Ian Milne
Mid Ulster · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Buíochas fosta don Aire as na freagraí a thug sé go dtí seo. Ba mhaith liom a rá fosta — b'fhéidir gurb é seo an Tráth na gCeist deireannach sa Tionól seo — go ndearna an tAire jab maith, agus sílim go mbeidh tú arais arís anseo. What steps has your Department taken to promote tax cut compliance in government contracts?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this very important motion. While noting the concerns expressed by those who tabled the motion about the level of stigma experienced by people living with HIV, I put on record my support for any new campaign that promotes awareness and prevention and, more importantly, that is tailore…”
“We also need to support those people in our community who are living with HIV on quality-of-life issues, including social protection and positive mental health. <BR /> <BR />We must not understate the importance of testing for HIV to ensure an early diagnosis.”
“Sixty-eight per cent of respondents from the North of Ireland who contributed to the 2015 HIV stigma index stated that they had a negative self-image, so it is most important that we create an effective public awareness campaign in an effort to tackle the misconceptions around HIV. I support the motion.”
“In particular, the Minister needs to take account of the rural nature of the constituency. <BR /> <BR />The closure of the local offices will not only remove an essential service from the town but will reduce the already limited number of public-sector jobs in the mid-Ulster area.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin, as you heard, has conducted a number of meetings with the Minister for Communities, NIPSA and staff members about the issue, given the impact not only on Magherafelt, Cookstown and Dungannon but right across the North.”
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“Agus mo bhuíochas leis an Aire fosta as a freagraí go dtí seo. Will the Minister update us on any progress made in learning disability services in the Western Trust?”
“Buíochas fosta don Aire as na freagraí a thug sé go dtí seo. Ba mhaith liom a rá fosta — b'fhéidir gurb é seo an Tráth na gCeist deireannach sa Tionól seo — go ndearna an tAire jab maith, agus sílim go mbeidh tú arais arís anseo. What steps has your Department taken to promote tax cut compliance in government contracts?”
“Sixty-eight per cent of respondents from the North of Ireland who contributed to the 2015 HIV stigma index stated that they had a negative self-image, so it is most important that we create an effective public awareness campaign in an effort to tackle the misconceptions around HIV. I support the motion.”
“We also need to support those people in our community who are living with HIV on quality-of-life issues, including social protection and positive mental health. <BR /> <BR />We must not understate the importance of testing for HIV to ensure an early diagnosis. As stated by the Public Health Agency, people respond better to treatment when they are diagnosed at an early stage of disease. The agency also stated that knowing your HIV status is the key to effective treatment and the prevention of onward transmission. HIV stigma is a key obstacle to HIV treatment, prevention and support.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this very important motion. While noting the concerns expressed by those who tabled the motion about the level of stigma experienced by people living with HIV, I put on record my support for any new campaign that promotes awareness and prevention and, more importantly, that is tailored to our local needs. I also commend the good work being carried out in this field by organisations such as Positive Life and Rainbow. <BR /> <BR />It is important that we place on record our support to show that we care for people living with HIV. Making all efforts towards the development and improvement of the service to help people living with HIV is part of this. How we organise our health service matters, including how we better resource HIV prevention.”
“What impact is the current Be Cancer Aware campaign having?”
“<BR /> <BR />I conclude by urging the Minister to listen to the concerns raised about the proposal and seek an alternative solution that would see the retention of the jobs and benefits service. I would also say to the Minister that this is not just a lobby from individuals; it is coming from Mid Ulster District Council, which I imagine is one of the biggest types of lobbyist the Minister will ever face.”
“<BR /> <BR />The closure will also create challenges for claimants. People already suffering financially will be forced to travel further to seek welfare advice, and those without personal transport will struggle to adhere to appointment times. I have no doubt that the move towards a telephone and digital service will not be without its problems, particularly given the limited access to broadband and the patchy mobile signal that is experienced in many areas of Mid Ulster. I suggest that the requirement for face-to-face contact is set to increase rather than decrease as the changes come into effect. I call on the Minister to ensure that that need is met.”
“In particular, the Minister needs to take account of the rural nature of the constituency. <BR /> <BR />The closure of the local offices will not only remove an essential service from the town but will reduce the already limited number of public-sector jobs in the mid-Ulster area. For many years, people from Mid Ulster have had to travel considerable distances to take up posts in the public sector and absorb the associated travel costs and impact on family life. Transfers have been long-awaited and hard-fought for, so it is disappointing to see that rural areas are to be at the forefront of the Minister's proposals. Despite the Department's indications that the proposals would have no differential impact on any section 75 categories, it is a fact that just over 88% of the staff who will be affected are women.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin, as you heard, has conducted a number of meetings with the Minister for Communities, NIPSA and staff members about the issue, given the impact not only on Magherafelt, Cookstown and Dungannon but right across the North. We are all aware that we are entering a period of significant change in the welfare system, and the reorganisation that runs alongside that has created a lot of uncertainty and concern for all social security staff. It is most keenly felt in areas facing potential closure. We are also familiar with the response coming from the Department regarding efficiencies and the building restrictions associated with Cookstown. While we acknowledge those points, they need to be balanced with the negative impact such a move would have for staff and claimants.”
“I thank my colleague Linda Dillon for securing the Adjournment debate. It affords us the opportunity to speak about the proposal that is out to consultation, which includes the closure of Cookstown social security office and jobcentre. As many of the issues have been discussed, I will be brief here tonight. I thank and welcome the staff, the unions and the representatives of Mid Ulster District Council who are present in the Public Gallery for the debate and those who were part of the delegation that we met earlier. I commend them for their commitment and efforts to retain this valuable front-line service.”
“Will the Minister give an update on the suicide prevention strategy?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I asked the question in the knowledge of the dire need in the Mid Ulster area among some families for such new builds. There is a long waiting list. Housing associations do not have plans to bring that about in the short term. My supplementary question is to ask you to treat this as a matter of urgency.”
“Mo bhuíochas fosta leis an Aire. Thank you, Minister. Does the Minister agree that maintaining rural roads is as important as maintaining the main network?”
“We must avoid playing politics with health. We all need to support evidence-based decisions when presented.”
“Healthcare professionals and staff across the relevant sectors are working harder than ever to deliver high-quality care and support to patients and carers, but they have to work in a health and social care system designed to meet 20th-century needs that does not work in the 21st-century world. <BR /> <BR />Changing the health system is the right thing to do, this is the right time to do it and it is much needed by service users. Change must be planned, managed and incremental. It will not happen overnight. This will take time, resources and the support of staff as well as everyone who uses the health and social care services.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our Health Minister has stated on previous occasions that the system itself is now at breaking point and facing a number of challenges, not least the demographic changes and considerable health inequities which continue to persist. It is well past the time to organise services in a way which does not constrain transformation or our ability to provide a higher-quality service. There can be no doubt that we need to support people to keep well in the first place and that, when we need care and support, services should be safe and of the highest quality. <BR /> <BR />I agree with the Minister that our focus must move from one which is based on action-based targets to one based on patient outcomes and co-production of services.”
“I thank you for the opportunity to speak on the motion and in support of the tabled amendment. I commend the Minister, Michelle O'Neill, on launching Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together, a 10-year vision to transform the North's health and social care system. As we know, this is an opportunity for a fresh start supported by the Executive and is not just the will of one Minister or Department. <BR /> <BR />Minister O'Neill's vision was compiled after considering the report, 'Systems, Not Structures: Changing Health and Social Care', by a panel of experts led by the highly esteemed Professor Rafael Bengoa — a report which has received considerable support for the need for change from vast numbers of people working in our health and social care sectors, including the BMA and AHPS, who signalled general approval.”
“Buíochas fosta leis an Aire as an ráiteas seo inniu. I thank the Minister for her statement this morning. Our community pharmacies are providing vital services every day. Can the Minister explain how she plans to utilise them better to help deliver the vision and changes that she has set out today?”
“The plan also puts a focus on the age profile of staff, the impacts of demographic changes, and a shrinking labour market. It makes a number of recommendations that it hopes will address those issues and will identify and plan for future challenges. That is the only way that we can attract, support and retain nursing staff, and it is the only way that we will deliver the healthcare that we want to see. As other Members said, we have to work together.”
“The standard that our nursing staff are trained to is amongst the best in the world, and that is something to be very proud of. In the midst of a global shortage, we must work hard to retain them. <BR /> <BR />As we move forward, workforce planning is central to addressing many of the issues facing the health service. Demand in the service has not only increased; it has changed, and so too has the method of delivery. The recent updated plan for nursing and midwifery highlights the impact of that. The move towards community-based care, an ageing population, an increase in the number of people presenting with complex needs and long-term conditions, and the move towards enhanced and specialised nurse-led care are some examples of that. All of them have brought their own pressures and challenges.”
“It is crucial that the necessary support and continual development be provided to ensure that nurses feel valued, respected and able to do their jobs professionally and effectively, and I welcome the Minister's commitment to that.”
“In the short term, however, as we heard, there are a substantial number of unfilled positions, and every effort should be made to continue to recruit staff from home and abroad to alleviate the pressures caused by the shortage. I acknowledge the nurses from, say, the Philippines and Europe and, indeed, from around the world, who have taken up work here and have made a significant contribution to the health service. They are very much appreciated and valued.”
“The challenging circumstances they work in have been well documented and rightly so, but often that can mask the many positive and rewarding aspects of the job. I was very encouraged by the figures coming from the Ulster University that show that the level of demand for a career in nursing remains extremely high. <BR /> <BR />Continuing on that note of positivity, I welcome the 15% increase in the number of preregistration training places for this year's intake announced in March by the outgoing Minister and the commitment by the current Minister, Michelle O'Neill, to continue with the nursing bursary, which has been mentioned. Added to the increased investment in the return to nursing programme, those interventions will go some way to address the legacy left by the decision to reduce investment in nurse education a number of years ago.”
“On a personal note, three years ago, my son's wife gave birth to twins who were 10 weeks premature, and I cannot praise enough the work, skill and care that the nurses in Antrim Area Hospital gave to bring those children from the point of death to being healthy boys today. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that nursing staff are the backbone of our health service. They are a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, and their contribution to providing a safe service and improving patient outcomes cannot be overestimated. They provide a high level of care and compassion to patients in the hospital environment and the community, working unsociable hours and often over and above expectations.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate on the shortage of nursing staff. It has been an ongoing problem for a number of years, as demand on health services continues to grow not just here in the North but across the world. The motion gives us the opportunity to hear at first hand what the current situation is, what impact previous measures to address the issue have had and, most importantly, what all this means in the short, medium and long term. Before I continue, I echo the comments of other Members and add my words of praise for the nursing staff and those who support them in their work.”
“Buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagra. I thank the Minister for his answer thus far. What advice would you give to clubs — GAA clubs, soccer clubs and rugby clubs — to prepare for any future funding that may become available?”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the commitment given by our Health Minister, Michelle O'Neill, to not just look at the potential of a cancer strategy but bring forward proposals to transform how health and care is delivered here in the North. Like other Members who spoke before me, I urge everyone in the Chamber to set aside party politics and work together to create a better health service with better outcomes for everyone.”
“The Minister, in her previous contribution, acknowledged that there are challenges in our health system. They are not new and have been the subject of much debate in the House for many years. They exist not just in cancer services but in waiting times across many aspects of the service. There are issues relating to budgets, workforce planning and many other areas. Long life expectancy, early detection and treatments are a credit to medical science and to all those involved in public healthcare, but there is no doubt that the additional demand — a demand that is predicted to increase — places pressure on the service.”
“They do not praise the success of awareness-raising campaigns that encourage people to seek advice and referral at the earliest possible opportunity or the significant improvement in outcomes over the last number of years.”
“We must also be careful to avoid scaremongering and adding to the anxiety by suggesting that the service is, to quote the text of the motion, experiencing an "unprecedented crisis" or is somehow unsafe. Headline-grabbing phrases such as those do nothing for the morale of the staff at the coalface who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty.”
“Many factors can contribute to extended waiting times. Some will be understandable or unavoidable, while some will be unacceptable and need to be improved on. Whatever the reasons, there can be no doubt that the waiting adds to the anxiety and stress that comes with the news that you have been red-flagged. <BR /> <BR />There are very few families untouched by cancer. Everyone understands the impact on the lives of individuals and families when cancer is thought to be a possibility. There is, quite rightly, that sense of urgency to find out whether it is or is not, and, if it is, to know exactly how serious it is and what needs to be done. <BR /> <BR />We can all agree that performance figures reported for the Southern Trust are not good enough and fall short of the targets that we all want to see achieved.”
“Many of the facts, concerns and figures have already been heard and responded to by the Minister, so I am conscious that much of the motion has already been covered.”
“I begin by recording my thanks to the research team here at the Assembly for the information pack provided in advance of today's debate. I also use this opportunity to acknowledge the work and dedication of healthcare staff, who, despite the challenges and pressures, continue to work day after day to deliver the best possible outcomes for people. They are supported in that work by organisations such as Macmillan, Marie Curie and Cancer Focus, to name a few. In my area, Charis Cancer Care does exceptional work supporting patients and their families through their cancer journey. <BR /> <BR />Just two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to discuss the Department's report, which highlighted the waiting times for first consultation and, in particular, the performance in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.”
“What is the current position with the Department's transport plans?”
“Buíochas fosta don Aire. What is the Minister's assessment of the role of Community Pharmacy in supporting the reform of the health and social care system?”
“I am well aware, however, that there will always be a gap between what needs to be done and what the budget allows for. Continued Tory austerity and the prospect of leaving the EU will have a serious impact on the funding that might be available for infrastructure projects such as those outlined. I stress the need for continued investment to support business and grow our local economy. I am confident that the Minister, given his announcements thus far, will not forget or neglect constituencies such as Mid Ulster in the manner previously seen.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, there is much still to be done. I have already brought to the Minister's attention issues such as the need, as other Members have said, for a bypass for Cookstown and Moneymore; the upgrading of the A29, which is the main corridor through Mid Ulster; and an increase in capital spend for new lighting projects.”
“I commend the Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard, for his commitment to addressing the underinvestment. He has already announced a £10 million road improvement package that will target around 1,000 rural roads across the North. We have also had confirmation that he will invest £18·8 million on road schemes in the Mid Ulster council area. That is all very welcome. Over the last few months, we have heard announcements of a £250,000 bridge strengthening and widening project at Milltown Bridge in Maghera; a £300,000 major carriageway and hard shoulder surfacing scheme on the Glenshane Road; the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling project, which is currently on hold pending the outcome of a judicial review but is long awaited by 18,000 users per day; and the A31 Magherafelt bypass scheme, which will open on Thursday.”
“The Member who spoke previously talked about waves: my experience of that road is that you would be excused for thinking that you were in a small boat on a rough and stormy sea. That is just one example of the results of years of neglect and historical underinvestment west of the Bann. The decision in the previous mandate to reduce spending on street lighting, verge cutting and maintenance on rural roads is well evidenced the length and breadth of the constituency, and it will take substantial investment to catch up again. <BR /> <BR />Like many Members, my office regularly deals with constituents' queries regarding long overdue repairs and the resultant damage to vehicles and, during the winter months, issues of lighting, gritting and flooding. Thankfully we are beginning to see progress.”
“Before I get into my prepared piece, I congratulate Keith Buchanan on his maiden speech and wish him well for his time ahead in the Assembly. I also thank him for bringing this Adjournment debate on infrastructure in Mid Ulster to the Floor. <BR /> <BR />I regularly meet local officials on matters of road maintenance and safety and want to state my appreciation of their time and effort. There can be no substitute for meeting on-site to get a proper understanding of the situation and the impact that it has. It is always refreshing when problems are approached with a can-do attitude. <BR /> <BR />Travelling daily throughout the constituency, I am well aware of the state of our road network, particularly rural roads such as the Five Mile Straight, with its collapsing verges and the large number of potholes.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. Can she give us an assessment of the level of sick leave in the Prison Service and how it impacts on front-line services?”
“While I have no doubt that patient records are maintained and kept to a high standard, a database that records additional information, or, indeed, similar information in a different format, allowing it to be compared and utilised for service planning, research and to support individual clinical care is certainly not without merit. <BR /> <BR />The motion is effective in highlighting these issues and in raising awareness of the complexity of the condition. I thank the Member across the way for proposing the motion, and I support it.”
“Epilepsy Action, in a recent paper, highlighted the value of those nurses in providing patient advice and support in managing their condition. It also pointed to the potential cost savings as a result of fewer hospital admissions and follow-up appointments with GPs and consultants. <BR /> <BR />Understanding your condition and treatment, face-to-face support, and appointments at intervals appropriate to your care needs are important elements of a patient-centred approach. From the information given, I can certainly see the advantages of that focused and well-informed service, and I commend the nurses who are fulfilling those roles. <BR /> <BR />The motion also calls for the creation of a database, or epilepsy register, that would assist in targeting provision and cover all health trusts in the North.”
“It masks the difficulty in finding the right diagnosis, and therefore the right treatment, for individuals, and the frightening and confusing experience that it is for those who are affected and those around them. Epilepsy is a serious condition that affects people of all ages. Many are born with it and others will develop it in later life, usually as a result of a stroke, brain surgery or injury. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can impact on a person's career choice, independence and ability to drive, to mention just a few. <BR /> <BR />Sufferers have a right to expect the best possible care available. Self-care, a healthy lifestyle and timely reporting are important elements of managing epilepsy, but so too is having the right support at the right time. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for:”
“I am grateful to the Member across the way for bringing the motion before the Assembly. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very important issue and also to acknowledge the work and commitment of the all-party working group, Epilepsy Action, and all those who treat and support people living with epilepsy. The role and value of those who provide care, both medical and in the home, cannot be overestimated. <BR /> <BR />When we think about epilepsy, we think about seizures, but that, to some extent, simplifies the condition. It masks the fact that there are over 40 different types of epilepsy and therefore at least 40 different types of seizure.”
“Buíochas fosta leis an Aire as na freagraí sin. Will the Minister provide us with an update on his recent meeting with the NCA?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. Will the Minister ensure that nursery-school provision for special needs schools such as Kilronan will meet the needs of children with complex needs and the needs of their families?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. Will she tell us if she has any plans to meet the banks regarding concerns raised by the farming organisations about banks taking their share of payments from farmers with no regard or consideration that they have other bills to pay to merchants etc?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Will the Minister outline his thoughts on the benefits that the bypass will give not just to the Magherafelt area but to the greater mid-Ulster area, bearing in mind, hopefully, the A6 in the future?”