Paul Givan
Lagan Valley · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“The EA's enhanced support model has been out for consultation. The Member's party is the largest political grouping on the Education Authority, so his party supported the model's being consulted on.”
“Protections around strike action and action short of strike are firmly established in statute for all workers, including teachers. If the Member is referring to the Education Inspections Bill, let me be clear: nothing in that legislation removes or undermines that right.”
“The issue was covered at length at the Education Committee. The position is still not where it ought to be. When I came into office, the position that I inherited was much worse than it is today.”
“It is an area that I have had to navigate, as have many previous Education Ministers. Industrial relations is an area that needs ongoing work. I have outlined how we can address it, but I come back to saying that, when workload was undefined, trade unions struggled to specify the challenge.”
“That is not a fair characterisation. In fact, I was with Justin McCamphill, the leader of NASUWT, at the launch of the curriculum reform, at which he commended me for it and said that he thought that it was good. I have sat in many a meeting with trade union representatives during which they have said, "This is a good initiative.”
“That is exactly why there is a 16-week consultation period, rather than the normal 12 weeks or the minimum eight weeks; to allow the public and teaching profession to very much engage in that curriculum, which I commend to all Members.”
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“We want to keep our business and leisure sectors open, and we want to minimise impacts on citizens over the coming months. We have the best chance of doing that if we all continue to follow the basics and if as many people as possible take the vaccines. <BR /> <BR />Members will see a new public information campaign around the end of this month, which will build on the need for all of us to keep making safer choices. This is part of our social contract: washing our hands; limiting our contacts where we can; self-isolating when we have symptoms or when asked to do so; giving our contact details to help with tracing; and using the outdoors when we can and letting fresh air in when we cannot.”
“It is strongly recommended that venues and events organisers require individuals to demonstrate their COVID status through proof of vaccination, negative lateral flow test or natural immunity by way of a positive PCR test within the previous 180 days. Some venues are already implementing those measures to help to keep people safe and provide assurances to those attending their venues that all appropriate measures are being taken to protect them. <BR /> <BR />In respect of the autumn/winter COVID contingency plan, we start with the need to keep sectors open to the fullest possible extent and, hopefully, in totality. Our schools and further education sectors are back, and we will want to protect those, along with protecting our health service.”
“<BR /> <BR />From 31 October, the requirement to be seated in hospitality venues to drink or to eat food will be removed. The restriction on indoor dancing will be lifted. The need to maintain social distancing in hospitality settings, such as pubs and restaurants, will move to guidance, and night clubs will be permitted to reopen. Those relaxations rely on the adoption and implementation of measures that will help to reduce the transmission of the virus and allow people to gather more safely in settings that would otherwise be considered higher risk. <BR /> <BR />Extensive engagement has taken place with the arts, entertainment and hospitality sectors, and there has been a positive response to taking additional steps to ensure the safety of customers, staff and the wider community.”
“<BR /> <BR />For the record, from 14 October, the Executive agreed further relaxations on the numbers permitted in private dwellings and a move away from the maximum number of people allowed to gather from 15 from four households to an overall cap of 30. We also agreed that the requirement for audience members to be seated when watching performances in indoor venues would be removed. The regulations for large house parties and raves remain in place: they are still not permitted. <BR /> <BR />The Executive have also signalled their intention to introduce a further package of relaxations from 31 October. Over the next few weeks, further work will be carried out with the sectors to prepare for those appropriate mitigations to be put in place in advance of the regulations being lifted.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the decisions that we made on 7 October, we looked carefully at what can be done now. A number of easements were made on 14 October, and we also looked at the restrictions that can be lifted at the end of October. In preparing for Executive discussions, our officials liaised closed with key sectors, and we were very grateful for the support and attendance of the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser at those events. We listened carefully to the views of the hospitality, arts and culture sectors, to our business community leaders and to the faith leaders. Our decisions were taken in the context of COVID-19 data and mindful of the economic and societal benefits of opening up what we can when we can.”
“Those who have not yet had their first jab should do so as soon as they can, please. Every person who takes the jab makes a difference to themselves, their families and their communities. Everyone who takes the second jab further builds their protection and that of those around them, including potentially vulnerable loved ones. The booster jab is also being rolled out. We will continue to promote that as it will make a difference to how we will get through the autumn and winter. <BR /> <BR />Too many families have lost loved ones to this dreadful disease. Family members and friends are still grieving, and many of our citizens continue to feel the impact of the pandemic. We must all do what we can to control the spread of COVID. We cannot put this strongly enough: every jab matters.”
“Our case numbers and other key indicators remain very high, with an average of more than 1,200 positive cases per day over the past seven days. Almost 350 confirmed COVID patients are in hospital, with 33 in intensive care. We are entering the autumn/winter period when, as we know from last year, COVID thrives. Last year, we did not see a significant flu season, but we cannot guarantee that it will be the same this year. Indeed, we must plan on the basis that we will see a flu season. <BR /> <BR />At this time, 82·3% of citizens aged 12 and over have received at least one dose of vaccine. Our vaccination rates are very good, but there is still room for improvement. The vaccination rate for 30- to 39-years-olds is 79·5%, and this falls to 75% for 18- to 29-year-olds.”
“We have been driven by the data and by the impact that restrictions had on our economy, our people, our families and our wider society. We have been following the decisions made in nearby jurisdictions very closely, but our decisions have at all times been focused on delivering the best outcomes for people here. <BR /> <BR />We understand that some people will have wanted us to move more quickly, and others will have been content with the careful and cautious approach. We hope that we built confidence in our people to exercise safer choices for themselves, and we have been very grateful for all the steps taken to adhere to all the public health advice. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that COVID remains with us, and we need to continue to find ways to manage the situation.”
“Since March, we worked through those carefully and cautiously across key themes. The pathway illustrated the steps for home and community; education and young people; culture, heritage and entertainment; sports and leisure activities; worship and ceremonies; travel and tourism; work, retail and services; and hospitality. We envisaged that those steps would bring us to a place where there might be few remaining issues for the Executive to address. <BR /> <BR />Throughout this year, the Executive have taken regular stock of the situation, the available data and the impacts on our people, in line with our key principles. Between 1 April and 31 October, 84 easements of restrictions were delivered or agreed. As promised, we moved along the pathway out of restrictions carefully and cautiously at all times.”
“In our pathway out of restrictions document, which was published on 2 March 2021, the Executive made commitments on how we would approach our decision-making. We undertook to make our decisions on four overarching principles: that they would be evidence-based, necessary, proportionate and sustainable. As our social contract, we said that we would regularly and carefully consider what mitigations were required, and for how long, in order to reduce transmission. We recommitted to the strategic priorities that we had set ourselves at the start of the pandemic. At the front of our minds have been the health and well-being of our citizens, our societal and community well-being, our economic well-being and the revitalisation of the economy. <BR /> <BR />In our pathway, we set out the steps that we could envisage taking.”
“Today is about remembering a faithful public servant. We join in mourning his loss, and we send our deepest Christian sympathies to his family and friends.”
“We are very much part of this society, not separate from it, and all of us need to reflect on that. <BR /> <BR />Social media is like the Wild West. So, too, at times, is the mainstream media. It brings on commentators who engage in character assassination. We need to reflect on that.”
“We think of those who served in these institutions: Edgar Graham, Assembly Member, killed in 1983; Captain the Right Honourable Sir Norman Stronge, killed in 1981, having served, at one point, as Speaker of this place; Senator Jack Barnhill, 1971; and Senator Paddy Wilson, 1973. We have memorialised those who served in this Building in the Rotunda just outside the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />There have been multiple attacks on public representatives over the years, and Members of this House from all sides continue to receive threats. That is to be condemned. We need to think about how we treat each other and how we speak to each other. That goes beyond just this Assembly Chamber; it goes to wider society. Too often, I hear public representatives being dehumanised by people and dehumanised by the media.”
“I listened to the Minister of the church in which he was so cruelly slain pay tribute to Sir David and the work that he was doing to assist refugees in the community. <BR /> <BR />Sir David was a close friend of the Democratic Unionist Party and a close friend of Northern Ireland. He was someone with whom we shared common values. He was passionately pro-Union and passionate about Northern Ireland's place within it. He was deeply pro-life, caring for people at all stages of their life, and we mourn his loss. <BR /> <BR />The police are now investigating under terrorism laws. Northern Ireland has never been immune from attacks on democracy from terrorists. We think of Robert Bradford MP, who was killed in 1981.”
“It is right that, today, at the start of proceedings, we come together to pay our respects to Sir David Amess MP, who was brutally killed when serving his community. We remember especially his wife, Julia, and his five children. <BR /> <BR />Sir David Amess was a Member of Parliament since 1983, which is nearly 40 years of service. He was a giant of Westminster politics, and, rightly, tributes have been paid from right across the political spectrum. A tireless Back-Bencher who never held government office, he used his role to champion the cause of his constituency, not least, recently, in respect of city status for Southend but also on causes that were close to his heart, such as animal welfare, fuel poverty and supporting refugees.”
“That is a perfectly legitimate political aspiration to have, but he must respect my ambition for Northern Ireland to remain an integral part of the United Kingdom unless there is the consent of the people of Northern Ireland to change that. The protocol makes a change to that constitutional arrangement, and it does so without having the consent of a single unionist.”
“When it comes to the issue of Brexit, I repeat what I said earlier. This was a decision that was taken on a UK-wide basis, and the people of Northern Ireland were able to exercise their vote. I should not have to go back to the Member and indicate that London, for example, had a much higher level of opposition to Brexit but, because it is part of the United Kingdom, just like Northern Ireland, it is subject to the outcome of that decision. We all want to see the arrangements working here in Northern Ireland that respect east-west and North/South. I think that they are important, and I respect the Member opposite, who has nationalist ambitions for the reunification of Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />In response to that, in line with the statement that was made by the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, I have signed off that meetings on health issues should continue. I have cleared that meeting to take place this week. Given that the PEACE PLUS programme has a particular theme that relates to health and associated funding, I have signed off that that meeting should also take place, subject to the deputy First Minister approving that through the urgent procedure. That meeting should approve the PEACE PLUS funding that the Finance Minister has requested.”
“I thank the Member for that question, because it is important. Some Ministers have spoken about scheduled meetings to take place this week. There are no such scheduled meetings. There is only a scheduled meeting at the point when its attendance and agenda are agreed by the Executive Office. When a meeting has had its agenda and attendance agreed, the Executive Office notifies Executive colleagues that the meeting will take place. We also notify you, Mr Speaker, of such a meeting taking place. Far from me to draw the Speaker into the debate, but he can confirm or otherwise whether he has received notification of a scheduled meeting. No scheduled meetings have been sanctioned, by way of the agenda or attendance, to take place this week.”
“We never want to get to the point where sanctions need to be applied. We want to get to a place where the politics work and we avoid that type of action. There have been times when Ministers have been taken to court and found to be in breach of the ministerial code. I can think of a number of issues. Go back to the summer, even, when two Ministers judicially reviewed an operational decision of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Despite its being raised by Executive colleagues, subject to the ministerial code, that that decision should have been taken by the Executive, those Ministers decided to proceed with their judicial review actions. I will leave it at that because a case is ongoing in respect of that decision.”
“We go back to the Brexit debate. I remind the Member that it was not the Democratic Unionist Party that delivered Brexit; it was the people of the United Kingdom, whose vote was exactly the same as mine. Each of us had only one vote, so no party delivered Brexit. It was a decision of the people of the United Kingdom. Then, in the implementation of Brexit, the United Kingdom Government, wrongly, did not treat us all equally. I hope that they will put that right in the time ahead. Let us all get to the place where this institution can deliver for all our people, so that we can work together, act in good faith and continue to provide what our community demands, which is a stable, functioning Government that deliver for all their people.”
“Parties in the Chamber have to bear responsibility for the actions that they have taken over the past period. When they take that responsibility, let them recognise that we very much want a resolution. In seeking a resolution, you first have to accept when you got it wrong. The parties in the Chamber that called for the rigorous implementation of the protocol not only got it wrong but got it badly wrong.”
“Not only was that motion passed but numerous motions were brought to the Assembly about the implementation of the protocol. Indeed, at a time of a global pandemic and the restrictions that were in place, a delegation went on a parade to Dublin to make the case for that.”
“That really leaves us asking whether he cannot see what is happening or cannot listen to what we said. Can he not see what was in the United Kingdom's Command Paper or hear what the leader of this party said in his speech when he outlined the issues that need to be addressed? <BR /> <BR />I hope they start to listen, because I want to have good relations not just on this island but across these islands. However, that requires everybody to take on board the issues that are being brought to the table. The Southern Government need to pay attention to that.”
“The Member very ably pointed to the two issues. The first is the movement of goods, and the other is respecting the constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom. We require a resolution to those matters. <BR /> <BR />The Member is right about our concerns when it comes to the extent to which the Southern Government are or are not listening. They did not listen at the time. Indeed, the then Government went on a parade around Europe with pictures of bombed border posts from the 1970s in order to extract leverage on protecting the peace process, and they used the very much implied threat of violence to back up their political campaign to deliver the protocol. Then, recently, the Foreign Affairs Minister indicated that the European Court of Justice and its jurisdiction is a new issue.”
“An Ad Hoc Committee was established to look at a bill of rights. I look forward to reading its deliberations in due course.”
“No. I will absolutely not be boycotting meetings with an east-west dimension. The Member failed to mention particular issues in all the points he made. I would love to see what the Member said being backed up with evidence. I have evidence of the notice of discontinuation from the pharmaceutical companies in Great Britain, from which we receive over 90% of our medical supplies. They are not able to provide medication to the people of Northern Ireland. If the Member opposite is content not to have medication for all the illnesses that all our people share, shame on him.”
“The Member is absolutely right. I met Maroš Šefcovic and was able to speak to him directly. I reassured him that we very much respect the integrity of the European single market for goods. I also made it abundantly clear that the European Union has to respect Northern Ireland's place in the internal United Kingdom market and the free flow of goods on an east-west basis. Let us see what the European Union proposes. I have detected a change in tone. We need to assess that by way of its proposals. There will then be a period of negotiations with the UK Government. I hope that that is successful.”
“We want to give the United Kingdom Government and the European Union an opportunity to put right the wrongs that flowed from the withdrawal agreement and the protocol that the UK Government signed up to. They have an opportunity to do that. If they seize that opportunity, they will be able to protect these institutions.”
“I am sure that the Member for North Antrim welcomes the action that the Democratic Unionist Party took to bring these things to a head. He is right to seek a resolution. This party is focused on outcomes that resolve the issues. I think that that is what everyone in this place wants. We want these institutions to operate in good faith. That is what I am about. I am about getting an outcome that satisfactorily resolves the issues that this party has laid out as being problems.”
“Since the judgement was made yesterday, all I have heard from the other parties in this place is them seeking to take political advantage as a result of that judgement. <BR /> <BR />I want to see a political resolution to the issues that currently face us. The protocol has inflicted the harm. The criteria by which article 16 should be triggered have been met, and the UK Government have said that on numerous occasions. We therefore need to see action behind the words of the UK Government and the European Union, by way of the proposals that it intends to publish tomorrow.”
“In its judgement, part of which I have also been able to read, the High Court said that it would also be:”
“I hope that we get a successful outcome that does not necessitate expediting that legislation at Westminster to protect these institutions. That said, however, that is part of New Decade, New Approach, and it is working its way through. I think that it is currently in the House of Lords. It will come back into the Commons and should become law at some point later this year.”
“I am always the optimist. I always seek political resolution. The European Union will publish its proposals tomorrow, and we are waiting to see the details of that. In its Command Paper, the United Kingdom published all the issues that have flowed as a result of the protocol. It has indicated its timeline for a period of intense negotiations, and I very much want to see a successful outcome to that. I am pleased that there is now recognition on the part of the European Union and the United Kingdom Government that there are severe problems now as a result of the protocol. That was not the case until this party took action and made it clear to those in the Assembly, the United Kingdom Government and the European Union that change needs to be delivered.”
“Again, the Member fails to recognise the absolutely critical importance of the east-west relationship. When the protocol was imposed on the people of Northern Ireland, it did not have the consent of a single unionist representative. The Belfast Agreement was based on a delicate balance that respected unionists and nationalists, but, fundamentally, it also said that any constitutional change would require the consent of the people of Northern Ireland. There was no consent to the change that derives from the Northern Ireland protocol. The issue around North/South is important, but it is a symptom of a much deeper problem that has infected our political system through the protocol, the rigorous implementation of which his party and others campaigned for and demanded.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is right to highlight the fact that there have been times in the past when Ministers have been taken to court where they have breached the ministerial code, and that has been found against them. The Member mentioned one instance, but there have been other instances when that did indeed occur. <BR /> <BR />The Member is right. I am committed to ensuring that New Decade, New Approach and the commitment that was made by the United Kingdom Government that Northern Ireland would have its place fully respected within the UK's internal market are upheld. They made the pledge and they need to deliver on it. My party is determined that we see a successful outcome.”
“The way to get a resolution to these issues is for the party on the opposite Benches and those other parties that campaigned for the protocol and advocated for its rigorous implementation to recognise the harm that it causes and the damage that it has inflicted on our east-west relationships and to get a political resolution. In that political resolution, the institutions of the Belfast Agreement will be able to operate in a way that allows them to be upheld and acted on faithfully.”
“The North/South bodies did not meet for three years because Sinn Féin pulled down these institutions. We will not take any lectures from the party on the opposite Benches when it comes to how these institutions should be operated in a manner that is faithful.”
“I have been clear in saying to Members that the way to address the issues that have led us to this place is through a political resolution. I look forward to seeing what the European Union publishes tomorrow and the engagement with the United Kingdom Government. The protocol, the rigorous implementation of which was demanded by the Member's party and others in this place, has created the tensions that now exist in these institutions. When you trash east-west relationships, you undermine the basis on which the Belfast Agreement was founded. That has knock-on effects when it comes to North/South relations. I want to get a political resolution that upholds all aspects of the Belfast Agreement and the relevant strands that flow from it.”
“The judgement in the matter of an application by Sean Napier for judicial review was received by the Department this morning. It is being considered.”
“If you allow people to listen to the medical and scientific advice without these coercive attempts, you will have a better outcome.”
“I really regret that demand to ask people whether they have been vaccinated. There are people in our society who have not got the vaccine. I wish that they had got it — I really wish they had — but they have not. It is not the place of Members or other members of society to ask people, "Have you been vaccinated or not?". We do not do that for any other type of illness. Nobody walks up to somebody and says, "Are you on medication because of your depression?", "Are you taking medication because you've got a heart condition?", or "Are you taking your medication because you've got cancer?". There comes a point where we need to respect people's decisions on this. I have received both my vaccinations. The way in which people are trying to coerce others is counterproductive.”
“It requires equality impact and human rights considerations to be weighed up. I am sure that the party opposite — the party of civil rights — would want to make sure that, before you introduce such a scheme, which would impinge on people's civil rights, those kinds of assessments are carried out before a decision is taken.”
“Thankfully, the overwhelming majority of those who are 50 and over have received both doses of the vaccine. That has provided them with the kind of protection that was not there in previous waves of the virus. That is why we have not had the same hospitalisation rate as before. When I look at what happened back in January of this year, I see that, at one point, over 800 people with COVID occupied beds in our hospitals. Today, that figure is 314. That is the result of the roll-out of the vaccination programme. We are not seeing the same number of deaths. Every death is more than regrettable, but we are not seeing the same severe health impacts for people aged 50 and over, and that is because of the vaccine programme. <BR /> <BR />I have asked for the scientific and medical basis for certification.”
“The Member is right that Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council falls within the scope of the development opportunity. It is of regional significance and would benefit not only Lisburn but all of Northern Ireland, which will benefit when the Maze site is fully developed. The Member raises an important point about representation on the corporation. A direct representative from that council would add value to the corporation, particularly given that any potential economic benefits may well require support from the council through funding in order to unlock the opportunities.”
“I always welcome Members who do not represent the Lagan Valley constituency advocating its economic development. There is no doubt that the Maze/Long Kesh site is uniquely placed in its geographical location and because of its access to main arterial routes. The area needs to be developed; we need to maximise the economic opportunity that the site represents. The Member has raised that, and I will look at it.”
“It is some years since the proposals in the Stormont House Agreement were made. There is evidence that cases being brought forward continue to lean heavily towards the state. Ninety per cent of all killings that took place in the past were carried out by paramilitary organisations. That is where the focus needs to be. The constant pursual of state forces has created an imbalance, given that only 10% of the loss of life is attributed to them. I want to see victims get to the truth, but we also need to have confidence that, in doing so, those involved and primarily the paramilitary actors — the terrorists — will tell the truth. There is a long way to travel before a lot of victims will have confidence that the terrorists will ever tell the truth.”
“My party does not support the NIO's tabled proposals or what they are trying to achieve. We have made it clear that victims should be central to any process when it comes to getting truth and justice. That remains my party's position.”
“I say to the Member that the number of checks required, which is nowhere near the level that it would have been had the grace periods not been extended — we would have been looking at around 25,000 common health entry document (CHEDs) checks taking place a week — is wholly disproportionate to what is required to protect the integrity of the European single market. The Member would do well to encourage those in the European Union to recognise that harm is being caused and that solutions are needed so that we can avoid the disadvantage that the protocol has placed on the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.”
“That goes back to the issue of the protocol. Those who advocated the protocol presented it as giving us the best of both worlds. That is simply not the case. The UK Command Paper shows the displacement of trade that had been but is no longer flowing east-west. The protocol has had an impact on the supply chain. If the Member wants to articulate the advantages of having access to the single market, he needs to be able to address the disadvantages. They far outweigh any advantages of dual access that the Member seems to believe the protocol provides.”