Robin Swann
North Antrim · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his detailed statement. I know how passionate he is about the subject and how many times he has brought it to the Executive.”
“It has been reported that today will potentially be the warmest day of the year. As we move into the summer and our summer holidays, I want to raise public awareness of wildfires across Northern Ireland, which have been detrimental to farmland and our environment over the past number of years.”
“Wildfires are still having a detrimental impact on our environment and, occasionally, on livestock, but that reduction shows the impact of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service's proactive approach to educating the general public and engaging with rural communities and schools on its fire safety message, which is to stay alert, not…”
“There has been a lot of talk of sport in this place over the past few days, with everybody concentrating on UEFA. One sport that is going on across Northern Ireland at the minute is cross-community and goes across all age groups without fear, favour or distinction: pigeon racing.”
“I want to put on record that, since this place passed the amendment that recognised pigeon racing as a sport under the 2016 Act, over the past five years, pigeon racing clubs across Northern Ireland have been able to obtain £113,000 of rates rebates through the sports and recreation rate relief, allowing many of those clubs to continue ra…”
“There was much coverage on social media over the weekend of an incident in Staines in England, in which a police car rammed a young calf to bring it under control. It has restarted the conversation about animal cruelty. <BR /> <BR />I am dealing with a specific case in my constituency.”
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“<BR /> <BR />The roll-out of the regional dementia care pathway will contribute significantly to raising standards across all trusts, and that includes addressing delays in dementia diagnosis. A regional steering group has been established to have oversight of implementation across all five trust areas and to ensure that there is consistency of approach and shared learning. That work is supported by a regional stakeholder reference group and integrated care partnership-led local implementation groups, which are multi-agency and include people who are living with dementia and their carers. The expectation is that the pathway will be rolled out across all areas, subject to the availability of the necessary funding, which, as the Member is aware, will be significant.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Trusts have developed and implemented dementia services recovery plans. These have ensured continued access to a range of services during the COVID-19 pandemic, using technology and other innovative approaches to ensure that arrangements are in place to provide access to diagnostic condition management and support services for service users and carers. <BR /> <BR />As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased vulnerability of many in that patient cohort, there has been a reduction in the number of patient-facing memory clinics, which has had a direct and adverse impact on waiting times. Virtual clinics have been trialled for a subset of individuals, and that option is being kept under review.”
“I thank the Member. I think that that is covered in an FAQ on the special recognition payment that includes the eligibility criteria. As set out in the online FAQ, those who meet the qualifying criteria are eligible for the payment — in this case, one criterion is that at least one month's continual service in the independent sector in Northern Ireland between 17 March and 31 January is required. Former NI independent sector staff who retired in that period are eligible, providing that they meet the qualifying criteria. <BR /> <BR />When it comes to the specific work group that the Member asked about, we have to make sure that individuals working in that sector are not also trust employees, so that they receive only a single payment. I will get clarity for the Member on that cohort.”
“I thank the Member for that question. As I said in my response to the original question, we are engaging on the issue. I met officials last week to make sure that they were fully plugged into everything that needed to be done to get the payments out. As I said in a previous statement, the payment is taxable, so we also need to know that any employer who receives the money makes sure that the majority of it, if not all, gets to those for whom it is meant and does not stay in the employer's bank account for longer than it has to.”
“All that took time, even before we got the initial payments out to the health and social care sector, and that was a very small employer base that we had to work with. We are pushing as hard as we can to get the payments out as soon as possible. The Member has submitted a number of Assembly questions, and I assure him that the money is there for this. It is not the case that the payment is being deliberately delayed; we want that money to go out as well.”
“As I said in the initial answer, it is proving more challenging than we initially thought, especially for the independent sector, because of the large number of employers. We need to make sure, as the Member indicated, that that public money is spent in an accountable and auditable way. It is taking longer than we had initially anticipated for employees in that sector of the workforce. When we announced the payment for the first tranche, there were subsequent requests to make sure that it was not taxable. We therefore went back to ask for more money, and the Executive provided that. A number of requests and checks were made by trade unions and other organisations to ensure that the payment would not have a knock-on effect on benefit payments for what is, essentially, a low-paid female workforce.”
“I thank the Member for his point. The Member asked about which agencies are left. We have been engaging with Community Pharmacy NI, the British Dental Association (BDA), Optometry NI, the British Medical Association (BMA) and a number of the major care home and domiciliary care providers. We are doing a small pilot exercise on the documentation that we intend to use. We hope to get feedback by the end of this week from the sectors and groups with which we have initially engaged to make sure that the documentation is workable for them and provides us with the information that we need.”
“The recognition payments will be paid to the independent sector staff as soon as possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />I met my officials again last week to get a full update on the latest progress and to emphasise the need to see payments processed as quickly as possible. Officials have, in recent days, had further detailed discussions with trusts, the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and the Business Services Organisation (BSO) on the delivery and accountability mechanisms for the recognition payment to the independent sector. I am glad to report that that work has almost been completed. My officials have also recently held discussions with a number of major care home and domiciliary care providers and voluntary sector providers to ensure that the proposed delivery mechanisms are workable, deliverable, accountable and auditable. Engagement with the sectors has been very positive, and we will continue to work closely with all involved.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Members will be aware that, earlier this year, I announced that a special recognition payment of £500 would be made to Northern Ireland's health and social care workers. Payments to statutory sector employees commenced in July, but, unlike the statutory sector, where my officials worked with a small number of employers, the independent sector has a much larger employer base. In addition, workers in the independent sector are much more transient than those in the statutory sector, so developing a set of standardised eligibility criteria has proven to be more challenging than first thought. Likewise, the development of a payment mechanism, particularly in circumstances in which an employee has moved between providers or has moved out of the sector completely, has proven problematic.”
“As a new MLA, I joined the Employment and Learning Committee with Fra, Sammy Douglas and Pat Ramsey. On reflection, I often feel sorry for the Ministers and officials who appeared in front of the three of them together, because their questioning was precise, specific and well informed, and it was always done with the best intentions for the people of Northern Ireland. That is how I have worked with Fra during my time in the House. Thank you, Fra.”
“I have spoken many times on the significant impact that the pandemic has had on our cancer services in Northern Ireland, and I have no doubt that the actions taken by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the associated surveillance help to protect firefighters in Northern Ireland. The Assembly will, no doubt, join me in thanking it for the hard work that it has undertaken to date. <BR /> <BR />I believe that I have clearly demonstrated that the issues raised by Members are being given serious attention by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and my Department. Work is ongoing in the area, and every effort will continue to be made to ensure that firefighters' needs are met. <BR /> <BR />Before closing, Mr Deputy Speaker, I join you and other Members in thanking Fra McCann for his service to the House.”
“The Assembly should be aware that currently there are no screening programmes targeted at a population group on the basis of occupation. <BR /> <BR />I reassure you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and the House that the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service constantly strives to improve our firefighters' safety, utilising the evidence and knowledge that it holds. I am fully supportive of the ongoing studies of exposures and their health effects on firefighters and will continue to study the literature for future published reports. I will maintain a low threshold for reviewing the topic at any time in the future. I have sympathy with the concerns expressed by Members.”
“The service's contaminants working group continually reviews information sources on exposure to toxic fire effluents, with a view to identifying relevant health surveillance requirements. <BR /> <BR />I accept that screening for cancer and many other conditions is clearly desirable in order to manage any health effect at the earliest stage. However, the practicalities of that approach need to be risk-assessed by the Fire and Rescue Service as the employer. Members should be aware that the general population cancer screening policy across the UK is informed by the UK National Screening Committee's recommendations. All recommendations are evidenced-based following a robust review against criteria for improving the viability, effectiveness and appropriateness of a screening programme.”
“Members should be aware that all operational Fire and Rescue Service employees in Northern Ireland are required to undertake health surveillance screening. Firefighters are re-examined at three-yearly intervals. That screening is carried out in accordance with the National Fire Chiefs Council's requirements, but the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service carries out additional health screening for some operational staff, due to the risks associated with specific roles. For example, compartment fire behaviour instructors have additional screening every six months for the duration of the instructor's role and specialist rescue teams attend annual health screening.”
“I remain vigilant in relation to any new data that would enable scientists to identify cancers common in firefighters and to establish whether those diseases are linked to occupation, because I have no doubt that ongoing research will better inform future advice, guidance and procedures in the Fire and Rescue Service. <BR /> <BR />In line with the direction from the Health and Safety Executive, under COSHH regulations, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, like all employers, has an existing statutory duty to determine whether health surveillance is required where workers remain exposed to health risks, even after controls have been put in place.”
“The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is committed to continuing to monitor ongoing research and remains open to the possibility of reviewing its position as the research evidence base grows. <BR /> <BR />A UK firefighters cancer and disease registry database has been established by researchers to collect information on firefighters' work routines, exposure to fire effluents, lifestyle and health. Members will agree that it is critical that any link between occupation and cancer is properly defined. I advise the Assembly that, as Health Minister, I, of course, support that research.”
“The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has recognised increased risks associated with firefighters for specific cancer sites. However, the types of cancer and the magnitude of risk vary considerably between studies, countries, the date of the studies and the length of employment of the firefighters. The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council did not find consistent evidence that the risk of any type of cancer, besides one specifically connected to exposure to asbestos, was more than doubled as a result of firefighting. <BR /> <BR />In March, the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council, again, decided against recognising cancer as an occupational disease for firefighters. Members should be aware that research in that area is ongoing.”
“It reviewed the evidence concerning the risk of cancer in firefighters, and it served as an update to earlier publications on cancer prevalence in firefighters. The paper stated:”
“That report, which was published in November 2020 and entitled 'Minimising firefighters’ exposure to toxic fire effluents', detailed the dangers faced by firefighters from breathing and ingesting contaminants and how those toxic fire effluents can be absorbed by the skin. The report found that 4·1% of survey respondents had already been diagnosed with cancer, compared with less than 1% of the general population. Members referenced that particular statistic in the debate. <BR /> <BR />Members should be aware that, more recently, in March 2021, in response to a request by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council published 'Firefighters and cancer: position paper 47'.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Fire and Rescue Service is working in partnership with the Fire Brigades Union, following the launch of its training and awareness package, DECON, which Mr Hilditch spoke of in his opening comments. The purpose of the package is to prevent and protect firefighters from the risks associated with exposure to contaminants. That campaign encourages firefighters to take practical steps before, during and after every fire incident to help to reduce exposure to contaminants. <BR /> <BR />As mentioned, the Fire Brigades Union commissioned the University of Central Lancashire to research firefighters' occupational exposure to toxic fire effluents.”
“Researchers in that area have created a series of best practice guidance for fire and rescue services. They have put forward a number of recommendations to minimise firefighters' exposure to toxic fire effluents. I advise the Assembly that the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has a well-established contaminants working group that takes forward those recommendations. The contaminants working group works to ensure that the Fire and Rescue Service follows national best practice to protect our firefighters against exposure to harmful substances. That group works collaboratively to consider the wider sector's position through the National Fire Chiefs Council and with the Fire Brigades Union.”
“Members will welcome assurances provided to me by the Chief Fire and Rescue Officer that, as an employer, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is compliant with Health and Safety Executive requirements. Furthermore, the occupational risks that firefighters face are continually assessed by the Fire and Rescue Service, and action is taken to mitigate known risks, including risks associated with exposure to contaminants, as has been mentioned. <BR /> <BR />Given the work that firefighters do, Members will accept that options to eliminate exposure to harmful substances are limited. For that reason, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, like most fire services in the United Kingdom, has focused efforts on adopting preventative measures to reduce exposure whilst on operational duties.”
“The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is responsible for enforcing health and safety at work. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers to assess the risk to their employees in relation to substances that are hazardous and "to prevent or adequately control" those risks. <BR /> <BR />The motion asks:”
“For the past 20 months, our health and social care workers have been to the fore, and rightly so, but it is often forgotten and overlooked that our firefighters here in Northern Ireland are part of our health family, and they are a key part. It has been an honour and privilege for me as Minister to meet many of them on lots of occasions since coming into office. <BR /> <BR />It is as Minister of Health that I assure Members that I am committed to protecting our dedicated firefighters. Furthermore, supported by my Department and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, I can say that we are fully committed to safeguarding our employees. The Fire and Rescue Service in Northern Ireland has, like all employers, a statutory duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to respond to the motion, the amendment and Members' remarks. <BR /> <BR />I thank Mr Hilditch for tabling the motion on what is a practical and political issue but also for him a deeply personal one. I pay tribute to his son Stuart, who was a part-time firefighter. I not only know how much Stuart meant to David but how much Stuart meant to the Fire and Rescue Service and the commitment that he gave to it. David, please take that as a personal thanks, and take it back to your family as well. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly will undoubtedly agree that firefighting is a dangerous occupation. We heard that from many contributors. Firefighters put themselves in danger to help those most in need. The bravery, dedication and commitment shown by our firefighters often go unseen.”
“Also, the Member, being a member of the Health Committee, will be well aware that I engage regularly with the health service unions to make sure that we are working in partnership with them. <BR /> <BR />I may not have answered every point or opinion expressed by Members during their contributions to the debate. In closing, I remind Members that the choices that we make now will be crucial in ensuring that the virus does not begin to spread once more. As we continue to remove the remaining restrictions that are in place, our society will move closer to a return to normal life. By making safer choices, following public health advice and complying with the regulations, we can all do our part to help to lower the spread of COVID-19. I commend the regulations to the Assembly.”
“It was concerning, but the commentary from the Belfast Trust and the Royal College of Nurses was that this was at a point in time and that nurses had the ability to get vaccinated through other avenues. I have asked for clarification that bank nurses were not included in that number. Further clarification is being sought in that regard. <BR /> <BR />Mr Carroll asked about the requirement for engagement with different sectors, unions and workplaces. Again, that work and engagement are taken forward via the Executive's COVID-19 task force. The Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser attend the meetings of that task force and can provide that help and information when those sectors are engaged with.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />Mr Stalford came to the Chamber to make a brief contribution, and he welcomed the easements that have been in place. <BR /> <BR />Pam Cameron, the Deputy Chair of the Health Committee, talked about a healthy economy and a healthy business. I want to see healthy people who are able to fully support our businesses and the economy. I want them to live a full community, societal and family life. Vaccination and following the regulations and restrictions will bring us to a better place. <BR /> <BR />This morning, I saw the media report on the number of nurses in the Belfast Trust who have been vaccinated.”
“What is interesting, especially with regard to COVID certification, is how members of certain parties, on the airwaves or in this place, oppose domestic certification, but their party colleagues and Members of Parliament write to me asking how the same constituents can prove that they have been vaccinated so that they can go to a bar in Dublin or Donegal, or attend an Old Firm match in Glasgow. I will not —”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Lyttle also raised a number of points on messaging. I thank him for noting the clear, consistent messaging that comes from my Department. However, what I would like to see, and what other Members have clearly said that they would like to see, is clear, consistent messaging from the Executive, because we have seen the best response from the people of Northern Ireland when that message, and how it is taken forward, has been consistent, unanimous and clear. <BR /> <BR />I will not go into the debate on COVID certification or verification. That debate can be held in this place. Members and parties have the opportunity to table no-day-named motions, should they wish to bring the matter to the House for a full debate outside the Executive. They could air their issues across the Chamber.”
“Again, I want to be clear: these are not solely my regulations, although some in the House want to portray them as such. <BR /> <BR />Mr Chris Lyttle asked what other measures can be taken to ensure that we keep the public safe from infection. Again, the regulations form only one part of our response to help to reduce the rate of infection of COVID-19 and to ensure that we keep the public free from COVID infection. We all have a role in reducing infection by following the guidance on social distancing. Everyone should adhere to those measures at all times. On occasions when social distancing may not be possible or practical, other effective measures, including good hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices should be considered crucial and adopted, and the wearing of a face covering in those circumstances is recommended.”
“Ms Cara Hunter asked what actions will be taken to prevent further lockdowns over winter. I want to be clear: I do not want further lockdowns or to maintain restrictions for one day longer than is necessary. However, the reality is that we do not know what lies ahead. The past 17 months have been unprecedented, and the Executive have sought to balance individual and societal liberty with public health requirements in the face of, as has been pointed out, a global pandemic. Our hospitals are still working to capacity, our waiting lists are getting longer, and new variants continue to develop. Decisions on restrictions or relaxations need to be weighed against family, societal and economic considerations. That is what the Executive do.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Allister asked for clarity about face coverings in places of worship. It is a legal requirement to wear a face covering when entering and exiting the building. As I said, exemptions are included. I stress that. The legal requirement to wear a face covering in a place of worship during an act of worship has been removed, but it is still strongly advised. Face coverings must still be worn as part of any other activity that takes place in a church building, unless the primary purpose of the activity is an act of worship. Social distancing is still recommended in places of worship, but it is not required in regulation. I hope that that clarification helps the Member. <BR /> <BR />Ms Cara Hunter asked what actions will be taken to prevent further lockdowns over winter. I have been clear —.”
“I thank the Chair of the Health Committee for the Committee's support during what has been a very trying period in respect of how the regulations have been brought forward. I note the commentary from Mr Chambers about what a member of the Health Committee said about the timing and the processes. If the regulations were to be brought forward differently, and if the Executive were to take a decision this Thursday about further easements, if that were their direction of travel, that decision would have to go through the full scrutiny procedure. It could be a number of weeks before businesses, families and the community would see the benefit of that change. The Executive have taken the approach that they have to the regulations so that changes can be enacted in as timely a fashion as possible.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. My note states that I welcome today's debate, but how it developed means that it has been one of the more obtuse debates that we have had in the House on the amendment regulations. More issues were raised than are in the regulations being debated, and Members have taken an opportunity to take public positions on other issues. <BR /> <BR />I thank some Members for their contribution to the debate on the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 15) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, and I note the contributions of others. <BR /> <BR />I will now respond to some points that Members made during the debate.”
“The Member has accused me — I will check Hansard — of causing "harm" and "pain" and of preventing people from getting "back to normal". I take great exception to that. When the Member was speaking earlier, I cautioned him and I spoke about those dog whistles that are blown. I will say to the Member that that is exactly what he is doing in the House at this time.”
“The Member is now deliberately misleading the House about what he knows about the regulations. They are drafted by the policy intent of the Executive Office, as was indicated by the Chair of the Health Committee when he talked about the officials who have policy responsibility. The Member sat as a Minister through three Executive meetings and knows exactly how the regulations come about and who has responsibility. They are not regulations that I bring to the Executive. Papers are brought to the Executive Committee by the Executive's COVID-19 task force, and the Executive then agree that my officials will draft the legislation.”
“They are actually the Executive's regulations, and the Member will well know that, on a number of occasions, I have approached other Ministers to lead on the debates on the amendments. The amendments are brought forward following requests by the Economy Minister, the Communities Minister or other Ministers — even the Infrastructure Minister requests changes to regulations on face coverings on public transport — but, at the end of the day, I am left to bring them forward. I take responsibility for having to draft them — my officials do that — but they are the Executive's coronavirus regulations. That is the way they are and always have been brought forward throughout the pandemic. I ask the Member to be careful in his language about how he places the sole responsibility on me for delivering the regulations.”
“I want to make a point of correction and clarification. The Member said that he had not taken part in the debates, but he sat as a Minister between 14 June and 6 July, so I am sure that he understands that, although I bring the regulations, they are not my regulations, they are not the Health Minister's regulations and they are not solely the Department of Health's regulations; they are the Executive's regulations. The regulations are how the Executive of Northern Ireland manage the coronavirus pandemic throughout Northern Ireland across all sectors, should that the economy, community, justice, health or any other. <BR /> <BR />The Member stands there, putting the focus on me by saying that they are the Health Minister's regulations and the Health Minister has not changed them.”
“Does the Member agree that it is also wrong to use dog whistles that signal to other people in the community that it is all right to make those attacks and, either by silence or neglect to publicly condemn, allow those people to think that they have an authority, either through social media or otherwise, that makes it OK to enact those threats or abuses or engender the protests that we have seen outside our vaccination centres?”
“When people are seated in places of worship, the guidance is that they can be removed. I think that, in legislation, when entering and exiting, they should be worn, but I will write to the Member with clarity on that. <BR /> <BR />I urge all people living in Northern Ireland to continue to abide by the regulations that remain in place and to adhere to the wider public health advice so that we can avoid our health service being overwhelmed in the coming weeks and months ahead. After more than 18 months of unprecedented pressures, our staff are exhausted and burnt out, yet I fear that the pressures will only increase this winter. The compassion of our staff is our greatest asset, but we must ease the pressure that they continue to face by doing our bit to stay well. I commend the regulations to the Assembly.”
“I will turn now to SR 2021/250 amendment No. 5 to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) Regulations. Again, following Executive approval on 6 September, amendment No. 5 was made and commenced on 10 September. The amendment removes the requirement to wear a face covering while dancing at a wedding or civil ceremony reception. While dancing is not yet permitted in other indoor hospitality settings, the Executive recognise the significance of a wedding or civil ceremony to a couple, their family and friends. <BR /> <BR />On 6 September, the Executive took the decision that led to those amendments, and I urge all people living in Northern Ireland to continue to abide by those —”
“That ensures the continuity of the regulation formerly contained in amendment No. 7. That amendment was a technical amendment due to a cross-referencing error relating to the requirement to produce a risk assessment.”
“15 came into effect at 5.00 pm on 10 September and were as follows: they removed the requirement to obtain a ticket in advance of an indoor theatre or concert event and removed the requirement to have allocated seating; they permitted dancing at a wedding reception or civil partnership reception; removed the requirement to be seated at a table at a hospitality venue to order or collect food and drink; removed the requirement for music to be limited to ambient level; removed the requirement for persons at outdoor parts of premises to be seated to consume food or drink; and, finally, increased the number of people permitted to gather at a private dwelling indoors. <BR /> <BR />Due to a rescheduling of a previous Assembly debate, the amendment also revoked SR 2021/172, amendment No. 7, and reinserted the text into the amendment.”
“Today, Members will consider two focused and narrow statutory rules, which were introduced following decisions of the Executive taken on 6 September. Those are SR 2021/251 The Health Protection Regulations (Amendment No. 15) and SR 2021/250 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations. <BR /> <BR />With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I remind Members that there have been further amendments made since the amendments in question, following a decision by the Executive on 27 September. <BR /> <BR />First, amendment No. 15 to The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 followed a decision by the Executive on 6 September. The changes resulting from amendment No.”
“I could also provide an answer to him in writing and update the House. I am sure that the Health Committee would want that as well. We intend to make sure that the same provision and strength is there. It is about making the Bill fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />The Bill has been 35 years in the making since the time of the last legislation. I hope that it will not be another 35 years before we review it. <BR /> <BR />Once again, I am grateful to all the Members who contributed to the debate on what I believe is important legislation. I ask Members to support the Second Stage of the Adoption and Children Bill, and I welcome the opportunity to work with the Committee during its scrutiny of the Bill.”
“I congratulate the Member. Any time that I stand here, he manages to get the GAA in. <BR /> <BR />There is a stronger point. We talk about the gift that is given to the child, but there is also what it means to local sports teams or communities. The Member referenced his uncle and what he meant to the wider community and family circle. <BR /> <BR />I think that Mr Allister's point was about the read-across from section 98 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 to where we are with clause 56 of this Bill. I have not studied those as closely as Mr Allister. When I wrote to him, I committed to a direct correlation between what is in the Bill and what he sought. If I asked my officials to engage with him, would he be content with that step?”
“I thank the Member. We have been debating the Bill for nearly three hours and he managed to get the GAA in at the final kick or touch — whatever it is.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have covered Mr Allister's points on negative or positive resolution and the fact that that is an option. He also touched on a crucial point: the people in the public eye who have spoken out about what being adopted has meant to them. They have spoken of the gift that it brought to them as a child and of the gift that it brings to the families, siblings and parents who take the step to adopt, foster or take on a child through kinship care. They have spoken not only of the gift that it brings to the child but of the strength that it can bring to the family. I think that it was Mr McNulty who talked about children being given the opportunity to shine because they knew that the support was around them as individuals. Through the Bill, families will know that that support is there as well.”