety campaigns. <BR /> <BR />I would hope that the new road safety strategy fully encapsulates all the challenges and opportunities that exist to improve road safety. I would appreciate a comment from the Minister on that. I also ask the Minister what kind of communication strategy is in place on the rise in penalties. It is important that that is communicated properly. I look forward to the implementation of the measures to increase safety on roads. I support the order.”
“I too welcome this order to increase penalties for mobile phone use while driving. Since September, the Infrastructure Committee has been examining this rule to increase to six the penalty points for people who use mobile phones while driving and a £200 fine. Sadly, 56 people tragically lost their lives on the road in 2020, the same number as the previous year, despite the decrease in traffic. It is often said that a single death on a road is one too many. We must improve road safety in any way that we can. We all know how families and, indeed, communities are affected by a death. It is incumbent on us to try our best to introduce as many measures as possible. That means that a holistic approach is needed if we are to seriously improve road safety. That includes having the right enforcement and penalties in place.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. Under stage 5, the distribution of grades and post-award review, why would issuing results earlier here not suit schools in the North?”
“In the context of an economic recovery strategy, decarbonisation needs to be a priority, so, in the development of the new energy strategy, will the Minister ensure that community-owned energy projects are supported and facilitated to provide opportunities for local groups? Moreover, will she develop proposals and projects to support the local community through renewable energy?”
“Sorry, I am late, a Ceann Comhairle. I support the passing of the Final Stage of the Bill.”
“I thank the Minister for her comprehensive answer. Will she commit to keeping the proactive engagement going and working with the relevant authorities to ensure that we get out the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in our society?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, which refers to EU funding. I appreciate that the Horizon 2020 programmes have run out, along with the support programmes and the moneys. Was there a broader discussion about how we will replace that money and extend or protect those programmes to ensure that we do not delve into other pockets of money that are being used by communities and universities? It is important to find out where we will be with supports and funding for those groups.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. He knows that the British Government have reneged on certain financial arrangements and commitments under NDNA. What financial commitments has the Minister been given in relation to the review?”
“I welcome today's announcement. The Minister and I have had a number of conversations in the corridor in relation to this project. I want to be a wee bit selfish and ask about the number of premises that are being targeted in Newry and Armagh and the time frame for that. It is most important that this project be rolled out to those premises, most of which are in the open countryside, that have been waiting a number of years for broadband provision.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers so far. I extend my good wishes to Minister Poots and wish him a speedy recovery. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency, in the Fews Forest, at a nature spot called Carrigatuke viewpoint, there have been over 50 incidents of illegal dumping over the last 18 months. Will the Minister take it back to Minister Poots that we need a cross-border approach, because there is clear evidence that there is illegal dumping of material from across the border?”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire inniu. I welcome the Minister's statement and the announcement in relation to the Middletown section. There are question marks over whether it is Middletown to Monaghan and then on to Smithborough. Did that discussion come up on the day, Minister? Is that the whole route? Will the Minister give a commitment to work with local councils to get that project under way as soon as possible? This will be a game changer for Middletown, with big opportunities to promote tourism and everything else. It will certainly help that wee border village.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, you will be aware that, despite some real improvements in our prisons, several inspections, including at Magilligan and Maghaberry, have reported worse outcomes for prisoners from disadvantaged communities, particularly those in the Catholic community. What work has been undertaken by the Department of Justice to identify the causes of that disparity and to develop effective responses?”
“Although the Bill is to go through accelerated passage — we had the previous debate — I think that Members will understand the necessity of using such a procedure. I support the Second Stage of the Bill.”
“Applying the retail price index provided a new limit of around £88 million, which has been rounded up to £90 million. The new limit will help to ensure that the Department can assist the ports during the COVID-19 crisis and enable the consideration of any additional funding needed as a result of Brexit. <BR /> <BR />The Department stated that ports would be at a disadvantage if the proposed amendments were not made, as they would lose out on the opportunity to access additional funding. In the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department informed us that it is aware of at least one port facing financial challenges in maintaining and operating its services. <BR /> <BR />A new loan limit of £90 million has been proposed.”
“<BR /> <BR />Furthermore, the Department has informed us that if all the future loans that have been identified by the ports were to materialise over the next five years, it would require a further £22·5 million. I think that the Minister might have said £27 million; perhaps she will clarify that point. That does not take account of any additional grants that may be provided to the ports in response to COVID-19. Although DAERA is leading on Brexit preparations at the ports, the Department has stated that the legislation could be used to make grants to the ports for other Brexit preparation measures. <BR /> <BR />Considering those factors, it has been proposed to raise the current limit of £35 million to £90 million. That figure is based on inflation.”
“The ports all fund their capital investment; however, the Department can make loans and grants to them under the Harbours Act. The original limit was set at £6 million, but that was changed on multiple occasions in the past and gradually rose to the current limit of £35 million in 1989. Since then, it has not increased. It is also worth noting that, as stated by the Minister, the total amount of any loans granted by the Department does not decrease in line with depreciation or loan repayments. The total amount of grants and loans made to the ports stands at £34·3 million: you do not need a calculator to tell you that that is very near the current limit.”
“When they were trying to prepare for Brexit as best they could with the limited information that they had, the coronavirus pandemic introduced another unwanted burden to the sector.”
“Ba mhaith liom labhairt i bhfabhar an Bhille seo. I will speak in favour of the Bill. I am content that we can speak at its Second Stage. Before I make my remarks, while it is in my head, I ask the Minister to indicate when the harbours and ports will be able to access the funding. I ask that that happen at the earliest stage because we are leading into Brexit and everything else, and I am sure that there is a piece of work to be done by the ports. <BR /> <BR />Our seaports are an essential part of the economy. Moving forward, they need to be able to grow and continue to play their vital role in trade, connectivity and employment. This year, our ports have faced considerable challenges.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire. I welcome the Minister's statement. The Minister may have partly answered in his statement how he will contact patients, including those who were private, who were seen pre-January 2019. What extra supports can be put in place for those patients and their families, and how do we instil confidence back into the system?”
“I thank the Minister for that. What can she do to dispose of that great number of appeals?”
“Farmers know that change is coming, but they will need financial support to make that change.”
“Low-emission slurry-spreading technology will reduce ammonia emission quite significantly, but other measures are required in tandem. Other mitigation measures include the grazing season for cattle to be extended by two weeks, lowering the crude protein in diets of all livestock, covering 30% of above-ground slurry stores and a 100% switch from straight to protected urea.”
“<BR /> <BR />The bottom line is that scenarios that involve increased levels of agricultural activity in the future will require either one or all of the following: a wide-scale deployment of available mitigation actions, moderation of the level of ambition for emissions reduction within the sector and a re-examination of the growth ambitions for the sector. We need to understand what impacts this will have on the agrifood sector. Our food and drink industry is worth £5·1 billion, as was said earlier in the debate. <BR /> <BR />It is important to recognise the complexity of ammonia emissions from agriculture. The creation and amount of ammonia emissions are influenced by a multitude of factors. DAERA hosted three online events on ammonia emissions on what will be expected from our farmers to meet international targets.”
“The modelling of emissions needs to be on an all-island basis, as ammonia does not recognise borders. <BR /> <BR />The need to address ammonia will present challenges to our current food strategy, Going for Growth. In any potential future food strategy, particularly the word "growth" is a key objective of any such strategy. This was recognised in a report produced by Teagasc, which is the Agriculture and Food Development Authority in the South. It has future scenarios for Irish agriculture and implications for gas and ammonia emissions.”
“Modelling is an evolving process, and it is acknowledged that there are deficiencies in prevailing models. The Inventory of Ammonia Emissions from UK Agriculture notes the following on modelling of emission factors for cattle housing:”
“Ammonia needs to be considered as a long-range pollutant because of the island’s atmospheric and topographical conditions. There are challenges to accurately establish levels of atmospheric ammonia and to test the validation of the model ammonia emissions. The 'Making Ammonia Visible' report recognised that challenge and made the following recommendation 1b:”
“Our planning system must work with DAERA to identify a process for verifying emissions that helps farmers to develop their farms in a more sustainable, greener and efficient manner.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this debate. We have this one slightly back to front. I have some sympathy for the Minister in that regard; maybe he will comment on that. We are going through the review of the Planning Act. There may be something in there that we will be able to do in terms of working across the Departments. Sometimes, the Departments operate in silos. <BR /> <BR />Most of my remarks will be about ammonia and supporting the rural community. Obviously, I represent a large rural constituency. People tend to forget about the contribution that the rural community makes to the economy; as some Members have mentioned, it is up to £5 billion. Most of my remarks will be about farming and ammonia, which is the basis of the motion. We need our farmers to farm in an environmentally sustainable way.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. Paragraph 3 mentions the Lough Agency's response to COVID-19. Can you detail the nature of that response and its impact?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle, agus cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire. Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I welcome the Minister's statement. Following on from the point about educational underachievement, could you expand on similar initiatives, what we have learnt and the opportunities to enhance cooperation with your Southern counterparts? You mentioned the final evaluation report. What lessons have you learnt from that?”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire. I thank the Minister for her statement, and I welcome it. I would like her to expand a little on the conversations that she had with Minister Ryan on environmental and green issues.”
“I welcome the Minister's answer. She is well aware that many people who use the road daily are keen to have the improvements put in place, especially for road safety. Can she give the House any indication of when the scheme will commence to improve safety on the road?”
“Brexit, COVID and the climate emergency continue to loom over us. Infrastructure has a big role to play in helping to respond to these challenges. Capital projects can help to kick-start the economy. Therefore, the commencement of projects like the A5 must follow as soon as possible. Meanwhile, North/South projects committed to in New Decade, New Approach, such as the Narrow Water bridge and the Ulster canal, must be realised in order to enhance connectivity and improve the economic fortunes of this island. I look forward to continuing to work and engage with the Department and the Minister to address these vital issues.”
“The importance of infrastructure is acknowledged in this year's Budget, as demonstrated by the fact that, despite our block grant being £360 million — in real terms, that is below pre-austerity levels — the Department for Infrastructure received an 8·6% increase in resource funding. DFI has also received a capital allocation of £558 million, the largest ever made to the Department and by far the largest capital allocation to any Department. Over the course of the pandemic, over £100 million has been allocated to the Department to alleviate pressures. Therefore, although pressures remain across all Departments, I commend the Minister for his management of our public finances in these difficult and challenging times, and against the background of all these financial challenges. <BR /> <BR />Moreover, these challenges have not gone away.”
“Our public services, such as those within the Department for Infrastructure, also suffered financially from that destructive Conservative financial policy, despite infrastructure having a vital role to play in connecting communities and driving balanced and sustainable economic growth. <BR /> <BR />Infrastructure, such as trunk roads, rural roads and our water and sewerage system, is essential to everyday life and is a bedrock of the economy and society as a whole. Public and community transport help to tackle rural isolation and provide equal access to opportunities and services.”
“I want to say a few words as the Sinn Féin infrastructure spokesperson. I reiterate some things that the Chair and my colleague Linda Dillon mentioned already in relation to support for the taxi industry, coach operators and hauliers. They have waited far too long for recognition, and I hope that the Infrastructure Minister will bring something forward. <BR /> <BR />The Finance Minister is bringing this Budget forward amid the unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis and all the economic and social impacts that have followed. It would be an understatement to say that our financial position before the pandemic did not help our response to COVID. The effects of 10 years of Tory austerity on our public services, on our health service in particular, have undoubtedly impacted on our response to the current challenges.”
“Clearly, Minister, the decision to close the schools has been a difficult one for the Executive and, indeed, for all of us, but it is based on medical and scientific advice and is a necessary step. Can the Minister outline the focus of the review in two weeks' time to ensure that we keep taking the right decisions, even if those decisions are very difficult?”
“Minister, during the first lockdown, industries such as construction and tourism suffered heavily. If more restrictions were to be introduced, what can you do to support those industries? They were hit very hard first time around.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. There have been disturbing reports about unacceptable abuse towards workers, particularly shopworkers, who have played a vital role throughout the pandemic. Will the Minister give assurances that such unacceptable abuse will not be tolerated by her Department and the criminal justice system?”