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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“<BR /> <BR />Those statistics were replicated across the UK, but, alarming as they are, just as alarming, if not more so, could be the number of cases of abuse that were not reported due to the fear of repercussions. Tragically, we will never see that figure — the number who remain silent — in our newspapers or in a Minister's answers, but those people must never be forgotten. That is why we need further progress on the issue. <BR /> <BR />The PSNI must be given tools that are robust and far-reaching, with legislation to support victims through any form of domestic abuse and, ultimately, bring the perpetrators to justice. I regularly engage with the PSNI in my North Down constituency and often hear of incidents of domestic violence.”
“Domestic incidents and crimes in Northern Ireland were already at a 15-year high before the COVID-19 pandemic, and data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) shows that, in the last year, the number of domestic abuse crime cases rose to 18,796. That is an increase of 13% on the previous year and an average of 51 incidents per day. According to the Department, over 8,300 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to the PSNI during the COVID-19 lockdown period between April and June of this year, and a further 567 domestic abuse calls were made to the police in the final week of March. Those alarming statistics confirm the need for action to tackle domestic abuse.”
“<BR /> <BR />As has been said, domestic abuse can affect everyone, regardless of their age, race, religion, gender, wealth, address or disability. Very often, it has no end point. It is torturous and, sadly, can result in generational harm that can never be repaired. Home should be the safest place for everyone. However, tragically, it can become the most dangerous place to be. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the COVID pandemic, with the lockdowns and periods of restrictions, places to escape from the home may have been closed, whether that was simply going to a football match or going out for a coffee, a haircut or a chat with friends or family members.”
“I pay tribute to North Down and Ards Women's Aid, which is based in Bangor in my constituency. I have had engaged with it and know that it plays a valuable role in supporting victims of domestic abuse. <BR /> <BR />Considerable work has been done to get to this advanced stage, and we have heard about that in great detail during the debate. That includes work by all members of the Committee, who have worked constructively to tailor the Bill to best meet local needs. From the various evidence-gathering engagements and sessions that the Justice Committee has had, I know that there is a united desire — almost united — to ensure that no stone is left unturned as we seek to eradicate this appalling abuse, which, unfortunately, still happens every day and night across Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />I acknowledge all the victims' agencies across the community and voluntary sector and the officials and justice agencies, including the PSNI, that continue to support victims of that most horrific form of abuse and which have constructively engaged in the process to get us to where we are today. The dedication of organisations that work to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland must be commended. They have, literally, been a lifesaver to so many people across our communities, giving victims security, safety and hope for the future. There is no doubt that there is greater public awareness of domestic abuse. That is down to the hard work of many groups and organisations across society that work day and night to tackle this serious issue.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak today on the important issue of domestic abuse. I welcome the significant steps that have been taken over recent years to get us to this advanced stage. I will not go in to all the details. I am very fortunate, as a DUP Member, to have two colleagues with great experience: the Chair, Paul Givan, and the former Chair, Paul Frew, who have covered the amendments in great detail. I am willing to follow their lead in relation to those issues. I do not always follow their lead, but I will do on this occasion.”
“Even today, there are significant pressures on court business and virtual measures can sometimes limit full engagement and participation in the justice system and have an adverse effect on getting justice and, ultimately, support for victims. It is always wiser to consider ways of improving our justice system in a way that benefits victims and witnesses, with the aim of reducing offending and, ultimately, delivering safer communities. <BR /> <BR />I am content to support the general aims of the Bill, and I think that it has the potential to deliver leaner and more effective justice processes for victims of crime, who should always be the number one priority for the Department.”
“Committal hearings can also often be subject to adjournments and delays for a number of reasons, which are often outside the control of victims and witnesses and which often add to their pain and frustration. We can learn lessons from other jurisdictions and ensure that any reforms are tailored and focused on making our justice system more efficient and effective. It is also important that there is a degree of flexibility with such a significant reform. That is why I believe that the use of orders in the Bill, which would allow other offences to be added, are an important tool. <BR /> <BR />The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for victims of crime, with some court business conducted virtually during the lockdown and ongoing periods of restrictions.”
“Magistrates' Courts conduct a very significant amount of business, and, often, Magistrates' Court lists are overflowing. However, it is important that we see an integrated approach to these reforms that mitigates the pressures on Crown Courts and ensures a managed, balance transaction approach. We do not want to just see the balance shifted from one court to another. The plan for a phased roll-out is a sensible approach that allows for flexibility and the tools to rebalance resources prudently. Although committal hearings are used to test evidence and determine if cases should proceed, it is very unusual for cases to be dismissed at that early stage, yet significant time and resources, including court time, are required, adding unnecessary costs and time to proceedings.”
“One of the most significant outworkings of the Bill will be to remove the need for victims and witnesses to give oral evidence twice, first at the committal hearing in the Magistrates' Court and then again at the Crown Court. Giving oral evidence can be very daunting and traumatic for victims and witnesses who may have suffered horrifically, and can often only add to the pain for an already distressed victim. <BR /> <BR />This will also cut down on duplication and help to streamline the process for the Courts and Tribunals Service, as well as the criminal justice agencies, and, most importantly, improve the experience for the victims of crime in their pursuit of justice. The Bill will also ultimately result in more cases getting to the Crown Court faster than is currently the case.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak today, as a member of the Justice Committee, on the Second Stage of the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill. There has been a significant amount of work done on this Bill within the Department, and that should be acknowledged. This Bill represents a real opportunity to speed up the justice process, make the justice system more fit for purpose and further support victims and witnesses. There is a strong case for reforming the committal process, and there is a body of evidence from external organisations both within the criminal justice system and outside it. The Gillen report and the Northern Ireland Office report of 2018 both carry recommendations which would, if implemented, significantly reform the current committal process. <BR /> <BR />This Bill seeks to achieve a number of key outcomes.”
“Will the Minister for the Economy, once again, highlight the bids that she has made and intends to make in relation to further support for businesses? Will she assure the House that that money will be available before the end of the financial year?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers today. I understand that the Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has £500 million, as has been mentioned, in COVID funding for the various Departments.”
“People pay road tax, but cyclists do not.”
“Is the Minister convinced that she is getting it right with her priorities? I appreciate her enthusiasm for greenways, cycle lanes and so on, but we need to get back to the basic principles of maintaining our existing road structure. Is the Minister convinced that she is getting it right? <BR /> <BR />I look at my constituency of North Down and the A2, which carries 45,000 vehicles per day. The drains are blocked. Following a strong campaign by us, the grass is now being cut twice a year and weeds are growing wild on the verges. That is not happening only in my constituency; Belfast, including south Belfast, which now has an SDLP MP, is an absolute disgrace. Weeds are growing on footpaths and grass verges. <BR /> <BR />Minister, with all due respect, you have your priorities wrong. We have a huge volume of vehicles —.”
“Can the Minister give an update on an increase in capacity for MOTs for vehicles moving forward? What is being done to try to accommodate the public in waiting inside the building in a safe and hygienic manner? At present, as I understand it, the public are left to wait in the rain, which is totally unacceptable.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answers. We all appreciate the urgent need for the appointment of a Victims' and Survivors' Commissioner. Can the First Minister assure us that the needs of victims will continue to be met until a commissioner has been appointed?”
“I thank the First Minister for her statement. In relation to the British-Irish Council, are there lessons to be learned from across the various Administrations in the management of COVID-19 and economic recovery?”
“We also need to get, as has been mentioned, the right infrastructure and connectivity in place by investing in our roads and in the rest of our transport network and by ensuring that Northern Ireland is digitally connected to the rest of the world through greater broadband and better mobile phone coverage, particularly in rural areas. <BR /> <BR />I know that the Minister very much recognises the value of our local manufacturing sector, and I know that she will continue to ensure that it gets the support that it requires to allow it to grow and become even more competitive in the future.”
“There are also significant opportunities for research and development and for the development of new products and equipment right across the manufacturing sectors, including our agri-food sector, our aerospace and defence industries and the quarrying sector, which is also a significant employer. It is worth remembering that 70% of manufacturing happens outside Belfast, and that highlights the regional spread of the manufacturing sector throughout Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Some of the key challenges facing our manufacturing sector include energy costs, rates, relatively high wages and having to compete in a very high quality and competitive global market.”
“That investment in a number of advanced manufacturing projects will be most welcome. The projects envisage investment in excess of £130 million right across Northern Ireland. I know that a significant amount of work has been done and is ongoing with our local councils to ensure delivery of these exciting and innovative projects. <BR /> <BR />Developing skills and apprenticeships for our young people through our universities and colleges is vital to a sustainable future and to ensuring that the right skills are in place for employers.”
“Creating the right conditions to improve our economic competitiveness and building on our export markets are key to truly developing this sector. Invest NI must continue to support our local manufacturers in the European and global markets. This is rightly a focus of the 'Rebuilding a Stronger Economy' medium-term plan that our Minister published in June. The Economy Minister and I recently visited the Denroy Group in Bangor. I was delighted that, only three weeks ago, it announced a recruitment drive for 120 staff over the next six months. The Denroy Group has demonstrated its ability to diversify within its business with the production of innovative masks for the health sector. It is a very valuable local employer in my North Down constituency. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the planned city deals and growth deals that were mentioned earlier.”
“<BR /> <BR />The motion rightly commends employers and workers within the manufacturing sector who have continued to work through the many challenges facing us, not least the very many who are unable to work remotely from their normal workplace due to the nature of their work. The recently completed acquisition of Bombardier by Spirit AeroSystems brings some reason for optimism for this long-established and valued company by safeguarding its significant employment of over 3,000 employees right across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Manufacturing supports many jobs right through the supply chain, from those who service the equipment and supply components to the delivery services and the many subcontractors supported by the sector.”
“Our manufacturing sector has been the very backbone of our economy for many years. With our mixture of a very highly skilled, innovative and educated workforce and a rich industrial and entrepreneurial heritage, we have a very proud and capable sector that we all want to see develop and be more competitive in the future. The manufacturing sector, like almost every other sector, has been heavily impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the strategy is important, now is the time to ensure that the Economy Department is able to be responsive and agile to the opportunities and challenges facing this sector, such as we heard today with the loss of jobs at Caterpillar.”
“We all feel the pain and loss of another sector of engineering being hit. Will the Minister assure us that Invest NI is doing everything that it can to sustain jobs in Northern Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis and that we will not see a recurrence of this, maybe tomorrow or later this week, that affects other such businesses in the Province?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers today. We all welcome the furlough scheme, and the confirmation from the Minister that new applicants can now apply is reassuring. I am sure that he recognises the great value in being part of the United Kingdom that has brought forward such a scheme. <BR /> <BR />Further to earlier discussion, what is the Minister's opinion about getting the balance right? Following the First Minister's statement last week, we have been encouraging people to get the balance right with regard to living, working and doing business with COVID. What is the Minister's opinion on that as we move forward in trying to get a good Christmas, not just for business but for everyone?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. I think that we should all genuinely recognise how significant the small business grant was. It was paid out from March onwards, during the real shock that came with the lockdown period. Will the Minister advise on how she would stop this ever happening again? I understand that the system used the LPS database. Does she see a better system in which there would, perhaps, be a formal application rather than automatic payments, which would reassure the public that it would not reoccur in the future?”
“Does the Minister recognise the need for additional resources for community policing? I think that we all fully recognise the good work being done in my constituency of North Down by community policing. Does the Minister continue to urge the Chief Constable to provide additional resources for community policing in our constituencies?”
“As Minister, you will be aware of the concerns around unacceptable delays in the opening of tender documents for public-sector schemes. What have you done, as Minister, to try and progress that issue?”
“Can the Minister give us an assurance about the manufacturing industry, especially Bombardier, due to the impact from the drop-off in aircraft flights and the risk of the loss of jobs in manufacturing to Bombardier and other suppliers in the supply chain that work tirelessly for manufacturing in Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and efforts to date. We welcome the Minister's support for the newspaper sector, which plays a key role in our local communities. It is vital that it gets support, especially with rates. I urge the Minister to do what he can to encourage public-sector advertising in local newspapers in order to increase, in particular, awareness of the public health issues that need to be highlighted.”
“I sincerely hope that the Assembly will revisit that. <BR /> <BR />We are, of course, constrained in how long a victim can receive services by the length of time that they can legally remain here if they are not a UK national. That is why I support Lord McColl's Westminster Bill, which would provide statutory immigration rights to victims so that they can stay in the UK while they receive services. I support the motion.”
“The House passed a world-leading piece of legislation, which was commended in the House of Lords last week. We also need to lead in tackling this crime through real action, and that can be done by ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. We know that criminal cases are more effectively prosecuted when the victim is able to give evidence, but without long-term support and immigration security, there is little incentive for victims, who are already dealing with trauma, to get involved in a criminal case. <BR /> <BR />The Northern Ireland trafficking legislation led the way on providing support to victims while they are in the National Referral Mechanism. The Assembly had the foresight to recognise that some victims would continue to need support. It has become evident since then that a longer commitment to victims is needed.”
“That will be a concern to Members: if perpetrators are not apprehended and punished for this crime, they will deem it worth the risk to engage in this kind of activity. I know that prosecuting these crimes can be very difficult, and I hope that the Justice Minister will comment later on why she thinks that we have been unable to secure more convictions and on what action her Department can take to improve matters. I hope that she will write to the Members who spoke today and to the Justice Committee about the issues that have been raised. <BR /> <BR />I also ask her to tell Members when the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) will publish guidance on prosecuting cases. That has still not been published in the five years since the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act was passed.”
“I note that the 2019 report of the independent review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was very positive about risk orders and encouraged their greater use in England and Wales. I hope that in due course we will hear from the Justice Minister that she has committed her Department to reviewing whether Northern Ireland should introduce such risk orders. <BR /> <BR />Secondly, I raise my concern, and this has been mentioned, about the low number of convictions that have been secured for human trafficking offences here. We have victims and offences numbering in the hundreds, but only nine individuals have been prosecuted for trafficking offences in the last three years and only four convictions have been secured.”
“I know that, during the passage of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act, the Department consulted on introducing those orders, but it opted not to introduce them due to concerns about civil liberties: unlike the slavery and trafficking prevention orders, they can be imposed without a conviction. The time has come for the Department to reconsider whether such risk orders should be introduced.”
“I welcome the debate on this very important motion and associate myself with the excellent speech by my colleague Joanne Bunting. <BR /> <BR />As a Member during the passing of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act, I am pleased to say that it was an Act that illustrated the House at its collaborative best and showed what can be done when we all work together. <BR /> <BR />I want to raise two specific points. My first point is whether slavery and trafficking risk orders should be introduced here. The recently published annual report by Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, stated:”
“<BR /> <BR />While we were on the shop floor of those manufacturing businesses, we were reminded that people are continuing to work very hard in order to keep their businesses running throughout the COVID crisis. Resources are limited, and we must be prudent and strategic with the interventions that we make and continue to get the balance right between protecting the health of our people whilst prioritising our local economy.”
“Those courses, focusing on digital skills, will be delivered by our local colleges and universities and will complement the recently announced apprenticeship recovery package. <BR /> <BR />We must recognise the work and commitment of our local businesses, which have continued to work through the challenging past seven months and of which many have diversified and adapted their businesses. I was pleased recently to welcome the Minister to two such local businesses in Bangor in North Down: the Denroy Group, which has been manufacturing visors and reusable masks, is working with the health service to supply it with much-needed PPE in the future; and Priory Press, which is a local packaging firm, is investing £1 million in new machinery in order to grow the business into new markets.”
“The aerospace sector is another example of a sector that is facing major challenges globally. There must be a UK-wide solution, and I know that my party colleagues in Westminster and the Minister have pressed the UK Government extensively on the need for a sector-specific fund to sustain and develop our aerospace sector, which is such a valuable direct local employer, with Bombardier employing around 3,000 staff and many others involved in the supply chain. <BR /> <BR />Yesterday's announcement from the Economy Minister of £4·6 million investment to fund 3,000 online training places for people whose employment has been disrupted by the pandemic is exactly the sort of positive targeted financial support scheme that we need.”
“Those are examples of strategic support to sustain and develop economic activity and to provide much-needed support for upskilling and developing online activity and marketing.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister launched two new support schemes in early September. The £1 million digital selling capability grant was launched to help retailers and wholesalers generate business online, and the £5 million equity investment fund was targeted at early-stage and seed-stage SMEs.”
“<BR /> <BR />The value of being within our great United Kingdom through such a challenging time in our history must be acknowledged. All those measures have been a lifeline to thousands of businesses and employees across Northern Ireland, in every town and village and in our rural areas. <BR /> <BR />Many sectors of our local economy, including tourism, hospitality and retail, to name a few, continue to face huge challenges. We are in a different space from where we were in March and April. That is why future support must be strategic, targeted and have a positive and sustainable economic impact. The Economy Minister very much recognises that. 'Rebuilding a Stronger Economy', a medium-term recovery plan that was published in June, rightly prioritises decisive interventions to sustain and rebuild our economy over the next 12 to 18 months.”
“No doubt, the global pandemic has had a profound impact on our economy and employees across Northern Ireland. It is important to recognise the significant amount of financial support that has been delivered to businesses, contrary to what we have just heard. Local funding schemes that have been initiated by our Economy Minister, through her Department, have complemented the various financial support measures from our UK Government. <BR /> <BR />The recently announced job support scheme, as the successor to the furlough scheme, is designed to support viable jobs and businesses that will, unfortunately, face lower than usual demand over the winter and will need more time to recover. The extension of the self-employment income support scheme until April 2021 is another welcome commitment from the Chancellor.”
“I thank the Minister for making her points and for all her efforts to date in supporting businesses through the COVID crisis. <BR /> <BR />How do the Executive decide between the health of our people and the economy of our country? Is it difficult to make such a decision? Will the Minister assure us that such a decision is fully assessed before it is made?”
“I recognise that some advances have been made, but more could be done. That is why I am happy to support the motion.”
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also presented unique challenges for victims of crime, with a lack of court business being conducted during the lockdown, when, in many cases, emergency matters only were dealt with virtually. Even today, there are significant backlogs of court business and the virtual measures that are in place limit full engagement and participation in the justice system and often have an adverse impact on getting justice and, ultimately, support for victims.”
“There is a gap in community awareness, and we must focus on encouraging greater ownership of the charter and in providing reassurance and active engagement in the system and the processes. I ask the Minister to take action to address that gap, as doing so will ultimately improve and strengthen the support for victims. There is a need for a joined-up and comprehensive approach to supporting victims across the criminal justice system and in championing victims' rights. I believe that action is needed, whether that is through a stand-alone commissioner post or another form, to consistently monitor and benchmark the charter's implementation across the process and to help champion victims' support.”
“The Victim Charter launched in 2015 by a previous Minister of Justice was a positive development in helping to ensure that victims have the minimum standards that they should expect from the justice system. Many victims and witnesses of crime are, understandably, often not as familiar with the justice system as some experienced perpetrators may be, and that is why clearly defined and effective measures must be put in place to support them. <BR /> <BR />The recent July report highlighted, as a major issue, the lack of awareness of the charter, as the Chairman of the Committee mentioned, and what it means for the rights and entitlements for victims and witnesses of crime. It was alarming that some of those who were interviewed for the report had very little or no knowledge at all of the charter being in place.”
“When launching her recent report, the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Jacqui Durkin, acknowledged that improvements have been made over recent years in how victims and witnesses are treated through the criminal justice system. While there have undoubtedly been some improvements in victims' support, there is a recognition that much more must be done to ensure better outcomes for victims, including bereaved families, and witnesses. <BR /> <BR />Some of the findings cause concern. Some five years on from the charter's launch, many victims and witnesses of crime remain totally unaware of their rights to support, information services and protection measures through their long journey and far beyond.”