Maurice Devenney
Foyle · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for giving way. I appreciate what he said. Does he agree that an attempt to use this mechanism in Londonderry to change the name of the council failed because 25% of people on that council disagreed with the name that was agreed? That is probably why there was a petition of concern.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Does she agree that libraries across Northern Ireland deliver a much-needed and valued service to our community? Will she give an assurance that there will be no further cuts to hours, which could lead to closures of our libraries?”
“As a representative of Foyle who has had extensive involvement with all the key stakeholders who are keen to see the development of Magee, I am committed to the One Plan, and I am keen to see the progress and expansion of the university and courses in Londonderry. We all know the economic value that the expansion would bring.”
“We live in times of economic and financial uncertainties and pressures, and I know that there is not an unlimited amount of money in the system. I accept that Northern Ireland is a small place and that our higher education strategy must be Province-wide, but I hold the view that the north-west deserves priority.”
“I thank the Minister for her response, in particular the announcement that the events fund will reopen. That will be welcome news for the people in Londonderry and across Northern Ireland. Will she outline what support for tourism her Department has put into Londonderry over the past number of years?”
“It is only through investment in the infrastructure, increasing the skills base in the north-west and delivering on our commitments in the One Plan that we will reduce the high levels of unemployment and create jobs. <BR /> <BR />We cannot underestimate the importance of the University of Ulster expansion at Magee.”
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“I thank the Member for giving way. I appreciate what he said. Does he agree that an attempt to use this mechanism in Londonderry to change the name of the council failed because 25% of people on that council disagreed with the name that was agreed? That is probably why there was a petition of concern. It does not protect the minority, as you say that it does, and you know that from your constituency.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Does she agree that libraries across Northern Ireland deliver a much-needed and valued service to our community? Will she give an assurance that there will be no further cuts to hours, which could lead to closures of our libraries?”
“In the Minister's summing up, will he tell us how many places could be lost in Magee due to budgetary constraints?”
“We live in times of economic and financial uncertainties and pressures, and I know that there is not an unlimited amount of money in the system. I accept that Northern Ireland is a small place and that our higher education strategy must be Province-wide, but I hold the view that the north-west deserves priority. I and my predecessor, Lord Hay, have long argued that the investment in higher education in the region will help to encourage much-needed economic and social regeneration that will be good not only for the north-west but for the whole of Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I believe that there is a vital role for the north-west ministerial subgroup, the Minister for Employment and Learning and all the stakeholders to work together to deliver on the expansion of Magee.”
“As a representative of Foyle who has had extensive involvement with all the key stakeholders who are keen to see the development of Magee, I am committed to the One Plan, and I am keen to see the progress and expansion of the university and courses in Londonderry. We all know the economic value that the expansion would bring. Members who spoke previously mentioned issues to do with our infrastructure, which include the delays with the A5, the A6 and the railway line. We understand that those are vital issues. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the staff in Magee, who deliver a very high standard of education. The amendment places the onus on the Minister for Employment and Learning to do all in his power to bring reality to the vision that we all have for higher education in Londonderry.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. Can households self-refer to the affordable warmth scheme as they did to the old warm homes scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does the Minister agree that it is vital that the hubs are situated on sites that every community can use? Would the Minister consider the Ebrington site for one of the hubs, given that it is very much a neutral site?”
“I am delighted with the Minister's response. I ask the Minister to come down and visit the centre when the work has been completed to see for himself the good work that will be carried out in that centre. It is a very vital community resource for Tullyally.”
“How is Atos incentivised to meet its contractual obligations?”
“I thank the junior Minister for her answer. Does she agree that, if we are minded not to extend the literacy and numeracy project, that will have a detrimental effect on our schools?”
“I thank the Minister for her response, in particular the announcement that the events fund will reopen. That will be welcome news for the people in Londonderry and across Northern Ireland. Will she outline what support for tourism her Department has put into Londonderry over the past number of years?”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst there are many issues of concern in the north-west, we should remember the positives. Tourism in the Londonderry and Strabane district has seen significant increases, with large increases in associated expenditure. The north-west has lots to offer tourists, investors and developers. We need to send out a message that we are open for business, that we are willing to invest in infrastructure and education facilities and, most importantly, that we have the people and skills to go along with it. I now urge that we need real action on these issues.”
“It is only through investment in the infrastructure, increasing the skills base in the north-west and delivering on our commitments in the One Plan that we will reduce the high levels of unemployment and create jobs. <BR /> <BR />We cannot underestimate the importance of the University of Ulster expansion at Magee. Increased student places, enhanced courses and close partnership with employers would ensure that any skills gaps are filled and constituents are well placed to be in a position to apply for these jobs. <BR /> <BR />I have been on record with my support for the upgrade of the Londonderry to Belfast rail line and the need for it to be progressed as soon as possible. The A5 is another essential project that will have a catalytic effect on the north-west and will improve opportunities for investors to invest there.”
“Just a few weeks ago, I delivered my maiden speech in the House, focusing on the issue of the A6 and the need for improved transport infrastructure in the north-west. The much-needed road network between Northern Ireland's two largest cities is vital to the growth of the north-west. In order to support regional development and further economic growth, action is urgently needed. It is indeed alarming to see such low levels of employment in my home city of Londonderry and across the north-west.”
“<BR /> <BR />Dr Eddie Rooney highlighted that the levels of pollution in Dungiven pose a potential health risk to people who are living and working in that area, particularly vulnerable groups, such as the very young, older people and people with severe respiratory conditions. That has been of great concern to the residents of that area. The upgrade to that section of the A6 will no doubt alleviate pollution problems that come from the high volume of traffic that passes through. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the message should be clear from Londonderry and the north-west that the A6 is vital, is necessary and should be at the top of the agenda. I support the motion and the amendment.”
“The recent announcement by the Regional Development Minister on the Londonderry to Coleraine railway line has dealt a further blow to the region. Therefore, the A6 must be a priority. <BR /> <BR />Improved infrastructure will have a catalytic effect on the north-west and will improve the opportunities for investors to invest there, for developers to develop there and for tourists and commuters to get there. For business, that transport link is essential: by improving journey times on that route, there will be enormous benefits for commerce in the north-west. That will benefit Northern Ireland as a whole by ensuring that it is less burdened by transport delays.”
“<BR /> <BR />My constituency, Londonderry, is continuing to grow rapidly as a serious destination for tourism and investment; the UK City of Culture year saw huge numbers of people flocking to enjoy all that the Maiden City had to offer. Figures released just last week show that the number of overnight trips to Londonderry and Strabane increased by 50% between 2012 and 2013 and that associated expenditure increased by 75% to £47 million in 2013. <BR /> <BR />While those figures are encouraging, the Londonderry to Belfast road is vital for the economy of Northern Ireland and specifically that of the north-west. An upgrade to the transport infrastructure is urgently needed to support the region's development and its further economic growth.”
“I thank my Democratic Unionist Party colleagues for selecting me for this position and for their continued support and encouragement over the years. <BR /> <BR />As someone who now makes the return journey from Londonderry to Belfast at least three times a week, the A6 is all too familiar; the journey can often take up to two and a half hours in the morning and in the evening. The proposed project for the 30km dual carriageway from Londonderry, incorporating the Dungiven bypass, was first announced by the then Secretary of State Peter Hain, so it is with deep regret that we are a decade on and are still no further forward. The road network between Northern Ireland's two largest cities is vital to growth in the north-west and should not be overlooked.”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. It is an honour to speak in the House this afternoon for the first time. I was checking very closely whether it was the afternoon, because I thought that I might have to change references to the "afternoon" to "morning" in my speech. <BR /> <BR />I have been co-opted to the Northern Ireland Assembly to replace Willie Hay, former Speaker of the Assembly. Before I speak to the motion, I want to pay tribute to my friend and colleague William Hay. <BR /> <BR />Having represented the citizens of Londonderry in local government for over 30 years and in the Assembly since 1998, William was well respected and known for his hard work, dedication and commitment to those he had the honour of representing. I wish William well in his new role in the House of Lords.”