John Dallat
East Londonderry · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“His and Donovan's contributions were invaluable. <BR /> <BR />I know that Alliance Members and others have spoken about Seamus Close, and I am conscious that his wife Deirdre is here today. Seamus Close was an amazing individual, and I had the pleasure of serving on the Public Accounts Committee with him.”
“<BR /> <BR />As you know, Mr Speaker — this will be of particular interest to you — Donovan was a Deputy Speaker, and he was a man of severe discipline. He did not suffer fools easily. On one occasion, there was a Member who was particularly troublesome in the morning. I reassure the existing parties that it was not one of their members.”
“I know other Members appreciated it equally. <BR /> <BR />I could not resume my seat without making reference to Reverend Robert Coulter — Bob, as he allowed me to call him. He was an incredible person who had a vision for the future of the Assembly that went far beyond simply winning the next election.”
“I was in the privileged position of being a member of Coleraine council for over 30 years, and, if I was asked to highlight one of the greatest events I experienced during that time, I would say that it was meeting Harry Gregg. I am not into sport big time, but I am into sporting people who have made a huge contribution to this world.”
“Donovan McClelland was a lecturer in the University of Ulster. Life could have been very comfortable for him, but he did not choose that. He contributed to the peace process that eventually became the Good Friday Agreement and, in doing that, he brought himself danger.”
“I welcome the Minister's responses so far. The average age of people in the northern region is very high. I am not sure whether the Minister knows how many passed away before adaptations were completed or shortly afterwards.”
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“I extend my good wishes to the new Minister and welcome his commitment to reducing landfill. Alternatives sometimes present their own problems, not least in the agriculture industry. Will the Minister outline his proposals to work with the farming industry to ensure that high levels of ammonia nitrates are reduced? Does he have the resources to do that?”
“I welcome the Minister's responses so far. The average age of people in the northern region is very high. I am not sure whether the Minister knows how many passed away before adaptations were completed or shortly afterwards. Is the Minister prepared to look at ways in which the whole process could be fast-tracked not just through the assessment but particularly through the planners, who demand a list of requirements from people who are suffering life-changing experiences and cannot wait?”
“I join the Minister in supporting the retention of Magilligan prison where it is. Not only does it provide employment to a lot of people, but the local community has embraced it, particularly the open part of the prison. I can speak in glowing terms about it, which is why I have raised the question. Will the Minister give us a timescale for when the 80-year-old Nissen huts will disappear?”
“When the Minister is visiting, perhaps she will slip me in to the Škoda limousine; I would be happy to join her.”
“Windsor Avenue has lost a hero, Coleraine has lost an icon, and the world has lost someone who was very special not just to Manchester United and Northern Ireland but to the people as a whole. That is one of the reasons why Harry Gregg stands in such an elevated position: he was above politics, he was above sport, and he made a huge contribution to this world.”
“I was in the privileged position of being a member of Coleraine council for over 30 years, and, if I was asked to highlight one of the greatest events I experienced during that time, I would say that it was meeting Harry Gregg. I am not into sport big time, but I am into sporting people who have made a huge contribution to this world. His sporting achievements have been well documented, and his heroism at Munich is known the world over. The fact that he came from Windsor Avenue, a working-class area of Coleraine, makes me particularly proud. <BR /> <BR />Harry Gregg was a working-class man, and, all through the most difficult years of the Troubles, he was well above the unsettled state that we survived in. My deepest sympathy to his family and to his friends.”
“I know other Members appreciated it equally. <BR /> <BR />I could not resume my seat without making reference to Reverend Robert Coulter — Bob, as he allowed me to call him. He was an incredible person who had a vision for the future of the Assembly that went far beyond simply winning the next election. <BR /> <BR />When I was speaking about Donovan McClelland's difficult life, I neglected to say that I am so sorry that, in recent days, our First Minister and deputy First Minister have received threats. That was the type of life that Donovan McClelland lived in Randalstown in those years. Current Members of the Assembly should never forget that there were a lot of people who went before them and who made huge sacrifices and took enormous risks to bring this place to where it is today.”
“His and Donovan's contributions were invaluable. <BR /> <BR />I know that Alliance Members and others have spoken about Seamus Close, and I am conscious that his wife Deirdre is here today. Seamus Close was an amazing individual, and I had the pleasure of serving on the Public Accounts Committee with him. He quickly became known as the Rottweiler, not because he went around biting ankles or things like that but because of the way he penetrated bad practice in government Departments. I know that Seamus and other retired members of the Public Accounts Committee met for years after he retired to reminisce about the good old days when they sorted out the financial difficulties of the Assembly. Seamus will be sadly missed, and I wish to record my experience of working with him, particularly on the Public Accounts Committee.”
“<BR /> <BR />As you know, Mr Speaker — this will be of particular interest to you — Donovan was a Deputy Speaker, and he was a man of severe discipline. He did not suffer fools easily. On one occasion, there was a Member who was particularly troublesome in the morning. I reassure the existing parties that it was not one of their members. In the afternoon, Donovan was in the seat you are sitting in now, and, within 30 seconds, that Member was ejected. I am not sure if it was done according to the rules, but Donovan had had enough of him, and the Member got the message. <BR /> <BR />I served alongside P J Bradley on the Agriculture Committee, but he also lobbied me many times on behalf of the undocumented in America. I am glad that Sinéad has mentioned that, because that was important to a lot of people.”
“Donovan McClelland was a lecturer in the University of Ulster. Life could have been very comfortable for him, but he did not choose that. He contributed to the peace process that eventually became the Good Friday Agreement and, in doing that, he brought himself danger. I remember being in his home on several occasions, which was fortified with high fences, bulletproof glass, deadlocks and all sorts of things. However, that was the contribution that he made, which has brought us to where we are today. Of course, you cannot mention Donovan without his wife, Noreen, who served in parallel on an adjacent council and who, today, makes a huge contribution. If I had one wish, it would be that Noreen would join the Assembly one day.”
“I am probably almost in a unique position in that I knew all these Members from my long service in this place. Obviously, I knew some better than others. My two party colleagues Donovan McClelland and P J Bradley I knew in particular, but there were others I knew from serving on Committees.”
“I thank the Minister for her comprehensive answer. I want to acknowledge the support and help that her Department gave during the suspension of the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that the Minister has given an undertaking to work in partnership with other Departments. I ask her to ensure that that happens and that community transport continues to serve the people in the way in which it has done in the past.”
“However, I take the opportunity to ask the Minister to ensure that, at all times, service dogs, whether they are with the PSNI, the fire service, customs or whatever, have the highest standards of accommodation and welfare, because we are now the custodians of animal welfare in all its forms. I certainly would not want to be told that animals serving in our Departments had standards of care and welfare that fell below what we would accept. <BR /> <BR />I have nothing else to say. What I have said is not to imply that there are issues currently, but there were issues in the past that were not addressed. To this day, I remember Storm and Ben and hope that their lives ended much better than I was told.”
“I support the previous contributions to the debate in their entirety. I take the opportunity to add that the welfare of service dogs is important not simply when they are on patrol but, indeed, when they are off duty and when they retire. <BR /> <BR />I remember, in particular and with great fondness, two dogs that served with the fire service. One was called Storm, and the other was called Ben — a springer and a Labrador. As a member of the Public Accounts Committee at the time, I know that a whistle-blower expressed concern that the welfare of the animals was in question. I am happy to accept that, today, there are no issues about the welfare of the animals while off duty.”
“As the new Assembly beds down, it would be useful to emulate Francie Brolly for his modesty, inside and outside the Chamber. Let us remember him as a Gael whose example threatened no one. He was on an important path and road that I hope we are all now on, respecting and sharing each other's culture and all the things that were important to him and the community that he served for many years as a community representative, councillor and, of course, Member of the Assembly. Mr Speaker, may he rest in peace.”
“On each occasion, Francie reassured the Speaker that he was coming to the Post Office and continued to deliver one of the finest speeches ever made in the Assembly. The last two words spoken were indeed "post office", and everyone was happy. The speech was first class, thought-provoking and entertaining, and Francie was not ruled out of order because it did not focus on the Post Office but on life. <BR /> <BR />Francie Brolly was indeed a Gael, but his style of Gaelige was all-embracing and about bringing people together to agree or disagree but remain friends and share experiences. He was not a bitter man. He did not harbour grudges and, if he could not do you a good turn, he most certainty would not have done you a bad turn. His contribution to life in his native Dungiven was huge and will live on for many years to come.”
“<BR /> <BR />While he may not have been the most enthusiastic patron of this place, he did make an important contribution to it. Perhaps that was to show respect for others with quite different political views. Francie also made good speeches. I encourage younger Members to look them up, because they were entertaining and informative and helped us better understand where Francie stood in relation to party politics as we understand it. He was well above the cut and thrust and point-scoring that, in the past, went on far too often. One speech, if I may mention it, Mr Speaker, was on the future of the Post Office. The Speaker of the day interrupted Francie a few times to point out that he had yet to mention the Post Office.”
“I have been here long enough to remember Francie during his years here. Let me begin by offering the sympathy of the SDLP, and my personal sympathy, to the Brolly family, and especially to his wife, their children and grandchildren. They were inseparable in life. Francie's death is difficult for many people. How much more difficult must it be for the Brolly family? <BR /> <BR />In the Assembly, I remember Francie as being a gentleman to everyone. I think that I am correct in saying that he did not enjoy the adversarial nature of this place. I know he was glad to return to his native Dungiven to continue the work that he loved: as already mentioned, the Irish language, music and local history, which the Sperrins are rich in. I also acknowledge his strong views on abortion.”
“<BR /> <BR />Given the urgency of the issue, resulting from the lapse of the legal powers needed to continue making direct payments to farmers across the North in the 2020 scheme, it is, of course, appropriate to take the action that the Assembly is taking tonight, but to bear in mind that this is only the first instalment of one battle that we need to win.”
“We are a political party steeped in the rural community and understand the consequences of what is happening. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that the uncertainty caused by Brexit over the past three years has impacted negatively on many different sectors, not least farming. We have the opportunity today to provide some clarity to farmers across the North and to offer continued support over the next two years. We need to do that — we really do — and I congratulate the Minister on taking this initiative.”
“<BR /> <BR />As soon as the results of the 2016 referendum became clear, the SDLP constantly pressed the British Government to make clear their plans to replace vital payments to our farmers. It is concerning to hear a former British farming Minister suggest, in the aftermath of the referendum, that the system of support may be abandoned. It is not new; it has been floated before, and we have been told that New Zealand is viable, and all sorts of things. But listen, we are not like England, with landlords and tenant farmers and wild horses that roam for miles. Our farms are mainly smallholdings, sustaining a way of Irish life and sustaining our churches, our schools and our communities. Indeed, colleagues, these payments, and millions more that we receive from the EU, are part of the reason that the SDLP was resolutely opposed to Brexit.”
“When other people are at work, it is the farmers who are packing into the cattle mart and spending their money in cafes, shops and hardware stores, and giving badly needed work to the rest of the rural community. What is going to happen if these payments are withdrawn some time in the future? I worry about that, because there has been an erosion of our rural communities already, and we should be doing everything possible to sustain the agriculture industry, which is the heart of that community. <BR /> <BR />I have already mentioned the debate that we will have next week. I look forward to hearing the Minister on his plans for arresting climate catastrophe.”
“Here in Northern Ireland, we have the best quality-assured farm products anywhere in the world, and I am sure it has not gone unnoticed that some Members of the Westminster Parliament have been advocating the import of "cheap" food from Argentina and Brazil — and I have the word "cheap" in inverted commas. While the products might look all right, they are the result of deforestation; they are the result of animals being put onto land that is deficient in nutrients. All of us worry about our personal health, and that is an issue that impacts on not only those who own farms but the wider community. <BR /> <BR />In the limited time I have available, let me mention one more issue. The farming industry is sustaining many of our small towns and villages.”
“That is welcome, but people need to realise that, as well as making up a significant proportion of the income of farmers across the North, those direct payments — I heard the word "subsidy", but I think we need to get rid of that because it is far more than a subsidy, it is an investment — are securing the financial viability of many farm businesses and rural communities. They also represent a significant incentive to improve environmental, public health and animal cruelty standards across the North and, indeed, Europe. Next week, we will have the opportunity to discuss climate change, the environment and how that relates to agriculture. I look forward to that. <BR /> <BR />The impact of any withdrawal of direct payments is even more serious than what I have said.”
“I extend my good wishes to the Minister. We worked together in the past; we had our spats, but we always made up, and I have no doubt that, in the greater interests of the agriculture community, we can work together. <BR /> <BR />I note that we have already had a number of declarations of interest, but I have no doubt that no one will be putting their snout in the trough for personal interest, because this issue is far too serious. It impacts on not only the agriculture community, but everyone, and I am sure the Minister will agree that all of us need to put our shoulder to the wheel to enlighten and educate people on the wider importance of the agriculture community. <BR /> <BR />Yes, the legislation will offer short-term financial assurance.”
“I applaud the First Minister for saying that many times in recent times, and I hope everyone in the House is listening. <BR /> <BR />Séamus has left the stage. May he rest in peace, and may more than his pictures hang on the walls of this Building. Let us take his inspiration and legacy, and let us set about the difficult times ahead together in partnership. Séamus Mallon taught me to respect others. Let that be the experience of everyone in the House.”
“Now, the best tribute that we can make to Séamus is to finish the work that he began. Lest we forget: that work is in this Chamber. I know that Séamus was very happy that the Assembly agreed to sit again. Let us honour one of the greatest Irishmen who ever lived. Let us take his advice and never collapse politics again to create the risk that the men of violence may fill a vacuum that was not intended. That is important. That would be the greatest tribute we could pay, and I believe we will. The House has no longer just the legacy of unionism of the past — Craigavon and all that. Séamus is very much the legacy of the House in modern times, so let us honour and respect him. Let us adopt and protect that legacy with clarity and a commitment to emulate his deeply held conviction that we must move on together.”
“Mr Speaker, in your introduction, you said that there were only nine Members left from the original Assembly. Hands up: I am one of the nine. It is with a great deal of pride and emotion that I rise to speak. I served with Séamus Mallon in the best of times and the worst of times: the best of times being when the people of Northern Ireland were able to create a power-sharing Executive in 1998 and, of course, the worst being the collapse of that Assembly a few years later. <BR /> <BR />At all times, Séamus was a statesman. He was a true and personal friend to me, but he was a friend to many other people, from all political parties, in the Assembly at that time. Yes, the SDLP has lost one of the best, but I believe that everyone has experienced a sense of loss that is not really felt every day.”
“I add my best wishes and support as someone who has, in recent times, been receiving extraordinary medical attention in Altnagelvin Hospital from outstanding doctors and nurses. Will the Minister take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that never again will staff feel so demoralised that they feel the need to join picket lines and that, instead, they are allowed to concentrate on their vocations, which, of course, is in the interests of not just the National Health Service but all of us who have had the experience of benefiting from it?”
“They are the heart and soul of the Building, and, as I leave it, I am exceptionally proud of them. They come from the north, the south, the east and the west of this city, and, if you really want to know what is going on, you ask them because they are the heart and soul of this place.”
“Mr Speaker, I had not planned to speak because I realise that, even though it is our last day, we are scheduled to sit here until 9.15 pm. However, it would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to you as Speaker and to the previous Speaker, Willie Hay, who initially moulded me into the role of Deputy Speaker. I want to also briefly say thanks to the people in all of the political parties who made life exceptionally easy for me. You have been more than good. There were times when you could have had my scalp and you did not do it. <BR /> <BR />If I were to give some advice to new Members coming in, that advice would be this: if you want to be happy in this Building, get to know the people outside the Chamber — the cleaners, the ushers, the security people and, in particular, the ones in the canteen.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer, which is very welcome. Does he agree with me that there is an enormous task to be undertaken in educating those people who still believe that it is OK to cause cruelty to animals, whether they are domestic or wild animals? Does he agree with me that we should get on with the task of making it clear, in the widest possible way, that cruelty to animals, wherever it is, is evil and wrong?”
“At the risk of upsetting Kieran McCarthy, I ask the Minister whether he accepts that, historically, the technical education system provided a second chance for many people who slipped through the net first time round? Does he agree that many people — single parents, perhaps — need a package to re-engage with higher education? Will he encourage his successor, whoever it is, to look seriously at part-time graduation and make sure that people can afford it?”
“Following on on the theme of Mr O'Dowd leaving us, what advice would he give to his successor to ensure that, in the future, our young people, particularly those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, have a fair chance of a good, well-paid job or to aspire to further education? I say that in the full knowledge that the Assembly is now in its eighteenth year, and people who were born only at the start of that period have now left school —”
“The very fact that she arrived is welcome.”
“<BR /> <BR />On a positive note, I pay tribute to those responsible for bringing forward the Bill, albeit at the eleventh hour. It is important that it is fit for purpose and is devoid of anomalies. On that basis, we support its progression. <BR /> <BR />Although we are debating the Bill and not the road projects, I should say that it is designed to address issues in the north-west. It would be remiss of me not to express the hope that the remaining pathways are cleared of any embarrassments and that people in that region can one day enjoy modern roadways. <BR /> <BR />With your approval, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I want to welcome the Minister's visit to my constituency last week. If I feel a little miffed that I was not told that she was coming, I accept that that is the cut and thrust of politics.”
“<BR /> <BR />The seven clauses are uncontroversial, and the Assembly will, without doubt, reach a unanimous decision at this stage. Clause 1 — "Basic loss payment" — provides for an enhanced payment of 7·5%, as the Chairman outlined. That is good, and who could disagree with it? Clause 2 — "Occupier’s loss payment" — concerns payment for agricultural and other land. It outlines where the payment applies and how much it may be. A person may receive 2·5% of the value of his interest, which, by my mathematics, adds up to 10%. The SDLP is in total agreement with that. Given that so many holdings are affected by insolvency and family factors such as death, clause 3 is an important feature of the Bill that we welcome very much.”
“As a member of the Committee for Regional Development and an MLA elected to one of the constituencies that will be most affected — hopefully — by the legislation, I welcome the Bill and its seven clauses. It will redress irregularities in Northern Ireland's legislation that place those affected by compulsory land acquisition at a disadvantage compared with people in England and Wales. As I said previously, land is precious to people, and its acquisition for public works can cause much distress, particularly when it involves the loss of the family home and of essential income. The Bill will address those issues, which is absolutely essential. It is mind-boggling that the Bill was not introduced earlier. I admire the Minister's attempts to shift responsibility to another Department, but I remind her that it is DRD that builds roads.”
“Yes, indeed. I respect your guidance on the matter. I simply make the point, without disagreeing with you, that we need to know why we are in this position. <BR /> <BR />On a positive note, the Bill comes for consultation. We will have an opportunity later this morning to discuss the clauses in detail, but, in the meantime, the SDLP is in total agreement with the motion before the House.”
“It is not easy to give up your land for a roadway, so why on earth was the basic requirement to acquire the land not attended to? While the Chairperson has placed much emphasis on previous Ministers — coming up to an election, one understands that — there is a permanent Government in this place who are supposed to look after all of this stuff, so, please, if you are listening, accept your share of the blame. We need to know who was sleeping at the wheel.”
“It is shocking to think that there has been so much discussion and so many questions answered by previous Ministers over the years, while the basic groundwork was not done. It makes me wonder whether, at times, we are fed like mushrooms. <BR /> <BR />Let me conclude by expressing the wish that any future Assembly will not be renowned for skipping the critical steps that Bills should take before being implemented in law. In this case, as pointed out by the Chairperson, this law was enshrined in England and Wales, many years ago. The law pertains to the monetary enhancement that should arise for those affected. I doubt whether anyone disagrees with that. The loss of land is always an emotive issue; much of the land has been in families for generations.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion on accelerated passage of the Land Acquisition and Compensation (Amendment) Bill. The Bill is being afforded accelerated passage through the Assembly, a practice that my party disagrees with in principle but one to which, in the circumstances, it sees no alternative. It is critical that legislation is in place to compensate landowners who are affected by the A5 and A6 road schemes and, presumably, others, when they come along in the future. Like the Chairperson, I ask why the need for this critical legislation was overlooked. I shudder to think what else might have been overlooked as we make critical promises to upgrade the A5 and A6 roadways, for which land is required to complete the projects.”
“I am sure it was an omission or error on the part of Gregory Campbell to forget to mention that Bann Rowing Club has represented Ireland, as well as Britain, in events. Will the Minister assure us that future athletes who may also wish to represent Ireland or Britain will, in fact, have the finance to encourage them, given that rowing is not marbles and is an expensive sport to participate in?”
“The Minister will no doubt be aware that, in a couple of weeks' time, Members of the Assembly will go on the hustings to give an account of themselves. Does she seriously believe that enough has been done to build our communities? Given that only one peace wall has fallen, this really has been cooked in a darkened room.”
“I listened very carefully to the Minister. Perhaps, gazing into the crystal ball to the future, she will acknowledge that the cooperative movement was the one organisation that gave farmers hope for the future. It goes on to do so, in co-ops such as LacPatrick. What encouragement is the Minister giving to farmers to form more cooperatives that give them a fair price and take them out of the clutches of the large supermarkets that continue to offer derisory prices for their produce?”
“I offer no criticism whatsoever of the Minister, but he will realise that the Executive have had the issue of reform of the licensing laws on their table since 2012. As we speak today, tens of thousands of young people are being told that they have committed a criminal offence because they are on licensed premises after 9.00 pm, when, in fact, those premises are not selling alcohol, have a controlled environment and have staff trained in child abuse issues and all the other things. Will the Minister assure the House that that crazy situation will not last for much longer?”
“The Minister will be aware that I come from a constituency and neighbour a constituency where more than 20 people from both communities lost their life in rather strange circumstances. Does the Minister agree that the time for sending letters here, there and everywhere is over and that the British Government should acknowledge their involvement in that and pay the cost of finding out and telling the truth about what happened to our loved ones?”
“Earlier, the Minister answered a question from my colleague Alex Attwood about the need to establish the truth from the past. I am sorry that there was not time for a supplementary. Perhaps I can use this opportunity to pursue the issue.”
“I acknowledge the Minister's commitment to housing in his previous post and his present post. Can he give an outline of the extent of departmental assistance for those who want to avail themselves of the help-to-buy scheme in 2015-16?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and readily accept that my bicycle is gathering rust in the garage, which is a pity. Does the Minister agree that the safety of cyclists on the roads is so serious that studying it should not be an option in schools but should be compulsory, so that every child who attends a school should have an opportunity, by right, to participate in road safety studies?”