Chris Lyttle
East Belfast · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“The Department for Communities, councils, the Department for the Economy, further education stakeholders, the Department of Health and the Department of Finance all responded with their perspectives on and experiences of the provision of free period products and with ways in which the Bill's provisions could be coordinated and funded.”
“That is an important start in support of the implementation of the provisions of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Education Committee undertook Committee Stage scrutiny of this cross-cutting Bill — I am proud that we did — on behalf of other relevant subject Committees.”
“and fighting our corners in media studios. Perhaps the hosts of some of those programmes see fit to encourage that type of approach, but I am thankful for the level of cooperation between parties on the key issues and hope that that will be the legacy for the next Assembly.”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to move the Final Stage of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Bill. It will remove the anachronistic exception of teachers from the Fair Employment and Treatment Order (FETO) and ensure that it is no longer possible for any teacher to be discriminated against because of their religio…”
“This opportunity has been made possible by a collective effort from many people, and I put on record my thanks to research officer Connie Egan and constituency officer Nick Mathison for the work that they contributed to the Bill's progress.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank my Assembly colleagues without whom the Bill would not have progressed to this stage and would not pass. I thank Sinead for the role that she played as Chairperson of the Executive Office Committee and for the time that she made available to me outside of Bill stages and Committee meetings, which, as I said, made the…”
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“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Whilst we ought not to be having that debate or discussion, I welcome the fact that the Member appears to be engaging with mitigation and regulation in a constructive way by asking how we can deliver certification. As you said, Mr Deputy Speaker, we may return to that another day. <BR /> <BR />The Department of Health and others have set out the potential pressure that awaits our health service staff this winter. People have said that it has the potential to collapse our health service and cause it to keel over. That is extreme language. We have to ensure that every tool and proportionate mitigation possible is available to prevent that scenario.”
“Against my better judgement, I will give way.”
“I appreciate that, Mr Deputy Speaker. I do not think that we are debating that proposal at this stage, as the Member from South Belfast said. Mr Deputy Speaker, briefly, it was asked what the purpose of that would be in relation to these regulations, in that we are relaxing the numbers permitted in households and adjusting the requirements for face coverings in a small number of settings. My contribution today is that we will need to give that due consideration. Indeed, we ought to have been working to have those other tools — those other mitigations — in place. <BR /> <BR />The vaccination programme is run by the Department of Health. The travel vaccine certification system is run by the Department of Health. We would want to hear that that certification process has been put in place as a tool that is available if we need it.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Yes, the vaccination programme has been successful, but we still have further to go. More people still have to be convinced of vaccination, indeed to hear that evidence, and there is the roll-out in relation to younger people as well. There is distance to go. <BR /> <BR />It was asked what the purpose of certification would be. Vaccination of at least two weeks, test negativity and three months' recovery reduce the risk of serious illness. If we are adjusting mitigations in relation to numbers in indoor venues and face coverings in particular contexts, obviously it is right and proper that we consider other ways and means to ensure reduced risk of serious illness as a result of COVID-19.”
“Those are slightly misleading terms. What we are really referring to there is certification concerning full vaccination at least two weeks ago, a negative test within the past 48 hours or recovery within the past three months. The Member for North Antrim asked what was the purpose of that. I think, how he put it was, "How will that not lead to death?", which was quite extreme terminology.”
“<BR /> <BR />I ask the Health Minister, constructively, to give clarity about those particular amendments. How are they consistent with the clear message to continue to use social distancing and a face covering in particular settings? We have, of course, relaxed those practices in certain contexts, as permitted by medical advice and guidance. However, it is important that the Health Minister continues to give clear and consistent messaging about the importance of ongoing mitigations during the pandemic. Indeed, that is the purpose of those health regulations. What new and evolved measures may be put in place to ensure that we continue to maintain safety? <BR /> <BR />In the context of these regulations, and others to come, we have heard public debate shift to vaccine passports and vaccine certification.”
“I stand in solidarity with the Ministers and their families, and I mean that sincerely. It is completely unacceptable. I trust that you have good people around you who will gird your back at this time and make sure you are not on your own when responding to those threats. <BR /> <BR />It is my understanding that amendment No.15 to the coronavirus regulations allows people to enter hospitality or entertainment venues without a ticket, to stand for reasons other than entering or exiting premises or making their way to the toilet. The amendment also increases the number of households and people that can meet at a private dwelling to four and 15, respectively. Amendment No. 5 permits people to dance at a wedding and not wear a face covering.”
“I thank the Member for the intervention. I will do my best to make sure that the comments that I make — that I have control over — are as constructive as possible. If any other Member, including the First Minister, wishes to do the same, the Deputy Speaker can afford them that opportunity. <BR /> <BR />To echo my previous comments, I welcome the leadership shown at the press conference platform. Throughout the pandemic, we have always been in a place where clear, consistent, key messaging, that puts out an evidence-based approach to the regulations, is critical. <BR /> <BR />Mr Deputy Speaker, may I also take a short opportunity to condemn the threats made against the Health Minister, Robin Swann, and my friend and colleague, the Justice Minister, Naomi Long. I have experienced what it is like to receive death threats.”
“I begin my remarks by echoing the tributes that have been paid to our health and social care staff and carers, who remain under serious pressure in responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in our community. Also, I remember those who have lost their lives and the families that have been bereaved as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the participation of the Health Minister at recent press conferences, and I encourage him to continue to use that platform to communicate the key messages at every opportunity, not least —”
“Is the Member going to make any allusion to the rationale for taking those measures? It seems like we are whitewashing over the fact that we have been through one of the most serious health pandemics in the history of our community and that we needed to take those actions in order to keep children and young people and the wider community safe and our health service from collapsing. It is getting really difficult to listen to that continued contribution. You have spoken in these debates before, by the way. Are you going to make some allusion to why those steps were taken and, maybe, make some suggestions as to how you think things can be done differently, rather than just continue with that half-baked response and analysis of why this has been taking place?”
“<BR /> <BR />At this stage in the mandate, the Committee has a great deal of business in its forward work programme and has commenced biweekly meetings in order to help manage its legislative workload and properly scrutinise the legislation. The extension will enable the Committee to complete that task on behalf of the Assembly and the pupils and parents who support integrated education.”
“<BR /> <BR />The provision in Standing Orders for 30 working days for a Committee Stage would run out on 12 October if we did not now ask the House for an extension. Given the varied sectoral interests and the many education stakeholders who wish to have their say, the Committee agreed at its meeting on 15 September to extend the Committee Stage until 24 November 2021. Given that integrated education is in its fortieth year, the Committee Stage will provide an opportunity to reflect on the efforts of all who have dedicated their time to integrated education and to how best young people can access it in Northern Ireland.”
“The Integrated Education Bill, sponsored by Kellie Armstrong MLA, passed its Second Stage in the House on 6 July 2021, with the result that it began its Committee Stage in the Education Committee on 7 July 2021. The Committee opened the call for written views on the Bill on the citizens' space platform on the Assembly website the following week. In deciding the term of the call for views, the Committee was conscious of just how difficult a school year this has been for all education stakeholders and just how important it was that the school holiday should represent a meaningful break. Accordingly, the Committee proposed that the call for written views should remain open until 10 October 2021, just under a week from now.”
“I thank the Education Minister for answering the substantive question. I welcome the overdue appointment of a panel for the independent review of education, which was proposed by my party. Will she set out the specific skills and experiences that the appointed panellists have that make them the best people to review our entire education system, including early years, special education, education other than at school (EOTAS) and youth services, and to make recommendations that will deliver the New Decade, New Approach commitment of a single education system in which all children are educated together?”
“What is the Education Minister's reaction to reports that the PHA is failing to contact trace even the redefined most intimate close contacts? Indeed, how many pupils have tested positive for COVID between day two and day eight PCR testing?”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. There is a real issue with the location of support centres. As the Member acknowledged, that is perhaps the case geographically, but it is also the case in terms of type of school. That is something that should be explored. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the Second Stage of this Bill today. I regret the need for it, but I will give the passage of the Bill my full support.”
“The principle of the Bill that the autism strategy must have measurable targets and outcomes is absolutely vital. The autism strategy must be developed in consultation with the autism community. I particularly welcome the independent scrutiny mechanism that would ensure effective monitoring of the autism strategy and the effectiveness of funding, law and practice relating to autism and would review the effectiveness of services provided. <BR /> <BR />The least that children and adults with autism can expect from the Executive and the Assembly is fairness, equality and best practice support. It is important to acknowledge that the fairness, equality and best practice provision that we seek for children and adults with autism must also be extended to all areas of special educational needs, as has been mentioned by other Members.”
“In that regard, as I mentioned earlier, I would be interested in discussing further with Pam, as the proposer of the Bill, whether there is an opportunity to specifically reference sports coaching in relation to clause 2, in terms of training and information services provided. I have seen, at first hand, how team sport can be a particularly challenging area for young athletes with autism. The more informed and equipped sports coaches can be in that regard, the better the experience and equality of opportunity for young people with autism would be in that context. <BR /> <BR />Too often, the support services that are offered to a newly diagnosed child vary considerably from trust to trust. We need regional consistency in relation to support services.”
“I regret that the lack of implementation of the Autism Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 has made the Autism (Amendment) Bill necessary, and I will be glad to support the Bill on behalf of the Alliance Party, further to my colleague Paula Bradshaw's important contributions today. <BR /> <BR />The Autism (Amendment) Bill will build on the 2011 Act by introducing measures to remove ongoing barriers to full implementation of the law. We need independent scrutiny to drive forward autism strategies, and we need an autism reviewer. We need improved data on adults as well as children with autism. We need an autism training plan, particularly for teaching staff, front-line health services, employer training and the development of regionally consistent autism information.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am privileged to be a member of the all-party group on autism, and I would like to recognise the work of autism organisations on that group, such as Autism NI and the National Autistic Society and some notable individuals such as Arlene Cassidy, Kerry Boyd, Eileen Bell and Shirelle Stewart, who drive advocacy on behalf of children with autism in Northern Ireland. I also recognise the key work of Autism NI's 'Broken Promises' report and, of course, the commitment of the all-party group on autism chair, Pam Cameron, to this important area of work. I congratulate Pam on the work that she has done to get the Bill to Second Stage.”
“One of my most valued and remembered early actions as an MLA was to vote in favour of the 2011 Autism Act. Despite that significant step forward, too often in my role as an MLA, I have been engaged to assist with the consequences of the dysfunctionality of the public services and support that is available to children and families with autism in Northern Ireland. I have spent much of my service as an MLA seeking improvements to that provision and seeking fairness and equality for children and families with autism.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. As a youth sports coach, I have some experience of the challenges faced in delivering coaching in the excellent way that he described. Maybe we can discuss it with the Bill sponsor later in the debate, but does the Member agree that there may be scope in some of the clauses to include an amendment on training and information for sports coaches to ensure that coaching is provided in a way that enhances the experience and includes children with autism so that they can enjoy sport and develop their skills?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Regardless of the clarity from the Department of Education, it is probably best to note that the Assembly voted in favour of mandatory teacher training on autism.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Would a better analogy not be that it is about adhering to the vows that you make on your wedding day, if we are talking about the implementation of the original Act?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I have no intention of party politicking on the matter either, but it is important to seek some clarification, as it is my understanding that the Minister of Education does not currently support the introduction of mandatory autism training for trainee teachers. Perhaps that is something on which we can get clarity.”
“I listened to a PHA official patronise an experienced school leader about those concerns rather than build confidence in the new approach to COVID safety in our schools. <BR /> <BR />I am grateful that the Education Committee has proposed a joint meeting with the Health Committee so that the Education Minister, the Health Minister, the CMO and the PHA can communicate clearly on these matters. I welcome the fact that the Education Minister, along with, I believe, the CMO and the PHA, has accepted the invitation to an extent and will attend the Education Committee tomorrow. It is incumbent on us all to heed the concerns and to ensure that a robust pupil test, trace and isolation system is fit to protect our children's safety and their attendance at school.”
“I will raise briefly the ongoing and urgent issue of COVID safety in our schools. The priority for us all is to maximise children's safety and attendance at school. There is, however, ongoing and genuine concern about the new approach to pupil testing, tracing and isolation in our schools. The redefinition of what constitutes a pupil close contact has been ill explained and poorly implemented in our schools by the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Public Health Agency (PHA), to the extent that I hear reports of contact tracing by WhatsApp. There are concerns about a lack of clarity on what constitutes a cluster, concerns for clinically extremely vulnerable children and, indeed, reports of the Education Authority (EA) rapid-response deep-cleaning team being stood down.”
“Why would parents who have been bereaved by miscarriage not be included in the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Consultation on the football stadia funding was launched in 2015, almost six years ago, and three Ministers have been responsible for the fund since then: Carál Ní Chuilín of Sinn Féin, Paul Givan of the DUP and the current Minister. What findings has the Minister come across as a result of the review? When will the funding be released? How much funding will be released? Will there be an inflationary uplift for the fund, similar to that which is being sought for the Casement Park project?”
“and said that she would be "sorely missed by all". <BR /> <BR />Maura said that her driving force was to ensure that people, particularly young women, had access to equal opportunity. It is clear that people in Northern Ireland, particularly young women, have significantly greater opportunity today for the life, leadership and service of Maura Muldoon. The Assembly says, "Thank you, Maura", and we send sincere condolences to her partner, Cheryl; her brothers and sisters Eleanor, Sean, Michael and Grainne; and all her family, friends and colleagues.”
“Maura was also a commissioner at the Human Rights Commission. Chief commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, has described Maura as a:”
“I seek an opportunity to pay a brief tribute to the life of Maura Muldoon, to express my sadness at her passing and to extend condolences to her family and friends. <BR /> <BR />"Trailblazer", "visionary", "a standard bearer for women's football" and "a tireless advocate for equality and human rights" are some of the tributes that have been paid to Maura. Maura was a former director of Glentoran Football Club in my constituency and a former chairperson of Glentoran Women. As Glentoran chairman, Stephen Henderson, has said:”
“It is essential that would-be offenders know that robust law will be brought to bear on those who commit child sexual offences of that nature in those settings. I welcome the seriousness with which many sporting codes are taking the safeguarding of our children and the incorporation of mandatory training into coaching qualifications. <BR /> <BR />In 2019-2020, an average of six children were sexually abused every day in Northern Ireland, and PSNI figures suggest that there were 2,000 recorded offences against children under 18 years of age, which is up 37% in the five years since 2014-15. That abuse of trust and abuse of children must be eradicated from our society, and I am grateful for the introduction of this legislation and the action being taken by the Minister of Justice to help us to achieve that aim.”
“It is my understanding that that provision has widespread support from agencies and organisations that work with and represent young people, including the NSPCC, Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI), the Children's Commissioner, Barnardo's and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), as well as a number of health and social care trusts and sporting organisations. The provision recognises the large amount of time spent by children in the care and authority of adults, as well as the power differential at play, in many non-statutory settings. It is vital that children have full protection and are safeguarded in those settings to flourish, to develop their interests, talents and abilities and to enjoy sporting and other activities in full safety.”
“Those changes make it clear that children are not responsible or willing participants in their own abuse. Alliance believes that the amendments to those legislative references will help in raising awareness of the status of children as victims of exploitation rather than as willing participants or otherwise complicit in abuse perpetrated by others. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome the change to the existing legislation that covers the abuse of a position of trust of a child contained in articles 23 to 31 of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008. The amendment will provide greater protection to young people who are in the care of adults in certain non-statutory environments.”
“It is my understanding that those offences will cover communication with an individual or a group, with a view to grooming a child, and with a view to grooming any child under 16. Importantly, the offences will not be limited to online behaviour. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the robustness of the penalty for each of those new offences. I understand that there will be a sentence of imprisonment of up to six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum of £5,000, or both, on summary conviction, and a sentence of imprisonment of up to two years for a conviction on indictment. It is my understanding that the Bill will remove and replace existing references to child prostitution and child pornography. I agree with the Justice Minister that that terminology is outdated.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the introduction of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill. The Bill is another example of the leadership and delivery of the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, in this mandate. I particularly welcome the provisions that will increase the scope of offences relating to child sexual exploitation and extend abusive trust laws to protect young people in non-statutory settings. That includes the addition of the live-streaming of images to the definition of exploitation of children for sexual purposes, and the creation of new offences to deal with an adult pretending to be a child, or, as the Minister said, "masquerading" as a child, and making a communication with a view to sexually grooming a child under 16.”
“It demonstrates the value of youth development for any sport, with the backbone of this fantastic Tyrone squad being the under-21 team that Brian and Feargal coached to All-Ireland victory in 2015. <BR /> <BR />It is a great victory for Ulster sport and finally ends Dublin's dominance. Great credit and commiseration must go to Mayo on its performance in the final and its victory over Dublin in the semi-final. <BR /> <BR />Congratulations to everyone in Tyrone. You have raised the hope and morale of a county and a province at an extremely difficult and challenging time. Enjoy your celebrations.”
“I understand that Members' Statements are to be on a single item. On behalf of the Alliance Party, I therefore add my congratulations to everyone involved with the All-Ireland champions, Tyrone, on winning the county's fourth GAA All-Ireland football title. That achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the new management team in their first season in charge, particularly in the context of COVID and the obstacles that the pandemic has placed in the way of getting a special squad of players to the standard required to achieve that historic victory. It is a testament to the value of sport in our community and to the hours of volunteer coaching, sporting sacrifice and endeavour, despite the obstacles put in our way.”
“I thank the Deputy Chairperson for giving way briefly. It is to be noted that the first piece of detailed information on the issues required an Assembly recall. The fact that a Minister will not take interventions and questions during a statement is of profound concern.”
“I thank the Member for giving way briefly. Will the Member accept that there may be a need for enhanced communication around some of the scientific and medical rationale for some of the policies that have been put in place to balance safety and attendance in schools?”
“Just to repost that question. The legitimate question that is being asked of me, and I presume of the Member as well, is can we get a clear communication of the safety with regards to children returning to school when they are PCR-negative after day two? There may be a legitimate answer to that question but we just do not seem to be able to get it for some reason. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for giving way.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he accept that, in dismissing the concerns that are being presented by parties here today, he is dismissing the concerns of teachers, parents and pupils across Northern Ireland? The key question is one of communication about the medical and scientific rationale for the new pupil social isolation policy. That is a legitimate request.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Education Committee heard that community transmission is also impacting on the ability of our children to attend school, so we respectfully request that the Health Minister communicate clearly what is being done to bring community transmission, which is impacting on the attendance of children at school, under control. The children of Northern Ireland have sacrificed a great deal during the pandemic, and it is time for the Education Minister, the Health Minister and the Chief Medical Officer to set out clearly an understandable and deliverable plan that will keep our children safe and in school.”
“<BR /> <BR />Another key action that can be taken is the delivery of enhanced ventilation and air quality in schools via the provision of CO2 monitoring and air filtration devices. My colleague, the Alliance Party leader, Naomi Long, first requested such provision in the summer of 2020, yet on this matter Northern Ireland remains behind other jurisdictions, such as Wales, where a £6 million air quality fund has been allocated. <BR /> <BR />There is also a need for comparative data on pupil infection and attendance rates in order to assess the safety and functionality of any approach to the new school term. The initial experience of teachers, pupils, parents and guardians suggests that there is a need for much clearer communication, and perhaps even for a review.”
“Thank you. <BR /> <BR />It is my understanding that some special arrangements have been put in place for special schools, particularly in different forms of testing. However, there are special educational needs pupils in mainstream schools who need access to those different arrangements as well and are experiencing some trauma due to those different arrangements not being in place for them. The Children's Law Centre has issued a statement warning that children with special educational needs are being forgotten again in this stage of the pandemic, as they were, unacceptably, at other stages. It would be good to hear from the Education Minister on those issues today.”
“I am very grateful for that intervention.”
“Also, how would the testing and tracing capacity that that would require to function be delivered? <BR /> <BR />The key aims for education are clear: the safety of our school population, maximising in-school learning and ensuring that contingency arrangements are in place if attendance is not possible for any reason.”
“School leaders have been overwhelmed by tracing responsibilities, and the testing capacity for pupils was not in place for many. <BR /> <BR />However, of most concern has been the lack of communication from the Education Minister and, to be fair, from some other Ministers over the summer months on this and other matters that affect the capacity of children to attend school. That needs to be addressed. There is an opportunity for the Education Minister, today and at the joint Education and Health Committee that I am proposing, to urgently and openly communicate the scientific and medical rationale for the new pupil isolation guidance. What, if any, alternatives are being considered to that guidance? For example, a differentiation between household and non-household contacts is an issue being raised by many people.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said, the DUP can pass this off as party politics or misrepresent it as being the responsibility of the Executive alone, but I respectfully ask that it should recognise the seriousness of the matter and change course. The Education Minister must recognise that the failure to at least properly communicate and implement the new test, trace and isolation policy for pupils has caused significant concern and distress for teachers, parents and pupils across Northern Ireland. It is quite clear that a number of school leaders — some of whom are from my constituency, although the Member for East Belfast did not appear to recognise that earlier — lack confidence in the new pupil isolation guidance and consider that the testing and tracing capacity necessary for it to function was not adequately planned or implemented.”