Megan Fearon
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for his question and for recognising the good work that is being done for Syrian refugees relocating here. Just last week, junior Minister Ross and I met the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and, just today, we received a letter expressing his gratitude and commending us on the work that is being done.”
“Our Department will soon commence a review of the current Race Relations Order and other relevant legislation. We remain committed to achieving racial equality here and want our legislation to be a model for other jurisdictions. Our 10-year strategy sets out an ambitious but achievable programme to take this forward.”
“I thank the Member for her question. One of the key actions identified under the racial equality strategy is a review of current race relations legislation. Legislation has to be a priority, and reviewing that legislation is a massive piece of work, but it is important that we get it right. For me, that will be time well spent.”
“It is there for people who are in a crisis situation, providing immediate and very precise help to get them out of a hole by giving them food, clothing, heating, electricity or short-term accommodation.”
“Absolutely. The rights and entitlements that our ethnic minority communities have here are hugely important to us. I have already said that the UN has commended our approach to refugees, so I see no reason why we would not participate fully in upcoming committees.”
“I thank the Member for his question. There is an onus on all of us to show support to our minority ethnic communities and our migrant workers.”
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“However, and this is all up for discussion, it may be better that the actual services plan is drawn up and implemented by a single Department or body that is more directly involved with children's services. Again, we can come to that at a later stage. <BR /> <BR />Another issue that we had with amendment No 5 was that one of the original intentions was to place the Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership into statute. The amendment did not achieve that, and, on the face of it, it does not appear to improve the effectiveness of that body. However, we can look at all those things, and there are many ways in which those can be progressed before the next stage of the Bill. We welcome the opportunity to engage further with Mr Agnew and other parties on that issue.”
“The Health and Social Care Board has statutory responsibilities for vulnerable children under the Children Order, and it is important that that continues and that it continues to plan for their needs. We and others have genuine concerns that very vulnerable children could be placed at risk by removing that responsibility from the Health and Social Care Board. Although I believe that that result would have been unintentional, it would still have been a possibility. <BR /> <BR />It is appropriate that the Executive take responsibility for the strategy document and set out its key objectives and aims across the board to improve the well-being of children and young people.”
“It is hugely important that Ministers are able to retain the right and the ability to develop their own plans in accordance with their own priorities. <BR /> <BR />I know that amendment No 5 is not being moved today, and we would not have been able to support it in its original form, but we are happy to look at it in the future and come to an agreement on it because it is an important part of the Bill. One of our main concerns was in relation to subsection 9, which would repeal paragraph 2A of schedule 2 to the Children (NI) Order 1995. This amendment would move duties currently placed on the Health and Social Care Board to the Executive, resulting in the Executive being responsible for the planning for the most vulnerable children and young people in our society.”
“I think that this approach is almost a safeguard to ensure that no decisions will be taken to the detriment of cooperation and the core aims of delivery for children. I hope to see that practice spread across other Departments and areas, not necessarily just children's services. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 5 is, as Steven said, possibly the most complex and contentious amendment to date. We would not have been able to support clause 4, as was stated at the previous stage. It would have meant, in our opinion, a transfer of control of children's services to a non-departmental public body — and one that is already top-heavy and over-bureaucratic. I believe that that original clause would have seen the usurpation of ministerial autonomy and would have taken away from democratic accountability rather than strengthening it.”
“Practically speaking, it is important that we ensure that a range of young people's voices from all socio-economic backgrounds are heard in that consultation, particularly those who are in most need and are most vulnerable. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 4 is potentially another hugely important element of the Bill, particularly in breaking down the silo mentality of Departments. Sharing resources and funds in this regard is basic common sense and can only really be described as a good thing, if it is done properly. In the last debate, I made reference to Delivering Social Change, which I believe is an excellent model for this. Its budget has come from all relevant Departments for the delivery of signature projects, so this Bill epitomises the spirit behind that practice.”
“This amendment does the job of amendment No 5 in some ways, but not all, although it needs to be progressed given that it is so outcomes-focused. For example, the strategy must detail the outcomes that have to be met, what actions will be taken, how to determine the extent of the outcomes that have been achieved and when that should happen. I am particularly happy with the reference in amendment No 3 to the Executive's having to consult with children and young people. I think that that is an important step in having their voices heard in service delivery that affects their lives. Obviously, that applies to those who represent the views of children and young people as well.”
“This clause will also allow for the Executive to promote cooperation: I know that Steven referred to this and Mike Nesbitt raised it earlier. I think that concerns around loose language have been assuaged since the title of the Bill now places a requirement and this clause states that cooperation is clearly a must. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 3 states:”
“Amendment No 2 is on the duty to cooperate in order to improve well-being. This is possibly the most important new clause if not one of the most important clauses in the Bill. A statutory duty will make it easier for Departments to come together, share resources and work collectively; basically, to solidify what is already happening on an ad hoc basis. Collaborative approaches to children's services will undoubtedly improve outcomes, remove duplication and, ideally, lead to budget savings as we try to make the best use of public funds available. <BR /> <BR />The amendment clearly states:”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 1 — basically a new clause — specifically outlines the core aims and intent of the Bill, which is essentially to support improvements to the well-being of children and the delivery of children's services, all with the benefit of the recipient of that service in mind. The new clause specifically defines well-being and makes links to the children and young people's strategy by way of the high-level outcomes listed. I have to say that the links to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are welcome. I think that it is a progressive step and important in recognising children as rights' bearers in their own right, which is too often ignored.”
“<BR /> <BR />We believe that the amendments tabled by Stephen Agnew, myself and others will ensure better outcomes for children and young people. The statutory duty will bring a welcome focus on children's and young people's needs and service delivery. Cooperation as it stands on children's issues is largely informal and dependent on relationships developed over time between relevant officials and workers. That means that the degree of sharing across a range of children's services is varied. Placing a requirement to cooperate in statute will ensure that the interests of children and young people are put first across all services and responsibilities. Of course, the most important people in all of this are our children and young people.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I welcome the opportunity to speak to this important piece of legislation and, indeed, congratulate Mr Agnew on getting it this far. Given that amendment No 5 is not being moved today, I do not foresee any major disagreements on the amendments. So, hopefully after today we will have a good Bill going forward to Further Consideration Stage, where we can work together to improve it. <BR /> <BR />We are very supportive of the principles behind the Bill and its intentions. We all know that there is a lot of existing good practice when it comes to cooperation. The Bill and the amendments tabled seek to make that good practice systemic in order to achieve better outcomes for children and young people.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for his answer. Is it the Minister's preferred option that the project stays in Cookstown, as that is consistent with the Programme for Government commitment?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his answer so far. Perhaps many of the roles are held by women, but maybe not enough. Is the Minister aware of research carried out by the Judicial Appointments Commission that found that a culture exists in the criminal, legal and justice system that discriminates against women and which may act as a barrier to women achieving senior appointments?”
“Unfortunately, I do not think that everyone in the Chamber has bought into that yet.”
“T:BUC has to address the lack of women in politics and peace-building. <BR /> <BR />I commend the recent work on the gender principles for dealing with the past. I hope that they will be taken seriously, because the different post-conflict needs that women have compared with men have not been given significant thought. <BR /> <BR />We talk about developing shared and safe spaces. The reality is that there is no such thing as a safe space for women; there is just no such thing. All we have to do is look at the statistics for crimes against women. That has to be taken into context. <BR /> <BR />We all want to achieve what T:BUC set out to do and build a society that we can all be proud of, but that has always required political leadership. It is important that whatever we do, it is done in a progressive and inclusive manner.”
“This strategy should recognise the valuable contributions that the LGBT community, as well as ethnic minority and disability groups, make to our society. They should be included in a meaningful way. While sectarianism is a major problem, so, too, is racism, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination in general. Those issues must be tackled equally if we are to build a truly shared and united community, as the strategy states. <BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to mention the failure of strategies to address women. The Good Friday Agreement commitment to advance women in public life is unfulfilled. Agreements and strategies produced to tackle the so-called big issues of our society have been gender-blind and have essentially failed women. How do we expect to build a shared community when we are practically ignoring 50% of it?”
“It is important that the seven headline actions are rural-proofed. Rural proofing is something that Michelle O'Neill is working on. <BR /> <BR />Councils will be playing a major role with their community planning powers. I am glad to see that the district council good relations programme has been included in the T:BUC strategy. It is often the small-scale projects with the smallest budgets that will make the most significant impact in communities. That is something that we heard in our evidence. <BR /> <BR />We have a narrative that there are two communities in the North of Ireland. While that is largely the case, our community has become more diverse than ever and our society has changed and been enhanced. That is sometimes forgotten in this Chamber. That diversity is something we should be proud of and is one of our greatest strengths.”
“<BR /> <BR />We recommended that it be reported on annually and discussed in the Assembly as a way of measuring progress and of making contributions to that progress. It is important that the sector and stakeholders are included and consulted regularly as people who are often but not always at the coalface of good relations work. <BR /> <BR />There is a consensus that there is a lack of focus on rural communities at times when it comes to tackling sectarianism and good relations. It is not that problems do not exist. It is just that in rural communities often those issues and problems will manifest themselves in a different way. It is important that the good work being done in rural communities is given the recognition it deserves and that rural models are shared for good practice.”
“It was not necessarily a critique, but it is an important strategy for our community, so the Committee wanted to play a role in that. There are quite a lot of areas to cover throughout the report, so hopefully I will cover a few of them. <BR /> <BR />One of the strengths of T:BUC is its cross-cutting nature, much like Delivering Social Change, which has proven to be a successful model for joint working and cooperation. T:BUC has the potential to deliver and make a real difference to people on the ground. It is essential that it is given priority by Departments and also by the relevant scrutiny Committees. It cannot just be left to the OFMDFM Committee to cover, because it cuts across all those Departments. We all want to see the best outcomes for each designated project but also for it to have the maximum impact on the ground.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I welcome the opportunity to speak on an important issue, particularly in the week that is in it, which is Community Relations Week. What better time to discuss ways to unite our community? I have to say at the outset that it is a shame that there is no Minister here to respond to the debate. It is important, and we are not going to solve these issues if we do not have political leadership. There seems to be a vacuum in certain parts of the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />I will start by thanking the Committee staff. I know that a serious amount of work has been involved in the inquiry and the report. I also thank the stakeholders. We heard from a wide-ranging group of stakeholders, as the Chair said. The inquiry and its recommendations are intended to support and enhance the development of T:BUC.”
“<BR /> <BR />I feel very strongly that the people of south Armagh deserve better than they have been getting from this Health Department, which, in my opinion, is very little. There is an unfolding GP crisis from Crossmaglen to Meigh, totally inadequate ambulance service cover in south Armagh and an inability of the Department to deliver a day-care centre in Crossmaglen, all wrapped up with what appears to be a complete lack of interest by the Health Department. It cannot be overstated how crucial a part Daisy Hill plays in all of this. It must be protected, because the reality is that, if it is not, people will suffer.”
“<BR /> <BR />The emergency department is the heart of any hospital, so it is vital that the service in Daisy Hill is protected, particularly for the people of south Armagh, many of whom are outside the recommended ambulance response time. For example, if someone in Cullaville, an area that I represent and the most southern point in the North, takes seriously ill, without a fully functioning and accessible emergency department in Newry they are told that their next closest option is Craigavon. However, even that is not necessarily true, given the state of local roads. The state of the road to Craigavon is not the best for getting there in an emergency, so, realistically, the next port of call is the Royal, which is over an hour away. That would be a disgraceful situation, given that those situations can often be a matter of life or death.”
“<BR /> <BR />We know that a lot of money has been invested in the emergency department recently, as it has been upgraded and refurbished. However, as Mr Bradley pointed out, there is a huge amount of fear in our area about the future of Daisy Hill, particularly after the decision made on the local stroke unit, so much so that people took to the streets. The huge turnout showed the depth of feeling that there is about our hospital. We hope that the assurances that we received at the meeting around the paediatric centre of excellence, which is expected to be completed by August 2017, indicates the hospital's future viability.”
“We were assured that the trust would do all in its power to ensure that there was adequate cover and that the service was maintained. <BR /> <BR />I think that we can all agree that this needs to be treated as a matter of urgency. It is my understanding that posts have been advertised but, although doctors have applied for posts, there have not been any interviews. That process needs to begin as soon as possible. Another point is that there should not be anything stopping emergency department consultants rotating between the two acute hospitals in the Southern Trust area. That happens in other departments in the Southern Trust. We already know that there are some consultants from Craigavon doing shifts as locums in the Daisy Hill emergency department. Joint working to resolve the problem needs to be given serious consideration.”
“What is also unique about the situation at Daisy Hill emergency department is that out-of-hours is located on-site, meaning that patients can be referred directly and that patient care comes first, as it always should. <BR /> <BR />Recently, Conor Murphy MLA, who will participate in the debate, the MP for Newry and Armagh — Mickey Brady — and I met the Southern Trust to discuss healthcare issues across the area, with Daisy Hill obviously to the fore. We were told that the numbers using the emergency department in Daisy Hill had increased more than those for any other hospital. I am led to believe that, in the past year alone, the increase was over 10% or over 4,200 patients and that that was putting a lot of added pressure on staff.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I thank the Member for tabling the topic for debate and welcome the opportunity to speak on such a serious and important issue for the people of my area. I have to say at the outset that it is shameful and a disgrace that there is no Health Minister here to respond on such a crucial and critical issue for the people of Newry and Armagh. <BR /> <BR />Daisy Hill emergency department has an excellent track record, treating over 35,000 patients annually, including over 3,000 from the north Louth area. It is a crucial service for local people, and it is crucial in the cross-border sense to have that service. It is important to note as well that Daisy Hill has the best record for thrombolysis treatment, with many, many lives being saved in the emergency department over the past number of years.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Thanks for the offer, and I am sure that my party colleagues and I will be more than happy to take it up. Does the Minister agree that our focus should be on furthering our Programme for Government commitment to social values?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for her answer so far. Why has her Department's permanent secretary continued to hide from the Finance Committee's inquiry into the NAMA issue? Is it for party political reasons? I do not know whether anyone really believes the NCA excuse that the DUP is hiding behind.”
“It is very powerful and brings home the reality that these people are facing:”
“<BR /> <BR />Closer to home, the Irish and British Governments must do more to tackle this humanitarian disaster. The response of the Irish and British Governments should match the scale of the crisis and the generosity of our people, which has, once again, been overwhelming. We can be proud of the response in all our local areas. In my area, solidarity collections and vigils have been held across Newry and south Armagh. I hope that we can find a resolution to this crisis that puts people before politics. One thing that we can all agree on is that the Executive should do everything in their power to help. A humanitarian crisis of this scale must be met with humanity. <BR /> <BR />I want to finish, perhaps in an unorthodox manner, with an extract from a poem about this crisis called 'Home'.”
“I thank the Member for making that important point. It is important that we offer whatever practical help we can to refugees. <BR /> <BR />Europe has a responsibility to help these people. This is very much a crisis of European creation. Member states encouraged, started or participated in the wars that these people are fleeing from, but European policy allows member states to shake off their responsibilities. Europe must step up and commit to meaningful action on relocation and resettlement, which will provide a fresh start for many. We need a radical shift of migration and asylum policies across Europe. Indeed, the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights states that all have the right to dignity, which includes life, and freedoms, which include liberty, prohibition of all discrimination and, crucially, asylum.”
“Thirty thousand men, women and children have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea in a desperate attempt to flee wars and persecution over the last number of years. <BR /> <BR />The media and certain Governments have a lot to answer for. They have dehumanised refugees and provoked racism and xenophobia throughout Europe, and they need to take responsibility for their actions.”
“As the motion states, that is the dire situation faced. <BR /> <BR />The response to the shocking pictures of the body of three-year old Alan Kurdi washed ashore has shown the depth of feeling on this issue. In fact, once again, citizens have proven to be way ahead of the British and Irish Governments by offering to do what they can, as Ms Lo stated earlier, even opening up their own homes. We have not only an international obligation to act but a human one. Alan Kurdi should have been playing on a beach, not washed up on one; but it should not have taken such a picture to wake many up to the reality that these are our brothers and sisters, our fellow human beings. <BR /> <BR />Do Governments respond with humanity across Europe? No. Instead, they increase coercive measures to keep people out to reinforce "fortress Europe".”
“<BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to my friend and colleague Martina Anderson MEP for the amazing work that she has been doing on this issue. She is visiting a refugee camp in Jordan, having visited one in Italy. Her overwhelming passion for this issue is clear to be seen, and there are many more like her. Speaking from Jordan this week, she said:”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Like the previous Member who spoke, I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate. However, we would all rather that such a discussion was not necessary. We would all rather that there was no such suffering in the world, but the heartbreaking images of the pain and suffering of refugees fleeing Syria have brought home to millions the need for urgent humanitarian action. It is worth noting at the outset that, while Syrian is to the fore of people's thoughts regarding this crisis, there are also people fleeing Palestine, Libya, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Iraq, to name a few. The conflicts in these places are mostly caused or worsened by Western action, so there is also an onus and responsibility on Governments to address these humanitarian issues.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I apologise for missing a question to the Acting First Minister yesterday. I will ensure that it will not happen again.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she agree that, aside from being harmful, continued cuts to our block grant by the British Government are not only needless but counterproductive?”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for his answers so far. Is he aware that there is a huge backlog in planning decisions in some areas that is having a negative impact, particularly in places like Newry and Armagh? How does the Minister plan to tackle that?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Will the Minister clarify whether the Ring of Gullion project, which had its funding pulled, will benefit from the carrier bag levy and, if so, to what extent?”
“Of course, we have to recognise that marriage is just one of the many battles that need to be fought in the overall fight for LGBT equality. We have seen blatant, often DUP-led discrimination against the LGBT community in recent times, whether it is the blood ban, adoption rights or the so-called conscience clause. There is a long battle ahead of us, and the reality is that those who will vote against this today will be on the wrong side of history. In years to come, when I am asked where I was during the fight for equal rights, I will be more than proud to say that I was there.”
“The sad reality is that, because of the intimidation that they would face, there are people out there who would rather not live than be openly themselves, and that is an indictment of our entire society. We cannot stop until we have achieved full legislative equality that extends the same rights, privileges and protection to all. None of us can judge or quantify true love. Sexuality is not a choice and neither are the people that we love. We should let people who love each other be together in the way that other couples are able to: people such as my friends, some of whom are here today. <BR /> <BR />Despite another abuse of the petition of concern from the DUP, I encourage all progressively minded people to do the right thing today, and support the motion.”
“The narrative that a child needs a man and a woman in order to be raised properly is completely false. In reality, all that a child needs is a loving home and environment in which to grow up. My mum is from a single-parent family, and I think that it is insulting to single-parent families everywhere to say that a child needs a mother and a father. In fact, it is insulting to all families to say that.”
“He said to me, "Megan, the way I see it is that, if you are using the Bible to hate people, you are using it wrong". I thought that that was quite a profound statement for him to make. <BR /> <BR />The motion is about civil marriage, and it is sad that I already know that there will be all sorts of ridiculous arguments made as a distraction from that throughout the debate. I think that people should be careful with their words, because what happens in here has a direct impact on people's lives out there. This is about dignity and human rights. Gay and lesbian people do not want special treatment. They do not want different rights from those that straight people already have. They just want equality under the law. <BR /> <BR />Adoption rights are another element of the wider debate.”
“If we were being really honest here today, I would say that it is not that you think that civil partnerships are enough but that you think that they are already a step too far. <BR /> <BR />The motion respects the right of religious institutions to define and practise marriage within their beliefs. I understand and respect the fact that some people hold sincere religious beliefs that mean a lot to them, but those beliefs should not impact on a law that affects everyone. Since when does religious freedom mean that you can blatantly discriminate against fellow citizens? The very concept of personal freedom means that, if we do not all have it, none of us does. <BR /> <BR />Just the other day, I was speaking about the issue with an elderly gentleman from my area who would describe himself as a committed Christian.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will briefly comment on the recent controversy around Jim Wells. I will not say much, mostly because I do not want to give more attention to his, in my opinion, disgusting views. The mask slipped, but it is important to remember that he is not the only one wearing one. I take no confidence at all from the DUP statement that there will be any attempt to address the wider party prejudice. I think that that is a real shame. We do not just need a change of Minister but a change of mindset, and we need there to be respect. <BR /> <BR />Of course, today we will hear the DUP and others talk up the benefit of a civil partnership and how that is more than enough. As I have said before, you cannot be a bit equal to someone: that is not how it works. Civil partnerships are not enough.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. It is a genuine honour for me today to be able to speak in favour of extending the right of civil marriage to those who are LGBT. I express at the outset my solidarity with my comrades across the Twenty-six Counties who are fighting for a "Yes" vote in the upcoming marriage referendum, although I do not believe that we should be having to vote in the first place, because, quite frankly, it should not be an issue in 2015. We must make sure that the referendum is won, because it is the right thing. This is, first and foremost, about love, and love alone. I cannot begin to imagine the elation of a young LGBT person waking up on the morning after a "Yes" vote. I hope that, some day, we can do that for all the people across this island.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for his answer. I recognise that budgets are under pressure, but budgets need to be used wisely and in the interests of the public. The Minister needs to look at a strategic plan to upgrade roads across south Armagh because, if they are neglected much longer, repairs will cost much more and public safety will be at risk.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for her answer so far. How effective does she feel that the CAFRE course has been in preparing young farmers for that level 2 qualification?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his answer so far. The Minister alluded to the hugely traumatic impact that losing their home could have on a person or a family, and there is a huge cost, not just in financial terms but in human suffering. Has the Minister considered a mortgage-to-rent scheme to allow people to stay in their homes?”
“No. <BR /> <BR />— the man who boasted of a Protestant parliament for a Protestant people, and the man who built the Orange state brick by brick. Raymond McCreesh played his part in smashing that state, and I think that that is a life worth remembering.”