Karen McKevitt
South Down · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for her statement. It is a very proud day: this has been brought to the House on the last day of business. <BR /> <BR />Our party is very supportive of the proposals to promote and increase the use of British and Irish sign language.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I pay a personal tribute to Mr Maginness at this, his last Question Time. In true, typical Alban fashion, he continues to be concerned for the running of the Assembly and for its Members right up to the last minute.”
“It will be implemented following the election in May and focus on the role of the MLA in representing the interests of the electorate and scrutinising the work of the Executive. Whilst the programme has been designed for new Members, returning Members are also free to participate as they require.”
“The fundamental structure of the scheme and, therefore, the nature of the split of the funding under FAPP between parties of certain sizes and between the two elements of the scheme — general party funding and funding for the Whips' offices — were not a specific consideration for the Commission at this time.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. The induction programme provided will cover a wide range of areas, including strategic planning; ethical leadership; speech delivery; dealing with difficult conversations and conflict resolution; effective Committee scrutiny; the role of the Committee Chair; analysing complex information;…”
“I thank the Member for her contribution not just on this motion but as a member of the Assembly Commission. You have held that post with distinction right through your term.”
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“<BR /> <BR />If Members have any further ideas that Commission members can bring to the politics programme, our doors are open, and we would be only too willing, before the end of this mandate, to include any information that they would like included in the programme.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. The induction programme provided will cover a wide range of areas, including strategic planning; ethical leadership; speech delivery; dealing with difficult conversations and conflict resolution; effective Committee scrutiny; the role of the Committee Chair; analysing complex information; working with the media; using social media; crisis management; managing reputational risk; and the Members' code of conduct. Members attending the induction programme will also receive briefings from employment law specialists, the Northern Ireland Audit Office, and the Northern Ireland Ombudsman.”
“It will be implemented following the election in May and focus on the role of the MLA in representing the interests of the electorate and scrutinising the work of the Executive. Whilst the programme has been designed for new Members, returning Members are also free to participate as they require. The induction programme to be delivered by Politics Plus will supplement those already provided by the Business Office on the procedures of the Assembly, including Standing Orders, and by the Bill Office on the legislative process. New Members will also receive induction support from the Assembly's Research and Information Service, Finance Office and Legal Services, as well as other offices of the Assembly as appropriate.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I pay a personal tribute to Mr Maginness at this, his last Question Time. In true, typical Alban fashion, he continues to be concerned for the running of the Assembly and for its Members right up to the last minute. Politics is a profession rather than a vocation, and continuing professional development is as important in political life as it is in any other profession. Therefore, it will be important for Members newly elected in May 2016 to be provided with an appropriate induction to the business of the Assembly, as well as ongoing professional development to support them in their role as public representatives and legislators. <BR /> <BR />Supported by the Assembly Commission, Politics Plus is developing a new Member induction programme.”
“I thank the Member for his question. It would be wholly inappropriate for me to discuss sensitive information in relation to an ongoing personnel matter.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The disciplinary policy includes an appeal mechanism that fully complies with all legislative requirements. It is in process.”
“I thank the Member for his supplementary question. The social media policy was introduced to secretariat staff in 2014, and they were provided with training on the policy. The policy covers the acceptable use of social media by staff engaged by the Commission and has a particular focus of maintaining standards of behaviour from all staff and that their impartiality cannot be called into question. The guidance and training provided covered a lot for all members of staff and MLAs in the Building.”
“I thank the Member for his question. While the Assembly Commission does not make any public comment on personnel matters, especially when those matters are ongoing, I can confirm that one member of Assembly Commission staff is currently suspended as part of a disciplinary process involving the alleged misuse of the Commission's social media policy. I can also confirm that, following appropriate investigations under the Commission's disciplinary procedures, three members of staff have been disciplined in respect of breaches of social media policy.”
“I was going to ask the Minister how close we are to seeing the production of dictionaries for both languages, but then I noticed that there was a difference. I ask her to explain why the Ulster-Scots Institute should proceed as a not-for-profit company with charitable status, while the same does not apply to the Irish language academy. Perhaps she might answer both questions.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. It is a very proud day: this has been brought to the House on the last day of business. <BR /> <BR />Our party is very supportive of the proposals to promote and increase the use of British and Irish sign language. Ahead of the debate, I made enquiries with the events team in Parliament Buildings to ensure that we offered sign language tour experiences here. I was pleased to learn that we do with prior notice. Will the Minister advise whether, during the preconsultation period, any assessment was carried out in departmental arm's-length bodies, such as the Northern Ireland Museums Council, to ensure that sign language tours and educational programmes are offered at every venue? If not, will she ensure that such an assessment is carried out?”
“My party did not sign up to one part of the Fresh Start deal, but we definitely support this part. Under the current Budget, it is a cost-neutral effect. That is why it is proposed that the Commission will agree that the FAPP scheme should be reviewed in the new mandate. This approach is a one-year measure. <BR /> <BR />I thank Members for their support. As I said, it was agreed unanimously at the Commission, and we look forward to its implementation.”
“The fundamental structure of the scheme and, therefore, the nature of the split of the funding under FAPP between parties of certain sizes and between the two elements of the scheme — general party funding and funding for the Whips' offices — were not a specific consideration for the Commission at this time. The Commission was concerned with the twin aims of meeting the budget cut for 2016-17 and implementing the intent of the Fresh Start Agreement. In doing so, the Commission fully recognised that the proposals for an opposition and how that might develop and the level of budget cuts that have been levied in recent years may require a more substantive review of the entirety of the FAPP scheme.”
“I thank the Member for her contribution not just on this motion but as a member of the Assembly Commission. You have held that post with distinction right through your term. <BR /> <BR />I am grateful that the need to apply a cut to the payments under FAPP is recognised as a necessary part of any package of measures to ensure that the Assembly Commission meets its agreed budget reductions in 2016-17. The Assembly Commission unanimously agreed the planned 5% cut and the reallocation of funds between opposition and non-opposition parties after the next Assembly election in May 2016.”
“Can the Minister confirm whether there was cross-trust collaboration on the cuts to ensure that cutting a service in one trust did not put pressure on another trust?”
“<BR /> <BR />With more women taking up high-profile positions, it is hoped that positive media coverage will help to inspire more women to see politics as a suitable career path, and I highly recommend it to anybody. However, we cannot sit back and wait for societal changes; we must change our society. It is my hope that the women's caucus will drive change so that the male: female ratio in the Assembly will be much closer to 50:50 by 2020.”
“<BR /> <BR />While the women's caucus, with the support of Politics Plus and the Speaker's reference group, has much work to do, I should mention some positive equality changes that have occurred in political life: the position of the First Minister for Northern Ireland is now held by Arlene Foster; we have seen the work of Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the SNP and First Minister, in Scotland; and, of course, Hillary Clinton is fighting in the USA to be the Democrat candidate in the presidential race. Now that the decision has been made to appoint Marie Anderson as Public Services Ombudsman, I can add her to that list. We are absolutely delighted that she will take up that post, particularly on an important today like today.”
“It has been working to develop strong, sustainable international links; foster relationships between communities and across generations; and enhance the role of women in peace-building and civic society through the successful delivery of the women in politics leadership programme, which includes the women in public life programme, the young female leaders academy, and expert one-on-one training.”
“<BR /> <BR />The purpose of the Speaker's reference group is to support and advise on Assembly initiatives; to enhance and support the engagement of women in politics, including the women in politics leadership programme developed by Politics Plus; to provide the Speaker with advice on progress towards a gender-sensitive Parliament; to prepare a three-year gender-sensitive Assembly action plan based on the recommendations from the AERC inquiry and Inter-Parliamentary Union best practice; and to support the establishment of the women's parliamentary caucus, which it has now done. <BR /> <BR />A lot of work has been undertaken by Politics Plus to address the under-representation of women in political and public life.”
“The Speaker's reference group on a gender-sensitive Assembly was established on 10 February 2016. I would like to thank the Speaker for taking such a proactive role and for establishing the reference group on a gender-sensitive Assembly. I would also like to thank my colleagues Sandra Overend, Paula Bradley, Caitríona Ruane, Trevor Lunn and Steven Agnew, who sit on the group with me. All signed today's motion and are dedicated to increasing the number of females across political and public life.”
“If progress towards a gender-sensitive Assembly is to be achieved, it will continue to be important for the Speaker's reference group to comprise male and female Members, who can act as champions in the short and long-term — that is, the next mandate — and bring a strategic perspective to the work of the group. The women's caucus, however, will be an all-female caucus. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the Assembly Commission's contribution to raising the profile of gender-sensitive issues. I also commend the AERC and the secretariat staff involved in the report on women in politics and the researchers in Research and Information Service (RaISe), who deepened the understanding of the barriers to the representation of women and of gender equality issues.”
“It remains true that women are the main carers in our society, and, as such, we need to explore strategies to improve the work-life balance and consider childcare issues and other caring responsibilities. That will be another key priority for the women's caucus. <BR /> <BR />One final objective for the caucus will be the development of a strategic plan for dealing with gender-sensitive issues and the promotion of gender mainstreaming within the Northern Ireland Assembly. AERC recommended the establishment of a working group on a gender-sensitive Parliament and that that working group should have equal membership of male and female MLAs.”
“The women's caucus will also work towards raising awareness of gender equality issues and gender sensitivity through the media; creating a social space for women and fostering a sense of solidarity; and developing and maintaining strong relationships among women MLAs and relevant bodies and organisations. The caucus will undoubtedly lobby decision makers, internal and external, on gender-related issues, advocate gender equality on a local, national and international level and network with relevant stakeholders and organisations to promote gender sensitivity. <BR /> <BR />A political career path is deemed as being not family-friendly due to long plenary sittings and the varying demands placed on Members' time.”
“<BR /> <BR />The key objectives of the women's caucus include reviewing and influencing policy and legislation from a gender perspective; increasing the representation of women in the leadership of parliamentary Committees; building capacity and empowering women through training women Members on Assembly rules and procedures; training women Members on the procedures for and drafting of private Member's Bills; improving the leadership and parliamentary skills of its members by offering conflict resolution workshops and leadership training programmes to empower women; and building confidence and encouraging them to be heard.”
“<BR /> <BR />Numerous submissions to the Committee called for the establishment of a women's parliamentary caucus as an example of good practice in supporting existing female politicians and encouraging aspiring female politicians to enter politics. The Committee brought that recommendation forward, and I am pleased to inform you that the Assembly women's caucus will be officially launched today, 8 March 2016 — International Women's Day. The caucus held its first meeting yesterday, 7 March.”
“It is my privilege to propose the all-party motion before us today — a day known globally as International Women's Day. I take this opportunity to thank the Business Committee for giving time to list the motion and for it to be scheduled earlier than usual. <BR /> <BR />On 9 March 2015, the Assembly approved the Assembly and Executive Review Committee's report on women in politics and the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Committee concluded that the under-representation of women in politics in Northern Ireland is a serious issue that must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The Committee made recommendations to the Assembly, the Executive and political parties with the aim of addressing that under-representation of women in politics in Northern Ireland as a matter of urgency.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I am aware of the continuing development right across Armagh, Craigavon and Banbridge, with the colleges proceeding with planning applications for development. Would the Minister support the college if a future business case were to be presented, should an opportunity occur with the freeing up or release of Newry Sports Centre, which would help to consolidate the campus's provision in the city of Newry to a level that would match the investment that other areas are currently seeing?”
“Does the Minister anticipate the role of the junior Minister changing or evolving in the Department?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. What discussions have DARD officials had with the gardaí and the police? Does the Minister agree with me that a multi-agency approach would be a way forward with those groups to develop their communication skills to get out information on farm safety, rural broadband and any available funding?”
“Will the Minister explain, in relation to welfare reform, how people with mental health issues will be assisted when the mobility element is included in the mitigations? That is a major concern for a lot of people in my constituency.”
“That welcome initiative would help to develop the stock of the art displayed in cities, towns and hamlets across the region, while giving communities access to locally relevant art. The report further recommends the need for the funding structure for the sector to be changed, particularly the use of short-length funding styles, which can be beneficial for one-off projects but fail to protect the long-term health and well-being of arts and cultural organisations. <BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Committee Clerk and the whole Committee support team throughout the inquiry. They are a constant support to all members of the Committee. I also put on record the dedication of the previous Chairperson of the CAL Committee in introducing the inquiry.”
“It is also vital that those buildings cater for people with disabilities to ensure that everyone can get involved in the arts. Servicing a building for people with disabilities not only means ensuring that it is fully wheelchair accessible; it should have aids for people who are blind, those who suffer from hearing loss, people who are autistic and more. The purpose of the inquiry and the report is to bring about a positive change that would see working-class communities have easy access to the arts. We also need to make the arts available to absolutely everyone. <BR /> <BR />Another recommendation in the report, if implemented, would see publicly owned art brought to public buildings and spaces so that all communities can enjoy it.”
“Indeed, many already house arts and cultural events, including the annually run March creativity month, but there are opportunities to develop that further. I hope that the ever-expanding potential of our libraries is recognised by the Minister and her Executive colleagues so that, going forward, we will not see any further reductions in services or opening hours. <BR /> <BR />There are many public buildings that should continue to be used for arts and cultural purposes, including our museums, schools, town halls and more. Using those public buildings as multipurpose centres will inevitably increase the number of people, young and old, using the buildings. I again repeat my call to have automated external defibrillators present in all public buildings; we should be working towards that goal.”
“It is important that any strategy is backed and guided by experts who know the industry best. <BR /> <BR />I strongly support the need for such a strategy to be rural proofed to ensure that the arts are performed in rural societies, particularly disadvantaged rural areas. The report recognises that the lack of affordable and suitable transport provision can be a barrier to individuals. The transport barrier can, of course, apply to people who live in urban zones, but it is a particular challenge for those who live in a rural community. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased that the report identifies the role that our libraries can play in delivering arts and cultural experiences to rural audiences. Libraries need to be used as multipurpose art spaces.”
“I, along with my party's members, welcome all initiatives to ensure that the arts can be accessed and enjoyed by every individual. <BR /> <BR />Implementation of the main recommendation for an Executive arts and culture strategy, with targets and measurable outcomes similar to the Programme for Government, would be a positive step. I am sure that this would be welcomed by arts and cultural organisations across the region. The purpose of an Executive-led strategy is to ensure that it will be meaningful and get sufficient support and resources from all Departments. Throughout the inquiry, Committee members had the opportunity to engage with organisations and individuals involved in the arts and listen to their needs, concerns, hopes and aspirations.”
“As a member of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, I support the report and hope that the Minister will take the necessary measures to ensure that the recommendations are implemented in full. <BR /> <BR />The benefits of participating or engaging in the arts are universally recognised. From tackling social exclusion to promoting mental and emotional well-being, the arts make a positive contribution to our society and the lives of individuals. The inquiry was undertaken to address inequalities faced by those who live in deprived areas. Research has shown that adult participation rates in the arts are 31% lower in the most deprived areas. The research also confirmed that participation is lower amongst those who have never worked, have no qualifications or have a limiting or long-term illness.”
“Yes. What is the Member's opinion of a parent given a diagnosis that their child would not survive outside the womb, but they got it wrong, and the parent is looking at and nursing their child on their knee today?”
“I thank the Member, through you, Mr Speaker, for giving way.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I would also like to highlight farm safety. I am delighted that the group is coming up with new initiatives. The hard-hitting TV campaign has been a great success. Sometimes, it is hard to watch, and people turn away from it, but it has been a success, as have the programmes held in rural schools that highlight to children the dangers on farms. With that new group, will the Minister push for more programmes to come into schools, particularly our rural schools, in advance of bringing in new programmes to highlight farm safety further and support the farm safety and health awareness days?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. In your answer to the substantive question, you said that the strategy is a fine example of what can be achieved by using a joint approach. What discussions are under way to merge other areas of agricultural policy on an all-island basis?”
“I congratulate the Minister on his new position; this is my first opportunity to do so. <BR /> <BR />Mr Campbell has already touched on the resources. Will the budget for the delivery of that function also transfer to local government? What guidance is his Department giving to, and what discussions is it having with, local government in order for it to be ready?”
“I thank the joint First Minister for his response. Given that the commissioners will be under the new remit of OFMDFM, how do you think communications are going to work? You are the employer, yet they are under the remit of a different Department. Has there been any discussion of that?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Is the Minister saying that it is already in the compulsory curriculum for schools that children should have that training opportunity?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. Very often, Minister, we see ideas coming across jointly from Departments. There is the like of the Shamrock in the way that it involved tourism globally and related to Irishness, whether it was North or South, as symbols. The Irish Milwaukee festival, which I attended a number of years ago, gave small local artists from here an opportunity to be able to sell their brand. Has the Minister had any joint approaches with the likes of DEL to involve schools to come to sell local art or to support local artists to help promote and support them globally and internationally?”
“Will the Minister outline to the House what programme she envisages being delivered to the 10,000 children who are not in education, employment or training?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Under the "Joint Projects between both Agencies", Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, the statement says that there is:”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Rightly so, Waterways Ireland has concentrated in its progress report on capital expenditure. It focused on infrastructure repairs, embankment strengthening and bridge repairs. Can the Minister tell the House whether any of those plans have been thwarted because of the extreme weather conditions that we have seen over the last week, and with more to come?”
“I thank the Member for asking the original question. It is very prudent and timely. In his answers, the Minister is right: the people are delivering ahead of anyone. In that, I include our sportspeople. Again, I take the opportunity in the House to congratulate the Northern Ireland football team and, indeed, the Irish football team, which has also qualified. There is an opportunity for the Minister, who is a great promoter of sports tourism, to start delivering for our communities by, perhaps, opening up a conversation with Executive colleagues and the Irish Government on the economic benefits of an all-Ireland tourism strategy. Has the Minister any plans for that to happen?”
“Minister, I welcome your statement. I am relieved that the consultation exercise is finally under way, given that it is four-and-a-half years since the programme was endorsed. The statement does not include a time frame for the application process and the project selection process, yet I note that all projects must be completed by March 2018. Given that the consultation will end on 22 February, as the Minister has stated, and the Department will then need time to consider its response to the consultation responses, can the Minister advise whether the programme will be progressed any further prior to the end of the mandate? Does she think that any of the soccer clubs have missed an opportunity because of the delay in this announcement?”
“I thank the Member for his answers thus far. Given the importance of defibrillators and the statistics on their use, has the Commission any plans to introduce training for Members of the Assembly in their use, as nobody knows the day and hour that one of us could use that life-saving skill?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. In the middle of November — I think that it was around 12 November — the Ulster Elite Championships were held in Newry, and I got an opportunity to see the boxing. Probably for the first time, I saw a couple of women boxers, other than seeing Katie Taylor box for Ireland on TV. Will the Minister outline to the House what Sport NI and her Department will do to ensure that boxing clubs are female-friendly zones and offer opportunities for females to develop their boxing skills?”