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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“Additionally, we have to recognise, continue to lobby for and bring forward initiatives that will help to alleviate the current crisis as quickly as possible. Therefore I support the motion and the amendment.”
“That work included a list of engagements with the industry and political stakeholders, and she highlighted our exposure to the global market, high dependency on exports, poor exchange rates, extreme market conditions and price volatility. She also highlighted practical initiatives at a local level and put forward the case for an examination of the intervention system and, crucially, for fighting for additional EU support. <BR /> <BR />There is a real concern that the proposed €500 million will not stretch across 28 member states in a meaningful way. Out of that, €36 million has to be divided between the North, England, Scotland and Wales, so it is crucial that we continue to fight for the lion's share in line with the unique difficulties that are faced here.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on the current crisis within the agriculture industry. I welcome the fact that the motion recognises that it affects all the sectors, not just the dairy sector. The fall in prices and the impact that that is having on farm families and the wider economy has been well documented. I do not want to repeat all that has been said by Members who have already spoken, but I acknowledge the difficulties and challenges that are faced across the sector. I also acknowledge the work that the Minister has done to date, much of which she outlined in her statement to the House last week.”
“Whilst agreement has still to be reached on a preferred methodology, there is widespread consensus among interested rural groups that the current system is not accurately measuring poverty and deprivation in rural areas. I join my party colleagues in calling on the Minister of Finance and Personnel to bring forward the review as a matter of urgency.”
“<BR /> <BR />Despite explanations from NISRA in relation to how the MDM figures should be read in a rural context, that does not appear to be the reality. There is perhaps a lack of understanding in Departments and the public sector about the guidance for rural areas, but that could be remedied by moving forward with the review and changing the method of capturing and presenting data. The MDM statistics are regularly used when addressing social need. Therefore, if we are to tackle poverty and disadvantage effectively, we need to look at how it is measured. <BR /> <BR />I am encouraged by the work of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development to date and the acknowledgement from NISRA when it completed the 2010 review that further work needed to be undertaken to identify rural deprivation.”
“That is further compounded by the fact that proximity to services is not the same as access to services. The ability to access services has huge implications for the elderly, the disabled and people on low incomes. It becomes irrelevant how far leisure centres or hospitals are if you do not have the ability to get there. <BR /> <BR />That is evidenced by the fact that no rural areas ranked in the top 10% most deprived of the 890 super output areas across the North. That was despite a survey by End Poverty Now in 2013, which estimated that 35% of children in Maghera, a small town in the constituency that I come from, are growing up in poverty and a recent claim by the Trades Union Congress that female part-time workers in Mid Ulster, a predominantly rural constituency, are the worst paid in the North.”
“As has been stated, a 2010 study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on the minimum income standard concluded that rural dwellers need to spend 10% to 20% more on everyday requirements than their urban counterparts. No allowance is made for that in the multiple deprivation measures. Additionally, those factors impact on who can avail of employment opportunities and increase the likelihood of young people emigrating or moving to urban areas. <BR /> <BR />Another concern that has been voiced is the weighting afforded to the proximity to services domain in the current methodology. The fact that there is a lower weighting of 10% means that rural areas are unlikely to feature in the top 10% or 20% of the most deprived areas across the North, which has implications for funding and anti-poverty programmes.”
“<BR /> <BR />Deprivation can come in different forms, such as a lack of access to opportunities. Rural dwellers have to travel to attend higher education, to increase their employment prospects, to access health care and to socialise. The multiple deprivation measures disproportionately focus on income level and employment as domains but do not consider the higher cost of living in the countryside. <BR /> <BR />As has been stated by Members who have spoken, a lack of public transport makes it a requirement for most rural householders to own at least one car. Added to that are the running costs and the travel time that is lost each day by getting to and from work, appointments, childcare providers and shops.”
“It is generally accepted among rural stakeholders that the methodology used for measuring deprivation does not accurately assess the extent of deprivation in rural areas. Urban and rural areas are not directly comparable. Rural areas are not populated in the same manner; rural communities are often dispersed, with affluent people and those who are less well off living side by side; the day-to-day difficulties that rural dwellers face are not the same as those faced by those who live in urban settings; and the level and depth of poverty are not as easily identified. Rural dwellers are also not as likely to take up benefit entitlements, and farmers, in particular, often have no access to benefits due to having family land or buildings despite having no or little income.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I begin by acknowledging the work that the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has conducted to date as part of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Inclusion (TRPSI) review. I found the presentations and discussions that followed very informative indeed. I also record my thanks to the research team for preparing the pack in preparation for the debate.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I also welcome the statement and thank the Minister for presenting it to us this afternoon. How beneficial will the Commission's focus on tackling the supply chain challenges be for the local industry?”
“Only time will tell whether the provision will be effective, but I am in favour of giving it the best possible chance, and I look forward to the further discussions at the next stage of the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />Additionally, the amendment effectively creates a curfew, and I am concerned that it would unwittingly add to the potential for accidents during the peak hour. For example, unforeseen circumstances such as delays in the starting time of an event or unexpected road closures could lead to young, inexperienced drivers trying to beat the clock to get home or even having to abandon their passengers altogether to prevent them breaking the law. The passenger restriction will apply only for the first six months, and only when a driver over 21 and who has been in possession of a full licence for at least three years is not present. I do not believe that that time-limited restriction will prevent young people accessing their place of education or social or sporting events.”
“Although I recognise the spirit of amendment No 12 and its attempt to alleviate the difficulty or inconvenience that may be caused to young people driving to and from sporting activities, places of education or church, we have to keep at the forefront of our mind that the purpose of the passenger restriction proposal is to improve road safety and hopefully save lives. Statistics show that, between 2009 and 2013, 17- to 24-year-olds were deemed responsible for 83% of passengers aged between 14 and 20 killed on our roads. Of the 83%, 63% of the accidents happened during the time frame that the amendment proposes making exempt from the peak hour, which is 9.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Those are very stark figures and cannot be ignored.”
“The number of accidents and deaths on the roads means that it has been necessary to look very closely at learners and new drivers as a target group, because it is important to give new drivers the opportunity to gain maturity and experience on all roads, in all weathers and at all times of day and night. To that end, I am able, at this stage, to support all the amendments in group 2, with the exception of amendment No 12, which seeks to provide an exemption to the passenger restriction element of the Bill.”
“Like the Members who have spoken before me, I convey my appreciation to the Committee staff, the departmental officials and all those who responded to the consultation and surveys and provided opinions and rationale that have assisted and informed the Committee to date. In scrutinising the legislation, I feel that the Committee was robust in ensuring that a common-sense approach prevailed and that any proposed changes are practical, workable and not unreasonable.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I agree with the view expressed across the way on the Minister's willingness to allow time to consider further the amendment proposed by Mrs Overend. It is important to get everything right if it is not already right and to have unity in the Chamber on all these matters, because we have the best interests of young people across the board at heart.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as na freagraí a thug sé go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his very detailed answer thus far. Do he and his Department work to a specific definition of cumulative impact in relation to wind turbines and saturation levels in particular areas?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagra go dtí seo. How many teachers are in our schools now as opposed to three years ago due to reductions in budgets over recent years?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Was the Minister aware that the chair of the safety technical group felt that the Casement Park project had what have been described as showstopping safety concerns? Will she tell us what opportunities he and Sport NI staff and board members had to bring any serious concerns to her attention?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as a freagra go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for her answer thus far. <BR /> <BR />Following the recent visit by the Committee for Finance and Personnel to Scotland, it was widely perceived that the Scottish Executive have a much more robust approach to dealing with the Treasury in London than the Department here has. Does the Minister believe that it is time to step up her demands for a fair deal from London?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Does the Minister have any intention to widen even further the prioritisation criteria for preschool admissions to the working poor?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as na freagraí go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answer thus far. Is his Department aware of or even exploring international best practice on how such barriers to employment can be overcome?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Can the Minister outline how the new liaison role with NICVA, as remitted by the Executive, will work in practice?”
“<BR /> <BR />The proposed financial assistance package will enable managers to undertake the first inspection process or, if that is already completed, other initial works, after which phase 2 of the Bill can be enacted. That approach simply makes good sense, and I hope that it goes some way in addressing the understandable concerns raised by owners. The phased commencement is the sensible and practical way forward, and I give it my full support. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Committee for its cooperation and sensible approach to the Bill. All political parties were of one mind to a large extent.”
“The review gave us a better understanding of the reservoirs that needed to be included. Originally, there were 151, but 14 had already been found to be outside the scope of the Bill. Potentially, another six or seven will be excluded. Ownership has now been established in all but one or two cases. However, the Committee formed the opinion that a full audit of remaining reservoirs was not only necessary but vital before moving forward. I commend the Minister and her Department for accepting the amendment, which now allows for an assessment of the condition of each reservoir as well as the projected cost of any maintenance or repair work that may be required to bring a reservoir up to an acceptable standard.”
“With this in mind, the Committee had no difficulty in supporting the principle of the Bill, but we quite rightly had a number of concerns that needed to be addressed before we were content to proceed. In our opinion, the initial evidence was not substantial enough to prove the need for the Bill. Much of it was anecdotal and lacked factual information.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I will speak on the group 4 amendments on phased commencement and audit. Like Members before me, I convey my appreciation to the Committee Clerk, Stella, and staff, departmental officials and Rivers Agency representatives, who were always very helpful and informative, and the various stakeholders who made representation to the Committee. Their on-the-ground experience brings practicality to the theory. The Reservoirs Bill is, first and foremost, about protecting lives and property, as well as the potential impact on the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity, should a dam burst unexpectedly.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answer. Given that he has stated that the regeneration of Magherafelt town centre is an ongoing commitment of his Department, can he outline what impact the substantial cut will have on future progress in that regard?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra a thug sé. I thank the Minister for his detailed answer. How many councils accepted or declined the car park handover, or were even undecided?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answer. I appreciate that this does not affect just my constituency; it happens across the whole of the North. It is reassuring to hear the Minister state that he will take a look at this. If a review is needed, I ask that it is done as quickly as possible because of the stress that it causes to the families concerned.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas don Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo. Minister, you say that there are concerns from other groups. Will you express to us what those concerns are? As you said, it has been going on since the 1930s and there was no regulation put in place, so why now?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle, mo bhuíochas leis an Aire go dtí seo. Thanks, Deputy Speaker, and I thank the Minister for his answer thus far. Minister, do you propose to set a threshold for single wind turbines in, say, each council area, or what means do you imagine you will set to control, if you like, the blight of single wind turbines in the countryside?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as a freagraí go dtí seo. Thank you, Minister. Do you believe that that development will result in more really well paid jobs?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as na freagraí a thug sí go dtí seo. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and I thank the Minister for her answer thus far. She recently visited the Cornstore Creative Hub. What support will that project, and the Seamus Heaney Centre in Bellaghy, receive from DCAL?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. When does the Minister anticipate the new programme opening?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagra go dtí seo. Thank you for your answer thus far. Will the commencement of the new Magherafelt bypass have any impact on your plans for the regeneration of the town?”
“<BR /> <BR />While it is right that DARD takes the lead on rural issues and provides the necessary guidance and support, it will be fully effective only when a joined-up approach is taken. I, therefore, support the recommendation that the Department engage proactively with the new councils to ensure that they are active and vigorous in taking rural issues into account in the development of policy and the delivery of services in rural and farming communities, as well as working effectively with the groups and organisations that have been successfully involved in delivering the TRPSI framework. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I commend our Minister for her commitment in prioritising this area of work and driving this important work forward.”
“The new model of LEADER, with its wider local action group membership, will assist in involving a greater number of people, which I hope will ensure that the platform for raising concerns and providing new opportunities to tackle rural poverty and isolation will be as broad as possible. I believe that the councils themselves are well placed to identify areas where resources need to be targeted, but, as was suggested during the review, there will be a limited budget. To make a little go a long way, it will be imperative to match need to funding priorities and to work in partnership with all agencies and Departments, as well as voluntary and community groups, to share responsibility and best practice and to prevent duplication.”
“For my contribution, I want to focus on the formation of the new super-councils, the role that they will play in delivering this framework and the Committee's recommendation about them. It came as no surprise to me that the demand for information and involvement in LEADER and the local community plans exceeded expectations in the rural constituency of Mid Ulster. As a native and a representative of the area, I am only too aware of how widely dispersed the population is and how the issues and, indeed, the solutions can differ from one part of the constituency to another. <BR /> <BR />While it is important that expectations are managed for what is achievable, I am delighted that so many people came forward, presented their thoughts and ideas and expressed their willingness to play a role in shaping the priorities for local government.”
“We have the changing nature of the difficulties facing our rural communities as a whole but particularly those impacted by poverty and isolation. For example, to name but a few, unemployment, emigration, severe weather, the added risk of stress for the growing number of lone workers on our farms and changes to public services adversely affect our rural communities. That is why it is important to take stock every so often, consult individuals and stakeholders and make recommendations such as those that the Committee is making today.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I will also speak in favour of the motion. Like Members who have spoken before me, I thank our Clerk, Stella, and the Committee staff for their sterling work on this important subject. Indeed, I thank all those who took the time to contribute in any way to the review. Their experience, assessment and input have been essential in evaluating the current programme. They have identified not just the successes, of which there have been many, but the challenges that need to be addressed. <BR /> <BR />Those challenges come in many forms. As outlined, we discussed how information could be shared, recorded and interpreted so that it could be used to best effect in the future.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answer and for his determination in producing the Bill and bringing it to a conclusion. How will the Minister address the concerns that the legislation leaves out the under-16s?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagraí go dtí seo. What shared campus integrated projects are being taken forward in planning?”
“Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as na freagraí a thug sí dúinn go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for her answer. Will young farmers also qualify for support under the proposed farm business improvement schemes?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. What steps are being taken to ensure that the concerns of staff are addressed as the process moves on?”
“If a ban on certain types of coal were to be proposed, would it be based on the population of an area or in places where air quality is poor or would it be an outright ban across the North? What measures would the Minister bring forward to alleviate the fears and concerns of households that depend on that source, and how would he propose to mitigate any negative impact of such a decision? <BR /> <BR />Until we have all the information before us, and until we have seen the final report of the North/South Ministerial Council, all we can do is merely speculate. Therefore, I feel that I cannot support the motion and will reserve judgement until I can make a fully informed decision.”
“We are dealing with the motion that is before us tonight. That report is incomplete. <BR /> <BR />In areas deemed smokeless zones, the air quality has improved, and positive health impacts are backed up by the studies around the world, not just in Ireland. Legislation of this kind therefore warrants consideration. Where there are environmental and health benefits, it is our duty to work towards them. It would be unthinkable not to do so. Equally, if the health of people who cannot afford alternatives will be impacted, solutions have to be found before any change could be considered. <BR /> <BR />In short, there are still too many questions on which there is limited information, and there is no proposed legislation before us to focus the debate.”
“First of all, I am not supporting a ban, because we are waiting on further reports, as was articulated earlier this evening.”
“While they may burn for longer, they are generally more expensive than coal and are not always compatible with the traditional fireplace. That means that, for some people, switchover would involve a greater cost than just the fuel. <BR /> <BR />That said, air pollution remains a problem and a responsibility for us all. There are targets to be met, but of more importance is the effect on human health, particularly for those suffering from conditions such as lung cancer and asthma. While I recognise that the burning of coal is not the only cause of poor air quality, current available evidence shows that it is a significant factor, and smoky coal, as it is commonly known, is the most pollutant coal for particulate matter PM10 and PM2·5 and is very high for PAH emissions.”