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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“<BR /> <BR />The provisions of the SPPS apply to the whole of Northern Ireland, including County Fermanagh. I believe that the SPPS provides clarity and certainty to councils and everyone affected by and interested in planning decisions for this form of development. <BR /> <BR />Members will also be aware that, as part of the transfer of the majority of planning powers from my Department to councils, a hierarchy of development for local, major and regionally significant developments was introduced. Should an application be considered to be a regionally significant development proposal, it will be dealt with by my Department as the planning authority but under the same planning policy framework.”
“I believe that that is a sensible and reasonable approach. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that the SPPS must be taken into account by councils — in this case, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council —in the preparation of their new local development plans, and it is also material to all decisions on individual planning applications and appeals by the relevant planning authority. <BR /> <BR />At independent examination, local development plans will be scrutinised to ensure that they take sufficient account of the SPPS and other central government plans, policy and guidance. My Department can, if necessary, direct a council either to modify or to withdraw a plan document if it does not take sufficient account of regional planning policy.”
“The SPPS, which I published in September, states:”
“We certainly need to look at these things in the round, and it will all be taken into consideration.”
“I thank the Member for that question. In my answer to Mr McKinney, I said that this is a finely balanced issue, and one has to take into consideration the justifiable objections of nearby residents and other interests: namely, the huge economic significance of the airport and all the benefits that it brings not just to Belfast city but to the North as a whole. It is a major employer, it puts Belfast city on the map, and it has so many flights going in and out of Belfast. It makes Belfast easier to get to and easier to get out of, which is always something that I am glad to do.”
“I thank the Member for that question, which has been raised by residents. The recently published Airports Commission report recommended that an independent aviation noise authority be set up and act as the competent authority under EU regulation No 598/2014, which comes into force next June. I understand that a final decision on that has still to be made by the Department for Transport. It would not be for my Department to lead here in the North but for DRD.”
“Each submission was the subject of public consultation, and a significant number of representations was received. Interested parties also had the opportunity to submit evidence and appear before the PAC at the public inquiry. Now that the PAC report and recommendations have been formulated considering all that evidence, it is not intended to consult any parties on the PAC report or to reopen the debate. It is now for my Department and the airport to agree whether and how the agreement should be modified, taking into account the independent recommendations of the public inquiry.”
“There clearly are differing views. I have a degree of sympathy for those living in the immediate vicinity of the airport who feel that the noise has become too much. Under the current agreement with George Best Belfast City Airport, there are restrictions on seat numbers as well as on the times of air traffic. Some of the breaches of times, for example, that residents and objectors to the noise coming from the airport have pointed to are beyond the control of George Best Belfast City Airport, which I met last year and which convinced me that it was doing all in its power to address those issues. They are serious issues that cause residents serious concern. <BR /> <BR />The airport's proposals were received in March 2012, and a revised proposal and further information was received in 2013.”
“The report will subsequently be made available to other stakeholders and the general public after it has been disclosed to the airport itself as the other party to the planning agreement.”
“I thank the Member for the question and the supplementary. Many residents in this vicinity have concerns about the impact of noise at airports. As someone who lives near the City of Derry Airport, I have a concern that there is not enough noise; I would love to see and hear more flights coming in and going out on a daily basis. <BR /> <BR />The Department received the PAC report of the public inquiry into the proposed modification of the planning agreement with George Best Belfast City Airport on 30 October this year. Interested parties were notified that it had been received. Before releasing the report, which I have not yet seen, I will consider the advice of my Department on whether and how the agreement should or could be modified.”
“Thus, planning agreements can be used to control noise at airports. George Best Belfast City Airport is the only Northern Ireland airport to have had a planning agreement in force since 1997. <BR /> <BR />My Department's strategic planning policy statement (SPPS), published in September, emphasises the need for planning authorities to take account of the full range of environmental and amenity considerations, including noise impacts, when formulating development plan policies such as zoning land for particular uses, developing key site requirements and also in determining planning applications. Consultation with relevant experts, including environmental health professionals, may be necessary, and it is important that authorities reach balanced decisions that weigh noise impacts against all other relevant material considerations.”
“My Department controls noise from airports through a number of policy areas. The environmental noise directive requires member states to undertake mapping of road, rail, industry and airport noise sources every five years and subsequently produce noise action plans. Noise maps were prepared in 2012 based on 2011 noise source data. Both Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport prepared noise action plans during 2013, which I have approved following a public consultation. <BR /> <BR />Noise at airports can be controlled by a planning agreement. Planning agreements are established under section 76 of the Planning Act 2011 and are used to overcome obstacles to the grant of planning permission where these cannot be addressed through planning conditions.”
“I believe that the outcome of my discussion document on proposals for taking forward our own climate change legislation and the update from the Committee on Climate Change on the appropriateness of a Northern Ireland climate change Act, along with the outcome of the climate change conference in Paris, will ensure that we are well placed to make a climate change Bill central to the work programme of the new Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. I will also endeavour — I look forward to support — to ensure that the passage of this vital legislation is central to the next Programme for Government.”
“These include ensuring that we contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the setting of a long-term target; providing powers to set interim targets that would assist in evaluating progress being made to the long-term target while ensuring that we remain competitive in a global economic market; and providing powers to establish an independent climate change advisory body. <BR /> <BR />In parallel with this exercise, at my request, the Committee on Climate Change is working on an update on its 2011 report 'The Appropriateness of a Northern Ireland Climate Change Act'. That update is expected to be published next month.”
“I think that he would also be very interested to learn which Ministers resistance is coming from. <BR /> <BR />I see Northern Ireland climate change legislation as part of a strategy in achieving my aim. That is why I have issued a discussion document to stakeholders that outlines my thoughts on climate change legislation and seeks their support for the introduction of a climate change Bill in the next Assembly term. My discussion document seeks the views of stakeholders on a range of proposals that I would like to see included in a future Northern Ireland climate change Bill.”
“Paul Frew wondered whether agreement was possible at Paris. I seem to remember his party saying that agreement would not be possible at Stormont House unless certain conditions were met. They were not met, but there was agreement. Without seeing a climate change Bill for Northern Ireland, he has said that the DUP will not support a climate change Bill for Northern Ireland. It seems as though the DUP is doing a Meatloaf song: "We would do anything to stop climate change, but we won't do that." <BR /> <BR />Phil Flanagan made a very pertinent point on the wasted opportunity that was the green new deal. He referred, as did Alban Maginness, to the leadership that was shown by the Churches. Recently, I met Church leaders from across the island. He would be interested to learn about the deliberations that I have had in progressing legislation.”
“Most importantly, we must deliver for our people, from how we deliver our services as a Government to the support that we provide to business. They must see the benefits of attracting business and industry in the jobs that they deliver and in how, together, through efficiency, planning and innovation, we can deliver a better environment for all. <BR /> <BR />I want to pick up on some of the points that were raised, while I have a wee minute.”
“That could have a significant adverse effect on the future projected performance against the PFG target for greenhouse gas emission reduction. <BR /> <BR />It is incumbent on government to show leadership and to act as a driver for action. That is why I am fully committed to ensuring that the North plays its full part in minimising emissions. I have strenuously supported having our own climate change legislation, which would provide clarity and the long-term certainty that business and industry need. It would create the environment to drive and encourage innovation, to plan effectively in the technology needed and to generate employment as we make the transition to a low-carbon economy and a more sustainable and just society. In doing so, we could deliver my vision of a better environment and a stronger economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />While current projections indicate that we are close to the target of a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, its achievement remains challenging. There remains considerable uncertainty due to the range of variables, policies and issues that have the potential to lead to a slowdown in the rate of reduction or even to an increase in emissions. That could be anything from a cold winter, the rate of economic growth or a change in government policy. One such example is the recent DETI proposal on the closure of the Northern Ireland renewables obligations (NIRO) for onshore wind development. It is estimated that the closure could result in energy from renewable resources making up only 30% of the required demand by 2020 and not the 40% indicated in the strategic energy framework.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have reduced the amount of waste going to landfill, increased recycling and supported innovative projects that match my desire to work towards zero waste and a circular economy. Mr Boylan referred to disparities across councils when it came to recycling policies. That is something that I am acutely aware of. I have made no secret of my preference to move towards a single waste authority and the implementation of uniformity across councils. The simpler we make recycling, the easier it will be for people to do and the more successful it will be. The Member also referred to an increase in the incidence of severe weather, as did others, although I have not seen many of the heatwaves that Cathal referred to.”
“The infrastructure is there, and people are slowly but surely switching on to the merits of electric vehicles. <BR /> <BR />In my Department, I have agreed voluntary prosperity agreements with several companies, through which the NIEA and an organisation or business can explore innovative approaches to reducing environmental impacts in ways that create prosperity and well-being. Those who have signed up to the agreements are already seeing the benefits to the planet and, importantly, to their pockets. <BR /> <BR />The message is also being brought to future generations. I am proud to say that Northern Ireland is the first place in the world to achieve 100% Eco-School status. We are creating little eco-warriers in every school across the North.”
“Our energy sector has significantly reduced its emissions from electricity generation, while our renewables sector has expanded its contribution to our energy demand. Our agriculture sector has been working hard to reduce carbon inputs in its production, thus helping its promotion in global markets. Mr Irwin expressed concerns about potential costs for the agriculture sector: it is important that we look at the work that has been done in other jurisdictions, particularly the South, which has a similar reliance on agriculture for its economy. Through work on carbon-intensity indicators, there has been no negative impact on productivity. While their Origin Green policy drives it forward, our orange and green politics hold us back. Mr Boylan referred to the transport sector. It has seen the development of an e-car infrastructure.”
“I will try to get you in later. I have a lot to get through. I am not trying to freeze you out. <BR /> <BR />I will continue to work across all Departments to examine and report on emissions reduction performance both within Departments and through partnership working across Departments and with other stakeholders. I will also continue to encourage, identify and promote current and new actions to reduce emissions and to monitor their effectiveness. The motion calls on me, with Executive colleagues, to step up efforts and consider innovative approaches to help reduce emissions and move to a low-carbon economy. To date, we have developed mitigation and adaptation plans and annual reporting mechanisms to the Executive. There is no doubt that we are making progress.”
“Mr Agnew, rightly in my opinion, asked what had been done since the debate last year that — unexpectedly, I suppose — gave me a mandate to pursue climate change legislation through the Executive. Mr Flanagan asked something similar. While I was given a mandate, what was demonstrated that day and again today is that there is no consensus on the issue. I have been working to build consensus and to build momentum for climate change legislation. While some parties and Departments are still reluctant, it is them and not us who are the King Canutes here. They are standing against a growing tide of scientific and public opinion.”
“This funding is essential in order to help developing countries with their plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The international agreement must be supported by a comprehensive monitoring and reporting regime and enshrined in a legally binding agreement to ensure that countries abide by their commitments. If we achieve a successful outcome on the issue in Paris, we will offer those in poverty the opportunity to build for a sustainable future and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. <BR /> <BR />At home, we must also play our part and make our contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As outlined in the Committee's motion, the current projected reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for the North is 33·3% by 2025, based on 1990 levels, and falls just short of the PFG target of 35%.”
“I will engage with other Environment Ministers and attend events that focus on how Governments at the devolved and regional level can take action to invest in sustainable economies that deliver the benefit of reduced emissions, job creation and security. It is also my intention to engage with representatives from charities such as Christian Aid, Trócaire and the Mary Robinson Foundation, some of whose good work has been mentioned today. My aim is to encourage and provide support for a comprehensive global agreement on climate change action that ensures that we fulfil our moral responsibility to protect the poorest and most vulnerable people and regions from the dangers of climate change. <BR /> <BR />I also firmly support objectives for any agreement at Paris that will secure additional funding from 2020 onwards.”
“I fully endorse the EU’s climate change ambition set out in that approach and the meaningful contribution that it makes to a balanced global agreement in Paris. The COP in Paris and the proposed international agreement on contributions is the biggest of its kind to take place, gathering together the countries that are responsible for 86% of global emissions. This is about four times the amount of global emissions covered by the Kyoto protocol, the world's first carbon-cutting treaty. <BR /> <BR />In Paris, I will be part of the UK delegation and therefore involved in discussions around the Secretary of State's negotiation position.”
“At COP21, I will work closely with the UK Government, devolved Administrations and the Irish Government in supporting efforts to reach an ambitious and robust international agreement. In preparation for the conference, countries have publicly outlined what post-2020 climate actions they intend to take under a new international agreement. Those contributions will largely determine whether the world achieves an ambitious agreement in Paris that puts us on a path towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. <BR /> <BR />In March this year, the 28 member states of the EU submitted their intended nationally determined contributions giving a commitment to an EU-binding target of at least a 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared with 1990.”
“<BR /> <BR />International efforts are necessary to ensure protection of humankind and our planet and to limit the increase in global average temperature to below 2°C, increases above which would lead to significant and dangerous climate impacts throughout the world.”
“I might come to you later, Basil. <BR /> <BR />The reports highlighted that climate change is set to inflict severe, widespread and irreversible impacts on people and the natural world unless carbon emissions are cut sharply and rapidly. The truth is that climate change presents the biggest worldwide challenge of our time. It presents the greatest risk to our health, environment and economies, and it will affect us all no matter where we live. <BR /> <BR />However, the gravest injustice is that climate change hits hardest the developing world, those who have done the least to cause it. I firmly believe that we have a moral responsibility to protect the poorest and most vulnerable groups and regions from the dangers of climate change, and it is critical that we take action now.”
“I thank the Chairperson of the Environment Committee and the Committee itself for proposing this very timely debate on climate change, which corresponds with the opening day of the Conference of the Parties in Paris. I also thank Stephen Agnew for tabling his amendment to the motion, and I am grateful to all Members for their contributions to this very important debate. <BR /> <BR />As most Members pointed out in their contributions, the mounting evidence on the speed and impact of climate change is indisputable. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports published last year set out the overwhelming scientific evidence that current climate change impacts are set to increase and will do so dramatically unless urgent action is taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Before yesterday's Executive meeting, an agenda and papers were circulated to us half an hour in advance. <BR /> <BR />This is not the way to do business. We should not be asked to vote on something blind, whether in favour of it or against it. I certainly support calls for a deferral of such a decision.”
“Mr Allister cited the date that is given in the document and said that agreement must be reached by a date not later than the week commencing 23 November, which is next week. <BR /> <BR />Also in the document is a throwback to the Stormont House Agreement, institutional reform and how we improve the way that we do business around here. Paragraph 62 on page 36 states:”
“A proposal was made at yesterday's Executive meeting and supported by the SDLP to defer any decision on the deal until next week. Evidently, there is great haste to get the deal across the line. Anyone would think that there must be something happening at the weekend.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I support Mr Allister's proposal.”
“That mechanism can, could, and, I believe, would enable projects such as those discussed today to progress. It is my understanding that the Chancellor's door is open to a bid from the Executive for such a deal. After all, the door of Number 10 was open to OFMDFM last week. All the Executive need do is ask for it, and I am hopeful of the Minister's support for that as a means of helping her to deliver these long, long overdue improvements.”
“<BR /> <BR />In her own contribution, I am glad to say that the Minister clearly recognised that investment in transport infrastructure lays the foundation for our future economic development. She spoke of her priorities and the need to plan for the needs of our economy and, most important, the needs of our people. I am certainly happy to take the Minister's word that she will work hard to progress those issues, and I assure her of my support in the Executive, and that of my party in the Assembly, as she does so. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I hark back to the debate this afternoon on regional economic imbalance. Transport infrastructure has a clear role to play in addressing that undeniable imbalance. During that debate, I raised again the prospect and potential of a city deal to regenerate the north-west's economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have to move to dispel the theory promulgated by all the unionist Members who spoke that if we, on this side of the House, had rolled over to Tory welfare reform, all these roads would not only have been built but probably paved with gold. The SDLP tabled workable, realistic, affordable amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill, and parties here voted them down. We have no problem with welfare reform, but we will not accept unfair reform. <BR /> <BR />Claire Hanna referred to the, by now, infamous great bike and train race that demonstrated clearly that, despite the expenditure, the undeniable improvements in infrastructure, and the increase in passenger numbers on the Derry/Belfast train line, there is still much to do. Danny Kennedy, though, was probably secretly happy that the cyclist won.”
“Saving lives should be paramount in everything that we do, so, still with my Environment hat on, I agree with the Member on that. <BR /> <BR />I thank George Robinson for his support for the motion and the virtual tour of his constituency. Declan McAleer urged the Minister to speed up progress on the A5. He spoke of Derry port and the success that the team at the port have had in comparatively unfavourable conditions. I pay tribute to the team there. We can all work to expand on their success. He pointed out, quite rightly, the links between underdevelopment and unemployment and economic inactivity. Gary Middleton cited the recent Manufacturing NI report, which is an extremely interesting document that I recommend to Members. We are glad of his support, as well, for proposals around the Waterside train station.”
“He referred to particular stretches of the A5. That got me thinking about road safety, more with my departmental hat on. The A5 has a particularly horrendous record of collisions, casualties and fatalities. Improving infrastructure does not just save journey time; it saves lives.”
“I can assure the House that my party will be seeking to prioritise it there as well. <BR /> <BR />Mr Cochrane-Watson welcomed the work that has been done on the railway. He said that, around 50 years ago, the Government here announced their intention to build a motorway between Belfast and Derry. The fact that that has not been done to date is shameful. I am not going to try to apportion blame anywhere — we all get a fair share of the blame from our constituents — but it really is shameful. I certainly welcome his reiteration that the UUP will support the vital A5 project, which will benefit not just the west of the North but also our friends in the north-west of the South. Donegal has suffered equally due to its peripherality. <BR /> <BR />Trevor Lunn spoke about the daily bottleneck at Moneynick.”
“Would all of that have been given to Danny Kennedy to build new roads and improve rail infrastructure? I find it difficult to believe that it would, given that, when there was a proposal to ring-fence the underspend or the money that could not be spent on the A5 and retain it within DRD for spend on this type of project, the Member's party and Sinn Féin voted it down. <BR /> <BR />We then had a contribution from Cathal Ó hOisín and an intervention from Mr McCartney looking at alternative sources of funding. It is vital that we are open to doing that. However, it is also unacceptable that a key pillar of the north-west's economic regeneration — indeed, economic survival — should or could be caught up in wider policy debates. Mr Ó hOisín said that the north-west must be prioritised in the Programme for Government.”
“There are awful problems there with congestion and pollution. That bypass is long overdue. However, when it comes to Dungiven, it is fair to say that it has been bypassed for 50 years. John also looked enviously at road development and infrastructure advances that have been made in the South. <BR /> <BR />Trevor Clarke, the Committee Chair, spoke of the A6. I actually met him in Derry one morning. He had travelled up the night before and seemed a wee bit bedraggled. I will put it down to the journey. He touched on the wider economic benefits of investing in infrastructure. He referred to the QPA and the fact that so many jobs can be created in the construction industry through ambitious road building programmes. He referred to welfare reform and the £214 million that has not been handed back. I do not know.”
“Had it not been not for the passion and vision of people like John Dallat and the lobby group Into the West, which is from our city, Mr Speaker, the service would not have been saved, there would have been no subsequent investment in it, and there would certainly not have been the benefit that we all now see as a result. <BR /> <BR />John Dallat spoke about the Dungiven bypass, which I am familiar with.”
“For some time now, I have been saying that Derry is the future, but it is clear that successive Ministers for Regional Development have thought that Derry is the future and does not "need roads". <BR /> <BR />I turn to the contributions to today's debate. John Dallat, who has long been a champion of infrastructure projects, particularly the A5, the Belfast to Derry train, the A6, and, of course, the Magilligan to Greencastle ferry, referred to recommendations a few years back by DRD officials to close the Derry to Belfast rail line.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for that, welcome her here and reiterate my commitment to working with her in the Assembly and Executive. <BR /> <BR />The Minister comes fresh to the debate, but, for many of us, debating the infrastructural deficit in the north-west will seem quite like the film 'Groundhog Day'. It also gets me thinking of another film. Just a few weeks ago, we marked 'Back to the Future' day. In the film, Marty McFly travelled 30 years into the future to 21 October 2015. Before setting off on that remarkable journey, Doc — Dr Emmett Brown, to give him his full title — exclaimed the immortal line:”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. He referred to the regional disparities that exist in the UK. Has he looked at the tools that have been adopted or introduced to tackle those disparities, namely city deals? Does he see and accept the merits for a city deal to tackle the economic regional imbalance here, namely for Derry and the north-west?”
“I thank the Minister for that statistic. Whilst we certainly welcome a reduction in the number of people who are unemployed, does he have a corresponding figure for the number of people in employment? Has there been an increase in the number of people in employment?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. To give some clarification: the group met twice. The second meeting comprised, I think, OFMDFM and the Minister for Employment and Learning. No other Ministers were available for that, despite my insistence that the Minister for Regional Development should be at those meetings, should be invited to those meetings and that none of those meetings should take place in his absence. Would the Member agree with me that it is more of a wasted opportunities group than a regional opportunities group?”
“I would be happy to meet the community group or groups to which the Member referred, as I have already met people from diverse communities, shall we say, to discuss this issue as well, as I said earlier, as continuing discussions with councils and other Departments and agencies.”