Gordon Dunne
North Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />As has been acknowledged, stalking is a unique crime, and perpetrators often have obsessive behaviours that can develop over time and be difficult to deal with properly. They are often evolving behaviour traits that start at an early stage and can turn out to be very sinister over time.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on the Second Stage of the Protection from Stalking Bill. The moving of this Bill to the Second Stage in its legislative journey is timely and complements the recently completed passage of the domestic abuse Bill.”
“That will support the PSNI and increase the tools available to it and will enable early police intervention, pre-conviction, to address stalking behaviours to protect victims from more serious harm. That intervention will equally be able to be made post-conviction to prevent further stalking.”
“I know from engaging with the PSNI in my North Down constituency that they very much share the view that additional measures and resources are needed to tackle the problem across our local communities. It is widely recognised that our laws in this area need to be strengthened.”
“Part 1 of the Bill rightly prioritises that to improve the operation of the justice system and, ultimately, to better support victims. It is important to ensure that stalking conduct does not fall between the cracks because of poorly drafted legislation or a lack of awareness by those responsible for its implementation.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome your commitment on rates for businesses, which will continue into the new financial year. Will you take some responsibility for the build-up of underspend? Several bids from the Department for the Economy were undercut and not fully funded.”
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“It is vital that the Minister focus on that in these difficult times. It is important that that focus remains. <BR /> <BR />Health promotion and public awareness campaigns that encourage healthier living all have a key role to play in helping to tackle cancer. Encouraging a healthier lifestyle, better diets, more exercise, and reducing smoking and alcohol consumption are all measures that should be worked on and fully encouraged. I support the motion.”
“It is worth commending the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund and Pancreatic Cancer UK for the important work that they do in supporting families and patients. <BR /> <BR />Education is important for improving and better targeting in our communities through public awareness campaigns and outreach programmes to raise awareness of the condition, its symptoms and measures to decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer developing. I recently spoke with a patient who is suffering from that terrible condition and who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. I urge the Minister to continue to support the funding of drugs for cancer sufferers. That patient is on life-prolonging drugs that are available through the system. We certainly appreciate that. We further urge the Minister to continue with the campaign for drugs in the battle against cancer.”
“It is important that GPs be fully competent in identifying such symptoms. <BR /> <BR />We need to do all we can to improve pancreatic cancer survival rates across Northern Ireland; the statistic that the average survival rate for a pancreatic cancer patient is just two to six months from diagnosis is shocking. That is largely due to the fact that, by the time the disease is diagnosed, it is often too late for curative surgical treatment. Sadly, about 80% of patients are diagnosed at a point where the disease has seriously advanced. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to and commend the charities and organisations that work with cancer sufferers and their families daily by providing support at such a difficult time for everyone suffering from that terrible condition.”
“There is a real issue with pancreatic cancer, in that it is difficult to diagnose and its symptoms often mirror those of other, less critical, non-threatening conditions. That is why pancreatic cancer has become known as the "silent killer". The fact that this form of cancer affects men and women equally is further confirmation that improvements need to be made in the fight against this terrible condition. <BR /> <BR />I fully support the sentiment in the motion, which asks the Minister to continue to work towards improving the diagnosis of the condition. Early diagnosis is vital. We need to reduce misdiagnosis across the health sector. The role of our GPs is vital in ensuring early diagnosis. Patients must be encouraged to report any symptoms at the earliest possible stage.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate on what is a very serious issue, and something that continues to have an impact on many families across Northern Ireland. Pancreatic cancer is yet another terrible form of cancer that can often have tragic consequences; it is a cancer that must be taken very seriously. Sadly, this cancer is now responsible for around 6% of all cancer deaths across Northern Ireland, which equates to around 200 deaths per year. It is now the fifth leading cause of UK cancer deaths. <BR /> <BR />One of the most worrying statistics is that the five-year survival rate of 3% has not improved in over 40 years, while survival rates for other cancers have, thankfully, increased.”
“Will the Minister give us an assurance today that she will be in contact with Cliftonville Football Club about the issue and give us a further assurance that this will not reoccur?”
“I thank our new Minister for his very intensive answers today. Can he give us an update on the ongoing capital scheme at the Ulster Hospital, which will, I understand, include a new A&E unit?”
“I thank the Minister for his detailed answer. Will he assure us that he will continue with the scheme?”
“I, too, welcome the Minister here today. Can he give us some assurance about the excellent work of the children's hospital at the Royal, especially the Clark Clinic? Will the excellent work that they do there before and after operations — they carry out operations at the moment — continue? Can he give us an assurance that that will continue at the current high standard? Also, it is important that we recognise the excellent work done by the Children's Heartbeat Trust in the lobbying and campaigning that it has done on this issue. A number of us, when we were newly elected, found this to be one of the first issues raised with us.”
“This would not be open to every older person who wants to live in a community-type environment. Therefore, from the Department's and the trusts' point of view, given that supported housing is expensive, it is very targeted at those who would most benefit from it. <BR /> <BR />There are mixed messages out there about the criteria and the definition of supported living and what it means to many organisations. We need clear leadership on the provision of supported living. We need a joined-up effort between the Department of Health, the health trusts and DSD. <BR /> <BR />The provision of suitable accommodation for our older people must become a priority. The definitions need to be clear and based on need and demand. I look forward to the new Minister giving us all the answers.”
“The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations describes supported living as being an option for a significant proportion of our ageing population. The Health and Social Care Board talks about supported living for suitable people who need care and house-based support to allow them to live in their own accommodation. It is clear that there is a group of people who cannot live or choose not to live on their own any longer and need a level of support. However, the trusts have a different approach. <BR /> <BR />The Belfast Trust stated to us that it was suitable only for a very small percentage of older people and that it was an expensive model of care, which is very specialised and expensive on the capital and revenue side. It needs to be targeted at people who are most in need and would most benefit from the model.”
“In many cases, the buildings for supported housing will be provided by housing associations, such as Fold, and the management of same will be run by the trusts. <BR /> <BR />During our discussions, as has already been mentioned by other Members, there was a clear issue in relation to a difference of understanding of the terms, what supported living really means and how it varies between the Health and Social Care Board and the trusts. In 2012, 'Who Cares? The Future of Adult Care and Support in Northern Ireland' was commissioned by DHSSPS and DSD. The report clearly stated that supported housing provided people with that little extra help and security while enabling them to remain in the domestic environment for as long as possible.”
“I, too, welcome the motion and the work that was done by the Health Committee in providing the report on the review of supported living for older people. During the controversy over the proposed changes to residential care resulting from the Transforming Your Care programme, which we are all fully aware of, it was clear that there was a real issue around the provision of alternative suitable accommodation for elderly people. From the evidence that we have gathered, it is clear that many people were not aware of the opportunities and alternatives that were available or, in many cases, were not available. So, it is absolutely recognised that there is a clear need for the provision of such alternatives by the Health Department, in a joint effort with DSD. The Committee clearly recognised the need for such provision throughout our community.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree, though, that it is important that there is an increase in public awareness of his transitional arrangements to give some assurance to the public that they are not going to be hit with a massive increase in their bill?”
“I, too, thank the Minister for his contribution in relation to PPS 21. Does he fully recognise the need to amend PPS 21 to allow for some flexibility, so that people brought up in the countryside are included in applications under a measured scheme, but one that gives a chance to families to remain in areas where they were brought up?”
“Can the Minister clarify the new role that the Consumer Council has in relation to postal services in Northern Ireland?”
“We appreciate the work done and the fact that it is carried out to a good standard. I put it on record that, in the main, the work done by our contractors is to a good standard, and residents certainly appreciate that. However, the public rightly expect these services to be delivered and not to be left in the dark.”
“It is unacceptable that fewer than a quarter of the street lights reported out over the last few months have been repaired. As mentioned, winter gritting and snow clearance are other major issues of concern to elected representatives. Will they be prioritised? Are we prepared for a harsh winter? What services does DRD have available under its present budget? <BR /> <BR />Despite this dark picture, some positive work has been carried out. As an elected representative, I continue to work regularly with local section engineers and officers who work hard in difficult circumstances. In the North Down area, we have seen positive resurfacing programmes locally, and parts of the A2 Bangor dual carriageway have been resurfaced. A number of residential areas have had new footpaths and street lights, and their roads have been resurfaced.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister could see that the decision to cut the resource budget would have maximum impact on the public across all our constituencies. Other relatively small-scale and often non-essential capital schemes that would have had less impact on ratepayers could have been considered, but I understand that the Minister cannot flex between his capital and resource budgets. Surely, though, stalling some small capital schemes would have made more sense. <BR /> <BR />Street lighting continues to be another major issue as the winter months approach. I have seen for myself that contractors often need only one man with a lift to do the work, but DRD in-house workers often require two or three operators to carry out the same job. I wonder how efficient that is and how real savings will be made in the long term.”
“I appreciate that, as I represent a partially rural area. I am very much aware that there are areas where the grass has not been cut at all. However, I understand that DRD has different criteria and standards for rural and urban areas. <BR /> <BR />I made a point about DRD taking on the work of contractors. I wonder how cost-effective that decision was when you consider the overtime involved and the weekends that DRD staff have worked and continue to work to meet the demand for services such as grass cutting. Every year, we struggle to get the grass cut five times on the A2 Bangor dual carriageway. This year, there were serious road safety issues, and local farmers had to cut sections of grass to create an appropriate sight line for entering their farms. Those were serious road safety issues and need to be addressed as a priority.”
“The decision influenced many external contractors who were carrying out much of the DRD maintenance work. In return, DRD brought in its own in-house contractors to take over the work that other contractors had been doing. However, in a number of cases, they have struggled. In the case of grass cutting, they have struggled to carry out the statutory five cuts a year on the main carriageways, such as the A2 Bangor dual carriageway. Eventually, the third cut was recently completed by DRD in-house contractors.”
“I also welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. As an MLA, I listen daily to genuine concerns about DRD road issues. Road maintenance, footpaths, weeds and street lights are amongst the most common issues raised with me throughout my many years as an elected representative for North Down. Ratepayers, who are also taxpayers, expect those services to be maintained to proper standards and to have safe and serviceable roads in our constituencies. <BR /> <BR />Since the June monitoring round, when Minister Kennedy confirmed an additional £12 million for the structural maintenance of roads and funding that, I understand, was for the development of the Belfast transport hub, there seems to have been a significant shortfall in the resources budget.”
“There is no doubt that renewable energy can have economic and environmental benefits whilst reducing our exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices and helping us to achieve further energy independence in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />We note the potential of deep geothermal energy to meet some of our heating and electricity needs. However, we have to be realistic about the challenges and barriers that exist in that field. There is room for further research and investigation on geothermal energy to allow it to become part of our energy mix.”
“it is hydrofracturing — fracturing the rock with hydraulic pressure. <BR /> <BR />There are shallow ground-source heat pumps being used in Northern Ireland that have benefited from the Northern Ireland renewable heat incentive scheme. I welcome the range of renewable technologies being supported through the Department's strategic energy framework, with a range of renewable electricity and heat technologies all eligible for such support. <BR /> <BR />To help create sustainable high-value jobs in the renewable energy sector, develop the green economy, which we are all so keen on, and enhance security of supply, it is vital that the Executive do all in their power to ensure that the proposed North/South electricity interconnector is progressed as soon as possible.”
“Yes, to clarify for the Member, that is exactly what I said: it sounds like fracking to me. We have got to be frack about it,”
“However, we cannot ignore the significant challenges that exist in this field, not least the financial investment that will be needed to make any project viable and realistic. <BR /> <BR />Any deep geothermal projects would require all of the necessary planning and environmental impact assessments to be carried out and considered. The depth of the bore holes required would be somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 metres. That is the depth required to get temperatures in the region of 150°C to 200°C. Water is then injected to ensure fracturing of the rock. Hydrofracturing sounds like fracking to me. Cold water is then pumped down and brought back to the surface as hot water and can be used for electricity generation or district heating schemes.”
“Not only is a strong, indigenous and sustainable energy sector vital for the economy, job creation and security of supply, it is also in the best interests of consumers. Supporting further growth in the sustainable energy sector will mean that Northern Ireland is much less reliant on the importing of fossil fuels and thus less exposed to volatile international prices. However, we must be realistic about the form of renewable energy we can provide here. <BR /> <BR />The UK does not have the resource potential of volcanic regions like New Zealand and Iceland, but in some locations underground temperatures have limited potential for deep geothermal projects. Therefore, we should give due consideration to the potential of geothermal energy.”
“Renewable energy has a key role to play as an alternative energy source, and it is something that must continue to be developed.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion today. I think that we all recognise the ever-increasing costs of energy, with almost 70% of our householders still depending on home heating oil as their main form of heat. We all recognise the need to explore all viable options for providing alternative energy sources. <BR /> <BR />Energy costs are consistently cited as one of the main challenges for businesses here. Energy is a very important issue that affects everyone across Northern Ireland. Therefore, it is imperative that we continue to look at all possible options to ensure that we maximise our potential in developing and improving our energy supplies. It is also important that we continue to keep focused on meeting DETI's 2020 renewable energy targets of generating 40% of energy from renewables.”
“Does the Minister recognise the need for greater participation by all in sport, and does she agree that the better use of shared facilities between schools and local government would make a positive contribution to that?”
“— to ensure delivery for the people of Northern Ireland and to encourage greater economic development for all of us here.”
“That means that, whether a letter is posted from Larne to Limerick or Cornwall to Cork, it has to be charged at the same uniform price. <BR /> <BR />The 2014 Ofcom report stated that almost half — 47% — of adults in Northern Ireland perceived the pricing structure to the Republic as offering poor value for money. Therefore, there is certainly room for improvement. In the best interests of local businesses and residents, we need to do all that we can —”
“It may be the subject of further discussion at such a meeting. <BR /> <BR />As two organisations are involved, that leads to added time. However, there is room for improvement, and there should be greater collaboration between the two companies to streamline the process, to form a more strategic alliance and, ultimately, to deliver a better service for all users. It is worth reminding the House of the greater economic benefits that local businesses have as a result of being within the United Kingdom. Royal Mail provides a six-day service at a uniform price across the UK, which greatly assists many people here and is something that I am sure all Members of the House will fully agree with. Under regulations, Royal Mail must provide at least one standard international postal service at a uniform tariff within the UK.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. It is my clear understanding that it is a reserved matter and is not the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assembly.”
“We have seen an increase in competition from alternative courier and delivery services in recent years. That competition is very welcome in the business community; it is healthy and should be further encouraged. People accuse Royal Mail of taking 2·14 working days to deliver a letter from Belfast to Dublin, yet there is next-day delivery from Belfast to London. We need to remember that next-day delivery is not just dependent on distance and that two factors come into play. When a letter leaves the UK and goes into the Republic, it ceases to be under the jurisdiction of Royal Mail and transfers to An Post.”
“There is no doubt that Royal Mail is highly regarded in Northern Ireland by both domestic users and local businesses; the statistics back that up. Consider the Ofcom report of 2014, which stated that nine out of 10 people in Northern Ireland — 89% — are satisfied with Royal Mail, compared with 86% across the UK. During the Ofcom consultation, responses were sought regarding satisfaction with specific aspects of Royal Mail's service across six categories, and the Northern Ireland figures were above the UK average in every category. It is worth pointing out that, unlike Royal Mail, An Post does not deliver on Saturdays, so there is room for improvement across the sector and not just by Royal Mail.”
“<BR /> <BR />The 2010 Consumer Focus Post report stated that over two thirds — 68% — of businesses here post to the Republic regularly, with a further 45% of those stating that the cross-border post is:”
“for all customers and business users. Our constituents quite rightly deserve a cost-effective and efficient postal delivery service, and it is vital for our businesses in these tough economic conditions that competitive postal services are available to all users to meet their postal needs. <BR /> <BR />Despite the digital revolution, we are still reliant on our postal service, and the post remains a very important form of communication for many customers. Indeed, with the ever-increasing use of online retail, the issue of postal charges is timely. We must also recognise the importance of cross-border business between Northern Ireland and the Republic. One of our main export bases is the Republic, so it is important that we ensure that we maximise every opportunity for further business growth and development.”
“I also welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. As the motion states, we fully recognise:”
“Does the Minister recognise public concern about bonuses — probably better known as clinical excellence awards — paid to consultants, and has he any plans to review them?”
“A local cancer treatment unit will provide for the people of the north-west and beyond, into the border areas of Donegal, providing a service for such treatments on a repayment basis. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that savings and streamlining must continue to be a priority across our health service. I know that the Minister will continue to prioritise effective and necessary savings while reducing wastage. We must stand united on this issue and ensure that our health service continues to deliver and develop for our day and generation.”
“We should all stand and work with him and our Executive colleagues at this time to get the best possible deal for our health service as we move forward. <BR /> <BR />I call on our Minister to work with his Executive colleagues to make available the £1·5 million per annum that is required to ensure the full range of services at the cath lab and to fund the appointment of critical staff to avoid any further delay at the new Altnagelvin radiotherapy unit. This is an important development because it will serve the people of the Western Trust area who currently have to travel to the regional cancer centre in Belfast City Hospital, which, as was mentioned, is working at almost maximum capacity.”
“<BR /> <BR />Funding remains a key challenge across our health service, and, unfortunately, the knock-on impact of the current financial challenges may affect our whole Province. Both the primary PCI service and the radiotherapy unit are key priorities for our Health Minister. I know that he recognises the importance of these services for the people of the north-west. That was underlined when he gave the green light to the radiotherapy unit shortly after taking up office in 2011. <BR /> <BR />The Minister also visited the hospital recently to confirm the commencement of the 24/7 primary PCI service, which provides state-of-the-art treatment for approximately 300 patients annually: those suffering from heart attacks. It is very clear that our Minister fully supports investing in and improving services in Altnagelvin.”
“I also welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion about what continues to be a very important issue for people throughout Northern Ireland. Our health service is crucial for everyone — young or old, rich or poor — and it must continue to be a priority for our Executive. There is no doubt that Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry offers an important service to the people of the north-west and beyond. I endorse the opening words of the motion, which praise the professionalism and commitment of the staff in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area. Our health service staff are our greatest asset, and it is vital that we continue to acknowledge their dedication and commend their first-class level of service so that they are not taken for granted.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Can she indicate the approximate amount of funding that will be available? When does she see clubs being in a position to bid for that?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. In relation to cross-border tourism, will he give us an update on the availability of the new British-Irish visa scheme and the benefits that it will have for Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Can he give us an assurance about the long-term sustainability of the project? Is he confident that it will provide the much-needed theatre facility for north Down?”
“I commend the work that the Minister has done on the apprenticeships strategy. Considering the failure of Sinn Féin to agree on welfare reform, does he have any concerns about implications that a lack of funding may impact on his strategy?”
“<BR /> <BR />I will remember him as a great leader; in Europe, in Westminster, in the Northern Ireland Assembly and as First Minister. He made very brave decisions, and I think that he made the right decisions. I believe that the future of the Assembly is secure because of Ian Paisley. <BR /> <BR />An example of the outpouring from the people of the Province in respect of Dr Paisley happened on Friday. Shortly after the announcement was made, a lady came straight to our office in Holywood with a card for Mrs Paisley. A Roman Catholic lady, she had rushed out and bought a card and brought it to our office to be passed on as a mark of respect. <BR /> <BR />I think that I have said enough. Dr Paisley has run his race. He has finished the course. He has kept the faith.”
“Having moved to north Down, I got involved in politics there and was involved in many election campaigns. I remember the days in Bangor market. We had a famous lady from Bangor — I am sure that a lot of you remember Beryl Holland — who was a great friend and colleague of Dr Paisley's and, in many ways, challenged him about how he carried out his business. Those are just some of the people who backed Dr Paisley in the early days. The important thing he had was the ability to link with ordinary people. He always remembered the ordinary person on the street. That is an important lesson for all of us today. <BR /> <BR />As a pastor in the Martyrs Memorial church, Paisley conducted our wedding, almost 30 years ago. He dedicated our three children and he was a faithful minister and pastor for over 60 years.”