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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“Therefore, to argue that the Internal Market Bill is to protect the agreement is nonsense. <BR /> <BR />Despite what Members on the opposite Benches say, there was never a good Brexit. It must be remembered that the majority of people in this part of Ireland voted against it. The protocol is not perfect, but it mitigates the worst aspects of Brexit. Brexit itself is the problem. People in the North want certainty, and I know that people opposite have said the same. They need clarity as well. They want to know that their families and jobs will be safe next year. Their priority is to avoid any border on the island of Ireland, protect the peace process, the Good Friday Agreement and the all-Ireland economy. We in Sinn Féin will defend those as we have done in the last four years.”
“<BR /> <BR />The British Government have once again shown contempt for this part of Ireland and, indeed, for all the people of this country who voted for and ratified the peace agreement. They are bringing this Bill forward to suit their own domestic political agenda. These are the same people who supported, campaigned for and financed Brexit. To say that they are protecting the Good Friday Agreement could not be further from the truth. With British Ministers like Michael Gove viewing the Good Friday Agreement as wicked, it is little wonder that Britain, as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, can breach it and boast about it at the same time. The reality is that Tory Governments have been undermining the Good Friday Agreement since they entered power in 2011.”
“The protocol stated that nothing is to enter or be on sale here unless it meets EU standards, even if it comes from Britain. However, clause 45 gives the British Secretary of State the power to ignore any EU requirements for goods coming here. <BR /> <BR />Like many Members, I have talked to many businesses, their representatives and individuals about Brexit, particularly in my constituency, and I hear no clamour from customers here to see the lowering of EU standards. In relation to the Good Friday Agreement, strand two, all-Ireland areas of cooperation like public health and environmental standards are not grounds for exemptions. Under the British Government's Internal Market Bill, Ministers of the British Government will be empowered to breach elements of the Good Friday Agreement and the withdrawal agreement.”
“Just when we thought the issue of Brexit was sorted, with the withdrawal agreement and the protocol, the British Government announce that they are going to break an agreement that was made only last January. Their announcement to break international law was not surprising, although, this time, they did it publicly. As a result, we are in the midst of another British-inspired Brexit crisis: the Good Friday Agreement is under threat; the fragile economy of the North is at risk; and we are facing a real possibility of a crash out of the European Union. <BR /> <BR />The power grab clearly outlined in the Internal Market Bill gives authority to British Ministers to directly impinge on the workings of this Assembly and ignore the protocol and the withdrawal agreement.”
“Will the Minister provide us with an update on whether the Department is exploring biannual testing for certain vehicles, as happens in the Twenty-six Counties?”
“The Minister will be aware that my party colleague Fra McCann is bringing forward a private Member's Bill. Doe he agree that car parking charges for staff disproportionately affect those living in rural areas, because of lack of transport?”
“The Minister mentioned Belfast city centre and returning to work to boost the local economy, but, in my constituency, local small businesses have seen a reduction in footfall, trading and numbers. Will the Minister commission a report to identify how remote working can impact on local economies?”
“Does the Minister have any clarity from the British Treasury that it will cover the costs of the additional infrastructure required at our ports to carry out sanitary and phytosanitary checks?”
“Like all groups, Minister, during COVID-19, NGOs have been struggling with cash flow. What other means has the Minister taken to assist environmental NGOs, not just in the current crisis but to make financial support more certain going forward?”
“<BR /> <BR />Something that we have learned from this pandemic and through this Budget process is that decisions and measures can be taken quickly. I support the Final Stage of the Bill.”
“We should strive for sustainable employment and improved working conditions for many of our low-paid workers, particularly those on the front line who have been pivotal during the pandemic. Over the past week, I have heard nurses say, "Stop the clapping and give us a decent salary and recognition for work we have carried out". <BR />The Minister has spoken about how he has asked Departments to look at major capital projects, projects such as the Magee medical school, Casement Park, the A5 and, I should add, the proposed new healthcare centre in Lisnaskea, a project for which I have argued for many years. No doubt, there are many other projects that could be expedited and be key drivers in the economic recovery.”
“We already had pressure on the Budget and, as we know, pressures on the public services have increased over this time. The British Government have also reneged on some of their responsibilities in the New Deal, New Approach agreement. The reality is that all of those financial challenges remain, and we must all make the argument for further investment in our public services — services that have been vital in this public health crisis, and which were stripped bare during 10 years of austerity. <BR /> <BR />As a recovery Budget plan is debated and formulated, we will oppose any attempt to implement an austerity road to recovery. Evidence over the past decade shows that austerity is counterproductive to building any notion of a fair economy.”
“As I reflect back on the old normal, I realise that there are many things that we should not be seeking to return to, such as the underfunding of vital services; a pursuance of the policy of austerity; the way in which we treat and support our front-line workers; the zero contract issue; a society in which a low percentage of people own 90% of the wealth; a society where CEOs of major organisations, public and private, earn millions in bonsuses; a society in which huge inequalities exist, and where those inequalities between those who earn the most and those who earn the least have been massively exacerbated. There are, and will be, better ways of doing things. We should reflect on the lessons learned from COVID. <BR /> <BR />We are facing financial challenges, as my colleague said a minute ago.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Budget Bill is required in order to ensure that public services can continue to be delivered during the COVID-19 response period. As we emerge from the lockdown, it will ensure that the health service is supported and businesses and the most vulnerable are protected. <BR /> <BR />As we move forward, as others have said, and see some light at the end of the tunnel, a new concept has emerged: the new normal.”
“I rise as a member of the Committee and to support the Bill. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we face an unprecedented public expenditure situation. The scale, timing and pace of the COVID crisis did not allow for the normal Budget processes to be carried out and meant that Standing Orders had to be suspended to allow for accelerated passage of the Budget to take place. The reality is that the Departments had to deal with emerging public health crises and get funding out the door as quickly as possible. In some cases, it took days to do what previously would have taken weeks. I commend the Minister for getting the money out the door as fast as possible. Many businesses and people appreciate that.”
“It will allow Departments to function over the coming months, and public services to be funded. In that context, I support the Bill.”
“I am glad that the Member who has just spoken said that it was not the Minister's fault that we were in the COVID situation. He usually blames him for everything else. <BR /> <BR />I want to make a few points rather than repeat what I said this morning. I commend the Minister for getting tens of millions out the door in these unique circumstances to save and protect livelihoods, wages and businesses. In normal circumstances, that would take six months, with planning, consultations etc, but we are not in normal circumstances. The Minister said that he will, hopefully, bring a Budget to the Assembly in the autumn. <BR /> <BR />The Committee agreed for this additional Budget in these unique circumstances, and it agreed why it was needed and why accelerated passage was required.”
“<BR /> <BR />When we discussed the Minister's request for accelerated passage through the Assembly, certain Standing Orders had to be suspended, and issues of transparency, accountability and the Main Estimates were discussed. However, there were few options, as some Departments could run out of cash. Indeed, the Minister said today that that could happen as early as June. <BR /> <BR />The COVID-19 crisis has necessitated unprecedented high public spending. The scale, timing and pace of the crisis mean that the legislation is required to ensure that all public services can continue to be delivered during the COVID-19 period to support the health service, businesses and vulnerable people.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As Members have outlined, we are faced with a unique situation, therefore the normal budgetary process cannot happen at this moment. The accelerated passage outlined is complex in nature, however, to be fair to the officials who came to the Committee, they did simplify it for us. <BR /> <BR />This Budget Bill is basically to avoid the Departments running out of cash before the Main Estimates are set out. It will give approval for cash and use of reserve to use funds during this public health crisis. We did not know the full impact of COVID back in March when the Budget Bill was passed. Since then, Departments have had to spend greater amounts of cash than anticipated. The priority became keeping people afloat, keeping wages paid and protecting livelihoods and businesses as best as possible.”
“I want to make a number of points. As the Chair has said, Committee members have already agreed to the extension. Therefore, we will agree to it in the Chamber. Finally, I want to lay out our position. The Bill seeks to bring into legislation matters that are being addressed through codes of conduct and guidelines.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also welcome the flexibility that the Minister has given each Department to re-profile its budget in response to the health emergency, with particular focus on protecting key services and businesses and looking after the most vulnerable. That flexibility is important in allowing Departments to be agile in their planning for the challenges that arise during this unprecedented period. <BR /> <BR />Finally, on the in-year Budget, I am aware that the Executive and the Minister support bringing forward multi-year Budgets that will give greater certainty to public services. The Committee for Finance looks forward to working with the Minister on the process to ensure that that will happen in future.”
“However, despite the pressures, the Minister has been able to deliver a Budget that, compared with last year, provides a real-terms increase to all Departments. I am encouraged that he has prioritised the Department of Education and the Department of Health, which, for the first time, have been allocated over £6 billion in resource funding. There is £1·6 billion of capital allocated to investment in infrastructure, an increase in much-needed funding for broadband and support for the construction industry. These allocations will support the economy and, hopefully, assist in the recovery from the current crisis.”
“As I said in the earlier debate on the rates order, and as most Members will have encountered, rates are a huge issue, particularly since the COVID-19 outbreak. In these challenging times, the 18% reduction in the non-domestic rate and freezing of the domestic regional rate for the next year will be welcomed by struggling households and businesses. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the Budget itself. Even before the arrival of COVID-19, the Budget had been initiated in a very different financial context. In real terms, the block grant was some £360 million below pre-austerity levels. Over that period, the pressure on public services has increased. Indeed, that has been highlighted to an extent in the process to tackle COVID-19.”
“From talking to communities and sports organisations, I know that the way in which these programmes reach the most vulnerable is hugely appreciated. Credit should also go to the staff who are making all this happen in difficult circumstances.”
“That has meant a reduction in bureaucracy on important measures in order to help communities and the voluntary sector and to make things easier for them. Measures include no need for fees and more simple applications for grants. <BR /> <BR />The COVID-19 community support fund that she announced is also to be welcomed. The fund released £1·5 million, initially though local government's existing support programme and the Community Foundation's small grants programme, to tackle the crisis at a local level.”
“<BR /> <BR />The grants and schemes did not cover everyone, however. That was understandable, because of the speed with which Ministers and the Executive had to react to the developing health crisis and the virtual close down of society. I know that the Minister has recognised that and given an undertaking to look at schemes to try to cover those who have fallen through the net. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Minister for Communities for the assistance that she has given to the most vulnerable. It is encouraging to witness parcels being delivered to our local communities. I commend her for the work that she has done to include charities, communities and the voluntary sector. She has demonstrated flexibility with grant funding.”
“In that regard, many Members will want to know whether help will be available in our response to the COVID-19 crisis. Since the beginning of March, that priority has dominated everything that we do as elected representatives. The Minister has confirmed in the Budget the level of funding allocated to the various Departments for the period 2020-21 and the level of funding available to offset the huge impact of COVID-19. Separate from the departmental allocation set out in the first section, the COVID-19 response has included funding of £1 billion allocated to maintain public services, support businesses and protect the most vulnerable. I commend all Ministers for getting the money from that funding out the door as quickly as possible. I know from speaking to many businesses and communities that the assistance has been welcomed.”
“As a member of the Finance Committee, I commend the Minister for setting the Budget and for the numerous initiatives that he has designed to protect our people and mitigate the damage to the economy during these very challenging times. <BR /> <BR />When we first sat as a Committee some three months ago, little did anyone know that the Budget of 2020-21 would be overshadowed by an unprecedented public health crisis: a crisis that would impact on all our lives, both socially and economically. In his statement to the Chamber in March, the Minister said:”
“There will be no increase on last year's domestic regional rate. Therefore, I welcome the order.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. As the Chair said, we will have further discussion on matters relating to the issue afterwards in the Budget. However, I welcome the order as an important element in the much wider programme that the Executive will need to put in place as we move through the immediate health and economic traumas of COVID-19. Whilst responding to events as they unfold, the Assembly must begin to plan for the long-term economic recovery. The order addresses the issue of high business rates, which, as the previous Member to speak said, have been raised with most of us, particularly by business people, and it delivers an 18% reduction in the non-domestic rate. The order also freezes the domestic regional rate for the next year for struggling households during this difficult period.”
“Will the £1 million allocated this year for people who have been affected by the blood contamination scandal continue next year?”
“Will the Minister give an update on the review of the Civil Service provided in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document?”
“The Minister will no doubt agree that the cross-border shared education projects and the relationships that they create are highly valuable. Does he intend to maintain that level of funding after exiting the EU?”
“The Department has funded the Probation Board to deliver a pilot scheme for behavioural change of individuals who have not reached the criminal justice system but who show concerning behaviours. Can the Minister outline any plans she has for the roll-out of this programme?”
“I call on the Minister of Justice to ensure that the PSNI and other agencies and community responses are supported and properly resourced to allow them to increase their efforts to address ongoing criminality. <BR /> <BR />I understand that these issues are complex and ingrained in the fabric of communities. They require new, dedicated outcomes in the Programme for Government. That is the best way to achieve success in ending criminality.”
“I note the Member's remarks, but I do not agree with them. <BR /> <BR />There is a need to empower and support communities in resisting and rejecting paramilitary control. Sinn Féin agrees with the Independent Reporting Commission's recommendation, as set out in its most recent report, of a multi-layered approach to tackling serious criminality, including effective criminal justice responses along with community empowerment and a systemic and sustained response to the socio-economic issues experienced in the working-class communities on which the gangs prey. <BR /> <BR />We totally reject those who continue to engage in criminality, intimidation and control and give full support to the agencies working to close down criminal networks and activities.”
“That is an essential building block in the process of tackling criminal gangs. <BR /> <BR />If we take the example of Limerick, which was blighted by gangland crime some years back, community policing was particularly successful in building a better relationship between the gardaí and disadvantaged neighbourhoods. In a 12-month period, figures showed a marked and continued decline in violent crime. There was also a twin-track approach in Limerick. The chief executive of Limerick County Council coordinated a programme to address the issues of social exclusion in the city. As a result, Limerick is a much safer city today. The twin-track approach is fundamental if tackling organised crime is to be successful.”
“Where the police play an important role is in providing neighbourhood policing and implementing a key theme in the policing plan: policing with the community. That is done by building the relationship between the police and the community. By adopting that approach, the PSNI can demonstrate that they understand the needs and problems of the community. PCSPs play an important role, working with partners and communities so that the PSNI can help to make a positive difference to improve the lives of communities and individuals. <BR /> <BR />There is evidence to support the benefits of a sustained policing presence in communities in preventing crime and enhancing community safety. People feeling safe and having confidence in policing encourages cooperation with the police in the provision of vital information and the reporting of crime.”
“The Chief Constable also confirmed at a recent Policing Board meeting that there is a need for an input from all relevant agencies. The IRC report goes further:”
“As a member of the Policing Board, I support the motion and the amendment. The motion is too narrow in its scope. Tackling serious criminality is not solved by police alone. However, they have an important role to play. These criminal groups and their activities are mostly embedded in communities that also suffer social and economic problems, including poverty, unemployment, educational underachievement, drug and alcohol addiction and poor mental health. The IRC report that was published late last year stated that that will require the twin-track approach that was set out in the first report: a policing and justice response side by side with a fundamental and sustained tackling of underlying problems in those communities where criminal networks operate.”
“I thank the Minister for her extensive answer. Does she understand the impact that it is having on day-to-day lives, particularly those of care workers?”
“The Minister answered my question, which related to a timeline. She has no timeline at this stage.”
“The British Government have a responsibility to provide sufficient funding for public services, but I do not believe that Governments in London will ever have the interest of citizens in this part of Ireland in their thinking. There were audible gasps from the opposite Benches yesterday when my colleague Martina Anderson mentioned the benefits of Irish unity. We should initiate an informed debate on the economic merits of an all-Ireland and end the dependency on a diminishing block grant. I wish the Minister well in seeking funding for the meantime when he goes over to London.”
“That is a valuable service that addresses social isolation and provides equal access to services. In my constituency, community transport is a vital service for rural dwellers. It is clear that we have been facing funding cuts year in, year out to services that are vital to the people of the North. All of that is a direct by-product of British financial policy. The fact that austerity puts most services at risk shows a disregard for the most vulnerable in our society. <BR /> <BR />With the Tories in power for probably the foreseeable future, there will be an absence of public funding growth, and we will be further disadvantaged.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. When the Tories came to power in, I think, 2011, they cut — it was a policy — £1 billion off the block grant. That was the reality that we found ourselves in. We cannot deny that. <BR /> <BR />I will speak as my party's spokesperson on transport. At a time when we should be encouraging people to use all types of public transport throughout the system, making public transport services more affordable and investing in sustainable transport, our public transport network is fighting tooth and nail to maintain its current services. That is one of the best examples of the failure of austerity. Since 2015-16, Translink has been depending on its reserves to maintain its services. Over the past number of years, community transport funding has been cut by over 37%.”
“— schools, roads, health system and many other public services are now experiencing. I am happy to give way.”
“You will be happy to learn that I will be brief, and I will refer to the Budget maybe once or twice. <BR /> <BR />For the past hour, I have been listening to the debate in the Chamber. All Members have talked about pressures, how the Budget is a challenge, how schools are under pressure and how there is a lack of funding. All of those statements are true. For any Minister to deliver a Budget in the North of Ireland is difficult, but it is much more difficult, as, I think, Matthew said, after 10 years of austerity. As many Members across the Chamber have said over the past couple of days, that has had a major impact on our public services. Tory cuts to the block grant and that party's austerity policies are the direct cause of what our —”
“How does the Minister intend to improve the community asset transfer policy, which he mentioned in his answer?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The social enterprise sector is of the strong view that, if social value is to be properly accounted for, it has to be part of scoring criteria for tenders. Does the Minister intend to consider that issue as part of the pre-consultation?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement and wish him well in the post. I am somewhat disappointed that there are no Gaelscoileanna on the list. It may be that none applied. I understand that there will be other opportunities for schools to apply, and I hope that the Minister will be inclusive of all sectors, including the Irish language sector.”