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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“A section of adjacent land was acquired some years ago by the then DRD Roads Service, but nothing was done and nothing has been done to date to improve the junction. It is so bad that the planners will not allow any further approvals that require this exit to the A2 dual carriageway to be used. We require realignment of the junction, with a possible tie-in to the traffic lights at the Seahill junction. We need investment to make this road safer for all. <BR /> <BR />The Larch Hill junction, which has been adopted by Transport NI (TNI), is also very dangerous. Vehicles entering from the Belfast direction have to stop in the outside lane of a busy dual carriageway and wait for a gap to cross. This is an extremely dangerous manoeuvre, which has, unfortunately, been the scene of many accidents that have been far too common in recent years.”
“However, a key section of the road from Marino to Ballyrobert has no central reservation. This is a particularly dangerous section of road, with cars turning right into various entranceways and roads with no central turning pockets. There are two particularly dangerous junctions along the A2: Carney Hill and Larch Hill. Indeed, a recent petition, with the signatures of over 50 people living in the Carney Hill area, demanded action following a recent tragedy, when a lady sadly lost her life at this section of road earlier this year on a notorious bend known as the Devil's Elbow. The junction urgently needs to be made safe for local residents who have expressed their very real concerns and fears at using the junction daily.”
“I welcome the opportunity to bring this important matter to the Assembly, and I thank the Minister for his attendance in the Chamber. I am somewhat disappointed that he did not accept an invitation to view the road. However, it is early days, and, maybe after the debate, he will spend some time looking at the issues that we raise. <BR /> <BR />The A2 Bangor to Belfast dual carriageway is one of Northern Ireland's busiest roads, with up to 45,000 vehicle movements per day over a 24-hour period. As many will know, this road features regularly on traffic bulletins with traffic tailbacks at Holywood and the Rathgael Road junction often mentioned on our airwaves, practically every morning from Monday to Friday. There are sections of the dual carriageway from Holywood to Tillysburn and Bangor to Ballyrobert.”
“— the progress that has been made. <BR /> <BR />My question follows on from the RQIA report that the Minister mentioned. Does she recognise the need to address the shortage of junior doctors and other staff, particularly at weekends and at night?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. We welcome the considerable investment in the Ulster Hospital and the ongoing programme there, which is amazing. We really recognise —”
“That can benefit not only our businesses but, most importantly, our valuable young people.”
“It also highlights the need for the right infrastructure of good road networks, rail links, ports and telecommunications. It is crucial that our economic strategy supports our SMEs and encourages innovation and research and development to increase the confidence and skills of entrepreneurs and business start-ups. Our 11 councils, with their increased economic development role, must continue to boost business as they work with Invest NI to develop strategic plans. The Signal Centre, based in Ards and North Down, deserves recognition for the work that it has done over many years in supporting our local businesses. There is also a key role for our schools, colleges and universities in encouraging STEM subjects and developing sustainable apprenticeship programmes for our young people.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the previous Enterprise Committee and through the life of the current Economy Committee, we have regularly visited SMEs across Northern Ireland. Time and time again, they talk about how energy costs are one of the biggest challenges for them. I know that the Minister will continue to work with suppliers, the Utility Regulator and other key players to ensure that we do all that we can to reduce energy costs for our businesses. Red tape and over-regulation are also regularly cited as challenges for our SMEs. Invest NI must support our SMEs by reducing and not adding to the complex regulations that exist. <BR /> <BR />It is worth pointing out that 70% of our manufacturing is carried out outside Belfast, much of it by our SMEs. That shows that a regional spread exists.”
“Banks also need to play a role in supporting our businesses by having in place the right conditions for loans and business support programmes for ambitious businesses seeking to grow and expand. Challenges exist in growing and developing our local businesses. One of the major challenges is rates, and I am sure that every MLA is aware of it. We really need to address the issue of business rates, which continue to restrict business growth and cause real challenges for businesses across Northern Ireland, including those in our town centres. I look forward to hearing more from the Finance Minister about the ongoing review of the non-domestic rating system. I welcome his recent positive comments in the Chamber that he is listening to small business owners and will take into account the need for realistic rating valuations on SMEs.”
“Great opportunities exist for our SMEs through online sales, which gives them a platform to compete globally. One of our local SMEs is Chain Reaction, a cycle supplier. In fact, I used to buy parts for my son's mountain bike from that company. It has now expanded its business and been very successful throughout the world selling cycles and cycle parts.”
“Exports provide a real opportunity for small businesses to grow and be more competitive, and that reinforces the need for businesses to be ambitious and work in partnership with bodies like Invest NI in order to grow their export base and potential new markets. There is evidence that small businesses that export are more likely to survive, grow, prosper and innovate.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the motion. There is no doubt that small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy: 98% of all firms here are seen as SMEs. Our SMEs have the ability to create the employment and wealth that is required to transform and rebalance the Northern Ireland economy. As I think has been said, it is estimated that 95% of firms here have fewer than nine employees, so it is crucial that we do what we can to encourage and support growth. Small business owners are at the centre of our communities, where they live, work and invest funding and their time.”
“I too thank the Minister for her long-awaited report on what is a very important issue. How does the Minister see improvements to patient flow in our hospital system, given that bed-blocking has been critical and has had a serious knock-on effect throughout the system as many patients await community care packages?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he agree that it is virtually impossible for two nurses and two auxiliaries to deliver a proper standard of care in a ward with 17 or 18 patients?”
“No. <BR /> <BR />Co-ownership is also a great way to give young people an opportunity to own their first home. I commend the efforts of the Minister with regard to that. It is so important, as young people try to meet the challenge of getting on the property ladder, with property prices still being excessive. We need to see investment in the supply of affordable homes for our young people. A lot of good work continues to be done. I want to put on record our thanks to the Housing Executive in the Bangor office, whom we work with on a regular basis, for the constructive work that they have done and continue to do in helping to meet the housing needs of the local people. More could be done to acquire land in areas of high demand like North Down through cooperation with our councils and other government agencies in relation to surplus land.”
“As of June 2016, there were 2,045 on the waiting list in North Down, and 810 of those were classed as homeless. This shows that more that needs to be done. However, we must continue to build on the progress that has been made to date.”
“In my constituency of North Down, I think of areas like Kilcooley, which is one of the largest estates in Northern Ireland, Whitehill, Bloomfield and Rathgill in Bangor, and West Green in Holywood. They have all benefited from major investment; it has helped to transform those areas. I recently had the pleasure of joining the Minister in Rathgill to see an exciting new Fold housing development being opened. That scheme, which had considerable consultation between Fold and the local Rathgill Community Association, will add to the housing stock in that area. Many new purpose-built quality homes have been constructed to meet the needs of many of our young people, the elderly and those with disabilities. I know how grateful many of the new tenants are who are living in those properties.”
“Every day in my constituency office, housing continues to be a major issue for many people, from young people seeking their first home through to the elderly person seeking suitable ground-floor accommodation in a sheltered housing scheme, if available. Demand continues to grow as Housing Executive stock continues to diminish as houses are sold off to tenants. That has given many people a great opportunity to get their first home. <BR /> <BR />There has been a real transformation in so many estates throughout Northern Ireland with the investment that has gone in through the Department, formerly the Department for Social Development. We should commend all the good work that has been done through housing associations and the Housing Executive as they continue to transform many estates, working with the local communities.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak in support of amendment No 2 today. There is no doubt that there are real challenges that continue to exist as we try to meet the housing needs of our population. <BR /> <BR />A growing population, which is projected to reach two million by 2034 and 1·9 million in the next five years, reinforces the need to continue to plan and build in a measured and strategic way to ensure that the housing needs of our communities are met. I welcome the Minister's recent commitment to housing when he increased the budget for the social housing development programme, with the aim of creating 1,600 new starts this year.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and the positive points he has made. I appreciate that he knows Bangor and the North Down constituency quite well, as I understand he ran there as a candidate some time ago. Will the Minister give us an assurance that he will do something — he already mentioned this, I suppose — to address the high level of retail vacancies in town centres in North Down, especially in Bangor, where we are trying to regenerate and rebuild?”
“<BR /> <BR />Despite the challenges that exist for our companies to be able to create products competitively, there is no doubt that there are real opportunities for Northern Ireland to flourish and grow in the future, to increase the competitiveness of our economy and to grow our exports now, without the confines of being a member of the European Union. I support the motion.”
“The white meat sector through Moy Park and the red meat sector through Dunbia are strong examples of local processors that continue to see growth, exporting quality produce into Europe and world markets. <BR /> <BR />A recent FSB report indicated that between a quarter and a third of its local members currently export. For every business that currently exports, there is another considering exporting. That is encouraging, and as the FSB points out, the Executive, the private sector and the banking sector must focus on providing support for ambitious businesses that are keen to export and develop. That is why I welcome the trade accelerator plan that was recently launched by our Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton, and is designed to boost exports further and support our local businesses.”
“The Denroy Group, in my constituency of North Down, has built an incredible reputation as a local company. It is now exporting to 80 countries around the globe, through its top range of hairbrushes, medical devices and aircraft components, making it one of our country's most successful exporters, with annual sales of more than £10 million. <BR /> <BR />Having spoken to a number of small local businesses that have been on Invest NI missions, I know that they truly value those trips, which have allowed them to grow their export base, develop their business and ultimately create more jobs. Our thriving agri-food sector, in this Year of Food and Drink, is another example of a vital sector with great potential to grow and enhance through exports.”
“There is no doubt that we have seen new markets open up in recent years, such as the Middle East. We must redouble our efforts to expand our sales across the globe and make Northern Ireland an even greater, outward-looking, global competitive economy. We also recognise the work of InterTradeIreland as it helps to develop business on a cross-border basis, with programmes of support for existing and new exporters as they seek to build customer links and develop confidence to export new products and services. <BR /> <BR />One successful recent case study is SDC Trailers in Toomebridge, which has just secured £480,000 of new business in Saudi Arabia. Ulster Carpets has also recently signed major deals in the Middle East, and Wrightbus has been exporting its famous buses across the globe for many years now.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion today on what is a very important issue. Northern Ireland has a proud, rich heritage of engineering, manufacturing and processing and has always been to the fore in innovation, research and developing new products that are in use throughout the world. <BR /> <BR />Invest NI has worked with many companies in providing expert support and advice for businesses that seek to expand and grow their new products into new markets, and it must continue that work in promoting Northern Ireland across the world. Promoting Northern Ireland around the world through trade missions is a valuable way of selling this country, attracting FDI and broadening the horizons of our existing businesses, allowing them to engage with new markets through exports.”
“Will the Minister advise us on any initiatives that his Department has taken to help people, especially young people, get on the property ladder and get access to a new home?”
“I thank the Minister for his detailed answer. As he mentioned, the A2 is an extremely busy road, with 45,000 users going through sections of the road over a 24-hour period. Sadly, this year, we have already had two fatalities on that section of road. Does the Minister recognise that we also have two other very dangerous junctions — at Carney Hill on the Devil's Elbow and at Larch Hill — where residents take their lives in their hands as they leave and enter their homes every day. What plans has he in place to address those issues?”
“Recognising that, does she see the need for coordination between the various agencies and clear definitions of responsibility, particularly between the Department for Infrastructure, DAERA — her Department — and the local council?”
“The Minister will be aware of coastal erosion around parts of the north Down coast, particularly the Cultra, Craigavad and Kinnegar areas of Holywood.”
“The last Enterprise Committee regularly met those from the banking sector and other agencies, such as the Consumer Council, on these issues, and we always raised the need for a strong branch network to be sustained across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I know that the Minister, Simon Hamilton, has a long interest in the issue, and I know that he will continue to fight the case for local communities.”
“However, banks must do more to protect our most vulnerable and ensure that they are looked after and to respect their customers' needs and requirements. <BR /> <BR />Another real frustration is the lunchtime closing of banks, where customers are standing outside the door trying to get in. Banks talk about customer focus and putting people first: it seems to be all about putting profits first. <BR /> <BR />Whilst alternative facilities in post offices go some way to soften the blow following a bank closure, they can often be busy places and, understandably, are not able to carry out the full range of services that a traditional bank branch can offer over a counter with dedicated financial staff.”
“Closures are often carried out with no consultation with the local community, and they leave many customers feeling let down, frustrated and concerned. In the case of the Holywood Danske Bank closure, I got a phone call to my office saying the branch would close within three months. It was totally out of the blue; it was a shock to everyone, especially to the local community. There was no consultation. Certainly, we had meetings with senior bank officials, but no one listened, and the decision was made. <BR /> <BR />Certainly, online banking has transformed the way that many people bank. The digital age of mobile banking, with online transfers and credit cards, has radically changed the whole sector.”
“I understand that there are a further nine Ulster Bank branches under threat. Local people really feel the impact of these closures, and there is no doubt about the reduction of service when the banks close.”
“<BR /> <BR />In my constituency of North Down, Holywood has been left with one bank. We originally had three. The First Trust Bank branch closed in 2013 and the Danske Bank branch in 2014. Donaghadee has lost its bank. It has no bank. There is no bank in Donaghadee. The village of Millisle nearby has no bank either.”
“There is no doubt that bank closures have a real effect on so many. They have a negative impact on small businesses in our towns, which rely on banks daily for lodgements and getting access to money. Any closure also leaves a vacant hole in our town centres, and that can often be very difficult to fill, with reduced footfall and the effects of that. People in Northern Ireland still like face-to-face service, which they get in a bank. It gives them confidence and convenience and meets their banking requirements. They build up relationships and trust with staff over many years. There is also the security element. With no bank facility, householders and businesses may end up having to store large amounts of money within their own four walls, which presents a personal risk.”
“As a member of the Committee for the Economy, I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion. It is an important issue that affects so many people across Northern Ireland. The reality is that it is not a problem that is exclusive to Northern Ireland. Since 2010, it is reckoned that over 30% of bank branches — some 77 — have closed right across the Province. It is also estimated that some 1,700 bank branches have closed their doors across the UK in the past five years. Any closure can have a real and severe impact on many in society, including our older population, those who are less mobile, those who have disabilities, those with lower incomes and those who may not have the resources or the skills required to manage their own bank account online.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. Can he give us his assessment of the Executive's renewables policy and how we compare with the rest of the United Kingdom?”
“Following last Friday's positive result on Brexit, what discussions has the Minister had with the agriculture sector on doing business in the future?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Can the Minister further explain how this proposal improves portability and comparability of qualifications in Northern Ireland?”
“I welcome the statement from the Minister and his initiative on roads maintenance in relation to weed spraying and the cutting of grass. Those are very important issues for my constituents in North Down. From working with Transport NI, I understand that there is a real problem in getting contractors, who have been stood down over recent years, ramped up and available to carry out that work. Will it be a challenge to complete the work within this financial year?”
“If the Executive were to extend the date of closure, we would be putting at risk the socialisation of the cost of existing renewable projects in Northern Ireland. It would also increase the risk of DECC enacting the backstop power, which would have severe consequences for our renewables sector, including its ability to trade surplus Northern Ireland ROCs in the GB market. That would be a significant loss to the sector, as a significant surplus is traded regularly outside of Northern Ireland. Considerable consultation, involving formal and informal meetings with the former Enterprise Committee and the Department has taken place, and the vast majority of those consulted now see merit in the closure. I therefore support the closure of the NIRO.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak. On the Enterprise Committee in the previous mandate, an extensive amount of work was carried out on this matter and on the renewables sector as a whole, as you well know, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that the renewables sector in Northern Ireland has progressed over the past decade, from a mere 3% renewable energy consumption in 2005 to over 25% renewable energy consumption today. The renewables sector in Northern Ireland requires certainty on the way forward, and I believe that this closure today provides it with that much-needed level of certainty and clarity. Following the change of policy on renewables by the Conservative Government, and with DECC's stance on renewables, the Department for the Economy has been left with very few options.”
“Will the Minister give us an assurance that she will use her influence on the agency to establish a reliable estimate of the value of fraud in the legal aid system and take further steps to build an effective counter-fraud culture within the agency?”
“I, too, thank the Minister for her answers and wish her well in her new post. <BR /> <BR />In the Northern Ireland Audit Office report released today, which I have in front of me, recommendation 8 on page 37 mentions the need for the agency to:”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. Will she give us an update on deep brain stimulation, which functions in Belfast, and what is being done to extend the service to patients in the Republic of Ireland?”
“More improvement is needed for customers, with improved services for all users. <BR /> <BR />Efficient and effective business delivery requires modern and high-speed communications. We recognise that our new Minister, Simon Hamilton, will continue to ensure effective delivery to make Northern Ireland a better place for business. I support the motion.”
“The Department for the Economy needs to influence providers to get improved delivery in support of businesses and our residents. <BR /> <BR />Effective, efficient mobile phones are critical for business communications. It is so frustrating to have poor local services. If you travel a short distance down Massey Avenue and up to Craigantlet, about two miles away, you find you are hit by poor service in a rural area. Does it matter that it relates to the low density of the population? That seems to be the major factor. Where there is low density, we get low investment. More needs to be done to encourage investment by the phone providers and to share existing facilities, such as masts. Planning, again, seems to be an issue, and we need to put more pressure on to improve the planning facility.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important, as we move towards 2018 and the proposed reduction in corporation tax and seek to attract new business into Northern Ireland, that we are ready with modern, high-speed broadband and mobile phone services that are fit for purpose and that no area is disadvantaged by the lack of modern technology. Given our high number of SMEs and that over 70% of manufacturing is now outside Belfast, we are highly dependent on the Internet and high-speed broadband to be able to operate efficiently. Whether the business is in the Holywood hills in North Down, for example, where there may be small businesses, such as kennels or a quarry operation, effective, efficient broadband is essential for data handling and communication.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. We all recognise the need for an improvement in broadband and mobile services in rural and urban areas. Modern business and family life require fast communications through broadband and mobile phone systems. <BR /> <BR />Significant investment has taken place in recent years to improve the installation of broadband projects, including the Next Generation Broadband programme and phase 2 of the Superfast Rollout programme, representing an investment of over £60 million over the last six or seven years. We recognise that that is significant investment by DETI and other Departments, but more is needed to bring the service provision up to 10 megabytes per second, as stated in the USO — the universal service obligation.”
“Does the Member agree that the proposed closure of the electoral offices — including the one in Newtownards, which services 170,000 people, does an excellent job and provides a good and friendly service — will have a very negative effect? We have also lost the annual canvass. Do you agree that this will undermine the integrity of the electoral registration system?”