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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“<BR /> <BR />As I said, and I am sure that the Member was here when I said it, I am waiting for the sustainable model to be brought forward by the end of this week. When I read it and have discussions with my colleagues in the Arts Council and Belfast City Council, the sponsors and my Executive colleagues first and foremost, only then will I make a decision or a recommendation to them if I am satisfied that the model that they are bringing forward is what we need for the future.”
“Any discretionary money that I have is very, very small. It would not even be seen in the Ulster Orchestra. I made a decision to invest that small discretionary money into disability, particularly arts performance for children who are severely disabled, and I make no apology for that. You are talking about £25,000 here, £10,000 there and nothing over £50,000 at one time, particularly in relation to plays for children and young people who were so far removed from services that I do not think that anybody — I am not even suggesting the Member — would argue that that was not the thing to do. The Ulster Orchestra needs hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money, and I do not have that amount of money lying surplus in my Department.”
“The Member is asking me to give guarantees that I am not in a position to give. The orchestra costs a lot of money from the public purse and will cost money in the future from the public purse, and I am not saying that it should not. Even the orchestra itself said that it is currently unsustainable. We need to get an orchestra that is fit for purpose and will have better economic security in the years ahead. That will mean that we will have an orchestra that we are all very loyal to and proud of. It will also mean that it will provide inspiration and aspiration for young musicians coming forward, and there will be employment. However, at this stage, it would be foolish to give guarantees that I cannot give just to be politically popular.”
“I cannot give guarantees about what size the orchestra will be or what it may or may not be reduced to. I understand that the Ulster Orchestra's programme management board will be bringing a few suggestions and proposals to the model, and it would be foolhardy for me to say that I would support a, b, c or d without even having seen them first. I am sure that the Member appreciates that. We need to ensure that we make every effort and put our best foot forward to do everything that we can to try to make sure that the Ulster Orchestra is sustainable. Therefore, it is on the basis of what we have, what we expect to be brought forward and what support we can get to sustain it in future years.”
“It is my job to make sure that the model can stand up to scrutiny and has the economic sustainability that no one paid attention to in previous years.”
“I did not hear any of the comments on the radio about the orchestra, but my understanding was that that £100,000 came from Belfast City Council on the condition that DCAL's funding came forward. My conditions are that, if the revised model is robust and helps to meet the needs of the Arts Council, DCAL, Belfast City Council and the other sponsors, and we attract the rest of the Executive's support, that is a way to go forward. My clear intention is that we do not meet a shortfall only to be in the same place next year. I do not think that that is fair on the orchestra, the Arts Council, Belfast City Council or the other sponsors. I also do not think that it is fair to the public, who have a lot of loyalty to the orchestra and want to see it surviving, working and thriving.”
“I am expecting a revised plan by no later than Friday of this week, which is 28 November. If you are under the impression that I am expecting it today, you know more than my private office, but, sure, that would not be a first, Basil, would it? <BR /> <BR />I am certainly expecting the revised plan by the end of this week, and, soon after, I will be working on seeing whether we can realise it. I will meet the orchestra and, indeed, the Arts Council, Belfast City Council and the orchestra's other sponsors to see whether we can get a model that suits everyone's needs.”
“I am sure that we will hear some more about the Ulster Orchestra, not only today but over the next couple of days. As I said in my primary answer, I am expecting a revised business model to come back from the Ulster Orchestra, on the basis that it can stand up to scrutiny. I am sure that the Member and others have concerns about that, but it will mean that we are not facing this problem year on year and that the orchestra will withstand next year's Budget, the Budget the year after that and Budget the year after that. It is only if the new revised model is brought forward and that it has full support that I can bring forward any proposals to my Executive colleagues for support. I value the Ulster Orchestra's work, and I am on record as saying that. However, it is unsustainable in its current configuration.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I have met representatives of the orchestra to explore the nature of the problems that it faces and the work that it is undertaking to identify possible solutions. Officials from my Department, together with the Arts Council, continue to engage with the orchestra and its sponsors to develop and refine potential operating models and alternative funding mechanisms that would enable it to safeguard its future. If a new, sustainable operating model emerges, I will give it serious consideration, and, subject to receiving assurances that it can be delivered, only then will I engage with Executive colleagues to assess how we as an Executive might support it.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chomhalta as an cheist sin a chur orm. I have no idea at this stage about any figures in relation to voluntary redundancy. As the Member will be aware, my high-level financial budget plans, albeit provisional, were put on the website last week. It is something that the officials, with our staff side representatives, are working through. It is early days yet, but I anticipate that, by the close of play of the consultation on the draft Budget, we might have more definitive figures back. If and when those figures are brought forward, I will be happy to share them with him and with other members of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee.”
“I am reluctant to point out one area in the working remit of DCAL that I would be happy to look at. At the minute, I am looking at everything.”
“I will happily relay that figure back and try to get the Member the detail tonight to him personally. I brought additional staff in to look at the stadia development programmes. Skilled expertise was needed in order to bring those programmes forward. In addition to that, I work with the Strategic Investment Board to try to ensure that there is better provision and that I do not have to buy in or contract additional work when that service is already available. The Member will also be aware that you pay for that, but it is an expertise that, so far, I have found very valuable. <BR /> <BR />The Member will also be aware that DCAL and its arm's-length bodies have a particular financial need in my Department to ensure that the money and the governance and audit trails around it flow freely.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The cost of staff at grade 5 and above in my Department at the end of the financial year on 31 March 2014 was £818,428. This figure includes the cost of temporary staff involved in special projects or dedicated projects. When those posts are excluded, the cost was £690,000. At 31 March 2014, permanent staff at grade 5 and above comprised five at grade 5, including one at grade 3 and one permanent secretary.”
“<BR /> <BR />I believe that, particularly in relation to soccer, Gaelic games and rugby, the three governing bodies, through additional funding that they have received from DCAL, have done a lot of work around that, not just to help people to improve their physical and mental health but with the cultural awareness and inclusion that those programmes bring. I am sure that the Member will agree that it is very important.”
“I know that the Member is aware of what is known now as the game of three halves. That goes across soccer, Gaelic games, rugby and, sometimes, hockey and other sports in between. I think that it is a good initiative. It exposes young people in particular to games that, traditionally, they normally would not find themselves attracted to. It also brings forward an awareness not just of the games but of the culture behind some of those games. It is really important. Sports governing bodies and individuals in clubs and schools have been very proactive in trying to make sure that children get every opportunity to avail themselves of those games.”
“At this stage, however, it is important to finish the consultation so that we get a robust level of service needs in the communities. The small grants award will be made known soon, and we will move on to the bigger capital programmes in the new year.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Further to my response to the initial question, Sport NI is developing a capital programme that aims to invest £17·5 million of lottery funding to sports facilities over the next five years, which, I am sure the Member and other Members will agree, is substantial funding. The programme will seek to integrate the facility needs of community participants and the performance of athletes in the same multi-sports environment. <BR /> <BR />Sport NI has consulted sports governing bodies to identify priorities for high-performing athletes. It has also spoken, and started working in good partnerships, with councils to deliver sports facility strategies; it is also working with local clubs and communities. It is envisaged that that investment will be brought forward in the new year.”
“I have written to the governing body on that matter. I have received correspondence, but I have not yet had an opportunity to read or disseminate it. That issue was raised with me in relation to hockey and rugby sevens at the previous Question Time, and I gave a guarantee then. Upon receipt of that correspondence, I will happily share it with the Member.”
“The Member has highlighted the fact that partnership is key, certainly around future provision. That is particularly the case when looking at the capital needs of clubs and, in this case, schools and councils. The people involved in the case of the Member's constituency and the area that she highlighted came together naturally because they have a good working relationship. They also see that bringing clubs together and bringing clubs and schools together realises facilities; that is what we are encouraging people to do. Obviously, there is a big difficulty around future funding. However, if clubs, partnerships and schools provide evidence of need and of a good, effective partnership, with the support of a governing body, it will stand them in good stead. That is how we would like to see provision rolled out in future.”
“It is the second round of the lottery-funded small grants programme, which is primarily aimed at grassroots community-based sports. Six hockey organisations, including two hockey clubs based in the Craigavon Borough Council area, submitted applications. Sport NI will notify the applicants of the outcome in December 2014.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As the Member knows, responsibility for promoting hockey in the North of Ireland, including Lurgan and Portadown, rests with the governing body of the sport, Ulster Hockey. Since 2011, Sport NI has provided Ulster Hockey with funding of almost £914,000 for the promotion and development of hockey across the North. A further £551,000 has been invested in hockey clubs and schools to deliver the sport in communities. In that investment, a number of primary schools in the Lurgan and Portadown areas have received funding of almost £3,400 to deliver a range of sports and to provide coaching for children, across sports, particularly hockey. <BR /> <BR />Sport NI is assessing applications received under its Active Awards for Sport programme.”
“I am happy to share them with him and other members of the Committee.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I will certainly ensure that I will lobby to have the funds realised and will do so on the basis of need. If the Member is telling me that there is equality of demand and equality of evidence between the Irish language and Ulster Scots, I have yet to see it. <BR /> <BR />I will match funding to need. That has been my commitment, and I have done that thus far. I do not cherry-pick or pick pet projects but do it on the basis of need. I will happily negotiate for additional secured funding and an uplift on the current funding on that basis. <BR /> <BR />I will also happily furnish the Member with viewing figures for each of the programmes. Not only can both broadcast agencies stand over those figures but they have been independently supported by Ofcom.”
“At least my party leader knows when to apologise, but —”
“Absolutely. I fully agree with the Member, and I am delighted that those figures have been independently supported by Ofcom. They support the experience thus far from both broadcast funds, NI Screen and people in the creative industries sector, who have said to us that there is an increasing demand for work within both broadcast funds. That is a good thing, and it will certainly help my case — probably not this year — when I go to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. I hope to have a further meeting at the end of this year, but, if that is not possible, a meeting with all the spokespersons will be realised at the beginning of next year and before the next Westminster election. It is important that we get cross-party support for it.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chomhalta as an cheist. Thank you very much to the Member. <BR /> <BR />In 2013-14, the target was to deliver 60 hours of Irish-language content to a weekly audience of 25,000. The Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund aimed to deliver 12 hours of Ulster-Scots programming to reach an audience target of 40,000 people per programme in the North. <BR /> <BR />In the latest figures in Ofcom's communications market report, during 2013-14, programming supported by the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund and broadcast by the BBC reached an audience of 660,000, which is just under 40% of the total population of the North. I believe that that demonstrates a continued demand for programming from both funds.”
“That will involve ensuring that we have all the facilities and funding required to deliver such an event, an amount that is lower than the proposer of the motion indicated. It would be anything between £3 million and £5 million, possibly up to £7 million. That said, I think that it is an investment worth going to the Executive for. <BR /> <BR />I believe that the youth games would offer another fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the North and all that we have to offer. I would be happy to give Minister Foster my support should she wish to take a proposal to the Executive. I would also be happy for my Department to work in collaboration with DETI, the Tourist Board and the Commonwealth Games Council in their preparation of any proposed bid.”
“As I said earlier, the responsibility for submitting a bid to the Commonwealth Games Federation rests with our local Commonwealth Games Council, and it is important that the council receives the support that it needs to make the bid happen. I know that the council has held preliminary talks with DETI and the Tourist Board, and it has the sole responsibility for bidding for future sporting events. My officials, along with Sport NI, have also met the council to hear about the proposal and find out how we can help. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that there are significant challenges in taking the proposal forward, and we are all very mindful of the timescale involved in carrying out feasibility studies and submitting a final bid for the 2021 youth games by May of next year.”
“By bringing the Commonwealth Youth Games to the North in the future, we can build on our achievements of the past. We have a lot to be thankful for. <BR /> <BR />The Youth Commonwealth Games can also provide us with an opportunity to reach out to other cultures, given the diverse nationalities now participating in the Commonwealth Games. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls on the Executive to:”
“I referred to the influential role that major sporting events can play in the development of sport, and other Members mentioned their power in community cohesion. <BR /> <BR />For athletes who have taken part, major events can provide an opportunity to build and develop. Additional facilities can be built, and the coaches and governing bodies, who work very diligently with great commitment behind the scenes to support our athletes, can develop their skills and expertise. Such events provide opportunities for volunteers to help out and develop their organisational and leadership skills. <BR /> <BR />Our athletes, and others like them, have inspired people from across communities to get out, get involved and have a go. That has to be welcomed by everybody.”
“The Commonwealth Youth Games can often be the first stepping stone for young athletes in their international sporting careers and has been the foundation for some of our athletes, many of whom the Members here have mentioned.”
“That paper looked at the hosting of major international sporting events and, indeed, the infrastructure required to hold them. I am sure that all Members saw the paper. The first key point in that paper noted that we do not currently have the capacity to hold major sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games. While we certainly do aspire to host major competitions, we need to be sure that the infrastructure is there and that we are ready to do so. <BR /> <BR />Finally, to address the main element of the motion, I am supportive of the proposal that we should bid to host the Commonwealth Youth Games. These games, whenever and wherever they have been held, have offered a wonderful opportunity to our talented young athletes for their experience. It is an international competition with a strong network of support.”
“They certainly supported the Giro d'Italia, and, indeed, they came out across the many venues that hosted the World Police and Fire Games events and activities. <BR /> <BR />Secondly, the motion calls for us to consider hosting a future Commonwealth Games, which is much bigger than the Commonwealth Youth Games. While I am confident that we currently have the facilities to host the Commonwealth Youth Games and that this will need to be explored in much more detail before the bid is made, we need to be realistic about our expectations of hosting the Commonwealth Games in the near future. <BR /> <BR />In January 2014, the Assembly Research and Information Service published a paper entitled 'International Sporting Competitions'.”
“Recent experience of international sporting events such as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and, for us, the World Police and Fire Games and the Giro d'Italia have raised the profile of sport in a very positive way. <BR /> <BR />These events and the athletes and, indeed, the teams who took part did inspire more people to get involved in sports, and, for us in recent years, that has meant cycling, gymnastics, boxing and athletics. Local sports clubs have seen applications to their clubs increase in numbers, and we can be certain that the success of local athletes in major events across the world has been a real and contributing factor. Hosting major events here brings a sense of pride. That was demonstrated when many of our local communities came out on the streets to support the torch relay for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“The first is in respect of the impact that hosting a major event can have on people and their communities. Secondly, in considering the motion, we need to be realistic about the type of events that we should aspire to host. Thirdly, I will explain why I would encourage the Executive to support the development of a bid to host the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2021. <BR /> <BR />Major events are extremely influential and increase the number of people who participate in sport across the community, and we have seen that in recent years. It has helped to improve health and well-being, which are priorities not only for DCAL but for the Executive.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas daoibh as an rún seo inniu. Thank you very much for today's motion and debate. Everyone who has spoken has listed the major events. For me, there is no doubt that the Olympics, the Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games have played a particularly positive role in the transformation of the host cities, which I had the privilege of visiting and participating in during the aforementioned events. Members know and I should clarify for their sake, particularly the Members who tabled the motion, that responsibility for the events rests with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and, indeed, her global events bidding group. <BR /> <BR />In response to the motion, I have considered three key areas.”
“<BR /> <BR />Let me finish by telling anyone out there who has been a victim of abuse to come forward and report it. If you need help and support, many organisations have the appropriate skills and training to assist. As for my party, we will support you in any way we can. <BR /> <BR />We will not support the motion or the amendment.”
“According to figures issued by NIACRO, 173 alleged sex offenders were referred between 2006 and 2012 for resettlement. Many of them were under threat from the same loyalist paramilitaries as the unionist parties are cosying up to in a pan-unionist front in their bid to force a loyalist march through a nationalist area. If the proposers of the motion and the amendment were truly serious about tackling abuse in our society, we would have a motion and an amendment that deal with abuse no matter what its source. The answer for victims and the wider public is obvious. Some people in the Chamber want to indulge in party-political point scoring. They do not care if it inflicts more hurt and pain on victims. I have to say that the SDLP's amendment and support for this DUP attack are shameful and disgraceful.”
“It is one thing for a TV show to drive a coach and horses through the law and the right to a fair trial in open court; it is another altogether for some Members to set aside fairness and process in attempting to adjudicate on the case. Therefore, I ask Members whether they support due process. Do they have confidence in the PSNI? Do they have confidence in the PPS? Do they have confidence in the courts? It is the case that neither guilt nor innocence is to be determined by 'Spotlight' or indeed by anybody in the Chamber. They simply cannot have it both ways. Those Members, unlike Jennifer McCann, have offered no practical help to Maíria or other victims other than to use their distress to score points. <BR /> <BR />I would like to remind Members that the issue that we debate today is simply not a legacy issue.”
“The motion, however, seeks to turn all of that evidence on its head and instead focuses solely on one group. It demeans the suffering and pain of all those who have been abused, and it fails victims. <BR /> <BR />Part of the motion is targeted at Jennifer McCann, who did all that she could to assist a vulnerable young women who disclosed to her in confidence that she had been sexually abused seven years previously. The producers of the 'Spotlight' programme that triggered the trial by media of the Maíria Cahill case deemed the outcome of the judicial processes inconvenient facts in their attempt to get a headline-grabbing programme. In a bid to get better ratings, due process was ignored and key facts omitted to suit the bias of the programme's conclusions.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. <BR /> <BR />As someone who has dealt with and supported victims of domestic and sexual abuse, including women prisoners sexually assaulted by prison officers in Armagh and Maghaberry prisons during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, I am saddened that today's motion and amendment have little to do with helping or indeed supporting victims. Rather, some of the other parties have chosen to politicise the serious issue of sexual abuse and indulge themselves in a bout of political point scoring. None of this has anything to do with meeting the needs of victims. All the evidence and research on sexual abusers show clearly that they come from all walks of life, from all backgrounds and from all classes.”
“We are working with the angling clubs and, as I mentioned to Mr Lunn, other Departments to try to identify the causes of the fish kill and to try to look at ways in which we can eradicate some of the difficulties. The Sixmilewater, as the Member knows, is a private estate and club. Certainly, the expense of restocking lakes, rivers and waterways is more acutely felt when it comes out of members' pockets. We need to identify the causes. If the cause is pollution, we need to identify the people responsible for that and prosecute them.”
“We will be meeting again this week, so they will know exactly what they have, particularly from today. The ALBs will work out the figures for what they have, as the Member put it, in cold cash.”
“The Member is being a bit silly. He will know, from his experience as Minister, that the indicative figures are already there. The ALBs have them, so they have an indicative spend.”
“I thank the Member for his question, and I congratulate the Ulster Bank Festival at Queen's and other festivals for the wonderful gift that they give, particularly the activities in the city of Belfast. I had the pleasure of attending one performance — the internationally renowned show 'Guide Gods', which was shown on television. <BR /> <BR />I have meetings scheduled for within the next fortnight on the budget lines. My officials are meeting arm's-length bodies this week to outline the percentages of the budget that they will have. It is important that we get those indications sooner rather than later so that planning can occur.”
“I give the Member a commitment that I will try to find the source of this latest pollution and go for prosecution with the maximum penalties.”
“The Member is right in saying that several Departments are involved, but none should be blamed for the pollution of the waterways. We are left to pick up the pieces, frankly. If the cause is pollution, we should identify the source and prosecute, applying the maximum fine to ensure that there is a deterrent. I know of one case that was in the media, but there have been other cases of several fines being levied on one person. These people seem to pay their fine and get on with it. The environment, including the fish and the local flowers and fauna, has been experiencing pollution not just for the here and now but for generations to come. It is incumbent on us all to ensure that we tackle this problem as best we can.”
“I join the Member in saying that these fish kills are very worrying. There has been a lot of speculation about their cause. One potential cause is pollution, another is the effect of global warming on the environment and a third is the biosecurity of lakes and waterways. The Member gave the example of the Sixmilewater. Although that is a private waterway, it is regrettable. Many local anglers have privately stocked these lakes from their own pocket. My Department is working with the Department of the Environment and AFBI to ascertain the causes of the fish kills. We need to learn the lessons and identify, if possible, the sources of the fish kills and try to eradicate them.”
“It is a matter for the IFA to present a facilities management strategy. Certainly, it is for me to make the decision on what investment the strategy will receive, notwithstanding the fact that the Member has a right to ensure that smaller clubs are not forgotten in any potential investment. I am sure that he will lobby, along with his colleagues from that area, to ensure that his constituency is not ignored when it comes to future investment.”
“What has become known as the subregional programme for soccer will become available in the next CSR period. I will soon make a bid to my Executive colleague the Minister of Finance and Personnel for those funds, which are substantial, for the IFA for new facilities. Notwithstanding the fact that the Member mentioned Coleraine in particular and despite some speculation in the media, no decisions have been made on any areas where that funding will be invested.”