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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“<BR /> <BR />Those are just some of the vital and positive contributions that the over-60s in Northern Ireland provide now and will provide to an ever-increasing degree in the years to come. The report presents a positive picture for the over-60s. It tackles negative perceptions head-on and clearly highlights the key roles that older people continue to play in the community and family in so many ways across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I will conclude, as Mr Lyttle did, with the words of the chief economist for Danske Bank, Angela McGowan:”
“In doing so, they set a fine example to younger staff by giving added value to the overall performance of the Civil Service and its delivery of front-line services. <BR /> <BR />Older people are also engaged in many roles in the voluntary, community and charity sectors, where their skills and experience are invaluable in helping others. We are all well aware of the significant contribution that older people make through caring, which enables loved ones, relatives or friends to live a dignified life at home for longer, thus also saving the health service millions of pounds every year. Grandparents play a crucial and growing childminding role. Indeed, grandparents, who have always been important in family life, are now key figures in the family, often childminding out of love and seeking no financial reward.”
“That totally demolishes the myth that older people are nothing but a drain on a country economically. The figures are clearly set out in the report. It is full of detailed statistics and projected figures on the anticipated contribution from the over-60s during the next 50 years. I will not simply repeat what is in the report, but it is interesting to note the range and variety of these contributions. <BR /> <BR />Such contributions can be seen in the business world. In many SMEs, for example, which are the backbone of our local economy, senior members of a family firm are likely to keep their hand on the tiller for much longer than was the case a few years ago. In the public sector, those who have given many years of dedicated service to society are now able to work on well beyond the age of 60, health permitting.”
“We now live longer and, generally, healthier lives. Life expectancy has increased by 11 years since 1950. The number of older people living in Northern Ireland is set to rise significantly. According to the report, the number of older people living in Northern Ireland will increase by 86·9% over the next 50 years, and they will then represent one third of the population. In that light, it is right and fitting that the Assembly acknowledge older people's positive contribution and lead from the front in promoting it. <BR /> <BR />The stand-out headline from the commissioner's report is, no doubt, the fact that older people in Northern Ireland are set to contribute almost £25 billion to the economy over the next 50 years in a variety of ways.”
“On a more serious note, I am greatly encouraged by the report of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland on the subject of appreciating age. It is timely and helpful. It ought to be warmly welcomed by all, and I am glad to see that that is the case in the House. <BR /> <BR />We live in a rapidly changing society. People over 60 still have much to offer society in many ways. What they lack in youth and youthful vigour, they more than make up for in experience. As the report highlights, people over the age of 60 contribute in a great variety of ways, socially and economically. In the words of the commissioner:”
“We will not go into that, but my party colleagues would have been disappointed had I not referred to that. They are always reminding me of that, not only in the House but outside it. They should maybe learn to respect their elders.”
“At the outset, I declare an interest in the cross-party motion before us as I am a member of that illustrious over-60s club. I am proud to be in the age group to which this report refers.”
“<BR /> <BR />However, I am aware that not everyone will have easy or regular access to electronic communications and that some older folk still find email, and so on, something of a mystery and a challenge. There need to be stringent safeguards for those who still have to rely on what we would call old-fashioned paper communications. <BR /> <BR />Finally, as far as I am aware, the Bill was not subject to full public consultation. In view of its technical nature, I understand the rationale behind that, but perhaps the Minister can outline just how consultation was targeted and what sorts of responses were received.”
“I welcome the fact that this amending Bill is designed to streamline the law and bring it broadly into line, as far as is possible, with that in England and Wales. It is an area in which there has been parity in the past, and it is good that such parity is being maintained. <BR /> <BR />The Bill addresses a number of aspects of insolvency law and procedures, and I am particularly glad to see that it will provide for the use of electronic communication, which other Members have already mentioned. That is an area of life that has undergone a major revolution in a fairly short space of time. It is vital that the use of electronic documents, such as emails and websites, now be placed on a statutory footing as far as insolvency practices are concerned.”
“I will speak on the Second Stage of the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill as a member of the ETI Committee, and I thank the Minister for bringing it before the House. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is largely technical and covers a highly complex field of legislation. It will, therefore, perhaps be mainly of interest to practitioners and the legal profession. However, the whole area of insolvency can and does affect a wide range of individuals and businesses, and it is important that the law is kept up to date to reflect changes in society. It is also important that persons in businesses who are affected by bankruptcy are able to avail themselves of a system that is up to date, efficient and effective. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for setting out the thinking behind the Bill and for explaining its key provisions so clearly in her opening speech.”
“I thank the Minister for his detailed statement to the House. The issue of corporation tax powers has been much talked about inside the Chamber and outside. Has the Minister taken into account in the draft Budget the possible devolution of corporation tax powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly?”
“I also hope and pray that proper and adequate support is given to the families of those children. I look forward to the Minister's comments later in the debate.”
“<BR /> <BR />I commend the work of the Children's Heartbeat Trust across Northern Ireland in providing practical and personal support to those going through very anxious and difficult times with their children. I encourage it to keep up that good work. I would also like to thank Dr John Mayer and the international working group along with the previous Minister Edwin Poots and our current Health Minister, Jim Wells. In particular, I want to pay a special tribute to the ever-dedicated families. I cannot even begin to imagine what they go through every day. They have truly been inspirational throughout this long journey. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I trust that, as we move forward, the final arrangements will provide the highest standard of care for our children who suffer from congenital heart disease.”
“With that in mind, I welcome the inclusion of a robust family advisory group in the international working group's recommendations. The increased involvement of parents is crucial. Families want to see better liaison between them and the medical staff and more hands-on support in what is already an anxious time for anyone with a young child who suffers from congenital heart defects. <BR /> <BR />The report also highlights the huge benefits of a highly specialised team that would be developed between our health service and the Republic of Ireland's health service in order to maximise the level of provision we can give to our most vulnerable children and young people.”
“I trust that the Minister will take those issues that were noted yesterday on board when the final arrangements are made. <BR /> <BR />It is crucial that high standards of care are maintained. I know that that was certainly the aim and objective of the international working group, chaired by Dr John Mayer from Boston Children's Hospital, which explored all options, not only talking to surgeons and medical staff but consulting widely with families. I place on record my sincere thanks to him for also doing that. <BR /> <BR />Families with vulnerable children must be placed at the centre of any decision-making process in order to achieve the highest standard of care and the best possible outcomes. That includes being able to offer the highest-skilled doctors, nurses and support staff possible.”
“I have no doubt that the past Minister did, and the present Minister will, deliver as much of a first-class service as is practically possible. I know that Edwin Poots sent emails to some of those families with personal comments in them, he took that great an interest in the health of those kids. I spoke to those families, and they appreciated the efforts that Edwin had gone to to try to get it sorted out. I have every confidence that the Health Minister in place now will carry on in the same mode. <BR /> <BR />The new Minister and his predecessor have rightly said that they do not want a second-class service for parents and children in Northern Ireland. Families that I have met — two of them were at the meeting with the Minister yesterday — have raised a number of concerns.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also pay great tribute to the Clark Clinic in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for the excellent work it does. Its dedication and skills have been highlighted by the very emotional personal stories that I have heard from families. The life-saving specialist work it undertakes must be commended. <BR /> <BR />I spoke to the families as recently as yesterday, and I place on record their sincere thanks to all involved in the care of their beloved children, not least the former Health Minister, Edwin Poots, who made himself available at all times and was a great listening ear.”
“Along with my colleagues David Simpson MP and Stephen Moutray MLA, I have worked with a number of families right across Upper Bann. Therefore, I am well aware of the strength of feeling and emotion around this very complex issue. I pay tribute to the work of the Children's Heartbeat Trust charity for the very special work it carries out daily. I have only to look at the McKee, Greenaway and Flaherty families from my constituency to see the dedication and commitment to fighting for a solution to service provision for those very special children. Those families have inspired many across Upper Bann, and they have helped to cast much light on this important topic. Charities and support groups such as the Children's Heartbeat Trust can also be a real help and encouragement to families whose children have serious heart problems.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate. I commend Mrs Dobson for bringing this important, emotive and sensitive issue to the House. It has relevance, of course, to not only Upper Bann but right across the country. <BR /> <BR />Cardiac services for children are crucial, and their needs and quality of care must at all times be a top priority. The debate is timely by complete coincidence: it takes place on the same day as the new Health Minister presented his statement to the House on proposals for paediatric congenital cardiac services. In that sense, as Mr Wells said earlier, many of the issues that we debate this evening will probably have been considered this morning. <BR /> <BR />The whole issue of children's heart disease is something that I have taken a close interest in for a considerable time.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. It is certainly welcome news. Minister, can you give an update on what assistance your Department is giving to the international airport to help to encourage the introduction of new routes?”
“I thank the Minister for her responses so far. What jobs have arrived through foreign direct investment since the beginning of August?”
“I thank the Minister for that very detailed response. He has given us alarming statistics. There are issues that need to be addressed urgently. Does the Minister agree that a failure to repair potholes and similar road defects and damage, mainly on the small, rural roads, would, and does, lead only to more accidents and, therefore, more insurance claims and, as such, that it would be prudent to ensure that adequate funding is used to carry out the maintenance and repairs to potholes as soon as they are discovered?”
“I thank the Minister for those responses. Any of our towns in upper Bann getting a bus station certainly has to be welcomed, and I welcome anything going into Banbridge. However, there are other major towns in upper Bann, Minister. Much lobbying has gone on in the likes of Portadown and, I am sure, Lurgan. Can you tell us what future there is for those towns? I am sure that you and your Department well know the lobbying that has gone on for bus facilities. I just want to say that I and others in my party were at the forefront of lobbying for bus facilities in Banbridge.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Will he outline the extent to which he is working with the Minister for Employment and Learning on a cross-departmental basis to help to address the gender imbalance in our primary schools?”
“— in that constituency. Can the Minister tell me what more she and her Department can do to give more finance and resource? How will the Ulster-Scots Agency be affected by the cutbacks?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. I am here to try to drum up some support for the drumming fraternity. Maybe you are aware that Lambeg drumming is a big thing in County Armagh and throughout my constituency of Upper Bann. It is also very much to the fore in the local Orange lodges —”
“Today, I can say that I knew a man — a man I was honoured and privileged to have known; a man much respected and highly regarded; a man called George Savage. <BR /> <BR />George will be greatly missed in his community but most of all by his family. To his wife, Joy, to whom he was married for 50 years, to his sons George, Nigel and Kyle and the entire family circle, and also to his Ulster Unionist Party colleagues, I extend my sincere sympathy and condolences. George's family faces difficult days ahead without their loved one, but they can be comforted to know that George is now safe in the arms of Jesus.”
“<BR /> <BR />George also served with distinction in the Ulster Defence Regiment, in what was a very dangerous and testing time for many serving in our security forces during the Troubles. However, first and foremost, George was a family man. He was happiest at home with his family, working on the farm and enjoying the outdoor life, having often done a day's work before most of us had got out of our bed. George's wife, Joy, often said that she never knew anyone who could change from farm overalls into a business suit as quickly as George could. <BR /> <BR />At George's funeral service on Friday past, the family minister referred to some of George's trademarks. Those of us who had conversations with George will have heard him say many times, "I know a man", with that famous pointed finger.”
“I know that I can say without fear of contradiction that George was truly a champion of the rural community, not only throughout Craigavon, where he served as mayor on two occasions, but here in the Assembly, where he served two terms as an MLA for Upper Bann. <BR /> <BR />George was never one to shirk responsibility and that was very evident in the service that he gave to many organisations throughout his lifetime. He was chairman of Donacloney Primary School's board of governors and a former director of Glenavon Football Club. He was involved in the Mid Ulster Football Association, did charity work with the Buddy Bear Trust and gave many years of service to the loyal and Masonic orders, to name but a few.”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, for allowing me the opportunity to pay tribute to my good friend and colleague Councillor George Savage. George was indeed one of life's true gentlemen and someone whom I held in the highest regard. He was highly respected in all walks of life, especially within the agriculture and farming industry. <BR /> <BR />I knew George for many years, but it was not until I was elected to Craigavon Borough Council in 2001 that I really got to know him. We shared many conversations on a wide range of issues, especially on matters affecting the rural community. Being a rural dweller myself, it was always good to have someone like George to call upon when seeking advice on rural and farming issues.”
“I thank the Minister for his responses thus far. You touched on the issue of bringing in legislation to close the loophole. What advice can you give to those people, although few in number, who have been caught in that situation and to those who, in the future, hope to move into the private rented sector?”
“Why was this letter sent out to all individuals and all who took part in this reception with that term on the letter?”
“The Minister signed the invitation, and, if anything, I would say that it is you who is being pathetically petty and politically immature by mixing your politics and republican dogma with sport. I think that it is deplorable that invitations are sent out and that the proper —”
“Will the Minister undertake to give further support and funding to those pipe bands?”
“I thank the Minister for that response. She has already congratulated the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band for its success at the world championships in Glasgow. I record my congratulations as well. Will she now join me in congratulating the Bleary and District Pipe Band from my Upper Bann constituency, which recently won the grade 2 championships at Portrush? <BR /> <BR />I am sure that the Minister will agree that pipe bands are expensive to keep and to develop. There are a lot of young people in those bands, and I have been involved with some of the bands. To build on that success, it is vital that they get proper funding. There are a lot of family members in the bands, and it costs a lot of money.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you have highlighted the fact that that there continues to be excellent cooperation between the PSNI and an Garda Síochána at an operational level on the management of sex offenders. Can you outline the current position regarding the potential loss of the European arrest warrant (EAW) and whether that has been satisfactorily resolved, given the significant operational benefits that it would have for Northern Ireland?”
“Thank you, Minister, for that response. You mentioned that you met the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Elizabeth Truss, last week. I take it that you were lobbying for support on that occasion, and I hope that you were. Do you intend to meet her again to try to get support, in particular for the introduction of export refunds for the dairy industry?”