Seán Lynch
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his answer and for giving an undertaking to meet officials on the matter. The Audit Office reported that the Department could claim back £14 million from BT in relation to previous broadband schemes.”
“I thank the joint First Minister for her answer. As the Minister said, NDNA is the basis on which we re-established these institutions. Does the Minister agree that the DUP's decision to vote against a motion to establish a simultaneous translation service in the Assembly was an act of gross bad faith?”
“Minister, I want to go back to the restoration of the Ulster canal. That is a project on my doorstep that will be a major boost to the economy in the east Fermanagh/Clones area.”
“Members will also know that the recognition of the Irish language by these institutions has become a particular issue of respect and equality for many people.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are also satisfied that, in the interests of equality, Members who wish to speak in Irish or Ulster Scots should not need to provide advance notice of their intention to do so in order for their contribution in plenary sittings to be translated.”
“It is significantly less resource-intensive than some other options and strikes an appropriate balance between language rights and costs. However, work must begin now, because any delays will leave insufficient time to have the necessary measures in place at the start of the next mandate.”
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“I thank the Minister for his answer and for giving an undertaking to meet officials on the matter. The Audit Office reported that the Department could claim back £14 million from BT in relation to previous broadband schemes. Does the Minister agree that any clawback of public money should be directed towards improving broadband in rural areas such as Fermanagh?”
“I thank the joint First Minister for her answer. As the Minister said, NDNA is the basis on which we re-established these institutions. Does the Minister agree that the DUP's decision to vote against a motion to establish a simultaneous translation service in the Assembly was an act of gross bad faith?”
“Minister, I want to go back to the restoration of the Ulster canal. That is a project on my doorstep that will be a major boost to the economy in the east Fermanagh/Clones area. Given that the Ulster canal greenway has missed its target date of 2021, what assurances can you give that the Ulster canal project itself will meet its delivery targets?”
“Minister, I welcome the soil sampling results that show that soil management has improved by 60%. Do you have the capacity and resources to continue with the catchment-based approach?”
“It is for those who argue for Ulster-Scots services to justify the expense that will be incurred. It is, however, beyond question that the Irish language is regularly spoken in the Assembly. The service will facilitate the increased use of Irish and, perhaps, Ulster Scots and will, importantly, provide respect and recognition for those who speak our native language.”
“Members will also know that the recognition of the Irish language by these institutions has become a particular issue of respect and equality for many people. The party on the opposite Benches has insulted and dismissed the Irish language to such an extent in the past that campaigners have felt the need to repeatedly protest outside this Building. Those people were promised an end to that discrimination as part of NDNA and now is the time to deliver on that promise. <BR /> <BR />It is worth noting that Ulster Scots is not, to my knowledge, spoken by any Members in the Assembly, so the extent of the demand for simultaneous interpretation of Ulster Scots is not clear at the moment. However, the relevant provisions that are envisaged by NDNA apply equally to Irish and Ulster Scots and need to be implemented in respect of both.”
“It is significantly less resource-intensive than some other options and strikes an appropriate balance between language rights and costs. However, work must begin now, because any delays will leave insufficient time to have the necessary measures in place at the start of the next mandate. <BR /> <BR />Language equality and, particularly, respect for language rights have become touchstone issues for many people in this society. They are a barometer of whether these institutions can deliver genuine equality for all the citizens whom they represent. The Assembly needs to demonstrate a real intent to treat all citizens with respect and to build a genuinely shared society. <BR /> <BR />Irish is regularly spoken in the Assembly, despite what the Member on the opposite Benches said.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are also satisfied that, in the interests of equality, Members who wish to speak in Irish or Ulster Scots should not need to provide advance notice of their intention to do so in order for their contribution in plenary sittings to be translated. However, the Committee proposals also mean that, on average, four Committee meetings a week could make use of the service. For instance, any Committee that knew in advance that simultaneous interpretation would be required for a meeting, either for the benefit of members or witnesses, could provide prior notice in order to secure the service. <BR /> <BR />Taking all that in the round, Sinn Féin is satisfied that the provision of a passive service for simultaneous translation to Members, as proposed by the Committee, is the most appropriate for the Assembly.”
“NDNA was clear that the Assembly's Standing Orders will be amended to allow business to be conducted through Irish or Ulster Scots and that a simultaneous translation system will be made available to ensure that those without Irish or Ulster Scots will not be placed at a disadvantage. That has also been agreed by the Committee, which has aligned its proposals with best practice elsewhere — as mentioned by other Members — including the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Seanad, and the Welsh Parliament, which uses a passive translation service. Given that this is a matter of equality, the current practice whereby Members are expected to provide their own translation, which, in effect, requires two contributions within their allotted time, is not justifiable.”
“Tá mé ag éirí chun tacú leis an rún. I rise to support the motion and oppose the amendment. The motion is about the implementation of New Decade, New Approach, which was the basis for the restoration of these institutions. If we want the public to have faith and confidence in the institutions, we need to be able to demonstrate that agreements that have been made will be honoured.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an ráiteas seo. I thank the Minister for her statement. My question follows on from Mr Nesbitt's. It seems that the contracts were given out without written records, and the same issue of written records came up with the DVA faults. Can the Minister indicate that that is no longer accepted practice in the Department?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, can you confirm that the 100 master's degree bursaries that you recently announced will be available for students seeking to study the Irish language and translation services?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for his answer. I represent a rural constituency, and this issue can impact on farmers' mental health. Will the Minister and his Department, with other agencies, mitigate the impact on farmers?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I am sorry for the confusion, Minister. What I have asked you to do is to step up your engagement with the qualifying bodies to ensure that those qualifications are there for Irish-medium students.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, as you said, a decision was made on A-level exams in January, yet BTEC students have been left waiting for full clarity on their assessments. In light of your statement on Friday, how will you ensure that grades for practical assessments are awarded before the end of the academic year?”
“Given the positive impact of the initiatives that you mentioned in your statement, Minister, do you intend to increase the level of collaborative work with the Department of Health?”
“I thank the First Minister for her statement. What efforts are being made to contact victims and survivors overseas, such as those in America, who may or may not be aware of this report or of any redress support to which they are entitled?”
“Following the cancellation of the transfer test, the Minister commented that that would limit children's opportunities. Recently, he visited St Kevin's College, Lisnaskea, with me. It is the best non-selective school in the North of Ireland and outperforms some of the grammar schools. A number of my family, my nieces and nephews, went to the school, and they all went on to third-level education. There were no limits to their education. The Minister's comments were deeply insulting to a majority of those involved in the education system. Will he take the opportunity to withdraw those remarks and apologise to teachers, staff and the pupils who are educated in non-selective schools such as St Kevin's College, Lisnaskea?”
“Minister, paragraph 4 mentions COVID in meat plants. Given the number of outbreaks in meat plants and how crucial those plants are to the supply of food, does the Minister support the call from the Meat Exporters Association to prioritise plant workers on the list for receiving the vaccine?”
“I thank the Minister for answering the question. Can the Minister clarify whether the levelling up fund will specifically focus on rural areas as defined in the Rural Needs Act?”
“Amendment No 10 will ensure that training must legally be provided in the PSNI, the PPS, the Courts and Tribunals Service and any other body that has functions in the criminal justice system in connection with domestic abuse. We all want to see this legislation being successful, not least for those who will be on the front line protecting victims and tackling perpetrators, so it is only right that we equip personnel with the right tools and the knowledge to do so. I commend and support amendment No 10.”
“Therefore, police, prosecutors and judiciary must have a clear and thorough understanding and recognition of the behaviour associated with non-physical abuse. That is precisely why training will play an important role in the effectiveness of the implementation of this legislation. That point has been raised time and time again by our party, many other parties, victims, victims' organisations and many other stakeholders, so I am glad that we are able to allay those concerns by including amendment No 10. <BR /> <BR />Police officers, prosecutors and judiciary are very capable of making this legislation a success. However, they must be supported in their duties.”
“A Cheann Comhairle, you will be glad to know that I will keep my comments as short as possible. I will specifically address my remarks to amendment No 10. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Policing Board, I have a particular focus on the PSNI, which will play a vital role in the new legislation. The new domestic abuse Bill will mark a step change not only in how we deal with perpetrators of abuse but in how we protect victims. Police officers, who are often the first responders to incidents and who are responsible for gathering and collating evidence, must be adequately supported in their efforts. If a perpetrator physically lashes out, that can often leave marks, bruises, cuts and scars. However, many forms of abuse that are part of the new offence are more difficult to spot as perpetrators' behaviour is often subtle and covert.”
“Do the joint Ministers agree with me that all 'New Deal, New Approach' commitments, not just those on language and rights, need to be delivered? However, critically, is she concerned that the British Government have failed to implement their commitments on legacy, including a public inquiry into the murder of the human rights solicitor Pat Finucane, which is a decision that we await today?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas. I thank the Minister for her statement. What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on the operation of the North/South Language Body and its ability to continue to support its lead organisation?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill will be landmark legislation that, once implemented, will make a huge difference to the lives of so many. I have full confidence in the PSNI's ability to implement the legislation; however, it will need support in its efforts to do so. The legislation will be transformative to the lives of many victims. It must be a priority for the Department to ensure that appropriate resources are dedicated to that work so that the full potential of the legislation is realised.”
“Victims must be afforded all possible protections to ensure their safety and that cycles of abuse are ended. I welcome the amendment, as it places a duty on the Justice Minister to provide a scheme within 24 months of the commencement of the legislation, and I would welcome its introduction through the justice (miscellaneous provisions) Bill, which, I believe, will come next year. <BR /> <BR />The success of legislation depends on its effective implementation. Although the reporting of domestic abuse has increased, particularly since the introduction of lockdown due to COVID-19, it remains an under-reported crime. The figures outlined earlier by the Minister are stark. I welcome the proactive focus of the PSNI on tackling the increase in domestic abuse cases seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“There is widespread support for the introduction of the new orders; indeed the issue was considered by the Policing Board, which agreed that there would be considerable merit in their introduction and that they would provide victims with protection for a period after an incident. Although there is no outright objection to the introduction of those orders, the PSNI highlighted concerns about existing arrangements and suggested that further consultation prior to their introduction would be beneficial. <BR /> <BR />It is concerning that victims of domestic violence in the North of Ireland have already gone a considerable time without any form of protection notice and would like to see them introduced. However, I understand the need for more consultation to ensure the best possible form of protection.”
“As a former member of the Committee and a current member of the Policing Board, I speak in support of amendment No 13, which is a Committee amendment that would place responsibility on the Justice Minister to make provisions for domestic abuse protection orders and notices within 24 months of commencement or other measures aimed at protecting and supporting victims of domestic abuse. <BR /> <BR />Current legislation provides for domestic violence protection orders and notices, but they were never introduced. I also note that, as outlined by the Chair, the orders and notices were replaced by new domestic abuse protection orders and notices in England and Wales to address the broader definition of domestic abuse and some operational shortcomings that were experienced in relation to the orders.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, which referred to an integrated and responsive supply chain as one of his desired outcomes for future policy. In the absence of an effective Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) and legislation guaranteeing minimum farmgate prices, can you seriously deliver that outcome?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What assurances can he offer to the many organisations who have contacted me and other MLAs regarding the replacement of lost EU funding as we come to the end of the transition period?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Back in October, you were allocated funding for the newly self-employed. Many of those people have received zero support to date. Will you tell them when they can expect, finally, to get much-needed support?”
“Minister, here in the North, the private rented sector is the most unregulated across these islands, and the tenants within it are the least protected. What is the Department's plan to address that issue?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. He mentioned contingency plans, but we were aware that the decision to close schools in March would have consequences for this year's academic work. Here we are, nearly at the end of October, and we do not have comprehensive contingency plans or scenario planning. Will the Minister advise when those plans will be completed?”
“Go raibh maith agat, agus gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. I thank the Minister for his answer. We are subject to an ever-changing public health crisis, which could require further closures if that is the medical and scientific advice. Does the Minister agree that, in these uncertain times, he should be preparing for the real possibility of further closures?”
“In a recent response to my colleague Caoimhe Archibald, Minister Dodds rejected calls for a moratorium on petroleum licences because there was no legislative scope for it. There is therefore a need for legislation in that regard. The Minister has advocated another review and further research into the operations and the impact of the licences. The climate science is clear, as is international scientific opinion on the impact of further exploration and extraction of fossil fuels. Other countries have already acted to ban fracking. We are in not only a climate crisis but a climate countdown, and we have little time to lose.”
“<BR /> <BR />Given the Assembly's recent declaration of a climate change emergency, I have initiated a private Member's Bill (PMB) to ban fracking. The Bill's purpose and policy objective is to halt the issuing of any further licences from the Minister for the Economy for the exploration, extraction and production of fuels extracted by hydraulic fracturing. The PMB will go out to consultation in the near future, and I hope to secure as much support as possible across the Chamber. I look forward to engaging with the stakeholders who have been campaigning on the issue for years. <BR /> <BR />The Department for the Economy now issues the licences. As of February 2020, two applications are being considered, covering the areas around the Lough Neagh basin and almost the entire county of Fermanagh.”
“The region is also one of immense natural beauty. It forms part of a geopark recognised by UNESCO that includes Cavan Burren park, the River Shannon pot, the world-famous Marble Arch caves and now the popular Cuilcagh walk, better known to people today as the "Stairway to heaven". If fracking were to be allowed there, as well as the dangers previously outlined, it would impact massively on agriculture and tourism in the area, as others have said. Never has there been a greater need to decrease carbon emissions dramatically in order to prevent climate breakdown and further intensification of the climate crisis that we are experiencing. If that means large quantities of fossil fuels remaining in the ground, so be it.”
“The practice has been linked to various environmentally damaging outcomes, including air and water pollution, soil contamination and even earthquakes. A five-year study published by Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2017 found that fracking had the potential to damage the environment and human health. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin's aim is to phase out fossil fuels and create a greener and more self-sufficient island when it comes to energy. A ban on fracking in the South while continuing a policy in the North would not make any sense, particularly in Fermanagh, where fracking has been a huge issue in the past number of years, as a number of Members mentioned. The region has the same rock formation and water sources as reach down through Cavan and Leitrim. That water flows as far as the Shannon estuary.”
“We have all seen the huge floods and fires across the globe in recent times. Last week, it was confirmed that September gone was the was the warmest on record recently: 0·05°C hotter than last September. Scientists say that that is a clear indication of temperatures being driven by emissions from human activity. <BR /> <BR />The motion mentions the ban on fracking in the South of Ireland. That was passed into law two years ago and was welcomed by communities across the country where fracking had been mooted, including in counties surrounding my native Fermanagh such as Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal. As we know, fracking is a controversial method of extracting shale gas in which chemicals, water and sand are released at high pressure into the rock to break it up and release the gas.”
“As the third Fermanagh Member to speak, I welcome the debate and support the motion. Never before have the issues of climate change and fossil fuels been so crucial. In a recent documentary that many Members may have seen, David Attenborough said:”
“The PSNI must ensure that policing with the community is embedded in training for new officers that includes mediation training and effective problem-solving. <BR /> <BR />For Sinn Féin, policing with the community is the overarching principle that should be at the core of civic policing. That overarching policing with the community approach incorporates the deployment of neighbourhood teams in addition to ensuring that all officers, without exception, incorporate that approach to their own duties and areas of responsibility. Police officers who are visible, take a proactive partnership-based approach that is community-orientated and focus on outreach and problem-solving as well as enforcement will help to secure public confidence in policing. That should, in turn, improve outcomes in addressing crime and enhancing community safety.”
“Those are the elements of the approach that we call "Policing with the community". <BR /> <BR />From my experience — Mr Nesbitt also mentioned this — in the original PCSPs, community policing often fell down when officers who had built a good relationship with a local community were moved to other duties, leaving much good work lost. The new neighbourhood officers should not be extracted from their main duties. Back in September, at the partnership committee of the Policing Board, I asked the Chief Constable for an update on the neighbourhood extraction plan and any other measures to ensure that officers have the time and space for meaningful engagement and partnership work with communities. I welcomed the Chief Constable's intention to minimise any extraction of neighbourhood officers from their community duties.”
“It is not good enough to have those groups join the ranks of the PSNI; they must be in visible positions at both rank-and-file and leadership levels. Representativeness remains a problem. In the recent recruitment for senior officers, representativeness was disappointing. I acknowledge that the PSNI is aware of that and is looking at ways to improve it. <BR /> <BR />Everyone is entitled to policing that serves the people by enhancing community safety. Forging a good relationship between the police and the community is vital for effective civic policing. That relationship must, in the first instance, be based on mutual respect, and that can happen only if police activity is informed by a focus on human rights and equality. Furthermore, it must be based on partnership with the community and community consent.”
“I declare an interest as a member of the Policing Board. <BR /> <BR />As other Members have outlined, we support going back to the 7,500 officers envisaged by Patten. I welcome the renewed focus on strengthening the approaches to and support mechanisms for policing in the community. That needs to be complemented by an increase in resources — human and financial — for neighbourhood policing teams. If we are to have a police service that commands community confidence, it needs to reflect the community that it serves. That requires affirmative action to bring traditionally unrepresented groups into policing to ensure equality of opportunity in promotion. That means an ongoing commitment to having more women, nationalists, ethnic minorities, LGBT and people from working-class backgrounds in policing.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Aire as an fhreagra sin. The Minister answered the part of my question about engagement with ports and ferries, but what engagement is his Department having with the haulage industry in order to minimise the disruption before the end of the transition period?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. As the Minister said, she indicated at the beginning of the year that her intention was to discuss the care of vulnerable people in prison. Can she now commit to taking that important work forward as a priority with her counterpart, the Minister of Health?”
“Will the Minister give us an indication of the scale of the EU funding and the parts that he is trying to protect?”
“I welcome the fact that the healthcare centre business case has finally arrived on the Minister's desk. I visited the current health centre on Friday afternoon. It is not fit for purpose. The roof leaks like a sieve, and, at night, computers are covered in plastic to prevent water getting into them. Does the Minister agree that the delivery of the new healthcare centre in Lisnaskea will help the health needs of the people of that area?”
“No, I will not. We will work with those who share those priorities in the Assembly, the Dáil, Europe and the United States Congress, in addition to standing firmly against the British Government's intention to tear up what was an international agreement. I support the motion.”