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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“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this matter as a member of the Justice Committee. Victims of crime deserve a proper level of support following a criminal offence being committed against them. We very much believe that victims must be at the very heart of the criminal justice system and that having a victim-centred approach in the justice system must always be a number-one priority for the Department of Justice. <BR /> <BR />The July 2020 report that was published by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland provides a useful and interesting evidence base with its findings on the treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers, and for her efforts in working with businesses during the COVID crisis. Invest NI has an important role in supporting businesses through this terrible crisis. What other support is available from Invest NI and the Department for the Economy to help struggling businesses to come through this ongoing crisis?”
“Will the First Minister give us an assurance that this will not recur? I was in the Justice Committee when the matter was raised by the Chairman with the Chief Constable. He made it clear that such a protest was not welcome in the area and that the Chief Constable should take some action relating to it. We are extremely disappointed at the outcome.”
“On the payment of compensation to the innocent victims and their families, what progress has been made in recovering some funding from the clerical orders and other institutions that ran these deplorable homes?”
“I, too, thank the Minister for coming here to make the statement. Can the Minister give an assurance that proper processes and procedures will be put in place to stop the recurrence of this critical breakdown in the legal system? A proper quality management system would have stopped this failure and reduced the risk of such a major incident.”
“I, too, thank the Minister for coming here this evening. We were shocked at the behaviour seen in the Holylands. What discussion has the Minister had with the Chief Constable around the consideration of cordoning off the area for a short time and restricting access to only residents and students who can prove that they are legitimate tenants with, perhaps, documentation from their landlord?”
“I thank the Minister for all his efforts to date on COVID; we appreciate all the work that he has done. Can he give us some assurance on the quality of the COVID test in order to give the public real confidence that it is effective and accurate? The accuracy of the test is an issue of concern among the public. What quality assurance systems are in place, Minister?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Can he give us an assurance that the funding will continue, as it is necessary that proper resources be put in place, that overtime be available and that contract cleaners be available? Can he give an assurance that funding of that will not fall to boards of governors, which are already under pressure to manage their school with limited resources?”
“<BR /> <BR />I believe that the UK Government and the Executive must make strategic interventions to stimulate and protect more sectors that are facing the greatest ongoing challenges in the immediate term. I urge the Executive to look at all the options to see what support can be given to sole traders and small and microbusinesses. We recognise the pain and the loss that they are suffering. The Executive should come to a decision to utilise any underspend from the various grant support funds and support those hardest hit as we seek to sustain and rebuild our economy for the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />The internet remains a growing challenge for the retail and service sectors, but it is also an opportunity for business growth. More could be done through our various agencies to support and encourage those businesses to adapt and diversify. <BR /> <BR />While we are actively lobbying for the extension of the furlough scheme, we must be realistic and realise that it will have a limited lifespan. However, its continuation on a phased basis is critical, especially over the next few months. There is a need for additional support to sustain existing jobs and businesses in Northern Ireland. There is a role for Invest NI to look at alternative support measures for businesses and support for upskilling, training, online activity, innovation and research and development.”
“However, certain sectors have undoubtedly been hit hardest, and some are still unable to trade given the restrictions that remain. Some sectors have been more significantly impacted than others, including tourism, travel, hospitality, aerospace, leisure and the arts, which will require ongoing tailored support. <BR /> <BR />There are many small business owners out there — they have been mentioned — who initially took great risks to start their own business. That is highly commendable, and we fully support it. However, COVID-19 has hit those businesses hard, with a drop in demand, a loss of production and, indeed, as we are all aware, the reduction in footfall in cities, towns and villages. All that has had a detrimental effect and a major impact on those businesses.”
“The Minister has rightly prioritised our economic recovery and published the economic recovery strategy, 'Rebuilding a Stronger Economy', which sets out the framework to deliver higher-paying jobs, a highly skilled workforce and a more regionally balanced economy. The establishment of an expert-led economic advisory group and a tourism recovery steering group are other progressive measures aimed at stimulating, rebuilding and reviewing our economy, and, importantly, giving confidence for the future. <BR /> <BR />There is also the immediate challenge of avoiding another lockdown, which would have a devastating impact on our economy and our ability to recover from the past six months. Every sector has been affected over those six months.”
“Those support measures, alongside the UK Government initiatives, including the furlough scheme, the self-employed income support scheme and the various rate relief measures introduced, have all been absolutely critical for the survival of so many businesses and the protection of thousands of jobs right across Northern Ireland.”
“We must recognise and commend the efforts of the Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, in supporting the local economy through such a challenging period, and the Department's staff, LPS and Invest NI staff, all of whom have been involved in grant administration and dealing with the day-to-day queries from constituents.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue. We all recognise the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on the local economy. We acknowledge the significant amount of real financial support that has been delivered by our UK Government and Executive over the past six months, particularly through the Department for the Economy. <BR /> <BR />The Department has provided £340 million support to over 30,000 businesses through the business support schemes for large, small and microbusinesses throughout Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for her efforts to date. We all appreciate the significant financial support of £340 million that has gone out to businesses, which has been a real lifeline to so many. Will the Minister outline what further measures will be available to support and sustain existing businesses during this tough time of the COVID crisis?”
“We all recognise the importance of Stormont being open to the public. We have lost educational visits, schools, and there is loss to charities and lobby groups. Everyone wants to meet their MLA and greet them here in Stormont, if possible. Can you give us an assurance that the risk assessment will be reviewed on a regular basis, so that these visits can recommence as soon as possible?”
“I know the Minister will make that a real priority within her Department and ensure there are interventions to help prepare businesses for the new arrangements.”
“Anything else will be harmful to business, cost consumers and reduce choice. We must continue to work with Her Majesty's Government to remove any disadvantages to Northern Ireland brought about by the signing of the protocol. <BR /> <BR />Our local economy and businesses have faced an incredibly difficult and challenging six months. We must protect local interests. There will be challenges ahead for businesses adapting to the transitional period and the post-Brexit arrangements. I do welcome the range of online tutorials, Brexit preparation grants and information workshops being delivered through Invest NI and, indeed, InterTradeIreland's valuable programmes. It is important that work continues between the Economy Department, business organisations, local councils and our Government.”
“That is why the DUP voted against the withdrawal agreement in Parliament. That is why the DUP has consistently opposed — at every opportunity, whether that be in London, Brussels or Belfast — any concept that our economic place within our United Kingdom should be compromised by the protocol. <BR /> <BR />The recent speculation that the Government are looking at ways, under the internal market Bill, to protect our interests and mitigate the threat of the protocol are to be broadly welcomed. It is ironic that those who are so opposed to potential trade barriers and borders are the first to criticise any attempts to reduce the burden on our businesses by exploring ways to break down potential barriers. Our focus remains on minimising friction for trade in every way possible.”
“Whilst uncertainty is difficult for everyone, the barriers created by the protocol could be even more damaging long-term, and they have the potential to cripple and restrict many businesses. That is why the Government must urgently address the uncertainty around our future trading relationships. <BR /> <BR />In Northern Ireland, we are fortunate to have so many entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises. The fact is that Great Britain is our largest and principal market: it accounts for over 52% of Northern Ireland's external sales and 65% of our purchases. Over 90% of local businesses trading with Great Britain are SMEs, and our food and drink sales to GB alone are valued at over £2·3 billion. <BR /> <BR />All of that highlights the need for free and unfettered access to Great Britain.”
“This is, indeed, a very challenging time for our local economy. There is no doubt that the fresh challenges that COVID-19 has brought have added to the need for clarity and certainty for our local businesses going forward. The global pandemic that we are still contending with will change how local businesses operate in the future. <BR /> <BR />Negating the threat of the NI protocol must be a central element of the economic recovery as we seek to rebuild, regenerate and build confidence within our local economy. We do share the general aims of this debate today, in that we all agree on the need to seek clarity on the final arrangements that our local businesses will have to manage once the implementation period ends. The focus should be on getting the right deal.”
“Challenges will undoubtedly remain with us for some time. Every sector has been impacted by COVID-19, but certain sectors, including tourism, hospitality and aerospace, will require tailored support going forward, and we must all continue to work together. The continued support of business through the continuation of the furlough scheme, even in a phased way, is vital as we seek to build further confidence in our economy and to continue to make Northern Ireland a great place in which to live, work and invest.”
“The apprenticeship recovery scheme, which was announced last week by the Minister, will see employers receive up to £3,700 for every apprentice that is brought into the workplace and retained, and £3,000 for new apprentices. That is exactly the sort of positive financial support scheme that we need as we focus on our recovery, growth and the skills for our future.”
“As elected representatives, we all recognise that there is great need out there. We are all aware of the need for food banks. We are also very much aware of and recognise the success of the Eat Out scheme. There are variations, and, again, we must all do what we can to help those right across the various sectors. <BR /> <BR />The business revitalisation scheme was rolled out recently, supported by DAERA and the Department for Communities, in conjunction with our local councils, to support our town centres, city centres and villages and to help them adjust to the new challenges facing their businesses.”
“Invest NI needs to be more proactive, rather than reacting to each job crisis when it arises. Encouraging people back into the workplace, including the public sector, and back into our town and city centres must continue to be a priority. The public sector must be encouraged back to work in a safe, COVID-19-compliant manner. <BR /> <BR />The Eat Out to Help Out scheme saw 2·7 million meals being served. I am not sure how positive that has been for the health service, but it was a real success as a confidence-boosting measure. The scheme was a great example of the hospitality sector having the general public eat out in a safe and controlled way whilst protecting valuable jobs and encouraging people to enjoy the very best of Northern Ireland.”
“The furlough scheme, the self-employment income support scheme, the various local support schemes, including the £10,000 and £25,000 grants, the microbusiness hardship fund, as well as schemes such as the bounce back loan scheme from the banks and various relief measures have all been introduced for businesses. <BR /> <BR />As a local MLA, I have been pleased to assist many local business owners who have benefited from those measures, which they recognise were a real lifeline for them and their families in these difficult times. I fully recognise that there is need for additional support to sustain jobs in our existing businesses, and there is a real need for Invest NI to look at alternative support for businesses and to support upskilling, training, innovation and research and development.”
“We must put on record our thanks to the Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, for her efforts in supporting our local economy as we look to rebuild, regenerate and, most importantly, give confidence for the future. <BR /> <BR />The Finance Minister recently confirmed that £2·2 billion of additional funding has been provided to Northern Ireland to respond to COVID-19. That figure alone certainly reinforces the value of being part of our great United Kingdom, through which we have benefited from one of the best economic rescue packages in the world during these unprecedented days.”
“It is good to see you back in your place at the top Table, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very important issue. We all recognise the significant challenges that COVID-19 has brought upon us, not least the severe impact that it has had and continues to have on our local economy. It is a global pandemic, and the challenges that we face are not exclusive to Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />There has been a very significant amount of support delivered by the Executive to date, particularly through the Department for the Economy over the past six months, when we began to face COVID-19 head-on and deliver direct financial support where needed.”
“I thank the Minister for all his efforts in the COVID crisis. <BR /> <BR />In early June, Minister, you highlighted that outpatient activity had dropped 40% to 50%. Will you give us an assurance today that red flag cancer referrals at the City Hospital and other services, including dermatology, will be fully restored across all our trusts?”
“Absolutely. Can the Minister advise us on what measures are being put in place to encourage civil servants back to work? I know that the Minister has touched on it. We want to ensure that they are in a safe, hygienic environment with the necessary adequate supports.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. Does he recognise that the LandWeb project was not value for money, considering that the original contract was £46 million and that by April 2019 it was almost £100 million? How did we justify the continuous extensions from 2016, which has brought us to an excess cost of over £107 million?”
“— and, particularly, for constituency staff to work with some confidence in the way that they are being treated. I support the motion.”
“I thank the Minister for his announcement today. The investment in new builds is really welcomed. Does the Minister recognise, or have any ideas, around further opportunities for investment in our schools, especially in the north Down area? Bangor Central Integrated Primary School has long awaited such an announcement, which you are aware of, Minister.”
“Does the Minister recognise the impact that such job losses could have on the supply chain — subcontractors and other suppliers — and on the Northern Ireland aircraft support industry in general?”
“Does the Minister recognise the significant impact on the community of Northern Ireland of being denied the right to assemble at churches and at funerals, which I have raised previously in the House? Does she fully recognise the implications of that? Will she assure us that, in the future, the law will be applied equally to everyone in Northern Ireland?”
“<BR /> <BR />Although the Committee has only had a limited time to consider the LCM, my colleagues and I are happy to support this and believe that it is essential in order to give the same level of protection to local businesses, many of which have been severely affected by the pandemic, and to assist with their rescue, reorganisation and restructuring, whilst also, importantly, safeguarding employment going forward.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill. The Bill is designed to ensure that businesses that experience significant trading difficulties throughout the coronavirus epidemic are given adequate opportunity to survive. The measures in the Bill are twofold, with temporary relief measures and more permanent reforms being introduced. The Bill complements the financial support measures of both the UK Government and our Executive, which have been such a lifeline for so many businesses across Northern Ireland. It brings us to level par with GB and will help to streamline some of the normal requirements that it is just not possible to fulfil while the current restrictions remain in place.”
“Today's announcement by the Minister to reopen hotels, guesthouses and caravan parks from 20 July is a welcome step forward. The focus on a regionally balanced economy in the motion is constructive, but we also have a responsibility to grow Northern Ireland's national and global competitiveness. We must build on its reputation for world-class and advanced technologies, skills and manufacturing. We have seen recent investment in cybersecurity. I believe that there are further exciting opportunities to grow those sectors in partnership with our universities and regional colleges through innovation and development of new skills. <BR /> <BR />Real opportunities are ahead. We must all play our part in supporting the recovery as Northern Ireland reopens.”
“That sector is keen to get going as interest builds in the housing market. That includes interest in the handover of new homes where construction work has progressed, especially among first-time buyers who are keen to get their new homes. <BR /> <BR />Buying from and supporting local businesses will be crucial for recovery and for the economy to rebuild and gain confidence again in towns, cities and villages. As has already been mentioned, councils must also step up and work in partnership with businesses and central government. The hospitality, retail, leisure and tourism sectors will also need continued support on the road to recovery. There are real opportunities for those sectors, including for the local tourism product as it rebuilds and taps into the desire for domestic holidays at home, which are trendily named "staycations".”
“I very much welcome the Economy Minister's commitment to restarting and rebuilding the economy, as announced on Friday with the publication of 'Charting a Course for the Economy — Our First Steps'. The Chancellor's announcement on Friday of tailored adjustments to the UK Government's support measures also backed the reopening and kick-starting of our economy. While we must continue to be guided by medical and scientific advice, there is a desire for clarity on the various phases of recovery. I welcome the latest announcements on the reopening of non-food retail and believe that there are further opportunities for other businesses to reopen in a safe and controlled way, including those on high streets, which will need support as they reopen their doors on a phased basis. Estate agents are an example.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Economy Minister has recognised the significant challenges that are faced by local businesses, employers and employees, and has helped to deliver various support measures that have been a real lifeline, with over £280 million being allocated through the £10,000 and £25,000 grant schemes in recent weeks. With those measures, alongside the various income support and furlough schemes from the UK Government, we have benefited from one of the best economic rescue packages in the world. For many people, being part of the United Kingdom has been crucial to short-term survival. <BR /> <BR />With the challenges that have been faced, now is the time for action to rebuild the economy.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone across Northern Ireland. These few months have undoubtedly been very challenging and difficult for the economy. It is important to recognise and pay tribute to all the key front-line workers, alongside the National Health Service heroes. They have continued to work through the pandemic, taking personal risks and sacrifices, providing essential services. They include people within the food supply chain, transport workers, pharmacists, carers, farmers, fishermen, essential retail staff, waste collection operators, emergency service personnel, postmen and postwomen, teachers and funeral directors, amongst many others. They all deserve fair play and fair pay.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that there are many challenges ahead for our country and for our Executive, not least financially, as we have been reminded in the Budget debate today, but I believe that there are opportunities and that we must all play our part in supporting our recovery through the five-step plan and beyond.”
“The Economy Committee, as its Chair has mentioned, has engaged with a wide range of sectors over recent weeks and months, and, as recently as this morning, we had a session with Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) representatives from our councils who rightly recognise the challenges for upskilling and developing our people to face the challenges of unemployment and a lack of opportunities, including for our young people, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. We also recognise the need for support for our universities and our colleges, going forward. That is vital, as we want to retain our skilled and ambitious young people for the future.”
“We should look at the promotion of event tourism once again in the near future because it has been so successful in showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland on the world stage. <BR /> <BR />Our town centres will also need support in the days ahead, as we are all very aware, as they reopen their doors on a phased basis. We need to encourage local people back into our towns, cities and villages across Northern Ireland. Buying and supporting local is crucial for our recovery and for our local economy to rebuild and gain confidence. Our councils, as we have heard today, are keen to continue building on relationships with central government in helping to stimulate the market in our town centres as places to visit and do business.”
“Remaining competitive and cost-effective will be a major challenge for our local manufacturing sector as it endeavours to compete globally. <BR /> <BR />Our hospitality, retail, leisure and tourism sectors, including our hotels, also need continued support on the road to recovery. Many hotels continue to lie empty, including the Culloden Estate and Spa, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel and the Marine Court Hotel in my constituency. Whilst there are many challenges ahead, there are opportunities, not least for our tourism sector. We must tap into the demand for holidaying at home in Northern Ireland this year and in the years ahead, helping to support and rebuild our local economy whilst we live with the ongoing challenges that COVID-19 presents. The promotion of holidaying at home needs support from Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland.”
“Our Executive will continue to be guided by the scientific and medical advice on when that can be done here safely. There is a desire for clarity and certainty and for hope through the next small steps on our road to recovery and in doing what is right for the people of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The step 1 announcement last week was a welcome development for many and was the first major step forward on our journey to recovery, with the lifting of a range of lockdown restrictions. It is important that the Executive prioritise support for our manufacturing sector to return to business in a safe and hygienic manner whilst retaining high standards. That will involve internal restructuring for many and revising production processes, which will have a significant impact on production capability, with reduced staffing levels and resources.”
“Further clarification is required on who the business relief scheme applies to, as I continue to have enquiries from my constituents on that. The agriculture, farming and fisheries support schemes have also been instrumental in supporting our local economy through these difficult days. <BR /> <BR />We have benefited from one of the best economic rescue packages in the world. Being part of our United Kingdom and through our Executive, we have been able to do what is best for Northern Ireland. As we look forward to life after lockdown, we must work with our business sector to support it in the days ahead. I know many businesses are keen to hear about when, as part of the next steps, they can reopen their doors. We have seen the Prime Minister outline the next steps for allowing non-essential retail stores to open from 15 June in England.”
“Significant financial support measures have been put in place — it is important that we recognise it — to support our local economy. I commend the work of the Executive, including our Finance Minister and, of course, our Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, who has recognised the challenges. They have all fought for and supported as many sectors as possible with the finite resources available to them. The measures include the £10,000 grant scheme, for which over 20,000 payments worth £194 million have been issued; the £25,000 grant scheme; the self-employed income support scheme; the job retention furlough scheme; and the recently announced microbusiness hardship fund. Of course, the various bank lending schemes are also welcome as is the rate relief scheme, especially for businesses.”