Pam Lewis
South Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Indeed, I thank her for the assistance that she, as Minister of Justice, gave my constituents Kathryn and Aaron McCollum following the tragic death of their much-loved husband and father. Her assistance was deeply appreciated.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I very much welcome the amendment to the Justice Bill on this subject, and I thank my colleagues across the Chamber for the good work that they have done on it. What cost is the PSNI carrying for the seizure, storage and disposal of those vehicles? Is that cost creating a barrier to enforcement?”
“It progresses 18 recommendations from the independent review of charity regulation, with a focus on a more risk-based approach that promotes trust and accountability without placing undue burdens on charities.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak as a member of the Communities Committee at Second Stage of the Charities (Amendment) Bill. I thank the Minister and the Chair of the Committee for outlining the details of the Bill.”
“The public must have confidence that charitable funds are being used properly, that trustees understand their responsibilities and that there is effective oversight when misconduct or mismanagement occurs.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the streamlining of accounting and reporting requirements. For small charities, administration can be a real challenge and burden.”
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“We always want to ensure that a blanket of support services is available, encouraged and appropriate to meet the need.”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 11, 12 and 13 place a duty on authorities to conduct an assessment of the needs for special guardianship support services in respect of prospective as well as current parties to a special guardianship order (SGO). Those are welcome additions. Amendment No 12 provides that the needs that are identified by the assessment have to be provided. <BR /> <BR />Finally, amendment No 47 removes the requirement for somebody who was adopted prior to 1987 to undergo counselling before accessing birth information. While that deals with a potential inequality in access to that information, it is important that we also consider any unintended consequences of a person's not receiving appropriate counselling with regard to trauma or adverse experiences. We cannot deny that, for many, it can be a difficult time and process.”
“They also bring legislation that relates to disclosure of information for pre-commencement adoptions under one piece of legislation. That will help to address the concerns of victims and survivors of mother-and-baby institutions about the wording of separate legislation that is over 30 years' old. We owe it to victims and survivors to provide for that information being accessible to help them as they continue to live with the pain and suffering that they have had inflicted upon them. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 9 seems entirely sensible and, indeed, ethical. It ensures that an adopted person will not have to pay the fee for any information that they receive. It is a worthy amendment, and we support its inclusion in the Bill.”
“We believe that, by doing so, it provides certainty for those involved or those who may be involved in the adoption process. That can be only positive. <BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 4 to 8 strengthen the rights of those who were adopted prior to the commencement of the Act, including in accessing birth and contact information.”
“We believe that many other aspects of the Bill certainly make it a very positive step forward in fulfilling its overriding aim: to do better for children in the adoption process. <BR /> <BR />We see much merit in what is proposed in the amendments in group 2. We believe that, in the main, they will add to and strengthen this key legislation. Amendment No 3 from the Committee stipulates specific categories of people for whom trusts are required to provide an assessment in relation to adoption services. I pay tribute to the Committee's work on the Bill. I also place on record my thanks to the Department for its level of engagement. I acknowledge that the Department would prefer that this be prescribed in regulations, but we believe that there is merit in making the legislation as detailed as possible.”
“As I said in my comments earlier on the group 1 amendments, the overriding aim of the Bill is to place the child's interests at the heart of every stage of the adoption process. All parties should be able to unite around that. As we examine the amendments today, I know that each party will be seeking to strengthen the Bill as much as possible. <BR /> <BR />The Democratic Unionist Party supports a range of proposals that are outlined in the Bill, including provision for time limits on court proceedings; the right to an assessment for adoption or special guardianship support services; the presumption that contact can be refused if such contact is not consistent with the child's safeguarding or well-being; and an independent review mechanism against adoption panel determinations.”
“The amendments would improve the Bill, and, as such, my party colleagues and I commend them to the House”
“That maintains parity with children's representation under the Children Order. <BR /> <BR />Finally in this group, amendment Nos 58 and 59 repeal outdated legislation from the Hague convention, an international adoption convention that is no longer in operation. We have no objection to that repeal. It is important that the position of those adopted under the former provisions retain their rights as part of any new framework. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister and his officials and, indeed, the Committee Clerk and team for the huge amount of work that has been done on the Bill. It is important that we also thank all of those who gave evidence to the Committee, whether in writing or verbally. I thank them for their very important input to such a really important Bill.”
“On searching adoption registers, it will be important to consider privacy issues. I would welcome the Minister's views on how that can be guaranteed so as to be as robust as possible. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 45 directs that the Department must report on implementation of the provisions of the Act within three years and once every five years thereafter. That is a welcome proposal, although it would be useful to understand the reason for the different reporting periods of five years for the Adoption Act and three years for the Children Order. If that could be clarified to explain the disparity, it would be greatly appreciated. Amendment No 51 ensures that legal aid will not be funded for the provision of advice, assistance or representation to any children's court guardian.”
“The only point that I will make on that is to stress the need to ensure that any future reconfiguration of how services are commissioned maintains high levels of accountability and input in adoption services. A silo mentality will not produce the best outcomes. I trust that that will become the established practice when the Bill becomes law. <BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 43 and 44 stipulate that regulations on the suitability of prospective adopters and access to adoption registers will be subject to the draft affirmative procedure. We welcome that extra level of scrutiny. It improves the Bill. Those issues are central to ensuring that the adoption process is fair, safe and robust. I know that Members across the House want the Bill to be at its best in those areas.”
“Adopting a child is a huge step for child and parent, and it can be such a blessing for both. It is our job to ensure that the law makes that transition as safe and robust as possible for both, and that it is not unnecessarily intrusive, delayed or off-putting. <BR /> <BR />When I look at this group of amendments, I see, in the round, improvements to the Bill. We will support the amendments in this group to improve the Bill. Amendment Nos 1 to 42, 48 to 50, 52 to 57 and 60 are consequential amendments as a result of abolishing the Health and Social Care Board. That being the case, it is important that those be made to the Bill. We have no objections to those amendments. That reconfiguration of services is vitally important, and we, as a party, very much wish to see further reform.”
“At the outset, I wish the Minister, Robin Swann, all the best with his recovery from COVID. I presume that he will be coming back online to watch us through the debate. I thank the Chair of the Committee, Colm Gildernew, for summarising the Committee's scrutiny. That was really useful. As we know, this is a long-awaited Bill, so we are very glad to be at this stage today. <BR /> <BR />Before I address some of the amendments in this group, and I promise to be brief, I restate my support for the Bill in addressing the very pressing need for a more responsive and child-focused adoption process. In all of our consideration of the Bill, we must remember that at the forefront is a child, a child who, in these situations, can often be vulnerable. We must also prioritise the needs — financial, emotional and otherwise — of prospective parents.”
“We need to ensure that the required capacity is there to provide the best services possible for the public and that the hard-working staff in our trusts have the facilities that they require to enable them to deliver those services. Approval of the proposal for an additional 48 beds would be a significant step forward to achieving that.”
“The trust has developed a proposal to bring two modular wards on to the Antrim site, which would give the hospital another 48 badly needed beds, although that is only part of the overall capital investment that is required on the Antrim hospital site to meet current and future service demands. <BR /> <BR />I understand that the trust and the Department have been working through that business case, and I urge the Minister to ensure its rapid approval so that those beds can be delivered as quickly as possible to help to alleviate the considerable ongoing pressures and anxieties that are felt by patients and staff.”
“Those proposals include the development of a new women and children's unit, a permanent 48-bed ward and an ICU block, as well as the upgrade of the site's electrical infrastructure. All are much-needed projects. <BR /> <BR />It is a well-known fact that Antrim Area Hospital does not have enough beds and operates, consistently, over its established bed numbers. That can impact on patient safety and the quality of service that is provided to patients. Currently, patients can be delayed for many hours in the emergency department, waiting for a bed to be freed up in the hospital.”
“A key issue that I have raised on a number of occasions, in the Chamber and at Committee, is the need for further investment at the Antrim Area Hospital. At the outset, I thank the Minister, the Department and the management of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust for their efforts in building business cases to greater develop facilities on the site. The new state-of-the-art mental health inpatient facility, for example, is in design stage and would be a huge boost to service provision. From responses that I have received from the Minister to questions for written answer, I am aware that the Northern Trust has also submitted a range of proposals as part of its recent capital planning review exercise.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank the officials from the Department of Health, the Committee Clerk and team and all those who gave evidence to the Committee on what, for many, will be a life-changing and life-enhancing Bill.”
“Yet, every donation matters greatly and can literally mean the gift of life or of a physically much better quality of life and a life lengthened due to the generosity of another. <BR /> <BR />There are also great opportunities for organisations such as Cancer Research to use donated organs and tissues. It is a wonderful opportunity to play a part in finding cures and treatments for serious and life-threatening diseases. <BR /> <BR />I started by stating that my support for the Bill was based on my belief that we must do what we can to stop unnecessary deaths. That is what Wales did, and I believe that the people of Northern Ireland want to do the same. However, let us also ensure that those who explicitly do not want to donate know how to opt out, ensuring that their wishes are also fulfilled.”
“As I draw my remarks to a close, it is worth restating that, in Wales, adopting the policy has had a positive impact on donation. It has helped to increase rates of donation from 58% in 2015 to 70·7% in 2020. As identified in the Committee's consideration of the Bill, it is important that, once the Bill becomes law, the Department monitors the impact of the law change and reports its findings. <BR /> <BR />Donated organs have saved lives and will save lives in the future. We are not talking about millions of organs; only a small number of organs can be donated after death. I say that not to minimise the importance of the issue and the debate but to ensure that there is an understanding that, for most people, organs will never be donated, because of the circumstances of death.”
“<BR /> <BR />Similarly, the exemptions around children are appropriate and right. They will help to ensure maximum public support for the change in the law. How we treat children in this area is a particularly sensitive and emotive issue, as it always is. However, there are many inspirational children who have donated or received organs. One such inspiration is little Dáithí. He has waited for his heart transplant for three years, but his story and campaigning have helped to raise awareness of donation and rallied support for the law. I am sure that I speak for all Members when I say that our hope and our prayer is that a transplant can happen as soon as possible for that little man. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned that there were public awareness campaigns in Wales when they changed the law.”
“<BR /> <BR />None of us wants our wishes to be acted against when we can no longer speak for ourselves; hence the importance of awareness. I again stress the need for the Department to take forward a publicity campaign to provoke debate in the public sphere and in the private home, should the Bill become law. In Wales, where a similar deemed consent model is in place, the new law was accompanied by an active public awareness campaign: first, to ensure that people understood the new system; secondly, to encourage more people to make the positive decision to become an organ donor; and, thirdly, to give people who may want to opt out the information that they need to do so. Let us learn from Wales and take advantage of being the last in the UK to legislate by introducing best practice.”
“That acknowledges that the role played by someone's family is what ultimately distinguishes between a hard and a soft opt-out model for organ donation. I am, of course, conscious of all the differing views on that. It concerns me that, even though I can make my wishes known and sign up to the organ donor register, my wishes can still be overturned. I also accept, however, that, for some, it is simply too much in the face of the heartbreaking scenario that a few of us may find ourselves in. I say that because it is my hope that, ultimately, the stipulation will provoke discussion amongst family members. If the Bill is to have that effect in Northern Ireland, we need to ensure that it is promoted in such a way as it becomes a topic of conversation and that families have clarity.”
“I firmly believe that, ultimately, the controversy around deemed consent will drive all those important conversations and will, hopefully, ensure that we are confident in our thoughts and wishes on organ and tissue donation. My personal support for the change in the law is motivated by one thing, which is to stop unnecessary deaths. Whilst I in no way wish to imply that any other position on the Bill is less legitimate, for it is not, I cannot get myself away from that core reason for supporting the Bill, which will help people to live longer, healthier lives. <BR /> <BR />The Bill retains the right of the family to have the final say, by stipulating:”
“I am delighted to speak in the Final Stage debate on the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill. <BR /> <BR />Whilst I do not doubt that we all support organ donation and the desire to prolong and protect lives, for some of us, including Members of the Assembly, deemed consent is not a subject that we are entirely comfortable with. I am pleased that, in our party, Members were not whipped on the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I am personally pleased to give my full support to the legislation. Through the Bill, we have provoked discussion, greater awareness of the need for organ donation and, ultimately, conversations around the dinner table. That needs to be replicated across Northern Ireland if the Bill is to be the success that we so greatly want it to be.”
“It is important that any legal advice that the Minister has commissioned also clarifies the basis for reintroducing restrictions or extending powers, should a new and serious wave of the virus emerge in the coming weeks and months. I support the motions before us today.”
“Reaching this point in the pathway out of the pandemic is very welcome for every person in Northern Ireland who wants our home lives, workplaces and social lives to return to normal and who wants to see our young people and children back enjoying the full experience of the youth that they deserve to enjoy. <BR /> <BR />We have always said that restrictions should be in place only for as long as is strictly necessary. Therefore, we welcome the Minister's announcement earlier this week. We want the direction of travel that the Minister has outlined and to which he has committed to become irreversible. As vaccination rates remain high and natural immunity increases, there should be a shift to encouraging responsible personal choices and providing very clear guidance.”
“<BR /> <BR />For the past two years, the Minister has repeatedly said that he will not play party politics with the pandemic. I shared that view and worked with him throughout that challenging time. On occasion, I could have chosen to disagree with the Minister, but I stood with him, as many of us did, in order to combat and get through COVID-19. For anyone to play politics now with the removal of regulations would be entirely wrong, so I welcome the comments made by the Minister yesterday that he believes, as I do, that the restrictions must be lifted this week and that he will endeavour to do so.”
“<BR /> <BR />The reinstatement of severe distress as an exemption to the wearing of face coverings and the removal of the offence that went with that particularly bad move is very much welcomed. <BR /> <BR />We must continue to look at ways of supporting our hospitality sector to recover. In that regard, I know that my colleagues at Westminster are lobbying for the VAT reduction to 12·5% to be extended to at least the end of this year. That would be a great help to local businesses, and I trust that the Finance Minister is making similar representations to the Treasury on that matter. It is now my hope that the Health Minister can use the powers that I hope he has — I look forward to getting clarity on that — to move ahead with the withdrawal of the remaining regulations and to take that final step, as a society, back to normality.”
“We owe a great deal of gratitude to each and every one of those individuals. <BR /> <BR />The amendments represent, once more, the improving situation and the step-by-step return to what we once took for granted. The previous time that I spoke in the Chamber on COVID regulations, I spoke of the devastating impact that the pandemic, and the regulations that had been brought forward, had had on our hospitality industry. I do not need to repeat my previous comments, but I add that the progress in these amendments — on table numbers, seating requirements, dancing, the reopening of nightclubs and so on — is a welcome boost to the hospitality sector and, indeed, to all in wider society who enjoy a night out or catching up with friends.”
“First, I express my condolences to those who lost loved ones in recent weeks as the result of COVID-19. While society continues to embrace a return to normality, it is important to remember that there are those who mourn and for whom that return to normality will be more difficult, having suffered loss. Furthermore, it is worth reiterating our support for front-line healthcare workers who continue to care for those with COVID-19 in our hospitals, for those who work in the care home sector and, indeed, for all those who are involved in management across the trusts, as they battle winter and pandemic pressures in light of high levels of staff absence. A huge thank you must go to all those, at every level of the health service, who have been at the coalface of the pandemic.”
“Many recommendations from the 'Still Waiting' report, which was published in 2018, have yet to be implemented. Effort must be made to address that. I encourage all MLAs to access a copy of the review published today. We have to look after the well-being of our children and young people. We have to deliver much better services, and we have to resume and fully reopen mental health services.”
“However, COVID-19, the reduction of many services and the impact of lockdowns on mental health have exacerbated the backlog to overwhelming levels. <BR /> <BR />Professor Siobhán O'Neill said:”
“<BR /> <BR />In November 2021, 451 children were waiting for over nine weeks for their first appointment with step 3 services, which is a substantial increase from March 2021 when the figure was 167. Additionally, in 2020-21, more than 1,800 children and young people disengaged from CAMHS before their treatment or intervention was complete. The question must be asked: why is that happening? Is it because of the lack of face-to-face services that are so badly needed for those young people? Is it because it is much easier to disengage and simply not log in when the service is via online video calls? <BR /> <BR />It is fair to say that our mental health services were not in a great position pre-pandemic.”
“I wish to speak briefly on the concerning third review, published today, of how government is progressing the Commissioner for Children and Young People's 2018 'Still Waiting' report, which made recommendations to improve mental health support and services for young people. <BR /> <BR />It is not an exaggeration to say that we are facing a mental health pandemic. Figures from the review show that referrals to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) from hospital emergency departments rose by 24% from 2019-2020 to 2020-21: those are children and young people turning up at A&E departments across Northern Ireland in mental health crisis.”
“I thank the Minister of Justice for her statement. Will she give us more clarity on paragraph 2.10 of the report around the fitness for adjudication and the point that South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust staff would no longer fit prisoners for adjudication?”
“I thank the Minister for his welcome announcement in his answer to Kellie Armstrong's question. <BR /> <BR />Pre pandemic, families had to wait some time before receiving a respite care package. That waiting list for support is undoubtedly growing. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that, once respite services have been properly restored, they will have the capacity to meet the increased demand?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way on that point. He helpfully clarified, in an intervention on my colleague's speech, that, should the amendment (No. 8) regulations be voted down, another amendment would be needed to deal with the other issues. Is it not possible to deal with the other issues separately so that we do not enforce the removal of the "severe distress" element of the exemption from wearing face coverings?”
“We have to be ever mindful of them throughout this period and ensure that we support them through their grief.”
“Forcing people to be traumatised or humiliated for their inability to wear a face mask is wrong. We now have the opportunity to press ahead with the job of lifting restrictions over the next number of weeks, and we ought to do so with the backing of science. The people of Northern Ireland are responsible and caring. They are ready to live with COVID and to embrace the freedoms that should never be taken from them again. <BR /> <BR />Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to speak. I leave my final thoughts with those who have lost loved ones over the incredibly difficult period of the pandemic. When we speak on the regulations, we are ever mindful that we do not want to encroach on that grief and the distress of the friends and families who lost loved ones to COVID during the pandemic.”
“I have spoken about a constituent who was attacked by a masked man in her youth and suffered horrific domestic violence, and she simply cannot wear a mask and struggles when approached by men who are wearing a mask. Those are real examples of genuine severe distress and trauma that will be experienced by many. The removal of the exemption is brutal, and even the discussion around the issue is causing severe distress. <BR /> <BR />We ought never to put people in such a position. The wearing of a face mask is something that I fully support. I recognise the benefits of protecting me and those around me, but we must always use facts and evidenced arguments to persuade people to wear masks, and we must accept the validity of those who are unable to do wear them.”
“At this stage, I am not much clearer or confident that I or my party can support the amendment (No. 8) regulations, which deal with the removal of severe distress as an exemption. That part of the regulations is incredibly controversial. Also, additional pressure will be put on GPs at what is already a difficult time for them, and we know how difficult it is to access our GPs. <BR /> <BR />I was moved to tears when I listened to the lady on the 'The Stephen Nolan Show' talk about how she was apprehended on entering a Belfast store for not wearing a face mask. She cannot do that because she was a victim of rape. I can cite other examples where people with sensory issues were similarly apprehended and humiliated because of the belief of some, based on the legislation, that they have to prove that they cannot wear a face mask.”
“There are three parts to them: amending the list of reasonable excuses not to wear a face covering by removing severe distress; placing the onus on an individual to prove their exemption; and placing a statutory duty on businesses to promote compliance with face covering regulations by ensuring that all reasonable measures are in place. The regulations also remove the requirement to wear a face covering when on a transport service premises where the area is outdoors and make a minor amendment to the requirement to wear a covering when on a ferry. We completely understand that last part. It is really a tidying-up exercise. People not having to wear a mask while outdoors on a ferry makes complete sense. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No. 8 seems to lack information and clarity, hence the Committee was unable to take a position on it.”
“We know the public fear that was out there, particularly before Christmas, as people listened to reports about COVID being broadcast on the air waves. The reality is that that fear harmed not just hospitality but retail, family relationships and mental health. We have a duty to be mindful of what we say and the impact of every word that we speak. There are lessons to be learnt in that regard and a balance to be struck in ensuring that public health is protected. <BR /> <BR />Moving on, I wish to comment on amendment No. 8, which relates to face coverings. We understand the purpose of the regulations.”
“They had an understanding of the reasons for the rules but simply could not fathom why support was not introduced at the same time as they were left to turn the key in the door for the Christmas period or watch as bookings were cancelled. We now have that support in place, but I regret that the Finance Minister did not bring forward such a scheme sooner. We left business owners in the hospitality industry in a desperate situation in the mouth of Christmas, and that was wrong. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased that we are now in a different place and that such restrictions can be lifted. Thankfully, the dire warnings issued before Christmas have not come to pass, and we are all incredibly thankful for that. I make a plea for us all to use responsible and proportionate language, particularly those who take to the air waves.”
“<BR /> <BR />On many occasions, when discussing the regulations, we have talked about our hospitality industry and the sacrifice that it has been forced to make. A huge strain was placed on management and staff, and there was a disconnection of the public link to venues that we love to visit and share quality time in with friends and loved ones. <BR />Amendment No. 21 was incredibly harmful to our hospitality sector when it ought to have been enjoying its boom time and the Christmas trade that sustains it through the early months of the following year. Having spoken to bar owners and restaurateurs when the rules were introduced, I know that they were conflicted.”
“I will speak on the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 20) Regulations and the amendment (No. 21) regulations. I will say less about amendment No. 20. We have already heard from the Minister and the Committee Chair on that, and the Department has advised that none of the technical changes in that amendment offer any substantive policy changes. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No. 21 introduced the requirement to be seated in hospitality premises and lists exemptions to that. No more than six persons from more than one household or no more than 10 persons from one household were to be seated at a table in licensed or unlicensed hospitality premises. It also included things like prohibiting dancing indoors in hospitality venues and prohibiting nightclubs from opening.”
“I thank the Finance Minister for his statement. The Health Committee recently heard that the Department of Health has had to examine additional ways of outsourcing fertility treatment to independent providers. Meanwhile, the delivery of the IVF NDNA commitment seemingly lies dormant. Has the Minister had any discussions with the Health Minister about bids for the funding needed to deliver that time-sensitive NDNA commitment?”
“The Care Act 2014 permits greater flexibility for state-registered care home providers to recover VAT, or value added tax, on supplies and other expenditure related to care services across the United Kingdom. That includes things such as meals, refreshments and certain toiletry products. It is regrettable that the terminology in health and social care trust contracts has not been updated as required to allow care homes here to benefit. It is crucial that they have the ability to reclaim VAT to the same extent as care homes in other parts of the United Kingdom. That will not only support residents and lessen burdens faced by individual homes but ensure that additional resources are available for reinvestment.”
“Throughout the public health crisis, care homes across Northern Ireland have faced significant challenges as they have aimed to keep those who are in their homes safe and well. Our communities are full of examples of staff going above and beyond to protect residents, with some even moving into these settings full-time. The problems witnessed at the start of the pandemic with the supply of PPE, testing and availability of staff reflected the need for a fundamental rethink of social care. We must better support those who are some of the most vulnerable in our society. <BR /> <BR />As our economy seeks to recover from COVID-19, it is unlikely that the operating challenges facing care homes will get easier. It is therefore vital that we harness all available tools to reduce the practical and financial burdens that they face.”
“Ashling Murphy was a beautiful, young, vibrant woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, her family, her friends, her school and the schoolchildren who looked up to her.”