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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“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. Obviously, the testing of young children is naturally going to be very challenging, particularly if it is a self-testing kit. Is the Department of Health looking at what assistance could be made available by GPs in the COVID screening of the under fives through the COVID centres?”
“She also said that long-term funding is vital for those groups to continue. Cara is also heading up, as chair, a new all-party group on addiction and dual diagnosis, another vital area of concern that has the full support of all parties in the Building. She asked the Minister to keep mental health at the top of his agenda, and I am sure that he will do that. <BR /> <BR />I will not get through all Members' contributions, so I will not try. Mike Nesbitt, Karen Mullan, Gerry Carroll and Claire Sugden also spoke, and there was some very good commentary from across the Chamber. We welcome the support that has been given to the motion and thank the Minister for his response to it and for his understanding of the issues. Hopefully, we will see, in the very near future, a full roll-out of the MATT project, which has been so successful.”
“Colm Gildernew thanked those who tabled the motion. He was impressed by the genuine empathy shown by Members across the Chamber. He spoke from his knowledge, and from his role in the Health Committee, about the long record of underfunding for mental health. He also spoke about the work of the Committee and, in the light of the demands that the pandemic had made on the Committee's time, the desire to return to the subject urgently. Colm also raised the issue of broadband availability, especially given the reliance on remote technology at present. <BR /> <BR />Cara Hunter spoke about the distress when dealing with constituents who require services, and we can all relate to that. She spoke about her time in council and about the good work of local voluntary groups, such as Extern.”
“She said that many shifts were spent in the corridors of hospitals supporting those in crisis or in search operations for those who had gone missing. She said that the partnership approach addressed numerous problems, and she commended voluntary workers for their efforts in the same area in the community. Joanne highlighted that last Thursday was World Suicide Prevention Day and welcomed the appointment of Siobhán O'Neill. She said that she was nervous about seeing the results of the scoping exercise that is being undertaken. She called for a short-term intervention in Belfast to face the current level of crisis.”
“He said that it was good to talk and that no one should feel shame in talking about their mental health or see that as a sign of weakness. <BR /> <BR />Kellie Armstrong thanked Alex Easton for his personal contribution to the debate by talking about his own mental health. She also mentioned loneliness and being detached from social contact and how damaging that is. She spoke of how one fifth of those surveyed showed symptoms of PTSD and reiterated that COVID restrictions should not remain for a day longer than is necessary, and I certainly agree with that. She said that MATT seems to have been a clear success and had no hesitation in recommending the roll-out of MATT across the trusts. <BR /> <BR />Joanne Bunting, as a member of the Policing Board, spoke about the impact of mental health on policing.”
“He also referred to his questioning of the reduction in the money being spent by the education system on counselling over the last number of years. <BR /> <BR />Alan Chambers said that one in four would suffer poor mental health and said that it affects all walks of life — how true is that? He spoke of the mental health impact on physical health and vice versa. Of course, he spoke of his party's commitment to make mental health a key priority. He mentioned the appointment of the Interim Mental Health Champion and the production of the mental health action plan. He said that, despite the progress that has been made, nothing could have prepared us for COVID-19 and that there was never a more important time to avoid ED attendances.”
“She stated that there was a need for more funding and progress on the suicide strategy. <BR /> <BR />Colin McGrath was next. He spoke about the debate as an incredibly important discussion of an issue that we are all affected by, and he said that we should give consideration to our mental health. He referred to the most recent survey that showed that deprived areas are more at risk. He welcomed the appointment of Siobhán O'Neill to the post of Mental Health Champion and spoke of the need for staffing resource to support her work. We welcome the clarification from the Minister on that subject. He spoke favourably of local mental health groups and talked about his experience as a youth worker in the past.”
“He also spoke about the future of MATT being unclear and about the vital and critical intervention provided by the multi-agency service. He ultimately asked the Minister to commit urgently to funding for that project and to expanding it to all trust areas. <BR /> <BR />Órlaithí Flynn spoke next. She said that mental health was universally accepted as an area of concern. She talked about the need for more than just positive mental health slogans. She said that there is a need for parity of esteem with physical health and for agencies to work together. Órlaithí is the chairperson of the APG on suicide prevention, which is supportive and encouraging of the MATT model. She spoke about the lived experience of individuals and recognised that many mental health groups offer help in the community.”
“He mentioned that it was interesting that media reporting had a role in impacting on mental health and referred to the recommendations, including those on drafting clear media guidelines and a public health campaign. Alex also touched on the negativity and commentary around the discussion of a potential vaccine and on the amount of misinformation that is out there. He spoke about MATT and about the success and value of the pilot, which has not been fully rolled out to date. He spoke about the benefit of reducing the impact on the resource of the agencies involved, namely the health and social care sector, the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, which have been providing on-the-spot mental health support to people in emotional crisis.”
“Let us all take the steps necessary to stop that. The motion highlights just one worthy example. I am pleased that all Members from across the Chamber today have supported the motion on mental health crisis support tabled by my colleagues Alex Easton and Paula Bradley. It is clear that the subject is very much recognised, and it is good to keep speaking up to ensure that the issue never becomes taboo again. <BR /> <BR />I now turn to Members' comments. Alex Easton, who proposed the motion, spoke in detail about the COVID-19 survey conducted by the stress, trauma and related conditions research laboratory at Queen's University and the statistics uncovered about the impact on mental health in Northern Ireland during this trying time, the most notable of which was that one third of people met the criteria for depression.”
“We want the fair and equitable roll-out of the MATT project, in order to benefit all communities and households. There cannot be a postcode lockout to this life-saving service. I urge the Minister to look favourably on this, and I know that his commitment to tackling mental health issues in Northern Ireland is clear. Let us build up a suite of measures to tackle this that includes MATT lifeline services, de-escalation pilots in Belfast and Londonderry and resilience and well-being programmes across our schools and educational establishments, using our community and voluntary sectors to dovetail with such programmes to continue to help those who engage with MATT, to keep that intervention going beyond that first point of crisis. Enough homes have been destroyed by poor mental health, enough lives broken and, sadly, too many lost.”
“They are mental health practitioners and paramedics, working alongside police officers, assessing and responding to calls made either to the police or the ambulance control room using the 999 or 101 numbers. In many parts of Northern Ireland, a MATT team is leading the crisis intervention response to the human impact on our mental health pandemic in Northern Ireland. I thank every member of staff for their contribution to date in increasingly challenging times. Saying, "Thank you" does not go far enough. Staff deserve to have the confidence that they will have the right funding and resource support to promote better outcomes and, ultimately, save lives. <BR /> <BR />What do we want to see? We want the workforce consolidated, the service expanded and the funding arrangements placed on a sustainable and solid footing.”
“My fear— I believe that it is well grounded in reality — is that that prevalence will only increase because of the impact of COVID-19. That is why I welcome the motion. It represents a call to action, and it is action that, we know, works, that helps those who need help and, ultimately, saves lives. It is not a stand-alone solution but a piece in a jigsaw that we need the Department to set out and piece together to create an overall picture of how our mental health pandemic will be defeated. <BR /> <BR />Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I am sure that you, like me, regard all our first responders as heroes, and that is right. It is not an easy job, but, in the multi-agency triage team, we really have examples of heroes.”
“Last week, we marked World Suicide Prevention Day. It was, once again, a reminder of how mental health remains a major challenge for society. When we consider the prevalence of suicide in our community, we see that it is a battle that, at times, I fear we are losing. When, almost on a daily basis, my office is contacted about the latest life lost in my constituency, my heart sinks. What greater priority can we have as legislators than to protect life from the youngest to the oldest, from the womb to the grave? Better mental health must become a greater priority. We pay much lip service to that, but we need to see actions that back up the words. In Northern Ireland, one in five adults will suffer poor mental health at some point in their life.”
“<BR /> <BR />Does the Minister recognise the very serious concerns, especially in the case of the more vulnerable and very elderly patients that some people are not always as fully capable of communicating their health problems to their GP by telephone and that more availability of face-to-face GP appointments is absolutely necessary to properly diagnose whatever their issue may be?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. At the outset, let me be very clear that I absolutely do value the work of our GPs and understand the need to operate with much caution to ensure that GP services remain in place and open. <BR /> <BR />Minister, my office has been inundated, as I am sure the offices of most MLAs have been, with complaints around access to GPs. We are entering the winter flu season now, and it is unlikely that we are going to avoid a second wave of COVID-19. It is imperative that GPs are seen to be open for business and not for emergency cases only. It may well be a perception, but it is certainly a problem for the EDs and, indeed, for the pharmacists, who feel that they are bearing the brunt of the lack of access to physical or remote primary care.”
“I thank the Minister for his attendance. Schools are back and there is no doubt that there is confusion among schools and parents and even in workplaces. Many schools are struggling to get through to the Public Health Agency (PHA) to receive appropriate guidance around risk assessments and they are sending large numbers of children home. There are reports of schools and workplaces demanding a negative COVID-19 result before individuals can return to work or school. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the information that was published by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) last week. Does the Minister agree that it is vital that he takes any offer of help or assistance from the Education Minister to bulk up the level of support from his Department that is required to deal with the volume of queries that are coming from schools and parents at this time?”
“I ask whether this debate on local restrictions is on whether the glass is half full or the glass is half empty. Does the First Minister agree with me that introducing restrictions that allow for a balance to be struck between our economy continuing and, more importantly for me, the health service remaining open, or reopening, is a way in which to live during the COVID-19 pandemic?”
“I thank the Minister. Will the Minister also agree that not only should the NI Executive be working together to protect trade with our largest market in Great Britain but they should work to ensure that Northern Ireland fully benefits from post-Brexit international trade deals signed off by Her Majesty's Government?”
“<BR /> <BR />Why should a family have to rely on freedom of information requests to establish whether risk assessments have been carried out on their loved one's care. Why is candour so hard to find? Why has the trust adopted a closed, defensive, dishonorable stance with families? Such behaviour, coupled with the scale and seriousness of the alleged abuse and failings in governance, makes the case for a full public inquiry irrefutable. <BR /> <BR />We all want the truth and those responsible to be held to account and brought to justice. We support the motion and the amendment.”
“We have learned much from the review and subsequent report that was commissioned by the Department and published last month. The record of the Belfast Trust and its handling of Muckamore is nothing short of shameful. We have seen nurses having their suspensions overturned without the Belfast Trust having provided evidence and CCTV to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, senior managers have refused to cooperate with the internal governance review and trust officials have admitted delays in the reporting of incidents from staff management and onward referrals. It is unacceptable for senior management in the Belfast Trust to say that they were unaware of the issues at Muckamore.”
“<BR /> <BR />I believe that the families should be at the centre of any discussion on the form that an inquiry takes. This is about getting the truth, first and foremost, for those affected. It is also about ensuring that no other family faces anything like what happened in any other place within our health system.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is a scandal and, as such, I see no other appropriate mechanism by which to investigate it other than by a public enquiry. However, I do welcome the commitment given by the Health Minister last month that he intends to create an inquiry, but it is the shape of such an inquiry and the powers that are available to it that will be fundamental to its credibility and the weight of its investigation. <BR /> <BR />That is why we are backing today's motion. A public inquiry is essential and nothing less will do. I urge the Minister to press ahead on that basis. <BR />Witnesses and evidence must be compellable with no place to hide in the quest for truth, for justice and to learn from this horrendous case. I recognise the caution on allowing the police investigations to conclude, but five years is too long for families to wait.”
“This is the largest adult safeguarding case in the entire United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />I am still horrified by the events that happened. The PSNI have identified some 1,500 separate criminal cases for investigation with a timeline of around five years for that process to conclude. Institutional abuse was investigated in 2012, but steps were not taken, which allegedly resulted in further harm to other vulnerable patients. The cases of physical and mental abuse were not isolated. It was not the actions of a lone worker, it was systemic in scale. Here we had the supposed sanctuary for adults with learning difficulties, but where they suffered personal torment by being physically abused and assaulted by nursing staff.”
“I rise to support the motion and the amendment and to thank the Members for bringing this very important subject to the House. <BR /> <BR />I am sure, like all Members, my thoughts are, first and foremost, with the families for whom the words "Muckamore Abbey Hospital" bring hurt, pain, and a sense of betrayal and trust. We speak as those who have been informed of only some of what has happened in that place but without that personal connection. My deep sense of anger can count as nothing when I think of the emotions that the families must feel today and every day. <BR /> <BR />Muckamore represents a failure of the system, personal accountability and leadership, and the duty of care that society has for those who have suffered. I am still absolutely astounded by the sheer scale of what we are dealing with in this hospital.”
“I thank the Minister for attending for the question for urgent oral answer. Obviously, our thoughts are with the families who have been plunged into grief at this time. It is disheartening to hear that a fourth patient from the haematology ward at Craigavon Area Hospital has lost their life. <BR /> <BR />Minister, what role have the Test, Trace and Protect initiative and the StopCOVID NI app played in relation, in particular, to the Craigavon Area Hospital outbreaks? Do you have a percentage for the positive tests that are showing to be asymptomatic cases? If that is the case, how do you plan to combat the complacency that is out there and the conspiracy theories about the pandemic?”
“<BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I welcome that visitor attractions, museums, galleries and bookmaking offices have been able to resume business. I thank the public and appeal for continued compliance with the guidance and adherence to the regulations. Let us remember what this is about: it is about saving lives. I am also very proud of those who organised very safe, lawful Twelfth celebrations this year. That is something to be proud of. I support the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (NI) 2020 and the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Amendment No. 10) Regulations (NI) 2020.”
“Waiting lists, which were already at an all-time high before the pandemic, are growing. The Department is quite rightly trying to suppress the virus and we are all eternally grateful to all the Department of Health staff and all our amazing health workers, who go far beyond the call of duty to look after others. If this is an opportunity to transform services so that they can work more efficiently and safely, then let us do that, but let us do that with haste and recognition that the people of Northern Ireland are suffering and deserve to have services resumed as a matter of urgency. Of course, that all adds to mental health issues, and I urge the Assembly to back the Minister in reopening health services with the utmost urgency. How many will lose their lives or become incapacitated because of the lack of action to resume healthcare?”
“I also highlight the plight of dental practices and urge the Minister to engage with the sector to ensure that it is protected throughout this difficult period. The wider issues have been well highlighted and the rationales are clear. Just this morning, we heard from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Gavan McAlinden, who aired his fears and frustrations about the pace of reopening surgeries. Mr McAlinden said that their advocacy for their suffering patients was falling on deaf ears. That concerns me and I am worried that we are not even listening to our clinicians now. <BR /> <BR />Many people, including my husband, are waiting for general surgery. Many are suffering and are in great pain and that is due to the lack of our health services at this time.”
“I urge the Executive to concentrate on actual science-based evidence and, perhaps, the junior Minister can furnish the House with the relevant R rates, not just in Northern Ireland but across England, Scotland and Wales and, indeed, those of our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland. As an Assembly, we need to give clear guidance and the general public want to know what they can do and how they can do that with as little risk as possible. <BR /> <BR />Test, track, trace and isolate is now in place, so let us keep reminding people to be tested if any of the symptoms of COVID-19 are present. Let us keep a distance from others and wash our hands. Let us volunteer to wear face coverings in shops. Let us look after ourselves and each other. <BR /> <BR />From a health perspective, I again make a plea for the urgent reopening of services.”
“As we look ahead, we must ensure that we look at the most effective ways to sustain those businesses. Sticking-plaster solutions do not work. An opportunity to do things differently is before us and we should have everything on the table to ignite our economy. <BR /> <BR />In the last day or two, we have heard much about whether it is right or wrong to travel on holiday and whether quarantine is necessary. Further clarity is needed, and I welcome the First Minister's comments that there needs to be a further tidying up of the regulations and the subject of essential travel.”
“It is also worth remembering that the figure of 30 is the total for the gathering, not an element. For some, I think, that clarity is needed. <BR /> <BR />Obviously, alongside the public health considerations, the priority in all these decisions is the economic well-being of our people. Jobs must be protected. It is good that more services, including contact industries, have reopened, but I urge the Executive to do more to signpost employers and business owners who are already stressed to relevant guidance on how to operate safely. <BR /> <BR />We will have much more to do in the journey back to normality. A walk down the high street in Northern Ireland shows us the challenges that we face. Shutters are down, some permanently, and each business gone represents jobs lost and households that have been plunged into uncertainty.”
“I felt somewhat deflated as I thought about this speech. The unity of purpose that typified the response of the Assembly and Executive is now sadly so damaged. I have often referred to the importance of a united approach in dealing with COVID-19, but we now see more and more that one party and its selfish objectives trump all else. That is very disappointing. The public share my sense of disappointment, anger and disillusionment with those for whom public health and adherence to our own rules were cast aside. We still have had no apology. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the specifics of the amendments. I welcome the fact that we now have an increase in the numbers allowed at outdoor gatherings to 30. Socially, we have some way to go, whether that is to reinvigorate the community or attend family or other events.”
“Many charities have called for a plan for long-term social reform and for investment in care and support services to give unpaid carers respite. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, even amidst the upheaval of COVID-19, there are opportunities to be identified and harnessed to improve outcomes moving forward. We want to see Executive Ministers commissioning thorough research into and evaluation of the experiences of carers and those with disabilities during this crisis, as well as the impact of suspended services on their standard of life. This is about effective risk mapping and informed learning for the future. I commend the motion to the House.”
“We believe that there is merit in considering a plan to review and potentially raise the level of carer's allowance or to provide an alternative discretionary payment to take account of the additional care provided by family members during the pandemic. Advocates like Carers NI and Families Involved NI have been pressing for that, and we urge Ministers to examine the potential for a proportionate and fair system of compensation. We are also conscious that the sacrifice of many carers in assuming additional responsibilities during the crisis may have had implications for their employment status. Government need to look at more effective means of allowing people to stay in paid work, if they want to.”
“Many young people with disabilities are seizing education and training opportunities, some of which have been suspended for the duration of the crisis. Those opportunities must not be lost, and those young people's prospects should be prioritised. <BR /> <BR />Another key requirement as we look ahead is maybe something that goes without saying, but is often not the case. This is about valuing carers. Unpaid carers played an integral role in the first wave of COVID-19 in preventing our health service from being overwhelmed. That contribution may not have been public-facing, but it is as significant and deserves the same recognition and appreciation as other roles.”
“We need to look differently at how we can better address the risk moving forward. <BR /> <BR />It is vital that COVID-19 recovery has a safe and central place for adults and children with disabilities, as well as those with caring responsibilities. The phased, or incremental, basis on which health and social care, community services, leisure facilities or businesses reopen should not unfairly disadvantage those with existing health conditions or impairments. There should be impact assessments, whether they are done formally or indirectly, for those with disabilities when making onward decisions. Equal access must be at the heart of this process. That means proactive and substantive consultation with service users, carers and their advocates. It also means regular evaluation of adherence to the wider rights of those with disabilities.”
“The measures that are proposed in the mental health action plan are a solid foundation. Some 70% of respondents to the Carers UK April survey in Northern Ireland said that they are providing more emotional support to those they care for, including keeping an eye on them and trying to motivate them. Those with disabilities should not be left behind in discussions on how to tackle the legacy of COVID-19 on mental health resilience. The recovery must be fair and equitable to everyone. <BR /> <BR />The pandemic has also put into sharp focus the disproportionate risk of mental ill health among unpaid carers. Eighty-one per cent of carers have experienced loneliness as a result of caring, and carers are up to seven times more likely to be lonely than the general population.”
“I know that in my office we have been contacted by many families who are looking to us for help. These are very real concerns. To give one very brief example, if care has to be stopped for some reason and the family is able to manage in the very short term, will there be guarantees that the care will resume in the future? That is a big worry. <BR /> <BR />The nature of the COVID threat saw parents having to make emergency care plans for their disabled children in case they became incapacitated. Those are steps that no parent or guardian should ever have to take. This has obviously had a massive impact on mental health. Mental illness is the largest single cause of disability in Northern Ireland. Better awareness and acceptance of it is needed as a society as we chart the COVID-19 recovery.”
“I welcome the motion. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has had a huge impact on those with disabilities and their family. During the pandemic, many services that are normally accessed by adults and children with disabilities have been either suspended or disrupted as part of the public health response or health protection regulations. Some examples include the suspension of Disability Action's transport scheme; Shopmobility; charitable initiatives carried out in physical proximity, including counselling, overnight stays and group activities; restrictions on visiting learning disability units; the suspension of off-site visits to family or friends by those in supported living accommodation; and the closure of schools has had an impact on the social and educational outcomes for those with particular needs.”
“I thank the junior Minister for giving way. On wearing face coverings, which I am not opposed to in any circumstance if it helps to combat the virus, will the junior Minister inform us whether he or his colleagues wore a mask when they attended that funeral, given that there was no social distancing in place either indoors or outdoors?”
“<BR /> <BR />Once again, I commend all the people of Northern Ireland who have adhered to the regulations and guidance to allow the restrictions to be eased. It is not easy; it is difficult, and many people have had to do difficult things to get us to this point. That is why the recent actions of so many on the Sinn Féin Benches in the Chamber are so shameful. There was no respect for the regulations, the wider public or our front-line healthcare workers. There was no integrity to front up and tell the truth. The Sinn Féin version of equality is supremacy, arrogance and entitlement. I beg the public not to weaken their resolve in the face of the reckless actions of some so-called leaders. We have come so far; let us not ruin it now.”
“The last area that I wish to mention is the reopening of places of worship. Faith is fundamental to the way in which many people in Northern Ireland live their life, and the act of public worship is a key part of that; it is not an optional extra for them. I know that many congregations and church leadership teams struggled to level the idea of closing churches with their beliefs. Faced with such a significant threat to the health of their congregations, they did the right thing and closed their doors. I commend so many churches for the innovative ways in which they have adapted through online services. I also want to commend folk such as Colin Tinsley, who made school assembly and Bible clubs available to kids.”
“That is something we need to be cognisant of, moving forward.”
“I really encourage the public to get out there and spend their money in their neighbourhood. With one-metre social distancing, turnover sits at 70%. That is hugely challenging and does not reflect an environment where a living can be made. Out of hope, we have to continue on the path to normality. We hope that further easements of restrictions can be implemented to help those businesses, going forward. <BR /> <BR />Family life has also been hugely impacted on. The indoor gathering provisions are very welcome. They allow children to see granny and granda, which, I know, has been so keenly anticipated and is now enjoyed by many. I often think about how lockdown has impacted on the minds of our young people, and it is bound to have brought so many questions about changes to normal routines and activities.”
“For many debates here, we have been talking about significant steps in the easing of lockdown but maybe smaller than what we do today. We do not underestimate the necessity for each move, but it is worth noting that the changes to the regulations we have here probably represent the biggest step forward. I am sure that many of us can say that we never knew that so many people owned caravans before lockdown kicked in. I know from messages and emails received over the last days and weeks that the move to reopen those much loved escapes is very welcome. <BR /> <BR />Our tourism and hospitality sector has been particularly hit by the lockdown period, so it is welcome that we now see our bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels once again opening their doors. We have a fantastic industry here, and it is in desperate need of public support.”
“We need a ramping up of our health service, whether that is in terms of surgery, outpatient appointments or the attendance of mothers and fathers at maternity appointments. I welcome the announcement that the Minister of Health has just made on hospital and care home visitation, and accompaniment at maternity appointments. I also want to encourage office workers to return to their places of work. The shutters that are down on many streets are those of non-retail premises but the imagery is one of closed town centres. We need those workers back into their offices as soon as possible to help support our high streets. The same applies to public-sector workers. There should be no hierarchy in how workers are treated. It is vital that we stay safe and save lives, and work safely and save lives.”
“Those who are looking forward to a wedding day need greater clarity on the timescales for changes to the rules.”
“<BR /> <BR />Obviously, since the restrictions have been lifted, we have made considerable further progress in returning to some form of normality. I pay tribute to my colleague Diane Dodds, the Economy Minister, for driving forward "with a get Northern Ireland moving approach", and I know that that is greatly appreciated amongst the business community. I know that Diane will not stop with the support that she gives to local businesses in the days and weeks ahead. <BR /> <BR />We must work collaboratively with local councils to ensure that we work in tandem in delivering support, whether that be in easing outdoor trading rules or in mentoring and advice. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I urge the Executive to look at some of the outstanding restrictions that remain.”
“Likewise, the outdoor gathering restriction being eased to allow for groups of 10 to participate in an outdoor gathering made a great difference to families and friendships. It is just a shame that the weather did not necessarily agree. <BR /> <BR />One of the biggest challenges is to get business moving again and to support our retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, and to ensure that they survive what has been a tsunami that has devastated many local businesses. I know from speaking to businesses in my constituency of South Antrim that there is a steely determination to survive and to get things moving again. As consumers, we need to reward that determination with loyalty: loyalty to the local clothes shop, to the family hardware store and to the coffee shop that offers the best local produce.”