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.”
The complete record
Every one of 194 lines we hold for Karen McKevitt, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 4.
“Tourism contributes 5·2% to the Northern Ireland gross domestic product, and over 43,000 jobs are sustained by tourism activity. <BR /> <BR />People are employed in tourism across Northern Ireland in every constituency and at every skill level. The aim is to double tourism's contribution to the economy by 2020. That target for growth means generating £1 billion in total revenue, attracting an additional 10,000 new jobs and drawing 4·5 million visitors into Northern Ireland. The task is made almost impossible when those involved in the industry are faced with a VAT disparity between them and their counterparts in the South.”
“My colleague South Down MP Margaret Ritchie secured a debate in the House of Commons in January on the reduction of VAT in the tourism industry. A co-signatory to the debate was Strangford MP Jim Shannon. Margaret got great support from across the House, with a number of MPs from England, Scotland, Wales and, indeed, this region, supporting her motion. <BR /> <BR />The tourism and hospitality industries are delivering greatly for Northern Ireland, despite VAT that is double that of their counterparts in the South and across many European countries. Twenty-two countries have half of our rate — 10% or less — and 16 countries, including Ireland, have a rate of 9% or less. According to Invest NI, the total revenue generated by the Northern Ireland tourism industry is £723 million.”
“I welcome the opportunity to support the call to examine the benefits that a reduced rate of VAT would have on our tourism and hospitality industry. I am particularly pleased that we have the opportunity to debate it the week leading up to the Irish Open in my constituency of South Down. I will also take this opportunity to congratulate Minister Foster on her new role. It is great that she is able to come here to today's debate with her old hat on as the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and with that experience, and also as the Finance Minister. I have no doubt that she will know what we are all talking about, hopefully. <BR /> <BR />I have no doubt that, based on reports, evidence and experience of other European countries, including Ireland, our report will highlight the economic benefits and job creation opportunities.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. On the point you have just made about what the economy can do: the only manufacturer of automated external defibrillators in the UK and Ireland is the Belfast-based company, HeartSine. Does the Member agree that any strategy by our Executive to increase the availability of defibrillators would not just save lives but would potentially create jobs in a Northern Ireland-based firm?”
“— our business community and organisations under further financial pressures. However, I do hope that it can work so that, one day, the survival rate of cardiac arrest is closer to 100%.”
“I am very aware that we are in a dismal financial situation and that it may not be the best time to call on the Executive to spend money on providing defibs, but we can call on the Executive to show a commitment to growing the provision of defibrillators and to devise a strategy to this effect that can be implemented when we are in a better financial situation. This is the time to build momentum so that, maybe not today or tomorrow or even next year but one day, many public offices and perhaps private firms too will have a working defibrillator on site. This may be an aspirational dream, particularly at a time of deep financial hardship, and I would not wish to put —”
“Senator Feargal Quinn set a fine example by bringing a private Member's Bill to the Senate to amend the Public Health (Availability of Defibrillators) Bill 2013. There is so much that the Assembly can do to improve survival rates even further. For instance, my colleagues and I hope to bring a motion to the Floor in the near future to make CPR compulsory on the curriculum for all post-primary schoolchildren. We hope to achieve this vision of many to create a nation of lifesavers, but that is a matter for another day. <BR /> <BR />Today, I am asking for support for the amendment before us. Increasing the provision of defibs will bring added financial cost to our financially burdened House.”
“The early use of CPR and defibrillators really can make the difference between life and death. The current survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Northern Ireland is 7·5%. Research proves that using a defibrillator along with CPR can increase the survival rate to over 70% while allowing time for paramedics to arrive on the scene. Under government regulations, non-domestic properties must have annually maintained fire extinguishers on site and a fire exit policy. Fire kills two people in the UK every year. Compare that to the 270 people who die daily from sudden cardiac arrest. Fire extinguishers are now commonplace. Why not defibrillators? <BR /> <BR />We should follow the example set in other jurisdictions.”
“I am unsure whether any funding has been provided directly for the implementation of this strategy to date, but I have submitted written questions to the Minister responsible to find out this information. <BR /> <BR />I wish to clarify for all Members here present that the community resuscitation strategy is not a strategy to increase the provision of defibrillators in all public spaces: it does not detail the increase of provision as an objective; rather, it focuses on the formulation of the register by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Therefore, by supporting the amendment, you would not be facilitating a duplication of work. <BR /> <BR />According to the figures from the community resuscitation strategy in Northern Ireland, each year, over 1,400 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.”
“<BR /> <BR />The community resuscitation strategy undertaken by the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety aimed to increase the survival rate of those who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to the highest level that can be achieved across Northern Ireland. The strategy is ongoing, and objective 6 details some ways to improve access to automated external defibrillators already in place across Northern Ireland. The onus of creating the register and detailing the whereabouts, maintenance and service of existing defibrillators in Northern Ireland, as well as developing first responder schemes, is placed on the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, a service that is already overworked and under-resourced.”
“Even if it arrives within eight minutes, it may be too late. That is why we should extend the study to include all Departments and all arm's-length bodies. <BR /> <BR />The Department will, of course, change in the next year. While that should not necessarily delay the feasibility study being carried out, in order to future-proof any interactive map-based register and maximise the use of public funds, it would make sense for the development of such a register, if found feasible, to take place after the new Departments are arranged. <BR /> <BR />The amendment further calls on the Executive to devise a strategy to increase the provision of defibrillators in public buildings. This is an important addition to the motion and, if supported, will demonstrate the Executive's commitment to widening the provision of and access to defibrillators.”
“The charity Defibs 4 Kids is working to increase the provision of defibrillators in schools, and I personally would like to see defibrillators in our libraries, police stations, fire stations, museums, GP offices and many other public places. Furthermore, I hope that the locations will be detailed on a map-based register that is accessible to the general public. <BR /> <BR />Francis Bacon once said that "Knowledge is power." If the general public are knowledgeable about the location of defibrillators, they could have the power to save lives in the event of an emergency. When a person suffers a cardiac arrest, time is of the essence. For every minute before defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 10%. In most areas, the chance of an ambulance arriving in less than eight minutes is very low.”
“They raised funds to help young children to have heart tests to see whether there was an underlying problem, as well as to increase the use of defibrillators. They donated a defibrillator to Páirc Esler, and, only a number of weeks later, it was used to save the life of a referee, Mr Tumelty. The family and community are very proud of that, and the story can be retold in communities across our districts. <BR /> <BR />While it is of the utmost importance for sports clubs and organisations to have a ready-for-use defibrillator on-site, a person can suffer a cardiac arrest in any place and at any time. Cardiac arrests are not limited to football fields or hockey pitches.”
“I am delighted that a number of sporting organisations, such as the GAA, the IFA, the IRFU and many others, have drastically increased the number of defibrillators available at training sessions and matches, along with trained personnel to use the equipment. This is a positive step in the campaign to increase survival rates, and I hope that the levels continue to rise. <BR /> <BR />I am working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to install a portable automated external defibrillator at council-owned sporting grounds in the South Down constituency, particularly the Derryleckagh playing fields, where there has already been one sudden cardiac death. Oisin McGuinness, a young 16-year-old lad from Newry, was a neighbour of mine, and his family campaigned tirelessly after his death to help to support the community.”
“Yes, that might mean that the study took a little longer or cost more, but would it not make more financial sense to authorise one whole study that covered all Departments rather than look at each Department individually? <BR /> <BR />The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure takes the lead on sport. There has been an increasing number of incidents in which young people suffer cardiac arrest while participating in a sport. It would make sense that the Department take the lead on the development of an interactive map-based register, particularly at a time when the provision of defibrillators is on the rise.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Assembly also has a responsibility to carry out a study that will note the location and maintenance details of defibrillators in Departments and arm's-length bodies and to back the register by the NIAS. The SDLP supports a feasibility study that would detail the potential for an interactive map-based register of defibrillators, but, rather than have the study focus solely on the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and its arm's-length bodies, we would take the opportunity to broaden its scope. Indeed, it would be remiss of the Assembly not to take up the opportunity to assess the feasibility of establishing a map-based register that would look at the availability of defibrillators across all Departments.”
“<BR /> <BR />There are thought to be over 1,000 automated external defibrillator machines available outside of hospitals in Northern Ireland. However, there is no comprehensive record of who has an AED machine, where the machines are located, who has access to them, who is trained to use them or whether they are regularly maintained. Through the community resuscitation strategy, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is charged with encouraging owners to register their defibrillators with it. This is a good opportunity for local sports clubs and businesses to register so that the Health Department becomes aware of the location of defibrillators. It will aid the development of a new first responder scheme.”
“The issue around the provision of and public access to defibrillators has been discussed in depth by the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure. I had hoped that the Committee would table a motion on the topic in the near future. However, I am happy to have the light shone on the issue through all means, so I very much welcome the motion tabled by my Committee colleagues. <BR /> <BR />The amendment would modify the motion in two key areas. By supporting it, we would ensure that the feasibility study was widened to include all Departments and arm's-length bodies and, furthermore, that the Executive would devise a strategy that would see an increase in the provision of defibrillators in public buildings.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Given that over 30% of children present with language acquisition problems in preschool years and the importance of the language development programmes that currently take place, will any of those invaluable language development programmes be under threat as a result of the funding cut?”
“Does the Minister have accurate figures for the number of people who lost employment as a result of unsuccessful applications to the ESF?”
“Given the public knowledge that it is a fact that a lot of women's organisations face closure, can the junior Minister outline a plan to meet gender obligations in light of that information for the women's sector?”
“Under the Museums Order 1998, does the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure have a role to play in the process of how museums display literature and the range of books that is available to buy?”
“How does DARD propose to deliver the programme to promote smaller rural businesses?”
“I am sure that the Minister will join me in congratulating Newry man Colum McNally on becoming young engineer of the year by designing something to help to prevent farm accidents. I thought that I would take that opportunity. Also, with the increase in farm theft in rural areas, what long-term plans does her Department have to tackle the theft of livestock and farm machinery?”
“As a member of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, I have noticed the male dominance in the artwork in Parliament Buildings and around the grounds. We have the paintings of the late Rev Ian Paisley. Indeed, we have one of David Trimble and, of course, our own Seamus Mallon and Mark Durkan, to name but a few. On the drive to the "house on the hill", the statue of Carson is unmissable. We need to send a message about the role that women have played and, indeed, will continue to play in political life. We should have a permanent display of artwork or something to that effect that will complement the picture of Eileen Bell.”
“That would send a stronger message to women in our society that the Northern Ireland Assembly is serious about committing to gender equality. That Committee would then play a leading role in implementing the recommendations laid out in the review, such as the development of a gender action plan, the review of the voting mechanism for family-friendly sittings, the establishment of a women's parliamentary caucus and much more. If implemented, the recommendations in the report will bring us vastly closer to reaching our target for gender equality in politics, but we need to ensure that there is a powerful, authoritative body pushing the recommendations through. <BR /> <BR />If you want, I can add one further point.”
“Indeed, a collective group of people will certainly be required to oversee and push many of the implementations that are needed for the many recommendations. Rather than a working group, I would have liked to see the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee. The Assembly and Executive Review Committee is to be applauded for the work that members and staff put in to the review. However, it already has many issues to address; therefore, it may not be possible for it to give its full attention to gender equality. I believe that the issue deserves full attention in 2015 going forward. <BR /> <BR />If an Ad Hoc Committee was established, its lifespan would run until there is 50% female participation in the Assembly.”
“Recommendation 15 refers to the establishment of:”
“The SDLP is certainly a female-friendly party, as demonstrated by the fact that we had the highest percentage of female candidates in the 2014 local government elections. However, we also acknowledge that we could do much more to reach 50% in female candidates and particularly to increase female representation in the Assembly and to ensure that more females hold high-profile positions. <BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to mention the great work of my party colleague Nichola Mallon, who, during her current term as Lord Mayor of Belfast, has given young women the opportunity to shadow her as she carries out her mayoral duties. In doing so, Nichola has helped young females to consider politics as a career path. <BR /> <BR />The report outlines recommendations for the consideration of the Assembly and the Executive.”
“I am also delighted this afternoon to be able to speak on the review of women in politics and the Northern Ireland Assembly. I will begin by commending the Assembly and Executive Review Committee for undertaking this important and necessary review. I would like nothing more than to see more women of all ages and backgrounds entering politics. Indeed, the debate is very timely because, as has already been pointed out, yesterday we celebrated International Women's Day. I know that many women's organisations are keen to hear the recommendations that are outlined in the report. <BR /> <BR />The report makes a number of recommendations for the consideration of the political parties to increase female representation.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. You mentioned a period of 10 days. It was not held within 10 days; otherwise, all our SDLP members would have been available on the date.”
“Will the Minister assure the House that the proposed savings plan delivery for the Department's budget spend for 2015-16 will not disproportionately impact on the services of our rural communities?”
“On the distribution of the European Fisheries Fund moneys, will the Minister give us an idea of what onshore job creation there has been in Kilkeel and Ardglass through that much welcomed investment?”
“On this occasion, is it the Minister's intention to ensure that the successful candidate is legally committed to staying with the company for a reasonable period?”
“Will the Minister give his commitment to engage with the local stakeholders and the council on this?”
“As the Minister well knows, when you are trying on an all-island basis to attract the likes of sporting tourism etc into areas, particularly around south Down, where a fine example will happen now in May, the lack of available bed space to attract major events is a huge problem. What will Invest NI do to try to open up investment to those who are looking to bring extra bed space to the likes of south Down in particular?”
“What support has the Department given to the development of the Irish language independent production sector?”
“Surely, Minister, you have had an assurance from the Department of Finance and Personnel that, if this money is recovered, it will be spent on social housing.”
“The proposed new Department of social welfare, communities and sports will amalgamate functions of DSD, DCAL and some functions of DEL. Could the move mean that the budget allocated to the arts and the creative sector will be further squeezed when competing for funds, particularly in the Department that will be responsible for housing and benefits?”
“Does the Minister see the reduction in the language body budget, coupled with the weak euro, as having an impact on the delivery of the business plan and programmes?”
“What impact, if any, will the weakness of the euro at the moment have on the work of Waterways Ireland here?”
“Will the Minister undertake to jointly engage with the likes of the Patient and Client Council and the trusts to bring urgently to their attention the matter of a direct bus link from Newry for those who rely on our public transport service?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The people of Ballyholland could not put a price on a life. I take the opportunity to request that the Minister joins me in a meeting on site within a specific time. I would allow a few weeks for the assessment to take place and have the meeting after that.”
“The grants that are available are very important to the community, particularly within our elderly population. What percentage or assessment do we have of the grants that are given for the security and protection of our elderly?”
“Does the Minister agree that the decision has provoked region-wide inequality for recipients of meals on wheels, which are available in some areas and not in others?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. Would that also be the case for Daisy Hill? The hospital advertised for two senior consultants for the accident and emergency department, and not one person applied.”
“Now, just this morning, we heard that daily meals on wheels are to cease and that, instead, the most lonely and vulnerable people in our society will be given a 14-day supply of frozen meals. Minister, there was a problem, and there is a problem. The problem was caused internally, and the solution to that problem lies in your hands. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I ask the Minister why the Health Department and trusts will not protect, safeguard and honour the principles of local access to services at the point of delivery and equity of access to those services, particularly in south Down, where they are obviously being so badly affected.”
“I could not even imagine what the poor people of Kilkeel, if they ever needed an ambulance to take them to any hospital, would have to endure in waiting times, because I know that the optimal time for treatment with clot-busting drugs is one hour. Minister, removing the unit will put lives at risk. <BR /> <BR />Minister Wells was mistaken last week when he said that there was not a problem and that the public should feel reassured after almost 200 operations were postponed due to the pressures on emergency departments. We have overworked staff and a major issue of bed-blocking due to the lack of resources available to care for our elderly and sick at home.”
“The incident was so serious that the mother has recently been told that her son might never walk again. I will, of course, keep those young men in my prayers, along with the little baby from Downpatrick, but, Minister, you need to take action. <BR /> <BR />The stroke unit at Daisy Hill is going to close; that is the word on the ground. That is despite overwhelming opposition to the move at the public consultation. The public said no to the move, as they know that it is at least a 40-minute drive, at the very best, to Craigavon Area Hospital from Newry, 55 minutes from Warrenpoint, if there is no traffic, and approximately one hour from Rostrevor.”
“A six-month-old baby girl who had suffered a heart attack in Downpatrick had to wait around 40 minutes for an ambulance to be transported to hospital. The six-month-old baby was with her mother at a GP surgery at the Downe Hospital when she suffered a cardiac arrest. The irony of that baby having a heart attack at the Downe Hospital, where coronary care had been reduced, then waiting 40 minutes to be taken to another hospital for treatment, has not been missed by the people of south Down. <BR /> <BR />That was not a one-off incident. Just this morning, my office was contacted by a lady whose son was in a serious car crash in Kilcoo on 26 October 2014. I know many of the young men involved personally. It took 50 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, and it had to come from Newtownabbey.”