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.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,907 lines we hold for Pam Lewis, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 14 of 39.
“I welcome the fact that the Government at Westminster have made that a focus of the Health and Care Bill. <BR /> <BR />The movement of healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom is vital to the safe and effective delivery of healthcare. We have seen that throughout the pandemic. We, in Northern Ireland, have benefited greatly from the services that have been provided by army medics. Without them, our response to COVID-19 and the roll-out of our vaccine programme in those vital early days would not have been as effective. We simply cannot afford to be without that regulatory framework; it would stop such benefit coming to Northern Ireland in the future.”
“I welcome the legislative consent motion. I understand that the regulation of healthcare professionals is a devolved matter. I also understand that the intention of our devolved Department of Health is to work on a four-country basis regarding healthcare profession regulatory matters, reflecting the reality that the vast majority of regulation is performed by bodies that operate on a UK-wide basis, ensuring a consistent approach across the wider NHS. <BR /> <BR />The third legislative consent motion on the Health and Care Bill provisions is, again, entirely sensible. I commend it to Members. Better regulation, be that in healthcare or any other public service, should be the goal of all Members. The provisions of the Bill are very much focused on that end.”
“The Department has advised that travellers can make use of the global health insurance card. We need to increase the awareness of the GHIC and ensure that people in Northern Ireland secure their card, given that the European health insurance card is no longer valid. <BR /> <BR />The LCM is for the betterment of Northern Ireland and has the support of my party.”
“What we have before us therefore makes perfect sense. <BR /> <BR />In Committee, we received assurances from the Minister and the Department about the impact that the LCM will have on cross-border healthcare and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Indeed, it was also welcome to receive clarity that the agreement will not impinge on the ability of our Executive or our Minister to conclude our own international healthcare provision arrangements with rest-of-the-world countries. I thank the Minister and his Department for their willingness to engage with the Committee and for clarifying those issues. <BR /> <BR />The Minister's clarification on the European health insurance card was also welcome. I have had many queries about that in my office from people who value the safety and assurance that comes with the EHIC.”
“Once again, this is a common-sense and entirely appropriate step to enable us to benefit from future international healthcare agreements that are negotiated, secured and delivered by the UK in tandem with international partners. <BR /> <BR />It seems rather repetitive to reference again the importance of data, but, of course, the ability to exchange data between the UK and other countries is key to international agreements. Without this change or the expansion of the powers that relate to the EEA and Switzerland, we would not have the legislative competence to facilitate the administration of reimbursement arrangements of a reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and other countries or to support the effective monitoring of such an agreement. Such an outcome is simply not feasible or desirable.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement, and I apologise that I was not in the Chamber for the beginning of it. The Minister referred to supporting the transition from electric vehicles through financial and fiscal mechanisms. Will the Minister expand on that and tell us more about the types of support that are being considered?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Assembly is often criticised for not making a difference or for getting bogged down in irrelevance and not dealing with the issues that impact most on our constituents. Maybe that is a fair criticism — not always but sometimes — but, with this Bill, we can make a difference to the lives of thousands of women and girls across Northern Ireland. I support the Bill and look forward to seeing it deliver benefit for the women of South Antrim and all Northern Ireland.”
“As we have seen throughout the pandemic, community pharmacies are increasingly the first port of call for a readily accessible local resource not only for prescriptions but for professional advice on dealing with many ailments. <BR /> <BR />We must engage our women and young girls in the conversations and let them tell us where the products should be made available and what shape the roll-out should take. Their feedback is vital. We in the House should not decide for them. Consultation is, as always, key to ensuring the most effective scheme possible. <BR /> <BR />This is about providing much-needed support for women and girls. To be clear, the scheme ought to apply to "women" and "girls". In the interests of making good law, that should be clarified in the final version of the Bill.”
“Rolling on from that question is the need to ask how universal provision will be made a reality. How will this work? How will people in need be guaranteed the provision of period products that we want them to avail themselves of? <BR /> <BR />We need to look at how similar provisions are made in Scotland, for example, and learn lessons from the elements of that scheme that work and from those areas that need improvement and in which we can do better in Northern Ireland for local women and girls. <BR /> <BR />On access points for products, we need to be bold and do better. Schools and other learning institutions are natural places to provide the products, but so, too, are GP surgeries and community pharmacies.”
“Likewise, my friend and colleague from Upper Bann Diane Dodds, as Economy Minister, introduced a one-year pilot project with Northern Ireland's higher education institutions to address period poverty. Period products will be provided free of charge during the academic year for students attending Ulster University, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis University College and St Mary's University College. <BR /> <BR />My party has led the way in addressing the issue, and we welcome the three broad policy objectives in the Bill to further address period poverty in society. Some areas of those objectives need clarity, and I will seek to address some of them in my comments. A question that must be asked about any Bill is, of course, what the cost implications will be.”
“Those needing help are left on their own to undertake a very personal and difficult journey or life episode. It is a welcome development that we in Northern Ireland are now much more open to conversations. In the context of the Bill and the whole issue, it is important that we enable women and girls to be open about talking about menstruation. <BR /> <BR />It is equally important, however, to ensure that no woman or girl lives in period poverty. I am pleased that my colleague the former Education Minister and Member for Strangford Peter Weir received Executive approval to provide free period products to all schools in Northern Ireland. That was due to commence in September 2021.”
“I thank the Chair and members of the Education Committee for agreeing to take on the Committee Stage of the Bill. With the heavy legislative workload of the Health Committee and given the cross-cutting nature of the Bill, that will ensure that the Bill receives the necessary scrutiny at Committee Stage. The Health Committee will support the Education Committee in whatever way it can to progress the Bill should it pass Second Stage. <BR /> <BR />I will now comment as a DUP MLA. I support the Bill, and I commend Mr Catney for the constructive way that he has gone about the issue of provision of free period products and for his passion and determination in advancing the matter. <BR /> <BR />It is often the way in Northern Ireland that certain issues are almost taboo. They are not talked about and are kept to the privacy of a room.”
“Will he now refer this matter to the Information Commissioner's Office for independent investigation and commit to a comprehensive review of existing procedures?”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber to answer this question for urgent oral answer. As he will be aware, it has been reported by several senior health clinicians that, in recent weeks, a flaw in the relevant software led to a database containing the vaccination status of every resident in Northern Ireland becoming widely accessible, including to staff who were not medically trained and those in temporary or administrative roles. These allegations raise serious concerns about personal privacy and data protection. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister accept, given the serious and far-reaching impact of the pandemic on fundamental freedoms, that a laissez-faire attitude to personal data is not only unacceptable but damaging to public confidence?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree that Lucy's law, the private Member's bill that my colleague Robin Newton is seeking to introduce, will go a long way towards providing local authorities with the powers to tackle illegal puppy farming in Northern Ireland? Does he also agree that more needs to be done about pets purchased in the Republic of Ireland and in GB? Ensuring that only registered businesses can engage in such activity, and making sure that there is greater enforcement, would surely lessen the financial incentive for criminals to participate in those unscrupulous actions?”
“What action is the Minister taking to ensure that EDs remain open for life-saving emergency services? For example, has he asked for any further assistance from the military for EDs or other areas of the health service to free up vital resource? Is there any further update on the most recent workforce appeal?”
“I thank the Speaker for accepting this question for urgent oral answer and the Minister for coming to the Chamber today. <BR /> <BR />This is not about party politics; this is about people. On all sides of the House, we need to be in this together. We need to work together to fix this. Through the media, we have heard an ED consultant from Altnagelvin Hospital apologise for the appalling service over the Halloween weekend due to the huge pressure and lack of capacity. Yesterday, the Northern Trust stated:”
“They are another tool that we can use to protect those around us, along with the common-sense actions of keeping a distance where possible, using a face covering when necessary and remembering guidance on hand hygiene. I hope that everyone plays their small part, if not for themselves, then for others, including our healthcare workforce who continue to work in the most challenging times that we have had. <BR /> <BR />My thoughts are with those who have lost family and friends to COVID-19. I support the motions.”
“We are already hearing the scary statistics on waiting times in emergency departments, and it is only November. It is incumbent on us all to do our bit to alleviate the pressures that may come. We all have the power to help by following the regulations and guidance that are in place to keep us safe and for wider public safety. <BR /> <BR />In summary, I urge everyone to avail themselves of the overwhelmingly safe and successful vaccination, which is still available. If you have reservations, please speak to a healthcare professional. We can now all easily access not just first, second and booster doses of the vaccine from community pharmacies, but lateral flow tests across a range of pharmacies. The news that research shows lateral flow tests to be incredibly accurate is comforting.”
“Despite many people's best efforts to inform, there needs to be as much awareness about rules as possible. I pay tribute to Hospitality Ulster for the work that it has done to raise awareness among the public about the rules that pertain to the industry. I am sure that Members across the House will join me in condemning outright the abuse that Colin Neill has received. No one should face threats or abuse for simply obeying the law and following health guidance, whether their role is to lobby for and represent the hospitality sector, like Colin, or to wait on tables in a local pub. <BR /> <BR />The Executive have now unveiled their winter plan. I welcome the pathway that they have set out for the next number of months. It will be a difficult period for the country and the health service.”
“People want to abide by the law, yet some are unsure what the current law is and what is expected. Given how many changes there have been in the past number of months, that confusion is completely understandable. Therefore, it is sensible to provide that clarity on face coverings at this stage. <BR /> <BR />I will take a moment to commend the Health officials who have been charged with drafting the emergency legislation. I have no doubt that it has been incredibly challenging work in highly unusual circumstances, and I am sure that not many of us have been queuing up to thank them. I take the opportunity to do just that now, and I thank the officials for that very difficult work. <BR /> <BR />Coming back to the motions, hospitality venues will particularly welcome the amendment (No. 6) regulations.”
“For self-catering venues, which, in many cases, are family-owned and essential for family incomes, removing that threshold on numbers will, once more, allow those businesses to derive full economic benefit. It is also essential to the wider economic recovery; the tourism offering is essential to Northern Ireland plc. I note that the regulation also removes the need for visitor and attendee information to be recorded. That, too, is a welcome change. <BR /> <BR />The amendment (No. 6) regulations on the use of face coverings provide a welcome clarification that a person is exempt from the requirement to wear a face covering in a relevant place while actively consuming food and drink, including intoxicating liquor. One criticism that I have heard when I have been out and about in South Antrim is that there is confusion about the rules.”
“Yes, of course we need to be sensible and follow the guidance that is provided, with persistent COVID rates being as they are across Northern Ireland, but, for those exceptional moments and circumstances, having that flexibility in the law is most welcome. These are steps towards normality, and that is only a good thing. <BR /> <BR />The removal of the maximum number of people who can stay overnight in tourist accommodation is a timely boost for the sector. We will all have had representations from businesses that operate across the Province and from providers in that industry. We know that businesses that were operating at maximum occupancy were wiped out overnight. We have seen that industry decimated, just like the arts.”
“Furthermore, for venues such as the SSE Arena, the Theatre at the Mill in my constituency, the MAC, the Lyric Theatre and the Ardhowen Theatre to survive and keep the lights on, they need to be able to fill their auditoriums. This amendment and the decision to remove the social-distancing requirements for persons seated at a performance, recording or rehearsal allows that to happen. Indeed, with amendment No. 16 and the removal of the need to be seated, we are returning to viability and the pre-pandemic experience of the arts. That is most welcome. <BR /> <BR />The amendment (No. 17) regulations and the removal of the limit on the number of people who can meet indoors in private households will, no doubt, be appreciated by those of us who are planning family get-togethers at Christmas.”
“They need to be able to develop their craft, but also make a living.”
“<BR /> <BR />We in Northern Ireland have such a rich heritage in the arts, music and various other forms of performance. Ruby Murray from Belfast's Donegall Road, Dungiven's Seamus Heaney and Bangor's Gary Lightbody are only but a few names, but what a legacy we have for world-class literature, music, dramatic performance and all other forms of artistic expression. The artists of 2021, whom we want to see make the same impact as those names, need to be performing to capacity audiences in the various fantastic arenas and venues that we have across the Province.”
“I welcome the amendment regulations before the House today and commend the Minister and the wider Executive for their endeavours in charting a course back to normality. <BR /> <BR />Regarding the amendment (No. 16) regulations, Members across the House will know of my love for the arts. I declare an interest as someone who is married to a playwright and as someone who has a role in a production company, as is documented in the Register of Members' Interests. <BR /> <BR />The arts across its various forms of expression have been so badly impacted on by the pandemic. Many of those in the industry rely on performances, ticket sales and commissions simply to make ends meet. There is no great fortune for many who pursue a career in the arts. Rather, their career is chosen out of a love of performance, art and expression.”
“I thank the Minister of Finance for his statement. The most pressing priority for the Executive remains the recovery of our health service. That has been reflected in this monitoring round, with the vast majority of money allocated to bids from the Department of Health. I very much welcome the pay award for staff, which can now be implemented. Most of the funding, however, will be used to plug the gap. Will the Minister outline whether we will be able to embrace the multi-year budgeting that is especially necessary in our health service to take those longer-term strategic steps forward that are so desperately needed to transform our system? What discussions has he had with the Minister of Health on that?”
“Minister, can we have an update on the roll-out of the schools vaccination programme for the over-12s?”
“I thank the First Minister for his statement and welcome the easements that are in place, while recognising that there will be ongoing concerns about how the health service will cope going into the winter months. <BR /> <BR />On the subject of the vaccination roll-out, the First Minister will be aware that there is reluctance among some people, not least pregnant women, ethnic minority groupings and people who are concerned about or are questioning the ethical nature of vaccines. Will the Executive Office work with the Department of Health to ensure that misinformation is addressed speedily so that those individuals who can take a vaccine — not just the COVID vaccine but the flu vaccine, if it is made available — are encouraged to do so quickly?”
“What message does that send out about how we value our future generations of young people? <BR /> <BR />The report also makes 17 key recommendations that we all must examine very closely. One of the foremost recommendations from today's publication is the call for a full review of child services. That cannot come soon enough. There needs to be distinct, targeted and sustained focus on how the current barriers in waiting lists are affecting children's lives. We need to promote lasting solutions that place the health and well-being of every child at the centre of acute elective and community-based health services. The much-needed health transformation in Northern Ireland extends to all aspects of our services, not least children's health and social care. The report is another stark reminder of the task ahead.”
“The review carried out by the Commissioner for Children and Young People is very appropriately titled 'More Than a Number'. Behind every statistic lies a child and their family or carers. They all deserve much better. The review found that, earlier this year, one in five children and young people in Northern Ireland was waiting for a first appointment or a review with a consultant. The conditions range from cancer services to speech and language therapy and from scoliosis to autism assessments. There were 17,194 children and young people waiting for more than one year, and 510 were waiting for more than four years. One of the most unsettling figures detailed that 24 children have been waiting a year for their first cancer appointment. It is a travesty that suspected child cancer cases are not being addressed for over a year.”
“I thank Colin McGrath for bringing this very important Matter of the Day. I thank the Children's Commissioner for her report. In the words of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), the waiting time figures that were published are "terrifying", and their consequences are having a:”
“I have no doubt that, as Jordan progresses in his professional career, he will add to Antrim and Northern Ireland's haul of snooker trophies. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I want to congratulate the organisers of the championship at the Waterfront for the successful staging of another major event, with its welcome return for supporters following two years behind closed doors. The positive remarks from the professional players about Belfast and the venue are a great acknowledgement of local sport and tourism.”
“Over the years, Mark has cemented his status as a Northern Irish sporting icon. I have no doubt that there is more success to come. <BR /> <BR />As an MLA for South Antrim and a resident of Antrim town, I know only too well of Mark's popularity, not just locally but across Northern Ireland. Despite his global successes, Mark has remained rooted in his local community. He helps to develop the sport of snooker, supporting up-and-coming talent through Antrim Sports Club on the Crosskennan Road, and raises the profile of the Bur through his achievements and, as we heard earlier from my colleague, his charitable work. <BR /> <BR />Another talent of Antrim Sports Club is Mark Allen's friend and practice partner Jordan Brown, who won the Welsh Open earlier this year despite coming into the tournament with odds of 750-1.”
“I, too, want to put on record my solidarity with the Amess family after the brutal murder of their loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with his family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time. <BR /> <BR />I rise to congratulate Antrim's own Mark Allen on his victory in the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Whilst, admittedly, I am not an expert in snooker or any sport at all, it was difficult not to be glued to my TV screen last night as Mark made his dramatic comeback to beat John Higgins 9-8. After making a 147 maximum break on his way to the final, the 2021 Northern Ireland Open becomes his sixth ranking tournament title of a career that includes triumphs in two big invitational events, the 2018 Masters and the Champion of Champions in 2020.”
“I thank my colleague for his intervention. I agree with that wholeheartedly. <BR /> <BR />I will conclude. Devolution can make a real difference in areas like this. I urge the Minister to take the issue forward as a matter of urgency and to make that difference for the well-being of all those who serve our community in the Fire Service. I support the motion and the amendment.”
“Annual cancer screenings for serving firefighters are essential.”
“That shows the need to do more to support those essential front-line workers. <BR /> <BR />The nature of the job results in increased exposure to carcinogens, and we need to ensure that other extremely important measures are in place to give firefighters the best protection. We need to ensure that best practice standards are implemented in the use of PPE, respiratory equipment, risk assessment, decontamination procedures and, vitally, training. That must be enabled by adequate resourcing and funding. <BR /> <BR />Our firefighters put their lives on the line to ensure our safety, and the least that we can do for those brave individuals is to ensure not only that their work is recognised but that the risks that they endure every day are recognised. That applies for the present and for the lifelong impacts that those can have.”
“The guidance emphasises the need to provide health screening to any staff member who is regularly exposed to fire effluent. Early screening and early evaluation will lead to early detection and will save lives. <BR /> <BR />Today's proposal is sensible. It serves a life-saving purpose. It shows that we as legislators and the community at large take seriously the health and well-being of those who give their professional careers to protect us, regardless of the extreme dangers and horrendous situations that they face. It would not have a huge financial implication, but, my goodness, it would have massive implications for firefighters and their families. Furthermore, research from Mind shows that 85% of those in fire and rescue services experience stress and poor mental health.”
“<BR /> <BR />In response to this need, the Fire Brigades Union commissioned independent research from the University of Central Lancashire. The research surveyed more than 10,000 serving firefighters and found that 4·1% of respondents had already been diagnosed with cancer compared with less than 1% of the general population. More than half were under the age of 50, and a fifth were under 40. Those are deeply alarming statistics that the Assembly and the Department of Health cannot ignore. They are devastating to young lives and young families, and we absolutely must protect those lives. The FBU interim best practice report, published in response to the research, provides guidance to minimise the risk to which firefighters are exposed.”
“Sadly, that lack of recognition means that, if a firefighter were to receive a cancer diagnosis that they believed to be work-related, the onus would be on that firefighter to provide evidence to prove the link in order to secure financial and practical support. Given the nature of their work, it is understandable why the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union has described this as "an almost impossible retrospective task". That means that many fire personnel are without the vital support to which they should be entitled during the most difficult period of their lives. It is simply not good enough. Rather than being driven by evidence, the policy is driven by a lack of research into the effects of firefighting on the long-term health of those on the front line.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sadly, despite the recognition of the incredibly complex and dangerous nature of the situations in which firefighters must place themselves, there is not enough recognition that these conditions have long-term impacts, due to the chemicals and toxins that firefighters are exposed to. <BR /> <BR />In areas of Canada and the USA, presumptive legislation recognising certain cancers as occupational diseases amongst firefighters has been introduced. However, to date, the UK has concluded that there is not enough evidence to link occupational exposure to carcinogenic fire effluents with a higher risk of cancers.”
“I also put on record my best wishes to Fra McCann on his retirement. I feel quite jealous. I wish you all the best, Fra, for the future. <BR /> <BR />I commend my colleagues David Hilditch and Jonathan Buckley for bringing the motion to the House. David does so not only as an MLA but as a father who carries a heavy heart after the loss of his son Stuart. David, what you do today is a fitting tribute to your son, and I know that it will be felt by his colleagues who continue their incredible work. <BR /> <BR />This is an emotional subject for many, but the motion is about an issue that really matters to hundreds of firefighters and their families. As a community, we are reliant on our firemen and firewomen to keep us safe, so we must step up to protect them as they step up, each and every day, to protect us.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The tourism sector has been one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic. What steps is the Minister taking to help the sector to move forward?”
“Disappointingly, the Northern Trust Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group has learnt that the part review has not commenced, meaning further delay. <BR /> <BR />Since the announcement by NICE, Scotland has moved decisively. In June 2021, the Scottish Medicines Consortium approved nintedanib for use by NHS Scotland, making it available for the first time to an estimated 1,500 patients who are living with various forms of pulmonary fibrosis other than IPF. It is also looking at the policy for patients with IPF with a review that will take less than the 50 weeks announced by NICE. <BR /> <BR />I call on NICE to commence that review with urgency. Northern Irish and, indeed, other pulmonary fibrosis sufferers across the UK should not have to wait any longer for treatment that could enhance and prolong life.”
“<BR /> <BR />Following the campaign, which was supported by elected representatives across the devolved Administrations, NICE published a statement in May 2021, announcing a part review of existing guidance for both drugs. That review would consider the patient population not currently recommended to receive the drugs. There was great excitement and relief at the time of NICE's announcement. Hope was now on the horizon for many who knew that the drugs would greatly improve their standard of living and prolong their life. <BR /> <BR />When NICE published its decision for a part review, we were made aware that it would last 50 weeks, with a lead-in time of three months for the NHS, meaning that a chance of being prescribed the drugs would not happen until at least autumn 2022.”
“In Europe, the USA, Canada and New Zealand, they are prescribed on diagnosis, but current guidance in the UK states that they should be prescribed only when a patient's lung function is within a certain range and may be stopped if lung function drops below that range. The present NICE guidelines recommend that those drugs should only be prescribed when lung function has deteriorated to between 50% and 80% capacity. Perversely, that strict criterion leaves many waiting for the inevitable time when their lung capacity has deteriorated further to enable access. I am told that patients in NI have resorted to purchasing the drugs privately at a cost of £5,000 per year. Many cannot afford that.”
“I wish to draw attention to a matter of great importance to many in Northern Ireland who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis, the most common being idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is a lung condition that scars your lungs and reduces the efficiency of breathing. <BR /> <BR />Many will remember campaigning by support groups associated with Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis recently, which called on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to review the current policy of prescribing the anti-fibrotic drugs nintedanib and pirfenidone. Many support groups were heavily involved in that campaign. <BR /> <BR />Anti-fibrotic drugs can prolong and improve quality of life for sufferers.”
“It is essential, however, that we continue to assess the situation and progress out of restrictions safely, ensuring that we strike a balance between protecting our health and our health service and continuing to bring back our normal and much-missed ways of life. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I urge the Minister and the Executive to continue to promote the benefits of vaccination. I am concerned by reports today that only 60% of Belfast Trust nurses had been vaccinated by June or July of this year. Does the Minister have more up-to-date figures on that? Our health service has to set an example to the rest of us in the vaccination process. We all need to do our bit to help us return to normal. Increased levels of vaccination can protect the progress that we have made in greatly easing restrictions to date and enable us to go further.”