Mark Durkan
Foyle · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“That review involved an extensive engagement exercise with charities, regulators and funders, aimed at creating a more modern and proportionate regulatory system.”
“When the review was commenced in 2021, many organisations were still in the midst of responding to the pandemic. Since then, they have faced a succession of new and evolving challenges. The ending of European funding programmes, on which so many in our communities relied for decades, has left a significant gap.”
“<BR /> <BR />The broad principles behind the Bill are sensible. The changes will modernise charity regulation, strengthen the Charity Commission's ability to intervene where misconduct or mismanagement occurs, improve information sharing and, importantly, reduce unnecessary red tape, particularly for smaller charities with limited adminis…”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak today. Before turning to the detail of the legislation — there will not even be that much detail in the debate today at Second Stage — I pay tribute to our charity sector. Across every constituency, charities provide support that changes and saves lives every single day.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst the SDLP supports legislation that removes unnecessary bureaucracy, we should not kid ourselves that administrative reform alone will secure the future of charities and organisations in the voluntary and community sector.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. Like other Members, I welcome the fact that we have reached this point. There seems to be consensus among Committee members and, I am sure, all Members that the introduction of these measures will save lives, which begs the question of whether the 10-year delay in introducing the measures had an opposi…”
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“I suppose that we are waiting for a Programme for Government. Greater transparency and detailed planning are essential for public trust and the effectiveness of proposed spending. That point was made by my Committee Chair, Deborah Erskine. Speaking, as she did, to the Budget's Infrastructure allocations, I welcome the inclusion of large-scale infrastructure and long-awaited projects, such as the Irish Government's contribution to the A5, although questions still remain — the Infrastructure Minister was unable to answer them this morning — about the small funding contribution from the Executive in this financial year for not only that project but the A6. Is it ever going to be finished? <BR /> <BR />Once again, the DFI budget does little to alleviate pressures.”
“Funnily, yesterday, a Minister accused me of electioneering for quoting facts that were provided to me by his Department in response to an Assembly question. The Finance Minister has acknowledged that allocations have been made at risk. Essentially, shoehorning a monitoring round in before today's debate not only just about sums this place up but potentially places the impartiality of the Civil Service at risk. It really goes to show that the current leadership will always put political gain before people's best interests. <BR /> <BR />However, I digress. I will get down to the truth of the matter. The Budget falls dangerously short on the most critical issues facing the North, namely child poverty and homelessness. The Budget document lacks sufficient detail. There are no timelines or anything of the like.”
“During the previous Budget debate, I criticised what I described as a lackadaisical approach to governance. Presenting a Budget without adequate time for scrutiny undermined the democratic process and our ability, as MLAs, to reflect and represent the needs of our constituents. The publication of the June monitoring round yesterday, just three days before an election, does nothing to alleviate my significant concerns about the transparency and accountability promised by, and pontificated about by, leadership parties. Ironically, however, the less transparency, the more people will see through what is going on. <BR /> <BR />It is worth noting that grabbing pre-election headlines around funding announcements was deemed more important than doing what is right.”
“It was a very positive statement. I seek a bit of clarification from the Minister: can he elaborate on the answer that he gave to my colleague on where or what the new students will study? I think that he said that that would be cleared up through clearing, but can he elaborate?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome much of what was in it. There was a lot of positive news on the positive work being done. <BR /> <BR />On the matter of corporate governance, Waterways Ireland does not currently have a board in place. I believe that that issue was being considered by the NSMC. It had been raised at previous meetings in 2021. Did that issue feature at all at the most recent meeting?”
“A total of £88·5 million of the Irish Government's €600 million contribution to the A5 has been earmarked in this year's budget. Given the Minister's welcome indication yesterday of his intention to recommend approval, can he advise us if any money in DFI's capital budget has been earmarked for spend on the A5 in this financial year?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her statement. Minister, how do we compare with those other jurisdictions in our trajectory towards our renewable targets, and is there any learning that we can take from elsewhere — on planning, for example — to make our targets more realistic and realisable?”
“It is welcome that the decision will be made, so I implore the Minister to make the right one. Cognisant of his long-held interest in mental health and the absolutely appalling and disproportionate mental health outcomes for autistic people, does he agree that we need to urgently provide specialist mental health support in that community?”
“I am glad that I gave the Minister the opportunity to clear that up after he misspoke when answering an earlier question. <BR /> <BR />The north-west transport hub celebrated the milestone of reaching one million passengers last year. That is brilliant and shows the real appetite for public transport use. That figure has been achieved despite the fact that there is only one train every two hours on a Sunday. Can the Minister intervene to seek timetable changes from Translink in order to facilitate more trains for Derry?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, £4·7 million is a far cry from the £97 million that you told the House had been approved for the project. You say that the project is proceeding as planned, but it was planned to start in 2025, and this is the second 12-month slippage that we have seen in your first months as Minister. Can you say that phase 3 will proceed as a matter of urgency and that you will do more to get more money for it?”
“I welcome some of the content of the statement, but, like my colleague, I question the timing of it. Does the Minister agree that all school support staff should access full entitlement to their hard-earned pay award, and will she work with the Education Minister to ensure that staff who claim universal credit can access payment in full without experiencing additional hardship, as was suffered by health workers just last week?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.”
“— related to alcohol and drug misuse, will the Minister commit to exploring and exploiting opportunities to improve addiction services by looking at them on a cross-border basis?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. North/South collaboration on health is extremely important to my party and was, indeed, the subject of an Opposition motion last month. I welcome the progress across a range of issues, as outlined by the Minister. With specific regard to the progress on the strategies to prevent harm —”
“I thank Miss McAllister for that answer. It contained a lot of good news and positive actions that the Assembly Commission has taken. The new energy management system is very efficient; it certainly manages to make this place unbearably warm. Will Miss McAllister outline to us or undertake to report back on how the Assembly Commission is progressing towards the eradication of single-use plastics in Parliament Buildings?”
“Does the Minister agree that exploitative zero-hour contracts should be banned as part of that employment Bill? I know that it will go out for consultation — I look forward to that — but can he indicate at this stage whether he thinks that the legislation should include such a ban?”
“It is disappointing that Casement was not raised at that opportunity. I wonder whether it was raised at an earlier meeting on 5 February with the Prime Minister. However, we welcome the First Minister's commitment last week that Casement will be built on her watch. While we appreciate and welcome that confidence, is the First Minister as confident that it will be built in time to host the European Championships in 2028?”
“— a system that leaves no patient behind and values our heroic health service staff, who carry out Herculean tasks daily.”
“I agree with Ms Kimmins's view, however, that getting into a car and driving, even for a couple of hours, is preferable for families to having to get on a plane on that most awful of journeys. <BR /> <BR />We must build a healthcare system that is responsive, resilient and compassionate —”
“<BR /> <BR />The DUP's position on this and its rationale for opposing the motion are typical of its approach to nasal amputation: it cuts off its nose to spite its face, an approach that continues to cost people dear. It is no wonder that our health service is in such a state when you look at the approach of our two biggest parties. They say that health is a priority when, clearly, politics always comes first. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin has had only one Member in the Chamber for the majority of the debate. I am glad to see that she has now been joined by a few more. I was worried that abstentionism had extended — sorry, been reapplied — to Stormont as well.”
“<BR /> <BR />We should explore or do more than explore all-island collaboration on bespoke specialist areas such as tier 2 obesity services, cross-border enhancements in social work services in safeguarding and data sharing, as well as perinatal and paediatric pathology services. That is vital. It is unacceptable that, since 2019, post-mortem examinations have had to be carried out in England due to a lack of specialist staff, adding further distress to grieving parents. Five years ago, I received assurances from the permanent secretary that work was under way to seek a cross-border solution. It is unforgivable that, to date, there has been no progress.”
“That is something that I implore the Minister to consider with regard to the capitation formula for trusts. He spoke of Agenda for Change and the need for pay parity. There has to be a weighting in border areas to prevent that haemorrhaging of staff across the border. <BR /> <BR />The Health budget is stretched to breaking point like a threadbare blanket, unable to cover all the needs. Inevitably, vulnerable people will fall through the gaps. However, we are no clearer on how the Government plan to address the crisis in health, and where are we with transformation? It is all well and good pumping money into a system — I wish that we could pump even more into it — but that system is crying out for reform. We need to do things differently to ensure maximum impact of the money that is spent.”
“It used to be the case that nurses, doctors and allied health professionals (AHPs) had to take a plane across the water or across the world for better-paid opportunities. Now, they just have to hop into their car and drive a few minutes down the road. Recently, I spoke to one health specialist who is paid two thirds more for her expertise across the border, as are several of her ex- and now new colleagues, who have headed South for more reward. Who would blame them? The failure to pay health service staff what they are worth is an embarrassment; worse than that, it is draining the lifeblood of the health system, and any savings that it achieves are false. Look at the spending on locums and agency staff and at the failure to deliver services.”
“<BR /> <BR />The largest inequality gap in the Western Trust and other trust areas was in deaths due to drug misuse. We see the impact of drug misuse and addiction: the bereaved parents whose lives have been shattered and the individuals feeling that they have nowhere else to turn. The escalation both in the severity and volume of cases is heartbreaking. At the moment, far too many vulnerable people fall through the gaps of addiction and mental health support services, and many cross the permeable border daily. It is no coincidence that drug-related deaths have trebled in a decade. It is a direct consequence of Tory austerity and failed leadership here. <BR /> <BR />On the motion, the harmonisation of pay, especially in border regions, is of particular importance to prevent our specialist staff leaving in their droves.”
“Sadly, the pragmatism and vision that he demonstrated in that role seems to be lacking in his colleagues today. <BR /> <BR />Despite the state-of-the-art cancer services in the north-west, widening health inequalities have hit hard in that highly deprived region. The fact that a child in Derry has a life expectancy that is 11 to 15 years shorter than that of a child in a more affluent area is harrowing. The expected lifespan of a man in Derry is lower than one in countries such as Lebanon and Cuba, according to research conducted by the Department of Health. The state of health here is not like Beirut: it is worse. It is incredible that, in a place as small as Northern Ireland, there are such disparities across and within council areas.”
“That is becoming an all-too-familiar story. While the scheme was not perfect, as Mrs Dodds was eager to point out, it offered a glimmer of hope. <BR /> <BR />The current system is ridiculous. We have patients criss-crossing the border weekly in their busloads for procedures in the North, such as cataract surgery; meanwhile, patients here cannot access the same treatment in a timely manner. That said, the North West Cancer Centre stands as a shining example of successful cross-border collaboration. Its success underscores the power of partnership and regional cooperation in delivering specialised healthcare services where they are needed most. I am conscious that it was the Speaker who was Health Minister at that time, as he often reminds us.”
“I am sorry. I will come to you at the end, if I have time, Patsy. <BR /> <BR />The success of the ROI reimbursement scheme is testament to the need to drive cross-border solutions. During its last iteration in 2022, over 2,000 patients availed themselves of the provision in just 14 months. People are contacting my office and, I am sure, those of others by the dozen, desperately seeking updates on the return of the scheme. <BR /> <BR />Painful time frames prove devastating for patients and their families. People are living in agony, their lives turned upside down in a health system that no longer catches people when they fall. Patients are turning to their credit union books, dipping into their life savings or, even worse, borrowing money from God knows who and God knows where to access healthcare.”
“There was little attempt to resolve the situation. As a result, health has paid the heaviest price after more than a decade of mismanagement of, albeit, a shrinking public purse by the two big parties and a refusal to implement transformation as per the Bengoa report. The Executive had the key to reforming the health system but did not bother to turn the lock. <BR /> <BR />Embracing cross-border healthcare is born of necessity but also practicality. It is an imperative response to our growing waiting lists and healthcare disparities. As has been highlighted, collaboration with the South will allow the maximisation of available healthcare resources, provide opportunities for medical professionals through shared expertise and offer the potential for cost savings and better allocation of healthcare funds.”
“Patients across the spectrum of health services are being referred for treatment for conditions that were once manageable but have become unbearable as a result of the unconscionable delays. The failure to deliver timely healthcare not only costs the public purse dearly but costs lives. <BR /> <BR />We stand at a critical juncture, facing formidable health challenges that were not created overnight. In fact, pre-pandemic, our waiting lists were 100 times bigger than those in England, a region with 30 times the population of here. The festering wounds of the health service went unsalved during political collapse. Past Health Ministers have failed to invest in health, and that saw our workforce driven to the picket lines not just to demand fair pay but to fight for the safety of the patients whom they care for.”
“We have a health system whose prognosis is critical, where "urgent" no longer means "urgent", and "red flag" has lost its urgency. Patients face prolonged waits and uncertainty at the expense of their health. The erosion of those categorisations reflects a system under immense strain where timely access to care not only is compromised but, in some cases, seems to be a pipe dream. Practically every health service waiting list in the North is breaking records: bad ones. Half of the people waiting to access mental health services wait longer than nine weeks. Over 17,000 people are on a waiting list for occupational therapy and have been stripped of their dignity. Almost 25,000 people await orthopaedic surgery, with some, crippled by pain, being told they will wait seven years to access a knee replacement. How is that acceptable?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Has the Minister made clear to the Finance Minister and Executive colleagues in no uncertain terms the impact that the Budget would have on his Department's ability to deliver social housing, in particular?”
“Has the Minister spoken to the Justice Minister about a joint approach to the creation and implementation of stiffer penalties and more appropriate punishments for those found guilty of animal cruelty?”
“<BR /> <BR />In conclusion, if we hope to achieve climate action targets for 2030 and 2050, a collaborative, cross-border and all-islands approach, and wider joined-up efforts with Europe, will be vital. We need a change in attitude from all politicians, energy suppliers, businesses and consumers. The building blocks for change are there: it is about knowing how to construct them effectively. Tús maith leath na hoibre.”
“<BR /> <BR />Implementing a comprehensive housing retrofit programme in Northern Ireland is not merely a matter of improving energy efficiency; it is an investment in the health, comfort and financial well-being of the public. It would help to address the pressing need to upgrade ageing housing stock, reduce energy bills for households and be a step towards decarbonisation. By retrofitting homes with better insulation, efficient heating systems and renewable energy technologies, we can alleviate fuel poverty, improve indoor air quality and enhance overall living standards for generations to come. I am glad and grateful for the support that has been indicated for our amendment.”
“Addressing that concern would save hard-pressed families across the North hundreds of pounds every year on their energy bills, helping to end fuel poverty once and for all. <BR /> <BR />To date, schemes, including the Housing Executive's cavity wall insulation action plan, have borne little fruit. Only a fraction of properties have benefited from that initiative. Devastating cuts as a result of DFC's capital budget, which have been imposed on such upgrade and energy-efficiency schemes, including the affordable warmth programme, fill me with apprehension, not to mention the many tenants who are desperately awaiting energy-efficient measures.”
“That approach, which is akin to systems that have been implemented in Norway and Scotland and whose progressive policies appear to be light years ahead, allows for the expedited processing of projects that are aligned to net zero goals. I am cognisant, however, that that necessary shift from fossil fuels will not happen overnight, nor can it happen without adequate regulation. <BR /> <BR />That is why one of the core issues that we must address in any energy policy is energy efficiency in homes. I concur, therefore, with my colleague Ms McLaughlin that the retrofitting agenda must be front and centre of our discussions. The leaking of heat and money, pouring from homes across the North, is one of the most important infrastructure priorities that we face.”
“<BR /> <BR />As other Members said, we need a whole-system approach to decarbonisation. It is clear that planning is an integral cog in the machine of decarbonisation. There must be collaboration between Departments to ensure that all the intricate parts work smoothly to drive us towards a more sustainable energy market. It is frustrating to see inefficiencies plaguing the planning system, with unnecessary delays, applications stuck in bureaucratic limbo and an apparent lack of will to do things differently. Much of that is caused by a lack of resources, be it in planning or across statutory consultees. <BR /> <BR />One solution lies in adopting a provision in the planning system for prioritising climate-friendly projects.”
“<BR /> <BR />As outlined by contributors this afternoon, households and businesses alike are shouldering the financial burden of high energy costs, limited competition, sub-par infrastructure and reliance on fossil fuels. That is unsustainable and requires urgent attention. We must deliver a viable, long-term renewable energy plan — one that provides security of supply, ensures affordable renewable energy for all consumers and supports the transition to net zero. The rapidly growing sector has the potential to create thousands of jobs here, guaranteeing the improved health of our economy and our environment. The financial and practical benefits of a shift towards clean energies are clear-cut: that is why Governments everywhere are investing in home-grown renewable industries.”
“I must say that it is heartening to hear that parties are on the same page on energy transition, reducing costs for people who face financial hardships and recognition of the need to create a cleaner, greener energy market. As Mr McMurray said, in recent years, following the fallout from the RHI scheme, renewables in Northern Ireland have almost become the "He who must not be named" of the energy sector. Now, with broad recognition of the need to move away from our reliance on fossil fuels and harness the opportunities that are offered by our unique position on renewable energy, I am hopeful that we can deliver a more magical outcome.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Again, I ask — one last roll of the dice — for your support, and I hope that the Bill can help restore the public's faith in our building standards and regulatory systems. We must make sure that this is a strong Defective Premises Bill rather than weak, defective legislation that will leave more people exposed to huge expense, anxiety and unimaginable upheaval.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. As I have stated again and again, there are people whom the current legislation has not helped. Until now, the Department seemed unaware of the legislation and the protections in it. Our lack of engagement has been due to time, because this has happened in a truncated fashion. I regret the fact that we have not been able to have that engagement and form a consensus on the issue, but it needs to be done because, believe me, in the future, there will be consensus on the issue and there will be regret that what needs done was not done now. <BR /> <BR />We must not lose sight of our responsibility to our constituents. In our view, the amendment is not just a legal necessity; it is a moral imperative.”
“Sorry, Andy, I will come to you in a minute. <BR /> <BR />We cannot sleepwalk into a situation similar to that in the South. We will not be forgiven for it, and we will not forgive ourselves for it.”
“Others oppose it because of the risk that it might do too much and have unintended consequences, as Ms Mulholland said. I would hate to think that it is a case of Executive parties circling the wagons and voting against our amendment on the basis that it has been tabled by the Opposition, because that really seems like opposition for opposition's sake.”
“I appreciate the Minister's offer of his Department advising me, I suppose, the council and, most importantly, people who may be affected of the content of existing legislation. However, that will possibly have come too late for some, given that, only a short time ago, the Department was saying that the matter was nothing to do with it and that it was a reserved matter. <BR /> <BR />I am disappointed that Executive parties oppose the amendment. Some Members, including the Minister, say that there is no need for the amendment and that existing legislation affords the requisite protections. If that is the case, why, as I said, has nobody who has been similarly affected been able to get any answers to date or even been told that they do not qualify on the grounds of falling outwith the prescribed time frame?”
“I would like the Minister to commit to his Department re-engaging with the council on the issue and to assure it that existing legislation will cover any one landlord or property owner who comes forward in the future.”
“On 6 January, when the council's director of environment and regeneration wrote to the Department's permanent secretary regarding defective mica blocks, officials responded in the same month to advise that the issue pertaining to defective mica blocks was a reserved matter and was not within the Department's responsibility. I am not sure how they received redress when, at the same time, the Department was denying any responsibility and saying that it was a reserved matter. <BR /> <BR />That is why we need the amendment. It would put it in statute with no ifs, buts or shadows for anyone to hide in that there is protection for people. There has been no further correspondence with the council since then, as far as I can establish.”