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…”
The complete record
Every one of 3,938 lines we hold for Mark Durkan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 26 of 79.
“We have seen that pattern over the past couple of months from the big two parties: picking motions based on manifesto pledges in areas for which their Ministers are not responsible. I do not know whether the figure is a case of saying, "We will build 5,000 jobs" and "We would make 5,000 more". Given that it was a manifesto pledge, I do not know whether it was based on a five-year term. Therefore, is it even more ambitious now that we only have three years left? Maybe Mr Buckley, who is no stranger to ambition, could touch on that when he is winding up the debate. He is no stranger to winding up either.”
“Messrs Elliott and Delargy heralded the role of our regional colleges and the further education sector in upskilling our workforce to match the needs and demands of the market. I agree with my constituency colleague Mr Delargy on the need for positivity, but there is and always will be a need for honesty. Derry has been failed, and we want to fix that. I welcome any prospective investors who are watching the debate to come and play their part in an exciting new chapter for our constituency and the North. <BR /> <BR />Mr Honeyford was also guilty of a wee bit of realism. He touched on the value of the FE sector and the need for fair pay for those working in it. The Minister, like others, wondered exactly where the figure of 5,000 jobs came from. I think that it came from a DUP manifesto pledge.”
“Ms Eastwood felt lucky to hail from a more affluent area but demonstrated great empathy for and understanding of those languishing in economic activity, unable to access work even when willing. She touched on the point about political stability and rightly so. You would not build a house on shaky foundations, so companies will be an awful lot less willing to invest where there is political instability and uncertainty. We have seen and heard a lot of positivity on that front recently, but we have seen it before. Potential investors have seen and heard it before as well.”
“In the debate, Mr Middleton spoke of the need to address inequalities and to have ambitious targets. That made me wonder and regret why previous DUP Economy Ministers were so reluctant to address targets on a subregional level. My party colleague, when proposing the amendment, pointed to effective economic policies that have been adopted in other jurisdictions and that have fairness at their core. <BR /> <BR />Philip McGuigan emphasised the importance of the green economy not just to saving the environment but for the economic opportunity that it can and undoubtedly will create.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our universities need to be supported not only to grow but to evolve, providing cutting-edge courses and producing more creators of ideas, employment and wealth that can be retained locally. When I say "locally", I mean "locally". The concentration of around 90% of university places in Belfast is not just detrimental to regional balance and the economic and social well-being of my constituency and constituents in Derry and many other areas across the North but holds Northern Ireland back. <BR /> <BR />Nobody here will be surprised therefore that the amendment calls for the economy to be not just grown but regionally rebalanced. Everywhere and everyone should enjoy any new opportunities, especially in areas that have been deprived of so much for so long.”
“I welcome and support the motion. I am glad of and grateful for the support that has been expressed for my party's amendment. It is imperative that the Executive do all that they can to create jobs and opportunities. That means not just employment to help people to keep themselves and their families but employment and opportunities to help to keep people here. <BR /> <BR />The motion lists a number of sectors that are ideal for growth. While that list is not exhaustive, it is correct to identify jobs of the future in dynamic and tech industries. Pathfinders here have already made huge progress, and there is every reason to support the innovators of today to create the industries of tomorrow.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. In the interests of openness, transparency and full accountability on public funds, can you advise whether it is in order for Ministers to abdicate responsibility for answering Members' questions and reasonable requests for information to agencies and arm's-length bodies that are funded by their respective Departments? Will the Speaker, perhaps, issue guidance to Members and Ministers on what constitutes a reasonable request for information under their respective Departments' remit and responsibility?”
“because, in the first month of taking office, the Minister has referred 78 Assembly questions for written answer to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; that is not to mention questions that were referred to Sport NI or the Arts Council. Does the Minister think that that is acceptable, does it make him accountable, and has he any plans to review the practice?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I half expected him to give me the Housing Executive's phone number”
“I fully concur with that point. There are those, not just older people, who dread the use of the virtual highway to navigate the appointment system in the first place, let alone having to travel distances that are unacceptable and intimidating for those who are not used to them. <BR /> <BR />Lastly, the challenges with testing infrastructure, including hairline cracks on hydraulic equipment, could present serious logistical problems. Action is needed now to combat any fallout and further pressure on the system down the line. <BR /> <BR />The MOT process, in its current form, is not working. It is clear that a resolution requires a cocktail of measures from putting in more resources and recruiting more staff to potentially introducing biennial testing. I ask the Minister and his Department to employ new thinking.”
“It could also help to reduce the extraordinarily and unacceptably high number of no-shows.”
“The Executive need to live up to their environmental obligations, never mind their aspirations. <BR /> <BR />Action on the big issues is one thing, but there seems to be a general reluctance or recalcitrance to embrace even apparently simple solutions or improvements, such as earlier notification that an MOT test is due. Reminder letters are issued six weeks prior to an MOT expiry date, yet the online booking system permits customers to book for three months in advance. At last week's Committee meeting, it was inferred that issuing earlier reminders would place an even greater demand on the online booking system. I — I was not alone among Committee members — tend to disagree and am of the view that affording more time would allow motorists to plan and would save people from scrambling at the eleventh hour.”
“How will those centres effectively improve capacity if we cannot recruit and retain the workforce that is needed to run them? It is short-sighted to throw more money at an issue without a comprehensive plan, but, hey, that is the way this place rolls. <BR /> <BR />Furthermore, is it envisaged that those centres will facilitate the introduction of diesel emissions testing? It would be remiss of me to not mention the DVA's 17-year failure to comply with that legal requirement. It is the subject of ongoing legal action, so the Minister will be curtailed in what he can say about it, but it is unacceptable in anyone's book that that serious failing has been allowed to continue and compromise air quality and public health as well as the natural environment.”
“Will staff vacancies be filled by staff redeployed from elsewhere? Will this result in a knock-on impact that will see the closure of other existing test centres?”
“I hope that Members across the Assembly will support us in this call. <BR /> <BR />Solving these problems requires new thinking. DVA continues to promote the new testing centres at Hydebank and Mallusk as its great white hope of a fail-safe solution. Notably — again, as the proposer of the motion said; we had not been comparing notes beforehand — there has been no recognition of need west of the Bann, despite the heavier reliance on private vehicles as a result of poorer connectivity and access to public transport in this locality. That having been said, I cannot accept that investment in these continually delayed projects will prove to be a panacea. Many questions remain unanswered. We have heard that DVA staff are conducting more tests than ever before, so how will these new centres be able to meet demand?”
“However, the extent to which vehicle roadworthiness is involved as a primary or even contributing factor in collision causation is relatively minuscule. The bulk of road traffic collisions here are as a result of driver distraction or excessive speeding, and, according to the police figures for 2022, vehicle defects were cited as a causation factor for just 1·2% of all collisions. Moving to a two-year cycle could act as a pressure release valve to allow the completion of the new testing centres and an assessment of new testing capacity. Cars over 10 years old could continue to be subject to annual inspection, given their higher risk profile. We believe this to be a constructive and relatively easily implemented proposal that will provide immediate relief to staff and motorists alike, but at least let us have the conversation.”
“As Mrs Erskine said, there was overwhelming support for the move in summary findings published in February 2022 following a call for evidence issued by the then Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon. The next step was to be public consultation on specific proposals. The wheels were in motion, but at the Committee last Thursday, we learned that it seems someone has put their foot on the brakes. Can the Minister clarify whether he knows why the Department seems to have U-turned on this issue? <BR /> <BR />If this measure were introduced even temporarily, it would help massively to clear the current backlog. I am aware that there were dissenting voices from the automotive industry opposing two-year testing on safety grounds, and, of course, no one in here would wish to do anything that would compromise safety.”
“Doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results is insanity. We need government to at least try to do things differently. Over the weekend, the Minister ruled out the use of private garages, and, while I share the Minister's view on privatisation, I urge him not to jump to any decisions until he listens to all the arguments that are put forward. <BR /> <BR />It is evident that major change is needed, even on a temporary basis, to tackle lengthy delays, and, on that note, I propose the SDLP amendment calling for public consultation on biennial testing for vehicles under 10 years old. Two years ago, DFI was to consult publicly on biennial testing, but that has not happened.”
“We are a more car-dependent population, which is problematic in itself. That having been said, it is clear that the number of cars on our roads is growing year-on-year and that the required infrastructure — be that our road network or, in this instance, MOT testing centres — cannot and is not keeping up. Staff are working at full pelt, trying to get as many appointments through the doors as possible. Each year, the DVA is conducting record-breaking numbers of vehicle tests. Like the proposer of the motion, I place on record our appreciation of the additional work that they have undertaken, particularly over these past few years. Despite workers' Herculean efforts, the waiting lists remain too long.”
“Just last night, I received an email from a constituent who had been trying for weeks to get an MOT appointment for their elderly mother's vehicle but has finally had to settle for one in Enniskillen, many miles away, and five months away as well. The current system is proving stressful and time-consuming and is forcing people to take time off work to travel further afield for appointments. <BR /> <BR />These problems are not new, and while there are several, they have been compounded by a multitude of issues, be it cracks, COVID, the cost-of-living crisis or wider global economic issues. While significant effort and investment is being made to increase capacity, problems persist. <BR /> <BR />Since 2009, Northern Ireland has consistently had more private light-goods vehicles, pro rata, than Great Britain.”
“Vehicle testing is a topic that is always guaranteed to spark debate. Bizarrely, it seems to stoke a greater furore than access to healthcare or the bit-by-bit dismantling of our welfare system. I have received more messages ahead of this debate than I did on school uniform costs or tackling health waiting lists. I suppose that that is down to the frustration that is being caused by the current process, and the chances are that if you own a vehicle, you have been affected by these issues. <BR /> <BR />The new normal of a 72-day wait has been bandied about — that is for the lucky ones — but it is not normal.”
“The Minister's interpretation of what constitutes a high hedge might be a wee different from mine. Has any analysis been done of the complaints and the reason why so many do not make the cut, for want of a better phrase, due to the non-inclusion of problem trees in the definition of a high hedge?”
“When completed, the new road will stand as a lasting testament to the love and dedication that they hold for their loved ones. <BR /> <BR />The upgrade of the A5 will not only improve safety but bring significant economic opportunities, attracting much-needed jobs and investment for the entire north-west region and the people of Tyrone, Derry and Donegal. We now need the Minister of Finance and the Minister for Infrastructure to get on with its delivery. I appreciate the process that the Minister has to go through and how carefully he has to do that. There has been many a slip 'twixt cup and lip, but we are nearly there. We look forward to getting to the starting point and getting the job done. We call on the Minister to do that and will support him in doing so.”
“<BR /> <BR />In this case, the intervening period of dysfunction and delay, which is now decades long, has not only resulted in disillusionment but perhaps played a part in the devastating loss of so many lives. Many more people have suffered serious injury, and countless families have been devastated by the trauma of loss. While there are many factors of causation in road traffic collisions, we cannot deny that that extremely dangerous road is a massive contributing factor to the high number of road deaths, nor can we deny — I have mentioned this already — the role of the valiant and steadfast campaigners and the bereaved families. I pay tribute, as others have done, to all those who have turned their grief into the power to deliver change and ensure that no one experiences the same avoidable heartbreak that they have experienced.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have heard a bit this afternoon about the history of the project. The Dublin Government included it in the fourth national development plan. That was largely down, I have to say, to the lobbying of the SDLP at the time, which can be proved. Its inclusion and priority in that programme was challenged by Peter Robinson, who claimed that it would be sectarian to prioritise a project in the west. He pushed for the inclusion of the Belfast to Larne dualling project, and that was ultimately included as well. That road has been open for nearly 10 years, and we still have not seen a sod turned on the A5, despite the Executive granting approval for it in 2007.”
“The £600 million investment was made possible thanks to the unwavering fortitude of campaigners, including, as mentioned, families of victims who lost their life on that treacherous route and to the political perseverance of Members across the Chamber. It would be remiss of me not to mention my party colleague Daniel McCrossan, and I would not be forgiven if I did not. He has been a huge champion for the project and has managed to keep it on the collective agenda of the Governments on both sides of the border. <BR /> <BR />The winding north-west corridor in the heart of rural Tyrone has earned its title of the most dangerous road on the island. The deadly nature of the A5 is ingrained in the collective consciousness. For many, the fight to change that perception and tragic reality has been fraught with difficulty.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate, and, while many Adjournment debates have a narrow constituency focus and the A5 runs through the heart of Miss Brogan's constituency, it is fair to say that the negative impact associated with the A5 has been felt much more widely. The benefits of the improved new A5 will be enjoyed across the north-west, including my constituency of Foyle and beyond. <BR /> <BR />The A5 is one of five key transport corridors on the island. The significant recent funding commitment from the Irish Government is hugely welcome. I hope that that announcement will see movement for this long-awaited and continuously delayed project.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. It is my understanding that the developers have already committed to a significant financial contribution as a condition of their planning but that the Department is not in a position to match that funding at the current time. It seems illogical that the developers would now proceed with work on part of the roundabout while the whole roundabout remains a problem and a danger. I implore the Minister to work with his Department to find the funding to do that now and reduce costs, maximise value and minimise disruption to motorists.”
“Minister, I ask that any future cross-border conversations that you have on road infrastructure include the A2 Buncrana Road in my constituency. The project has been on people's radar and looming large over residents in that area for over 50 years, with no progress despite various attempts.”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. I cited figures that showed a reduction: they related to unsuccessful applications. I am fully aware that there are people out there who do not apply. Sadly, there is still a stigma around applying for assistance, no matter how desperately it is needed. I concur entirely that data sharing should be the norm rather than the exception. <BR /> <BR />Action on this issue should be a priority for our Executive. I look forward to the Minister's response in that regard.”
“<BR /> <BR />Addressing inequalities and providing sustained support will improve children's educational experience and attainment well into the future, but action is needed now, before the situation spirals completely out of control. The Minister of Education, the Minister for Communities and the Minister of Finance have six months to address the escalating situation by creating bespoke legislation or, at least, making meaningful interventions on uniforms and free school meals.”
“That reduction is deeply concerning and is largely attributable to the universal credit managed migration, which has seen the eligibility income threshold drop from around £16,000 to under £14,000. It is ludicrous to reduce support when the need continues to grow. Without intervention, it will only get worse from here. <BR /> <BR />We in the SDLP warned of the devastating impact of welfare reform, and I take no satisfaction in saying that much of what we said and warned about has, sadly, come to pass. The welfare safety net has been eroded, and thousands of people and families are now falling through it and beyond the breadline, as its impact is fully realised. This move will strip some of the poorest families of vital support, come September 2024. As Ms Brownlee said, the working poor are being pummelled.”
“One that comes to my mind immediately is the Focus project, which operates in the heart of Creggan, an area of huge disadvantage. That really has provided a lifeline to many families in recent years. <BR /> <BR />Capping costs is one thing, but tackling the unaffordability and the greatly diminished support will require buy-in from multiple Departments. We should increase the uniform grants, and the eligibility criteria for those grants and for free school meals must also be addressed urgently. Figures that I recently obtained from the Minister show a reduction of almost 4,000 in eligible applications for free school meals and a drop of over 3,500 in the number eligible for uniform grants for the 2023-24 financial year.”
“It is shameful that, in our society, kitting children out for school is fast becoming a luxury. Costs are forcing low-income families into debt and further into poverty. <BR /> <BR />The purpose of uniforms was to remove peer pressure, create a sense of belonging and equality and level the playing field. Branded items negate that aim. In making a distinction, they single out and stress children from disadvantaged backgrounds and create an unnecessary burden for parents. The option of purchasing high-street alternatives is a no-brainer and it is vital that schools get on board or are made to get on board. Schools should also offer and be supported to offer uniform recycling schemes to reduce costs and help the environment. Many of those schemes exist in the community.”
“The worry that comes with being a parent never ends. Yet, for over 70% of parents, school uniform costs are an added anxiety and burden. School costs do not stop there: there are meals, school trips and extracurricular activities. The cost of schooling goes up and up. I am sure that many Members have seen the escalating and shameful child poverty statistics, and the economic forecast is not good. For many parents, those hardships will deepen ahead of the next academic year. <BR /> <BR />Families struggling to make ends meet have always been forced to cut costs, even when Sinn Féin held the Education Ministry for three terms. After more than a decade of austerity, a pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis and five years of no Government, there is nothing left to cut.”
“I thank the Minister for his brave statement, which not only goes against the recommendation of the USPCA but goes against his own party's stated policy. I recognise that that is not an easy position to take. Has he given any thought at this early stage to what penalties those in breach of his proposed legislation might face?”
“I thank the Member for giving away. Does she accept the assurances from the Chair of the AERC that it will deal with the issue, or, like me, does she believe that Mr Buckley does not know his AERC from his elbow?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I do, however, take some exception with his description of the SDLP's performance when in government as "woeful". Could he perhaps highlight any example of that woefulness that compares with the loss of over £600 million of taxpayers' money, as happened with the RHI, which was presided over by the DUP?”
“Does the Member agree that it is both telling and disappointing that not only would neither the First Minister nor deputy First Minister promise not to collapse the institutions again but neither would come here to respond to the debate?”
“Does the Minister agree that it is both telling and disappointing that —.”
“Does the Minister have any intention to change the scheme once we reach the year end given the challenges that small businesses in particular have faced over the past few years?”
“Minister, you await the findings of the rates relief review. Should such findings include an assessment of the impact of getting rid of each relief on household budgets, rent costs and small businesses?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Without wishing to be facetious, I ask her where Fermanagh is in the tabled amendment.”
“Certainly, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />This needs to be prioritised because, in our view — well, certainly in my view — this is the single most important project in the economic and environmental opportunities for the island.”
“We would welcome funding from anywhere. We will not turn our noses up at that. It is quite likely that this could draw funding from Europe as well given the trans-frontier nature of what we are discussing. However, we have to get moving now. Too much time has already been squandered. <BR /> <BR />Without question, rail is the most environmentally friendly transport option. A success is at the core of achieving a greener future. Getting people out of their cars and into trains will reduce congestion and pollution —”
“It cannot be set aside to a later date that never comes. That is why we included "every county" as a goal in the motion. We fear that the amendment reduces that ambition. <BR /> <BR />It has taken decades to get the wheels in motion for all-island rail. It is time now to build upon the foundation blocks and recent investment from the Irish Government. I have no doubt that we can work collectively, across the Chamber and across these islands, to deliver the much-needed and much-demanded services. <BR /> <BR />On the amendment, of course we would welcome collaboration with and between the Irish and British Governments to produce a cost-implemented plan to provide expertise. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) report shows that we could do with much more expertise in the delivery of major infrastructure projects.”
“One would certainly hope that it is. That is in the public domain, so it should be factored into the costing and forward planning for implementation of the final strategy. <BR /> <BR />Derry — you will be glad to hear me say — cannot be the end of the line, however. We recognise the huge potential for infrastructure infill along the north and west coasts, connecting rural, isolated areas and advancing tourism. That will rely on the restoration of rail in Tyrone, and an expansion into Donegal and beyond. Connecting border regions will open up prospects right across the island. Ensuring a thriving rail network means that no county can be left behind. Fermanagh should not be the only county on this island without access to rail. An Omagh-Enniskillen-Sligo link is just common sense, and must be in the strategy.”
“It is long past the time that we end Derry's status as the most isolated station on the Northern Ireland rail network. That will help to tackle regional imbalance, and will steer the whole region on a course towards a brighter future. I call on the Minister to give immediate sign-off on the feasibility study and the funding required — and promised — to see its delivery. It is due to start in 2025 for completion in 2027. We cannot afford more slippage.”
“We have remained consistent and persistent in our desire to see delivery on these perpetually postponed rail improvements to the North's second city. Nichola Mallon put the project back on track after it hit a Hazzard, shall we say. She secured the feasibility study.”
“That needs to be addressed in the final strategy. High-speed rail is the key to durability and success, making it a more attractive mode of transport for everyone. Why should we settle for less than everywhere else? It is simply not good enough. The days of us in the west being second-class passengers are over. <BR /> <BR />Similarly, there has been drawn-out wrangling around phase 3 to Coleraine, which needs commencement and completion.”