Bronwyn McGahan
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Towards the end of last year, I requested a research paper, which provided shocking new statistics on domestic violence in my constituency during 2014-15.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I wish to recommend the adoption of the Committee's report on justice in the 21st century, while taking the opportunity to echo the Committee's encouragement for the next Committee of Justice to build on the strong foundations that have been laid for collaboration between those working…”
“These include the police, social services, healthcare staff, Women's Aid, Victim Support, lawyers and judges. <BR /> <BR />The Derry pilot scheme points to one positive development that, if implemented, could make an important difference in the support of victims.”
“<BR /> <BR />I agree with the key principles contained in the Committee's report in relation to collaboration and innovation, which continue to provide opportunities for innovative thinking and creative approaches to the many challenges that will be faced, while ensuring progress on the recommendations that are contained in the report.”
“The newspaper's front-page feature was followed by a full-page story on page 10, which started by giving the appalling statistics that the PSNI responds to calls about domestic violence abuse every 20 minutes, before telling us that, last year alone in the North, six murders had a "domestic abuse motivation", while there were almost 3,000…”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for his response. He will appreciate that, at the centre of this, is a group of older and vulnerable people, who are confused and concerned about their future. What rural proofing and equality impact assessments have been carried out to date?”
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“Quality part-time higher education provision needs to be treated as an essential element of our drive to promote sustainable jobs with good pay and conditions that help to promote fairness at work and justice in society.”
“<BR /> <BR />Research carried out for the Open University by London Economics as part of the Big Debate showed that part-time higher education had a significant positive financial impact on our students and the state. The findings stated that the biggest economic impact was for students from a non-traditional background, which is determined as being those with five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C or equivalent but fewer than two GCE A levels. Those are students who would not have been able to engage with higher education other than by studying part time with the Open University. <BR /> <BR />The research further points to the general decrease in part-time undergraduate enrolments from a low base over the last decade. That runs contrary to the aims of Graduating to Success, which calls for a significant extension of part-time provision.”
“<BR /> <BR />During Mr Farry's Big Conversation on higher education, the Open University stated that part-time education had a hugely significant impact on the economy, social justice and social mobility. It is well documented that the people who benefit most from accessing part-time higher education are women; those who are in work; those over the age of 21; those who have caring commitments; and those who are from non-traditional educational backgrounds. It added that engaging with higher education made a significant difference to the lives of those individuals, opening up a host of life opportunities that were previously unavailable to them.”
“The remainder are spread across the other two bands. In Fermanagh and South Tyrone as a whole, 29% are employed in bands 1 to 3, and that ranges from 40% in Ballygawley to 21% in Rosslea and Newtownbutler. <BR /> <BR />In the context of the figures that I have just quoted, we need to ask the Employment and Learning Minister whether Access to Success, the regional strategy to widen participation in higher education, is having a positive effect. The Minister has stated on previous occasions that the regional strategy puts a strong focus on the creation of a more accessible sector in which the people who are most able but least likely to participate are given every encouragement and support to apply to and benefit from higher education.”
“While paying tribute to the staff of South West College in my constituency for the impressive strides that it is making in enhancing its reputation in our community as a first-class provider of quality training as well as further and higher education, I want to shine a light on the fact that more work needs to be done to address some issues in relation to employment and social mobility in Fermanagh and south Tyrone. In census 2011, residents were asked for the title of their main job. Those were coded and slotted into nine standard occupational categories (SOCs) going from 1 to 9. In broad terms, salaries tend to be highest in occupations in categories 1 to 3, and, in the North of Ireland, one third — 34% — of residents aged 16 to 74 in employment work in occupations in SOC bands 1 to 3.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. During a previous debate regarding our higher education sector that focused on women and STEM, I called on our Assembly to acknowledge the key role of higher education in growing the local economy and helping to realise the Programme for Government's cross-cutting priorities in health, social development, agrifood, education and skills as well as research and innovation, while calling on the Executive to affirm their commitment to supporting and investing in our higher education sector. In the same spirit, I am pleased today to add my support to this motion. Just a few months ago, our Minister for Employment and Learning, Mr Stephen Farry, when launching his consultation on part-time and postgraduate student finance, stated correctly:”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Can I ask him for a potential time frame for the implementation of the recommendations pertaining to DE from the report? Go raibh maith agat.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for her response and look forward to any clarification she can bring to ensure that unsuccessful groups get feedback from Sport NI, as it is important that they can correct and amend their work in going forward.”
“Go raibh maith agat. How many and which libraries currently meet the Libraries NI criteria of serving areas of substantial social deprivation?”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for her response. I want to take this opportunity to wish you all the best in your new role. Considering that the special rapporteur acknowledged in his preliminary recommendations that it is easy to use national security as a blanket term, what steps will be taken to establish mechanisms for dealing with the past that deliver the full disclosure of truth that victims and families deserve?”
“The fund has allowed vulnerable and hard-to-reach people from all sections of our community to participate in training and learning opportunities to increase their social inclusion and employability. I urge all Members to support the motion.”
“The European regional development fund element of the EU structural funds administered by DETI has a target of 35 days from claim submitted to payment in bank. That should be the standard for ESF payments. <BR /> <BR />In the round, the European social fund is a fund that is rife with success stories.”
“Aside from being a harsh cap on the aspirations of ESF participants and the organisations that work with them, the cap is in direct contrast to the aims of ESF to improve employment and employability. Our Minister for Employment and Learning, Mr Farry, must give that matter his attention and have the cap lifted. <BR /> <BR />Many organisations are owed considerable amounts of money for work already carried out. NICVA's research paper has informed us that some organisations are owed almost £1 million and others are owed in the region of £300,000. We have a situation in which charities are borrowing from banks or using overdrafts to cover the cost of money owed to them by DEL. That is simply unacceptable.”
“<BR /> <BR />In many areas, rural and urban, the much good work that has been progressed to tackle social and economic disadvantage, as well as groundbreaking attempts to tackle the social isolation that disadvantaged and marginalised groups face, needs to be continued and further supported. However, a number of problems are currently being encountered with the roll-out of the programme. The cap on aspiration must be lifted for all ESF programmes. At the moment, the level of qualifications that can be offered to ESF participants by the voluntary and community training providers is capped at level 1, which is equivalent to GCSE grade D. That means that, for the most vulnerable and socially excluded participants in the ESF, the floor of qualifications has become the ceiling.”
“The provision of 276 childcare places on-site by the First Steps Women's Centre during the programme has certainly made it possible for many mothers to avail themselves of much-needed opportunities. <BR /> <BR />We have just come out of a period, during which, just a short while ago, strong representation had to be made to the Minister for Employment and Learning regarding decisions as to whether to allocate much-needed European social fund moneys to community and voluntary organisations and groups. Our women's centres have a strong record of delivering quality training programmes for women and, in turn, boosting confidence and self-esteem and encouraging their return to the labour market.”
“First Steps Women's Centre is very dependent on the European social fund for the roll-out of its much-needed service provision. To date, under the 2007-2013 programme, First Steps Women's Centre in Dungannon has delivered impressive results for south Tyrone. That is due to the good work of everyone involved in the centre. The figures are a celebration of that good work. Some 290 below NVQ level 1 qualifications were achieved, 293 NVQ level 1 qualifications were achieved and 353 NVQ level 2 qualifications were achieved. <BR /> <BR />Given the dire worldwide economic downturn, which has not been helped by the British Government-driven austerity, the success of 179 participants from the south Tyrone area gaining employment is not insignificant.”
“From the outset, I want to pay particular tribute to all those involved in the development and work of women's centres across the North. I want to take this opportunity to place on record my deep regard for the high standard of service delivery provided by First Steps Women's Centre in Dungannon. I have had the pleasure of regularly working closely with the centre.”
“A Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle, thank you for the opportunity to speak in today's debate on the important role of the European social fund in delivering essential services to the most vulnerable while recognising the challenges faced by the community and voluntary sector in the administration of the past programme and the current programme. In supporting the motion, I call on the Department for Employment and Learning to learn from its mistakes and ensure that it works in partnership with the sector to deliver the programme efficiently and effectively for all those who rely on it. <BR /> <BR />Today, I will focus on the European social fund in relation to women's centres and the range of services that they offer.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Does the Minister agree that one of the main cornerstones of access to justice is legal aid, and that any curtailment of access to legal aid is a blockage to access to justice?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his response. Will he give serious consideration to an extension to the Lifeline contract to allow for further consultation on the future of its services?”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for his response and commend him on his efforts to tackle the skills deficit in the North. What measures and actions can he take immediately, in improving prospects for those local people and providing support, to deal with this alarming problem in a rural area, where proximity to services appears to be the problem?”
“Go raibh maith agat. Would the Minister accept that the failure to implement the recommendations of the Owers prisons review team specific to Maghaberry led to this damning report on Maghaberry, and that if this failure continues, we will continue back to the same place at Maghaberry jail?”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for his statement. Can he elaborate on the research carried out to determine best international practice in the provision of legal aid in other comparable jurisdictions?”
“We know the importance of sport and of our leading sportspeople in opening up awareness of important issues such as the need for promoting good mental health among all our citizens. Let there be no doubt that the introduction of full rates relief for our sports clubs will help to enhance public health further and promote well-being.”
“In particular, we are investing in young people who are supported by the clubs, and we will receive a societal return in many ways by ensuring that those clubs are supported. Our clubs not only encourage participation in sport and promote healthy lifestyles but make a positive contribution to the reduction of crime and antisocial behaviour and promote community relations, acting as a driver for positive community activity in our villages, towns and parishes. <BR /> <BR />Today's debate allows us to promote a progressive agenda that seeks to advance public knowledge by exploring the challenges and opportunities for sport to act as a driver for change in our society.”
“That funding is open for a club's plans for sports provision offered, which enhances youth development, healthy living, community cohesion and other important goals, including peace building and tackling racism. It is my belief that the money saved by not paying any rates would be better spent on offering the range of measures that try to achieve the goals that I mentioned, especially on offering healthy alternatives for our young people to pursue as well as enhancing well-being in our society generally for young and old. <BR /> <BR />As was mentioned, there is a public health aspect to the issue, and I believe that, by providing full rates relief for clubs, we are investing in public health.”
“I also attended a very interesting and important consultation event in Dungannon with Daithí. <BR /> <BR />I know the pressures of fundraising to be true, as I spend a lot of time in my constituency signposting local clubs to new sources of money by way of grants when funding opportunities are opening up at local government and European Union levels.”
“As we know only too well, amateur sports clubs, rural and urban, are currently under pressure financially, and we know that one of the main reasons for that is the economic downturn, as well as the opportunistic and deliberate British Government policy of austerity, which is having a negative effect on fundraising in the communities in which amateur clubs are organised. <BR /> <BR />The drying up of sponsorship from local construction firms with deep ties to their local communities has, in particular, affected rugby and GAA clubs. My party colleague Daithí McKay referred to a number of submissions to the consultation from clubs in my constituency such as Fivemiletown United, Clogher Valley Rugby Football Club, Dungannon Rugby Club and, of course, Tyrone GAA.”
“A Cheann Comhairle, I thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of full rates relief for amateur sports clubs. As a former Gaelic footballer and member of Gaelic4Mothers, which belongs to the Oonagh Celts club in Tyrone, and as a keen cyclist involved with my local club, I have a deep personal interest in the issue. <BR /> <BR />Amateur sporting groups are part of the fabric of our communities and are essential to the future welfare of our young people, in particular. For many of our citizens, the maxim "Club is Life" rings very true.”
“That is all I have to say at the moment. I look forward to further consideration of the Bill.”
“We do not believe that the Queen has any role to play in that; it should be the Assembly. It is a point of principle. Again, the Committee Chairperson will be well aware of our stance from the very beginning; we are on record in regard to that matter. <BR /> <BR />We are also opposed to amendment Nos 57, 58 and 59 on disclosure contrary to public interest. We raised serious concerns throughout the discussions at Committee regarding national security and the involvement of the Secretary of State. When we were formulating our policy recommendations, the evidence showed that the policy was not utilised in any other region, so we did not believe that there was a need. However, it went to a vote, and the Committee voted to include the recommendation and to amend all the clauses that flowed from it.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I have been involved in it from its very inception, and although I am off the OFMDFM Committee, I still feel that I have a role to play. <BR /> <BR />The Chair will be aware that we are broadly happy with the provisions in the Bill. From its very inception, we opposed clauses 2, 3, 40 and 41, so it will come as no surprise that our party will oppose some of the amendments. <BR /> <BR />We will oppose amendment Nos 1, 76, 130 and 131 on the change from "ombudsperson" to "ombudsman". We live in a very progressive society. My understanding is that the term "ombudsperson" is used in America, and I do not believe that there is any confusion out there. <BR /> <BR />We will also oppose amendment No 5 on the appointment of the ombudsman by the Queen.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for her response. Does she agree with me that a Brexit would destabilise our economy and undermine efforts over the past 20 years to market this region to foreign investors as a gateway to Europe?”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for his response, and I appreciate that there is a legal case. Considering the recent concerns expressed by the fishermen who work on the lough, when does the Minister expect the case to conclude?”
“They need to step up to the plate as the employer of many of those affected to ensure that staff are not disproportionately affected. To conclude, approval must be given for a payment that would not be derogatory.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I support the motion as amended, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Thank you for the opportunity to address the House on the issue of inequality of treatment that has arisen for staff in the PSNI, the Department of Justice and the NIO in terms of the equal pay settlement. Recognising, in the words of the motion before us, "the genuine hurt and hardship" caused as a result, I wish to acknowledge those very strong feelings among staff who have been affected disproportionately by the current equal pay settlement. <BR /> <BR />My party colleague Raymond McCartney has given a very comprehensive outline of our rationale for the amendment. As we have stated, this is a responsibility for the British Government.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for her response. Will this payment to dairy farmers impact on the processing of the new basic payment scheme?”
“Go raibh maith agat. Minister, you have touched on my supplementary question. I have been hearing concerns about a maintenance backlog in schools. Can you give more information on what you intend to do to relieve that backlog?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his reply. It most definitely is a good-news story for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. How many school enhancement programmes has he been able to release for construction so far?”
“Go raibh maith agat. I thank the Minister for her response. Does the Minister envisage any potential to include cycling as part of the T:BUC sports programme in a rural area?”
“— non-disclosure and destruction of evidence have been deliberate and strategic British state tactics in the face of an accountable devolved inquest system.”
“In the same news report, 'The Detail' also mentioned a previously unpublished Department of Justice document that says that it will take up to 12 years to deal with the current backlog of legacy inquests linked to the recent conflict in the North of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Several letters sent recently by Paddy Murray's law firm ask for intervention from the Lord Chief Justice in relation to the various stages of inquests into deaths, including the killings carried out by state forces during the Ballymurphy massacre. <BR /> <BR />Now, looking to the future, the commitment in the Stormont House Agreement to sort out the inquest system is one that is long overdue. Under-resourcing and the deliberate —”
“Families have painstakingly fought hard to ensure that inquests function properly. A relative for justice often says that it is a case of deny, deny, deny and then delay, delay, delay. Recently, Belfast solicitor Patrick Murray wrote to the Lord Chief Justice and the Coroners Service, asking that they intervene in nearly 30 delayed cases because of concerns that the lack of coroner availability was "hampering progress". Mr Murray, speaking to 'The Detail', said that the absence of coroners had led to the adjournment of several inquests in recent months <BR /> <BR />He added:”
“The ruling meant that quite a number of inquests into controversial killings that had not yet been held would operate to the new rules, which is an unexpected problem now faced by the British Government.”
“My party colleague Seán Lynch referred to some of those — for example, Roseanne Mallon, who comes from my own parish of Killeeshil. <BR /> <BR />In March 2001, a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights found that the investigative processes in place to examine killings involving the state, including collusion, were in breach of the legal obligation on the state to investigate such killings properly. This ruling meant that inquests needed to change: those within the British state security apparatus who killed people would need to appear and be questioned; disclosure of information and intelligence and documents relating to killings would be available; and the examination of killings beyond the facts would now take place.”
“Mr Thompson was also correct when he added:”
“Two of our three coroners are off on sick leave, and the senior coroner, John Leckey, is due to retire. Under article 2 procedural obligations, a key part of compliance with the law is to investigate killings involving the state thoroughly, independently, effectively and promptly. Inquests are a central element of the overall process. <BR /> <BR />Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice was correct when he said recently:”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle, for allowing me the opportunity to address the House on the important issue of the impending retirement of the senior coroner without a replacement being in place and to call on the Minister of Justice to provide the resources necessary to ensure that our Coroners Service works in an effective and timely manner. My focus today will be mainly on our inquest system and the backlog of cases relating to controversial killings, often involving state actors due to our most recent conflict. <BR /> <BR />At a Policing Board meeting only last week, the PSNI Chief Constable described the current state of the inquest system as "chaotic". As we know, almost 60 conflict-related inquests are open. The under-resourcing of the Coroners Service is a critical matter regarding delays in holding inquests.”
“Furthermore, it must also be based on partnership with the community and community consent. <BR /> <BR />These are elements of the approach that we call policing with the community. The removal of the TSG from Fermanagh will present challenges, but the most pressing will be to build upon the good work that has been rolled out to date in the context of policing with the community. For Sinn Féin, policing with the community is the overarching principle that we believe should be at the core of civic policing. Tackling rural crime and enhancing public safety and quality of life in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency is a top priority for me as a local MLA.”
“I do not accept the mantra emanating from some quarters that nothing can be done to tackle rural crime. The PSNI has a statutory duty to tackle crime, and is being well paid for it. There is a statutory requirement that the PSNI must do this in an effective manner. Forging good relationships between the police and the community is vital for effective civic policing. I recall being at a meeting of the former district policing partnership in Fivemiletown where the PSNI was complaining that it needed more feedback from the community. A member of the public stood up and said, "Well, there is a poor community response because there is a poor police response." That relationship must, in the first instance, be based on mutual respect, and that can only happen if police activity is informed by an emphasis on human rights and equality.”