Gary Middleton
Foyle · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his statement. As other Members have stated, the First Minister spoke publicly about the £150 million secured for pay awards, including £37 million for teachers.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Although the FE sector is facing a difficult budgetary landscape, NWRC has been able to punch above its weight.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, we recognise that there is more to do, but we then come to the central issue: funding. The Education Authority faces an overcommitment of some £280 million. The Department is chronically underfunded. The independent report entitled 'Investing in a Better Future' made that clear.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I do not think that there is a single Member who does not want to see our children healthy, well fed and ready to learn. We all recognise the statistics before us: 13% of children live in food-insecure households. We understand that nutritious food is the fuel for educational attainment.”
“That targeted, sustainable intervention is designed to support what many describe as the working poor; families who work hard but struggle to make ends meet. <BR /> <BR />The Opposition's motion mentions comparisons with other jurisdictions, nothing that they are expanding universal provision. However, they are being selective.”
“We hear calls from the Benches opposite for subsidies and expansions, but we rarely hear where the money should come from. If we are to find the extra £202 million for this specific policy, which Department does the Opposition suggest that we take it from?”
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“There are many other recommendations in the evaluation report that are relevant but they all point to the fact that there needs to be a crisis intervention service in the area. <BR /> <BR />There is also an economic response, conducted by Professor Siobhan O'Neill and Dr Edel Ennis, that clearly makes the economic case for the service. For example, the savings that the service makes to other agencies, emergency departments and the emergency services. However, this argument should not be an economic one. As I have said before, one life lost is one too many. The value of life is precious. <BR /> <BR />When announcing the three-month extension in June, the Minister stated:”
“This service is a vital lifeline to so many people in our city. The evaluation report recommended that the service should be maintained, and that is in no doubt. The opening hours and the publicity and procedures need to be reviewed. The service operates from Thursday at 8.00 pm until Sunday at 8.00 am, and we know that that is not sufficient. The issues that many of those people face do not stop or start at those times. They exist all the time, and there should be a service to reflect that. <BR /> <BR />The evaluation report also referenced that progress was needed on partnership between referral agencies. I pay tribute to many organisations in my constituency — Foyle Search and Rescue, the PSNI and many others — that do an incredible job in helping those in need.”
“That uncertainty causes serious issues for the job retention of the skilled professionals involved and also places undue pressure on those who have to work on the front line to help our most vulnerable. Again, the extension is very welcome. However, we must look at a long-term sustainable funding model going forward. <BR /> <BR />The benefits of the crisis intervention service are well evidenced in the evaluation report conducted by Ulster University. One service user said:”
“However, it has been extended on several occasions for a few months at a time. I welcome the latest extension of the service until March 2021, and I thank the Minister for listening to the concerns of us all in the north-west. However, it is unacceptable that a fight has to be put up, time and time again, to have this service funded at a basic level. <BR /> <BR />The crisis intervention service in Londonderry, its employees, volunteers and, most significantly, the service users deserve better. Last-minute funding decisions add further to the stress and concern of those involved. The service was due to end in two weeks' time, with the funding extension announced just last week.”
“In 2016, there were 309 incidents and, in 2018, there were 898. These incidents involve real people — human beings — within our constituency; they are not just statistics. Recent figures point to a similar shocking trend. Whilst there are many great organisations and charities out there providing vital services, these devastating figures make the case for the need to do things differently. Far too many lives have been lost and families devastated. One life lost is one too many. <BR /> <BR />In 2019, the crisis intervention service was developed. It was developed to complement the Western Trust's 24-hour crisis response service at Altnagelvin and to help address the high rates of suicidal behaviour in the Western Trust area, which are amongst the highest in Northern Ireland. The service was initially run as a pilot scheme.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Members will be glad to know that I do not intend to take the full 15 minutes. <BR /> <BR />It is timely that we discuss this Adjournment topic, following on as it does from the issue that we just debated; it ties in very nicely. Five years ago, I made my maiden speech in the Chamber on the issue of suicide prevention in my constituency. We are back this evening debating the community crisis intervention service (CCIS) and the need for long-term funding. A lot has changed in the past five years. Unfortunately, in many cases, that changes have not been for the better. <BR /> <BR />My constituency of Foyle continues to see some of the highest rates of self-harm, with elevated numbers of individuals engaging in suicidal behaviour at the bridges and the river. Statistics point to an increase in incidents.”
“The Minister has been very clear in wanting to get support out as rapidly as possible where she is able to do so, and where we can ensure that those who require the support can get it.”
“That could be in the form of further grant schemes, but as the economy opens up I think that it is important that there is further help for skills, training, marketing, exporting and securing supply chains — I know that that is something that is specifically raised with us on a regular basis. <BR /> <BR />Like the Chair of the Committee for the Economy, I welcome the 32 bids that have been put in and which focus on the economy recovery. They are all aligned with the economic recovery strategy, the aim of which is to help the vulnerable and to ensure that viable businesses and sectors are still there to provide people with jobs. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for tabling the motion.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I think that the First Minister has clarified that the Executive have been very clear with regard to the measures that are in place. However, I think that in all of this it is important to be mindful that there is a health risk of a second lockdown, which would be completely devastating for our economy. I think that there would not be too much left if coming out of the other end of that. <BR /> <BR />The Executive must collectively determine what the greatest challenges are and be strategic in the support offered given the budget envelope within which it operates.”
“It is important, however, to recognise that whilst many businesses were able to continue to trade, there were other businesses and individuals who suffered significant economic hardship and fell through the cracks of support. There are also specific sectors that continue to face very challenging times and they need support too. The aerospace, tourism and hospitality industries are just some that need support. <BR /> <BR />There are significant challenges ahead. We have to deal with the immediate issue of trying to prevent a second lockdown, which would be devastating for the economy, so we need to be mindful of that whenever we have these conversations. The other issue is the ending of the furlough scheme. I know that the Executive have written to the UK Government to express their feelings on the need to ensure that —.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. However, she is incorrect. Unfortunately, the Minister for Infrastructure did drag her feet on this issue. The public will judge for themselves. Unfortunately, however, that is not the topic of today's debate, which is about the fact that the Department for the Economy has been proactive in trying to get support packages in place.”
“It will be no surprise to many inside and outside the Chamber that the Health Department was the largest spender on its response to COVID. However, the Department for the Economy significantly outweighs all the other Departments in its COVID-19 funding response. <BR /> <BR />We should recognise the significant amounts given in direct support to businesses and other sectors during the crisis. Twenty initiatives launched through the Department for the Economy include the business support grant schemes totalling over £300 million, the microbusiness fund, the apprenticeship intervention packages and the higher education and skills packages. Whilst another Minister in the Chamber had to be instructed to assist those in her remit, the Economy Minister has been proactive in getting support packages in place.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on all our lives. Faced with the largest public health issue of our time, the Executive and Ministers had to respond. They had to put in place arrangements to treat those who were infected, while trying to limit the spread of the disease by introducing social-distancing regulations, as a result of which many lives have, no doubt, been saved. That was always the priority. <BR /> <BR />However, those essential regulations also significantly affected our economy. The Economy Minister and the Executive have had to respond rapidly and make decisions to support the many businesses and individuals who were affected and faced a major reduction in income.”
“Instead of reverting to a blame game, we need to look at the challenges in a rounded fashion to protect local interests. <BR /> <BR />We note the speculation that the Government will pursue fallback measures under the internal market Bill to protect Northern Ireland's interests, should a deal not be agreed that mitigates the threat of the Northern Ireland protocol. We will carefully look at those in the finer details and the clauses relating to this, and we will study them carefully. Because we support the general aim of the motion, we will support it, and we will support the amendment.”
“They include the absence of a timetable for legislating for unfettered access between Northern Ireland and GB, as outlined in 'New Decade, New Approach'; the reluctance of some UK Ministers to incorporate safeguards and standards relating to food imports in the Agriculture Bill; the impact of closing existing routes to lower-skilled labour for key industries in Northern Ireland such as agri-food, manufacturing and hospitality; and, of course and importantly, the impact of alignment with EU rather than UK state aid on farm support levels and inward investment and competitiveness in Northern Ireland. Placing all the eggs in one basket and forcing the Economy Minister to simply focus on ploughing money into training for local businesses without knowing the eventual outcome of the talks would be very counterproductive.”
“I want to move on because I have just a few minutes left. <BR /> <BR />In our opinion, the motion wrongly focuses on education and training opportunities for local businesses as we prepare for the end of the implementation period. Whilst, yes, there is room for that, in reality, there is a plethora of other substantive concerns that need to be addressed holistically by the UK Government, if Northern Ireland's unique and characteristic economic interests are to be protected moving forward.”
“I thank the Member for giving me the opportunity to address that very point. The facts are that the only proposal that we agreed to was a safeguard mechanism for Northern Ireland here in the Northern Ireland Assembly that would have given us the final say on whether Northern Ireland would have any regulatory difference from the rest of the United Kingdom.”
“That said, many of the parties bemoaning the current risk to local businesses from a lack of clarity are the very people who jumped over backwards to promote the benefit of the protocol in the first place. Whilst some have belatedly realised the dangers of trade barriers between Northern Ireland and GB and vice versa, the DUP has been consistent in our opposition to that.”
“I absolutely agree with that point, and I urge Members, whilst they may claim to be listening to businesses, to actually go out and speak to those businesses. They should speak to the lobby groups, absolutely, but, if you speak to directly to the businesses, as we have been doing, you will see that there is real concern about some of the proposals that are being made. <BR /> <BR />It is also important to note, with reference to the motion, that the responsibility to provide clarity ultimately rests not with the Department for the Economy but with the UK Government, who are negotiating on behalf of us all in the United Kingdom. Getting the right deal should be the priority, but, if we are to be honest, communication with businesses has been poor, and lessons must be learned, going forward.”
“Whilst it might be lost on some Members, it is important to note, as my colleague Mr Stalford said, that GB accounts for 52·7% of Northern Ireland's external sales. Northern Ireland food and drink sales to GB are valued at over £2·3 billion. Sixty-five per cent of Northern Ireland's purchases from GB were worth £13·3 billion. You can see why protecting the UK internal market should first and foremost be our priority.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. Despite the sequencing of the debate, it is fair to say that we share its general aim, which is to seek greater clarity on the final arrangements that businesses in Northern Ireland will have to grapple with, once the implementation period ends. There is no doubt that there is a greater need for urgent clarity on the nature of new trading arrangements, but the priority should always be getting the right deal for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I listened on the radio this morning to people from businesses from the border areas. They were clear about their priorities, which are to ensure that there is no border down the Irish Sea and that the UK internal market is the priority, first and foremost. You can see why that is the case.”
“This investment is now more important than ever. I support the motion and the amendment.”
“However, long-term strategic plans must now be put into effect. We need to get on with the investment in our city deals. This will give a strong positive signal to businesses that there is a long-term plan to support and rebuild the affected sectors in the coming months. We must get on, too, with delivering on infrastructure investment to stimulate connectivity in Northern Ireland through digital, education and transport projects. We need to get on with promoting Northern Ireland as a great place to live and work in and to travel to.”
“Absolutely. I agree with that point, and it leads me to my next point, in that we need to get life back into our city centres and we need to get businesses opened up in as safe a way as possible. To that end, it is important that we recognise the work of the Economy Minister to try to rebuild our economy in this unprecedented environment. We must also grasp the opportunities in the emerging sectors — fintech, for example — to drive job creation. We must continue to explore how Departments can help firms to improve their supply chains or apply dynamic new ideas or technologies. There is a small window of opportunity to ensure that jobs are protected and the economic impact is not worsened. <BR /> <BR />The Executive have provided effective short-term measures to support businesses.”
“We need to bring life back into our town and city centres. There is an opportunity for Departments to take a lead on this.”
“Absolutely. I completely concur. We need to be innovative and we need to look at a targeted approach. The Executive have written to the Chancellor and it is important that he takes on board those views, particularly views from industry leaders as well. <BR /> <BR />Our town and city centres are far from what they were seven months ago. There are many more shutters down and empty units. Once busy streets are now empty. When I speak to businesses in my constituency directly, particularly those in the city centre, they stress the importance of getting public-sector staff back into their offices. That must only be done in a safe and practical way. Coffee shops, restaurants and sandwich bars may have reopened, but they are struggling due to the lack of footfall as many office workers are working from home.”
“That could be done in a targeted way, encouraging businesses back to work whilst providing a lifeline for some of the industries that are facing particular challenges, such as our aviation industry, our travel industry, our entertainment venues and our tourism and hospitality sectors.”
“That presents a significant problem as the job retention scheme comes to an end. <BR /> <BR />As efforts have been made to kick-start our economy, it is evident that, for some industries, it will take much longer than hoped for to recover. This is through no fault of those involved in those sectors but is simply dictated by the nature of their business and by the restrictions that continue to be in place for the safety of the public. In a few short weeks, many thousands will face the prospect of unemployment and their livelihoods being thrown into chaos. It is vital that the UK Government address the furlough issue and the scheme.”
“The UK Government have provided more than £2 billion in funding to respond to the pandemic, and that does not include the value of the furlough scheme. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that the job retention scheme has prevented many businesses from closing their doors and has kept many people in employment. The figures show that roughly 240,000 people were furloughed by mid-July. That is a significant number given the size of our population. In addition, the self-employed income scheme has had over 76,000 claims made in Northern Ireland, so, based on those figures, that means that around 316,000 jobs and self-employed received support through retention schemes. That is 36% of those in employment. It has been estimated that, in the medium term, many of those who are furloughed are at risk of redundancy, particularly in our SMEs.”
“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our population. First and foremost, we must continue to recognise the health impact, the hundreds of families who have lost loved ones due to the virus and the many who continue to suffer with the effects after contracting COVID. <BR /> <BR />We, of course, recognise the serious economic impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on the livelihoods of so many of our constituents. We do not have to travel too far in our constituencies to see the devastating impact of COVID on many businesses and workplaces. Without the significant financial packages and measures put in place by the UK Government, our own Economy Minister and, indeed, the wider Executive, the impact would no doubt have been greater in a shorter space of time.”
“Obviously, we welcome the fact that progress is being made on the issue. Shamefully, it has taken much longer than was expected. Will the Minister give a view on the substantial legal costs that have arisen from the fact that the victims had to go to court to push this on? Where does she believe that that bill should be paid from?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. In late 2018, the Department announced two prototype day procedure centres: one in Lagan Valley and another in Omagh, giving a good geographical spread. Minister, in your statement today, you refer to one day procedure centre hub in Lagan Valley. Minister, can you outline specifically what that will mean for day procedures in the Western Trust, and will there be a reduction in services in Omagh?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, which I welcome. It is very important, and people have been pushing for it for a long time. <BR /> <BR />The Minister indicated that the aim was for the report to be completed by May 2021. Is it the intention to implement any relevant recommendations by September 2021? Is the Minister confident that funding can be secured to implement those changes?”
“The Minister will be aware that today the Western Trust has again issued guidance around Altnagelvin Hospital and its emergency department and an increase in numbers. At one point it was up to 60 in the emergency department. What advice can the Minister give to people coming to emergency departments? Can he give an update on when GP surgeries can reopen to take the pressure off emergency departments?”
“It is clear that the deputy first Minister has broken the funeral guidance that she helped to set. Can the deputy First Minister confirm whether the PSNI has approached her regarding those breaches, and, if not, will she make herself available to the PSNI?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. The Committee was disappointed when it received the briefing that £2·5 million has been taken away from the £4·7 million that was allocated to the Department for the Economy. What message does that send, particularly to those who are involved in skills and how we move forward at this difficult economic time?”
“I thank the Member for that. I completely agree. Staff safety is something that we have had to deal with in our office on many occasions, and it is frightening. We owe it to our very hardworking staff who have been on the front line throughout the COVID-19 crisis. They deserve the respect. This is not about MLAs; this is about our staff and showing support and appreciation for them. I urge everybody to support the motion and agree to get behind it.”
“Indeed, we all had the opportunity to write to the Commission. We all had the opportunity to raise the concerns, but that alone clearly had no impact on the independent panel. <BR /> <BR />The independent panel met with MLAs. It knew the issues, but as Mr Wells clearly articulated, it did not take those views into consideration. Obviously, setting up a new independent panel, hoping that we will get the right result for our staff, is not the way forward because, as some Members have said, that did not work out well in the past. <BR /> <BR />I want to emphasise the fact that MLAs will not receive —.”
“I agree completely with the Member. Those are disgraceful situations that would not be tolerated anywhere else. Again, although the House is absolutely unanimous on those issues, when it comes to it, it is unwilling to deal with them. That is deeply regrettable, given the fact that all parties have supported the motion. It is an unacceptable position and one that we must rectify. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that different constituencies across the country have different needs. The singular approach that was decided independently cannot appreciate or address those issues. That is why we support the changes put forward in the motion. We do not believe that the measures set out in the selected amendment would have the necessary impact or influence in addressing core concerns around the level of service afforded to the public.”
“However, we also acknowledge that striving for the highest standards in public office means enabling the highest quality of representation. That is why I entered politics; to get results for my constituents and to make a lasting difference. It is, however, a matter of regret that the use of an independent body to decide office and staff allowances has hindered rather than helped that cause; not our cause per se, but that of the people whom we collectively represent. Local communities deserve constituency services that are flexible and responsive to their needs. They are also entitled to have appropriately skilled staff working on their behalf. Sadly, the current circumstances and system do not allow for that.”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. However, the Alliance Party's position is far from clear, because it has one position behind closed doors and another one publicly. Unfortunately, that has been the case with more than just this issue, but that is a matter for the Alliance Party. The public will judge that for themselves, as, indeed, will the staff of our Assembly offices. <BR /> <BR />The people of Northern Ireland have the right to a clear and reasonable explanation of exactly what has been proposed. My party remains firmly of the view that MLAs should have no role in setting their salary or, indeed, their pension. They must continue to be set independently. Nobody is questioning for one second the fact that that is done independently.”
“I support everything that my colleague Mr Jim Wells said. He has clearly articulated some of the many issues with which all Members in the Chamber will agree. Today, we stand with our staff, who have put in a huge number of hours and a huge amount of effort for very little thanks. We need to look at those determinations. <BR /> <BR />I must say that I am bewildered but, I suppose, not overly surprised by the reactions of some Members in the House. Mr Butler has signed the motion, as has Mr Blair, yet they, obviously, do not speak to their party colleagues. Clearly, there is a communication issue.”
“One in five meet the criteria for COVID-19-related PTSD due to the pandemic. The research also indicated that incidences of mental ill health in Northern Ireland during COVID-19 have continued to reflect the 25% higher prevalence than in other parts of the UK. My colleague Pam Cameron highlighted the conclusion of that report and stated that funding should be provided to ensure that support is available. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I will mention the crisis intervention service in my constituency. It is a service for which we need to ensure funding is available. <BR /> <BR />All of these plans are welcome. I appreciate that the onus does not fall on just the Health Minister. I urge all Ministers to come together and, once and for all, to tackle the issue of mental health in such a way that we can try to get a resolution to it.”
“The plan is about getting our services working again and allowing people to get back into our hospitals for all routine procedures. It is, however, deeply concerning that they have seen a 52% reduction in mental health referrals. That should absolutely concern us, given the evidence that has been produced that suggests that COVID-19 has had a severe impact on people's mental health. <BR /> <BR />The restrictions placed on personal freedoms and everyday social interaction during lockdown have had a profound impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of people living in our community. Some of the figures in the Queen's University study that Members have already touched on showed that a third of people have met the clinical criteria for depression. That is a very stark statistic.”
“Similar correlations between the virus and higher risks of anxiety and depression have been found amongst those aged under 35, living in the city, living alone or with children, health conditions, and those whose incomes have been hit. <BR /> <BR />The motion highlights that this issue is not only relevant to the public health response and health and social care, but is something that has to be tied to and targeted toward the social and economic factors that lead to mental illness. A one-size-fits-all approach cannot be effective. A cross-cutting departmental and cross-sectoral approach is very much required. <BR /> <BR />I recently met the chief executive and senior management of the Western Trust in my constituency regarding the trust's reset plan as we come out of COVID-19.”
“That is very worrying and something that we should all take very seriously. <BR /> <BR />Mental health issues can affect any one of us, irrespective of our backgrounds, our age, our religion our race or sexuality None of those things make us immune from poor mental health, however there is a need for a cross-cutting approach to mental well-being, given the health inequalities and the longer-term changes to how society operates. <BR /> <BR />In terms of coronavirus, health inequalities research by the Department of Health has indicated strong links between deprivation, age and gender on infection and admission rates.”
“Many of us took for granted being able to visit our families, our grandparents and our parents or to attend life-changing moments such as being able to be with our loved ones at baby scans, or visiting loved ones in hospitals and care homes. Those all impact on mental health. <BR /> <BR />The economic impacts, the job losses, the income reductions and the uncertainty will all go on long beyond the COVID-19 restrictions as and when they are lifted. The health impacts will also go beyond coronavirus itself and its physical health implications. <BR /> <BR />The mental ill health situation in Northern Ireland prior to the pandemic was already at a higher level than in other parts of the UK, with one in five adults here having a mental health problem at any one time. That is approximately 185,000 people.”
“I thank my colleagues for tabling this very important motion and to those who brought amendments, because they add to the motion and put a greater emphasis on it as well. <BR /> <BR />I also thank the Minister for his attendance. In his short time in office he has already shown a genuine commitment to addressing mental health challenges and has committed to doing his share, as others have put it. It is important that all Ministers take their responsibilities for mental health seriously, along with us as MLAs because, as Mr Butler said, we can show real leadership through our actions in this Chamber by making mental health very much a priority. <BR /> <BR />COVID-19 has brought many challenges that impact on mental health, such as illness, the loss of life and bereaved families unable to attend funerals and be with their loved ones.”
“We need to listen to the medical advice and trust that the decisions will be taken as soon as possible and practical.”
“Some of the fantastic initiatives announced by the Executive, such as our city deals, are going to be more important than ever to get our economy back up and running. <BR /> <BR />I want to put on record our thanks to the Minister and the Department for all their work. It has not been easy. There has not been a blueprint or a manual to try and get our economy back up and running. However, I am confident that if we all work together on this, we can get to a point where our economy thrives again. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I welcome the Minister's commitment to further indicative timings for our hotels. As a party, we have been at the forefront of fighting for businesses. We want to give clarity, but we must always be mindful of the fact that we are not yet out of this crisis.”