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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“<BR /> <BR />In my constituency of Mid Ulster, I know of many households that had converted to oil a number of years ago but have since reinstated the open fires and back boilers. That is not due to personal preference but simply because it is practical, affordable and fuel can be bought in small amounts as needed, making it easier on the budget. For many, that is the only viable option in the current economic climate. The price of oil has risen significantly over recent years, gas infrastructure is not widely established and reliance on electric sources can leave people without heat during power cuts. <BR /> <BR />Smokeless manufactured fuels certainly have a role to play, but, like everything, their quality and environmental credentials vary.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I congratulate you on your position as Speaker of the House. <BR /> <BR />Cathal and Mr Eastwood already covered lots of stuff that I am going to say, and what I have to say is very similar. However, I want to carry on and present for the record what I prepared earlier. <BR /> <BR />While the recent weather conditions no doubt make coal as an alternative heat source a very topical debate, voting on the issue without having had sight of the final report being prepared by the North/South Ministerial Council seems somewhat premature. There are many factors to be taken into consideration, not least, as the motion points out, the impact on those experiencing fuel poverty. In the North of Ireland, 43·7% of households were reported to be in fuel poverty in 2014, making it the highest percentage in Europe.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a freagra go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for her answer thus far. How can the Minister support low and volatile incomes on LFA beef and sheep farms?”
“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. That is good news. I was afraid that there was a bit of slippage from an earlier date that had been given. So, well done. Will the Minister provide an assurance that his Department will do everything possible to make sure that the project remains on course and that deadlines are met, etc?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a freagraí go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for her answer. What is the exact time frame for this relocation?”
“What makes sense is protecting people from a further rise in food costs as a direct result of a regressive and poorly planned levy directed from Westminster. What makes sense is ensuring that there is free movement throughout the island. What makes sense is exempting local roads from the HGV levy. <BR /> <BR />We need to work together to lay strong foundations for a new era of economic development and sustainable recovery. The opportunities from integration and the transforming of the island economy are great. Ensuring that the levy does not disrupt cross-border trade in this, an already fragile economy, is crucial. That is why I ask you to support us in rejecting this regressive charge.”
“Cooperation threatens no one, and economic cooperation is vital to stimulate growth. More can be achieved through collaboration and integration than competition. We should be developing island-wide transport infrastructure, not dividing it. <BR /> <BR />The levy is one of several regressive steps, alongside the lack of progress on the Narrow Water bridge and the A5. There are no advantages for an island of 6·5 million people on the edge of Europe with two separate tax regimes, two currencies, two legal systems and two severed economies. What makes sense is harmonising, cooperation and mutual benefits. What makes sense is maximising the return of the island economy for the local economy.”
“We are already experiencing a cost of living crisis. Our food and petrol prices are higher than elsewhere. Daily disposable income does not even cover the cost of a return train ticket from Portadown to Belfast or Belfast to Derry. It is time to focus on building, not dividing, the island economy for the benefit of all citizens. <BR /> <BR />I know, Minister, that you did make representations to Westminster that, unfortunately, fell on deaf ears. I repeat that it makes no sense to split the island economy. In the context of Europe, there is scope for us to collectively present the argument that our unique circumstances on the island of Ireland should be considered. We know that North/South cooperation works, whether it relates to the economy, health or education.”
“The British Government can, through an affirmative order, exclude roads from the levy, and should do so in recognition of the unique situation that exists here on the island of Ireland. The inclusion of the North will have only a marginal impact on the British Treasury but a detrimental effect on local businesses. <BR /> <BR />Our border areas face significant challenges. There are high rates of unemployment and higher rates of deprivation. Crucially, SMEs along the border perform better at exporting than other local businesses. Those businesses are heavily reliant on border trade to survive. The HGV levy would result in increased costs for those businesses, which would destabilise and even close some small businesses. In circumstances where the costs can be borne by the business, it is the consumer who will ultimately pay.”
“That means ensuring that there are no added impediments to that growth, and the HGV levy, as it stands, is an impediment. All HGVs crossing the border into the North are liable to pay a levy of up to £10. That could drastically lower the potential of our SMEs to compete in the island market, particularly in the agrifood sector, which is our fastest growing sector, North and South. <BR /> <BR />We have a choice to make. We can choose to reject the secondary legislation and collectively call on the British Government to exempt all roads from the levy.”
“The levy is yet another example of a destructive barrier to cross-border movement and trade. Despite the interconnections and the interdependence of the economies North and South, there has been limited focus on promoting island-wide growth and recovery. <BR /> <BR />Island-wide trade has yet to reach its full potential. Immediate action is required to address the state of the economy in the border region, which has been particularly disadvantaged by the historical legacy of the border. Far from being a minor issue, the implementation of the aggressive HGV levy acts as a barrier to building the island economy in a mutually beneficial way. <BR /> <BR />If we are to maximise the return of the island economy, we must maximise economic growth.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Príomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I speak in favour of the motions. <BR /> <BR />It is time to build — not split — an island economy. In these difficult economic times, we must ensure that every opportunity is taken to grow the local economy. The levy runs counter to that and will have a negative impact that will be felt not just by hauliers but by local businesses and, ultimately, the consumer. The regressive HGV levy serves only to further split the island economically at a time when the focus should be on rebuilding, realigning and repairing it. <BR /> <BR />Cross-border movement in Ireland, North and South, is already affected by different levies for vehicle registration tax, differences in direct and indirect tax rates, eligibility for tax credits, differences in tax years and housing costs.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas don Aire go dtí seo. In light of the Minister's answer, what training or support is available to boards of governors so that their actions can have a positive influence on school communities?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a freagraí go dtí seo. Does the Minister agree that it is vital that sports and cultural events are supported, as they are vital to the local economy and a key factor in attracting tourism?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. How does the Minister prioritise funding for flood alleviation projects?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answer. Has there been any cross-party agreement on the terms of reference for the research?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. In the independent assessment, what is the time frame for the implementation of the recommendations?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas don Aire go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for her answer thus far. Will she provide an update on the rural White Paper action plan?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas don Aire go dtí seo. I thank Minister for his answer. Do you see a role for the voluntary and community sectors in helping to design and manage these structural changes?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. We are back to local government again, which I am sure that you are glad to hear.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I hear what the Minister says about branding, but will he look at this again from the point of view that this is consistent with the European Charter for the protection and promotion of languages?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answer thus far. In light of what you have said, would you consider legislative changes as part of the forthcoming Bill on employment law? I take from your answer that you would not.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Will the scheme contain support for traditional breeds of cattle?”