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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“In that regard, I pay tribute to the expert advisers that we have in Northern Ireland, not least our Chief Medical Officer: thank you for all that you are doing at this time. <BR /> <BR />As MLAs, we are being contacted daily with the question, "Am I allowed to?". The question on everyone's lips is, "When will we be able to?". People want to know when family life and community life will return to what we once called "normal". In recent weeks, we have all taken small steps. Access to cemeteries was a much-needed and most welcome first step. Who among us did not have a constituent who longed to visit the grave of a loved one — maybe a child or a spouse — who was lost too soon? . The stories that we have received have, no doubt, had a real impact on us all personally, and I am glad that today those graves can be visited.”
“I put on record my thanks to the First Minister and deputy First Minister, the junior Ministers and, indeed, the Health Minister as they continue to work throughout this difficult period. While we focus on the relaxation of restrictions, it would be wrong for us to not express our deepest sympathies to those who mourn the loss of a loved one to this awful disease. Almost 490 families in Northern Ireland have been left devastated. That is a heartbreaking statistic, but behind each one is someone who is loved and missed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those families now and in the days ahead. <BR /> <BR />The decision to relax restrictions and amend the regulations does not come easy. It is always vital that those decisions are determined by the best scientific and medical advice. Politics must not come into it, just evidence.”
“When the Prime Minister refers to taking action to deal with community spikes, does the First Minister envisage that he means there could be different restrictions in different parts of England?”
“I thank the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their statement to the House. I very much welcome the news that a more comprehensive paper will come from the Executive on our care homes, because we are all incredibly worried about what is going on there and about protecting those who are the most vulnerable in society. <BR /> <BR />Can the First Minister or deputy First Minister tell us what role the joint biosecurity centre will play?”
“Of course, the money, sadly, is very much needed. We will have to see how the additional costs are met. We will also have to assess how the suspension of other services has produced savings elsewhere in our healthcare system. Those are issues for investigation on another day, perhaps, but they are challenges coming down the track towards us and challenges that we cannot dodge or delay indefinitely. The bottom line is that, moving forward, we need more money. In that regard, we must get clarity from our Government and the Government of the Irish Republic on the commitments made in 'New Decade, New Approach'. We must also push ahead with transformation at pace. Most importantly, to succeed, we need to be able to plan on a multi-year basis.”
“We also need to have clarity around the £72 million savings target. Is that realistic, given the pressures from COVID-19? If it is not, where is the revised target? For capital spend, we really need the longer-term strategic approach that comes with multi-year Budgets. We also need clarity on the status of the capital projects pre-committed to, not least the mother-and-baby unit. We think of Bengoa and the reform of our health service, including its estate, and we need progress on that to be made sooner rather than later if budgeting is truly to make the best use of the money that is available. <BR /> <BR />There can be no underestimating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our health service and its budgets. Next year's Budget will be dominated by COVID-19 and the response to it, and that is right.”
“Let the House never again see nurses on strike to bring about a fair pay settlement. Resourcing comes in two areas: staff resourcing and equipping the estate. The Budget does that. While we would all want more, we work within finite resources, where prioritisation is fundamental to the best outcomes possible from the funding envelope available. <BR /> <BR />For the resource budget, we are talking astronomical sums of money. An extra £400 million is needed next year, and we have inescapable pressures arising from 'New Decade, New Approach' around nursing and midwifery training, safe staffing and transformation. Transformation is vital to the continued effectiveness of our local NHS. For it to be planned effectively, we need to move towards a multi-year Budget, providing clarity over time to plan change in a more strategic way.”
“I put on record my condolences to the family, friends and, indeed, colleagues of John Dallat at this very sad time. It is a difficult time for anyone to grieve. In these circumstances, I know that we are all thinking of his family and his colleagues. <BR /> <BR />As DUP spokesperson and as a member of the Health Committee, I will make some brief remarks about the allocations to the Department of Health. If ever there was a time when the need to fund our health service was evident, it is surely now. We must resource our NHS to make it fit to tackle any crisis that comes our way, such as COVID-19, but we must also ensure that the daily needs of those ill and suffering across Northern Ireland are met. We must also focus on adequately resourcing the most valuable asset in our health service: our staff.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. He rightly raised the point about the potential rise in domestic abuse, I have had contact with Women's Aid and with Hourglass — formerly Action on Elder Abuse Northern Ireland — and we have to recognise that elder abuse is domestic violence. I do not like the differentiation between the descriptions. Does the Member agree that it is right and proper that organisations such as Women's Aid and Hourglass are properly funded, given that they are expecting a downfall of up to 50% in their charitable funding and an increase of up to 50% in the need for their services and that, because of the pandemic, many victims are trapped in their homes and, until the restrictions start are lifted, may not even be able to access the help that they so desperately need?”
“Sadly, we have witnessed a small number of people ignoring the regulations by being part of funeral gatherings that go well beyond what is permitted in the regulations. It is important that the unified voice of the House tells those people that they are not above the law and that they do not have the right to do that which families grieving as a result of COVID-19 have sacrificed. I urge the PSNI to bring to justice those who flout the rules, for everyone's benefit. <BR /> <BR />While we ought always to have these regulations under review as the situation evolves, they are necessary. Let us continue to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
“Many in the House will know that an issue close to my heart is that of the rights, well-being and care of those living with autism. Lockdown poses huge challenges for those with autism and their families. I urge the Executive to build on last week's initiatives by making clear the regulatory provision that specifically meets the needs of those with autism. I am glad to have received communication from the Department of Health saying that clarity will be given in the coming days. <BR /> <BR />Another issue that I wish to raise relates to the regulations around funerals. Funerals are a part of the grieving process. As I said earlier, for many, the opportunity to attend a funeral or service of thanksgiving is being denied at this time. That sacrifice is being made.”
“In recent weeks, we have seen the collective will of the community to beat COVID-19 by staying at home, practising social distancing and being good neighbours. The response has united people young and old, from the schoolchild who misses their friends and is missing class — or maybe not — to the care home resident who is missing that cherished family visit. We must also commend all those who have kept Northern Ireland moving. I have already mentioned the heroic healthcare workers. I must also pay credit to many others, including retail workers, farmers, postmen and postwomen, refuse collectors, the PSNI, prison officers, and delivery drivers. They are heroes all. <BR /> <BR />I wish to raise several specific issues on which I would encourage action.”
“These are not normal times: these are exceptional times that demand exceptional measures from the Government. The regulations demand much of the people of Northern Ireland. It is very important to state that. They make the trip to Granny's on a Sunday impossible. They close the family business that has been passed down through generations. They make the farewell to a loved one through the normal process of grief — a funeral or wake — impossible for family circles, friends and communities across Northern Ireland. Life has changed for this period, and changed utterly, yet the price is worth paying so that more families are not grieving today and tomorrow, and so that the incredible health service and the heroes who deliver it can save lives. <BR />I want to commend the people of Northern Ireland for their response to the regulations.”
“First and foremost, I want to take the opportunity, like others have done, to express my deepest sympathy to the families of all those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus in recent weeks. To lose a loved one at any time is very difficult. In these circumstances, it is all the more traumatic and difficult to process. It is also appropriate to recognise those who have lost loved ones through conditions that are unrelated to COVID-19, as their grief is no less in these most trying times. Of course, we think of all those who are mourning today. They are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. <BR /> <BR />The regulations that have been brought in by the Executive have been largely proportionate and justified in the battle that we all face against COVID-19.”
“What was normal is now exceptional or impossible. What we took for granted is now uncertain, and for how long, we simply do not know. Our constituents are frightened; I am frightened. I am frightened for my husband, my children, my parents, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law who is in the ICU unit, for wider family, friends, staff, colleagues and for this wee country which I love so much. <BR /> <BR />Like anyone, when frightened we look to others for reassurance. We look to the Prime Minister, our First Minister, our deputy First Minister, our Health Minister and to us, as elected representatives. The onus is on all of us to take all steps necessary to provide that reassurance. I believe this legislation will enable us and empower us to do that: it is necessary, but let us all hope and pray that many of its provisions are never needed.”
“It is important that morgues are not overwhelmed and are supported by other service providers, where possible, whilst ensuring vital doctoring and nursing time is spent in the most beneficial areas rather than on bureaucracy <BR /> <BR />There are, of course, other aspects that I would like to raise but I am conscious that my colleagues will raise some of them in their contributions and we must use our time in the Chamber in a very focussed way. <BR /> <BR />We live in very uncertain days and the nature and detail of this Bill reflects that. It is a startling piece of legislation; it is a sobering piece of legislation; and it is a frightening piece of legislation. Sadly, however, it is also a piece of legislation that is necessary. Coronavirus — COVID-19 — is changing our world before our very eyes.”
“It is of vital importance that there are provisions around indemnity. We are asking people to step outside their areas of specialism and we need to provide them and their trusts with security as they do so. <BR /> <BR />With regard to registration of deaths and stillbirths, clauses 17 and 20 relax certifying requirements. That illustrates the scale of the threat of coronavirus and the likely impact of fatalities.”
“Clauses 7 and 8 allow workers to take two, three or four weeks to volunteer in crucial health jobs, for example, carers or porters, without loss of employment rights and this seems a sensible and measured proposal. We need to utilise all available skills from across our economy and society to meet this major health threat. It is important that crucial sectors providing support to the public health response are not unduly weakened. Again, we have issues requiring clarity, for example, in what sectors will employees be able to take a period of absence and what training will be made available for volunteers of this kind? I would value some clarity on these issues. <BR /> <BR />We welcome the support and powers given to mental health workers and we stand with them as they take such responsibility on their shoulders.”
“The emergency registration of health professionals provided for in clauses 2 and 4 is a necessary step in pre-empting the likely rise in staff absence due to the virus and those self-isolating. Equipping our health service with the skills and expertise needed to meet the surge should be our foremost priority. <BR /> <BR />There are, of course, issues that we must be cognisant of. We are hearing anecdotal evidence from some final-year students and trainees struggling with the unprecedented pressure of starting their careers in this environment. How will their well-being be safeguarded? How will older returning doctors and nurses be deployed so as not to increase their risk and exposure?”
“However, these are not ordinary times and they require unusual action and solidarity. Therefore, the Health Committee agreed that, in these circumstances, it was content to support the extension of the relevant provisions of the Coronavirus Bill to this jurisdiction. <BR /> <BR />Finally, in view of the inclusion of the extraordinary measures, the Committee also agreed that I should represent their support for the amendment in the House of Commons to provide for a six-month review. <BR /> <BR />I will add a few remarks as the DUP health spokesperson. From a party perspective, we recognise and fully support measures to increase our pool of doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.”
“<BR /> <BR />Members raised concern about informal public gatherings at the weekend, which seemed to suggest that not everyone had clearly heard the message about social distancing and staying at home were possible. The Committee was advised that, if necessary, the Bill could address that for public protection. Since yesterday, of course, we have seen the Prime Minister take the next step. It was further acknowledged, however, that if public health advice is disregarded, and the extra powers are needed, enforcement will put additional strain on public services <BR /> <BR />I will summarise the views expressed at yesterday's Committee meeting. Members acknowledged that the measures in the Bill went beyond what they might ordinarily support and that the opportunity for scrutiny has been much less than they would ordinarily require.”
“It noted that before making regulations to avail of the powers, the Department would, having consulted the Chief Medical Officer, declare a serious and imminent threat to public health, and only then exercise powers if it felt it provided an effective means of delaying or reducing transmission of the disease. Members were further assured that the Department would be required to revoke the powers when this situation has passed. Members enquired about the nature of the additional powers, the time periods involved in detaining people for screening or isolation and were also advised about the right of appeal to a Magistrate's Court.”
“Members, are very appreciative of the speedy work to enable this and realise fully that our HSC workforce is our single greatest asset, and must be protected and supported as it works to protect and support us. <BR /> <BR />Turning to mental capacity and mental health, Members enquired about the clauses that streamline decision-making and were advised that, in all cases, two persons will be required to make key decisions and that the right of appeal will remain. It was explained that the streamlining will free up staff resource to focus on urgent care priorities. <BR /> <BR />The Committee discussed the new suite of powers available under schedule 17 for public health protection.”
“Having raised issues in relation to Community Pharmacy, members were heartened to learn that greater support for the existing Community Pharmacy workforce is in train for the roll-out of personal protective equipment (PPE) and additional funding to respond to greater demand. <BR /> <BR />Members were also encouraged to hear that there has been an extremely positive response to the call for pharmacists in other sectors to come forward to help where resources are most needed. We were further advised that provisions for emergency volunteers, including a compensation scheme for loss of earnings, will help encourage further workers into the system.”
“We know our health and social care workforce was already under immense strain before this challenge added to the difficulties. Officials advised the Committee on measures to facilitate rapid expansion of all sectors by streamlining the registration requirements, and protecting the pension arrangements of those who are retired. We were advised that the immediate focus will be on those who retired within the last three years, and the next step will be consideration of those who have recently completed training, who are currently in preregistration roles or in their final year. <BR /> <BR />Members enquired about the likely impact of the measures and were advised that contact is being made with around 500 recently retired medical staff and around 200 pharmacists, in addition to other professions.”
“The Committee was in no doubt about the urgent need to take responsible action to save lives.”
“I will first take a moment to thank sincerely all those on the front line today, who are bearing the burden of this public health crisis on our behalf. They deserve our full support and cooperation as much as our gratitude and admiration. I also acknowledge the enormous efforts and dedication shown by the Minister and his officials in working to address the myriad challenges posed by this crisis in making regular media appearances and maintaining contact with the Committee, which is essential to communicate important messages and ensure public confidence. The Health Committee was briefed yesterday on the health aspects of the Coronavirus Bill and the legislative consent motion (LCM), including measures in relation to the workforce, mental health and mental capacity, and new powers in relation to public health.”
“I thank the First Minister and the deputy First Minister for their presence in the Chamber. I agree with the deputy First Minister about the need for testing, especially in order to keep key workers working when we need them. <BR /> <BR />Another scenario has been raised with me with regard to MOT testing. A key worker got in touch to tell me that her car needs to be MOT tested, but, because of the MOT difficulties, it will now not be able to be tested until April. That takes either her or her husband, who is also a key worker, off the road until then. Is there any way in which key workers could get priority? Is it actually appropriate that MOT tests continue at this critical time?”
“Does the Minister agree that much more can be done not only on recycling but on not creating waste that then needs to be dealt with? If and when somebody decides that incineration is the only way forward, will there be acknowledgement that there are options for incineration other than building a new white elephant that is not required and would need to be fed?”
“I commend the Minister and the Department of Health on dealing with the serious pressure that they are under at this time. We fully appreciate the time that you are giving to address these questions. Of course, I cannot go past all the health workers and professionals involved in helping us to deal with this very serious crisis. <BR /> <BR />Will the Minister give the House details of where our health professionals can get the most up-to-date information and guidance on how they should be behaving with regard to COVID-19 on a daily basis?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree that youth projects that focus on our shared history, such as the schools' battlefields scheme, can be of great benefit in helping to grow understanding, respect and tolerance among young people from all sides of the community in Northern Ireland?”
“Does the Minister agree that it is vital that, if teachers, pupils or parents have concerns about the coronavirus, their first port of call should be the 111 number, selecting option 1 when they get through for the Northern Ireland helpline, and, indeed, if they are symptomatic, they should ring their GP or out-of-hours GP for advice? If need be, that GP can then refer them to the pod for testing.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. It is important that it has come to the House today. I put on record our best wishes to the individual who has had the one positive test to date and hope that that number stays relatively low in the near future. <BR /> <BR />I very much welcome full access to the NHS 111 helpline. What are the limits to and the nature of the information available through the NHS 111 helpline? How concerned is the Minister that people can be infectious before they become symptomatic?”
“The Minister will be aware of the very serious parking issues around the Mossley West area, especially at The Glade. It has been like that for many years and the extent of the problem is so serious that there are pensioners' bungalows that the emergency services cannot get access to. There is a real issue around parking and access to those homes. I very much welcome the additional parking spaces, for which I have been lobbying for many years. Will the Minister come and visit the area to see the situation for herself and take into account that any proposal coming through planning may have a detrimental effect on the residents and cause further traffic congestion, given that the area is also on a bus route?”
“Does the First Minister agree that the centenary in 2021 could be used as an opportunity to better promote Northern Irish businesses and local tourism on the international stage?”
“It is time to embrace artificial intelligence and ask what potential it has to improve our health service. We must prioritise prevention. <BR /> <BR />Developing next-generation healthcare by implementing Bengoa and investing in new services, GPs and health staff, tackling waiting lists, embracing AI and new technology and prioritising prevention should be our manifesto for health. We must bring about a new future for mental health services by boosting prevention, leading on trauma and increasing investment to transform services. Let this be the Executive who start to turn the tide on all those issues, to turn the corner and see the real and meaningful improvement that we need. That is the challenge: the reward is a healthier, happier population. I finish by wishing Minister Swann well in office.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have not even touched on the value and necessity of pharmacy in Northern Ireland and the huge role that pharmacists' expertise has in preventing unnecessary, expensive hospital admissions, and we must not forget the role of physiotherapists. We have so much talent to call on in 2020 but only if the issues are given the priority in the Budget that they merit. It is vital that the appropriate moneys are invested in the use of technology and artificial intelligence. I certainly look forward to hearing more from the departmental officials soon about the new encompass programme and what it will mean for streamlining the health service in Northern Ireland. I trust that it will bring different technological systems together and, in turn, aid the Department's planning and management.”
“Much can be done to address those issues, whether that is additional funding to train more doctors and nurses; use of the private sector to address some of the totally unacceptable elective care waiting lists; or the roll-out of pilot projects such as the one funded in the Northern Trust recently, whereby GPs, rather than visiting their own patients in a nursing or residential home, see all those who need attention there on the same visit. That programme reduced needless admissions to hospital and the demand on ambulance services. It is the type of programme, piloted through confidence and supply money, that is in immediate need of continued funding across Northern Ireland to ensure that we start to meaningfully tackle the ever-increasing demands on services in a common-sense and compassionate way.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Chair of the all-party group on autism, let me also make clear the need for substantial investment in caring for those with ASD. Let us prioritise the acceleration of the diagnosis process. Let us put in place the necessary support, whether that is behavioural, dietary or speech and language therapy. With the rate of autism rising in Northern Ireland and many children being diagnosed, it is our duty to provide the interventions that can make life better for those with a diagnosis and their families. <BR /> <BR />Our key priority must be an effective front-line health service that meets the needs of all those who call on it. I share the public frustration with waiting times in our A&E departments; for long-awaited and much-needed surgical procedures; to see the local GP; and in many more aspects of our NHS.”
“I urge the Minister to ensure that the entirety of the £1 million allocation makes its way directly and swiftly to those who suffer horrendously through no fault of their own and to ensure that provision is made for the future. <BR /> <BR />We must also focus on the mental health crisis that faces our community in Northern Ireland. We have heard how, for many, mental illness starts in teenage years and becomes a lifelong struggle. Mental health, just like our physical health, needs to be taken care of. I am glad that we, as a society, talk more about our mental health. We all have good and bad mental health at stages throughout life, for many reasons. Many in our constituencies are in need of help. The Executive must resource that aspect of healthcare in a manner that reflects the growing severity of the situation that we face.”
“We must ensure that the contaminated blood victims' hopes for proper recognition and compensation are delivered on. The Chair and I have met groups who are retraumatised daily by having to lobby for something that should not have to be asked for in the first place. I know that the Minister wishes to deliver for those victims, and it is right that the House supports him in doing so. Compensation cannot give those individuals back their full health and strength, but it can help to ease the everyday struggles that receiving contaminated blood means for their lives and those of their families. I am pleased that the victims of contaminated blood are now in receipt of some of the compensation payment that is due to them.”
“<BR /> <BR />We also look at New Decade, New Approach and the commitment to deliver three cycles of IVF to people looking to start a family. That was debated at length last week, and, as a House, we rightly reaffirmed that commitment. The money must be provided in the Budget and moves made by the Minister to address it as a matter of urgency, given that, for some, the clock is ticking loudly. I, for one, do not underestimate the challenge in delivering on this commitment alone, given the issues around capacity. I cannot let the subject go without referring to the agreed amendment on the recent motion that called for early intervention through an education programme to raise awareness and protect fertility. That is the type of intervention that should result in less reliance on IVF treatment in the years to come.”
“It has become clear that the reform that has started, thanks to the confidence and supply moneys, needs a surge of investment in order to effect the changes so desperately needed for our health service to survive. Delay causes decay, and that needs to be addressed with urgency before the decline is terminal. <BR /> <BR />I want to mention some specifics in relation to the health budget, the first of which is pay for health workers. We all heard on the doorstep and from speaking to nurses and other healthcare staff the frustration on lack of pay parity and agreed that the matter needed to be addressed. Our nurses, in particular, do an incredible job and deserve to be rewarded with an appropriate level of pay. It is more than appropriate that nurses are appreciated, and we need to make that right.”
“The Minister also needs to be brave and explore what changes can be made to assist us to meet the demands of a growing and ever-ageing population, which is a good thing, of course, the challenges around growing levels of obesity and the health challenges that all those issues pose. <BR /> <BR />When it comes to funding health, my party will not be found wanting. However, as well as investing money, we as a legislature, Executive and Committee must pursue the long-awaited reform of our health service that is so badly needed, to allow us to transform health and social care in Northern Ireland. How long will we talk about it without enacting the change required to transform services?”
“I will make some brief remarks on the Department of Health as DUP Committee lead and as a member of the Health Committee. <BR /> <BR />The 'New Decade, New Approach' document, which is essentially the manifesto of the House, makes it clear that health is a priority in this mandate. That is entirely appropriate, given the waiting list crisis and the pressing challenges that we find ourselves facing. However, like any manifesto, New Decade, New Approach requires money to deliver its objectives. Last week, the Minister outlined his needs in the media. That was £661 million to meet the objectives of New Decade, New Approach and to maintain current services. That was the headline, but we need to delve beneath the headline and explore how we can do things better, how money can be better spent and how each pound can and must do more.”
“None of us wants anybody to have a Muckamore Abbey Hospital postcode; that is unacceptable. However, we have to be conscious, especially given the number of individuals who are left in Muckamore and have not been resettled, that that will be because their cases are very complex. I ask the Minister to assure the House that much care is taken in assessing individuals' suitability to be resettled in the community and that such assessment is absolutely correct before resettlement is attempted. It is highly distressing when it does not work out and individuals end up returning to Muckamore Abbey.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I know that he will be aware of my ongoing opposition, and, indeed, the cross-party opposition, to the proposed incinerator at Mallusk. He may be aware that I have requested a meeting with him, along with No-Arc21, to discuss the need for any such facility. <BR /> <BR />How much waste is currently going to landfill and how much to Arc21?”
“I know he will be very much missed by his wife, Evelyn, and the entire family circle in the Randalstown and south Antrim area.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to pay these tributes to the many Members who passed away in the last three years while this place has not been sitting. <BR /> <BR />I will be very brief. I just want to mention in particular Wilson Clyde, who was MLA for South Antrim. He was part of my beginnings in my political time with this party, the DUP. Wilson was a bit of a character. He was a farmer and a very proud unionist. He was incredibly loyal in every way, and that was in a very personal sense as well. I had the pleasure of working for him in his constituency office for a few years back in the 2000s. He always turned up with a smile on his face and was always ready to crack some really crummy joke. He was notorious for that. He was an incredibly honest gentleman, he was very loyal in character and he was very much a family man.”
“The Minister mentioned that he will be working with the education sector; that is very welcome and very appropriate. Will the Minister comment on any consideration he is giving to working with the third sector and what help and support he can be to that sector so that it can be a help to him on the issue of mental health?”