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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“<BR /> <BR />The Committee also agreed to the establishment in clause 2 of a committee to authorise the processing of confidential information. Although the make-up and size of that committee is yet to be agreed, the idea in principle will mean that it will provide a system of checks and balances to ensure that data is managed appropriately and within the defined parameters. My feeling is that we must ensure that the committee, while having a clinical foundation, works on a completely independent, impartial and unbiased basis.”
“That message is the key to ensuring that we have public support. I am aware that there will be further work and discussion on any potential opt-out clause for patients and how that may work in practice, but I trust that, in moving forward, the fact that any data will be used for the sole purpose of advancing health and social care will be correctly and sensitively communicated. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased that the Minister has assured the Committee, when it was looking at clause 1, that provision will be included to ensure that personal information will never be sold or processed for commercial gain. I trust that that guarantee will go some way to provide public confidence in the Bill and mean that businesses such as insurance companies will not be able to access patient information.”
“We must, however, ensure that, in taking the Bill forward, we do absolutely everything we can to make sure that privacy and personal information are protected. <BR /> <BR />The Committee heard from Dr Anna Gavin of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, who stated:”
“<BR /> <BR />I take the opportunity to thank those who gave valuable evidence to the Committee, including the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, the Northern Ireland Rare Disease Partnership and the Royal College of Nursing. Their input provided unique insights into how the legislation will impact on their day-to-day working and allowed us to reach this point today. <BR /> <BR />The Bill affords opportunities to advance the healthcare system by allowing information to be disseminated for the purpose of furthering research into various illnesses and conditions. It offers the chance to plan future health and social care provision; it will assist in identifying disease patterns; and it will give us the ability to track the efficacy of our services.”
“I speak as a member of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. At the outset, I apologise for the tissues and sniffles. It is not that I am emotional about having the youngest ever and first female First Minister; I have a cold. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased that, since the matter was last discussed in the House, the Committee has been able to make progress in providing clarification on a number of issues, most importantly on clause 1. We have established that the information would be shared only for health and social care purposes and that information deemed to be in the public interest would be shared only within those parameters.”
“I firmly believe that the Bill will provide consumers with a clear and simple way to identify the hygiene standards of food outlets and allow them to make choices based on that information. That will undoubtedly improve standards across the hospitality industry and ensure that our food-based businesses go from strength to strength.”
“I also seek the Minister's assurance that online retailers will be permitted a lead-in time — for example, 12 months — as that would allow them the necessary time to make the required technological and programming changes to their website. <BR /> <BR />I was pleased at the recent comment by the Welsh Deputy Minister for Health, who declared the introduction of a similar scheme to be a "big success story". In the two years since Wales introduced its legislation, businesses reaching the top five-star rating have increased from 45% to 61%, while outlets obtaining a zero rating have halved from 134 to 61. That is a clear indication of how the scheme will work in Northern Ireland and of the difference that we can expect the legislation to make.”
“I raised that issue at every opportunity during Consideration Stage and Committee Stage. <BR /> <BR />Since the last time that the matter was debated in the House, I have met with a number of retailers and retail bodies who expressed their concerns about how they will be affected by the addition to the Bill. I have sought to allay those concerns. I ask for the Minister's assurance that the online element will not be unduly onerous for online businesses. It is my understanding that websites that sell food will display a link to the FSA website, whereby a user can click on the link to find out the food rating of an establishment or retailer.”
“The existing voluntary scheme saw 56% of businesses display their rating, but that falls dramatically to only 13% in businesses that have been given ratings between zero and two. The new mandatory scheme will provide a more consistent approach to food hygiene ratings and increase consumer confidence in the hospitality industry. <BR /> <BR />During the Committee's scrutiny of the Bill, we agreed a number of amendments that will help businesses in administering the scheme. Amendments looked at timescales for councils to inform the FSA of ratings and, amongst other things, how they inform on ratings appeals. I am very pleased that the Committee has also agreed to an amendment to clause 7, which will require businesses that supply food via an online facility to display their rating online also.”
“It is, therefore, to be welcomed that the Bill will remove that grey area and allow the public to make clear and informed choices when eating food outside of their home. <BR /> <BR />Around 48,500 cases of food-borne illnesses are reported each year, resulting in 450 hospitalisations and 20 deaths. I believe that those figures are likely to be much higher due to many minor cases not being reported. The Bill's primary function is to reduce those instances of food-borne illnesses in Northern Ireland and to provide a structure to enable food establishments to improve standards across the industry. The health of the public is of the utmost importance and was at the forefront of the Committee's deliberations on the Bill.”
“As a member of the Health Committee, I support the Final Stage of the Food Hygiene Rating Bill. Through extensive scrutiny in Committee, the support of the Department and the hard work of the Food Standards Agency, I am satisfied that we have reached this stage. The Bill that we have arrived at is comprehensive and thorough, but, above all, it is user-friendly for the establishments that serve food and the environmental health officers who will oversee its day-to-day outworkings. Whilst the existing system of a voluntary rating display worked well in instances in which establishments had achieved a good rating, I believe that it led to consumers being less well informed when choosing establishments whose rating had not been so good. It is my perception that most members of the public assume that the scheme is mandatory.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I have already mentioned, the Bill is principally a technical exercise. That said, what today's debate will be remembered for is the steps that we take or do not take to ensure that children are protected from the effects of passive smoking in cars. I am confident that this will be met with support from the public and trust that it will assist in improving long-term health outcomes.”
“As a similar ban has been introduced in England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, the time is right to introduce this in Northern Ireland, and I believe that there is a strong desire on the part of the general public to see this brought in. I would like to commend the Minister for taking the opportunity to announce that he will table the amendment, which, I am sure, will safeguard the long-term health of children in this and future generations. <BR /> <BR />Part 2 is largely technical in nature and seeks to remove some minor irregularities in the existing Act. Currently, dentists, pharmacists and ophthalmic services providers are listed by the Health and Social Care Board as businesses but are not necessarily professionals. The Bill seeks to amend this and introduce contractual arrangements with providers.”
“It is therefore to be welcomed that under-18s will be prohibited from purchasing e-cigarettes and that proxy purchasing for minors will be made an offence. <BR /> <BR />Finally and most importantly in this Part, I am delighted to see that the Minister intends to table an amendment that will make it an offence to smoke in cars carrying children. The adverse effects of passive smoking have been well documented for many years, and its effects on children are even greater. Children cannot make their own decisions in respect of passive smoking in the confined space of a car, so, by introducing a ban, we will protect children from those effects and the associated health problems. The ban may perhaps even prevent them from taking up smoking in later life, and that is also to be welcomed.”
“In considering Part 1, I was pleased to see that the Bill will provide for the regulation of the e-cigarette market. Whilst it is reported that e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, the current lack of regulation means that the quality, safety, origin and contents of those products cannot be substantiated. From May 2016, any manufacturer of products containing more than 20 mg of nicotine must be licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. As this is an ever-increasing market, with over two million users in the UK, these measures to protect consumers are timely and a welcome step. This Part of the Bill will also impose age restrictions on the sale of these products. We are all well aware of the addictive nature of nicotine and the effects that it can have on adolescent brain development.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thanks, Tom, for sitting down. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Health Committee, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Second Stage of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. As we have heard, the Bill seeks to amend the current Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008. Part 1 looks at the provisions relating to nicotine-containing products, or NCPs, such as e-cigarettes, with Part 2 specifically looking at dental, pharmaceutical and ophthalmic services.”
“<BR /> <BR />In closing, the Bill will ensure that Northern Ireland's roads are safer for all users and that our drivers are better equipped. We must all share the road to zero, and I welcome any steps that we can take to ensure that that happens. I support the Bill.”
“However, I feel that it is a prudent move, given that 69% of accidents in which someone is killed or seriously injured by newly qualified drivers occurred on a rural road. <BR /> <BR />Given that the Minister has chosen to amend the legislation to ensure that the restriction applies only from 11.00 pm to 6.00 am and it is, as I have mentioned, for a short period of six months, I feel that we have reached a sensible and workable compromise that will train a new generation of better-prepared drivers. I also put on record that these measures have the full support of the PSNI. I wish its officers every success as they begin to roll out this new legislation in order to make our roads safer and to reduce road deaths and serious accidents.”
“Between 2010 and 2014, young drivers were deemed responsible for 77% of 14- to 20-year-old passengers being killed or seriously injured in a collision. To address that, we have agreed that a newly qualified driver under 24 will not be permitted, for the first six months after passing their test, to carry more than one passenger aged 14 to 20. Some exemptions to the rule will assist in accommodating family life and emergencies. <BR /> <BR />I hope that this short period of restriction will allow a young person to gain a much better understanding of the importance of making sensible driving decisions and learn, without distraction, how a vehicle handles in different driving conditions. I appreciate that it was felt that the restriction may disadvantage those living in rural communities.”
“I fully appreciate that it is not as simple as applying a broad-brush approach to young drivers and calling them irresponsible. Clinical evidence suggests that the part of the brain that controls functions such as planning, reasoning and impulses is not fully developed until the age of 25. It is therefore our duty to properly equip younger drivers on our roads with the statutory measures that will allow them to properly develop the necessary skills and experience that they require to protect themselves and other road users. <BR /> <BR />We have also addressed evidence that points to a greater incidence of collisions when inexperienced drivers are carrying teenage passengers. We are all familiar with the carloads of over-confident young drivers at times unwittingly taking unnecessary risks.”
“<BR /> <BR />By way of background, between 2010 and 2014, drivers aged from 17 to 24 accounted for 14% of driving licence holders, yet were responsible for 38% of fatal accidents. 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 are drivers over 25.”
“<BR /> <BR />A large part of our consideration of the legislation has looked at the higher proportion of under-25s killed or seriously injured on our roads and has sought ways to ensure that we do not restrict the mobility of younger drivers; in particular, Part 3, clause 19. I am content that, having taken advice from a number of groups, such as the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster and the road safety forum, we have achieved a piece of legislation that creates a balance and 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 the roads.”
“I rise as Deputy Chair and as a DUP member on the Environment Committee and welcome the opportunity to speak on the Further Consideration Stage of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill. <BR /> <BR />Every death on our roads is one too many, and I hope that we can reverse the current trend and reduce the number of fatalities and lessen the pain caused to families left behind to deal with the aftermath of the devastation. It is the obligation of each and every person using our roads to take their time, pay attention and consider other road users before and during their journey, whether it is by motor vehicle, bicycle or on foot.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Whilst it is hugely important that we support the Northern Ireland football team in France, I am disappointed that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has not held a reception for the team at Stormont, given that the CAL Minister has previously welcomed foreign nations to Parliament Buildings. Does the Minister plan to welcome the team to Stormont in the near future and show his support for our home team?”
“That being said, this Bill does not appear to be in any way controversial. With that, I support the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Chair has rightly outlined the Committee's concerns about scrutinising three pieces of legislation at this late stage of the mandate. I would like to put on record my concerns, as I have on several occasions at Committee, that rushing through controversial and sensitive legislation in such a short time frame is far from satisfactory or, indeed, appropriate.”
“These steps will protect the safety and well-being of users, such as elderly residents of care homes, and help to increase public confidence in the social care system. The Bill will ensure that social care workers here will be subject to the same regulatory procedures as those in the rest of the United Kingdom and, as such, provide the same safeguards for service users as those across the water. Whilst the Bill is largely technical in its nature, it will ultimately provide protections for service users and social care workers alike and ensure the highest quality of social care provision. The Bill reflects a more modern, responsive and streamlined approach to social care and, as such, is to be welcomed.”
“They will also give members of the social care workforce the opportunity for a rolling system of training and personal development that will ensure that they will be continually kept abreast of new developments, techniques and practices. It is also worth noting at this point that 87% of respondents to the consultation were in favour of the changes, and that, I believe, demonstrates an acknowledgment in the service of the need to modernise and reform. <BR /> <BR />The main changes to the current legislation come in the first four clauses of the Bill. The changes will focus on ensuring that any issues with staff can be dealt with more flexibly and on providing the NISCC with the power to investigate an employee's suitability to work as a social care worker.”
“It will, at the same time, add to the existing professionalism of the service through additional training and conduct standards. <BR /> <BR />With the mandatory registration in the Northern Ireland Social Care Council being rolled out over the last 10 years to encompass social workers and social work students as well as managers and staff in residential and domiciliary care settings, we are already in a good position to ensure that we are providing well-trained and correctly assessed employees. The registration of day-care and domiciliary staff has recently begun. It is hoped that this will be complete by this time next year, further strengthening our current service. <BR /> <BR />The proposed changes that will come in with the Act will bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.”
“As a member of the Health Committee, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Second Stage of the Health and Personal Social Services (Amendment) Bill. I begin by commending the work that the social care workforce does to complement our front-line health service. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of them, from children's services to elderly care and everything in between. As we are living in a time of an increasing ageing population, we rely more and more on the support, care and assistance that these personnel provide to families and individuals. With that in mind, I feel that the Bill is a timely and welcome move that will assist in protecting and safeguarding the service users, who are often the most vulnerable.”
“I will not get through all the contributions. In conclusion, I would like to wish the Minister well at this week's conference in Paris. The Committee looks forward to hearing the outcome from his officials in the new year.”
“He believes that climate change is cyclical and natural and that most of it is beyond your control. He said that the actions called for would inflict the most damage on the poorest countries and prevent them building a modern economy using their fossil fuels. <BR /> <BR />The Minister was next, and he thanked the Committee for the motion and Steven Agnew for his amendment. He said that there was overwhelming evidence that climate change is increasing and that it hits the developing world hardest. He said that it is critical that we take action now and that we engage with other Environment Ministers and charities to encourage comprehensive global agreement.”
“<BR /> <BR />Speaking next, Claire Hanna said that climate change is the biggest issue facing the world and that we can change how we deal with it. She spoke about the transition to a lower carbon economy taking time and said that we cannot expect the poorest countries to move first. She also said that up to one fifth of Bangladesh already suffers flooding due to climate change and that this is an interconnected world. She said that the targets currently on the table would produce a 3% reduction, which is higher than we need. She talked about the need to help the most vulnerable to adapt and said that every delay in tackling climate change makes it more difficult. <BR /> <BR />Next, we had Jim Allister, who said that he had no issue with the fact that there is climate change and that we should put the world in the best shape possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />Phil Flanagan spoke on behalf of Sinn Féin and said that it had a similar amendment, which was not accepted. He spoke about climate change being a most important issue for this generation and for those who will follow. He said that there was significant evidence that we still have time to act, and he talked about the need to reduce emissions. He spoke of concerns about fracking and fossil fuels and said that the Assembly had missed the opportunity to invest in the green new deal. He supported structural investment and said that, on a global level, Pope Francis had shown leadership, and that Churches and religious orders had recognised the seriousness of climate change. He welcomed the intention to introduce a Bill.”
“She said that Northern Ireland is covered by the UK Climate Change Act and that there is much more work to be done. <BR /> <BR />Paul Frew spoke next and asked whether the Ulster Unionist Party supports a climate change Bill. He welcomed the Minister's attendance at the conference as part of a UK delegation. He said that he would welcome real progress at the conference, as countries have responsibilities. He said that he sees climate change as a problem but cannot support a climate change Bill. He spoke about the USA never ratifying the Kyoto agreement and about China resisting any transparency in agreements. He said that he could support the motion but not the amendment. His concern was that we do not tie the hands of farmers and businesses when the UK already has a Climate Change Act, and we are already part of that.”
“He said that we need to address the issue globally and that we must look after the earth. He commended the Minister for going to Paris to send out a strong message that we are part of the world and that we want to make our contribution. He commended the Minister for bringing forward climate change legislation and said that we must cooperate with colleagues in the UK and Ireland. He spoke of its effect on us all. <BR /> <BR />Next we had Sandra Overend, and she spoke about creating consensus and how difficult that is. She also said that when Danny Kennedy was the Regional Development Minister he did his utmost to reduce emissions. Sandra spoke about the Executive being on course to miss targets for emissions and said that there is clearly a lack of agreement on climate change.”
“<BR /> <BR />The next Member to speak was Cathal Boylan, and he spoke in favour of the motion and the amendment. He said that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing modern society. He said that we must attempt to meet or exceed the Programme for Government targets for emissions. He talked about transport and agriculture being the main contributors and of how we can prevent food waste from going to landfill. He said that we need to look at all councils introducing a kerbside collection system. <BR /> <BR />Alban Maginness spoke next, and he welcomed the motion. He said that there is a moral obligation to care for the world and all of its people. He spoke about Pope Francis and the fact that he had put this to the top of the agenda, and that it is not just an environmental issue but a social issue.”
“<BR /> <BR />William Irwin spoke next, and, from an agricultural background, he said that agricultural activity accounts for 29% of emissions produced in Northern Ireland. He said that scientists are taking an in-depth approach to reduce methane emissions from cattle by changing the make-up of feed. He said that the fact that we are discussing greenhouse gases in agriculture shows the attention that is given to all aspects of production. He talked about the farmer already having to deal with restrictions and the farmer playing a vital part in protecting the land. He called for a level of common sense and not to overly burden farmers, and said that solutions and approaches should be workable in the real world. He concluded by saying that we had had the worst weather in 100 years and asked whether that was global warming.”
“He said that the sooner we act, the less costly it will be in human and financial terms. In response to an intervention, he said that he would accept the evidence and views of international scientists. When this motion was discussed previously, it was on the back of incidents of flooding, and increasing global food prices may make farming in some parts of the world unsustainable. Climate change leads to greater instability in the world, he said, and it is unfortunate that those who have done least to cause climate change will be the most affected by it. He said that what we are seeking to do in Paris is not to stop climate change but to deal with its worst effects. He also said that 10,000 jobs could be at risk in the renewable energy sector and that we are still subsidising fossil fuels.”
“I will now refer to Members' contributions. Anna Lo, speaking on behalf of the Alliance Party, talked about a 1% increase in global temperature according to the Met Office. She talked about the poorest countries facing the greatest harm, the upset to the entire ecosystem and the loss of biodiversity and habitat. She referred to her discussion with — sorry, I cannot make out the rest of that. She wants to see a climate change Act. <BR /> <BR />Mr Steven Agnew, who proposed the amendment, was delighted that the Minister would be at the conference. As he said, we have to take on our responsibilities and to do that seriously. He said that we have no specific legally binding targets in Northern Ireland. He said that this is an urgent situation that becomes more urgent with each year.”
“A cross-departmental working group on climate change is certainly a start, but, given the uncertainty over whether Northern Ireland will achieve its 35% reduction of emissions by 2025, we should refocus our efforts and work together to become innovators and leaders in developing approaches to achieve this target. The Committee saw one such example of innovation a few weeks ago during a visit to a recycling centre which is part of a social enterprise. It offers an innovative approach to reuse recycled materials, which generates both environmental and economic benefits. It certainly provided members with food for thought.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Chair outlined in her opening remarks, the largest source of emissions in Northern Ireland comes from agriculture, transport, energy supply and the residential sector. No Department can work in isolation to tackle this issue.”
“I welcome the opportunity to conclude the debate on the Environment Committee's behalf. I thank everyone for contributing to the debate this evening. There is no doubt that the subject of climate change generates passion, emotion and debate, which has been demonstrated by many of you. <BR /> <BR />Before I make my winding-up speech, I reiterate the need for the Executive to work together to develop further innovative approaches. This evening, many of you reflected on the need for a climate change Bill, and the House will shortly decide whether it wishes to accept Mr Agnew’s amendment calling for such a Bill. Outside of that, however, there are many innovative approaches that the Executive can adopt to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions further.”
“How does the Minister make assessments on the potential volatility of the independent sector market?”
“I thank the Member for that answer. Will the findings of the AERC's review of women in politics and the Northern Ireland Assembly link into the secretariat gender action plan?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. On his comments about inconsistency, surely, if the legislation were passed and councils had the choice of whether to implement it or not, you would still have inconsistency.”
“Our time and efforts can be put to better use in seeing through the many pieces of legislation that require our attention in the remaining months of this mandate. <BR /> <BR />I and my party do not support the motion.”
“Perhaps as council signage is being replaced — and we understand the financial restraints that our new councils are under — they could add the townland beneath the street or road to demonstrate where the street or road is within a townland. <BR /> <BR />The Member will be aware that as well as addresses being used by a host of agencies for domestic purposes, there is the more serious matter of addresses being used to identify criminal records of offenders. Given the concerns, particularly in recent years, about sex offenders in rural communities, I would be extremely concerned that changing the addresses of offenders may allow them to evade identification by way of some computerised loophole. <BR /> <BR />I have an understanding of what is being proposed but, in truth, I do not see the value of this piece of legislation.”
“No, I am fine, thanks. <BR /> <BR />Do not get me wrong, I completely understand the historical value of retaining the knowledge and use of townlands throughout Northern Ireland, but there is nothing to hinder their use. Many councils value the retention and use of townland names, as does the Assembly already. <BR /> <BR />There are many, including those in my party, who wish to see townland names used and remembered, but does it mean that we need legislation to do that? Can the Assembly's time and efforts not be put to better use in the remaining months of this mandate? <BR /> <BR />A simple way to help retain these much-valued names is to continue to talk about them, to talk about them in schools, and voluntarily use the townland in addresses.”
“Why would we legislate to do something that there is no need to do? Why would we legislate to bring in confusion? <BR /> <BR />What consultation has the Member had with bodies such as the emergency services, including the police, the Ambulance Service and firefighters, Royal Mail, the Post Office, and not to mention schools, colleges, health care providers such as doctors, district nurses, carers, social workers and occupational therapists, among others.”