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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“I think that that is the only day of the year that I have hair, if anybody wants to come along to see that. <BR /> <BR />We have touched the surface for the potential of tourism in East Antrim. It is only with a collaborative, cross-departmental and partnership approach that we can raise the bar and make it work.”
“Very small sums of investment are required, despite the fact that such events have the potential to achieve government targets, if delivered right. <BR /> <BR />There is a real opportunity to develop cultural tourism through the events. One only has to look at the weekend past, with the Bruce anniversaries, the tented village, and knights jousting in the shadow of Carrickfergus Castle. There were thousands of spectators, many of whom were from all over the world, courtesy of the cruise ship/bus link-up tours. Each of them got an experience of some of the best that Northern Ireland has to offer. Again, this weekend, as was said, the annual pageant of the landing of William at the same location will attract many thousands of people to the area.”
“Previous events have been important to the local economy, particularly in Carrick and Larne where, under the old council's programming, they were crucial in attracting visitors to the area, even just as day visitors, because the spend is equally as important. Those towns were able to reap the economic benefits derived from good programming. While we still have a few big-ticket events, like the Dalriada Festival, and even, in the Ballymena area, golf's Northern Ireland Open, a focus should be given to the smaller, more localised events that are often run by local organisations, clubs and volunteers. We have witnessed Departments walk away from potential growth events like the Lughnasa Fair and the ladies' international soccer tournament in Carrickfergus.”
“We have heard about North/South links, but there are also east-west links. Those linkages with Scotland provided the accommodation sector with a traditional trade that it relied on. I hope that that will be to the fore in any strategy or planning. <BR /> <BR />As was said, the infrastructural developments of the A2 and A8 have helped with the better movement of people coming into the area, but signage is a bugbear with many in the industry. If the rigid rules governing signage were to be given some thought, it would be very much welcomed by those who want to put their facilities on the map. Hopefully, a future strategy could help to deal with those matters. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I highlight the issues around hosting events in the area.”
“Another recent development has been the launch of the East Antrim coastal tourism hub, a project delivered by Carrickfergus Enterprise. It was funded by the coastal communities fund element of the Big Lottery and helps service providers in Carrick, Larne and Newtownabbey to develop their businesses in reaching out to visitors and in encouraging more spend in the area and, at the same time, provides mentoring to develop their businesses. There have already been tangible benefits from the project by way of job creation. <BR /> <BR />It is not all whistles and bells. There have been issues of concern in the industry. One of the biggest blows, particularly to the accommodation providers, has been the demise of the Troon ferry. That has resulted in a real downturn in trade from the very natural linkages with Scotland.”
“While Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is at the centre of the constituency, there is a vital role for the Causeway and Antrim and Newtownabbey councils, and even Belfast City Council, to link into projects moving forward. The RTPs served their purpose, but now a modernised framework must be put in place to benefit the constituency and serve a wider unified area. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the commitment of Tourism NI and the commitments of a previous Minister. It is also encouraging to see some of the recent developments from the private sector. I am acutely aware of the priority given to the Causeway coastal route by some of our well-established tour companies, particularly those that link into the cruise ship boom.”
“I believe that, in the coming years, a number of actions should flow from that strategy, including master planning, for example, using the Gobbins as the focal point. A master plan could be developed, linking in the immediate area of Islandmagee and Blackhead into the existing master plans to the south in Whitehead and Carrickfergus, and similarly to the north through Larne, Glenarm and onwards up towards the glens. <BR /> <BR />Partnership is key to moving forward between government, the private sector and the community and voluntary sector. While the days of the old regional tourism partnerships (RTPs) are at an end, it is imperative that collaborative working between councils continues.”
“<BR /> <BR />Some may think that today's Adjournment debate is slightly premature, but it links perfectly with the last debate, just over a year ago, when the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister said that the new super-council of Mid and East Antrim must continue to work alongside Invest NI to drive economic development in the area. That first stage is about to come to fruition, with the finalisation of the tourism strategy in the coming weeks. It is a real opportunity to showcase and maximise the attraction of the likes of the Causeway coastal route, the Gobbins path, Carnfunnock and Carrickfergus Castle, to name but a few attractions.”
“I thank Mr Lyons for securing this Adjournment debate on tourism in East Antrim. I also welcome the Minister and thank him for giving up his time this afternoon. <BR /> <BR />Probably not that long ago, we had the opportunity of a very similar Adjournment debate in the last mandate. It is good that we can continue the theme from the outset of the new mandate. We can put down markers for the next five years. Make no mistake: politicians will need to work together, at central and local government levels, to create the environment that will allow private sector partners to deliver a product that can go a long way to boost the economy in East Antrim.”
“Sorry. I ask if the Commission can ensure that a much better controlled and efficient heating system is in place for future mandates, as it has been a somewhat controversial one here, with sometimes too much heat.”
“I wish the Member well, as I understand that she is not attempting to return to any future mandate. I wish her all the best for the future. Can I ask —”
“I apologise for my absence earlier, which was due to three Committees going on at the same time.”
“I certainly welcome the statement. There appears to be a lot of best practice out there, particularly in countries such as the Scandinavian countries, that have been a bit in front of us here in Northern Ireland. Will the Minister ensure that, in promoting sign language, best practice will be gleaned from other jurisdictions?”
“Perhaps the Minister will outline the benefits of lowering corporation tax not only for foreign investors but for local companies investing in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Further to that, will he give a commitment that the DUP has no plans to remove industrial derating?”
“I ask the Minister for his views on how he sees the introduction of universal credit easing the problem. <BR /> <BR />Overall, the Committee has made the recommendation that DSD and DEL ensure that they work together and that one Department does not take away the good offered by another. <BR /> <BR />Finally, people with learning disabilities are valued citizens; they must be enabled to use mainstream services and be fully included in the life of our communities. I look forward to the Minister's response to hear how opportunities and support for those with special needs can be bettered in the future, taking account of individuals' needs and assisting them to be as independent as possible. <BR /> <BR />I support the report.”
“In particular, there is a reluctance to engage in short-term voluntary placements, as that affects long-term quality of life through provision of benefits. It also noted that those coming off benefits have problems with the 16-hour rule — again through unrest caused by thinking that their benefits may be interrupted. Sperrinview backed that up by saying that many families have to leave work to look after those with special needs. As money is tight, they simply cannot entertain losing £1 from the household income. Potential opportunities to engage with work are overlooked. <BR /> <BR />Evidence in the inquiry suggested that universal credit has the power to help. Another valid point was that "work" needs to live up to its name and reputation by offering partakers in it some form of benefit, whether financial, mental, social or emotional.”
“Therefore, with this evidence in mind, the Committee made recommendation 25 that DHSSPS assess the impact of the decreasing day-care places for people with learning difficulties and what alternative provision the Minister and his Department make or intend to put in place. Will he consider the shift from transitional segregated services to integrated and take on board that some trusts have reduced, or have plans to reduce, the number of building-based facilities in a general move towards smaller satellite-type services in the community and independent third-sector partnerships? <BR /> <BR />The inquiry also revealed that those on benefits find it difficult to engage in placements and volunteering opportunities, as they are anxious that doing so might have a detrimental impact on their benefits or, at the very worst, stop them altogether.”
“It warns that, in the post-16 provision, it can meet the needs of those pupils, but it is concerned that, at post-18, there is a lack of specialised and supported provision for many people whose needs can be complex.”
“<BR /> <BR />In regard to the demand aspect of the inquiry, evidence from Beechlawn and Sperrinview special schools gave the Committee much concern. Their evidence related to the fact that demand for further education provision is not being met. Submissions referred to the number of individuals with learning difficulties who end up not in employment, education or training. Evidence also revealed that that will increase in the coming years. <BR /> <BR />Beechlawn School gave the Committee some daunting figures. It said that, at present, 47% of its enrolment is pupils with autistic spectrum disorder and that, in three years' time, that is predicted to rise to potentially 90%.”
“I support the motion, which brings this very important report to the House. I thank everyone who has been involved in putting the inquiry together and bringing it before us today, none more so than Cathie White and her team in the Employment and Learning Committee, who worked tirelessly on the report. <BR /> <BR />From reading through the recommendations in the inquiry, it seems there is no doubt that the opportunities throughout Northern Ireland for those with special needs are patchy. Therefore, policies, procedures and practices need to be improved to maximise opportunities to support the transition from education to job opportunities or voluntary work for those with special needs, alleviating the worry and concern of them and their families.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and update on what is an ongoing issue. Will the Minister give us some indication of how she and her Department are helping to sustain the excellent facilities that have been created at Down Royal and Downpatrick racecourses?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Can he give an indication of the condition of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's stock?”
“I should probably declare a non-pecuniary interest as an official of a midnight soccer scheme that avails itself of some of the money. I acknowledge the work of the scheme and congratulate those responsible on its implementation. I have seen that work at first hand, which is done for the benefit of the young people who participate. Can the Minister give a commitment to its future in terms of length of time or how it could be enhanced going forward?”
“At the briefing, it was agreed that the document ‘At a Glance Guide to the Working Time Regulations’ would be forwarded to the Committee. The guide was intended for use by employers and was drafted and agreed in conjunction with members of the working time stakeholder group. The Committee noted that correspondence from the Department on 14 January 2015. <BR /> <BR />The Department advised the Committee on 20 January about the proposed SR 2016-000, the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016. The Department later contacted the Committee on 26 January with a technical amendment to the statutory rule (SR). The Committee considered the SR, including the technical amendment, at its meeting on 27 January and agreed that it was content. The Committee agreed to recommend that the rule be affirmed by the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />This statutory rule will consolidate and replace the provisions of the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998, referred to as the 1998 regulations, and the ten statutory rules which amended it from 1998 to 2009. A reduction in the administrative burden to employers will be achieved through the consolidation of a number of separate statutory rules into a single set of regulations. This will make navigation of the regulations easier for users. <BR /> <BR />The departmental officials briefed the Committee at its meeting on 10 December 2014 on the better regulation pilot reviews of employment regulations.”
“Thank you Mr Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to outline the views of the Committee for Employment and Learning on the statutory rules relating to the working time directive. This statutory rule is made under powers conferred by section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 and article 15 of the Work and Families (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and is subject to the draft affirmative resolution procedure before the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />The Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 were designed to protect the health and safety of workers by providing them with rights such as daily and weekly working time limits, health assessments for night workers, in-work rest breaks and paid annual leave.”
“Although, initially, some members of the Committee preferred "ombudsperson" as an explicitly gender-neutral form, following consideration of a research paper on the etymology of the term, the Committee agreed the proposed amendments to change "ombudsperson" to "ombudsman". These amendments were accepted by the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Committee, we support the Bill.”
“The Committee noted the safeguards provided in clauses 9 and 42 to address those concerns and was content with the provisions of clause 8. <BR /> <BR />Finally, it would be remiss of me not to refer to the Ad Hoc Committee's amendment to change the title of the new office from Public Services Ombudsperson to Public Services Ombudsman. I know that individual members of the Committee had differing views on that change of title, and these were aired during the Bill's Committee and Consideration Stages. In agreeing to make the change, the Committee noted that the intention of the Bill's sponsor, the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, was that the name be unambiguously gender-neutral.”
“where it appears to be desirable in order to bring about a settlement. Following consideration of the evidence received and the legal advice in respect of the issues raised by stakeholders, the Committee was content with the provisions of clause 11. <BR /> <BR />During its deliberation on the Bill, the Committee considered in some detail the new power in clause 8 for the NIPSO to launch an investigation without waiting for a complaint from the person aggrieved. The Committee noted that that power is common to most European ombudsmen and those in Australia and New Zealand. The Committee noted that while a number of stakeholders welcomed the power of own-initiative, others expressed concern about a perceived lack of clarity in respect of the criteria to be used by the NIPSO.”
“The Committee considered those clauses at length and sought legal advice in respect of the issues raised by the stakeholders. Accordingly, the Committee was satisfied that the provisions of those clauses did not breach convention rights or interfere with privilege, and was content with the clauses. Again, the Committee noted the concerns of a number of members in respect of the provisions of the Bill on privileged and confidential information. <BR /> <BR />The Committee also sought legal advice in respect of concerns raised about the power in clause 11(b) for the ombudsman to recommend that:”
“That supersedes the existing power of the board of visitors to investigate complaints by students. The Committee considered the concerns that were raised by student bodies, Queen's University Belfast and the Ulster University. Following consideration of its legal advice, the Committee was satisfied that clause 18 did not interfere with the limits on the availability of the judicial review in relation to the jurisdiction of the board of visitors. The Committee noted concerns raised by one member in respect of the inclusion of universities in the remit of the Public Services Ombudsman. <BR /> <BR />The Committee raised concerns about the number of clauses relating to legal representation, legal privilege, court proceedings and privileged information.”
“The Ad Hoc Committee recommended that a memorandum of understanding acknowledging the safeguarding of the NIPSO's financial independence should be agreed at the earliest opportunity. I note that, during Consideration Stage, the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister gave an undertaking to explore the matter again with both the Committee for Finance and Personnel and the Audit Committee to identify how best to conclude the memorandum of understanding. <BR /> <BR />A number of other clauses of the Bill proved to be contentious. The Committee sought its own legal advice before agreeing that it was content with these clauses, notwithstanding the concerns that were also recorded by individual members. These included clause 18, which provides for the inclusion of universities within the NIPSO's remit.”
“He advised us that the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister had taken its own advice on the matter and had concluded that it was content that it would be a matter for the NIPSO, as a public authority, to exercise the power in a manner that is compatible with the convention rights of the listed authority. <BR /> <BR />The Committee also strongly recommended that the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, as the Bill's sponsor, take steps to address concerns that were raised by the Audit Committee to ensure that there is sufficient protection from the Executive's controlling or directing the NIPSO's access to resources.”
“The Committee's report on the Bill outlined these issues and made recommendations to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, as the sponsor of the Bill, to take steps to address the Committee's concerns. <BR /> <BR />In particular, members of the Committee expressed their reservations that the Bill's provisions for the NIPSO to lay a special report before the Assembly could be construed as coercive and that such a report had the potential to have a detrimental impact on a medical practitioner. During Consideration Stage, the Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister reminded us that the power can be exercised only when the NIPSO finds that the aggrieved person has sustained an injustice and that it has not or will not be remedied.”
“That resulted in a robust Consideration Stage, which left the Bill markedly different from its introduction. It now addresses and reflects issues that the Ad Hoc Committee had considered at great length, even at Further Consideration Stage, which, for many, is a much briefer affair. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to briefly reflect on the Ad Hoc Committee's work on the Bill. While the Committee did not oppose any clauses in or schedules to the Bill in its consideration, and was content with the amendments that were put forward by the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister prior to its formal clause-by-clause scrutiny, members did express concerns on a number of issues.”
“I rise as a member of the former Ad Hoc Committee on the Public Services Ombudsman Bill. I would like to thank my fellow members who came together to form the Ad Hoc Committee for their duties, which were in addition to their obligations to other Committees. I would also like to thank my colleagues on the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their positive communications and willingness to heed the concerns of the Ad Hoc Committee. <BR /> <BR />This was a highly unusual, cross-cutting Committee Bill, which the House does not see very often. It required the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to consider and report on it. Indeed, it was a Bill with an extraordinary number of amendments — one of the largest that the Assembly has ever had to deal with — during its Further Consideration Stage.”
“I thank the Minister for the information that he has given us so far. He indicated that he has spoken with staff. Does he believe that there is support from within the Health and Social Care system for the reforms that he is taking forward?”
“Let us continue that good practice in the workplace and help to boost our economy to its full potential by doing all we can to embed better law practices to enhance and boost employment. This is an opportunity to promote social partnership between employee and employer. <BR /> <BR />I thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I support it and look forward to its progression to Committee Stage for further scrutiny.”
“Economically, Northern Ireland is not on a level playing field with the rest of the UK. Reflecting on our business needs is key, so I strongly support that. Whilst other aspects of our society remain divided, our workplaces have largely become integrated. Over the years, discrimination in employment has significantly decreased. This is a real achievement and pushes Northern Ireland into a new era, and that is vital for strengthening our reputation as a good place to work and do business.”
“That shows how things can change in the working environment. <BR /> <BR />The use of the term "judges" came in for a bit of criticism. I am not sure of the relevance of the argument. That issue did not come across heavily in the consultation. It is understood from the Minister's input that the individual has entered the legal system at this stage. To be honest, if nothing else, you are giving ordinary folk an impression of a just system and a just outcome. As has been said, other tribunals in society use the same term consistently to reflect that the legal process has been engaged in. <BR /> <BR />I support the idea of not following suit with the rest of the UK by deciding not to increase the qualifying period for unfair dismissals from one to two years.”
“As I mentioned earlier, there are a number of different systems and processes out there. They should all work together, and they should all be reviewed together so that we get the best employment practice here in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Another area to welcome is public disclosure. In the Committee, I mentioned my own experience in the public sector. I have been used as a conduit between employees and the Audit Office in the public arena. I have witnessed at first hand how people can be treated, so I certainly welcome this section, which undoubtedly protects employees who make public-interest disclosures whilst guarding against disclosures not made in the public interest or in good faith. From researching this, there seem to be firms out there that already have systems in place that actually reward people who come forward.”
“We do not want to introduce something that nobody uses because nobody knows about it. We have to get a very clear message out there. <BR /> <BR />I welcome also the neutral assessment review process, but good guidance must be given to the layperson, the employee, so that, when a case is reviewed, they know exactly where they stand. Those couple of introductions will also impact on the services as well. The experts will need support and additional resources to give that advice. I understand that, in some agencies, there are ongoing consultations and negotiations to try to obtain those additional resources because the Bill will come in fairly quickly. <BR /> <BR />I support the potential review of the Bill. Some people mentioned one year, and some mentioned three years. It should certainly be an all-encompassing review.”
“From speaking to HR specialists in recent days, I know that they welcome this opportunity enthusiastically, as it would mean that the employee and employer could theoretically get a heads up on the potential outcome of a dispute before they embark on any potentially costly, or most likely stressful, formal legal processes. <BR /> <BR />There is a need for a simple and straightforward registration system. It must not be complex. It should complement the existing systems in legislation that sits side-by-side with this. This should not sit in some sort of ad hoc manner. It should therefore be user-friendly and integrate with current processes. However, there will be a need for some professional and personal advice to be given to employees and clients. A concern might be awareness of the scheme among laypeople.”
“Time and again, we have been reassured that there have been, and continue to be, good reasons for developing local employment law and solutions that are in our best interests. <BR /> <BR />I will now look at a few of the points that have been raised. I welcome the Bill and thank the Minister for bringing it to its Second Stage. Early conciliation and the stipulation that all potential tribunal claims could be routed through the Labour Relations Agency first would mean that there is a chance of a resolution before going down the legal route.”
“I will be fairly brief. The Chair and others have covered the relevant issues and points very well. Indeed, there was a very comprehensive overview from the Chair. <BR /> <BR />The ultimate objective of the Bill is to stimulate business confidence whilst maintaining the rights of individual employees. At a time when we are trying to build the economy of Northern Ireland, installing the very best practice in the workplace is crucial. I am hopeful that the key measures introduced in the new Bill will assist Northern Ireland in becoming a more efficient economy that attracts investment and has a reputation for looking after its staff and businesses. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland can stand proud as the only part of the United Kingdom where employment law is devolved.”
“During the Committee's engagement with stakeholders, concerns were raised about work experience. The respondents to the consultation expressed differing views on the use of simulated work placements as an alternative to actual work placements. How does the strategy deal with that?”
“As part of the overall social housing reform programme, will the current Housing Executive stock transfer out of public ownership?”
“I think that the difficulty with a short statement is finding something to ask on the issue. One thing that jumps out, Minister, is the European funding opportunities. Will you work with the Agriculture Department, for instance, on the rural development programme to potentially try to provide mix-and-match schemes?”
“My question was more general on the work of the policy branch. In the light of recent events globally, can the deputy First Minister assure us that Northern Ireland is at a level of readiness and preparedness in the event of a civil emergency?”