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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“That message came out clearly from the Institute of Directors, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the CBI and many others. There was also discussion of regional balance in economic development across Northern Ireland and the importance of treating Northern Ireland as one region. Invest NI, which has done an excellent job over recent years, believes that setting subregional targets may be a negative decision. It would take the focus away from Northern Ireland as a whole and, in many cases, stimulate a situation in which opportunities for this country would be missed.”
“The South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in my constituency of North Down customises courses to meet the needs of local businesses and the service sector. It has also built relationships across the world in Japan and developed exchange programmes. I appreciate the work to develop valuable apprenticeships, and we should put on record our thanks to DEL and my North Down colleague, the Minister, for pushing apprenticeships. We very much appreciate the work that has been done. We see the public advertising and the need to increase awareness and develop apprenticeships as a way into work for so many people. <BR /> <BR />There is also a clear need for a more strategic alignment of government support and a greater need at Executive level to integrate the policies of Departments that impact on key areas of economic development.”
“It is imperative that we are able to demonstrate that Northern Ireland is politically stable and is an economically ambitious place to do business. Throughout the inquiry, it was important for the Committee to keep the focus on the key drivers of economic development that have the greatest potential for economic growth and job creation. These are telecommunications, ICT, life and health sciences, agrifood, advanced materials and advanced engineering. Northern Ireland has an excellent skills base across those sectors and combines its rich heritage in heavy industry and manufacturing with the skills and research to excel in many of these fields. <BR /> <BR />We need to bridge the skills gap — that was emphasised on many occasions by contributors to Committee evidence sessions — and prioritise STEM subjects at our universities and colleges.”
“Thank you. I am sure that they will not take any lectures from the Ulster Unionist Party and its recent stunt to pull out of business in the Executive.”
“I think that we all emphasise the need for progress in the talks and for the establishment of political stability, because political stability will help this place to grow. Without it, business will not increase because of the lack of confidence in our community. Selling the message across the world that this is a positive place — a place where we have skills and where we have people waiting to work — is something that we must support.”
“We need to have a real focus on our economy and on creating jobs and developing the potential for lower corporation tax. <BR /> <BR />The Committee engaged in a considerable amount of work, gathering evidence on how any reduction in corporation tax would bring maximum benefits to the Northern Ireland economy, both in relation to inward investment and the sustainable growth of indigenous businesses. I appreciate the Chairman's remark earlier about trying to encourage businesses right across Northern Ireland, and I welcome the fact that he mentioned north Down. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the presentations that the Committee received, the message continuously presented was the need for political stability. It is somewhat ironic this week that this debate comes to the Chamber when the talks are about to begin.”
“I must say that I was not expecting that call. I thought that I was further down. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion on the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee's inquiry. I think that the Chairman has covered most of the issues. The title is 'Opportunities for Excellence', and I think that we all recognise that, with the reduction of corporation tax, we would have great opportunities for excellence in business development. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that this has been a very extensive inquiry. I thank all those who have been involved in the development of the report. Obviously, the Committee Clerk and Committee staff have put in a tremendous amount of work, along with the various members who contributed.”
“Given the increase of meningitis W throughout the United Kingdom, what is the Minister doing to manage the risk of the spread of meningitis in Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. Will she advise on the impact on the Budget of the non-implementation of the Stormont House Agreement?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. Does he recognise the need for a robust strategy to cover all rural areas? More and more people work from home and many are involved in their own small businesses, whether in beautiful West Tyrone or scenic north Down and Ards.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. Will she clarify who manages the website now and who did? Can we again have assurances that the failure will not reoccur? Obviously, it is important that a full investigation is carried out and that the lessons learned are put in place not just in this Department but across the various Departments.”
“I believe that all other measures will help to improve the processes for all those involved in the sector. I am content to support this stage.”
“The amendments in group 2 relate to the regulation of professional bodies and insolvency practitioners. There was a concern raised that there seemed to be a deficit of supervision, control, accountability and regulation in how insolvency practitioners conduct themselves. The Committee subsequently raised that with the Department and officials, who responded by saying that there was no provision in the Bill for a code of conduct but said that they would recommend to the Minister that, in future legislation, a regulatory objective be put in place. In December 2014, the Minister wrote to the Committee stating that provisions for a statutory code of conduct for IPs would be included in the Bill by way of an amendment at Consideration Stage.”
“Clause 3 deals with the removal of the requirement for annual meetings in a members' voluntary and a creditors' voluntary winding-up arrangement. Clause 13 provides protection to banks in relation to the property that comes under the ownership of a bankrupt organisation before it is discharged. Clause 14, which was mentioned by the Chair, includes changes that will make it easier for people to become insolvency practitioners, which should have a positive knock-on impact on the level of service that is provided. I welcome the progress at this stage of the Bill.”
“However, I feel that it is important that those without access to IT equipment are not put at a disadvantage by this process. Obviously, IT is the way forward and the vast majority of people now use it, but we cannot forget those who do not have the same level of access to it. I understand that provisions are in place to ensure that those who do not have electronic forms will not be disadvantaged at any stage of the process. I believe that those measures will help to streamline what is a difficult and technical process. <BR /> <BR />The Committee held a number of evidence sessions and a wide range of stakeholders were involved. There was general recognition that this was a progressive way to move forward. There are a number of issues that I wish to mention.”
“Many similar measures have already been introduced in England and Wales through the Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2010. <BR /> <BR />One of the Bill's main purposes is to allow for the electronic transfer of documents, which is a welcome step forward. The development that electronic documents will now have the same standing as hard-copy documents is a positive step that will, hopefully, help to improve insolvency processes. Other developments that authorise the use of websites to communicate reports electronically and the use of video conferencing and other types of remote meetings are further steps in the right direction. <BR /> <BR />The introduction of those measures should allow for more efficient communication and help to reduce delays in the completion of transactions involving insolvency cases.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Consideration Stage of the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill. Insolvency is a very complex and technical issue, as we all appreciate. I commend all who have been involved in the Bill for their substantial work to date, the staff of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and DETI officials. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, insolvency has affected quite a number of businesses and organisations. Therefore, it is important that measures be put in place to make the process as simple and effective as possible to ensure that we have a modern, fit-for-purpose system in Northern Ireland and that the most efficient and effective system is in place for all those who are affected by insolvency either directly or indirectly.”
“Tourism is another growth area for Northern Ireland, and we have seen how we can host top-level international events in recent years. It is important that we keep this positive momentum going and continue to invest in this growing sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />The recent successes of MoneyConf and EnterConf, which were held in Belfast last week, should not be underestimated and are a reflection of what is being achieved and of how the global perceptions of Northern Ireland are so positive. Those are the reasons why it is essential that agreement is reached on the Budget. Politics can be left behind, as it could become a hindrance to economic progress. If we are doing well now, just think what could be achieved with agreement on corporation tax rates and a more stable political and economic environment. <BR /> <BR />The Budget rightly places long-term economic growth as its main priority along with a need to build a larger and more export driven private sector, and it rightly recognises the key issues and challenges for the future.”
“It is important that the business community distinguishes between those who want to make it happen and those who are shirking away, are unable to face economic realities and have no ability to think innovatively about growing our economy. The ability to vary the rate of corporation tax would only strengthen our hand as we seek to make this place more attractive for investors. There is no use in representatives from many other parties going to America, giving all the good PR and pretending to be the friends of business and then returning to Northern Ireland and supporting their parties in blocking the very progress that they claim to be champions of. They can work it both ways for a while, but eventually everyone recognises the hollow nature of their arguments.”
“The article, published last week, stated that more small firms in Northern Ireland hit the magic milestone of £1 million in revenues within their first three years in business than anywhere else in the UK. The article went on to state that Northern Ireland's 10% average for firms reaching £1 million in three years compares with 7·9% in London and 6·2% in England overall. Those figures confirm that Northern Ireland is a great place to do business and we must build on that momentum. However, we cannot be complacent: we must always seek to grow and develop our economy at every opportunity. <BR /> <BR />The long campaign to secure the devolution of tax powers was won by local politicians who listened to businesses.”
“During a recent ETI Committee evidence session, many organisations and businesses were concerned about the need to develop the STEM subjects from primary school right through to university. There was also a desire for more to be done through more targeted career advice to encourage young people to take careers in engineering, IT and manufacturing: professional careers and well-paid jobs that lead to good career prospects. There is room for greater work between DETI and DEL to support that, and there is a need to develop our telecoms and energy infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />A recent report in 'The Daily Telegraph' highlighted how successful Northern Ireland is today.”
“<BR /> <BR />Last Friday, a number of us saw a prime example of a successful research and development project at Bombardier with the first visit to the UK of the CSeries aircraft. That is a modern aircraft with composite wings, designed and built in Northern Ireland with the support of Invest NI, the European regional development fund and framework programme 7. That is a very real success story, and it shows how Northern Ireland can, with the right support, lead the way in engineering and manufacturing in the 21st century. <BR /> <BR />As Northern Ireland continues to attract new business, more new skills are required, especially within the IT and software engineering sectors.”
“It must be recognised that Invest NI has had a record year, with record-breaking job support and job creation for Northern Ireland in 2014-15. The House must pay tribute to the chief executive, Alastair Hamilton, and his excellent staff for the work that they have done in promoting Northern Ireland across the world, and to the former Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster and current Minister Jonathan Bell for their work. <BR /> <BR />Research and development must continue to be a priority as we support existing businesses to innovate and develop new products through funding streams such as the European regional development fund. We must encourage a greater drawdown of the Horizon 2020 funding, with greater collaboration and support from our universities.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on the Budget Bill 2015-16 as a member of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee. It is very important that Northern Ireland continues to be positive about being open for business and a place that is welcoming and supportive of new businesses. We recognise the need to support Invest NI, which will continue to target inward investment, promote domestic growth, provide trade support and support private sector investment in research and development. <BR /> <BR />Invest Northern Ireland's strategy to grow the Northern Ireland economy depends on having a stable political environment underpinned by a strong economy supporting indigenous businesses and inward investors.”
“This, as has been said, is a real tragedy. To lose six young people in the prime of their life is a terrible thing. None of us can really begin to imagine the sense of loss for the families affected. Their pain and anguish must be unbearable. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time. <BR /> <BR />We must also express our best wishes to those who were injured and are still recovering. It is a fitting tribute that the Assembly is sending its condolences to the bereaved families and the city of Berkeley.”
“I, too, support of the Matter of the Day on this sombre occasion following the tragedy of Berkeley last week. Approximately this time last year, I visited the Berkeley area as part of a trade delegation with Invest NI and the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment. We were privileged to meet the mayor, Tom Bates, and others. I quickly got a sense of the vibrant, welcoming and diverse city that Berkeley is. I was struck by the mayor's welcoming spirit and how he proudly talked about the close links that the city had developed with young people through its popular university, and its links with this part of the world. I was also impressed by his real interest in the work of the Northern Ireland Assembly and our bid to bring investment to Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. Following on from what he said, does he recognise the very real concerns among housing association tenants about the management of service charges and what they really relate to?”
“Has the Minister made any progress on the use of the proposed legal defender service for the management of legal cases in Northern Ireland?”
“I, too, congratulate the Minister. As a north Down resident, there is no doubt that he will do a good job. Will the Minister give his assessment of the economic impact and the need for political stability in Northern Ireland following the need for a decision on welfare reform?”
“I thank the Minister. Will the Minister give an assurance that any new design proposals for Casement Park will deal with the emergency exiting issue and not bury it as in the past?”
“Can the Minister clarify how housing need is assessed? Is it all about waiting lists for the specific area, whether it be west Belfast or, indeed, north Down?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer, but will he advise us what his message is to ratepayers? They look after their properties, pay their rates, cut their grass and control their weeds, yet, when they go out onto the public roads, they are at risk because weeds are not controlled and grass is cut only once a year. As the Minister, surely you are concerned about the real issues of road safety, especially sight lines on places like the Bangor road.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important that people across our communities are suitably trained and equipped with the skills to operate these machines. Maintenance of defibrillators is vital. They need to be checked weekly and serviced regularly to ensure that they are serviceable when needed. <BR /> <BR />An interactive map-based register of defibrillators should help tackle what is a growing problem, and any further work between the Minister and her Department must follow a joined-up process that will support the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to help pump new life into the project and to ensure awareness and good communication between all involved.”
“I am obviously supportive. Speaking as a member of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, which is to get a briefing on jobs created, I am very supportive of the point made by the Member. <BR /> <BR />As with many areas in the health and well-being sector, early intervention and education are key. The community strategy launched by former Health Minister Edwin Poots last year was a welcome development. It helped raise awareness, create targets and focus everyone to aspire to meet those targets. It was interesting to note that during a recent Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure visit, Sport NI headquarters had no defibrillators in place. However, it is to be welcomed that it has since ordered two life-saving machines that are now in operation.”
“There is room for joined-up working in this sphere; one practical example of which is a recent joint initiative by the British Heart Foundation and Asda. Asda has a defibrillator for public use in every one of its UK stores. That is a positive, practical example of the private sector getting involved in the health and well-being of the public.”
“Sadly, and quite shockingly, fewer than 10% survive to be discharged from hospital — an alarming statistic indeed. Early resuscitation and a defibrillation shock are vital to a person's chance of survival. We are aware, sadly, of tragic cases of local young people suffering an arrest while playing their sport and many not surviving. This confirms that a real issue exists and much more work must be done. <BR /> <BR />I commend the many local organisations that have helped fight this battle, including charities such as the British Heart Foundation, and Defibs4kids in schools, for the good work they have done, particularly with sports clubs. They have done a tremendous job in helping to prioritise work in this area. Education is a vital part of the process.”
“I, too, support the motion. Anything that can help reduce the risk of dying from cardiac arrest across Northern Ireland is to be welcomed and encouraged. A lot of good work has been done over recent years by sports clubs, schools, charities, businesses, community groups and many other organisations in helping to tackle this problem. Many of them have taken the initiative by providing practical support through defibrillators being installed in many places across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Every year, more than 60,000 people in the UK suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Each week, in the UK as a whole, 12 young people die of sudden cardiac arrest. Each year, 1,400 people in Northern Ireland suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. As Justice Minister, does he recognise the need for the continuation of community policing locally in North Down in places like Holywood and Bangor and the need to have police available not eight or 10 miles away but in the area where they know people, communicate and build vital relationships?”
“Does the Minister recognise the need for town-centre regeneration for towns like Bangor that have suffered a lack of retail activity and investment? What is her assessment of initiatives like the business improvement districts (BIDs) initiative that we have heard so much about?”
“We have seen a real evolution in renewable energy across Northern Ireland, and I commend the Minister for leading on the important issue of energy supply. I trust that we will continue to build on what we have achieved and focus on meeting our targets whilst ensuring a balance on cost.”
“As a member of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, I support the draft Energy (Amendment) Order, which has been laid before the House today. The Committee considered the order on 14 April 2015. <BR /> <BR />The cost of energy is a very important issue that affects everyone across Northern Ireland. It is therefore imperative that we continue to look at all possible options to ensure that we maximise our potential in developing and improving our energy supplies whilst ensuring energy efficiency and affordability. With the closure of the Northern Ireland renewables obligation scheduled for 2017, it is important that renewable energy be allowed to develop in the future through the up-and-coming contracts for difference (CFDs) arrangements.”
“We all recognise the importance of libraries. All libraries, including the libraries in Fermanagh, need books. Can the Minister give us an assurance that, in this financial year, she will endeavour to find funding to provide stock for all libraries across Northern Ireland, including those in Fermanagh and north Down?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers today. I think that we all recognise the need for the change in legislation and the reform to credit unions, and that we all see it as being very important. Will the Minister give a firm commitment to the House that she will do all she can to get those amendments pushed through in the current mandate?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she recognise the good work of the cultural awareness programme? There has been positive engagement in schools and with young people, especially in the maintained sector, involving the Grand Orange Lodge and the GAA. Will she give us a commitment that she will endeavour to find funding to support the positive programme of educating our young people —”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he accept that road users and residents have real concerns about road safety and amenity of areas? Is it the understanding that grass cutting will not be carried out to acceptable standards? It is my clear understanding that, in the southern division, which covers north Down, grass cutting will be carried out internally, as it was last year following the Minister's decision to ditch external contractors, and that there are no contractors in place to manage weed control.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement today. I think that we all enjoyed Ireland's success in winning the Six Nations championship at the weekend. We pass on our congratulations. What progress has been made on bringing the Rugby World Cup here in 2023?”
“I thank the Minister her statement. Can she elaborate on the impact that the strong pound against the euro has on our ability to export to the Republic of Ireland and, indeed, countries throughout Europe? I think that we all recognise the need to increase our export targets within this financial year.”
“The police need to continue their efforts, redouble their investigations and do all that they can to help that grief-stricken family in their time of need. It is important that the police review all actions taken, all the processes that they have gone through and all their files and carry out a stringent review of the evidence and statements to date. <BR /> <BR />I have no doubt that the family will continue with their campaign. We must salute them in their hour of need. I reassure them that they have our full support and that we will continue to remember them in our thoughts and prayers.”
“I pay tribute to the bravery and courage that the Dorrian family have shown since the day of Lisa's disappearance. Lisa's parents, John, who I have known for a number of years, and Patricia, along with sisters, Joanne, Michelle and Ciara, have shown incredible bravery and determination. That is a real testament to Lisa. As has been said, the family want closure and the right to a family, Christian funeral. Justice, as they have said, can wait. <BR /> <BR />There has been considerable police input to the investigation over the years. For example, there have been statements from 571 people, 275 searches and so on, with eight arrests. However, given that no one has been brought to justice, I believe that that needs to continue.”