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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“Go raibh maith agat, a Príomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Agus molaim an rún seo faoi Choláiste Ollscoile Naomh Muire. I commend this topic for the Adjournment debate on St Mary's University College, an institution that plays a pivotal role in the educational, cultural and social life of west Belfast. Tá sé de rún agam labhairt faoin Ghaeilge agus tábhacht Naomh Muire maidir le Gaeloideachas. I intend to keep my remarks focused on the Irish language and the importance of St Mary's to Irish-medium education. My colleagues are covering all the other issues that affect St Mary's college. <BR /> <BR />This year, St Mary's will celebrate 20 years in Irish-medium education. Rather than having this debate about its uncertain future, would it not be more appropriate for us to be having a celebration of what that institution has achieved over 20 years.”
“He flagged up the important work of the commissioner, Claire Keatinge, and the other pieces of work that are coming through the Department. I urge the Minister to heed what people are saying here and to carefully consider the need for legislation on the issue.”
“As Father of the House, he felt that it was his duty to speak up for senior citizens, and I think we can afford him the place to say that. <BR /> <BR />Basil McCrea talked about top-ups and the rise in the number of older people. He also flagged up a concern about a constituent of his and said that we should name and shame perpetrators. <BR /> <BR />The Minister then talked about the harm perpetrated against those with learning disability and mental ill health, so it is not just the elderly and not just in homes. He also flagged up the fact that most abuse takes place in private homes and not in residential care. He laid out lots of statistics that are relevant to those cases, which I will not go into here. He is not persuaded that legislation is needed and remains to be convinced.”
“<BR /> <BR />Edwin Poots talked about the work of those who give care and support. Legislation alone would not be enough. He mentioned that there was a massive difference between care homes. Some are great and some are not, but, if there was more money, standards would rise in all of them. <BR /> <BR />Pat Ramsey talked about the positive contribution that older people make to society and said that they deserved the best protection possible. People are living longer, so there will be an increased demand for services. That was a common feature throughout the debate. <BR /> <BR />Sam Gardiner flagged up the different types of abuse and said that people in the North do not have the same protections as those in England, Scotland and Wales because of different policies and legislation.”
“Kieran McCarthy also commended Claire Keatinge and the work that she does. He talked about protecting those who report cases, making it easier for people to report, protecting whistle-blowers and encouraging more people like that to come forward. <BR /> <BR />Paul Givan reminded us all that we all have older relatives. He mentioned the 'Panorama' programme as well. He talked about the failure of the Cherry Tree House home and said that it was compounded by the failure of the regulators. He asked whether new legislation was necessary. <BR /> <BR />Mickey Brady talked about how people have now become a commodity. He talked about his mother, who is one of those older people at the age of 106. The vast majority of residential care is excellent, but we need to be sure that all care is excellent, not the majority.”
“Michael McGimpsey talked about levels of allegations of abuse rising and said that most elderly abuse takes place in the person's own home. He said that it is much more difficult to afford protection to people in those circumstances but that it is important that legislation cover that.”
“She made comment about the 'Panorama' programme 'Behind Closed Doors'. <BR /> <BR />Pam Cameron talked about the need for zero tolerance and said that there must be a sea change in attitudes towards treatment of the elderly. She also outlined the disturbing case of one of her constituents, who experienced negative treatment in a care home. <BR /> <BR />Fearghal McKinney talked about the right to be treated with respect, and he said that abuse comes in many forms and affects people in institutions and individual homes. He also flagged up the fact that there are other care needs, not just of the elderly but of people with learning disabilities and with autism. He also mentioned the recent report 'Appreciating Age'.”
“It needs to be clear and unambiguous so as to provide a proper platform on which to develop good practice in this important area. Chomh maith le reachtaíocht, ba chóir do oiliúnt chuí, treoir agus acmhainní bheith in áit don fhoireann. Along with legislation, there must be appropriate training, guidance and resources in place for staff, as well as a public awareness campaign to ensure that there is unity of purpose between the public and the relevant organisations. <BR /> <BR />I now wish to pick up on the important and relevant points raised by Members who participated in the debate. Maeve McLaughlin, the Committee Chair, was the first Member to speak, and she talked about the protection of the elderly being a priority for us all. She said that it is important that abuse be clearly defined and put in legislation.”
“Perhaps most worryingly, the health and social care trusts continued to put older, vulnerable people into care homes that failed to meet even minimum standards. In Committee, we heard disturbing evidence from Professor Williams about an owner of eight care homes in Wales in which there were 110 victims of serious abuse and neglect and the deaths of 60 people in suspicious circumstances. No charges were brought, and no prosecutions took place. Clearly the law was inadequate in those cases, and that is why we must get it right here. <BR /> <BR />Caithfimid bheith i gceart anseo faoin cheist seo. What is required is a single adult safeguarding Bill to place a statutory duty on all relevant organisations to cooperate in the protection of older people.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh an deis deireadh a chur leis an díospóireacht thábhachtach seo inniu. I welcome the opportunity to make the winding-up speech in this important debate, a debate that raises the very worrying issue of abuse against older people. First, I am pleased that there is agreement across the board that it is an issue of the utmost importance and that protection of the elderly is a requirement and a responsibility for everyone. Moreover, I am pleased that everyone welcomes the work of Claire Keatinge, the Commissioner for Older People. <BR /> <BR />Bhí an coimisnéir do dhaoine scothaosta iomlán soiléir nuair a thug sí freagairt don athbhreithniú faoi Cherry Tree House. The Commissioner for Older People was very clear in her response to the Cherry Tree House review.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Will the Minister not agree with me that this will have an immediate impact on raising confidence in policing and justice structures?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas ar maidin. I thank the Minister for his statement. He said that he plans to bring about an enhanced role for pharmacists: in that context, will he ensure that there is appropriate funding to accompany that new plan so that pharmacists are permitted the opportunity to provide a first-class community service?”
“Yes. Can the Minister outline some specific actions that he intends to take to fill that serious gap?”
“Go raibh maith agat. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for his answer. Given that this is being flagged up as a really serious issue of concern for GPs, and I heard that, within the next five years, a quarter of existing GPs will be retiring and we will be left with a greater shortfall —”
“The Minister has stated that funding for regional stadia has been returned. Will he confirm whether funds for Casement Park's redevelopment will be available in the future?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire seo inniu. I welcome the Minister's statement.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire ar maidin. I welcome the Minister's statement. I agree that it is packed with a lot of issues. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that there has been development with suicide prevention strategies. Suicide is a scourge on Irish society across the island, so to see progress is welcome. Can the Minister elaborate on that progress and is there a timeline for the strategies?”
“Go raibh maith agat. Does the Minister accept that if there were to be a reduction in student places, or an increase in tuition fees, that would nevertheless impact most greatly on those from disadvantaged backgrounds?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí. An dtig liom iarraidh ar an Aire caidé mar atá sé ag cosaint na ndaoine is laige, agus é ag ullmhú dá bhuiséad don bhliain 2015-16?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo. An dtig liom iarraidh ar an Aire caidé mar atá cearta cultúrtha páistí á gcosaint i nGaeloideachas sa chóras reatha? How are children's cultural rights in the Irish-medium sector met under the current system?”
“Go raibh maith agat. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for his answers thus far. How can you claim to respect other cultures and identities when you defend and echo the comments made at your party conference?”
“Ag comhdháil do pháirtí thug Gregory Campbell masla don Ghaeilge agus do Ghaeilgeoirí, ina measc, na mílte páiste atá ag gabháil fríd Ghaeloideas. Ar mhaith leat iarriadh ar Gregory Campbell a chuid focal a tharraingt siar?”
“Leis an fhocal sin, a LeasCheann Comhairle, molaim an rún. On that note, Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the motion. Go raibh maith agat.”
“If the sporting fraternity wishes for the North of Ireland to become the host for the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2021 with a view to a future bid to host the Commonwealth Games, we have a responsibility to ensure that we do all in our power to make that a reality. <BR /> <BR />The benefits that can be achieved will ripple right through the community here. We know that after hearing about the legacies of the Isle of Man youth games and Glasgow 2014. The Isle of Man's Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said that the Manx games:”
“We cannot continue to be blasé about the rising levels of obesity, particularly in children, which often lead to diabetes and other serious diseases in later life. Our support of sport must include creating opportunities for all people to lead a more active and healthy life in whatever way they can. <BR /> <BR />It is with all that in mind that we turn our attention to the next challenge and to see where we can set our sights. It would be a real opportunity if we were able to attract a major sporting event to the North of Ireland that will focus on our young people and give them a great goal for which to strive.”
“This review will be very important and will include participation from the Commonwealth Games Council and all the governing bodies of all the sports. <BR /> <BR />If our sporting organisations are to reach their full potential, it will be important for them to address the under-representation of women as sporting participants, coaches and representatives on sports governing bodies. In terms of equality, there must be a focus on strategies to increase the involvement of women in local sport. <BR /> <BR />While competitive sport is very important, it is also crucial that we continue to encourage all people to undertake any form of physical activity so that we are protecting our health and creating a better quality of life. We know that inactivity and poor diet go hand in hand with health problems.”
“Its remit is to support a culture of lifelong enjoyment and success in sport that contributes to a healthy, fair and prosperous society. <BR /> <BR />Dúirt Antoinette McKeown, príomhfheidhmeannach, ar na mallaibh go bhfuil an eagraíocht s’aici tiománta do ráth i spórt a bhaint amach mar ghnáthrud seachas mar eisceacht. The chief executive of Sport NI, Antoinette McKeown, stated recently that her organisation is committed to the achievement of success in sport being the norm rather than the exception. She went on to say that a review of the Commonwealth Games performance would be carried out in a very detailed way to set targets for future games, to identify where resources can be best used, and to learn particular lessons from the success of boxing in Glasgow this year.”
“<BR /> <BR />Medals are undoubtedly important, but there is so much more involved that is worthy of our admiration: participation with a genuine sporting attitude; commitment to lengthy hours of training, which takes real dedication; and the volunteerism that has been an emerging feature of such events, which allows everyone to take part and creates a route into the sporting world for so many. Recognition must also be given to support staff, trainers, coaches, families and friends, who deserve to be commended for their roles in the great achievements of athletes. <BR /> <BR />Such achievements are a source of great pride for us all. We should continue to encourage and support those athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence in whatever way we can. Sport NI is the body with responsibility for sport.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Tá mé i bhfách leis an rún seo inniu. I support the motion. <BR /> <BR />It is always a pleasure to see people excel in their field. We heard about and witnessed successes among local sportspeople in the recent Commonwealth Games, the Olympics and the World Police and Fire Games. Once again, we wish to extend sincere congratulations to each and every one of our local sportsmen and sportswomen who competed in those events, particularly our local boxers who brought back so many medals. We also commend those who, despite not making it onto the medal table, nevertheless broke personal records and achieved greatness in other ways.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chomhalta as a fhreagraí. I thank the Member for that answer. An dtig liom fiafraí den Chomhalta an mbeidh an plean gnímh bunaithe ar spriocanna agus cá huair a bheidh an plean curtha i gcrích? Will the action plan be target-based, and when will it be completed?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra. An dtig liom fiafraí den Aire ar chomhlíonaigh an Roinn s’aige an riachtanas ó Oifig an Chéad-Aire agus an LeasChéad-Aire maoiniú Eorpach de fiche faoin gcéad a bhaint amach? Has the Minister's Department achieved the OFMDFM requirement of 20% European funding?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Fáiltím roimh ráiteas an Aire. I welcome the Minister's statement, although I agree that there is a lot of vagueness throughout it and that it lacks substance. The statement says that senior managers and agencies are fully committed to dealing with this and that there was no corruption, cover up or lack of commitment. If there is no lack of commitment, why are there repeated cases of young people going missing? Why is there duplication of effort, where you have agencies and partnership arrangements dealing with the same people. It seems to me that there is a misuse of resources and certainly a lack of commitment. How can the Minister ensure that resources are going to be used most effectively to deal with this very serious issue?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo. How are domiciliary care workers protected and supported in circumstances in which they sometimes find themselves vulnerable and, as has happened, accused of theft without there being any real bad intention? Sometimes, it is when they are dealing with clients with dementia or older people. How are staff supported in those circumstances?”
“As would have been anticipated, there was much support from consumers and council stakeholders for the mandatory display of ratings. Those businesses with high ratings concurred with that, and, not surprisingly, those with lower ratings were not supportive. While some businesses might not like the idea of the scheme and might view it as intrusive, safeguards are nevertheless built in for protection. Agus creidim go bhfuil gá leis seo. I believe that that is necessary. Any business that is unhappy with the rating can appeal the decision and have a reassessment carried out after making changes. They can also respond to explain any mitigating circumstances to consumers. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to the Committee Stage, when we can subject the Bill to proper scrutiny. Molaim an Bille. I commend the Bill.”
“The owners or property holders are then at liberty to display the rating or not. That rating has been useful for people seeking to eat in restaurants. Tá an meastachán seo an-úsáideach do thomhaltóirí, go háirithe nuair a bhíonn siad ag tabhairt cuairte ar áit nua gan fios ná gan eolas áitiúil. <BR /> <BR />It is particularly important if people are visiting new places where they have not been before and they do not have any local knowledge or information to go on. This will give them something to base their judgement on. As we heard, the information is on a scale from 0 to 5, so it is easy enough to make a decision based on that rating. <BR /> <BR />We heard that mixed results came from the consultation that was carried out. Tháinig torthaí measchta amach as an chomhairliúchán sin.”
“<BR /> <BR />Baineann an pointe deireannach le tinneas bia a laghdú, agus mothaím gurb í sin an ceann is tábhachtaí. I feel that the final point about the reduction of illness brought on by food is the most important. When we go into a restaurant, or any food outlet for that matter, we want to feel reassured that the food for which we are paying is safe and properly cooked and that the standards of kitchen hygiene and food storage are the highest possible. These measures are absolutely necessary to minimise the likelihood of disease or illness being contracted in the process of food provision. <BR /> <BR />As we have heard, the scheme exists on a voluntary basis and is administered by district council environmental health officers. They visit and examine premises and then issue a rating.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh an deis labhairt ar son an Bhille inniu. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill today. Members have already spoken, but, as a member of the Health Committee, I add my own words about the Bill and what it seeks to do. It introduces legislation that makes it a legal requirement for the food industry to display its food hygiene ratings. <BR />As we have heard, the aims include the following: to allow members of the public to have an informed choice about the establishment in which they are provided with food, whether they are in a restaurant, hotel, café or any of the other outlets mentioned. It also seeks to improve the standard food provision by incentivising businesses to improve and reduce the incidence of food-related illness.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I appreciate the answer given by the Minister, but only 464 of a total of 1,400 public appointments across the board in the North are women. In that context, would he consider looking at ways outside the box to assure that diversity is actually the case, rather than just paying lip service?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire, agus cuirim fáilte fosta roimh a ráiteas ar maidin. Mar is eol don Aire, tá tacaíocht mhór ag an Ghaeilge i mBéal Feirste thiar, áit a bhfuil meas agus luach uirthi fosta. Mar sin de, an dtiocfadh liom iarraidh ar an Aire an gcreideann sé go mbeidh rath ann mar thoradh ar an athbhreitheamh seo? As the Minister knows, there is huge support in west Belfast for the Irish language. There is also huge respect and value placed on it. Therefore, does the Minister believe that there will be continued success in Gaeloideachas in west Belfast as a result of the review?”
“I commend my colleague Oliver McMullan for his openness and honesty in speaking about the effects of having cancer and how it feels and for raising the issue of family support, which is needed. Mar fhocal scoir — on a final note — I call on the Minister to work with the relevant bodies to introduce measures to ensure that pancreatic cancer survival rates are improved across the North in the future.”
“We need to ensure that appropriate investment is put in place to encourage the development of diagnostic tools for earlier diagnosis and to ensure that pancreatic cancer is placed on a similar footing to other disease research. We need to ensure that the correct training and support is in place for health professionals and GPs to increase early diagnosis rates. We need to know that an awareness-raising campaign will be put in place so that sufferers of this deadly disease are not destined to be misdiagnosed in the future simply because of ignorance. <BR /> <BR />I commend the support organisations, which do sterling work to raise awareness of the disease.”
“Likewise, the survival rate for prostate cancer has risen from 31% to 81%. It is shameful that, in the same period, survival rates for pancreatic cancer have stayed the same. We can directly relate the increase in survival rates to the funding that has been directed at research. A National Cancer Research Institute graph shows the huge disparity in investment, with breast cancer at one end of the scale receiving £41 million in 2012, and pancreatic cancer at the opposite end receiving a mere £4·5 million. <BR /> <BR />The situation cannot be allowed to continue. We cannot let people drift to an early death when preventative measures could be taken to help to address the issues. What needs to happen?”
“<BR /> <BR />The facts are these: pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading type of cancer on these islands; it has the worst survival rate of all cancers; and it receives only 1% of research spend. When compared with other illnesses, survival rates for other cancers have increased significantly over the years. It is good to hear that, and that is no doubt due to increased awareness among health professionals and the public and because of research investment. However, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has not changed from 3% since 1971, whereas the picture has changed significantly for other cancers. Since 1971, bowel cancer has seen an increase in survival rate from 22% to 54%. As I say, that is good news. It is also good news that breast cancer survival rates have risen from 56% to 84%.”
“They are complaining of symptoms that are vague and can be caused by many different conditions. They are then being sent away, told that they are OK or that they have got something else. The fact is that they are suffering from pancreatic cancer, and it is not being picked up until it is at a very late stage. In fact, patients are sometimes referred to hospital only after three or four visits to their GP, due to misdiagnosis or failure to be diagnosed at all. That means that people who find out that they have pancreatic cancer are often at a very advanced stage — about 90% of patients, we are told — and beyond the possibility of having curative treatment.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Cuirim fáilte roimh an díospóireacht thábhachtach seo inniu. Cuirim fáilte fosta roimh an seans labhairt air. This is a very important debate, and I welcome the opportunity to speak in it. It is timely that we are having the debate during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, particularly so given the low level of attention given to this fatal illness, which makes up 6% of cancer deaths across the North. <BR /> <BR />Seo an phríomhcheist sa díospóireacht. The key issue thrown up by the debate is the failure to diagnose pancreatic cancer early enough, which results in around only 10% of sufferers being able to avail themselves of curative surgery. Cad é go díreach atá ag titim amach anseo? What exactly is happening here? Well, patients are going to their GP.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a freagra. An dtig liom fiafraí den Aire cá huair a fhoilseofar an dá straitéis, agus an dtig léi a rá cé acu a chuirfidh a cuid comhghleacaithe sa Choiste Feidhmiúcháin i bhfeidhm iad? When will the two strategies be published? Will there be full implementation of the two strategies by the Minister's Executive colleagues?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department reviews the current indicator of performance for 2015 and that a revised indicator be produced with an associated target, which provides an assessment of the trusts. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the Department begins collecting data on the number of older people supported in their own home through domiciliary care who would be suitable for supported living in order to provide a fuller understanding of need and demand. Tacaím leis an rún. I support the motion.”
“Without that, it will not be possible to collate accurate numbers of people receiving support. Furthermore, it will be impossible to assess the number of places required in the future. <BR /> <BR />A new indicator of performance, "Number of older persons living in supported living facilities", was produced for 2014-15. However, the Committee was surprised to learn that no target has been developed for that indicator. It is difficult, therefore, to imagine how the Department makes up its mind on what constitutes a favourable number of older people living in supported living as opposed to a poor number and how those numbers would indicate a good or bad performance by any individual trust.”
“Gabh mo leithscéal. The definition suggests that the indicator of performance covers older people living in a range of accommodation and not just the 18 facilities built under the Supporting People programme. <BR /> <BR />The five health trust areas across the North informed the Committee that there are 18 supported living facilities, while the Department gave evidence to suggest that there are 414 facilities. How does the current indicator of performance operate in the face of such a disparity over which facilities are relevant? Is soiléir go gcaithfidh aontú a bheith ann ó thaobh na saoráidí a bhéas san áireamh sa chatagóir maireachtála tacaithe. Clearly, it is imperative that there is agreement on which facilities are to be included in the supported living category.”