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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“The consultation will run for twelve weeks from today, 30 November 2015, until 22 February 2016. In line with appropriate guidance, I sought comments from other Departments prior to the public consultation being launched. My officials will host four consultation events across the North of Ireland during that period, where stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage with departmental representatives in relation to the subregional stadia programme for soccer. <BR /> <BR />The consultation document will be made available in the form of an online survey, with additional formats available on request. The 12-week consultation will be widely publicised and open to everyone who wishes to respond.”
“In addition, the project cannot be a replacement or upgrade to a project that has been funded through public-sector investment and is still within the economic lifespan of the asset, which is 21 years for buildings and 10 years for pitches. <BR /> <BR />I am opening a consultation on the proposed strands and levels of funding for the programme and on the needs that have emerged since 2011 that are not included in the IFA’s 2011 proposals. All applicants to the programme should be aware that there will be a requirement for partnership funding. The programme will be assessed under challenge fund principles, with award recommendations based on available funding, eligibility and projects attaining a high assessment score. <BR /> <BR />The consultation documentation is available from today on the DCAL website.”
“So the applicant must be an IFA-affiliated club or non-IFA-affiliated club with grounds located in the North of Ireland that hosts NIFL, IFA, UEFA or League of Ireland fixtures. <BR /> <BR />In addition, for a project to be considered eligible, applicants must clearly demonstrate: the project is a capital one, which, for the purposes of this programme, is defined as expenditure associated with the purchase, improvement, construction or creation of an asset and includes any costs directly incurred in that process; the project is fit for purpose, well designed and of high quality; the project is viable in the capital funding package required; the project is for the benefit of the soccer fraternity in the North of Ireland; the project will improve facility provision at soccer venues as per the IFA’s 2011 draft facilities document; the applicant organisation has not committed itself by purchase, contract or other binding agreement before receiving an offer of award and permission to proceed from DCAL; and the project builds on existing resources and is in addition to existing or planned investment by statutory bodies or the owner of the facility.”
“Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly constituted by means of a constitution or memorandum and articles of association that provide for equality of opportunity, not-for-profit status, child protection and management input from users. Applicants must be viable and solvent. In the absence of operational viability, only applicants that can meet the security of tenure requirements will be deemed eligible. The venue must be located in the North of Ireland, and the project must, in the main, benefit the inhabitants of the North of Ireland. Applicant organisations must also meet specific eligibility criteria, depending on which strand of funding they apply for. Those relate to size and capacity, designation under safety at sports grounds legislation, partnership working arrangements and affiliation.”
“The purpose of this strand is to provide funding, via targeted programmes in partnerships with local councils, schools and colleges, to deliver key sporting centres in local communities at an intermediate and junior level. A budget of circa £3 million will be made available for this strand. <BR /> <BR />The consultation document proposes that all applicant organisations must meet core criteria. Those include demonstrating ownership of the venue through freehold ownership or leasehold that provides a minimum of 10 or 21 years' security of tenure, depending on the scope of works or value of the award.”
“Strand 3 will be open to all venues not designated under the Safety at Sports Grounds Order. A challenge fund principle will apply to the allocation of funding. A budget of circa £3 million will be made available for this strand, with a maximum award of £500,000 available per venue. <BR /> <BR />Stand 4 is the provision of a national training centre. The purpose of this strand is to provide funding towards the creation of a purpose-built flagship national training centre to support current talent and nurture future generations. A budget of circa £3 million will be made available for this strand. <BR /> <BR />Strand 5 is intermediate and junior football.”
“A budget of circa £10 million will be made available for this strand. <BR /> <BR />Strand 2 relates to significant subregional stadia. The purpose of this strand is to provide subregional stadia that can sit at the hub of key communities. They would offer quality football and community facilities that bring revenues for the club tenants, making football in these areas more sustainable. This strand will be open only to venues designated under the Safety of Sports Grounds Order 2006. A challenge fund principle will apply to the allocation of funding. A budget of circa £17 million will be made available for this strand, with a maximum award of £3 million available per venue. <BR /> <BR />Strand 3 concerns IFA Championship clubs. The purpose of this strand is to provide funding to improve safety provision at soccer venues.”
“<BR /> <BR />The consultation document has been developed to reflect priorities outlined in a draft paper prepared by the IFA in 2011. Today's launch takes into account those priorities, as well as subsequent needs that have emerged in soccer since then, by providing an opportunity over the next 12 weeks for everyone's input before the programme is finalised. To align the subregional programme for soccer consultation with priorities agreed by the Executive in 2011, the programme has been divided into five distinct strands. <BR /> <BR />Strand 1 is safe stadia. The purpose of this strand is to provide funding for safe stadia capable of hosting high-level competition matches with a capacity of circa 6,000 to 8,000 persons. Redevelopment of the Oval, in partnership with Glentoran Football Club, is proposed.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. It would be remiss of me not to start by congratulating Tyson Fury on becoming a world boxing champion. Comhgairdeas. <BR /> <BR />I am very pleased to announce the launch of the consultation on the subregional stadia programme for soccer. This Executive-agreed programme aims to meet the strategic needs of football. On 10 March 2011, the Executive endorsed an investment of circa £36 million to develop subregional football across the North of Ireland. It was agreed that this would be taken forward as a priority area of spend in the next CSR period. The Executive endorsement was based on input received from the sector in 2011 on potential actions needed to meet the strategic needs of football.”
“If the Member feels that I have failed in my Department, it is the first time that I have heard it, although I accept that he is reading from a question that was put into his hand, probably, by his colleagues. He is probably not aware of what I do in my Department; I do not receive a lot of correspondence from him. Nonetheless, I do not accept the Member's assertion. The consultation is an opportunity for people in his constituency, if he is interested in feeding into a robust and strong arts and cultural strategy for 10 years.”
“I make no apology for the fact that I brought it forward yesterday; I think that it is good thing. I want to make sure that the consultation is done right. I wanted to make sure that the document, in conjunction with the great work done by the ministerial advisory forum on arts, along with DCAL and the Arts Council, was given the attention that it needed. I believe that the way in which the consultation was brought forward yesterday — by the way, it closes on 12 February — will give many people an opportunity. I encourage the Member, indeed, all Members across the House to get people from his constituency to feed into the consultation for the future.”
“As the Member will know, I am open to suggestions that provide a space and a legacy for citizens right across the North. I picked up on the Member's point that those are the first two portraits here of non-parliamentarians, and I think that that sends out a good message. It is also good because Seamus Heaney and C S Lewis's books and the story around them have provided inspiration for others engaged in the arts who are coming behind them. The more people who come to the Building — there are many, and that is good — and see ordinary people who have done extraordinary things for us acknowledged in these halls, the better.”
“I absolutely agree. The festival, along with EastSide Arts, has grown from strength to strength, particularly in recent years. The Member has been very supportive and, in fairness to him, very fair and genuine in his approach to ensure that east Belfast receives support. One of the best stories that it has — apart from Van Morrison, whom I am sure the Member will mention — is the whole C S Lewis narrative and its association with that part of the city. I have supported it and will continue to do so.”
“I cannot give the Member that assurance because, as he will know — maybe he is not aware that it was agreed at the Executive — the second phase of soccer money at subregional level is for bigger soccer clubs. The Member should direct junior clubs to Sport NI, which is the perfect place for those clubs to apply for funding. If he feels that they are not getting enough information from Sport NI or the local council, I am happy to hear the details.”
“The Member may be aware of the application process that Sport NI has started for capital funding from lottery funds. I will shortly announce a consultation process on subregional funding. Some of the bigger clubs that are in junior leagues and have junior clubs attached to them will be keen to participate in that. The IFA has also received money from DCAL not only to ensure the inclusion of junior football, for which it has also received money from Sport NI, but to ensure that young girls are included.”
“I absolutely will continue my efforts. Part of those efforts in the past, which I did not mention initially, was to change the way in which the application process happens and to encourage people to seek advice before they put in an application. I am working with the Commissioner for Public Appointments and other bodies to make that easy. I look forward to a report from that meeting and to receiving any advice that I can take to ensure that there is more openness and transparency and better representation on our public bodies.”
“I share the Member's concern and have done so for some time. When I went into the Department in 2011, less than 30% of those in the public appointments process were women. It has gone up to 36%, which, in my opinion, is still not good enough. I have met previous Commissioners for Public Appointments and asked them how to make the process more open and attractive, particularly to women and to people with disabilities. I continue to seek advice from the Commissioner for Public Appointments and others. If the Member or anyone else has any additional information, suggestions or advice as to how I can take that forward, I am open to hearing from them.”
“I totally agree with the Member, particularly for some of the smaller clubs or those that do not have as much financial flexibility to buy in consultants. It is important for those clubs, many of which are managed on a voluntary basis, to get as much detailed feedback as possible, particularly when they are going forward, because I am sure that the needs and rationale for putting in the applications have not changed. So, it is important that they get as much feedback as possible.”
“I have received that request on many occasions recently, because some clubs that were not successful in some of the rounds of capital funding from Sport NI have asked that question. The short answer is yes, there are processes. Some clubs want very detailed feedback, and they are entitled to that. I suggest that if that is the case with the Member, or even if people just want some feedback to help with future applications, then, in the first instance, clubs should contact Sport NI. If they want it done person to person, they should state that. I know that some clubs are happy to have feedback over the phone and others demand a much more rigorous process; but there is a process in Sport NI nonetheless.”
“I do not believe that anyone should be offensive to anyone of faith, but I also believe that people of faith do not have a veto over other people's rights and beliefs. I do not support the Member's position regarding persecution of Christians in this country. I believe that responsibility comes with religious and civil liberties. I would not support anyone criticising or abusing anyone's belief, regardless of whether that is political or religious. I could not support that at all.”
“I will not be writing to the Arts Council to ask it to review its decision. I do not believe in any form of censorship. I do think it is regrettable that people have been offended, but it is not my job to intervene in the Arts Council to have it reverse its decision.”
“The Finance Minister, in fairness to her, did try to reverse some of the impacts on my budget. Unfortunately, not all of the bids that I made could be met in this monitoring round, but we are working with officials in DFP to try to have those met in future monitoring rounds.”
“It is, of course, impossible to shield the wider community from Tory cuts and, indeed, cuts to front-line services. DCAL has been affected and impacted, and that has been manifested in reduced opening times at museums and libraries, as well as bigger reductions to arts and sports.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As a result of Tory Party cuts, my Department began this year with 10% less in its resource budget. In addition, the capital allocation for the stadia programme was reduced to nil. In managing the resource budget cut, I offered libraries some protection, as I have just outlined, because of the central role they play in local communities, both urban and rural. That inevitably meant greater pressures elsewhere of over 11% in the budgets of DCAL and the ALBs. <BR /> <BR />I insisted that all business areas minimised the effects of those cuts on services, reducing overheads in the first instance. That was helped by the establishment of the voluntary exit scheme, which around 60 people from within my Department and the ALBs will take up this year.”
“Money was given back to libraries, particularly to help them with stock because that is part of their acute service and need, and that has been brought back. I appeal for cross-party support for our libraries. They provide a valuable service and, once they have gone, particularly in rural communities, it will be very difficult to bring them back.”
“They also offer support with mental health, support to children and families with homework and much more besides. I am glad that we at least enjoy cross-party support for our libraries.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. He will also know that, of all the DCAL arm's-length bodies (ALBs), I have given the most protection to Libraries NI. I know that it is disappointing when library opening hours are reduced, but I have done my best to ensure that no library has closed as a result of the block grant being cut. <BR /> <BR />In the Member's constituency, there has been a groundswell of support for local libraries and membership of those libraries has increased. I think that that will help with the viability and sustainability of libraries. As the Member and other Members will know, libraries are more than just about borrowing books. As he has outlined, they offer support with literacy and numeracy.”
“I thank the Member for her supplementary question. She will be aware of most of the constituencies that fall within the top 10% most deprived areas. There are 12 libraries. Those are the libraries in Ardoyne, Chichester, Colin Glen, Creggan in Derry, the Falls Road in west Belfast, the Holywood Arches, the Shankill, Shantallow in Derry, Suffolk, the Waterside, Whiterock and Woodstock.”
“Libraries NI has information that it does not serve three or more super output areas. In comparison with Dungiven, Limavady's library is open for 40 hours whereas Dungiven library is open for 25 hours. In that situation, I think that the consideration of the library in the Member's constituency by Libraries NI was completely appropriate.”
“On the basis of that measure, the opening hours policy has prioritised libraries serving three or more super-output areas.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The decision to reduce the opening hours of Limavady library was taken in accordance with Libraries NI’s new opening hours policy, which comes into effect this month. It is regrettable that library opening hours have been reduced across the North. However, the new policy will help to ensure that all libraries, including Limavady, will remain open and will not need to close. While I appreciate that social deprivation affects many areas across the North, including Limavady, Libraries NI made clear in its review of opening hours consultation that libraries serving areas experiencing substantial levels of deprivation would be guaranteed protection from a greater than 10% reduction in their opening hours. Deprivation is determined using the published NI multiple deprivation measure 2010.”
“As outlined, we have a formal agreement with the Environment Agency, which is the lead agency with responsibility for investigation of water pollution. The Department has also agreed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Environment Agency on the responses to pollution incidents where fish are killed. We are looking at a framework with the agency to outline cooperation and implementation of our respective statutory duties. Under the Fisheries Act 1966, DCAL has powers to prosecute those causing pollution in fishing waters, but in most cases that is taken forward by the Environment Agency. The MOU and the framework that are being taken forward will try to ensure that as much as can be done when incidences such as this occur will be done.”
“To the best of my knowledge, the answer is as short as yes.”
“In cases of fish kills, particularly in the Member's constituency in recent times, my understanding is that all samples have been taken, particularly when there are recurrent fish kills in an area. I will certainly query this, but my understanding is that samples are taken from different parts of a river when there has been a fish kill to ensure that, if there is one cause, that cause can be identified. Maybe the answer did not reflect what is done, but I will certainly get the information for the Member because I know through representations from him through meetings and correspondence that this is an issue that he and my colleagues in that area, particularly the angling clubs, are very keen to get to the bottom of.”
“Where there is suspicion that fish disease may be a factor, DARD's fish health division is notified as the competent authority for aquatic animal health, and a sample of fish may be submitted for testing on the instruction of DARD.”
“I thank the Member for his question. My Department's fisheries protection officers assist the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with the investigation of pollution incidents involving fish kills by collecting, counting and recording the species and sizes of fish that have been killed. This data may be used as evidence in prosecution cases should the offender be identified, and, as a consequence, all or some of the dead fish may be retained as physical evidence. In some instances, a sample of a number of dead fish may be sent to the veterinary sciences division of Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in an attempt to identify the cause.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question and, indeed, for his comments. I meet the IFA on a regular basis, and I am certainly happy to meet with the Member and a delegation from the supporters' clubs, along with the IFA. I am happy to bring in Sport NI and anyone else to ensure that this is the start of a process and, more importantly, to ensure that everything that we can do as a collective is done.”
“Every year there is an annual event that DCAL sponsors, and all the teams are invited to that, including the big national teams, as well as some of the small clubs that have achieved success. The Member will not be surprised that I get hundreds of requests to host receptions here. Early in March next year not only will the Northern Ireland team be invited but all the teams in Ireland, because most of them are part of national governing bodies. <BR /> <BR />On the first point that he made about the events of the thirteenth of this month in Paris, I know that UEFA has been contacted by many national teams about arrangements for the championships next year. When I get an update, I am happy to share it with all Members, because I appreciate that they are concerned.”
“I think the Member's question is disappointing but certainly not surprising. He has been consistently negative. I will not be the Minister in 2016, but I am certainly happy to support the team. I am happy to support all the teams on this island. I think it would be much better if the Member stopped politicising this issue. I have been to Northern Ireland games on several occasions and have given my support. I did not see the Member there.”
“I know that the Member is new to the House, but it is customary for the Minister to wait for the Member to finish his question before answering. <BR /> <BR />Given that this is primarily a matter for the Irish Football Association, I have been very open in trying to assist where possible. I have provided the Irish Football Association with money in addition to capital moneys. <BR /> <BR />Sport NI is helping the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland team, as well as many other teams competing in championships. If the Member has a suggestion or thinks that I should do something specific, I am more than happy to receive representation from him or from anyone else for that matter.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I can advise that my Department has had no discussions to date on this matter. The establishment of fans' embassies is something that the Irish Football Association, in association with the Northern Ireland supporters' representatives, might consider necessary at suitable venues in France for the 2016 European Championship. I would support the establishment of fans' embassies to provide travel advice, local information and assistance for fans. Any measures that can be taken to help to ensure that fans have a safe and enjoyable experience at the championships are worthy of consideration.”
“I am absolutely open to helping those clubs. I have asked to go out and see them, and I have written to them. I have been to clubs across the North, including ones in predominantly working-class loyalist areas. However, I believe that the actions of some unionist politicians on the issue have been nothing short of pathetic.”
“I do not punish anyone. The rules are very clear, and people clearly understand them. It would be more fitting for politicians like you and Mr McGimpsey to support the clubs. It is the clubs that work with the children all the time. Rather than piggybacking on those clubs, you should help them to get the much-needed funding.”
“The Member has asked me that question a lot, and he will get the same answer. This money and investment is for clubs affiliated to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) and in receipt of a letter of offer. I understand that Sandy Row Boxing Club will receive money from Belfast City Council and other bodies, but it understands full well the rules of the funding and application process. Rather than sectarianising and politicising the issue, the Member should encourage the club to get that much-needed investment.”
“I agree with the Member that it is good to see children of all backgrounds and genders involved in sport, particularly boxing, which has been predominantly male for decades. It is now very open and is trying to be as inclusive as possible. Through the Sport Matters strategy, we encourage the inclusion of women in a few sports — boxing is one of them — but we need to do much more. I believe that the Ulster Boxing Council and some, but not all, of the county boards have gone out of their way to include more women. I also believe that proper facilities will help to encourage young women in the sport. Most importantly, attitudes have changed: Katie Taylor and others have been great role models and will help to bring more women into the sport as well.”
“That is the difference between some clubs having a viable project and others that are simply stuck between one Department giving funding and another unable to give match funding.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. I recognise that the lottery funding, albeit over £3 million, will not be enough to address the need out there. I have visited many boxing clubs across the North. Some of the conditions in the clubs are not fit for purpose despite the excellent work that they do, so the £3·2 million from Sport NI's lottery fund is not enough. <BR /> <BR />That said, Sport NI is working with a number of organisations, with my Department and other Departments, including DSD, for example, and with some district councils. We are trying to work with the clubs to ensure that there are opportunities. Some clubs need small amounts of money; others much more. There is potential for the clubs that need small amounts to lose out when Departments, councils and other bodies come together.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Just to clarify, it was £1 million given to Derry, not £30 million. I am sure that a lot of people in Derry were getting excited, so I am sorry to quash that rumour. <BR /> <BR />It is important that small sporting clubs receive support, and it is regrettable that the Member's party could not support the Bill of that nature. However, it is important that areas that do a lot of outreach work with children and young people, keeping them safe and healthy, get support from government. I admire the work that a lot of sporting clubs do, particularly boxing clubs. I believe that the sport is trying to attract more women and children of all abilities. It is right and proper that, in turn, government gives support to the clubs.”
“Ninety-four clubs have received a range of boxing equipment valued at £170,000, and £2·5 million has been allocated to take forward capital works on the premises of 40 boxing clubs, 20 of which are outside Belfast.”
“I thank the Member for his question. DCAL and Sport NI have been able to provide practical and financial support to established boxing clubs across the North, including clubs outside Belfast. That has been achieved through Sport NI's boxing investment programme, which will see lottery funding of over £3·2 million invested across the sport. In addition, under the City of Culture legacy programme, my Department is investing a further £1 million for boxing in Derry. <BR /> <BR />The aims of the boxing investment programme are to help the sport to address the needs of boxing clubs around club development and sustainability and the provision of suitable facilities and boxing equipment. A club development manager has worked with a large number of clubs to enable them to meet governance standards.”