Carál Ní Chuilín
North Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“To continue the theme of undermining public confidence and public effectiveness, I ask you this, Minister: why do you and your DUP colleagues continue to block the 'good jobs' Bill, particularly the measures for parents whose babies require neonatal care and, indeed, other measures that will support workers who are struggling with the cos…”
“At the end of the day, guns were used to kill Catholics — Davy Payne; surface-to-air missiles in South Africa and Paris and then some. I will give the deputy First Minister another opportunity not to deflect but to condemn her party's involvement in Ulster Resistance and with the red berets that they wore.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. I have a close family relative who is in need of a SPiMS unit in an Irish-medium school but cannot access one in North Belfast at all. Apart from access in P4 and P5, they will have to go to an English-speaking school, even though Irish is their first language.”
“You mentioned some of the issues that are important: trade union representation, the banning of zero-hours contracts and employees being able to have their tips and service charges. Anyone who cannot get behind these proposals needs to be clear — concerns for some, and hiding behind the industry for others.”
“First Minister, I know that, recently, you were in Ardoyne for the sod cutting of the new £3·4 million purpose-built youth facility for Ardoyne Youth Enterprise. Further to your response to Brian Kingston, can you give us an update on that project and, indeed, any others?”
“I agree 100%, Linda. That is something that we all agree on. We met many people. The Bill was published and was based on the report of the truth recovery process.”
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“First of all, let me clarify my position. I know that some in the Member's party are in denial about the deficit of our Budget as a result of the erosion of the block grant by the Tory party. It is not political rhetoric; it is true. The erosion of the block grant and the decisions that each of the Departments had to take have been made. You are right: the university made the decision, but it made it on the basis of money. I believe the university made the wrong decision and that there needed to be leadership from a Minister, regardless of how their grant was affected, to make decisions. I have done it in my Department, and other Ministers needed to do the same thing.”
“That is the best way that we can do this and build on that experience and on the developing and emerging needs as we go forward.”
“There is a big, growing gap out there, particularly for children and young people and even for adult returners to education. That needs to be met. That gap is getting wider instead of decreasing. Given the question posed by Anna Lo about how this could be justified, this is more reason for doing it. When it came to looking at what cuts to make, it seemed that the Irish language was the first place that people went to. We need to correct that. There have been exercises through consultation, feasibility studies, engagements and interviews that have been used to determine what the needs are. The Ulster-Scots Institute and the Gaelacadamh will go forward on the basis of evidence and need from the community and processes for both.”
“I thank the Member for her question. It is important because, I think, the first piece of work that was done, particularly around the Gaelacadamh, was done with an academic approach with nothing for the vocational end of it. An element of academia is needed, certainly to look at standards, as the Member has mentioned, that go right across the board, so that, in theory, you should be able to go to an Irish class anywhere and get the same standard regardless of where you go without having to rely on brilliant múinteoirí, teachers or whoever the tutor may be. <BR /> <BR />One of the gaps that has been missing is due to the lack of support, particularly at the vocational level and for groups like Gaelchúrsaí, through higher and further education.”
“Rather than waiting for that to happen — if we were to wait for that to happen in the same way as we are waiting for a dictionary to come forward, it would not happen — we identified Corn Exchange as a cultural hub. I encourage people to see it as a temporary arrangement and to use the time until the leases are up to identify other places that they can own and claim as their own and where they can provide economic and regeneration opportunities. It is not my fault that the community did not do that. I encourage Members from your party and, indeed, your community to give as much support as possible and create the demand and need. Once that is done, I anticipate that the Department would give its support.”
“Yours are quite similar to the questions asked by your colleague from North Belfast. I repeat: the structure that was set out for the institute was based on the work of the Ulster-Scots Agency. If that changes, it will be done with the approval of the Department for Communities. I anticipate that the structure that is out there at the minute will be built on, particularly by people in the community. <BR /> <BR />We are using Forbairt Feirste for the Gaelacadamh because it is the secretariat for the Gaeltacht Quarter plan. That will be built on as well. <BR /> <BR />I cannot go in and develop an Ulster-Scots hub. I have tried. I have offered premises and support. It is not my fault that the community did not identify somewhere else.”
“I regret that Minister Farry has made his decisions, but I will not let his lack of vision stop me progressing for the two communities.”
“First, her party colleague the Minister for Employment and Learning made the decision to cut language courses; I did not. I want to get that on the record. Secondly, the main priority is that we ensure that these communities are not further disadvantaged. There already have been cuts to programmes on the Irish language: I want to ensure that that does not become a trend. Apart from anything else and more importantly, both communities, the Gaelacadamh and the Ulster-Scots Institute have, with limited budgets, identified needs, and they will do so in the future with limited budgets. I can proudly stand over my statements. More importantly, the obligation to set up both academies was set out in agreements going back over a decade. It is unacceptable that from then until now we have established neither an institute nor a Gaelacadamh.”
“I believe that I have done a lot of the heavy lifting. The communities are ready for this. They have been involved in the processes over a period of years and in recent months. The tell me that they can do it and that they want to do it. They need our support to do it. We have set out that stall today.”
“I hope that I am wrong on this, but the Member is almost pointing out what they are expected to do, as if they cannot do it. They are already doing it. They are already providing economic tourism potential, but we need to develop that. We certainly need to develop it more around the points that the Committee Chair mentioned on ownership of the project, ownership of the building, economic sustainability and the potential for regenerating not only the community but projects in it. The institute and the Gaelacadamh are important in that regard. They are doing it at different levels now, but we need to ensure that they are given as much support as possible to do more of it. <BR /> <BR />They need to demonstrate what impact they have had on each community and across communities. The challenge is theirs.”
“Public money was spent on delivering a summary or a glossary of terms, but I believe that the institute will be looking to bring forward a dictionary. There is none at the minute. <BR /> <BR />Regarding the dictionary for the Irish language, Foras na Gaeilge has spent millions of pounds of public money, so it needs to be published. In my opinion, if it is not published this year, it will lose all credibility. I believe that, when groups on the ground are struggling and there is the notion that additional public money from this Government and the Irish Government is being ploughed into a dictionary project that people cannot see an outcome to, it will not be given the support that it has received unless it is published by the end of this year.”
“The Gaelacadamh — the Irish language academy — is to be done by the secretariat for the Gaeltacht Quarter, which is Forbairt Feirste. It has a proven track record not only of delivering and leading on the Gaeltacht Quarter plan but in its own right. It has charitable status and all its articles and memorandums, so everything is in place. It has a proven track record, as does the Ulster-Scots Agency. It was clear, because the institute is completely new, that I would set out the structures on which it would be governed and developed. <BR /> <BR />I have asked the question about the dictionaries since coming into the Department. For Ulster Scots, the answer is simply that there has never been agreement in the Ulster-Scots community. There is a summary.”
“I will take the Member's last question first. The Ulster-Scots Institute will be taken forward because it is completely new. It is important that we set out the governance arrangements and its legal and charitable status from the very outset.”
“Once they are brought forward, they will be promoted and proposed by the Ulster-Scots Agency and scrutinised and made accountable by my Department.”
“I have complete confidence that the new institute, as it is now known, will build upon the robust leadership and governance of support of the Ulster-Scots Agency, which I believe is what I have said it to be, and will involve the network, and, indeed, other Members who may have been involved with the ministerial advisory group. It will be subject to the scrutiny of my Department, based on assurance reports from the Ulster-Scots Agency. More importantly, it will be based on the needs of the sector itself. In the past, attempts were made to do it, but there were missed opportunities. I believe that the institute will now put its best foot forward and bring forward proposals and suggestions that are reflective of the needs there.”
“<BR /> <BR />This is a good day for the Ulster-Scots Institute and for the Irish language academy, because it shows the Assembly supporting the work of two strong cultural entities that together will — and they have, and do, work together — provide a legacy of support for generations to come.”
“It was not suitable, and they have since looked at other venues that were not suitable, but the offer is still open. <BR /> <BR />I totally agree with the Member that it would be much better for social and economic regeneration; not only would they own their own premises, but that would help to sustain and replenish the Ulster-Scots Institute. So, that offer is still there. I know that the arrangements for rent are probably contractual, but they could use that time to start looking at a more preferred option. I encourage the Member to use his influence, and for others to do likewise.”
“I will take the Member's last point first. The promotion of the James Connolly interpretive centre, or indeed the Somme Centre, will in no way be connected to the Ulster Scots Institute or the Gaelacadamh — the Irish language academy. On revenue, the imbalance is skewed in favour of the Ulster-Scots Institute. Over £1 million of revenue will be dedicated to the staff over the next three years. On the Gaelacadamh, it is probably less than £150,000 per year, but there will be money for the purchase and refurbishment of a building once a successful business case has been completed. <BR /> <BR />The Member knows that I have encouraged the Ulster-Scots community to identify a cultural hub, and, in fact, I encouraged them to use the Oldpark Library, which I was prepared to gift them.”
“By developing, understanding and sharing the range of cultures that we are lucky enough to have, we can only enhance communities and build a thoroughly modern and compassionate society.”
“<BR /> <BR />The key issues and recommendations drawn from the research and analysis in the scoping exercise will inform the values and delivery of the academy during its early years. In line with practice, the Irish language academy will now be taken forward through normal business case procedures. The various elements of the academy, including the academic focus on high-quality adult learning and the community focus on economic and social regeneration and employment, will be subject to competitive tendering. Resources have been set aside for 2016-17 to ensure that this is taken forward. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I hope that this statement is seen for what it is: a declaration of my clear commitment to the continued support of Ulster-Scots and Irish language culture in the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am satisfied that the recommendations, when implemented, will form the necessary basis and framework for an academy that will ensure the delivery of consistent high-quality adult learning in Irish that is viable and sustainable; is fully in accord with the community focus and the economic and social regeneration and employment aims that I have set for the academy; can play a key role in reducing poverty and increasing social inclusion; will provide a high-quality training experience for young people and ensure that adequate pathways are available to progress to further study and employment through the Irish language; and align closely with my Department's policies and strategies on Irish language development, including the 2015-2035 strategy, to enhance and protect the Irish language and the action plan commitments to the Ceathrú Gaeltachta.”
“Progression routes for a new generation of learners, as well as mechanisms for ensuring cooperation between providers and sharing best practice, should be put in place. <BR /> <BR />Today, I am accepting the outcome of the scoping and consultation exercise. I accept, subject to further work being undertaken, all six recommendations. I am satisfied that, taken together, the recommendations provide a practical and deliverable basis for going forward with an Irish language academy and have the required level of Irish language community and stakeholder understanding and buy-in.”
“The consultation process found that there are large gaps in current provision, especially in the areas of teaching and learning resources, accreditation structures, vocational courses aimed at ages 16-plus, and adult teacher training and support. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to the specific recommendations. There should be provision of a Gaelacadamh in a central location, with a large consensus on the Gaeltacht Quarter as the location. Moneys should be used to create resources for use across the North. There should be a specific role for Gaelchúrsaí, the Irish-medium vocational training provider. The roles, responsibilities and leadership role of the academy should be clearly set out.”
“<BR /> <BR />The scoping exercise consulted a range of organisations and individuals in the sector and was coupled with rigorous interviewing techniques. It built on the previous Irish language feasibility study, which had involved other relevant stakeholders. That maximised the impact and sectoral inclusiveness of the research process. I am very satisfied with the consultation process and the overall approach. It has proven very effective in assessing current provision and in developing robust sustainable recommendations for the Irish language academy. I extend my thanks to everyone who engaged so comprehensively with the consultation.”
“I asked that a scoping and consultation exercise be carried out on the establishment of an academy. It considered how economic and social development and employment opportunities in relation to the Irish language could be developed, together with adult learning, within the framework of the Irish language academy. I wanted the consultation to scope out the attitude to, and the awareness and perceptions of, an Irish language academy. Irish language development must be sustainable. Therefore, I asked for practical and deliverable recommendations that have Irish language community and stakeholder understanding and buy-in. I also asked that the scoping and consultation exercise build upon and update a 2013 feasibility study on the Irish language academy, taking account of many important recent developments.”
“Irish-medium education should be a continuum, with progression throughout levels of development. The Irish language academy can help to ensure that young people in Irish-medium education have uninterrupted access, from post-primary through to vocational training, through Irish.”
“These developments lead me to conclude that the early establishment of an Irish language academy is a must-do. <BR /> <BR />In making this decision, I took due account of the responsibilities to the Irish language under the Belfast Agreement and articles 7 and 8 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Article 7 relates to the need to provide support for the provision of appropriate forms and means for the teaching and study of Irish and the promotion of study and research. Article 8, likewise, relates to professional and technical training in Irish, should there be reasonable demand for it. There is also a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate Irish-medium education, as pointed out in the 2009 Department of Education review.”
“Both have a rich and unique heritage that benefits everyone. We should work together to cherish and develop both languages and cultures in accordance with their needs. <BR /> <BR />The idea of an Irish language academy was first tabled by Foras na Gaeilge in 2006 in response to the increased demand to learn the language through adult learning and Irish-medium education. That created a clear need for the provision of Irish outside the traditional school environment. The launch of Líofa in 2011 quickened the pace of growth. The great strength of adult learning of Irish has always been at community level. In the past few years, the development of the Irish language has been remarkable, but the accelerated growth has also resulted in many gaps in provision and a complex set of needs, both social and economic.”
“<BR /> <BR />I believe that these proposals represent the best way forward, and I expect the institute to be up and running by the end of this calendar year. <BR /> <BR />I am also pleased to tell Members that I gave approval to proceed with an Ulster-Scots Líofa-style language and cultural development initiative on 18 December 2015. The first stage of the initiative — a series of 14 taster workshops across the North — is already under way. Seven workshops have taken place, and the rest will be delivered by the end of March. The initiative is being marketed under the Discover Ulster Scots brand. <BR /> <BR />I will now turn to the Irish language academy or, as it is known in Irish, an Gaelacadamh. Let me say that I support the passion and commitment that people from across the communities bring to learning Irish or Ulster Scots.”
“It will be funded for an initial period of three years, with continuation of funding subject to the successful delivery of set objectives. <BR /> <BR />We have listened to the Ulster-Scots sector, and it has identified the need for an organisation that can deliver its research independently, with academic rigour, and the freedom to plan for the long term. The role of the institute has been shaped to ensure that it complements and adds value to the work of the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Ulster-Scots Community Network. The research that the institute produces and the cultural products and programmes developed from that will become the foundations for its work, building an engaged community that can articulate the things that are important to it, affirming its identity and ready to share its culture with everyone.”
“<BR /> <BR />For it to be successful, its work must make a positive impact on the community at large. It will ensure that the focus of its work will not just be about physical outputs such as books, podcasts and television programmes but will have the potential to change society for the better with outcomes, and it will lead to a stronger community through the promotion of social inclusion and the creation of jobs and tourism initiatives that will generate an economic return. <BR /> <BR />There will be a schedule of priorities, focused on community engagement, which recognise the specific challenges of urban and rural areas, gender and age. The institute will be funded through the Ulster-Scots Agency, which will manage the funding through its existing robust governance arrangements.”
“For the purpose of lifelong learning, the staff will be supplemented by a bank of tutors, who will be engaged on a call-off basis to support the delivery of a programme of community education classes. <BR /> <BR />The institute’s functions will relate to two strands, namely research and community engagement. It will not be a grant-awarding organisation. It will build on the knowledge base associated with Ulster Scots by undertaking research in relation to all aspects of Ulster-Scots language, culture and heritage. It will circulate its research findings to a range of audiences through a variety of traditional and digital platforms. It will also foster interest in Ulster Scots at community level through the delivery of lifelong learning opportunities such as workshops and accredited courses.”
“<BR /> <BR />The institute will have a chair and voluntary board of directors who will be responsible for the effective corporate governance of the organisation. It will have a voluntary advisory council, comprising individuals with an interest in Ulster Scots and a relevant track record of research or writing to help shape the research priorities of the organisation, as well as expertise in organisation and community and economic and social development. <BR /> <BR />There will initially be seven core staff headed by a director. The core staff will be supplemented for the purpose of research by placement students and paid interns from local universities.”
“It also emphasises the tourism potential of Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture and seeks to develop and maximise the social and economic benefits of that. The new academy will align closely to the strategy and also build upon the achievements of the ministerial advisory group. I am happy to accept the proposals as the basis for moving forward. <BR /> <BR />Based on the proposals, the Ulster-Scots academy will be known as the Ulster-Scots Institute and will be a not-for-profit company with charitable status. It will become part of the Ulster-Scots Hub and will be located at the Corn Exchange in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. That is the most cost-effective location, as it will maximise opportunities for the sharing of resources with the Ulster-Scots Agency.”
“I would like to state publicly how much I appreciate the contribution that the group made. The work undertaken by the ministerial advisory group will be of lasting value to the future of the Ulster-Scots academy. <BR /> <BR />I have now received the proposals from the Ulster-Scots Agency. In drafting them, the Ulster-Scots Agency consulted with key stakeholders in the Ulster-Scots sector. I am grateful to those stakeholders for their input. <BR /> <BR />The proposals are set in the context of the 'Strategy to Enhance and Develop the Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage and Culture 2015–2035'. The strategy sets out a framework for Ulster Scots over the next 20 years in a wide range of areas such as education, the media, use of Ulster Scots and public services.”
“<BR /> <BR />On 25 January, I gave a written statement to the Assembly to update Members on the review by the ministerial advisory group of the Ulster-Scots academy and my decision not to extend the appointment of its chair and members beyond 31 December 2015. I advised the Assembly that I had asked the Ulster-Scots Agency, working with my Department, to draft proposals to establish an Ulster-Scots academy, and I set up a programme board in my Department to assist with that work. Those decisions were based on the recommendations from a review of the ministerial advisory group, which was conducted by a member of the Strategic Investment Board. <BR /> <BR />The review commented positively on the significant contribution that the ministerial advisory group had made but concluded that it had taken its work as far as it could.”
“Other political imperatives include the joint declaration by the British and Irish Governments in 2003 and the St Andrew’s Agreement in 2006, both of which gave a commitment that the British Government would take steps to encourage the establishment of an Ulster-Scots academy. <BR /> <BR />As Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, I have been very proactive in my support for Ulster-Scots culture and, specifically, the commitment in the Ulster-Scots strategy to establish an Ulster-Scots academy. That is why my Department, through the ministerial advisory group, invested nearly £4 million and has taken forward over 80 Ulster-Scots research and development projects.”
“Today, I will set out how the work to develop an Ulster-Scots academy and an Irish language academy will be taken forward. I will speak first about the Ulster-Scots academy. <BR /> <BR />The idea for an Ulster-Scots academy first emerged into public view in the early 1990s. The Belfast Agreement in 1998 acknowledged the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity and made specific reference to Ulster Scots. Ulster Scots was recognised by the British Government in 2001 under Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.”
“However, it is not for politicians to suggest how a culture should develop. Our role is to ensure that there are networks, structures and organisations in place to facilitate its development and to ensure that our cultural roots remain accessible to all in our society.”
“<BR /> <BR />As an Executive, we are committed to tackling poverty and social exclusion. We want all our people to live happy and fulfilled lives. That means ensuring that they have access not only to the basics of life but to culture, heritage and tradition. Not only will that approach benefit individuals, but it will strengthen us as a society and enable future generations to experience and appreciate the unique culture that we have to offer.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. With your permission, I wish to make a statement to the House on the development of an Ulster-Scots academy and an Irish language academy. <BR /> <BR />Irish and Ulster Scots are key aspects of our cultural heritage and identity. Considering the legacy we have to deal with, it is unsurprising that many people see themselves as being 100% from one culture or the other. Of course, anyone who has visited the Public Record Office and delved into their family history will soon learn that it is often a lot more complicated than that. That is a strength. We have a range of cultures and heritages to draw from, all of which have their strengths and benefits. I encourage everyone to embrace this and draw from all areas of our culture to help define and create the future.”
“It is important that that is done in a meaningful way that not only meets a legislative obligation but meets the obligation of the individual who may be accessing those services.”
“The Member is right to point out that, first of all, it has to be inclusive. It must be inclusive, and, if legislation is passed and this becomes law — I hope that it will — I hope that people will be proactive and will try to embrace the way in which they can provide inclusion. That is very important to me, as it is important for all Members. <BR /> <BR />The consultation period is crucial, particularly for service providers, should they be in local government or in services or through the arm's-length bodies of my Department and other Departments. Where our Departments have a public-facing element, we must ensure that the new legislation not only provides access but enables participation.”
“We are all going forward collectively to recognise that there have been gaps in the past, to have those gaps filled and to get the strongest and most robust legislation possible to ensure that those inequalities are confined to the past.”
“I agree with the Member and thank her for the work that she did to support Emma, Patrick and the entire family. It is really important, as I saw at first hand in January. Any parent, grandparent or other family member will appreciate and enjoy the communication that they have with family members — and that is for hearing family members. I can only imagine how important communication is for those, particularly children, who are deaf. It is really important. Communication is how we all evolve and develop as individuals. Without the support, I can only imagine how difficult it has been, particularly for generations of families who have been through this. <BR /> <BR />This is a good day. Karen McKevitt was right that it is a proud day for the Assembly.”
“Again, the short answer is "Yes, it will". In Scotland, all the local authorities, government bodies and arm's-length bodies signed up to a plan. We want to have legislation not only to give protection to those who need sign language support but to ensure that services and goods and, more importantly, access are available to members of our deaf community. So, yes, we will look at Scotland and at the Scandinavian countries, but we will go as far as Australia and New Zealand. We will go as far as we can to look at examples of other legislatures to ensure that we have the best possible legislation for our deaf constituents and deaf families.”
“These people not only have the expertise but are making progression plans to pass those skills and that expertise on to the next generation. In fairness to them, they are way ahead of the rest of us. This consultation process is very important to ensure that, whatever legislature they are responsible for and accountable to, we get the expertise and experience of everyone who has brought this forward. We will then build that in so that we have the best possible legislation for our deaf families here.”
“The short answer is "Yes", but I just want to let the Member know that we have some of the best experts here on our own shores. From as far back as 2004 and going right through, those experts have delivered a very robust road map. They have taken all the expertise and experience from right across and tried to build the best possible road map for deaf families here. They have already done that. We should not undervalue or fail to appreciate the skills and expertise that we have here. We have them here, and we need to support them. <BR /> <BR />I believe that the consultation period will not only support the work that has been done thus far but will help inform the Assembly, the Executive, future Assembly mandates and all the arm's-length bodies in going forward.”
“Let us use the consultation process to find out as best we can exactly what the needs are. Let us, collectively across each of our parties, put our best foot forward to try to ensure that people in the deaf community have services, information and access and can participate like the rest of us.”
“I believe the Member's question is based on the intent to give this as much support as possible. The sign languages are based around Irish Sign Language and British Sign Language. In November, I went to a world conference for the deaf that was hosted in Belfast. There are differences even within British Sign Language. For example, colleagues from Scotland were talking about differences in what they use compared with those from Australia. This is Sign Language Week, as luck would have it, and some of the participants who were up yesterday were talking about the differences in the languages. <BR /> <BR />Let us try to be as inclusive as we can. I think that, up until this point, all Members have tried to show respect and due regard — I do not believe this will not be the case from here on in — and to be as inclusive as possible.”