Michaela Boyle
West Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister. On that first note, on behalf of my party, I, too, send sincere sympathies to the family of Austin Hunter. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you will be aware that a total of 738 women and 520 children were accommodated in refuges in 2015-16 and thousands more accessed community support.”
“<BR /> <BR />The proposal to establish a graduate entry medical school in the north-west is, as has been said, at a very early stage, but we need to build on existing support for the school to be built west of the Bann.”
“As mentioned earlier, we need more allied health professionals to work alongside our GPs, as not everyone going into a GP practice needs to see a GP. They need a physiotherapist, nurse, chiropodist or podiatrist. All of these people in primary care play an important role in reducing the pressures on GPs.”
“There is a revised induction and refresher scheme for GPs not currently practising in the North of Ireland to return to practising here. I welcome that approach, which goes some way to addressing the gaps here. I am keen to hear from the Minister on how it is progressing.”
“That, he said, was an "extraordinary assertion", because the demand for GPs is rising as people live longer. We have a successful health service, but success creates more demand, and we feel that more in the Western Trust than in any other trust area. We need to bring forward incentives for GPs and others to live and work here.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. First, I take the opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the new £50 million radiotherapy centre in the Western Trust as it opens its doors to the public for the first phase of admissions.”
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“Central to this economic development is the A5 project. I welcome the fact that Danny Kennedy recently reiterated his commitment to the A5, the A6 and the development of rail in the north-west, and he acknowledged their importance in redressing the infrastructure deficit in the region and, in turn, their importance for economic development and job creation. It is in this context that I view the Minister's signalled intention to publish the new environmental statement and the draft vesting direction orders for the A5 dual carriageway as significant progress. They are key project milestones that should happen in the next few weeks. We are positioned in the north-west corridor and gateway to Donegal. Strabane, my area, is well placed with its neighbours. Infrastructure investment is crucial, and the A5 scheme is important to all of us.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the West Tyrone constituency, Strabane represents over 50% of the unemployment figure. Strabane has suffered economically over the past years, with many well-established family businesses and shops and a number of high street shops recently closing. As recently as last week, in Strabane, we had the announcement of job losses from the closure of Xtra-vision. Recently, I discovered that, since 2007, it is estimated, throughout County Tyrone almost 10,500 people have emigrated, 2,000 of them young people from the Strabane district alone. <BR /> <BR />The north-west has been particularly hard hit with recession, job losses and emigration. There is a need for investment to tackle disadvantage and enhance the competitiveness of the region. Businesses need support, and our people need jobs.”
“I also welcome the announcement by the Finance Minister, Mr Simon Hamilton, that more money will be allocated to DEL in the final Budget. Our economy needs to have a strong university community that produces high-quality graduates and enables the economy to grow. If we are to redress the regional disparities, the Magee campus needs to be expanded. This money is an opportunity for the Minister for Employment and Learning to demonstrate his commitment to that project. Not only will the expansion of Magee benefit Derry, it will benefit students from Strabane, Castlederg, Plumbridge, Aghyaran, Donegal and the entire north-west. The expansion of Magee is a crucial part of the One Plan, which is a Programme for Government commitment. Indeed, Sinn Féin is determined to see this delivered.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I agree with many of the sentiments that have been expressed here today, but I cannot stress enough how important it is for us to increase job opportunities in the north-west to prevent the brain drain and young people being forced into emigration in search of jobs in other parts of the world. <BR /> <BR />The issue of regional economic disparities and the impact that past underinvestment continues to have on areas like the north-west needs to be a priority for the entire Executive. We need to place and sell the north-west as a priority on the basis of its need for employment. I welcome, too, the recent establishment of an Executive subgroup for the north-west.”
“We must embrace the process for change and create genuine ownership of the economy by the people.”
“The levers of fiscal and economic responsibility will enable us to put the local economy on the right footing to tackle the long-term challenges of inequality and the need to secure greater prosperity for all our people. <BR /> <BR />It is our people who are bearing the cost of the Tory economic policy through reduced wage growth. Working people are thousands of pounds worse off than they were in 2010, and there is a cost of living crisis here. Standing still and passively accepting cut upon cut from the Westminster Administration will achieve little. Fiscal devolution is not the alleged moral hazard of spending money that we do not raise. It is the ability to travel in a different direction without suffering the full financial consequences of decisions taken on public services in England.”
“With control of the tax and benefits system, we could create a fair regime for workers that builds real participation in work and removes the poverty traps. There is no point hiding behind estimations of the fiscal deficit. The only way to close the fiscal gap is to build a fiscal economy strategy for local needs, free from the scourge of Tory-driven austerity. Access to full fiscal and economic powers would allow us to use the combined powers over business investment, employment creation, taxation and welfare to secure stronger levels of economic growth, from which all the people of the North and this island could benefit.”
“Control of our seabed would allow us to fully coordinate the efforts of manufacturers, the energy industry and those involved in regulation and planning to help deliver the full benefits of a marine renewable energy revolution for the North.”
“We lack the authority over income tax and National Insurance and are constrained in our ability to use those powers to make starting and developing a business or hiring new employees that much easier. We do not have the powers to develop a progressive taxation system to ensure our economy is balanced. We cannot adjust VAT rates to support our tourism and hospitality sectors or encourage investment in repairs and maintenance, which would support the construction sector and local communities. <BR /> <BR />We do not even have any influence over the Crown Estate commissioners, who manage our seabed and foreshore, yet it is companies here in the North that are developing and investing in the technology to capture the wave and tidal power around our shores.”
“Sinn Féin is committed to transforming the life chances of our people, but Westminster wants to keep our people in their place. Our economy needs investment not cuts, but budget cuts have become the price of economic governance from Westminster. Every person struggling with the impact of poverty is a member of our society who is unable to play their full part in economic life. All this does is hold back our efforts to build a stronger and more equal economy in which all have the opportunity to flourish. <BR /> <BR />Without powers over tax, benefits and employment for the North, we can never fully balance our books, deliver employment and social welfare or grow the local economy to its full potential. We have been promised powers over corporation tax, but that is only part of the picture.”
“Full transfer of powers to our institutions makes economic sense. Politicians, businesspeople, workers and families who live here should make the decisions about our future, not a Cabinet of Tory millionaires who know nothing and care less about the challenges and day-to-day struggles of ordinary people here in the North. Do we really want to remain within the constraints of a Westminster economic and fiscal system that has short-changed us in every Budget and remain bound by the economic decisions of a Tory Administration who are locking us further into a no-growth austerity agenda? We could make the vital decisions to stimulate our local economy that would allow us to build the local economy and unleash the potential from an all-Ireland economy — an all-island economy. <BR /> <BR />Westminster promises only further poverty.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate. <BR /> <BR />We continue to face tough choices because of the sustained and persistent cuts to our Budget imposed by the Westminster Government. Those cuts have reduced the allocation of funding to our Executive, and it is in that context of reduced finances that the Executive have chosen to defend core services. <BR /> <BR />The limited fiscal and economic powers available to the North of Ireland limit the extent to which we can address budgetary challenges, provide public services and tackle unemployment. All fiscal, economic and other powers should be transferred to the North. Any claim that our political institutions or politicians would not be fit for purpose is entirely spurious.”
“On top of that, we must ensure that there is adequate scrutiny so that any additional resources are targeted at front-line services.”
“We, and my party, will not be caught short on the issue. The health service is too important to be caught up in party politicking. We need to stretch ourselves to find more funding in what are very challenging economic circumstances.”
“One perfect example of savings being made was in our own area of Castlederg in the Western Trust area, where the use of generic as opposed to branded medicines over a five-week period resulted in a saving of £312,000. It is estimated that, if that were rolled out throughout the North, savings in the region of £40 million would be made. Indeed, Minister, you said yourself back in 2011 that £40 million would go a long way towards meeting the shortfall that we have at the moment. <BR /> <BR />There are clearly pressures on the health service, and no one is denying that. However, we need to ensure that there is adequate funding to meet the needs of the sick and the most vulnerable in our society. That requires additional resources and additional scrutiny. The Minister has said that there is still waste in his Department.”
“It beggars belief that, when we are faced with such cuts, we also have, annually, £34 million being paid to consultants in bonuses, increases in administration staff, and up to £65 million being paid to the independent sector. <BR /> <BR />It is vital that strategic accountability be placed on the Health and Social Care Board and the trusts to ensure that efficiency savings are targeted in such a way as not to undermine the provision of high-quality front-line care. Not enough is being done to identify opportunities for income generation or ways in which savings can be made. Minister, may I make a suggestion to you of how to make savings?”
“We will all be in touch with you to arrange a suitable date so that we can move forward. <BR /> <BR />Everyone recognises that the health service is experiencing pressures at this very important time. However, it should also be remembered that our health budget of £4·6 billion has been protected through budgetary processes. Indeed, as a result of all-party lobbying, the Department was allocated £80 million in the October monitoring round and an additional £200 million in the draft Budget. Minister, you have to explain why, in spite of that, the health budget was so badly mismanaged by your predecessor. It is now up to you, Minister, to ensure that any potential cuts are subject to full equality impact assessments in order to protect front-line services, and, indeed, front-line services in our rural areas.”
“The people in Omagh and west Tyrone as a community need to be very vigilant at this time. Both the Western Trust and the Department of Health need to be up front and honest with the people in west Tyrone. We do not want any further reduction in services at the Tyrone County Hospital as a prelude to the new hospital opening. We in the west are entitled to the same liberty and care as everyone else, but we feel that we are being victimised. We feel that we are not getting adequate health-care provision. <BR /> <BR />I am glad that, as has been mentioned, all six West Tyrone MLAs are singing off the same hymn sheet on the issue. Minister, I am pleased that, just yesterday, you contacted my office to confirm that you are willing to meet the six MLAs to discuss the matter further.”
“All our offices have been inundated with calls from members of the public who are genuinely, seriously concerned about what the cuts will mean for them, their loved ones and their families.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I also welcome the opportunity to speak in today's debate. I thank my party colleague Barry for securing it. Like others, I am grateful to the Minister for being here today to listen to our concerns. <BR /> <BR />As has been said, there is growing concern in the Western Trust area about the proposed cuts to front-line health services, particularly those at the Tyrone County Hospital and the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh. The announcement of the reduction in palliative care beds from 10 to six, followed by the announcement on the Ash ward in Omagh, has not gone down well in the local community, and rightly so. As we know, hundreds of people took part in a rally in Omagh recently.”
“However, the Committee considers that it took far too long to put such improvements in place. Indeed, the extent of shortcomings identified led the Committee to conclude that best value for money had not been achieved in the delivery of AFBI's operations. The Committee was particularly disappointed that many weaknesses replicated those identified by a 1995 Westminster PAC review of science service, which was AFBI's predecessor, and that the recommendations from that report were not implemented in the institute. Consequently, we intend to follow up on that area to gain assurance that improvements are being implemented and sustained in practice. <BR /> <BR />Go raibh míIe maith agat. I commend the motion to the House.”
“The forecasting of the costs of individual projects at the outset was so inaccurate that 39 were not subjected to the required full economic appraisal. Projects examined by the Committee had overspent by almost £13 million. For many years, ongoing costs were not monitored, which left AFBI and DARD unaware of significant cost escalations for numerous individual projects. When DARD finally undertook a meaningful review in 2012, it immediately terminated 52 projects, which had cumulative costs to that date of over £18 million. <BR /> <BR />A range of enhanced governance measures have been introduced in AFBI, and DARD has strengthened its oversight of the institute. The Committee views the acceptance of its recommendations by DARD and AFBI as evidence that they recognise the need for improvement.”
“The Committee made recommendations which aim to ensure that AFBI's fees are set on the principle of recovering the full costs incurred in delivering commercial work. <BR /> <BR />Scientific testing for DARD is AFBI's most significant operational activity in both volume and cost terms. The Committee was therefore disappointed that very few unit costs had been calculated for this work. In the absence of costs, the Committee could not understand how DARD had any notion of whether it was receiving value for money for its significant investment in this area. <BR /> <BR />The management of the research and development programme delivered by AFBI for DARD can only be described as unacceptably poor. The Committee identified some alarming weaknesses in that area.”
“Despite this, DARD continued to fund the institute to the tune of £40 million annually, with little assurance that it was receiving good value for money. <BR /> <BR />AFBI's corporate costs have been alarmingly high. Between 2006-07 and 2010-11, these amounted to almost £100 million, £51 million of which related to the institute's estate. The Committee was very concerned at the lack of action to reduce the high state costs in the 10 years since a project board had been set up to prepare for AFBI's establishment. <BR /> <BR />The Committee also identified poor management with regard to fees charged by AFBI for commercial work. Until 2011, AFBI calculated fees using a historical overhead rate, which dated back to at least 2003, with the result that at least £3·5 million income was lost.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee examined AFBI's performance since its establishment in the key areas of financial management; scientific testing undertaken for DARD; the programme of R&D work delivered for the Department; governance of AFBI; and oversight of the institute by DARD. Overall, the Committee was disappointed at the extent of shortcomings in AFBI and at the unacceptable delay in introducing improvements. The Committee formed the view that, until recently, DARD had abdicated its responsibility, as parent Department, for proper oversight of the institute. <BR /> <BR />The Committee found that proper costing systems were not introduced in AFBI until seven years after its establishment, meaning that the institute did not have the proper tools to measure its operational efficiency.”
“It will make recommendations which would support greater joined-up working. <BR /> <BR />I now wish to address the report that was published this year by the Committee in respect of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). AFBI is the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's largest arm's-length body. AFBI carries out scientific testing for DARD and other public and commercial bodies to satisfy statutory requirements mainly around animal and plant health. The institute also carries out research and development for DARD and other clients. Between 2006-07 and 2011-12, DARD provided AFBI with £253 million in grant aid.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is the Committee's job to hold Departments and accounting officers to account for their spending decisions, judging whether they have spent wisely and well. When the C&AG's value-for-money reports are selected by the Committee, the relevant accounting officer will be asked to attend to give evidence in open session on how and why decisions were made. Admittedly, this is an exposed position for a senior official to be in and therefore should be regarded as an incentive to Departments to prevent this arising. <BR /> <BR />However, it is not to create a risk-chill factor and it is not the PAC's primary focus to increase the capacity of bodies to innovate. The PAC primarily looks at expenditure that has been incurred and tries to ensure that where mistakes have been made, lessons have been learned.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the recent work undertaken on drafting a protocol on the memoranda of reply (MORs) between the Committee and DFP. The PAC regards MORs as being an integral part of the public accountability cycle and monitors the Department’s progress on the implementation of its recommendations. I therefore acknowledge the important role that DFP plays in working with Departments on the production of MORs to ensure that Departments respond to each PAC recommendation as fully and as positively as possible. <BR /> <BR />I have heard it said that the PAC has created a risk-chill effect in Departments. Some critics would say that that has resulted in Departments avoiding taking risks because of the fear of being called before the Committee, thus dampening innovation.”
“In 2014, its follow-up report highlighted the fact that an attendance strategy was still outstanding. The PAC decided that that was worthy of further investigation, and we have made recommendations. My Committee colleague Mr McQuillan will talk about it in more detail later. <BR /> <BR />Public financial government is at its most effective when all the participants are thinking about and striving for excellence. That means not just the Committee but the auditors, the accounting officers and the civil servants. There is a shared interest between the PAC and DFP in working in partnership on the stewardship of public money. I see that as an important principle that should underscore the relationship that exists between the two to ensure value for money in the delivery of our public services.”
“Whilst our inquiries tend to be specific to a particular Department or body and the issues pertaining to it, there are lessons to be learned throughout government. PAC reports this year highlighted a number of lessons that can be applied right across the public sector. <BR /> <BR />I wish to emphasise that the PAC's key role is to apply the lessons that have been learnt from our inquiries. It aims to be constructive in its recommendations and to offer guidance about what needs to change to avoid a repeat of those events. <BR /> <BR />In my time as Chair of the PAC, I have seen similar issues come up time and time again. That was the case with the report on improving pupil attendance, which highlighted the fact that very little progress had been made since an Audit Office report back in 2004 recommended an attendance strategy.”
“That scrutiny role will be all the more significant in today's economic climate, as value for money in the public sector becomes even more important in these times of austerity. <BR /> <BR />The current budgetary pressures facing the Executive make the PAC's role even more critical, as every pound of public expenditure needs to extract maximum value. The PAC plays a key role in maximising value for money in public expenditure. By honing in on instances of public funds being spent unwisely, the PAC can then make recommendations for improvements, which, if implemented, can ensure that better value for money is achieved. <BR /> <BR />The PAC plays a constructive role in pointing out the lessons that need to be learned to improve performance.”
“The accounts of all Departments and, indeed, of most public sector bodies are prepared and laid by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), who is the head of the Audit Office here. The Comptroller and Auditor General may also make value-for-money reports and reports on efficiency and effectiveness. <BR /> <BR />The Audit Office's role is to examine closely public expenditure from a position of independence from government. I commend it for the excellent support that it provides to the Committee. <BR /> <BR />I have in the past described the Audit Office as a natural scrutiny partner to the Assembly, complementing the system of checks and balances that are fundamental to a healthy democracy.”
“The Committee is a Standing Committee of the Assembly and was set up under the NI Act 1998 to:”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. <BR /> <BR />Members, the details of the motion give some indication of the wide range of work undertaken by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its work of contributing to a better and more efficient delivery of public services. PAC reports have dealt with a number of important issues covering areas such as: contract management, procurement practices, the need for greater focus on efficiency savings, performance management, strengthening fraud investigative skills, valuing whistle-blowers and improving service delivery in the interests of our citizens, including our children. <BR /> <BR />Although there is not time for me to go into all the items listed in the motion, I will take a minute to remind you of the role of the Public Accounts Committee and the scope of the Committee’s work.”
“Go raibh maith agat. Can the Assembly Commission detail the cost of the police presence in the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Does the Minister agree that the decision to move away from the commitments made by the PSNI in relation to the Bloody Sunday murders serves only to undermine confidence in the justice system?”
“I thank the Minister for his honesty. Will the Department now work with the trust, as he outlined, to ensure that staff who could be affected at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital will be retained? As the Minister outlined, this is a major concern that arose just last Thursday. Go raibh maith agat.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his response. I heard what you said, Minister, but local banks have higher standard and non-standard bank charges than the same banks operating in the South and, indeed, some of the British banks. Does the Minister agree that that is not appropriate and that the issue should be addressed promptly?”
“Absolutely. An onus has to be placed on Departments and organisations as to how they would facilitate or accommodate people coming from a rural area and those with a disability. I commend the Committee for the work it has done on this and the clerks for the research they have done. I commend the report to the House.”
“Absolutely. I certainly agree. Maybe the Minister might take into account a sub-office of Stormont west of the Bann, as that would certainly help me and other Members who have to travel two hours every day to get here.”
“Many respondents to the inquiry were very positive. It struck me how well flexible working suited families, as it helped with childcare arrangements and reduced costs. It is fair to say, thinking from a rural perspective where I come from, west of the Bann, that civil servants who travel from west of the Bann would welcome these reforms on flexible working. They would be willing to engage in that from a sub-office in my area. It would prove to them that it is not all Belfast centred, and that Strabane could avail of it.”
“<BR /> <BR />Committee members asked numerous questions, and I think it was Mr Cree who asked how managers know that members of staff are working when they should be working and not doing other things. There was a lot of talk in Committee about how this could be addressed, including the satellite system, shared space and all of that, and putting work guidance and templates in place to make sure that people are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Reduced property costs, a good working environment, health benefits with less stress, better motivation of staff and an overall improved work/life balance were all discussed in Committee during many of the evidence sessions that we took. <BR /> <BR />The report is a culmination of all the good work undertaken by the Committee over a couple of years.”
“In our public sector workforce, there are many practical ways in which time can be managed better, and each Department or organisation has its own mechanisms in place, as we have heard, on how it can deal with that. People spend a lot of time doing things in their working day that they feel are not entirely necessary, as they have been involved in a system and in a process that has been designed, adopted, put in place and passed on throughout their working life, and some continue to do that. They have always done things the same in the way that they work. We need to challenge that. We can challenge it so that we can manage our time and our worth ethic and improve on our work output.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Lake's organisation produced a document entitled, 'The Smart Working Handbook'. I looked at that document after he came to the Committee, and it was customised to suit many of the organisations and Departments that his company was working with and was used as internal guidance on flexible working patterns across many Departments and organisations. He also spoke of the overall emphasis in Whitehall around how this is part of the efficiency and reform programme under which flexible working sits. <BR /> <BR />One of the many driving factors of the Government across GB is to reduce property costs, and we heard the Chair of the Committee speak about that today.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I support the motion as a member of the Finance and Personnel Committee. <BR /> <BR />Previous Members have mentioned that different groups and organisations came and gave evidence to the Committee on flexible working in the public sector. One of the earliest briefings to the Committee, which, unfortunately, I was not able to attend due to a family bereavement, was from Andy Lake of Flexibility.co.uk. I have looked back at Hansard, and he gave the Committee a step-by-step guide to what flexible working can look like. That was one of the earliest evidence sessions. When I look at that, it is clear that there has been a lack of understanding from many organisations and Departments on exactly what flexible working patterns can look like.”
“<BR /> <BR />I want to go back to my party colleague Mr McElduff's opening speech, when he referred to Mr Gallagher, who travels from Lifford to Dunnamanagh daily, sometimes two or three times a day. Indeed, as I said, I have been speaking to quarry companies in my area, which have told me that, if this is the case, their businesses will go down the tube. They will be out of business. They depend on hauliers coming across. This only adds to the impact on jobs and business sustainability in our already burdened economy. <BR /> <BR />I urge Members to support my party's motions.”
“It will also have the potential to cost jobs across the island and will certainly damage the development of an all-Ireland economy. <BR /> <BR />It is time to focus on building and not dividing the island's economy. A single island economy for all citizens across Ireland would provide the opportunity for fair and harmonised progression, taxation, regulation and trade. The all-Ireland economy is a reality. Let us now begin to agree and to implement policies across the island that will deliver prosperity and equality for all our people, promote economic growth and trade for enterprises, safeguard public services and create and sustain jobs. Partition never made economic sense. Together, we can build a new stronger economy that works for us all. This threatens no one and will benefit all.”
“The subsequent response from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport was completely dismissive by attempting to equate the planned £10 levy with the toll charges payable on HGV vehicles on some motorways in the South. <BR /> <BR />Given that there are hundreds of border crossings, this British Government levy plan would also be completely unworkable in practical terms. I, along with others, have met hauliers from Donegal and surrounding areas and have heard at first-hand on several occasions the devastating impact that it would have on their business. These people's livelihoods stand to be impacted immediately. Areas like Strabane and Lifford, which are less than a mile apart, will be particularly affected by this regressive measure.”
“Haulage firms are already under extreme pressure in the current climate without adding insult to injury by imposing this levy. The price of fuel has remained at an all-time high. These costs impact on the businesses that utilise haulage firms and would eventually come back to hit the average consumer. That is without even thinking about how this levy would work on a practical level. Will we be faced with the return of checkpoints at the border? <BR /> <BR />Once again, we have an example of policy formulated at Westminster that gives no consideration to the economic or geographic realities on this island. Indeed, last September, Pat Doherty MP wrote to the Minister for Transport in London outlining these concerns.”
“I also commend my Sinn Féin colleagues on the Environment Committee who have brought this before the House today. <BR /> <BR />The British Government need to use legislation to exempt roads in the North from this regressive charge. The Irish Government must also ensure that they challenge their British counterparts to stop this charge, which has the potential to severely affect the future viability of small and medium-sized businesses, especially along the already struggling border regions. <BR /> <BR />This HGV levy is against the ethos of the European Union, which is working to eliminate borders that separate people. In particular, this levy aims to separate people from the North from the rest of the island of Ireland.”