David Hilditch
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I certainly welcome the statement. I do not want to dilute Mr Givan's joy, but, as you know, East Antrim has four schools on the list compared with his three. It is certainly a good day for the education sector in my constituency of East Antrim in general and in Carrickfergus in particular.”
“<BR /> <BR />Crown Court cases take twice as long to complete in Northern Ireland as they do in England and Wales and at a much higher cost. One particular concern is the lack of effective partnership working among key organisations in the justice system despite numerous attempts to remedy that.”
“It is an honour to work with the Committee as it examines public spending with the benefit of hindsight. It allows us to highlight good practice and poor value for money and to recommend improvements to the stewardship of taxpayers' money.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department of Justice accepted the Committee's recommendations with some qualifications, including a clear plan to reduce backlogs to the Crown Court, modelling the financial impacts of delaying cost savings from reform and a cross-agency strategy with long-term high-level performance standards.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will touch on some issues in the report on speeding up justice, which described a justice system that moves too slowly and is hindered by ineffectiveness and significant financial wastage. It is essential that all cases that enter the justice system are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />One of the most worrying findings is that there has been little apparent effort to reliably establish the cost of processes in the justice system or the financial impact of delay and inefficiency.”
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“Minister, has the budget of £794 million, or any part of it, been allocated to any of those projects?”
“I certainly welcome the statement. I do not want to dilute Mr Givan's joy, but, as you know, East Antrim has four schools on the list compared with his three. It is certainly a good day for the education sector in my constituency of East Antrim in general and in Carrickfergus in particular. Mr Deputy Speaker, you know the problems that Carrickfergus Academy has had with having to work over two separate sites for several years after the merger, so its inclusion is very welcome indeed. Having written, questioned, lobbied and organised ministerial visits, I believe that today is a day of welcome education news.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department of Justice accepted the Committee's recommendations with some qualifications, including a clear plan to reduce backlogs to the Crown Court, modelling the financial impacts of delaying cost savings from reform and a cross-agency strategy with long-term high-level performance standards. <BR /> <BR />We deserve a justice system that delivers for everyone and does so quickly and effectively. Monitoring progress against that vital objective is critical for the period ahead. We look forward to when our successor Public Accounts Committee revisits the issue. We hope to see a vast improvement for the betterment of the judicial system in Northern Ireland to provide the service that our constituents deserve.”
“<BR /> <BR />One of the most worrying findings is that there has been little apparent effort to reliably establish the cost of processes in the justice system or the financial impact of delay and inefficiency. We know that the justice system in England and Wales is significantly less expensive, and it appears that the endemic inefficiency in Northern Ireland contributes to the higher costs. The PAC's report also recognises the impact that COVID-19 has had on the system. It has not only interrupted normal operations but slowed the introduction of some reforms.”
“<BR /> <BR />Crown Court cases take twice as long to complete in Northern Ireland as they do in England and Wales and at a much higher cost. One particular concern is the lack of effective partnership working among key organisations in the justice system despite numerous attempts to remedy that. The Committee welcomes many of the initiatives that the justice system has introduced over the years to improve the system for citizens. However, it is critical that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) and the Department of Justice develop and publish a strategy for working together, including long-term high-level performance standards for improving the timeliness and quality of Crown Court cases.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will touch on some issues in the report on speeding up justice, which described a justice system that moves too slowly and is hindered by ineffectiveness and significant financial wastage. It is essential that all cases that enter the justice system are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. It was welcomed that the justice system has begun to work in tandem to address the various issues, with the development of long-term high-level performance standards. However, it was noted that delays are still obvious and that, with the additional impact of COVID, it will take at least an estimated two years for the Crown Court system to return to the position that it was in prior to the pandemic.”
“It is an honour to work with the Committee as it examines public spending with the benefit of hindsight. It allows us to highlight good practice and poor value for money and to recommend improvements to the stewardship of taxpayers' money. <BR /> <BR />The PAC has conducted significant work throughout the Assembly term, and I am pleased to see the motion being discussed on the Floor today. I hope that it will lead to significant change in the way that business is conducted and to lessons that can be learned. I thank all who have worked and engaged with the Committee, particularly the staff, the Audit Office and the witnesses. I also thank the Chair, Mr Humphrey, for his flawless navigation of the Public Accounts Committee during the term.”
“I welcome the opportunity to highlight the work of the Public Accounts Committee during this Assembly term.”
“I certainly agree with the Member. This is a cross-party issue at the Committee. Nobody is in any doubt about that. <BR /> <BR />We have all lived with the pandemic for two years. A year and a half ago, the Committee drew the Minister's attention to the issues and the detail, and it has continued to do so. Surely the Minister and her officials have now been able to find better ways to deal with the issue. The contributions in the Chamber today have acknowledged the areas of concern and echoed the calls for action. I therefore urge the Minister for Infrastructure to recognise those factors and take action. I commend the motion to the House.”
“There is no politicking in the Chamber here. As you can see, the Committee has widespread party membership, so, for you to get up and make those accusations is totally wrong.”
“Given the hardship that has been caused, the economic cost and the constant requests by the Committee, we ask the Minister to please act. It is often said that to repeat the same actions over and over again and expect a different result is a sign of madness.”
“We have not been able to offer them solutions coming from the Department; instead, we have had to advise them to hold on for a little longer and that, sooner or later, they will move up the list. As Members know, we can do that for a while, but, after that, members of the public, understandably, expect to see improvements. <BR /> <BR />The Department has had two years to think of ways out of the situation. However, as we have heard, the difficulties, the waiting lists and the impact on individuals remain. The mitigations that have been put in place by the Department are not enough to ensure that an end to the backlog is in sight. As we have heard from members of the Committee, we have had rolling exemptions and increased opening hours. However, as outlined in the Committee's motion, it is now time:”
“I will now speak as Deputy Chair. We have heard much today about the impact of the pandemic on the work of the DVA and on the individuals who use its services. I, too, praise the staff of the agency for their diligence and hard work in what has been an unprecedented and difficult time. <BR /> <BR />The words of my fellow Committee members stand as a testament to the importance placed on the issue by our Committee and to our in-depth scrutiny. Since the start of the pandemic, the Committee for Infrastructure has continually asked for the Department's mitigation plans. The Committee and all Members here will have heard from constituents who have felt the impact of the DVA backlogs.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst I acknowledge the difficult circumstances that the Minister has operated in and the work that she has done to date, the cocktail of examples that I have provided shows the extent of the failings, which are directly impacting on the most vulnerable in our society. I call for the support of other Members to pass the motion and call:”
“I agree with the Member about the difficulties that members of the public face. They really need to be dealt with by the Department. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that the Minister works with DVLA to address the unfair penalties that have been issued due to the poor management of the Department, which are completely out of the drivers' control. <BR /> <BR />Another issue is that driver tests are being cut short. If the pupil makes a mistake in the first five minutes, the test is basically over. The test experience is essentially for learning, and for that to be cut short is leaving certain pupils at a disadvantage.”
“They do not wish to take the risk and are, therefore, left without any form of transport. <BR /> <BR />Another issue is tax. Without an MOT, you cannot get your vehicle taxed. That is handled by the agency in Swansea, as has been stated. If your vehicle is not taxed, legally you have to declare that and take it off the road, and you are at risk of being subject to fines.”
“Research by the Centre for Ageing Better emphasised the significant digital divide amongst 50- to 70-year-olds and how it has worsened because of COVID. The Department needs to do better and make the booking process accessible to everyone. <BR /> <BR />Another issue is insurance. I appreciate that the DVA has consulted with the PSNI and the Association of British Insurers to make them aware of the current position that the Department is in with delays. Although the Association of British Insurers says that its members would take a pragmatic view until the delays are resolved, there are too many grey areas that have left motorists in limbo and wary about the process. I have been contacted by people who have been unable to access an MOT test for months.”
“There are a number of people who cannot, for various reasons, access the internet. That completely excludes them from the process of booking an MOT test. One issue is communication. I attempted to use the advice phone number, from which I was signposted via an automated message to a lengthy website address that the Minister was able to read from the page in front of her. That is quite difficult, especially when the call is cut off. That is not good enough. We are excluding a significant portion of our society. The current phone booking system is not fit for purpose. <BR /> <BR />The pandemic showed us that those digital forms of communication are not available or accessible to everyone. Digital exclusion in later life has become starkly apparent.”
“I welcome the Minister and thank her for her attendance in the Chamber this morning. I will make some remarks first as an individual Member. <BR /> <BR />I recognise the range of measures that the Minister has adopted to lessen the burden, such as the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners and the use of overtime to provide cover for sick and leave absence, making additional vehicle test slots available in most centres. Further slots may also be made available due to cancellations and by offering vehicle test appointments on Sundays at most test centres and on bank holidays when testing is not normally available. However, through my constituency office, I am contacted day and daily by concerned members of the public who still cannot access an MOT appointment.”
“<BR /> <BR />As Deputy Chair of the Committee, I fully welcome the Committee report. It is one of the many steps that the Assembly must take to create a more sustainable, cleaner and environmentally friendly future for all. I commend the report to the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />Skills strategies will be important if we are to exploit emerging green technologies with the transport sector and the public sector more generally. Training and upskilling young people must be at the heart of this. My constituency of East Antrim has long been a powerhouse in supplying electricity to the Northern Ireland economy. The power stations at Kilroot and Ballylumford on the coast have long supplied the majority of Northern Ireland's electricity needs. EP UK Investments Ltd took over the plants in late 2019, and is transitioning to a new, cleaner source of generation involving the integration of renewables. The Kilroot plant, near Carrickfergus, is the location for a planned green energy park with investment of some £600 million, incorporating a range of technologies and applications.”
“Thanks for that, George. Unfortunately, I was not able to get to that due to other commitments but, having spoken to the Chairman, I know that it was a positive visit. <BR /> <BR />The new Hydrogen Training Academy, to be based at Silverwood Business Park in Ballymena, is to receive £511,000 from the UK Government's Community Renewal Fund (CRF). With hydrogen emerging as a leading sustainable energy solution, this first-of-its-kind project for Northern Ireland will enable and develop a dynamic, skilled workforce that can take advantage of hydrogen and clean tech opportunities. The academy is one of 31 projects across Northern Ireland set to benefit from a total of £12 million in CRF funding, all focusing on skills, education, local business and employment.”
“It most certainly requires the Executive to focus on policies that reduce the financial and non-financial barriers to electric car uptake, that do not let sections of society slip through the cracks and that ensure cooperation between various Departments and agencies to see maximum benefit throughout the community. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen. This would make use of the wind that is available when demand for electricity is lower. We want to see our Province become a world leader in the development of electrolysis, hydrogen fuel and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles for which there will be a rapidly growing demand worldwide.”
“Ultimately, if commuters and businesses are to have the confidence to take a leap of faith, they need to be able to benefit from a fully resourced, joined-up and well-maintained charging infrastructure right across our Province. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that electric charging points be required as part of planning for new homes — a number of Members mentioned that — and office developments. With better and earlier interventions, there is an opportunity to drive forward the uptake of electric-powered vehicles, and ingrain that within community development plans.”
“That is a core component of the energy strategy, which, hopefully, will be delivered by our Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons. It is unacceptable that, compared with the recommendation of the independent Climate Change Committee, Northern Ireland has only a third of the total number of rapid charging points and top-up chargers for electric vehicles. Even where those are in place, there are concerns about a postcode lottery. There is quite clearly a disjointed approach to the infrastructure, particularly in my home town of Carrickfergus, where charging points can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Indeed, from research, I believe that there is only one, at the railway station.”
“Where we get to in 2030 could be completely different from what we have now. Done badly, we could have electric cars, public transport and active travel all in competition with one another for support from the Government and the public, with none of them doing anything really well. I can see that the work is ongoing on the issue, and I was delighted to hear the Minister's commitments this afternoon. I support that action, but, as is so often said in the House, it needs to be joined up, with a well-planned end point for what we are trying to achieve. <BR /> <BR />I will now make some comments of my own as a member of the Democratic Unionist Party. The shift in public transport away from diesel towards alternative energies has been a party commitment of ours for many years.”
“I believe that those who are considering investing in electric vehicles would take comfort from seeing a plan coming out of government that showed the direction of travel and a strong commitment to what they will put in place and for when. That in itself will stimulate an uptake in electric vehicles. The public will take confidence from seeing government adopting those new technologies and will see that it is not just a flash in the pan. <BR /> <BR />The Department for Infrastructure will need to know where it wants to end up on the issue and to have that embedded in all of its work. It is also important that the development of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure is supplemented with an increasing push to develop public transport by rail and bus, with and the development of opportunities for active travel.”
“However, more needs to be done at government level, and we need policies for the planning and integration of home charging points. We need financial assistance for individuals who purchase electric vehicles, and we need a willingness from government to move to electric fleets themselves in order to show that they take these issues very seriously. <BR /> <BR />The recommendations from the Committee for Infrastructure's inquiry are based on a central point, which is to meet the challenges of the 2030 and 2035 deadlines. That will require a unified effort. We will need a strategy across Departments and councils as well as businesses and local communities. In its report and recommendations, the Committee calls for a plan.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee for Infrastructure's report outlines the challenges and obstacles that are ahead for us, but it also highlights examples of what can be done through a willingness to plan and invest. As part of its inquiry, the Committee carried out a survey of the public, and we spoke in particular to the owners of electric vehicles. From that work, it was made very clear to the Committee that our charging infrastructure is not fit for purpose and needs urgent action. I am aware that, over the last number of days, ESB has received money from the Levelling Up Fund in order to enhance its charging network. That is something that we have called for in the report, and I am delighted to welcome that move.”
“I thank all Members, Committee members and those outside it, who have contributed this afternoon; it is much appreciated. I also thank the Minister for her attendance and her contribution. In particular, the Committee staff and the Assembly's researchers all deserve a big thank-you for carrying out the donkey work and the spadework behind the report. <BR /> <BR />Many contributors to the debate have talked about the urgency for action on the issue, and they are correct; this is an urgent matter. Although the deadline for the banning of petrol and diesel vehicles is 2030, it will be upon us much quicker than we think. The development of our infrastructure takes time, and we must act now in order to be ready. The report and its recommendations are a call on government to take the issue seriously and to begin to plan.”
“They make up our families and communities, and we owe it to them to ensure that they are afforded appropriate, robust levels of protection. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I would like to dedicate the debate to all firefighters, particularly those who are battling cancer or who have lost their battle with cancer. As some of you may know, I have personal experience of the topic, and I wish to do all that I can to protect the lives of those who give so much to protect us all.”
“It will enable scientists to identify and recognise the most common cancers and diseases related to firefighters' work, and, in the future, it will offer preventative health screening, education and support. <BR /> <BR />Whilst both DECON and the firefighters cancer and disease registry are essential, the Finance and Health Ministers must explore practical ways of enhancing awareness among firefighting personnel and their families about the health risk of toxic chemicals and the urgent need for better detection and regular check-ups. Annual health screenings and evaluations are essential, as early detection is the key to survival for our retired, current and future firefighters. Staff in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service perform an essential and often life-saving role.”
“That involves firefighters washing dirty clothes, showering after incidents, cleaning what they carry and decontaminating before driving. Whilst the campaign is extremely positive, the luxury of time may not always be afforded to on-call firefighters, who are often leaving places of employment and managing the time expectations of their main employer. <BR /> <BR />A UK firefighters cancer and disease registry (FCDR) has been established to help researchers to study the long-term risk of firefighting. The more firefighters who register, the better we can understand and respond to the health risks that the profession faces. The registry collects information on firefighters' work routines, exposure to fire effluents, lifestyle and health.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are quite happy to support the amendment that has been proposed to the motion, as, based on the shocking finds from the University of Central Lancashire's report, scientists have already created a best practice guide for fire and rescue services, putting forward a number of urgent recommendations to minimise firefighters' exposure to toxic fire effluent and simple changes that could be made protect the lives of firefighters and their families. With that, the DECON campaign was born. That has recently been introduced to make small changes to the health and safety of all firefighters and their families. It provides training to educate and inform firefighters of the dangers of contaminants, challenges old habits and creates a change in mindset in the service.”
“The reality is that UK research has been significantly underfunded, allowing the UK to fall further and further behind in the treatment of our serving firefighters. <BR /> <BR />Today is a major opportunity for Northern Ireland to be proactive rather than reactive and to lead the way in the United Kingdom. No longer should firefighters be undervalued, and, as a government, we should no longer allow them to become disproportionately affected by cancer solely due to the career that they have chosen.”
“<BR /> <BR />That work is a UK first and is the latest in a growing body of international evidence from North America, Europe and Australia suggesting that firefighters are at an increased risk of developing cancer and other diseases. In parts of Canada and the United States, presumptive legislation has already been introduced that recognises certain cancers as occupational diseases amongst firefighters. In the UK, it has so far been concluded that there is not enough evidence to link occupational exposure to carcinogenic fire effluents with a higher risk of cancer. That means that, if a firefighter believes that their illness is work-related, they are required to prove it in each case. That is an almost impossible retrospective task.”
“As a result, the rate of cancer diagnosis among those responders is statistically higher than that among the general population, according to an independent University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) report, commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and led by fire chemistry and toxicity expert Professor Anna Stec. <BR /> <BR />The study, which involved over 10,000 firefighters, found that firefighters can be up to four times more likely to develop cancer and other illnesses than other members of the public. Three quarters of the firefighters had served for at least 10 years before receiving a diagnosis, more than half were under 50, and a fifth were under 40. Of those diagnosed, 26% had skin cancer, which is the most common type for them; 10% had testicular cancer; 4% had head and neck cancer; and 3% had non-Hodgkin lymphoma.”
“Men and women on the front line of Northern Ireland's Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) are often exposed on a daily basis to toxic smoke, asbestos and other chemicals and substances.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I hope that my lungs and throat and my voice will hold out for this. <BR /> <BR />Recently, I have had conversations with colleagues, friends and constituents to ask how they think a firefighter most commonly dies as a result of their work in the fire service. The common answer given is that they have been caught in a fire or died from smoke inhalation. People are shocked when I point out that the vast array of scientific literature shows that, when compared with the general public, firefighters are at significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with and subsequently dying of cancer, and that that is fundamentally related to and caused by the service work that they do. <BR /> <BR />Running into the face of a fire is not the only major threat that firefighters face.”
“There are still issues outstanding. The Committee for Infrastructure, just like the Regional Development Committee before it, believes that actions can be identified and must be taken to rectify the problem and that a coordinated effort by all sectors involved in the process might see major improvements in even the most critical cases. I commend the motion.”
“Given the ongoing constraints on the Department's resource budget and its implications, the motion also calls on the Minister to work with Executive colleagues to identify where cross-departmental working could help to address the issue and to examine again the recommendations made in the 2012 report with a view to formulating and implementing a time-constrained package of guidance and enforcement that includes ensuring adequate bond levels and a review of the statutory instruments.”
“It is the Committee's belief that no stone can be left unturned in seeking ways to address the issues and to address the backlog, particularly in the older outstanding cases. <BR /> <BR />In closing, it is worth reiterating the call that the motion makes on the Minister for Infrastructure, which is to take urgent steps to identify the extent of and to reduce the backlog of unadopted roads and services.”
“The Committee welcomes news that Northern Ireland Water is proactively trying to identify high-priority and legacy sites and to establish what the problems are in each. We welcome the fact that the Department is working with Northern Ireland Water to get that completed. That is long overdue. <BR /> <BR />The Committee acknowledges that there are instances where enforcement cannot be used to guide the works, typically where there are land issues and access issues. In those instances, there is a need to work out, with developers and residents, a way to move forward and resolve outstanding issues. Is there a way of moving further forward? The cooperation forum was recommended previously.”
“What progress has been made to fully implement adapting property certificates to include legal opinion on the condition of roads and sewers, whether those have been adopted and advising potential vendors of the consequences that non-adoption will have for them? What progress can we make in developing an information guide for vendors? <BR /> <BR />I could go on about the recommendations made in the report and how the Committee's investigations of the current status of the issue reveals the need for each to be revisited and further actioned, but, rather than do that, it is sufficient to say that there is much work to be done overall. <BR /> <BR />Key to resolving the issue is the need to clearly understand its extent and the details of each site that is of concern.”
“Yet, we hear that, to this day, there are sites without bonds and sites where delays and inflationary increases mean that the bond is no longer held in a sufficient way to bring works up to suitable standards for adoption. <BR /> <BR />The Committee still has concerns around the prompt triggering of bond enforcement and suggests a review of whether the use of 80% occupancy rate is really the best measure of when adoption should be triggered. It also believes that a review of the departmental procedures, with a view to ensuring a prompt reaction to calling in the bond, is still valid today in order to alleviate the public health and safety risk to residents. <BR /> <BR />We have heard — we welcome it — that there has been engagement with the Law Society, but more can be done.”
“<BR /> <BR />Much has been said about the 2012 report by the Regional Development Committee and the recommendations that it made for remedial action to address the backlog in legacy sites, yet we have also heard about how little seems to have been achieved in almost a decade since the report was published. The Committee believes that there are still issues to be addressed around bonds. The 2012 report recommended that:”
“While progress has been made, a worrying amount remains to be done, some of it dating back as far as 2007. Perhaps most worryingly, Northern Ireland Water and the Department for Infrastructure have yet to detail precise numbers of affected sites. <BR /> <BR />We have all heard examples of real situations affecting real families, and each of those deserves remedy. We have heard today about how problems have been exacerbated by low staff levels and loss of key skills in the Department and that, to get back to a proactive enforcement model and to be in a better place to know the number of sites and levels of occupancy, we need to go back to 2015 pre-reduction levels.”
“I thank those who have contributed to and participated in the debate this afternoon. We have heard about a wide range of issues across Northern Ireland. Every constituency from the west right through to Strangford has the same problems, and we have heard about those on the Floor today. I also thank the Minister for her attendance and contribution this afternoon. I welcome some of the statements that she made about outstanding works, bonds and construction costs. <BR /> <BR />Ten years ago, the figures relating to unadopted roads were stark. Anything between 1,200 and 3,500 unadopted roads and some 1,200 sewerage systems were identified as being in backlog, with over 620 kilometres of unadopted roads and laneways that sit outside the private streets process.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does the deputy First Minister agree or acknowledge that the rush to get rigorous implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol, and the amendments inserted into the Belfast Agreement by the Secretary of State, have breached the Belfast Agreement on cross-community consent and protections?”
“I thank the Minister for the up-to-date position. When this question was submitted, things were in a much worse state, and I thank Land and Property Services (LPS) and Mr Snowden for their help during what has been a very difficult time. However, I am sure that the Minister will agree that, when a business has not been paid at all and another business beside it has now received two payments, that is unacceptable, and that business owners who have not received any payment are downhearted?”