Rosaleen McCorley
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Níl ach cúpla focal le rá agam faoi Chéim Dheiridh an Bhille. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have a few comments to make on the Bill reaching its Final Stage. <BR />I welcome the fact that we have reached this stage, and I want to thank the people who helped us to this stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />A huge amount of work has gone into the Bill. It is a very large piece of legislation, and, as we know, it is the first of its kind, in bringing together legislation on mental health and mental capacity.”
“While the BPS is disappointed that it did not get that in the Bill, nevertheless it will be working on the development of the code of practice and the regulations. The hope is that they will reach a conclusion and definitions that they will all be satisfied with. <BR /> <BR />Sin a bhfuil le rá agam. That is all I have to say.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh an dá ráiteas seo ag an Aire inniu agus molaim iad. I welcome both statements from the Minister today and commend them. <BR /> <BR />An dtig liom a fhiafraí den Aire cad é mar a bheidh an Gaelacadamh ábalta caighdeán acadúil a ardú agus díriú isteach ar riachtanais áitiúla?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Will the Minister please give a breakdown of the East Belfast housing stress figure in relation to council boundaries? That would accurately reflect where housing stress lies so that it can be more effectively dealt with.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for his answer. It was a very comprehensive answer, and I thank him for that. The statistics are encouraging and show that things are moving in the right direction, but as we know, there is a recurring, growing problem here.”
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“This is a necessary process that must also include simultaneous consultation with the bereaved families, at the end of which each family should have a separate confidential report on the panel's findings on the death of their loved one. Finally, on costs, it should be made clear that what is sought here is not a Saville-type investigation, as carried out into Bloody Sunday; what is proposed is time-bound work, similar to the investigation of the Hillsborough tragedy, lasting between 12 and 18 months. The British and Irish Governments should share the costs arising from the panel's work. <BR /> <BR />In the last number of weeks, Janet Donnelly succeeded in having her father's body exhumed, and it is now being scrutinised for evidence by two forensic experts.”
“I agree with everything that the Member said. There needs to be a very robust outcome to the legacy issue in the Stormont House Agreement. <BR /> <BR />Tá an rud atá na teaghlaigh a iarraidh simplí agus díreach. The families' demands are simple and straightforward. They want an independent panel to be set up to give in-depth oversight of all the documentation on the causes, context and consequences of the Ballymurphy killings in August 1971. The seven-person panel must have the trust and confidence of the families. The documentation must include evidence on the part played by the British Government, the British Army, the RUC, the DPP and the coroner's office. A report must be published informing the public of the comprehensive detail of everything that happened.”
“The families remain very sceptical that this avenue will lead anywhere. The whole issue of legacy inquests cries out for fundamental reform, and, as we know, this is part of the current negotiations, which as yet are incomplete.”
“There has been a total failure to bring about adequate inquests in the cases. Mar sin de, fágadh teaghlaigh dhúnmharú Bhaile Uí Mhurchú ar an trá bhán, mar a bheadh Oisín i ndiaidh na Féinne iontu agus an doras druidte os a gcomhair. The families of the Ballymurphy massacre were left distraught and bereft, and the door closed before them. <BR /> <BR />After many years of campaigning, the families produced overwhelming new evidence and witness statements, which resulted in the Attorney General for the North of Ireland directing the coroner to reopen the inquest in 2011. Four years on, however, no inquest has taken place due to the failure of the MoD and the PSNI to fulfil their legal requirements to assist the inquest. Níl aon mhuinín ag na teaghlaigh go rachaidh seo áit ar bith.”
“In the immediate aftermath of the atrocity, the GOC of the British Army and the Chief Constable of the RUC jointly decided that the Royal Military Police would carry out an investigation, and a very poor and shallow investigation it turned out to be. There was no probing or searching for the truth, no attempt to challenge the inconsistencies in soldiers' statements and no place given to the eyewitness accounts of local people whose evidence refuted that of the soldiers. Significantly, no investigation was carried out by the police force at the time: the RUC. At the original inquest in 1972, vital evidence was withheld from the coroner, and the statements accepted from soldiers were riddled with inconsistencies. Those statements were just accepted without question.”
“Notwithstanding that, however, a robust body of evidence has been gathered over the years by the families that points to the clear fact that all those people were innocent victims, unlawfully killed, and that the actions represent a breach of article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. As Pádraig Ó Muirigh, the families' solicitor, stated:”
“Paddy McCarthy died later after a heart attack, as a result of being put through a mock execution by members of a British Army foot patrol. Mar thoradh, chaill 57 páiste tuismitheoir agus scriosadh teaghlaigh. As a result, 57 children lost a parent and families were devastated. Indeed, the whole community of greater Ballymurphy was traumatised by this mass murder. <BR /> <BR />For over four decades, the families of those who were killed have been tirelessly campaigning to find out the truth of what happened over those three days, who was responsible and what decisions were taken that led to the murders of their loved ones. Those efforts have been consistently thwarted, with closed doors at every turn.”
“Éirim inniu leis an rún seo a mholadh, agus tá mé lán-sásta é a dhéanamh. I am very content to move the motion, which is very important for the families of the Ballymurphy massacre victims. <BR /> <BR />Tá sé 44 bliain ón Samhradh 1971 nuair a chuaigh Arm na Breataine ag dúnmharú daoine ar feadh trí lá i mí Lúnasa. Forty-four years ago, in the summer of 1971, in the month of August, the British Army went on a three-day killing spree. Throughout the greater Ballymurphy area, it wreaked havoc on the streets, and, at the end of those three days, 11 people lay dead and lives were changed forever. Those who died were Father Hugh Mullan, Francis Quinn, Daniel Teggart, Joan Connolly, Joseph Murphy, Noel Phillips, Edward Doherty, John Laverty, Joseph Corr and John McKerr.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. Will the Minister comment on the importance of the cross-community aspect to the roll-out of the programme of events for the 2013 games?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a cuid freagraí go dtí seo. An dtig liom iarraidh ar an Aire, an dtig léi cur síos a thabhairt ar cé atá ag glacadh an phríomhfhreagracht as an chlár fhoréigiúnach le haghaidh sacair? Will the Minister comment or give an outline on who is taking the lead responsibility for the subregional programme for soccer?”
“— of mental ill health here. <BR /> <BR />I urge people to support the motion and that proper strategies are put in place to address mental health issues.”
“<BR /> <BR />Several weeks ago, the Health Minister made a very welcome announcement about the setting up of a world-leading mental health service to provide high-quality and effective treatment for people who are experiencing trauma-related mental health problems. He stated that mental ill health is the greatest cause of disability here and much of that relates directly to the conflict. In that regard, a special case has to be made for the North of Ireland so that there is a real recognition of the impact of the conflict and how it has contributed to the high levels —”
“<BR /> <BR />The study found that statutory and voluntary sector organisations identified the need for better partnership working between different sectors and service providers. There must be a genuine review of mental health service provision so that a coherent strategy can be produced that will use resources in a way that serves the real needs of sufferers. The role of the community and voluntary sector is crucial in that provision, and the future lies in an effective collaboration between that sector and the statutory agencies so that the widest possible range of providers and approaches are made available for those who need those services.”
“They include: a more secure funding basis for mental health services; the establishment of a regional working group to examine the extent and impact of mental health service fragmentation, including variations in provision between urban and rural settings; the establishment of a mental health champion to renew the Bamford vision; and the need for attention to be given to the role of carers. Other important recommendations include the need for a recovery ethos to be more firmly embedded in the practices of users and carers, for a person-centred approach to be in place and for a relationship-building approach to be central to service delivery. One other very important recommendation is for action to be taken to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental ill health. People have talked at length about that.”
“We need to do something about that to ensure that people do not continue to suffer needlessly. The situation is as dire as it could possibly be, and it is clear that there is a real need for the Executive to give a positive reaction to the needs of the sector to address the lack of understanding and investment in resources, education and professional training. <BR /> <BR />A number of recommendations arose from the study, and it is timely and worthwhile for those to be given genuine consideration.”
“Following the research launch a few weeks ago, David Babington, the chief executive of Action Mental Health, flagged up some very salient points. He told us that mental health services here are already underfunded and that further funding cuts mean that people who rely on those services have to wait far longer for the help that they so badly need. While the funding for primary care services has been increased by 136% over the last six years, facilities for mental health provision have suffered a 26% underspend. That is a matter of huge concern. <BR /> <BR />Officials in the statutory, community and voluntary sectors know only too well that people who use mental health services experience increased social isolation, stigmatisation and total frustration with the lack of provision for their needs.”
“In that context, it is a matter of grave concern that the services that are offered by Lifeline are under threat, and we have all received lobbying from that organisation to urge us to support its funding being continued. Lifeline is a 24/7 suicide crisis prevention helpline and counselling service. The situation must be addressed to ensure that the lives of people who desperately need that important service are not placed at risk. <BR /> <BR />On that note, a recent study by Action Mental Health and Queen's University, Belfast has alerted us to the fact that sufferers of mental health conditions are being let down on a ongoing basis due to major reductions in funding to psychiatric support services in the North.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Today's debate gives clear focus to the issue of mental illness within our society, and I commend the proposers for bringing it forward. It brings home to us the very real truth that probably one in four people are grappling with mental ill health at any given time. <BR /> <BR />We know that there is a connection between mental ill health and suicide. That can sometimes lead to a person taking the tragic decision to end their own life. Some 280 people per year feel that they have no other choice. Some of those tragic deaths could be avoided if the right services and supports were in place. Early intervention is key to addressing the needs of people who feel isolated, depressed and hopeless.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. Will each LAG be compelled to develop cross-border projects? Go raibh maith agat.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra. I thank the Minister for her answer. What powers and provisions will the Rural Needs Bill contain?”
“— questions to the Health Minister have been rejected, so this is having serious implications. I support the motion.”
“The ministerial code says that Ministers must, at all times, be accountable to users of services and that they must ensure that all reasonable requests for information from the Assembly and others are responded to. Many Members have put questions to Ministers and have been told that they cannot be answered because the Minister is not in office. Currently, the Metal Capacity Bill is being processed, but —”
“The situation has become farcical, but for the many patients and others who depend on the health service, it is not a farce; it is just a calamity. Much has also been said about welfare cuts. Is the Minister now saying that we should take money from the vulnerable and disabled to pay for the health service? These conditions and circumstances just cannot be allowed to continue. <BR /> <BR />Other Members have referred to the ministerial pledge. All Ministers, including those from the DUP, took a Pledge of Office that requires them to represent all people and be accountable to everyone, not to their own political party, which is exactly what is happening.”
“There is a looming crisis in the GP sector, and no Minister in place even to look at the issue is just shameful. There are also issues around the regulation of social care and the ban on smoking in cars. That is all failing to move forward because the Minister is not in office.”
“<BR /> <BR />Similarly, there are recommendations by the Older People's Commissioner to reform services, or certainly make things better, for older people who are in residential homes or who depend on domiciliary care. However, he has ignored that report up until now; I do not even know if it is on his desk. Those are big issues. <BR /> <BR />On Saturday, there was a protest by junior doctors. They need clarity on what their working conditions will be; they need to be addressed because they are unsafe and unfair. A recent Transforming Your Care policy forum heard calls in a packed room for leadership and reform of the system. GPs are another area that needs to be resolved, and we have spoken about that in the past couple of weeks in the Assembly.”
“I think that he is completely going against his own stated word, and he needs to get back to his desk. <BR /> <BR />I want to talk about the reform that is needed in the health service. There is duplication in commissioning and a lack of accountability and clarity in decision-making. The system as it is configured means that the Department can say that it wants to protect front-line services, but it allows the trusts to cut those very services. These are serious issues that need to be addressed. Over the last weeks, with no Minister, we have heard from many sectors and individuals who depend on ministerial decisions. The all-Ireland network on children's heart services needs investment in the Crumlin clinic. The majority of children are still going to England for surgery. The business case is on his desk, but who is making the decision?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department of Health has the biggest budget of all Departments — £4·6 billion — and employs over 54,000 people. You could argue that it affects everybody in society. A Minister being in place for half an hour a week, or whatever time he comes into office for, is just not good enough. The Minister said on 11 May that he would continue to drive the momentum for change across the health service. He said that:”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. Like others, I welcome this debate in the Assembly today because I believe that it is unacceptable that we have Ministers who are not Ministers or who are sometimes Ministers. That method of engaging in politics is just unacceptable; it is wrong and is not fulfilling the Pledge of Office that people committed to. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Health Committee, I would like to focus on the role of the Health Minister. We have many serious issues in the Health Department that need to be addressed. No Minister in place in such an important Department is just wrong; it does not give leadership to constituents who elected him to lead, to take those decisions, and to resolve the serious issues facing the Health Department. It is not acceptable.”
“We are very proud of him in west Belfast, and I am sure that everybody across the North would say the same. We are also proud of his teammates, and our message to them today is to go on and achieve even more greatness at the 2016 Olympics.”
“It is great to see that young, upcoming boxers, for whom Michael Conlan is an excellent role model, can now train and develop in their sport in a much improved physical environment. In communities with high levels of deprivation such as west Belfast, boxing is not just a sport, it can be a lifesaver. It gives children a great interest from a very young age and increases their sense of self-worth. It also encourages a sense of discipline, a focus on healthy living and an enhancement of their physical and mental health. So there is much that is positive to be said about this story. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that everyone in the Assembly would be happy to join me today in congratulating Michael Conlan on his great success. He is a proud former pupil of Corpus Christi College in west Belfast.”
“Earlier this year, he took gold at the European Championships and was named boxer of the tournament. As a result of his achievements this year, Michael has secured qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. What a fantastic list of conquests for a young man of 23 years of age. <BR /> <BR />Tá clubanna dornálaíochta ar easpa maoinithe le fada an lá. It is worth mentioning that boxing has been underfunded here for years. Local clubs have been getting by using extremely poor facilities. Michael's club, St John Bosco, survived for years without heating, water or changing facilities. It is to the credit of the current sports Minister that boxing clubs have recently been able to avail themselves of funding to upgrade their facilities.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Ba mhaith liom an spotsolas a tharraingt ar dhornálaí ó Iarthar Bhéal Feirste mar atá Michael Conlan a bhain Craobhchomórtais Dornálaíochta Amaitéaracha an Domhain. I wish to highlight the fantastic achievement of Michael Conlan, a young boxer from west Belfast. He became the first Irish male to win a senior World Amateur Boxing Championships title when he brought home the gold medal from Doha a few days ago. <BR /> <BR />If we take a look at his career in boxing, it is clear to see that he is a very talented sportsman who has had a glittering career up to this point since, at the age of 11, he won his first Ulster novice title. In the 2012 Olympics, he took a bronze medal and, in August 2014, he won the bantamweight gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.”
“I call on the Minister to immediately get back to work and implement the workforce review.”
“— which are still sitting on the Minister's desk a year after they were recommended.”
“— and we have an ageing practice nurse population. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I would like to refer to the recommendations of Claire Keatinge, the Commissioner for Older People —”
“Níl aon bhriseadh síos go fóill ar an chaiteachas go dtí an pointe seo. There is no breakdown yet on what has been spent to date. <BR /> <BR />We also know that there is a looming GP crisis if steps are not taken soon to address very serious concerns. Our GPs are the valued first point of contact for most of us in the health service, yet we have the lowest number of GPs per head of population here compared with other regions. It is the oldest GP workforce, with 24% over the age of 55 —”
“During the review, we also heard from trade unions that represent healthcare staff in relation to the impact of the shift left on the workforce. They told us that most organisations were not aware of how that had affected staff on the ground. Having been told earlier by the Department that £25 million had been spent to date on TYC, the trade unions further stated:”
“The Royal College of Nursing pointed out that there had been a decline in the number of community nurses over recent years, which seems to be out of step with the shift left under TYC.”
“Cad é a tharla ó dúradh sin? What has happened since that was said? The allied health professionals and the Association of Social Workers told us that they were unsure whether new service models were even being planned for their workforce as part of TYC. Further to that, there was no clear picture of whether a new model operating in one trust area would happen across all trust areas. To illustrate this, the allied health professionals said that, under TYC, some trusts have introduced a practice that enables paramedics to assess, treat and discharge. That is a positive development, but it does not apply across the North as a whole, and they do not know whether it is planned to be so in the future. <BR /> <BR />Similarly, the BMA advised that it has no evidence that investment has been shifted from hospital settings to primary care.”
“We learned a lot from those stakeholders, including that progress to date has been disappointing. The evidence given to the Committee shows that there is a lack of clarity in the planning timetable for implementation. There were failings in the communication between the Department and staff bodies. The regional workforce planning group was set up in 2012, but we learned that, by April 2015, all it had succeeded in doing was producing a planning framework. At a time when we would have expected to have seen many changes bedded in, it seemed an unnecessary delay to be still at the planning framework stage. <BR /> <BR />A couple of years ago, the Minister said:”
“We live in the context of a growing ageing population; an increase in long-term illness; a constantly growing demand on hospitals and services; a continual drive for greater productivity and value for money; and a workforce that is changing in profile all the time. TYC was heralded as the right direction to take. It was always a requirement that, given such a major change in how services were to be delivered, there would be significant implications for staff in terms of training, work location, job profile and skill sets. <BR /> <BR />In that context, the Committee agreed to undertake a review of workforce planning to support the implementation of TYC, taking evidence from a wide range of stakeholders. D’fhoghlaim muid cuid mhaith ó na daoine siúd, ach is cúis díomá é an dul chun cinn go dtí seo.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh an rún seo inniu, agus aontaím le gach rud atá ráite ag na daoine eile. I welcome the debate today and agree with everything said so far by other Members. <BR /> <BR />TYC was brought forward as a new policy direction for the delivery of health services by the then Minister in 2011. At that time, it was anticipated that £83 million was to be spent and that the shift left would move services from hospitals to community settings in what was seen as a positive move to reflect the changing needs of our population. Agus d’aontaigh muid uilig go raibh athrú de dhíth. We all agreed that change was needed. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that our health service is constantly under pressure and often in crisis.”
“Go raibh maith agat. What will be the benefits for farmers and primary producers through such an engagement?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. An dtig liom a fhiafraí den Aire an gcuirfear soláthar Gaeloideachais san áireamh san athbhreithniú reatha ar ionaid tacaíochta foghlama atá idir lámha ag an Údarás Oideachais? I thank the Minister for his answers thus far. Will Irish-medium provision be taken into consideration in the current review of learning support centres being carried out by the Education Authority?”
“<BR /> <BR />It is disappointing to see that the Chair of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure is not even here to listen, never mind take part in, this important debate, which will bring this great event to the North of Ireland and will create a huge opportunity for our young local athletes to take part on their home turf. It is a matter of real disappointment that only one DUP Committee member thinks that that is a good reason to be here today. However, It is good news to learn that steps have been taken by the Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Finance Ministers to ensure that the bid will proceed. It is good that some common sense has prevailed at the last minute. I welcome that move. In conclusion, is maith an scéal sin — that is good news. Tacaím leis an rún. I support the motion.”
“We know that responsibility for events lies with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The previous Minister, along with the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, met the Commonwealth Games Council last June on this issue. It was agreed at that meeting that Sport NI would continue to support the Commonwealth Games Council on the preparation of the business case. Prior to Minister Bell's resignation, he issued a letter saying that he and the Finance Minister were formally advising the games council of their support for the bid to host the youth games and that officials would work with them on the development and submission of the bid.”
“So, with four gold, four silver and four bronze medals, the team from the North finished in eighth place overall, a huge achievement and one that we are all incredibly proud of. <BR /> <BR />Rud iontach a bhaint amach, agus tá muid an-bhródúil as. The sports Minister went on to pay tribute to the support team, including coaching and medical staff, who accompanied the competitors. It is very important also that we applaud everyone who took part in the games and not just the medal winners. For those who missed out this time, we wish you better luck next time. <BR /> <BR />It is next time that is the subject of the motion. In November 2014, the Assembly unanimously endorsed supporting a bid to host the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games. The deadline to bid for those games is the day after tomorrow.”
“An amazing total of 12 medals have been brought home for various sports. <BR /> <BR />Once again, Irish boxers showed that they can punch above their weight, with James McGivern, Stephen McKenna and Aidan Walsh all winning gold in their events. Tiernan Bradley and Brett McGinty took silver medals. In the swimming events, Conor Ferguson achieved a massive feat when he won four medals in the 200 metres, 100 metres and 50 metres backstroke, as well as the relay. James Brown, Danielle Hill and Emma Reid were the other winners in the relay team. Competing in track events, Ben Fisher took bronze in the 110 metres hurdles and the long jump. Completing the medals, Stephen Kirkwood won bronze in lawn bowls.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Éirím le tacaíocht a thabhairt don rún seo inniu. I support the motion. Several weeks ago, young athletes from the North of Ireland gave an outstanding account of themselves when they went to Samoa to take part in the Commonwealth Youth Games. Agus faoi dheireadh na gcluichí bhí stór maith bonn curtha le chéile acu ina spóirt. By the end of the games, they had notched up an exemplary array of medals in their sports. <BR /> <BR />Agus mar aitheantas air seo thug an tAire spóirt Carál Ní Chuilín teachtaireacht dheas dóibh mar chomhgairdeas dóibh. In recognition of this, the sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, sent them a very warm message of congratulations. Sixteen local athletes from the North competed in the games and events, including boxing, swimming, athletics, squash and lawn bowls.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Can the Minister confirm that all Departments will be able to offer a first-class service to all citizens in the wake of the departures?”