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 29 of 39.
“I realise that this is only the beginning of a journey and that there will be a tremendous amount of cross-departmental work ahead before we can see an end to these activities. Let us face it: if the solution to the issue were simple, it would have happened years ago. <BR /> <BR />This requires a generational change that is unlikely to happen in this mandate. That said, the Fresh Start report gives us the skeleton of change and a set of recommendations that will help us to move forward to a Northern Ireland free from paramilitary influence and the organised crime associated with it. As we move forward with the recommendations, I look forward to the meat being added to the bones and seeing a strategic, sensible plan to help our communities to grow and to put our past behind us.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Programme for Government sets out a variety of actions that will seek to move us towards a more inclusive society and one in which paramilitarism will naturally weaken and decline. If we combine that with the ongoing T:BUC programme, we are in a strong position to build a Northern Ireland free from the shadow of paramilitarism. <BR /> <BR />The role of women in ending paramilitarism was another key aspect identified in the report. Women have been universally acknowledged for their positive contribution to peace building and post-conflict reconstruction, and we have a further opportunity for community engagement by supporting women to help develop networks to assist in the transition from paramilitarism.”
“<BR /> <BR />'The Fresh Start Panel Report on the Disbandment of Paramilitary Groups' identified the worrying correlation between educational underachievement in young people and the increasing likelihood of joining a paramilitary reorganisation. That perfectly highlights the need for a holistic approach to ending paramilitarism. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for the problem, and it will require input and work from every Department. In the case of educational underachievement, there are obvious factors for the Department of Education to look at, but there are also aspects for the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for the Economy to look at in the areas of addressing community engagement and providing appropriate further education and training opportunities amongst other things.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I also thank the Member for his intervention and agree wholeheartedly with his comments. <BR /> <BR />Paramilitary activities are certainly not unique to Northern Ireland, but our legacy has perhaps afforded a degree of protection to those involved. I sincerely hope that a significant portion of the Fresh Start funding is allocated to deal with that area. Close working between the NCA, HMRC and the NIEA will help to make organised crime activities a lot less appealing. Alongside a more community-centred approach to policing, we should work towards a societal change, where reporting organised crime is not something to be apprehensive of.”
“Cigarette and fuel smuggling, counterfeit goods, drug dealing, racketeering and prostitution have all thrived in Northern Ireland in recent items under the guise of paramilitary activity.”
“In most cases, those who contact me know who is responsible yet are too frightened to report it for fear of repercussions, and, in many instances, they do not even want to reveal their identity to me when they make the complaint. That level of fear in our communities has no place in Northern Ireland, and I welcome any steps that we can take to alleviate it. It is fairly damning that, rather than the regular reprisal attacks of the past, the majority of paramilitary assaults now take place against members of their own communities. Be it through intimidation, punishment beating or kneecappings, the fear that is exerted over people is unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />The wider issue is, of course, the involvement of former paramilitaries in organised crime.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the matter. <BR /> <BR />By and large, paramilitary activity is something that has all but disappeared from our television screens and newsfeeds. Whilst we have not heard so much in the way of shootings, bombings and assaults in the last number of years, which is, of course, to be welcomed, that does not mean that the paramilitaries have gone away. <BR /> <BR />The behaviour of paramilitaries has become much more sinister and insidious in nature. Many communities live with an undercurrent of fear exerted by members of paramilitary organisations who seek to exercise control over areas and those living there. My constituency office regularly deals with complaints about the appearance of murals, flags and sectarian graffiti from both sides.”
“I hope that that will be at the front of his mind and that he will fully engage in assisting the Assembly to quickly progress the issue through government and provide the financial support required to take it forward. There is a tangible desire to address the past, and that momentum should be encouraged to reach a long-awaited conclusion. I support the amendment.”
“Any inquest or inquiry should not be an exercise in lining the pockets of solicitors and barristers; it should be a mechanism by which those affected can gain the appropriate support and clarity to assist them in moving forward. <BR /> <BR />The past is something that cannot be ignored and will continue to be a spectre at the table of Northern Ireland's future until it is properly and appropriately dealt with. I am aware that our new Secretary of State has engaged with victims and survivors. In his own words, he found that to be:”
“I support my party leader's position that we must never use any investigation to attempt to rewrite the past. It cannot be forgotten that 90% of deaths during the Troubles were terrorist-related. I am not suggesting that the other 10% of deaths caused any less hurt or distress to the families involved, but I am keen to put it on record that any inquiry or inquest should not be used as a platform to romanticise terrorism or denigrate and demonise our security services, who put their lives at risk on a daily basis to protect us. <BR /> <BR />As I have already touched on, grief and suffering are intensely personal matters, and there will be no one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with the past. In moving forward, it is imperative that we listen to what victims and survivors want and need.”
“We never, ever want to return to the dark days of Northern Ireland's past.”
“The suffering of victims and their families is not something that can be quantified or measured. It cannot be switched on and off, and it is intensely personal. In dealing with the past, those who have been directly affected should be front and centre of any decisions and outcomes. It is vital that we move on but equally important that we address our past. I use a well-worn quote by the philosopher George Santayana:”
“The Fresh Start Agreement of last November again sought to make progress on the matter and recognise that there will be no quick fix in how we address our past. <BR /> <BR />Moving forward is a huge work in progress and one that all parties must fully engage with. It is ironic that the party proposing the motion has disengaged from government and removed itself from the process of making progress happen. My party's amendment refers to how all parties should work towards an early resolution to these matters. The Opposition's failure to engage in the process will surely further delay any work to take the issue forward. I urge them to reconsider their position if they are truly committed to dealing with the past and moving forward. <BR /> <BR />Dealing with the past is hugely emotive.”
“There is no doubt that Northern Ireland has come a long way in its recent history. We can all relate to the horror stories of atrocities happening on our doorsteps. I, for one, am grateful that my children's generation and beyond do not have to directly experience what we did. That said, a vast number of people in our society directly experienced horrific violence and continue to live with the consequences on a daily basis. Whilst we have moved on significantly, issues surrounding our past continue to overshadow many of the positive steps that we have taken and hold Northern Ireland back from truly moving on. Having made significant progress on a number of issues in the Stormont House Agreement, talks faltered again when trying to address legacy issues and how they should be dealt with.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. I commend him and the Executive for standing up for Northern Ireland and trying to save this key route. I am glad that he has put on record his thanks to the airport and, in particular, to the management. I was in touch with the managing director over the weekend, and management is devastated by the loss. <BR /> <BR />The Minister mentioned the air routes task force and the efforts to create new routes. Will he give us an update on the efforts that have been made to open other routes to Northern Ireland from places such as China and the Middle East?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answers thus far. Can she confirm that no one has sought to legally challenge her use of the royal prerogative? Can she further confirm that the first post-1998 use of this power was by Ulster Unionist and SDLP Ministers?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and her comments so far. I am delighted with this announcement, which is not about protecting buildings but protecting services and looking at a new and better way of working our courts system, and I welcome that. Is she considering using the courthouses for things other than court business?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I am very aware of how successful the challenge fund has been in south Antrim, in particular, especially around the eco-schools. I am thinking in particular of Ballycraigy in Antrim and Fairview in Ballyclare and the tremendous work they are doing and how that education goes home to the parents as well. I very much welcome that. Have you any plans to reopen this fund?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. The Minister indicated her intention to introduce a domestic violence offence. Can she tell us what impact that might have on the legal aid bill, and does she have a timeline for introducing the offence?”
“The move to a normalised prison community will not be an easy process, but I feel that, in doing so, we will be taking a further step forward into the future of Northern Ireland.”
“It could be said that there is a catch-22 situation at play and that changing the status quo will require a considerable amount of dialogue not only with the prisoners themselves but with the associated organisations on the outside to ensure that change is received and implemented in a safe and non-violent manner, both for prisoners and officers. <BR /> <BR />In closing, the situation in Maghaberry is entirely like no other, and, therefore, any change to the regime is sure to be fraught with difficulties. There is a significant job of work to be carried out before an ending of separation is undertaken. The construction of the new cell block at the prison may, upon its 2019 handover, present an opportunity to implement change. In the interim, I hope that the Minister will engage with the review and subsequent reform process.”
“Any move towards ending the separation of paramilitary prisoners must be done primarily with the emphasis on ensuring the well-being and safety of prisoners and staff. It is encouraging to note that, since the unannounced inspection of the prison in May 2015, standards appear to have improved. I hope that that situation continues. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that Maghaberry is a completely unique prison, dealing with a completely unique set of circumstances. I have concerns about ending the separation of prisoners as it will need to be handled very carefully.”
“We are aware that, due to retirements and high sickness levels, a large number of staff have left the service. Newly recruited staff, following initial training, are learning on the job without the support of more experienced staff to fall back on. Coupled with a cut in the budget for training, we are left with staff who are overstretched and ill-equipped to deal with this incredibly difficult and specialised job. High staff turnover and sickness levels add to the pressures. Indeed, to quote one of my constituents, people view a job in the Prison Service as a stepping stone before they apply to the PSNI. <BR /> <BR />I believe that morale is incredibly low in the service, which must be addressed to advance a more settled regime for officers and prisoners alike.”
“<BR /> <BR />The separation of prisoners takes up a disproportionate amount of staffing resources, with separate units prioritised over the rest of the prison. Recent cases such as that of Paddy Kelly, who overdosed in March 2015, and of Sean Lynch, who blinded himself in custody, highlight the need for prison reform and a need to look at the mental health issues of prisoners and staff members. "Ordinary prisoners", to use that phrase, particularly those who are vulnerable, are being put at risk due to the additional pressures that are being put on the officers in monitoring the separated paramilitary wings. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken to a number of serving prison officers in recent months, all of whom highlighted the incredibly challenging conditions that they are working under.”
“This, coupled with demonstrations at the prison gates, attacks on officers' homes and the sending of a parcel bomb to the prison, led to the Government commissioning the Steele review to look at conditions in the prison. The findings of the report were accepted by the Secretary of State, and the process of segregation was quickly implemented. The changes caused immediate concern amongst prison officers. Indeed, the Prison Officers' Association at the time described it as a retrograde step. To my mind, it seemed that the voices of the people whom we rely on to deal with the changes on the ground were completely ignored. Whilst the changes were implemented with the safety and welfare of paramilitary prisoners in mind, it appears that the well-being and security of officers were disregarded, a position that continues to this day.”
“I rise as Deputy Chair of the Justice Committee and as a DUP Member to speak on the motion. Since 1986, Her Majesty's Prison Maghaberry has served to accommodate remand prisoners and those paramilitary prisoners not released under the Belfast Agreement. During the summer of 2003, a number of prisoners, largely dissident republicans, staged a series of protests aimed at reinstating the former Maze style of segregation and pushing for political prisoner status. A number of incidents occurred, including assaults, the planting of hoax devices, damage to cells and intimidation of officers, escalating to rooftop protests and dirty protests.”
“— are dealt with swiftly under the law and that perpetrators are brought to justice. I support the motion.”
“We must do all we can to deliver this message and, in doing so, provide the necessary support to allow victims to come forward and report the offender to the authorities. In turn, we need to ensure that those who carry out these crimes —”
“<BR /> <BR />In closing, I am aware that the focus of my remarks has centred on domestic abuse, and I have only touched on rape and sexual crime. However, the message is the same: whether it is physical violence against a partner, unwanted sexual conduct, controlling or coercive behaviour or stalking, it must not be tolerated. We need additional legislation to tackle this subject, and we need to drive home the message that domestic violence, in whatever form, is not socially acceptable.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am also pleased to hear that the Department of Justice is reviewing arrangements for multi-agency risk assessment conferences for victims — or MARACs, as we call them — who are at a very high risk of domestic violence and that funding has been committed to those. I have had numerous discussions with the Minister of Justice, and I commend her on her public commitment and pledge to tackle domestic and sexual violence. I am aware she has instructed her officials to look at best practice on the issue across other jurisdictions to ensure our justice system is properly equipped and is capable of responding in an effective and efficient manner. That news can only be welcomed, and I look forward to scrutinising their findings and proposals as they work through the Justice Committee.”
“At our last meeting, on 27 September, we heard from the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, and I was incredibly encouraged to hear that the joint strategy has had a great deal of momentum and that both Departments are committed to the outworking of the strategy. I was particularly heartened to hear of the reconstitution of the inter-ministerial group, which had previously been formed but, in my opinion, had made little progress. I look forward to seeing the Departments of Health and Justice in their co-leadership roles to ensure the effective delivery of the five strands of the strategy.”
“It must also be said that, although the majority of victims are women, men should not be forgotten in the discussion on domestic abuse. Although we recognise that, we heard from the proposer that the majority of victims are, indeed, female and that, in turn, their children are often used as a method to coerce the woman, which, of course, has lasting and damaging effects on the children. <BR /> <BR />Alongside Women's Aid ABCL&N, I recently formed an all-party group on domestic violence by way of engaging with the Departments on the implementation of the stopping domestic and sexual violence and abuse in Northern Ireland strategy to ensure that those issues are kept on the agenda.”
“What transpired was that the husband was repeatedly beating and raping his wife in the privacy of their room at night-time. I trust that everyone here today is as shocked as I was to hear that story. Although that is an individual case, I am quite confident in saying that there must be many, many such cases where that type of abuse is allowed to continue over a lifetime, with no one being prepared to act in defence of the victim. <BR /> <BR />It demonstrates the all-encompassing way in which domestic violence can manifest itself and become such an intrinsic part of someone's life that they cannot even see how awful the reality has become. Whether it is through physical violence, sexual violence or mental, emotional or financial abuse, domestic violence knows no boundaries and affects every age group, race, religion and class.”
“Indeed, only a few weeks ago, my colleague Brenda Hale brought a motion to the House on stalking. Those heinous acts are all founded on inflicting fright and terror on victims and are often perpetrated by those seeking to exert control over others. <BR /> <BR />When I first began my work with Women's Aid, I was told a story about an elderly couple in their eighties living together in a care home to accommodate the wife's dementia needs. The staff in the home became concerned about unexplained bruises that kept appearing on the elderly lady. They spoke to the couple's GP, who disclosed that there was a 60-year history— I repeat this: a 60-year history — of domestic abuse in the marriage and that the family was aware of it.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion today. Since 2007, I have been involved locally with Women's Aid in Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey (ABCL&N), primarily in an attempt to raise awareness of domestic violence. I cannot praise the work of the staff and the volunteers highly enough in providing support to women and children in crisis situations. I take this opportunity to commend the CEO, Rosemary Magill MBE, who, despite dealing with personal adversity, continues to be the driving force behind the organisation in her single-minded approach to stamping out domestic violence. <BR /> <BR />The wording of the motion, of course, includes rape and sexual crime, which can be equally insidious, sinister and cloaked in fear.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. I thank him, too, for sending us down memory lane with the Pickie Pool. I remember swimming in the shallow end some time ago. <BR /> <BR />Is there an intention to retain the small business rate relief programme?”
“Does the deputy First Minister believe that the public are being fettered from raising concerns by the present arrangements?”
“The UK spoke loud and clear: we want to leave the European Union. To borrow Theresa May's term, "divisive nationalists" will not be permitted to destabilise the process of exit. We are the United Kingdom, and united we are greater than the sum of our parts. Leaving the EU will ensure that we take back control of our laws, our borders and how our money is spent. The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union, and that is a fact.”
“<BR /> <BR />At a recent Committee meeting, we heard a presentation from Professor David Phinnemore from Queen's University, who gave a brief overview of the possible outworkings of our exit and a number of potential scenarios. Those options have given us food for thought, and I am sure that they will be examined in greater detail in our discussions. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that special status for Northern Ireland is simply not required. The Prime Minister has plainly stated her assurance that the devolved Administrations will be fully involved and included in shaping the conditions of our exit from the European Union. On 23 June, the United Kingdom overwhelmingly voted to leave the European Union. The voter turnout of almost 72% is practically unheard of and one that we can only hope to replicate in future elections.”
“I thank the Member for the intervention, which was not really addressed to me at all; it was addressed to another Member. <BR /> <BR />The right decision has been made: leaving the European Union is the right decision for Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. We should respect the democratic process that has delivered us to our current position. We will have the right to make our own laws and shape a future for the United Kingdom without the red tape of the European Union. I understand that we have some way to go in negotiating how that happens, but I trust that we will have a more efficient and competitive system in place once our exit is finalised.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the Member for his intervention and agree wholeheartedly with his comments. <BR /> <BR />I am, however, content that, given the reliance on the agri-food sector, we will arrive at a position that will protect our rural heritage and allow our farmers to continue unencumbered by European bureaucracy.”
“<BR /> <BR />I understand that there are concerns amongst our many farmers about what will happen after 2020. Whilst the Treasury has committed to funding agriculture, fisheries and rural development, I appreciate that there may be some grey areas to be clarified following our exit from the EU.”
“In contrast, the weakening value of sterling may have a positive effect on encouraging tourists, those from the Republic of Ireland or those visiting the South from overseas, to consider Northern Ireland as a tourist destination. I look forward to seeing the effects of the new Tourism NI advertising campaign and how the current greater value for money will impact on visitor numbers. During the last year, Northern Ireland's exports have increased by 9·5%, in the only part of the UK to see a rise. During our negotiations, we must build on that success and ensure that we capitalise on the reduced level of corporation tax to continue that growth. Given that we send more to the rest of the world than to the single market, the opportunities for growing the Northern Ireland economy are huge.”
“We are in a unique position, given our land border with the Republic of Ireland, so it is vital that in any discussions we recognise the importance of freedom of movement of people and goods. Given the importance of tourism to our economy, not to mention our reliance on health and social care workers from across the border, how we deal with the border issue is significant and may be one of the greatest challenges during the negotiations.”
“We have ease of movement across the border with the Republic of Ireland, and our agri-food sector is protected.”
“I welcome the opportunity to take part in today's debate. We are at the beginning of a long process of untangling our relationship with the EU. Just as in the breakdown of any relationship, there comes a point when squabbling is put aside and the parties move on, trying to achieve what is best as an all-round outcome. <BR /> <BR />Our First Minister and deputy First Minister have identified the key priorities in ensuring that Northern Ireland is in the best possible shape for triggering article 50 in March, confirmed by the Prime Minister during the recent Conservative Party conference, to 2020 and beyond. The Prime Minister has confirmed that Northern Ireland will be fully involved in the negotiation process, and I am pleased that she has given her commitment to ensuring that we remain economically competitive.”
“My apologies for not being in the Chamber for the beginning of the statement. I thank the Minister for what I have heard of it so far. <BR /> <BR />The Minister will be aware that the most recent Prisoner Ombudsman reports relate to a death in custody and a very serious case of self-harming. What can be done in cooperation with the Republic to ensure that the mental health issues experienced by prisoners in particular are being properly addressed? Also, given that we are obviously dealing with a workplace that is very traumatic daily, what help can be given to prison staff over and above the normal six Carecall sessions provided by the Civil Service?”
“<BR /> <BR />While we currently have the lowest rate of immigration in the UK, I hope that, in moving forward, we continue to educate and inform people that immigration is not something to be afraid of and we should embrace the cultural diversity that it affords. Attacking people simply because they are of a different skin colour or speak another native language cannot be tolerated in our society, and I trust that all Departments will bring forward the racial equality strategy, bringing about the societal change that will inevitably follow. I support the motion.”
“It is only the start, but I hope that it is given the recognition that it requires across all Departments. It is vital that we recognise the contribution that immigration can bring to our society culturally, socially and economically. I am pleased that each Department has appointed a racial equality champion and hope that they will work proactively to implement, monitor and review how the strategy works in practice. The workings of the subgroup, alongside the Executive Office and other Departments, will give a clear picture of areas that could be improved and of areas that are working well, and that will consequently bring a positive change in the delivery of the strategy.”
“Those nurses will deliver much-needed assistance in our health trusts. Frankly, we would be at an absolute loss without the care that they provide in our hospitals. It is estimated that around 30% of doctors and 40% of nurses working in the NHS in the UK were born abroad. I cannot stress enough how much that assistance is to be applauded and welcomed. We are all aware of the pressures on our health service, and I, for one, am grateful that we have such skilled individuals willing to take up the mantle, come to our country and work in our hospitals, surgeries and clinics, and look after us all as patients. <BR /> <BR />The racial equality strategy seeks to tackle racial disparities and eliminate racism and aims to encourage good race relations.”