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 Member should be aware that responsibility for hosting events and events promotion is with DETI. However, I do not shirk from my responsibility. Events need to be brought right across, as much as possible, and that includes Mid Ulster. Does the new council have any plans to bring forward events? Other councils have approached me about the potential for events and for working in partnership with the Arts Council, the museums sector and the Sports Council, so I am happy to hear from the Member if she has any specific plans.”
“Absolutely. The Member will be aware, through his relationship with Limavady Borough Council, of the Stendhal Festival in Limavady. That is a very, very small festival in comparison with the City of Culture in Derry, but it has a very significant impact. It receives a small amount of money. The people in that area, and the people who visited, were delighted to see that such a small place received government attention. That is the way it should be.”
“I see that as being, in the first instance, a matter for the council. I do think that small towns and villages have been somewhat overshadowed by bigger towns and cities. If I had the investment to go to every corner of every small town, village or hamlet, I would make it, but we live in the real world. We have made investment through local government and will continue to do that. However, that is on the basis that it caters for all ratepayers and citizens and not just for some.”
“Certainly not at this stage. When I was asked to transfer some functions to local government, museums, the planetarium and others were down the list. I refused to do that until I was convinced that local government was in a state to implement not just the services but access for everybody, and to do it on the basis of equality.”
“There is a difference between the independent museums, some of the private and voluntary museums, and those in public ownership. That is a fairly detailed question, and the Member will appreciate that I do not have the figures to hand. However, I am happy to write to him with them.”
“I appreciate the tone in which the Member has asked the question. I have seen things about the museums sector in the press before that, upon investigation, have proven to be unfounded. However, in the spirit of the tone of the question, I am happy to bring it forward to officials, and particularly to the museums sector, to try to find out exactly what is happening. I am happy to write to the Member on that.”
“I am not aware that there are significant reductions. However, I am happy to query that with officials and copy the Member in to correspondence.”
“I certainly refute the Member's allegation that Sport NI is implementing discriminatory practices. In the past, the Member and other Members have made allegations about some bodies, and the arm's-length bodies in particular. He needs to bring forward the evidence.”
“Certainly, in the first instance, athletes who compete in competitions, regardless of the configuration, are the responsibility of the governing body. That is not the responsibility of Sport NI and is certainly not the responsibility of DCAL.”
“I will actually go further than that. I will ask for an update, certainly from the councils, on the implementation of their disability strategies. I am happy to provide the Member with an update of those when I receive them. As well as that, I will certainly raise it at the next Sport Matters implementation group meeting.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I am sure that he was here when we discussed the Sport Matters strategy earlier. It is important that all councils in their current and future configurations are not only part of the Sport Matters implementation group, but actually implement the Sport Matters strategy, particularly in relation to disabilities. Those people need our help more than most. I would be very keen to ensure that the new super-councils play their role as robustly as the old ones did.”
“Certainly, the skills and experience that DCAL officials and even officials from the arm's-length bodies have in relation to helping people to prepare business plans and possibly attract funding and sponsorship is there. If the Member has any specific examples or requests, I am more than happy to receive them, but let us be clear: what we do not need is a cut in one Department that another Department is expected to pick up. That is not happening either.”
“The Member will certainly be aware that, in 2010, the Events Company transferred from DCAL to DETI. That investigation is still ongoing. That is with the regret of even the Enterprise Minister, other Executive colleagues and I. Having even just listened to media reports this morning, I am quite shocked and disappointed that events funding, particularly for tourism, has certainly been scaled back, if not ceased. I will certainly have discussions with my officials and local councils to see what additional funding they can bring forward because it is important that we ensure that those initiatives continue.”
“In short, yes, but that does not mean to say that the Member can then walk in and expect to get the initiative funded. I am certainly disappointed to hear the Enterprise Minister's comments that events will no longer receive funding. I certainly hope that the Omagh riding initiative is not one of them.”
“I am aware that there was certainly a proposal by Omagh. I am happy to again meet the Member to discuss that further. I believe that competitions and events in cycling and sport and physical activity in particular are to be welcomed. I am particularly delighted when they take place in rural areas. The Member and other Members in this House have often complained that a lot of funding, particularly for sport and physical activity, is based in cities.”
“The cross-community youth sports programme, led by my Department, will seek to deliver a meaningful and sustained impact on good relations through the power of sport. Alongside that, the programme will seek to promote equality and tackle poverty and social exclusion. <BR /> <BR />It is important that the programme is delivered in areas of multiple deprivation, as these often experience significant conflict and interface tension. That is reflected in the fact that two areas selected for the pilot scheme in 2014-15 are areas of multiple deprivation. The roll-out of the programme will seek to identify other suitable areas, rural and urban, to maximise opportunities for young people.”
“I am familiar with the trust and with the Member's involvement through the work of the Scouts. Other youth and community groups have also visited the premises and availed themselves of those services over decades. I am not aware of any current funding application, but I am happy to make enquiries and copy the Member into correspondence.”
“Work is being led and undertaken by Newry and Mourne District Council. Crossmaglen library is a part of the local community centre, and the council is upgrading the centre's facilities, which, in turn, helps the library. The council is carrying out some small-scale improvements to the library at a cost of £52,000. Libraries NI, which leases the library space from the council, is paying for the work from its resource and maintenance budget and has informed the public of what is happening. During the closure, a temporary mobile library service has operated from the square at Crossmaglen. The library is expected to reopen in approximately a month's time.”
“I have heard of different master plans in different council areas. Certainly, I am happy to write to the Member on the specifics. Needless to say, in the north-west, we have partnered with the Coleraine, Dungiven, Limavady and Derry City councils. I hope to have the same approach across the new council areas. I think that it is a better spend when different agencies, stakeholders and others bring their purses. I will enquire about the south-east coast master plan and write to the Member with details.”
“My Department is considering a number of opportunities for capital investment in the South Down and Newry and Armagh constituencies: for example, a proposal is being developed to build a new Armagh city library; and the Armagh Planetarium and Armagh Observatory have registered a requirement for new CCTV equipment and maintenance works. No capital budget exists, as yet, for 2015-16. When the Executive make investment allocations in due course, those and other projects will be considered for funding in light of departmental priorities and the available budget.”
“It will also help people to feel part of the community when they are not outside looking in at facilities that they cannot use.”
“Not only will the investment be used to better effect but it will actually help to accrue additional investment in the future when there is a better joined-up approach. It will help with sustainability and maintenance of schools.”
“Absolutely. Last year or earlier this year, the Minister of Education and I launched guidelines for better sharing of facilities. The guidelines have been in circulation since last year but the idea has been there for decades. The Member may be aware — I am aware from my constituency and the evidence from other constituencies — that there were lots of reasons put up by schools in particular for not opening the gates past 4.00 pm. I think that we have all seen through that. Now schools and boards of governors are willing partners, and the new super councils will be willing partners as well, because, apart from not having the capital investment to build the facilities at the end of each corner — to be flippant about it — it is much better when we share facilities.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with the Member. It is really important. As well as looking at obesity and healthy hearts, we also have the whole area of mental health and healthy minds. Increased sport and physical activity have tremendous health benefits, particularly for older people, who are, at times, forgotten. Looking at tailor-made, bespoke programmes for them is really important, because not only does it keep them active, it keeps them mentally active. The social inclusion brought forward by some groups that have a sporting and leisure dimension has been proven to be very successful. For all of those reasons that I have outlined — I am sure there are more that the Member and I could mention — investment for sport is really important, particularly for those targeted areas of women, older people and those with disabilities.”
“The Sport Matters implementation group looks at the progress — certainly for the period from October to September 2013 — and has recorded progress against each of the targets. The target to increase participation rates amongst older people by 6% is deemed to be on track, with the achievement of an increase by 9%. The target to increase participation rates amongst women by 6% is also on track, with an increase of over 17% so far. The target to increase participation rates amongst people with a disability by 6% is deemed to be on track, but with some delay. In comparison to the Sport Matters strategy, they are certainly on track. I hold the view that the progress is good, but, certainly in the case of disabilities, we are doing well but need to do more.”
“Outdoor Recreation and other leisure organisations such as angling clubs have also been included.”
“Since Active Communities began in 2010, opportunities have been provided to over 175,000 young people, almost 135,000 females, just over 30,000 people with a disability and over 27,000 older people. Examples of other promotional activity include funding for programmes such as Active Awards for Sport, Active Clubs, boxing investment programmes and ongoing investment in sporting facilities that are developed to encourage participation by all members of local communities. <BR /> <BR />A range of activities is also provided by other partners involved in promoting opportunities in sport and recreation. Those partners include the sports governing bodies, such as the GAA, rugby and the IFA, and public bodies such as the Public Health Agency and the Environment Agency.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Since 2009, Sport NI has invested funding of almost £48 million towards increasing participation levels across our population through a variety of programmes.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. The main project was due to commence, and the financial situation, particularly with the Irish Government, put a halt to that. Rather than waiting on the money to be brought in all at once, we are starting to look at options. The Member is aware that there is an inter-agency group set up around the Ulster canal. He raised that through previous correspondence and at meetings. <BR /> <BR />I am meeting Ms Heather Humphreys, the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, next week to look at ways in which we can start work and start looking at bringing a phased approach to the restoration of the Upper Lough Erne to Clones part of the Ulster canal.”
“I have no doubt that the chief executive of Waterways Ireland will bring that to our attention at the next sectoral meeting.”
“It is really important that we — in this case, it is Waterways Ireland — manage our budgets appropriately. The cost of the running, maintenance and upkeep of the premises will have been in the original outline business plan. <BR /> <BR />Are there things that Waterways Ireland could do? It has said, or it has been reported, that it has space and could lease out some of that space to accrue some money that it could spend. There are many things, I am sure, that it could do. Dawn Livingstone is a very responsible chief executive who is more than aware of the potential of tourism and what Waterways Ireland would like to do if given even small amounts of money. Modest investments have gone a long way and accrued a lot of benefits, particularly in rural areas around the waterways.”
“I think that there is a myth that anyone using the waterways has a luxury boat or yacht. Maybe the Member's friends have luxury boats and yachts, but the people whom I have spoken to on the waterways the length and breadth of the island do not. Waterways Ireland's by-laws are out for consultation. It is looking at fixed penalties, speed limits, respectable mooring and responsible parking. From time to time, people cruise up and down the length of our waterways in much smaller and respectable boats but certainly not in anything substantial.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of inland waterways for recreational purposes lies with Waterways Ireland, one of the six North/South implementation bodies. <BR /> <BR />There are currently no plans to introduce an annual fee for boat users. Waterways Ireland operates a charging structure for a variety of services to users of the waterways across the Waterways Ireland network. Those vary from £1 for passage through a lock on the lower Bann to €153 for winter moorings along the Shannon.”
“The term, "brass neck", comes to mind, but we will say nothing. I value the role of the Ulster Orchestra, but, as the Member will know, I cannot give a commitment to bail-out the Ulster Orchestra or plug the gap that it is experiencing. However, I am really keen to ensure that the Ulster Orchestra continues and that enough stakeholders and sponsorship are brought to the Ulster Orchestra and am happy to assist it. As the Member may be aware, I have plans to meet the Ulster Orchestra very soon, and I look forward to hearing what plans it has to meet the deficit in its budget.”
“So, we should use places such as libraries, schools, residents' groups, community groups and anywhere where there is possible access to the community to make sure this is as broad and inclusive as possible.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The last strategy for the arts was done in 2001, which, I am sure she will agree, is far too long ago. Back then, the strategy was called Face to Face. <BR /> <BR />I signed off very recently on terms of reference. There will be full public consultation, which will start in early spring of next year. The consultation will happen in the normal way, but I would like to go out to arts groups, communities and individuals that I have been lobbied by to give them an opportunity to feed in, because a lot of people who work in the sector have a lot to offer but do not often get the opportunity to input into Government strategies. It is really important that we make sure that we go across as many of the communities as possible.”
“Until we get to the stage where the need for the arts is recognised across the Executive and across the parties, they will constantly be placed at a disadvantage by some.”
“I want the arts to be seen as something that can be enjoyed by everyone across our society and something that can be valued and appreciated by everyone. I also want the arts to be seen as a serious and important career choice for children and to be recognised through education and employment structures. <BR /> <BR />I also want the arts to be valued as a contributor to health, the economy and, indeed, the whole notion of citizenship. In the economy, I want to see arts that produce the best for people at national, international and local level, including visitors and potential visitors who will see our arts offering as a reason to come here and, more importantly, a reason to return to the island. <BR /> <BR />Arts have a lot to offer, but in this House some see them as a luxury rather than a right.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I have asked that an arts strategy akin to the Sport Matters strategy be brought forward to increase attendance and participation in the arts whilst contributing to an inclusive society and a stronger economy. The strategy will aim to complement the developing tourism sector, promote the creative industries and underpin the value of community arts and festivals. <BR /> <BR />It is time that the full benefits and value of the arts to individuals, communities, the economy and wider society are acknowledged and recognised. A draft strategy proposal will be brought forward for public consultation during 2015, and I look forward to meaningful and innovative collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders, including ministerial colleagues, to develop that strategy.”
“The Lambeg drumming associations have received funding from the Arts Council, the Ulster-Scots Agency and the ministerial advisory group. As I said to the Member for Upper Bann, if there is a demand for additional funding based on evidence of need, the agencies will happily consider that. It is good to see that the Lambeg drumming associations have such widespread support throughout the House today.”
“I certainly will. The Walled City Tattoo was the culmination of two cultures and communities coming together and celebrating each other's culture with inclusivity, respect and diversity through dance, song and music. If ever there was an example of what we need to do more of, that is one of them.”
“The Arts Council's musical instruments for bands programme provides grants from £500 to £5,000 for the purchase of instruments. That scheme is available to formally constituted bands based in the North. Funding is also awarded by the Arts Council through its lottery-funded small grants programme for band-related activity, which includes equipment and tuition. For items over £10,000, funding is available from its equipment programme. Bands can also apply for funding for musical tuition from the Ulster-Scots Agency through its financial assistance scheme.”
“The Member was in the Chamber when I answered the question from the Member for North Antrim about additional cutbacks to the Ulster-Scots Agency. I certainly appreciate the work that bands do, particularly in the community and in rural communities, where, more often than enough, the bands are the community and help to bring people forward. It is about demand. If there is a demand, the agencies, which, in this case, are the Arts Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency, will bring forward additional bids. That has not been the case thus far, so there needs to be a head of steam built up in terms of the demand for it. It would be different if it were done in isolation, but the Lambeg drumming club in Lislea has received some small awards from different forms of funding. That seems set to continue.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Funding from my Department is available through the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Arts Council. In 2013-14, Lislea Lambeg Drumming Club received £1,500 through the Arts Council's musical instruments for bands programme. In 2014, the Ulster-Scots Agency, through its financial assistance scheme, has allocated £7,750 towards tuition for Lambeg drumming groups. In addition, groups can apply to the Arts Council's lottery-funded small grants programme for tuition and music classes.”
“That would have a particularly huge impact on Ulster Scots. I say with some confidence that the majority of those are from the Protestant, unionist and loyalist community. It is ironic that an Irish republican is protecting the interests of the Protestant, unionist and loyalist community when an elected representative who claims to represent that community wants me to wield the axe on the people who need it most.”
“First, it is not a boast; it is just a statement of fact. There has been a strong reluctance, and indeed a refusal, on my behalf, to bring additional efficiencies to the language bodies as high as 4·5% in addition to what was already agreed.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question and absolutely agree with him. At the minute, well over 7,500 have signed up to Líofa. The original target that was set in September 2011 was 1,000 for 2015. That was surpassed by December that year. We then set another target for 2015 again. That was surpassed and set for 5,000. That was again reset at 10,000, given the popularity. We will extend it where the demand is there. I hope to meet some of the other organisations and groups that have expressed an interest in Líofa and bringing it forward, and that includes on an all-Ireland basis. I am certainly happy to extend the programme where the demand is.”
“I have made it clear that it does not necessarily have to be on the Ulster-Scots language, because I understand that there is no agreed standard. However, I am keen to see some programme or similar initiative based on culture and heritage.”
“I have not been lobbied by Ulster-Scots activists in relation to bringing forward a similar Líofa-type project to Ulster Scots. Since September, when Líofa was launched, I have asked the Ulster-Scots Agency and the ministerial advisory group (MAG) on Ulster Scots to bring forward a similar programme. I believe that that would add value to what they do. The MAG Ulster-Scots Academy is facilitating a partnership with other sectoral bodies. Ulster Scots has strong community links with lifelong learning elements, and I thought that there was an intention to bring something forward in a vein such as that. However, all main sectoral bodies are participating in the work on a collaborative basis. Despite that, there seems to be almost a reluctance to bring a similar initiative forward.”
“I have no plans to reduce any budgets for the Irish language or Ulster Scots this year.”