Sydney Anderson
Upper Bann · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for coming along today in relation to the issue. Bannview Medical Practice in Portadown is in crisis. It is a serious situation. When you come along and put out statements that a contactor has been secured and suchlike, people stop believing anything. They tell me that they are being told lie upon lie.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Minister, you will be well aware of the damage that was caused to land, property and businesses in upper Bann. I am referring to the area along the lough shore at Kinnego, and at the Birches and Maghery areas of Portadown. In light of your answer, what assurances can you give to those people?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. The recently published report on the announced visit to HMP Maghaberry in September 2016 noted that no significant progress had been made in addressing the concerns on the abuse of drugs raised in May 2015 and restated in January 2016.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I will not be asking a question about Brexit. She mentioned animal health and welfare in paragraph 9 of the statement. Will she give us an update on the bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme in Northern Ireland?”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. We all recognise that the agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the Northern Ireland economy, with approximately 70,000 people employed in the agriculture and food processing sectors.”
“This committee will be useful because it formalises discussions between the Government and key industry stakeholders so that open discussions and debate can be taken account of as policy and negotiating positions are developed.”
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“I thank the Minister for that response. Northern Ireland has a great industrial history. How can the success of its industry be promoted as part of the centenary celebrations?”
“Stop your politicking and make use of this time, instead of running around putting politics before Portadown Health Centre.”
“I thank the Minister for coming along today in relation to the issue. Bannview Medical Practice in Portadown is in crisis. It is a serious situation. When you come along and put out statements that a contactor has been secured and suchlike, people stop believing anything. They tell me that they are being told lie upon lie. They ask whether this was another lie that was used to stop the protest that was being set up last Friday evening or whenever it was, which they rightly called off, believing that they would get a contractor in place. They feel really let down. There has to be a solution to this. <BR /> <BR />Minister, do you not agree that now, more than ever, is the time for you to focus all your time and energy on securing the best medical practice in Portadown Health Centre?”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Minister, you will be well aware of the damage that was caused to land, property and businesses in upper Bann. I am referring to the area along the lough shore at Kinnego, and at the Birches and Maghery areas of Portadown. In light of your answer, what assurances can you give to those people? Those people are living in fear at times that they will get this again. They can certainly not go through that. What assurances can you give that the recommendations of this report will be fully carried out and that any criteria will be looked at to ensure that rural dwellers are looked at in a manner to suit their needs? Each one is specific, and I do not know that compensation will help those rural dwellers.”
“I thank the First Minister for her detailed statement to the House. Will she explain why the cost controls in the Great Britain scheme were not replicated in the Northern Ireland scheme?”
“Minister, do you agree that the drugs issue is too serious a matter not to be dealt with? What do you propose to do to eradicate the scourge of drugs in our prisons?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. The recently published report on the announced visit to HMP Maghaberry in September 2016 noted that no significant progress had been made in addressing the concerns on the abuse of drugs raised in May 2015 and restated in January 2016.”
“I thank the junior Minister for his statement. How do recycling rates in Northern Ireland compare with those of other BIC members?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I will not be asking a question about Brexit. She mentioned animal health and welfare in paragraph 9 of the statement. Will she give us an update on the bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme in Northern Ireland?”
“I wish the Minister and the Executive well as they seek to ensure the best deal for Northern Ireland.”
“I believe that we should seek to develop trading arrangements that are advantageous to Northern Ireland. We also now have the chance to create a new support scheme after leaving the EU that should have less red tape and be much less problematic to operate than the scheme that is in place at present. <BR /> <BR />The people of the United Kingdom have given a clear and indisputable mandate for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. It is now vital that all political representatives, no matter which side they were on during the referendum campaign, focus their energies on securing the best deal for everyone. I know that the Minister will continue to engage with key stakeholders in the weeks and months ahead, ensuring that Northern Ireland's interests are put forward in a constructive manner.”
“This committee will be useful because it formalises discussions between the Government and key industry stakeholders so that open discussions and debate can be taken account of as policy and negotiating positions are developed. <BR /> <BR />I am fully aware that future trade and support arrangements will be very important for the agri-food industry. That can be highlighted by the fact that approximately 70% of the output of the food and drinks sector is sold externally. Whilst there will be challenges as we seek to secure the best deal as we leave the EU, it is important that we do not overlook the opportunities that, I believe, will be presented. Open trading arrangements should continue with existing markets. There should be a much more progressive approach to developing new markets across the globe.”
“<BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to commend the Minister for her work to date on Brexit. It is encouraging that, during her short time in office, she has met Cabinet Ministers, including the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, as well as engaging with counterparts from other devolved Administrations and the Republic of Ireland. The Minister has always projected the need for Northern Ireland's voice to be heard and listened to clearly as we move forward. I particularly welcome the fact that she, along with the Economy Minister, has set up a Brexit consultative committee to provide a forum to engage effectively with representatives from agri-food bodies, farming unions, trade bodies and environmental stakeholders.”
“Since the referendum, there has been a range of positives for the agriculture industry. We have seen, for example, farm-gate prices improve, partly due to exchange rate movements. As such, there have been improvements in the price of sheep, cattle and milk for local farmers. In line with this, I welcome the fact that, in recent weeks, the Treasury has guaranteed structural and investment funds for projects that are signed up to the point at which the UK leaves the European Union. That follows a commitment that was given in August to maintain current levels of CAP support until 2020. I echo the Minister's recent comments on the matter, particularly on the fact that we now have the chance to develop support structures that are more tailored to our needs and not restricted by unnecessary bureaucracy.”
“Some people are of the view that there is much uncertainty about leaving the European Union, but we have to recognise that, had the people of the United Kingdom decided to remain in Europe, our future financial support arrangements would, indeed, be far from certain.”
“Many made the point that they are massively restricted by European over regulation and that by leaving the European Union a new dynamic could be shaped, providing the agriculture sector with more freedom and opportunities.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. We all recognise that the agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in the Northern Ireland economy, with approximately 70,000 people employed in the agriculture and food processing sectors. The Minister for DEFRA, George Eustice, has recently noted that food and farming are worth more than £4·8 billion a year to the Northern Ireland economy. I have no doubt that, moving forward, the agriculture sector will continue to play an important part in our economy, providing resources and employment to many of our people. <BR /> <BR />As a rural dweller myself, I have regular contact with many farmers and food producers, and the view of the overwhelming majority during the referendum campaign was that the United Kingdom would be best served by leaving the European Union.”
“<BR /> <BR />I hope that the issue of dealing with nursing shortage is one that we can all support and on which we can find common cause. As an Assembly, we are often criticised for what we do or do not do. It is imperative that we all get behind the nursing and midwifery professions as they face many difficulties and challenges right now and will do so in the future if those are not presently addressed. I call on the Minister to move on the issue, and I look forward to her comments later in the debate.”
“Potentially, this could shorten the time taken to complete the nursing training programme, and initiatives such as this could help to address nursing shortages as we move forward. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, the fundamental issue before us is our appreciation of the nursing and midwifery professions. The work of our nurses and midwives and the responsibility that goes with their professions need to be recognised and rewarded. We need to be thankful and determined to support the professions as we move forward. It is imperative that we ensure that the health service is attractive to encourage students and newly qualified nurses into these professions, so that we retain nurses and midwives and sustain a stable workforce.”
“The motion also refers to working with our colleges and universities to promote nursing as a career choice. I feel that that is of significant importance moving forward. I am aware that, in 2016, over 2,200 applications were received for the 264 commissioned adult nursing and mental health nursing degree places at Ulster University. That highlights that a desire for a career in nursing and midwifery exists. It is therefore vital that the Minister builds on the progress of former Ministers to increase the number of places that are available in our universities. I am also aware that work has been commissioned to investigate whether we can have a fast-track programme for people who already possess a primary degree in the healthcare field.”
“For example, there is a lengthy lead-in time before the nurses arrive to work in our hospitals and communities due to language testing and other training that has to be completed, meaning that the employment of such nurses will not address the serious pressures facing the health service in the short term. Although bringing in nurses from overseas has merit, it will stretch only so far. The Southern Trust recently informed me that, even after it has been allocated additional nurses as a result of the international recruitment, it expects to have 50 nursing vacancies.”
“I recognise the contribution that agency workers make to our health service in specific short-term circumstances, but it is important that our health service manages and controls that expenditure. <BR /> <BR />In an immediate effort to address nursing and midwifery shortages, international recruitment drives have taken place in recent months. The most prominent of those was the mission to the Philippines, and it was noted that, in August 2016, a total of 488 jobs were offered to nurses from that country. I recognise that nurses from overseas play a very important role in our health service at this time, and I thank them for their dedication and their efforts to date. However, such international recruitment efforts can prove problematic.”
“The Chief Nursing Officer discussed the ageing profile in different disciplines of nursing and midwifery when she recently appeared before the Health Committee. She stated that there was a significant number in the over-50 age range who are due to retire, increasing from 11% in 2015 to 30% in 2018. <BR /> <BR />I understand that there are times when hospitals have to rely on bank nurses to ensure that they have enough staff to provide care for their patients. While we require flexibility in our system, it is unsustainable to over-rely on nursing banks. I am also aware that health and social care trusts have been asked to examine their reliance on agency staff. In each of our trusts, there has been an extensive increase in the amount spent on agency workers in the period from 2011-12 to 2015-16.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I have heard of many similar cases. It happens regularly, but we cannot allow it to happen if we are to ensure that patients get the care that they need. I know, as I said, that nurses in those situations go beyond the call of duty to ensure that the patient comes first. <BR /> <BR />This is a serious issue and a worrying trend, especially when we have an ageing nursing and midwifery workforce, with research indicating that up to 46% are eligible to retire in some practice areas between 2015 and 2025. Those nurses and midwives will have to be replaced in the health and social care sector. In addition, from 2011-12 to 2015-16, approximately 1,600 nurses working across our trusts retired.”
“It was noted in the document, 'A Workforce Plan for Nursing and Midwifery in Northern Ireland (2015-2025)', that 21% of newly qualified Queen's University nurses and midwives left Northern Ireland in 2011-12 , compared with 10% in 2009-2010. Ulster University said that it had no official figures but believed that approximately 7% of its nursing graduates left Northern Ireland to work elsewhere in the United Kingdom over a four-year period. It has been suggested that the number of nursing graduates leaving Northern Ireland could be as high as one third. The Chief Nursing Officer highlighted the fact that many local nursing graduates were relocating to London after their studies. In some cases, they are attracted by packages additional to what they could receive in Northern Ireland, including resettlement and enhancement of their salary.”
“<BR /> <BR />In recent times, former Health Ministers, the health and social care trusts and other key agencies have attempted to address the ongoing problem of nursing shortages. An example of this is that, during the previous mandate, nearly 1,200 more nurses and midwives were employed. At the end of March 2016, the previous Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, also announced an increase of 100 preregistration nurse training places in Northern Ireland from autumn 2016, taking the Department's annual commission of training places to 745 nurses.”
“<BR /> <BR />We must recognise that the circumstances and needs of our society and health service are changing all the time. We now have an ever-growing ageing population, which presents significant challenges to our health and social care services. In addition, we have witnessed an increase in the number of people with chronic conditions and have seen an increase in the number of people who lead unhealthy lifestyles. It has, in fact, been noted that the demand for health and social care services is rising by around 5% each year. Clearly, the health and social care sector has had to operate in a more challenging environment in recent years. This means that we have to be more efficient and ensure that finances are directed to the areas that are most in need.”
“Throughout my time as an MLA, I and my colleagues have had regular meetings with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and, at our most recent meeting a few weeks ago, addressing nursing shortages was a topic that was high on the agenda. <BR /> <BR />I would like to put on record my sincere thanks and gratitude to the dedicated nursing staff that we have right across Northern Ireland. They go above and beyond their call of duty to help and support the patients in their care, often working long, unsociable hours under significant pressure and stress. Nurses have a genuine compassion and caring nature and want to help others in need. It is not just a job to them. I feel that we must do all that we can to support them in the work that they do.”
“I welcome the opportunity to bring forward this motion on addressing nursing shortages in Northern Ireland. I believe that this issue is one of significant importance that needs to be raised in the Assembly, and that is why I have brought this motion forward in my name and that of my colleagues. I also wish to declare an interest as I have family working in the nursing and midwifery professions. <BR /> <BR />It has to be recognised that the problem of nursing shortages is not unique to Northern Ireland but is a problem right across the United Kingdom and, indeed, the wider world. We all want to see the health service working properly, and we and our families all value and make use of it. Nursing shortages is an issue that has been highlighted many times in the media, and it is raised by my constituents on a regular basis.”
“Is the present reinstatement specification outdated and in much need of change?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, I am sure you are well aware of the state of many of our roads and footpaths following reinstatement by service providers and contractors. In my constituency of Upper Bann and across Northern Ireland, we see many examples of poor reinstatements, the most annoying being new roads and pavements being dug up, that could have been avoided with proper forward planning.”
“The deputy First Minister has referred to the preliminary analysis report not being completed. Why was the report not completed?”
“I thank the Minister for his detailed response. I take the opportunity to congratulate a school in my constituency — Bocombra Primary School in Portadown — which recently received an "Outstanding" rating from the Education and Training Inspectorate. What is the Department's approach to raising standards in our schools?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you referred to Scarva. You are well familiar with the demonstration and event that takes place there each and every year, with an attendance of up to 100,000 people and many bands participating. What is your assessment of Scarva's tourism potential?”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. I am sure that you are well aware, Minister, that the pilot scheme was rolled out across Craigavon and Banbridge with little or no consultation. I am sure that you are also aware of the many complaints regarding the level of lighting now in place. I know that adjustments have been made in certain places, but are you really satisfied — you said that maybe it is a good scheme — that the lighting scheme as it exists is acceptable? Do you intend to roll it out right across Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. The legal disposal and dumping of waste is a major problem that causes much damage to our environment. Minister, did you have any discussions with Minister Naughten regarding the removal and repatriation of waste that originated in the Republic of Ireland?”
“<BR /> <BR />In closing, the issue of used tyres and their disposal is of great importance and one that causes much debate. To have any chance of successfully reducing the number of tyres, we should continue to work with all key stakeholders on that issue. As we go forward, there needs to be a willingness for cooperation to improve our chances of success. As I said, we must try to provide additional opportunities to recycle and reuse tyres and to engage with the community to deter the burning and illegal dumping of tyres, which are harmful to people and to the natural environment. I look forward to hearing the Minister's response.”
“There are numerous ways in which used tyres can be reused effectively, and, therefore, we must encourage commercial opportunities that focus on reusing and recycling tyres in a variety of ways. We must also help to ensure that proper guidance and direction is given to those who seek to set up businesses and ensure that they do not become unnecessarily burdened or obstructed in their efforts to establish such businesses. <BR /> <BR />I am of the view that the Department should continue to liaise with other jurisdictions and key stakeholders in the tyre industry to see how effectively we can develop a used tyre register. Clarification would have to be secured on the viability of such a register, and questions arise regarding how it would be policed effectively and what the financial implications might be.”
“Such an approach would not only involve central government and key agencies such as the Northern Ireland Environment Agency but local councils, tyre distributors, tyre retailers, farmers, and the wider community. All those groups should continue to engage with the wider population to ensure that used tyres are properly disposed of, reused and recycled. <BR /> <BR />In the past, documents have been published — there are many I am sure — such as 'Used Tyres - What's all the Fuss About?', and efforts should be made to highlight to communities the dangers and problems that arise from the burning and illegal dumping of tyres. I believe that the Executive and the business community can help to develop further opportunities for the recycling and reuse of used tyres across Northern Ireland.”
“Unfortunately, however, there are many cases of tyres being dumped. That, along with other examples of fly-tipping, continues to take place to the detriment of areas across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has an important role to play as we seek to dispose of waste tyres in a proper fashion. As such, it must continue to work in conjunction with tyre retailers to make sure that waste tyres are properly handled and disposed of by licensed waste operators. Where there is evidence of improper disposal, enforcement must be strenuously imposed. I also believe that we must continue to focus our energies on ensuring that a collaborative approach to dealing with used tyres is adopted.”
“In particular, the burning of used tyres poses a health risk, releasing heavy smoke and dangerous chemical substances into the atmosphere. In addition, in recent times, in my constituency of Upper Bann, I have had to deal with a case in which a significant number of tyres were illegally dumped. Thankfully, on that occasion, I was able to liaise with the local council — Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council — to see that the tyres were taken away and properly disposed of.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion on used tyres. The Health Protection Agency reported in 2003 that, in the United Kingdom, more than 35 million tyres are manufactured each year. It also estimated that the number of tyres in use would increase by up to 60% by 2021. The all-island used tyres survey also estimated that, by 2010-11, there were over 18,500 tons of used tyres in Northern Ireland, equating to approximately 1·8 million tyres. It is therefore quite clear that there is a significant amount of used tyres across the country, and that brings great challenges in how we dispose of them and how they are reused and recycled. <BR /> <BR />We are all well aware that tyres continue to be disposed of improperly across Northern Ireland.”
“What assurances and comfort can you give to those people, businesses and rural dwellers that, if a similar or worse situation were to develop this year or further into the future, sufficient contingency plans have been put in place?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. He will be aware of the devastation caused to my constituents and businesses in Upper Bann by flooding over the new year period, specifically along the lough shore at the Kinnego marina and in the Maghery/Birches area of Portadown.”
“As we go forward, we need to continue to liaise with key stakeholders such as the chambers of commerce in each town, councils and Departments and Ministers on these matters in an effort to assist investment and to help to restore the town centres in Upper Bann. <BR /> <BR />As I said, Upper Bann's town centres have a great history and have much to offer, and it is vital that we all harness that potential in the years ahead. I look forward to the Minister's comments.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the proposals, and I am hopeful that the master plan will provide additional opportunities for growth in the town centre. It is also important that we continue to help to drive investment in Portadown and Lurgan town centres, with efforts focused on developing the night-time economy and efforts being made to attract a range of different types of business that appeal to consumers. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, the key to encouraging investment in our town centres is to continue to engage positively with the business sector to further drive investment and further encourage people to start businesses in our towns. Adopting a positive vision is key as we seek to identify good practice and to promote and advertise what our town centres have to offer not only in the local area but right across Northern Ireland.”
“I and others appreciated that work at the time, although there were, perhaps, difficulties in getting the work done in time, but it has helped those towns, and it is imperative that collaborative work continues between all key sectors and levels of government to explore further ways in which town centre investment can be fostered and encouraged. <BR /> <BR />In recent weeks, we saw the Banbridge master plan launched by my colleague, the Minister for Communities, Paul Givan MLA. This sets out a clear vision and aim for how the town centre will look over the next 15 years and incorporates a number of key regeneration proposals, including efforts to develop the evening economy and revitalisation projects to further enhance shop frontage and car parking.”
“Whilst a number of efforts have recently been made by the local councils and the Executive to revitalise and regenerate town centres through the small business rate relief and support schemes, much more would need to be done to encourage investment and new start-ups in our town centres. With the introduction of the new councils across Northern Ireland, local government will have an increasing role to play in regeneration and economic development. <BR /> <BR />On a personal level, in my time as a member of the former Craigavon Borough Council, I chaired the economic development committee, which oversaw public realm schemes in Portadown and Lurgan, and work continues. Plus, there were other schemes that sought to help improve those two towns during difficult times.”
“The advancement of technology has meant that an ever-increasing number of people make more use of online shopping opportunities rather than shopping in the towns themselves, with the Consumer Council recently reporting that almost half of Northern Ireland consumers shop online. Our town centres have also had to compete for trade with an ever-growing out-of-town shopping network. As such, they have found it harder to make their mark and attract the same level of investment that was seen in years gone by. <BR /> <BR />Business rates have also proved challenging, with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association recently noting that, in Northern Ireland, the level of vacant shops on the high street is nearly twice the UK national average.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak today about town centre investment in my constituency of Upper Bann. I have to declare an interest, as I have family involvement in a small business in Portadown. We have three main historic towns, Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge, and, more recently, we have seen the growth of Craigavon centre. Each plays an integral part in the local economy, but, since the economic downturn, many businesses and shops have struggled and ceased to exist. Our towns have had to adapt and develop to meet the demands of modern times. However, the economic downturn is not the only factor to affect businesses.”