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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“It is evident from the work of the Committee that managing pollution is a complex system and cannot be delivered successfully by piecemeal solutions. The Committee also recognised the role that stakeholders must play in addressing the issue. That means all of us, given that we all benefit from and enjoy what our rivers and lakes have to offer. It is all our responsibility to report incidents of pollution and to be careful not to pollute our waters. However, government must lead by example.”
“I welcome the opportunity to conclude this evening's debate on behalf of the Committee for the Environment. I thank everyone for contributing. There is no doubt that river pollution generates passionate views, and we are all united in the need for a more coordinated and holistic approach to tackling the problem. <BR /> <BR />Before I sum up, I reiterate the need for the Executive to work together to implement measures to address all the issues that were discussed this evening. The restructuring of our Departments must serve as an opportunity for a cross-departmental approach to the management of our freshwater environment. Evidence was presented to the Committee that the various agencies responsible for aspects of our water environment should deliver better joined-up approaches.”
“We understand the pressures that GPs are under, and the Minister has mentioned the pharmacists in GP practices initiative. Can he outline some of the benefits of that initiative?”
“In particular, I thank the Committee staff, who have had a very heavy workload over the past year. I do not support the amendments in group 3.”
“I will not prolong the debate. It is clear that Mr Beggs's intentions are good in trying to combat metal theft, and he is to be commended for that and for the work that he has put into the Bill. It is my view that making mandatory the voluntary code of conduct that the majority of scrap metal dealers have signed up to might have been a better way of dealing with the issue under the Department of Justice, but we are where we are, and I commend the work that the Member has done on the Bill. <BR /> <BR />It is unfortunate that we as a party are unable to support this Bill, which is really an unfinished piece of work. If it had come before the Assembly much earlier, we might have been in a different position. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister, his officials and the Committee members.”
“I speak on group 2, which relates to powers, offences and accountability. Like the Chair, I do not intend to prolong the debate by repeating the concerns that were placed on the record when speaking about the first group. As a party, we oppose all the clauses and amendments in group 2.”
“This is not to mention the restructuring of Departments in the next mandate and how this legislation will fall within that. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I reiterate that I support the principles of the Bill and see the need to provide protections against metal theft. However, my party will not support the Bill through Consideration Stage today as it has not had sufficient scrutiny through the Committee process because of the lack of time. I urge other Members to vote against the Bill.”
“That, therefore, returns me to the position that we are rushing to legislate for a problem that is currently on the decline. I am sure that, as with all markets, metal values will increase in time, which may then have a bearing on thefts. Taking our time to correctly craft effective legislation will equip us to deal with that in future. Passing the Bill today may leave us in a worse position going forward, leaving gaps and failing to correctly address concerns. <BR /> <BR />There is also a great deal of work to be done on which Department will be responsible for the enforcement of the legislation. Naturally, the present Department of the Environment will carry the bulk of the burden, but we will, of course, rely on the Department of Justice to carry out prosecutions.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Obviously, we feel as a party that the Bill in its entirety is being rushed at this stage. It was introduced fairly late, and the Committee has not had the proper opportunity to fully scrutinise all the amendments, so we are not content to support it at this stage. <BR /> <BR />The fact that there has been minimal engagement with scrap metal merchants on how their businesses will be impacted by any change in legislation or on how they feel they could better protect their industry is a concern. It is widely accepted that metal theft increases when prices are high and, in the last three to four years, Northern Ireland has seen a fall in metal theft in direct correlation with a fall in metal values.”
“My fear in passing the Bill through Consideration Stage today is that we will pass into statute legislation that we have not been given adequate time to examine. This is a complex area that will have tremendously wide-ranging implications for the scrap metal industry. I understand that we need to alleviate the issue of metal theft, but I cannot help thinking that poorly constructed and ill-considered legislation is as bad as no legislation at all.”
“This area could also be dealt with by firming up the existing code of conduct. I also have further concerns with regard to the proposed cashless or minimal cash system and how that will work in practice. <BR /> <BR />My main area of concern focuses on the fact that we are rushing through legislation that has not been properly scrutinised by the Committee, as the Chair has already outlined. The Committee's job is to provide a system of checks and balances between the Department and proposed legislation to ensure that what is brought to the Floor of the Assembly is fit for purpose. I commend Mr Beggs for working closely with the departmental officials on the amendments, but I cannot support the Bill today, as we have had no opportunity to scrutinise the revisions.”
“I rise as Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee and DUP lead on the Environment Committee. I welcome the opportunity to speak at Consideration Stage of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill. The last time the matter was discussed — at Second Stage — I was content with the broad principles of the Bill and fully appreciated the points that Mr Beggs raised in respect of ensuring that we protected public services, businesses, historic buildings and private residences from metal theft. Whilst I remain content with that premise, the Bill that we are looking at today is vastly different from what we started with. I am concerned that we are propose to legislate in an area that does not require legislation, as recent changes to the waste management licensing regulations have already provided additional regulation for waste operators.”
“Mr Speaker, I want to apologise to the Minister for not being present for the first question, which was mine.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she tell us why she stopped funding to the bands culture? Does she value the contribution that bandsmen make to Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer thus far. I ask her to confirm what discussions and communications, if any, she has had with the representatives from the proposed industrial-scale pig farm on the Rea Hill Road, Newtownabbey in respect of such animal welfare issues.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and welcome the statistics. Will the Minister introduce HPV testing as a primary screening test for cervical cancer? Will he outline his position on women under the age of 25 who present at their GP with concerns and, perhaps, symptoms, and request a cervical smear test?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer thus far. Will the Northern Ireland investment fund support office and private housing development?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What other areas have been identified for North/South cooperation?”
“I hope that we can continue to identify where efficiencies can be made and that this does not come at the expense of our ecosystems and heritage.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunities for greater departmental cooperation and the financial economies that this may bring, for example in the transfer of built heritage, which will see greater partnership with National Museums and public records to improve public viewing and ease of access, or in sharing departmental staff with roads, rivers and emergency response units. Also, the opportunity for greater collaboration on air quality, wildlife regulations and agriculture will provide a common-sense approach to working, and I look forward to seeing the efficiencies that this will bring. <BR /> <BR />In closing, my primary concern is in protecting our environment, both natural and built, for future generations.”
“Whilst a huge saving has been made in the current Department of the Environment through the voluntary exit scheme, I fear that, once the scheme has been exhausted, we will be faced with a gaping hole in funding for environmental schemes, road safety and historical protection. <BR /> <BR />The unprecedented flooding that many areas have experienced over the last number of weeks is a stark reminder of the danger posed to our ecology and how changes in our weather systems can have a devastating effect on communities. We must be working towards protecting our environment, and my concern is that further stretching of an already overextended budget will mean that the departmental functions will become so watered down that they will fail to provide the protections that we so desperately need.”
“Powers that will transfer to the Department for Infrastructure will, amongst others, aim to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads through improved road safety and better regulation of the transport sector, with the new Department for Communities working towards supporting the economic benefits of vibrant and diverse communities in a manner that protects our built heritage. <BR /> <BR />As the Budget is based on the new nine-Department model, I have concerns as to how these extremely wide-ranging functions will be met, particularly given that there will be a further budgetary reduction of 5·7%.”
“I rise as the DUP lead on the Committee for the Environment, and I will be brief. <BR /> <BR />Much of what is being discussed is based on the restructuring of the Department of the Environment and the transfer of functions following the reduction in the number of Departments from 12 to nine as outlined in the Stormont House Agreement. The Department of the Environment will cease to exist and its powers will transfer to three new Departments in the hope that the work will become more efficient and streamlined, and its functions more cohesive. <BR /> <BR />Whilst work is ongoing as to how those functions will be delivered, it is hoped that the priorities for the new Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs will include improving waste management, protecting our ecosystems and improving water quality.”
“Its sole purpose is to reduce bureaucracy and make it easier for businesses to fulfil their environmental obligations. That is to be welcomed. <BR /> <BR />I am assured that it will be of vast benefit to our environment through quicker, more streamlined action for those who fail to comply with regulation and that less cumbersome legislation can only provide better results for Northern Ireland businesses. I support the Bill.”
“These Parts also transfer the regulation of drinking water quality from DRD to DOE, and I believe that to be a pragmatic and sensible approach given the Department's expertise in dealing with water quality matters. Given the amalgamation of the Departments of Environment and Agriculture in the next mandate, I also feel that this is a practical move to reduce red tape. <BR /> <BR />This Bill is to be welcomed for the environment and for businesses in Northern Ireland. Whilst I fully appreciate that over- and, indeed, under-regulation can only result in poor outcomes, this Bill strikes an appropriate balance and takes a user-friendly approach to environmental regulation. I would like to reiterate that the Bill is not intended in any way to dilute the importance of environmental regulation.”
“<BR /> <BR />Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill will make businesses more aware of what is required of them and make it easier for the Department to assess and implement compliance. It will also include parts of EU legislation that have previously been excluded and simplify the rules for powers of entry. During scrutiny of the Bill, I am pleased that we were able to add some much-needed clarity to Parts 1 and 2 to allow for greater understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Bill. It also better outlines the basis of what will be enforced in the future. <BR /> <BR />Parts 3, 4 and 5 provide streamlined methods for listing authorised fuels and exempted fireplaces for use in smoke-free zones, which will mean that businesses will have to wait for only one month before they are passed for use, instead of the current six.”
“<BR /> <BR />At Consideration Stage, I used the example of the disproportionately high levels of fish kills in my constituency of South Antrim and will mention it again, as it highlights the tangible difference that the Bill will make. During the last five years, 20 pollution incidents have occurred, decimating fish stocks and the associated delicate ecosystems of major tributaries of Lough Neagh. Yet only half of these have resulted in prosecution. Such incidents of environmental crime are happening right across Northern Ireland, and, as the culprits are continually going unpunished, they are free to carry on flouting the law. Passing the Bill will release much-needed capital to allow our statutory bodies to use additional resources to swiftly bring offenders to justice.”
“Under the Bill, the existing separate regimes governing waste, pollution, water and radioactive substances will be brought together into a single piece of legislation ensuring greater uniformity and ease of use. <BR /> <BR />In passing through the various stages, the Committee has sought to ensure that those who comply with environmental regulations are free to continue their good practices unburdened by red tape, and that will, in turn, I hope, free up resources to pursue those who are failing in their environmental responsibilities. By freeing up those resources, serial offenders or those who seriously breach regulations will be dealt with severely and quickly. On the other hand, businesses that have breached the regulations through error or misinterpretation will receive support and guidance to help achieve compliance.”
“As a DUP member of the Environment Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Final Stage of the Environmental Better Regulation Bill. <BR /> <BR />While this is largely a technical Bill and many of the key points have been covered, not only today but in previous stages, I wish to voice my support for the Bill and the principles on which it is based. The core function of the Bill is to streamline environmental regulation while robustly protecting the environment and, in turn, ensuring that businesses are able to operate in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will amend the Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 and the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 to provide a framework that is easier to regulate, understand and operate.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far and welcome him to his new role as Minister for Social Development. <BR /> <BR />When will the funding for front-line advice services be confirmed?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Can the Minister give his assurance that listed buildings that are affected by flooding will receive urgent and adequate assistance from his Department to ensure that our built heritage is preserved for future generations?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer so far. Can he possibly outline why it took so long for action to be taken to regain control of the block following the fire?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer so far. Obviously, I am concerned with the provision of post-16 education in the Antrim area in particular, because there are not a lot of choices for pupils to remain locally. I am interested to hear when he believes that decisions may be made for that area of Antrim.”
“I also welcome the fact that the Bill makes the wearing of helmets mandatory for quad users on public roads, which is a common-sense decision. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I thank the Committee staff in particular for the hard work that they have done on this Bill and the many others that go through Committee. I do not think they get enough credit for the work that they do in supporting Members. I hope that the Bill will ultimately reduce the pain and devastation that death and serious injury on our roads cause to too many families in Northern Ireland. I wish the PSNI every success as it begins to enforce the legislation. I support the Bill.”
“They will be able to breathalyse drivers in order to enforce the new reduced limits. I also welcome the removal of the statutory option, which also brings us into line with much of the rest of the Europe. <BR /> <BR />The new measures will help us to influence behavioural change amongst drivers in order to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads. In the instance of young drivers, I hope that the organisations that provided representations to the Committee, such as the Young Farmers' Clubs and the GAA, will continue the work that they are doing to help us to get the message out there and support us all as the Bill passes into law. <BR /> <BR />As a footnote to the debate, I also hope that insurance companies will take note of the legislation and reduce premiums for young drivers if and when accident levels begin to fall.”
“I appreciate that it was felt that that restriction might disadvantage those living in rural communities, but, given that 69% of accidents where someone was killed or seriously injured by a newly qualified driver occurred on a rural road, it is a prudent move. <BR /> <BR />We have also addressed the current drink-driving legislation. I am pleased that the Bill will significantly reduce the blood alcohol levels from 80 mg per 100 millilitres to 50 mg per 100 millilitres, bringing Northern Ireland into line with the majority of other EU countries. That limit is further reduced to 20 mg per 100 millilitres for learners, newly qualified and professional drivers. We understand that that effectively makes it a zero limit. Alongside that, the PSNI will have new powers for roadside checkpoints.”
“We also welcome the learner age remaining at 17, which we think is very appropriate. We have also looked at the evidence that points to greater incidence of collisions when inexperienced drivers are carrying teenage passengers. In order to address that, we have agreed that newly qualified drivers under 24 will not be permitted to carry more than one passenger aged 14 to 20 for the first six months after passing their test. There will some exemptions to that rule, of course, to accommodate family life and emergency purposes. I hope that that short period of restriction will allow a young person to gain a much better understanding of the importance of making sensible decisions whilst driving and to learn about how a vehicle handles in different driving conditions without unnecessary distraction.”
“We seek not to demonise young drivers but to equip them properly to develop the necessary skills and experience to protect themselves and other road users.”
“As young drivers are a staggering three times more likely to be killed on our roads and four times more likely to be responsible for fatal accidents than drivers over 25, the Committee has sought to address the higher proportion of under-25s killed or seriously injured on our roads and pursued ways to ensure that we do not restrict the mobility of younger drivers. That is addressed, in particular, in Part 3, at clause 19. I am content that, having taken advice from groups such as the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster and the road safety forum, we have achieved legislation that creates a balance that does not excessively restrict the movement of young drivers but provides a framework within which, I hope, we will see a reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
“It is incumbent on every person using the roads to bear in mind the Road to Zero campaign before and during their journey. I believe that a collective responsibility amongst road users will ensure that we can move towards that goal, and the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill will have a significant role to play in achieving that.”
“As Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Final Stage of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill. I am pleased that, in working through the Bill, the Committee has been able to assist in reaching this point today. Whilst I appreciate that it may not have been as wide a reach as the Minister had initially intended, I am satisfied that the legislation we have arrived at is a practical and user-friendly approach to reducing death and serious injuries on our roads. <BR /> <BR />Every death on our roads is one too many. I hope that this legislation will foster attitudinal change in young drivers, through the restrictions on carrying passengers, and in existing drivers, through the reduction in alcohol limits.”
“Given the departmental amalgamation of Environment and Agriculture in the next mandate, I also feel that this is a timely measure. <BR /> <BR />In closing, the Bill is to be welcomed, both for the environment and for businesses in Northern Ireland. Whilst I fully appreciate that over-regulation and, indeed, under-regulation can only result in poor outcomes, this Bill strikes an appropriate balance and user-friendly approach to environmental regulation. I am assured that this will be of benefit to our environment through quicker and more streamlined action against those who fail to comply with regulation; and less cumbersome legislation can only provide better results for Northern Ireland. I support the amendments and the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />In scrutinising the Bill, I am pleased that we have been able to add some much-needed clarity to Parts 1 and 2, which will allow for a greater understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Bill. It will also better outline the basis of what would be enforced in the future. Parts 3, 4 and 5 provide the streamlined method for listing authorised fuels and exempted fireplaces for use in smoke-free zones, which will mean that businesses will only have to wait for a period of one month before they are passed for use instead of the current six months. These parts also transfer the regulation of drinking water quality from the DRD to the DOE, which I believe to be the pragmatic and sensible approach, given the expertise in the Department in dealing with water quality matters.”
“Under the Bill, the existing separate regimes governing waste, pollution, water and radioactive substances will be brought together into a single framework, which will ensure greater uniformity and ease of use. <BR /> <BR />Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill will make businesses more aware of what is required of them and make it easier for the Department to assess and implement compliance. It will also include parts of EU legislation that have previously been excluded and simplify the rules for powers of entry. I would again like to reiterate that the Bill does not intend, in any way, to dilute the importance of environmental regulation. The sole purpose is to reduce bureaucracy and make it easier for businesses to fulfil their environmental obligations.”
“Yet, only half of these incidents have resulted in prosecutions and convictions. Whilst I have used an example within my constituency, such environmental crimes are going on across the Province daily, with the perpetrators largely going unpunished. <BR /> <BR />In supporting this legislation, I hope that we will release the much-need resources to allow the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and other statutory bodies to carry out effective, swift and efficient investigations and, hopefully, bring other offenders to justice. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will amend the Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 and the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 in order to provide a framework that is easier to regulate, understand and operate.”
“The key has been to ensure that those who comply with environmental regulation are free to continue their good practices unencumbered by red tape. That will, in turn, free up resources to pursue those who are failing in their environmental obligations. The Bill will mean that serial offenders or those who seriously breach the regulations will be dealt with severely and quickly. Conversely, those businesses that have breached the regulations through oversight or misunderstanding will receive support and guidance to achieve compliance. <BR /> <BR />Using my constituency of South Antrim as an example, we have seen the highest levels of fish kills there than anywhere else in Northern Ireland. In the last five years, there have been 20 incidents, six of them occurring in 2015 alone.”
“As Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Consideration Stage of the Environmental Better Regulation Bill. <BR /> <BR />As the Chair said, the Bill has been referred to as a "skeleton" Bill. Of course, we know that it is an enabling Bill, with the detail to come in future regulations. I am content that the Committee has sought to add some meat to the bones in an attempt to clarify what is largely a technical piece of legislation. <BR /> <BR />The primary aim of the Bill has retained the focus on streamlining environmental regulation while robustly protecting the environment and, in turn, ensuring that businesses can operate in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.”
“I understand that the advice given on the potential impact on the operation of section 10 of the Data Protection Act 1998 must be taken seriously, especially given the fact that the subject matter of the Data Protection Act is a reserved matter. I welcome the offer from the Minister to table alternative ministerial amendments that place a requirement on the committee to disseminate information about the rights of individuals regarding the processing of their confidential information that includes information about opt-out.”
“We have some way to go on fine-tuning some aspects of the Bill, but this is a good opportunity to improve the healthcare system, streamline services and better predict future trends. As we move forward, although we must keep a focus on ensuring that we protect the public's personal data with the utmost diligence, I hope that we can accurately and positively convey the benefits that can be derived from this opportunity. <BR /> <BR />I support all the amendments in group 1 with the exception of amendment No 8, which is the Committee amendment to place an opt-out provision in the Bill. Although I have no difficulty with the amendment and the clarity desired by the Committee, it is clear from the Minister's correspondence to the Committee that there are problems with it.”
“In clause 3, the Committee has agreed to a code of practice that will further ensure a robust system for providing advice and guidance to professionals on how to share and protect information. Working alongside the Data Protection Act, that will ensure that professionals have a clear structure to work within when they seek to share patient data in restricted and controlled circumstances, thus removing any ambiguity and the potential for anomalies. Although it is not a compliance code, it was agreed that, coupled with the existing legislation and court precedent, a code of practice was a sufficient measure.”