Stewart Dickson
East Antrim · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Minister, you will have noted that the Government recently announced a VAT cut for some family expenses for a range of activities over the summer. That is perhaps a change.”
“Many do not know how to apply; others do not even realise that the opportunities exist. If the process itself is a barrier to participation, it is really not open to all.”
“I was born in 1950 in Thorndale House, which was one of the homes that is named in the legislation. I was born to married parents, and Thorndale House was a maternity home. It was where you went to have your baby in 1950 on the Antrim Road. My mum and dad went there, I was born and, a few days later, I left with loving parents.”
“I agree with Mr Brett: amendment No 6 is important because it will deal with persons who refuse to provide information or evidence to the inquiry. Amendment No 8 to clause 20 is a tidying-up amendment that will allow the Committee to make interim reports, which will be of benefit to the inquiry process.”
“That is why I want the inquiry to succeed and why it is vital that it succeeds. That is why it is important for us to see that cruelty in the full glare of a public inquiry. That is why it is important that the scheme goes through without further delay. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I place on record my thanks to the Committee Chair.”
“The Assembly faces stark choices, and agreeing the draft Budget as it stands is not a silver bullet, nor is it sustainable for us to continue in the absence of a Budget. It is vital, therefore, that we break the cycle of crisis and collapse that has been destroying our public finances.”
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“<BR /> <BR />We now at least have the report, which was published in July 2014, titled 'Independent Review of the Actions Taken in Relation to Concerns Raised about the Care Delivered at Cherry Tree House, Carrickfergus'. The Minister will be aware from correspondence that I have sent to him that the relatives whom I represent have concerns about the independence of the report and do not think that it goes far enough in its recommendations. Therefore, I would be most grateful if the Minister will agree to meet me and the families to discuss those concerns.”
“I thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, and the Business Office for the opportunity to debate the issue this afternoon. I also thank the Minister for his attendance. <BR /> <BR />I have been dealing with the concerns about the quality of nursing-home care in my constituency for quite a number of years now. I should stress that Cherry Tree House is not the only nursing home that has been drawn to my attention. It is, however, the home about which, as an East Antrim MLA, I have received the most complaints and expressions of concern from relatives and former staff. I pay tribute to those who have come forward to tell their stories and who have unfortunately had to battle with the system to try to get their voice heard, never mind get justice. It really should not be so difficult to get matters of great concern treated seriously.”
“I really appreciate you doing that, because that is the very point which I wish to agree with you on, by way of answer to Mr McCartney: the stocktake document, just noted on its own, stops with that point. That is why the Alliance Party is supporting the motion. We are supporting this because it is imperative that the Minister has the support of the House to continue to encourage the absolute security of that prison and the protection of its staff. That is what he is here to do and that is what he is determined to do. That is why we support the motion.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I accept that those issues are addressed in the report.”
“I support the motion and oppose the amendment.”
“As we seek to continue to reform and improve our prison system, we recognise that our prisons must be places where relationships are built between prisoners and staff based on mutual respect, and where the security of our facilities and those within them are treated as paramount.”
“<BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to the work and professionalism of Sue McAllister and will not run her down. She is an excellent director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and has some 25 years of service, working in some of the most difficult prisons in the United Kingdom.”
“While I can understand the comments made by Tom Elliott, I have seen that AstroTurf pitch. It is behind extremely high walls. I have seen the library with its used and used and used again books and the computers that are so restricted, and rightly so. No child in Northern Ireland outside those walls would want access to any of those facilities. <BR /> <BR />On staffing, the Prison Service is, like others, operating in a very difficult financial circumstance. In those circumstances, it is important not just that we have the necessary staff but that our prisons are managed in such a way as staffing resources can be maximised and used most effectively. I know that the Northern Ireland Prison Service continues to keep staffing levels under review and is looking across the whole of the Prison Service. That is to be welcomed.”
“It was encouraging to read that response, which was clearly formulated after careful consideration of the report. It is also clear that, on the basis of the agreed principles, no changes should or will be made that compromise the security of the prison, its staff and the prisoners. Mr Givan suggested that the recommendations will do the opposite, but he is wrong. David Ford, as Minister, has made it absolutely clear that he has not and will not compromise on security, and his record on that issue stands. None of the recommendations risks a return to the conditions that once existed in the Maze prison, and, if they did, David Ford would reject them outright. The Maze conditions were ridiculous and so is the claim that David Ford would allow them to be reinstated in Maghaberry. <BR /> <BR />I have been to the prison.”
“The challenge is how we make further progress on the basis of the principles agreed between staff and prisoners. Any agreement on a way forward needs to be based on those principles, including that prisoner and staff safety must not be put at risk; that staff should be able to carry out their work professionally and free from harm, intimidation or threat; and that the security of the establishment should in no way be diluted. Those are the principles that have been agreed by staff and prisoners and that need to be at the core of any future agreement. <BR /> <BR />From reading the Prison Service's response to the stocktake, I see that the Northern Ireland Prison Service has agreed to eight of the nine recommendations relating to them and that there is, indeed, partial agreement on another recommendation regarding visitation arrangements.”
“I would like to start by paying tribute to the men and women of our Prison Service, who show incredible courage daily to deliver a safer Northern Ireland. I also believe that it is right, as others have said, that we should today think of the family of David Black, who was brutally murdered on his way to work and made the ultimate sacrifice to keep people safe. <BR /> <BR />The stocktake report on the Maghaberry prison arrangements agreement refers to the ongoing intimidation of staff. Some staff have received specific threats and have had to move home. That despicable activity has no place in Northern Ireland in 2014. It is not justified and never has been. The report acknowledges that, in the face of such challenges and difficulties, significant progress has nevertheless been made, and staff are to be commended for that, not chided.”
“Thank you, Minister. I am concerned about any consultation process. You made an announcement that you are prepared to extend an open consultation process for eight weeks. Is that not window dressing to cover up the embarrassment of the trust and the Minister?”
“I really appreciate the Member giving way. Mr McMullan referred to the statements made by the trust about the issue and the relatively small sum required to continue to deliver the service. The words "temporary closure" were used in the press statement. "Temporary" is Civil Service-speak for final closure; let us get that on the record as well. These people will not just be making this a temporary break. They intend to close the facility.”
“His family circle, his friends, and his mum and dad deserve justice and deserve it soon.”
“There is clearly a strong feeling in the community that members of Sinn Féin have not disclosed everything that they know about the murder of Paul Quinn. In the interests of justice, that needs to change. <BR /> <BR />Further lines of enquiry have been opened up by someone coming forward with information in the last month. I hope that more people do the same and that the police services on both sides of the border have success in getting justice for Paul and his family. No mother or father should have to go to hospital and see their son die in horrific and sadistic circumstances. If those who know have an ounce of human compassion or decency, today is the day to come forward. My heart goes out to Paul's mother and father. I met them briefly before this debate.”
“That was in 2007, yet, just last month, Paul Quinn's father Stephen said that Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness:”
“<BR /> <BR />As for many families in Northern Ireland, justice is long overdue. In 2007, 'The Guardian' said this of Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness's call for the public to cooperate with the police on the matter:”
“When the same IMC report stated that Provisional IRA members were involved in the murder, it seems absurd for Sinn Féin seriously to contend that no one in its organisation knows who is responsible. To make things worse for the family, Sinn Féin representatives, as we know in this debate, have branded Paul Quinn a criminal. Only a court can make such a judgement about a person, not murderers and not thugs, so it would be better for Sinn Féin to channel its energy into ensuring that all its members who have information give that information to the police. <BR /> <BR />I must say that it appears that Sinn Féin has a track record for trying to blacken the name of anyone who may cause its organisation embarrassment or raise difficult questions in or about that organisation.”
“However, sadly, a question hangs over one party's commitment to pursuing justice in this case. Calls to go to the police with information seem petty, hollow and meaningless when the majority of people think that someone in Sinn Féin must know who is responsible. Interestingly, the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) report in May 2008, right before discussing the Paul Quinn murder stated:”
“From the outset, I wish to express my sympathy and that of the Alliance Party to the family and friends of Paul Quinn and our admiration for the bravery and courage that they have shown in the face of the despicable murder of a son and loved one and everything that has followed. I commend them for calling on anyone with information to give it to the police so that due process may be followed and justice done. Justice is what this family, like many other families in Northern Ireland, seek, and justice is what they deserve.”
“Does describing another party's proposals as toilet paper mean that the DUP has written off any chance of agreement in the current talks?”
“I join with others to clearly condemn the threats made against Mr Campbell today.”
“<BR /> <BR />In my opinion — I believe that this is backed by recent reports — while the majority of those who care for older people do an outstanding job, we could do a lot more with regard to robust oversight and protection to ensure the best care for them when they come to the time of life when they, in turn, need to be cared for. That would be one way of recognising the positive contribution that they make by saying this: you have served our society, and now we will serve you by ensuring that your last years are spent in comfort, peace and dignity.”
“We must ask ourselves how we recognise the positive contribution of older people. It is often said that a way of measuring a society is by looking at how it treats its older people. The reality is that the day will come when, after all those years of paying taxes, volunteering and caring for others, many older people will themselves come to depend on the state to reciprocate with quality community transport, access to community services and perhaps even excellent nursing and health care. I have taken a particular interest in the latter that is in part due to the failings of facilities in my constituency. I must say that we have been found wanting at times in the care of older people in this community.”
“I do not want to bore people with the facts and figures that we have already gone through, but there are perhaps one or two things that I would like to say by way of conclusion. We have referred to all the things that people do. I would like to highlight in particular the volunteers who work hard in community organisations across the Province. Churches perhaps are neglected when it comes to that reference. There is not a church in Northern Ireland that could operate in the way in which it does or make a contribution to communities, towns and villages across Northern Ireland if it were not for the contribution of older people. <BR /> <BR />We know the amount of money that older people can put back into the community. That is very important. <BR /> <BR />The report asks us to appreciate age.”
“Many get involved in campaigns, such as saving local libraries and things like that, because, very often, they are the backbone of the community. <BR /> <BR />The Minister also made an interesting reference to those who are in isolation, particularly ethnic minorities. As people who come from an ethnic minority continue to live in Northern Ireland, they will also grow old with us here. We have to make special provision and note how people from an ethnic minority background should be looked after and cared for in our community and that they, too, have a contribution to make to society in Northern Ireland. I watched the Commissioner for Older People's video and the contribution that was made by one particular gentleman. <BR /> <BR />I thank everyone who has contributed to the debate tonight.”
“<BR /> <BR />The junior Ministers are both present, with Jennifer McCann speaking today. They welcomed the report. They noted that the role of Commissioner for Older People had been brought into existence by the Assembly and the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. She cited it as an important role that was brought into being by the Assembly and delivers for older people in the community, which, I think, has to be described as a positive step forward among the many things that we do not see as very positive in the Chamber. Again, she referred to all the activities that older people do to contribute to our community and to various organisations across the community, particularly in supporting local services.”
“Sydney Anderson fessed up to being in the over-60 club with some of us. He also welcomed the report and told us that it had much to offer. He referenced the key figure of the £25 billion contribution that it made to tackling negative perceptions. <BR /> <BR />Chris Lyttle commended the commissioner's report to us as well, particularly the benefits of an ageing workforce and the importance of how we focus, quite often, on young people being unemployed rather than the employment pressures on those who are 50-plus who perhaps have not been reskilled to meet the needs of a growing workforce and of encouraging employers to ensure that they value older workers. He also referred to the value of volunteers, as many have done. He mentioned in particular the work of people like Kinship Care and their contribution to society.”
“However, some of us do not see our work careers as being over for a very long time yet.”
“<BR /> <BR />Bronwyn McGahan told us that the report reframed the debate on the value of older people and how we should invest in them. She said that communities should be great places to grow old in, and I thought that that was a very important comment for the Assembly to make: every corner of Northern Ireland should be a place in which people should be valued in growing older. <BR /> <BR />Jo-Anne Dobson referred to the value of people who volunteer in a whole range of styles and activities and with a raft of organisations across the community. She referred to those of us who might be described as baby boomers, perhaps better educated than the previous generation, and the positive impact that we, they and older people can make to this society in giving back some of our life and work experiences.”
“I do not know whether he remembers, but I remembering seeing a short news piece, probably on the BBC, which interviewed a number of the older volunteers who were acting as city guides during the City of Culture events. What stuck in my mind was their positivity and eagerness and their delight that somebody had recognised that there was value in the job that they were doing as volunteers. <BR /> <BR />Peter Weir definitely dug a very deep hole, certainly with Jo-Anne Dobson at least, if not with a few others in the Chamber. He mentioned the cross-party support for the motion and for the positive contribution that older people make. He specifically mentioned the facts and figures contained in the report, as did others. He particularly made reference to the need for respect for those who are of an older age.”
“I suppose that I need to declare an interest as well: I know that none of you can imagine that I am actually over 60, but, as the motion makes reference to it, indeed I am. I am living proof that you can look a lot younger. <BR /> <BR />This has been a very positive and welcome debate. I will briefly run through the contribution of all Members who spoke. Pat Ramsey reminded us at the beginning, as has just been referenced, that this is an all-party motion and that it is important that the voices of older people be heard and celebrated and that their contribution be noted. That could be through volunteering, and he made particular reference to volunteers at the City of Culture.”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, while the Bill is undoubtedly a necessary response to changes that have already been made at Westminster and our changing society, I believe that it will require detailed scrutiny. We have heard many comments around the Chamber about how that can and should be scrutinised, and I look forward to dealing with those matters further in Committee.”
“The impact of spousal bereavement can be particularly acute in the months immediately following loss. It is a time when people definitely do not need the stress of worrying about how to negotiate the welfare system or how their other benefits may be affected. Therefore, I welcome the simplification of the payments and the fact that they will no longer affect other benefits. I am, however, concerned that whilst the initial support up front may be there, money to keep supporting families longer term through, for example, the widowed parent's allowance, will disappear. Perhaps the Minister will comment on that. What steps will he take to mitigate the worst effects for families who will require support until their children are no longer dependent?”
“Evidence shows that the average number of jobs that people have in their lifetime is increasing. It is, therefore, important that we make adequate provision to reduce the number of dormant pension pots and make it easier for people to keep track of their pension savings. Perhaps it would be more useful than the tax statements that people have received recently from the Inland Revenue, telling us how much we have to spend on various other things but reminding us that we have small pension pots and encouraging people to make sure that they are all joined up and that they get the benefit of the larger investment. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome the introduction of the new bereavement support payment. Many, if not all, of us will know someone who has been affected by a bereavement and the considerable associated costs.”
“The Office for Budget Responsibility expects spending on state pensions to rise by 5·5% of GDP in 2018 to 7·9% in 2063, which is a year that I probably do not expect to see, but I need to stand here today planning for people's futures in respect of that. I really do not think that I will be here at that stage, but it is important for those of us who are closer to retirement — like Mr Brady, I declare an interest; I am not at pension age yet, but I am getting there — that we do not leave our younger generations with a financially unsustainable system. That is one of the key elements of what we are trying to do in the new Bill. <BR /> <BR />I particularly welcome the changes that allow for more flexibility in the transferring of small pension pots between employers.”
“Nevertheless, life expectancy is perhaps substantially longer than it was when many of us started our employable years, and certainly when I did. <BR /> <BR />The Pensions Act 2008 provided for an increase to 67 by 2034-36, but since the projections used to calculate that timetable were published, the predicted average life expectancy and state pension age in 2027 has increased by a year and a half, or thereabouts, for men and women. <BR /> <BR />So, we need to be mindful of sustainability. Those are important issues, and we have heard in the last few days continued concerns about our economic recovery.”
“Thank you, Minister and Members who have contributed to the debate so far. Undoubtedly, changes need to be made to our pension system, not least because of our requirement to keep parity with the Pensions Act that became law earlier this year but also because of our ageing society and the need for a sustainable approach to the future for those whom we owe a pension. <BR /> <BR />There are changes to the state pension age, and the reality is that life expectancy is also increasing. We need to try to maintain the proportion of life that is spent in retirement. I have heard the arguments for those who feel that the nature of their employment does not permit them to work to the new pension ages that are being proposed, and I will be interested to hear those arguments worked out in the Committee.”
“I have one further question on north Belfast. It is in relation to the type of housing that is regularly allocated, and I have particular concerns, having received representations from those who are housed in inappropriate flats where families are expected to be housed in flats with little or no outdoor play or other facilities. What action will the Minister take to move that issue on as well?”
“Minister, thank you for your answer and your commitment to ensuring the protection of front-line services. Will you confirm to the House that, despite the ring-fending of certain DOJ budgets, the reality of the effect of those budgets up to now is that your Department has suffered the highest cuts of any Department?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Given the shocking information that you have given us about the inability to invest in young people's futures and job prospects, what steps will you take to mitigate the impact of that for as many young people as possible?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer so far. Can you explain to the House what actions you intend to take to ensure that that range of significant cultural and sporting activities that have been taking place will not be lost to the economy and to Northern Ireland as a result of changes in the budget?”
“Thank you, Minister. Do you not recognise that failed Sinn Féin public sector financial policies have led to the impasse and will lead to students not getting places in universities and colleges to deliver in the food and agriculture sector in Northern Ireland, which is one the of the vital aspects of life in this community that contributes to our economy? Perhaps you can explain to the House why that is.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. I trust that you subscribe to concerns about climate change, unlike others who do not seem to understand that it is a reality. What actions are you taking to mitigate the worst excesses of climate change and plan for the future so that flooding can and will be alleviated in those areas that you have responsibility for, not only in East Antrim but across Northern Ireland?”
“— who will ask, after this debate, why the SDLP is acting so unreasonably and not picking up on what has been offered to defend all our citizens, which is the introduction of the NCA.”
“I would have except that the Speaker has only given me one minute and I need to finish this. <BR /> <BR />It is looking like a deliberate plan to oppose the NCA and its operation in Northern Ireland in all circumstances. Members now need to show maturity and recognise the significant package that is on offer. I encourage Mr Maginness and others to weigh up what is now being offered. You are not going to cross every t and dot every last i when it comes to this. What is on your shopping list is not necessarily on everybody else's shopping list. There are many in the community —”
“I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Campbell. Indeed, it is increasingly looking like a deliberate plan to oppose the NCA in all circumstances rather than to accept —”
“There is more accountability here than in any other part of the United Kingdom.”
“You cannot have everything and you will not get everything, but the time has come to accept that what is on offer is not only the best for all the citizens in Northern Ireland but substantially more than in many other regions in the rest of the United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />Let us be absolutely clear what has been offered. The NCA cannot use constabulary powers without the approval of the Chief Constable. The director general can be called to attend the Policing Board, making him answerable on how its annual plan is to be implemented, taking account of the Northern Ireland policing plan. The Police Ombudsman's remit will cover all functions of the NCA, and the Criminal Justice Inspection's role will be extended. It is therefore nonsensical for parties to suggest that there is lack of accountability.”
“You are effectively making us pay for things that other people in the rest of the United Kingdom are having paid for them through the NCA. There is a serious and urgent need for a solution. <BR /> <BR />While it appears to me at least that Sinn Féin is beyond the pale in this debate, it is disappointing that the SDLP has still not been able to come up to the mark when it comes to acknowledging what has been done and what has been achieved since the agency came into force in 2013. They have fears and concerns, but I believe that they have been addressed and that now is the time to accept that they have been addressed.”