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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“The Minister will respect that some Members of this House are concerned by elements of the deal, particularly around welfare. There will be a benefits freeze, and, over the next four years, inflation will also mean that households on benefits will see reduced moneys. Will that reduce significantly in real terms the amount of top-up award recommended by Eileen Evason?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I understand that the 11 councils are committed to the scheme. Has he any suggestions for the councils that have not taken up the scheme as much as others so that delivery can be improved? It is such a popular scheme, and we should try to get a geographical balance.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. A few weeks back, at the start of November, the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee met and engaged with a number of arts groups that were established as part of the Ministerial Arts Advisory Forum, some of which you mentioned. After discussion on how we could go forward with the strategy, they indicated to me that the forum had not actually met. That was only a few weeks ago. Will the Minister outline to the House how many times the forum has met, when it first met and what communication those groups offered as part of the strategy?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. What funding has been set aside for an effective childcare strategy to support working families?”
“I wish the Minister every success in her new role. Given that RPA has happened and we have new councils, is the Minister confident that they have signed up to playing their part in clearing up any snow or ice? I would like her to include in her answer the clearing of footpaths in our towns and cities to keep our businesses open.”
“Does the Minister have a preferred alternative to legal aid?”
“What has been done to remove prohibitive criteria that prevent companies winning tenders for the first time?”
“I agree with the comment that the Member has just made about investment, but I would like to hear his views on the announcement this evening that the IT centre of CVS Caremark is to close with the loss of 70 jobs. It was my understanding that this was a firm that, last year, announced that it wanted to grow from 70 to 150 employees. I know that, in 2012 and 2014, Invest NI offered it grants — in excess of £725,000 last year. What are the Member's views on that? We have offers of investment, yet firms are still leaving.”
“In your previous answers, Minister, you did not want to speculate much on the $1 billion bailout of Bombardier and the proposed aid from, I think you said, the federal Canadian Government. Has the Minister made an assessment of the threat to manufacturing jobs in Belfast due to the impact on Bombardier of the loss of the market share to the Chinese state-owned aerospace companies?”
“Are any outstanding moneys for the groups still there? You said that the approach was that you were paying now and the groups would apply later, but are there still moneys for ongoing programmes that groups have applied for and not received?”
“As I have often said to colleagues and constituents, the economic benefits of sports tourism do not end with each event. Tourists return to visit, and the reputation of the North is enhanced by each event. Sports tourism remains a booming industry, and the region will continue to benefit greatly from the economic and social benefits that events such as the Commonwealth Youth Games bring. <BR /> <BR />In the spirit of the unifying power that I spoke of, I ask that the Assembly come together once again to voice its support for Northern Ireland's bid for the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2021. I believe that, regardless of our current dire political circumstances, sport remains a positive force for Northern Ireland and reflects it at its best. I hope that, in 2021, in the Chamber, we will welcome even greater successes for our young athletes.”
“They should also be given the opportunity to participate in these world-recognised games at home. The unifying power of sport will allow all traditions and communities to come together to cheer and celebrate our athletes, as we have done in the past. <BR /> <BR />It is difficult to overstate the sheer success that this region has had in hosting events in the past couple of years. In the face of continued political instability and strife, Northern Ireland's ability to present its world-class hospitality has persevered. Events such as the World Police and Fire Games, the Giro d'Italia and the recent Irish Open at Royal County Down prove that Northern Ireland has the will and the want to host international sporting events.”
“It is essential that the North has in place the facilities and infrastructure not only to host the Commonwealth Youth Games but to ensure that we can avail ourselves of other sporting events in the future and that our natural talent is nurtured in a suitable environment. If we are to see any success in the future, all our sports need to be funded adequately and enjoy full support from the Department and the whole Assembly. <BR /> <BR />I support Northern Ireland's excellent young athletes. Regardless of the politics of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Youth Games is a prestigious and international event that allows Northern Ireland's athletes to shine. Our athletes and competitors should be given every opportunity to compete in international sporting events.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I am sure that you agree that boxing continues to be one of our greatest sporting traditions. Successes such as these will ensure that the tradition continues for some time to come. <BR /> <BR />Last year, I stood in the Chamber to extend my warm and sincere congratulations to the Northern Ireland Commonwealth team on its successes in Glasgow and called for the Assembly to support fully the efforts to replicate that success in the future. The estimated £3·75 million cost to host the games may be daunting, but I believe that, with proper planning and a positive joint approach to development, it represents an investment worth making.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate. I am sure that we will see overwhelming support for the motion in the Chamber. I am positive that the motion, if acted on, will have a positive impact on the North of Ireland's sporting tradition, its economy and the lives of our young people. <BR /> <BR />Over the past week, we have had an opportunity to see our sporting abilities on an international stage. I make particular reference to the Ireland rugby team. People right across the world witnessed how we behave in a sporting ground. I take this opportunity to wish that team all the best in the games ahead. The crowds of supporters standing shoulder to shoulder with the team set a fine example to all. Without diluting anything, I also want to make reference to our boxers' success on an international stage.”
“What more can be done to assist females in achieving higher levels in the judiciary?”
“I am sure that the Minister agrees that, until the situation is resolved, a lot of our sporting bodies and volunteers who are involved in sport are the big losers in all of this. Is the Minister in a position to enlighten the House on where the board sits at the minute and what responsibilities the likes of the volunteers are losing out on?”
“The question that I had prepared about the Commonwealth Games has already been answered.”
“Will the Minister outline how her Department and Sport NI will support athletes preparing for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics? A bit of investment has been put in, and you can see that through the medals that have been won. However, what further advice and money can her Department give to those preparing for the Olympics?”
“Through media reports, I have noted that the Social Development Minister has visited some food banks and taken a great interest in them. The same reports state that a quarter of individuals in families with a disabled person are living in relative poverty. The same was reported in 2013 and 2014. I wonder whether the research that was carried out by the Department into the use of food banks contained any data on people with disabilities needing to use food banks. When you report back to the Minister, perhaps that can be included in his answer.”
“Has a plan been thought out about what role Northern Ireland can play to help the Syrian refugees? What example will you, as a leader, set the people in our society regarding the Syrian refugee crisis?”
“Can the Minister indicate how many of the appeals have been successful?”
“— some of the issues that people in East Belfast are experiencing. Indeed, they were to do with flooding, even in my constituency office on Newry Street in Warrenpoint. I am letting the Member know that Land and Property Services will not entertain you unless the street in question has been closed for more than 12 months. Maybe the Minister can take that information to the Executive table, and maybe they will be able to look at that again, because it affects businesses, particularly if a road is closed for a long time. It is not a laughing matter.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I, in South Down, have experienced —”
“It is a worthwhile website as far as I am concerned, but I am sure the Minister will agree with me that £65,000 is a lot of money to be spent on a breach of data. I am glad that she has made the statement to the House. Is there any advice for people who may not be computer savvy on how to join up to the Líofa programme?”
“In her last reply, the Member indicated some of the actions that have been taken by the Commission in order to implement parts of the plan. In the short term, in order to begin the full implementation of the plan, what actions can be taken?”
“Has the variety of such arts courses taught in this region increased in line with any so-called 'Game of Thrones' effect given that we have benefited so much from the likes of the film industry here in the North?”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Speaker, I gave you a commitment that I would not speak for any longer than three minutes to allow for a break in this long Assembly session this evening. Thank you for allowing me the time to speak.”
“The SDLP and I campaigned vigorously on behalf of local libraries, and we welcome the fact that they are not being devastated by cuts. The current approach of a 7·5% reduction, instead of a broad 11·2% reduction, will mean that library closures will be reduced. Libraries still represent the social and educational hub for our communities, including many rural communities, and I am glad to see that they are being assisted. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that all Departments are feeling the squeeze in regards their budget and as a consequence of current difficulties on welfare reform. However, the fully supported expansion of Northern Ireland's cultural and artistic sectors represents a real opportunity to bring about economic prosperity. The current proposals do not represent the best possible way to achieve that measure of opportunity.”
“In last week's Main Estimates, I noted that, much like Northern Ireland Screen, their overall resource allocations have declined for the third year running. The planetarium and observatory continue as part of an international network of data-gatherers, carrying out significant, long-term scientific research into monitoring the effects of global warming. I fear that current cuts will seriously impede their ability to function in that regard. The end of decades-long research would be a tragic blow to the Northern Ireland scientific community. <BR /> <BR />It would be wrong of me to focus only on the negatives of the current proposals, and to do so entirely is not constructive. As such, I recognise and welcome the protection of Northern Ireland libraries.”
“I was, therefore, dismayed to see in the Main Estimates that the net total for Northern Ireland Screen has fallen to £1·38 million, which represents a continued decline in resources for the third year running. I am dismayed because the budget for the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is already one of the smallest in Northern Ireland, and yet it continues to be hammered by cuts. Current budget cuts aim at trimming the fat of a Department that had very little fat to begin with. The cuts seriously impede the functions of programmes and arm's-length bodies. <BR /> <BR />In particular, I worry about funding in regard to the Armagh Planetarium and Armagh Observatory, which have continued to suffer cuts under current proposals.”
“<BR /> <BR />In 2011, the Assembly recognised that the future of a modern Northern Ireland rested with the development of our creative and artistic industries and that their expansion would naturally bring about a boost in jobs for the region. In the past five years, Northern Ireland has seen tremendous success in attracting investment and jobs in the creative industries, securing major blockbusters such as 'Dracula Untold' and renewed television contracts such as the fantasy series 'Game of Thrones'. The former brought an estimated £13·4 million return to the local economy and the latter has brought about a 65% boost to tourism in County Antrim, over £82 million in direct economic benefit and over 900 full-time jobs. If ever there was an industry in Northern Ireland that needed support and nurturing, it is our booming screen industry.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Second Stage of the Budget (No. 2) Bill. The current Budget proposes that an overall amount of just over £45 million be allocated to DCAL to allow it to deliver economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Northern Ireland by unlocking the full potential of the culture, arts and leisure sectors. It is unfortunate, then, that current provisions will not be sufficient to support the Department adequately in the achievement of its aims. Instead, current provisions represent an ongoing decline in arts funding and a serious restriction of the sector's ability to grow and develop.”
“Will the Minister give a breakdown of where the fund has been distributed outside of Belfast and Derry, particularly with reference to the south Down area?”
“I also commend Miss McIlveen on her promotion to the post of junior Minister, and I wish her all the best. Will she confirm that the severe criticism of the draft strategy by organisations such as the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM) will be fully taken on board?”
“Are there links with or a role for the likes of the USPCA to make the protection of abandoned animals and the identification of owners more fluent?”
“Will the Minister give any details on whether further research, through a project similar to IBIS, will be available through that funding?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I want to point out the two-day conference that was held in Newry. The Minister spoke about its success and the fact that it celebrated 70 years of scientific research that has been undertaken through the IBIS project. There have been successes with that €8 million EU-funded project, with objectives delivered and information generated, particularly on shellfish resources. Paragraph 20 of the statement notes the Loughs Agency success in securing EU funding and:”
“I met the USPCA about it. It has raised the issue, which probably goes right across our region, and I am delighted to bring it to the Floor today. The Minister touched on his Department's plans to help to address the matter. Perhaps he could enlighten us a wee bit more on those plans.”
“The junior Minister must acknowledge that, four years after the announcement of the £80 million fund, less than £2 million has been spent. She has to acknowledge that there are multiple difficulties with SIF. With the delays in allocating spending moneys, will she confirm whether there will be a SIF 2?”
“I hope that no bands are lost due to a lack of funding. I hope that the June monitoring round will be successful in reinstating the musical instruments for bands scheme. The SDLP supports the motion.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. That influenced me to add this wee story to the debate to lighten the mood of the House. I hope that the House is united and that we all sing from the same hymn sheet, if you will pardon the pun. <BR /> <BR />The only problem with the Irish National Foresters' drum was that its markings of origin had to be disguised, but, on 12 July that year, unbeknownst to the spectators, the INF drum kept the Commons Silver Band in beat. <BR /> <BR />I encourage more organisations to share instruments when possible and even to share their stories of cross-community cooperation because, sadly, most days we hear only negative news stories about bands. <BR /> <BR />I will finish by paying tribute to bands in my constituency, all of which play a very important role in our communities.”
“A drum was found and offered to the band by the Irish National Foresters (INF) — a gesture of cross-community relations even before the term was coined.”
“My colleague Mr Bradley will, I hope, elaborate on that point during his contribution. <BR /> <BR />I fully recognise the cultural and community importance of bands and the need for bands to work in a cross-community manner and to promote good relations. I wish to share with you all a story told to me by a neighbour who was a member of the Commons Silver Band. It demonstrates the good relationship that existed between the Commons Silver Band, an organisation going back more than 70 years, and Irish nationalist bands. The story goes that, on the eve of the 12 July parade, the canvas on the drum belonging to the Commons Silver Band was damaged. There was no time to repair the drum so members of the band tried to find a drum to borrow.”
“Indeed, the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure agreed to write to the Minister in support of the restoration of the fund. The Committee recognises that, while other funds are available for musical instruments, they are not usually open to many bands, and, as such, there is a special need for the musical instruments for bands funding programme to be restored. <BR /> <BR />The motion is timely because many bands march during the summer months. I hope, as do my colleagues in the SDLP, that this season will pass off peacefully. Whilst I support the reintroduction of the fund, I encourage the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to work with the Arts Council to ensure that access to the fund is available only to marching bands that adhere to a specific code of conduct.”
“The musical instruments for bands funding scheme has been put on hold owing to budgetary restraints. As a member of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, I hear regularly about culturally important funding being cut. That has affected not only those who use the funding scheme but many who rely on funding from the Department and the Arts Council. I could stand here and name 100 groups that have had their funding cut — some by 50%, some by 100% — but I could not fit in all their names in the short time that I have to speak. <BR /> <BR />A request was made in the June monitoring round for the musical instruments for bands funding scheme. The bid was submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel last week, and the outcome will be announced in the coming weeks.”
“Has it been determined what percentage of the overall fund will be awarded to each of the three strands, namely the single facility, the multi-activity facility and the performance facility?”
“Minister, it is generally believed that we are the last region to agree to the new rural development programme scheme. Can the Minister advise whether any rural groups have been put at a disadvantage because of that delay? What protections will her Department give to the groups to help them to deliver on their schemes?”
“I urge the Minister of Finance and Personnel and the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to work together to convince Mr Gauke and the Treasury that they are mistaken and that this could create the thousands of jobs that Northern Ireland needs. Just like the Irish example, the repayment can be enormous.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Finance Minister in the South, Minister Noonan, announced recently that he was retaining the 9% VAT rate due to the number of new jobs created, the growth in the industry and the increase in visitors to Ireland. The VAT reduction has contributed significantly to strong overall growth in tourism and hospitality over the past few years. Unfortunately, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury was not convinced by the arguments and said:”