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 />An added effect of increased travel time to hospitals is the expense of ambulances travelling between Belfast and Downpatrick or Rostrevor and Craigavon. I have many questions about the systems. For instance, is it up to the ambulance driver to determine which hospital to drive the patient to, depending on symptoms and necessary treatment required, or is it simply determined by where the person lives? Perhaps the Minister can tell us if the cost of the Ambulance Service has drastically increased since our local hospital services have decreased. Can the Minister also advise if the changes have resulted in longer waiting times for ambulances for the people of south Down? <BR /> <BR />The 'Down Recorder' reported a worrying story last week.”
“As more services are transferred to the Ulster Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital, patients from south Down and Newry have seen a significant increase in their travel time for medical appointments. For those inpatients, it may remove or reduce family support, as family or carers may not have convenient or affordable access to transport. Perhaps they cannot afford the extra petrol. The problem is multiplied for families or loved ones who may not have a car and have to take three bus journeys to get to Craigavon Area Hospital. Was that impact considered prior to the change being made? Has the Minister even met the Minister for Regional Development to discuss the prospect of introducing a direct bus from Newry to Craigavon Area Hospital?”
“The Downe Hospital cost £64 million to build between 2004 and 2009. I also remind those here today of the Minister's words to Jim Allister in the Chamber on Tuesday 13 January 2015 during a ministerial statement on the North/South Ministerial Council in relation to health and food safety. The Minister said, with reference to Altnagelvin Hospital:”
“It makes no sense to persist in concentrating services into larger hospitals when, in England, the National Health Service is reverting to local hospitals for service provision. The Department of Health and trust boards need to explain why they are persisting with this misguided policy. <BR /> <BR />The people of Newry are actively arranging a public meeting in the town hall to highlight the threats to Daisy Hill. The people of Down want to send a strong message to the Minister and have organised a march and rally for St Valentine's Day, aptly called "Love the Downe". Be assured that there will be a large turnout, because their hospital, which was so hard fought for and opened only five years ago, is truly under threat. I remind the Minister at this point that it is his duty to protect the asset.”
“<BR /> <BR />The people from Newry and surrounding areas have attended Craigavon Area Hospital for treatment, and this is becoming very common practice as more and more services are moved from Newry to Craigavon. Two weeks ago, Craigavon Area Hospital had 54 outlying patients. These were patients who required medical beds, but none were available. This figure rose to 60 last week. While a crisis meeting was held by the senior management of Craigavon hospital team to tackle this urgent matter, a sticking plaster approach to fixing our healthcare system will not sustain. Craigavon Area Hospital cannot cope with the demand, and it is clear that the Minister now needs to develop and enhance Daisy Hill Hospital.”
“The issue is that both of these hospitals are having their services stripped away to the advantage of the Ulster Hospital and the Craigavon Area Hospital but to the detriment of the people living in south Down. <BR /> <BR />People from Downpatrick and surrounding areas have travelled to the Ulster Hospital for accident and emergency treatment at the weekend, a service removed from the Downe Hospital in January 2014. People tried the new system and witnessed at first hand the long waits and pressure on hospital staff. I am told that elderly patients sat for hours and hours waiting for examination, and while, yes, they may have been triaged inside some target time frame to make the statistics look good, they then sat and sat and sat, waiting in pain.”
“They have seen before their eyes beds and services stripped from their local hospitals, and I am here today as their voice to say to the Minister that we need to reverse the trend of reducing services in our local hospitals and focus on increasing and improving the services that they provide and the number of beds made available. <BR /> <BR />The Minister will no doubt quote statistics in his contribution in an attempt to convince us that the removal of services from Downe Hospital to Ulster Hospital or from Daisy Hill Hospital to Craigavon hospital were made in an attempt to improve the provision of healthcare for everyone, even the people of Newry and south Down. He might even try to convince us that it is working, but he will fail.”
“<BR /> <BR />Minister Wells knows exactly what the issues and risks are for the services at Downe and Daisy Hill hospitals, being a representative for the South Down constituency. He is aware that the people right across south Down, from Downpatrick to Newry, are angry with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. They are angry because they feel that decisions about their healthcare are being made to save pennies and not lives. They are angry because they are being told to travel further for healthcare treatment, to wait longer for consultations and essential treatment and to be happy about these changes.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your new post, and I wish you all the best for the future. I am very thankful to the Business Committee for allocating time to this debate, thus giving an opportunity to discuss the future of services at Downe Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital in the Chamber this evening. I welcome the Health Minister to the debate and look forward to his contribution, because it is from him that my South Down and, indeed, Newry and Armagh colleagues and I seek support. My party colleague Margaret Ritchie, the MP for South Down, is a champion for both hospitals, as the Minister will know from speaking to her, and she too supports the debate this evening.”
“In answer to an earlier question, the Minister spoke about EU countries and trying to increase the tourism level. What conversations has she had with the Irish and British Governments on expanding short-stay visas for Chinese and Indian visitors to the common travel area to include visitors from countries outside the EU?”
“In his previous answer, the Minister talked about the front line and how important that was. If things do not work out for this Budget, can he give us the projected job losses in higher and further education?”
“How does the Minister's Department determine evidence of cyberbullying, particularly in the growing world of social media?”
“What inter-sport exchanges does the Minister's Department encourage to allow young people to have the opportunity to learn more about sports that are not traditionally known in their communities, such as hockey and camogie?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. At the meeting in the next couple of weeks, will the Minister be bringing forward any additions to the quota allocation that will help to develop the fishing industry in the North?”
“The provision of adequate funding and facilities, such as women's changing rooms, is the first step in tackling this. I urge the Minister to do her utmost to support all our excellent athletes and inspire more through the provision of the best training, resources and facilities. We have some of the best athletes and coaches, so let us make sure that they have the facilities to match in time for a bid for the Commonwealth Youth Games. I am delighted to say that the SDLP will support the motion.”
“I have visited boxing clubs in Newry where the coaching staff and boxers have to deal with snow falling in around them in winter because of the lack of repairs. We must listen to people who avail themselves of these facilities day in and day out and hear the calls of the 80% of boxing clubs that see improved facilities as being a top priority. All our sports need to be funded adequately and enjoy full support from the Department and the whole Assembly. The 2018 Commonwealth Games pose a real opportunity for us to maximise our success. <BR /> <BR />I also urge the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to take measures that will encourage the full participation of women. Almost 15% fewer women than men actively take part in sport, and there is a very real disparity between men and women in Northern Ireland sports.”
“Likewise, our ability to host a successful sporting event was made clear through the Giro d'Italia and the World Police and Fire Games. The economic benefits of sports tourism do not end with each event. Tourists return to visit again, and the reputation of Northern Ireland will be enhanced by each event. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland has dedicated, skilled athletes as well as the unwavering support of fans, and we must do our utmost to nurture that. Our athletes must be allowed to focus solely on their performance without the burden of worrying about inadequate funding or resources. If the Executive are to make such a bid, it is essential that they also ensure that the North has the facilities and infrastructure in place.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games were great successes for the cities of London and Glasgow respectively. The prospect of replicating that in cities across the North is very exciting. Sports tourism is a booming industry, and Northern Ireland would benefit greatly from the economic and social benefits that the Commonwealth Games and the youth games would bring. <BR /> <BR />Recent years have seen Northern Ireland firmly establishing itself as a fantastic host for world-renowned sporting events. We made European Tour history with the Irish Open in 2012 by being the first regular event to sell out completely. This brought in £1·2 million of sales in accommodation and £9·5 million in tourism revenue, and it generated £12 million in economic benefit to Northern Ireland's businesses.”
“I welcome the opportunity to extend my warmest, sincere congratulations to the entire Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games team. The joint effort and perseverance of the 160-strong team of athletes, coaches, management and other support staff ensured that outstanding success, and the Assembly must ensure that the necessary support is available for them to replicate and hopefully exceed this achievement in 2018. I also hope that we experience similar success in the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in 2015 and wish all those involved the best of luck. No discussion of our Commonwealth Games success would be complete without highlighting the dazzling performance of our boxers, who secured nine of the 12 medals. Their skill and commitment set the bar at the highest standards that Northern Ireland's athletes can attain.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. What recent discussions has she had with the British Government and the Irish Government on the benefits to the local economy of joint funding tourism events on an all-Ireland basis?”
“Will the junior Minister explain what independent and robust monitoring and reviews of the SIF have taken place?”
“Does the Member agree that the PSNI should be able to investigate comments that have been made on the Anne Travers and Maíria Cahill cases on social media, under the harassment and hate crime legislation?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. She mentioned her vision. Will she outline her plans to provide financial support through the rural development programme or other EU funding schemes to support farmers who live in ASSIs?”
“What effect will that have on the Programme for Government? If it does not work out, what is his plan B?”
“This part of the world should be promoted as a great film location. Not just the community of South Down but also the House should be able to promote that more. <BR /> <BR />I know that there are budgetary restraints. It is a difficult economic environment and money is tight; so we have to think outside the box in supporting South Down. But one thing I have learned is that when you have the product, you have to be able to sell the brand. We are asking that South Down job creation be put back on the map. We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails.”
“Absolutely. The contribution that the GAA brings across Ireland, even across the whole world, is something that we have to recognise. It is an idea that the House should be trying to grow and promote the GAA at all times. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken about the prospects presented by supporting our creative industries. The star of the acclaimed film 'Philomena', Dame Judi Dench, spent four days filming in Killyleagh, Bryansford and Rostrevor. Rostrevor is also known as Narnia country. C S Lewis, in a letter to his brother, confided explicitly:”
“As a matter of urgency, the south east coast master plan should be examined closely and delivered on.”
“<BR /> <BR />That exercise, or test, was not necessarily groundbreaking when compared with Belfast or Derry ports' cruise figures, but it proved that Warrenpoint had the capability to accommodate cruise ships. The unique selling points of Warrenpoint were appreciated and with help from the House and your Department, cruise liners on Carlingford lough could be a regular feature. It is something that we would all love to see. <BR /> <BR />There are many new and exciting opportunities presenting themselves regularly in the south Down region, many of which we do not capitalise on. One close to my heart, which my colleague Seán and others mentioned, was the Narrow Water bridge project. That would have created many construction jobs and boosted a struggling tourism industry. We cannot afford to miss out on real opportunities like that.”
“<BR /> <BR />The World Police and Fire Games and Giro d'Italia were major successes, not just for what they generated during the events but for their legacies, the tourism entrepreneurship, new start-ups and business opportunities that grow from the confidence of hosting such global events. But Minister, like Oliver says, we want more. <BR /> <BR />I am aware that you were well-received at the British Ports Association annual conference hosted by Warrenpoint Harbour Authority in Newcastle last week. Much of the discussion during the two-day conference was about the success of Warrenpoint's first cruise ship in July and the real opportunities that that presents for the whole area, the port and the two young men who arranged for the Saga Pearl II to call in on its way home from Iceland to Southampton.”
“It can also help by having a more-targeted focus on our constituency, especially on emerging sectors like the creative industries and renewable energy. <BR /> <BR />I am delighted that the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has joined us for the debate. I commend her for tourism initiatives that she and her Department have championed and supported. I speak about projects such as bringing the Irish Open golf championship to Portrush last year and to Newcastle next May, with the real possibility of attracting the British Open here in the near future.”
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss jobs, or, maybe more precisely, the opportunity to create and promote jobs, in my constituency of South Down. <BR /> <BR />We live in a unique part of the world. The Mourne country, with its rolling mountains and sea, is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. We are very dependent on certain sectors for employment, and farming, fishing, the construction industry, tourism, shipping and aerospace have taken a heavy hit over the last few years. We need help, and this House can help by ensuring that the VAT rate, for instance for the tourist and hospitality sector, is cut to match the rest of Ireland to give our people who have invested in the industry a chance.”
“If the pumping station proves effective, Minister, in the Charlotte Street and Newry Street area and it is no longer considered to be at risk of flooding, will your Department support the amendment of the flood maps for the area so that the families who live there and businesses can avail themselves of full protection through their insurance companies?”
“In her reply, the Minister talked about stakeholders. What stakeholders does her Department consult in developing policies? How often is the database held by the Department updated?”
“I look forward to the assessment, which will, I think, highlight opportunities for improvement, some of which may cost very little if we speed up the sharing of facilities between the likes of Jordanstown and Queen's University, which has been mentioned previously, as well as school and gym facilities and pitches.”
“<BR /> <BR />The most important part of the motion may be the call on DCAL to reassess urgently other sports and ensure that the appropriate training, resources and facilities are in place to maximise our medal return in 2018. Yes, we did good, but, you know what, we could do better. While recognising and commending coaches, medical personnel, support staff and team management, along with the governing bodies and sponsors supporting our athletes and their families, the House and the Government have a responsibility to play their part in supporting sport. There is no doubt that we could do better. Many sports are underfunded, and facilities are dismal when compared with other Commonwealth nations.”
“I also give special mention to Michaela Walsh, as I believe that she has put the sport of women's boxing on a new level. <BR /> <BR />It is most appropriate that we are discussing sporting success and recognising achievement today, given the sporting weekend that we have just had. Our top golfers, Rory and Graeme, played a major role in helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup. Maybe even more important, Mr Deputy Speaker, we saw County Down win its first ever All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies' Football Championship against a very good Fermanagh team. Congratulations to them and to the Down camogs, who won the junior intermediate all-Ireland title the weekend before.”
“I support the motion, as I am a firm believer that sporting excellence and achievement should be recognised and celebrated. Each of the 117 local athletes who participated in 14 sports over 11 days of competition in Glasgow deserves recognition. All were very dedicated and trained hard to qualify for the Commonwealth Games team. All played their part and represented Northern Ireland with distinction, pride and commitment. I commend them all. <BR /> <BR />The motion singles out the boxing team, and so it should. The boxers' haul of two gold, two silver and five bronze medals — a total of nine for the 11 competitors — was phenomenal. Northern Ireland team captain, Paddy Barnes, deserves a special mention not only for winning gold but for leading and motivating the whole team through their best ever Commonwealth Games.”
“What prior discussions have taken place thus far with Brussels in order to get that better fish quota deal for the people of Northern Ireland? What impact does she think that will have on our fishermen?”
“I apologise to the Minister for not attending the Commonwealth Games reception last night. It clashed with my meeting with the Down camogie team, which won the all-Ireland premier junior title on Sunday. <BR /> <BR />What support, financially or otherwise, is available to our young athletes who wish to compete in the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa?”
“If the Minister has plans to meet Paschal Donohoe in the very near future, will she put on the agenda the impact of the introduction of the road user levy for heavy goods vehicles on small and medium-sized enterprises located in and around the border areas?”
“Has the deputy First Minister any plans to lodge the Lord Chief Justice's letter in the Assembly Library?”
“We wish them all the very best for the future.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am so pleased and glad to hear that my party colleague the Mayor of Belfast, Nichola Mallon, is already planning a civic reception for Carl. That will allow the people who did not see the match to contribute, take part and congratulate him. I support the calls here this afternoon for there to be an event in Parliament Buildings, which would be a very fitting tribute to him. <BR /> <BR />Aside from his boxing, Carl has become a unifying figure in Belfast and beyond. His success has brought people from every community together to celebrate a local champion. He and other sports stars have set a positive example that continues to inspire our young people and to wear down the barriers between our communities. If that alone happens, we will be absolutely delighted. <BR /> <BR />Again, I congratulate Carl and the team.”
“I, too, put on record my sincere congratulations to Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez for a fantastic fight on Saturday night. Our focus is rightly on our new world champion, but it is right to recognise the achievements of both boxers during what was a gruelling and well-contested match. <BR /> <BR />Like many others, I was ecstatic to see Carl crowned world champion on Saturday night. It was a nail-biting fight at times, but, from the moment that Carl knocked Martinez down in the fifth round, I think that we were all confident that he was a hero in the making. I am only sorry that not all people from across the North were able to watch the match, because it costs so much to rent. I therefore appeal to our local broadcasters to think about how they can make all sports more accessible to everyone in the future.”