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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“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I will be brief.”
“Their devotion and sacrifice stand in stark contrast to those who seek to drag us back.”
“What happened when a portrait of His Majesty The King was offered to the council following the coronation? "You can have it, but not on our premises", was the message. Coronation celebrations? "Do it, but do not involve us", was that message. A jobs fair? "Yes, we can have it, but with only those employers who conform to our outlook", was the message there. That is the reality for unionists in my constituency. There are those who talk of the Derry model, but if that is the model that nationalists seek for their shared island, they are even more deluded than I thought. <BR /> <BR />For the record, I am very proud of our armed forces, whether for helping out during the pandemic, defusing bombs that terrorists left or defending all our freedoms across the globe.”
“That is the crux of the issue. Dehumanising those who are impacted on might be easier on the conscience of those representatives, but it does not change the reality. Unionists are just about tolerated by the nationalist leadership in our city. Even small gestures are too big for some.”
“Once again, there is a complete and utter failure of leadership from nationalism in my constituency. <BR /> <BR />When a unionist colleague spoke of the importance of the military to them and their family and of the valuable jobs that are on offer, they were told by an SDLP councillor:”
“There have been decades of control by the SDLP and Sinn Féin in the council, and, alongside the MP position, the area's Assembly seats are held by a nationalist majority, yet we continue to lag behind. <BR /> <BR />Tomorrow, a jobs fair is due to take place at the Foyle Arena in the Waterside area of my constituency. Jobs fairs are an excellent opportunity for employers to meet potential employees all under one roof. However, one of the most significant employers, the Ministry of Defence and our armed forces sector, has been told that it is not welcome there by the SDLP, Sinn Féin and independents. The short-sightedness and downright bigotry of that position is shameful. To seek to deny people in my constituency the right to engage with that employer is disgraceful.”
“I pose this question: what should be the role of an elected representative? Is it to serve constituents, advocate for local interests and try to make life better for our communities? The sad reality in the Londonderry City and Strabane District Council area is that nationalist parties and independent republicans increasingly see it as being their role to spend hours virtue-signalling on issues that they cannot control yet spend mere minutes on things that they can control. Our council area tops the league table in almost every area that you would not want it to: economic inactivity, unemployment and deprivation, to name but a few. Yet time and time again, their focus has been on every issue rather than on trying to address the concerns that matter to people.”
“Minister, I thank you for that extensive response and join others in condemning those who have attacked you personally or your officials. It is unacceptable and needs to be called out. <BR /> <BR />Agricultural shows are welcome opportunities to showcase the industry. They also offer DAERA a useful opportunity to encourage people to enter the sector. Are there any further plans for the Department to expand its offering at those shows?”
“<BR /> <BR />My constituents will suffer if the consultation continues to go in its current direction of travel because the face-to-face offering in the Waterside will cease. Recently, I met the North West Road Safety Partnership to discuss issues at the site where, it is proposed, the offices will be consolidated. There are ongoing parking issues and challenges there, and I want to highlight that this morning. I encourage people to respond to the consultation, which closes on 9 June. When we look at efficiencies, it is important that we are mindful that closing those offices is not the way to go, given the fact that many people rely on the face-to-face support that they provide.”
“I understand the need for many of our public bodies and organisations to transform and become more efficient. However, I rise this morning to raise concerns about the Housing Executive's proposal to close four of its offices in my Londonderry constituency: at Collon Terrace, Waterside, Richmond Chambers and Waterloo Place. The Housing Executive wants to consolidate those four offices into one in the city centre at Carlisle House. That proposal raises key concerns, not least for those who work in the Waterside office. I have been in touch with many of the staff there who feel that they will be disadvantaged when they move not just in relation to parking and their capacity to meet constituents but in their ability to meet with the most vulnerable in the Waterside.”
“I very much welcome the £5 million of funding for public realm works in the Walled City of Londonderry. That is welcome news that comes on the back of the announcement on Austins. <BR /> <BR />Minister, just a few weeks ago, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and the key played by Ebrington Square. What support is your Department providing to the maritime museum at Ebrington Square, and will you commit to ensuring that that project is realised?”
“I thank the First Minister for her response. First Minister, through your office, have the Executive undertaken any assessment of the impact of reduced policing numbers on good relations in Northern Ireland, particularly in light of sectarianism and hate crime attacks, in order to see what we can do as an Executive to address those scourges in our society?”
“I thank the Minister for his response and I welcome the £1·2 million that his Department has provided to restore the Austins building in the city centre. Minister, will you outline any further plans that you have to restore buildings in Londonderry city centre?”
“Whilst we take great pride in our open waters and the beauty that they provide, sadly, they can also take lives. We need to ensure that people are aware of the dangers that open waters can pose to individuals, such as the cold shock of the water, hidden currents or unexpected depths. This is a very sad reminder. Again, the thoughts and prayers of our party are with those individuals' families who, sadly, will have to deal with the grief in the time ahead.”
“On behalf of the DUP, I send our condolences to the Familola and Sibanda families. What happened over the weekend was a very sad tragedy, with two young lives taken far too soon. Many of us will have heard the tributes being paid from right across the community, not least from the RNLI representative who clearly articulated what happened over the weekend, the way in which the emergency services responded and how the families and the local community joined together to pray for Emmanuel and Matt and, indeed, for the other young person, who managed to get out of the water. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, such tragedies are not unique. We have seen them, unfortunately, within our constituencies as well. It is a stark reminder of the dangers that open water can pose.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, you referred to Ministers granting consent to Tourism NI to amend the memorandum and articles of association. Can you outline why that was necessary and why a capacity review of Tourism Ireland is required?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, since the consultation, the general feedback that we have received through the Committee has been that, broadly, the unions have been supportive and, broadly, the business community and its representatives have serious and genuine concerns. One of the sectors with concerns is the hospitality sector, and those concerns include issues around contracts, zero-hours contracts and the role that they have to play. Minister, do you know how many people in Northern Ireland have zero-hours contracts and what the impact of your proposals would be?”
“It is unfortunate that we are seeing a rise in that activity, but the ultimate result of it will be serious injury, if not death. I urge those who have information to bring it to the PSNI. There is an onus on us all to show political leadership, and I welcome the condemnation of that activity across the board. It is not about finger-pointing at one section of the community. Sectarianism, unfortunately, blights all sections of our society. There is an onus on us to highlight that, so it is important that, today, we call it out for what it is and we urge those involved to bring it to an end and those with information to bring it to the PSNI.”
“I rise with sadness and concern following a week of sectarianism and violence in my constituency of Foyle. On Easter Monday, we saw violence from republicans near the Fountain estate. Following the Easter Monday parade, petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown near an old people's home. At the weekend, we saw two young people targeted in the Nelson Drive area. Yesterday, there were arranged fights, with fireworks and masonry being thrown. A bus carrying young people from a cross-community tournament was targeted with stones and masonry. The murals in the Fountain estate were also targeted. <BR /> <BR />It is deeply disappointing that that level of sectarianism still exists. I urgently call on those involved in it to stop what they are doing.”
“The Chancellor's spring statement outlined a significant increase in defence spending, with a strong emphasis on investment in areas such as AI and drone technology. Minister, given Northern Ireland's increasing and growing capabilities in those sectors, what steps are you and your Department taking to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses can effectively capitalise on increased defence expenditure?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Indeed, I welcome the action that has been taken; it is long overdue. Minister, will you outline the time frames for what will happen once the consultation has been completed? How long will the consultation take? What will be the next steps?”
“Mr Gaston also spoke passionately about Wrightbus being ahead of the curve in Northern Ireland and about a lot of the work that is going on at local government level through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, including the work that it does through the hydrogen training academy. Some exciting work is going on there. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the Minister spoke about work going on in the Department and Invest NI and about the need to develop further opportunities. She spoke positively about local businesses. <BR /> <BR />That is our motion. I think that the debate was positive. I hope that we can now get on and seize plans to further grow that exciting sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />Dr Steve Aiken spoke about our not being ambitious enough and about the potential to tap into GB Energy and the National Wealth Fund, looking at the Irish Sea as a potential zero-emission zone for shipping. He urged the Minister to speak with her counterparts in the UK Government to try to progress those matters. <BR /> <BR />Timothy Gaston spoke about Ballymena being in a good place to be the hydrogen hub of Northern Ireland. I should have mentioned that my colleague Ms McLaughlin mentioned the north-west having a role in that as well. I think that we will all want to see our constituency seeing the benefits of hydrogen.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sinéad McLaughlin spoke of it being critical that we explore every opportunity for transition to green energy. She spoke of green hydrogen as being just one part of energy transition and of the need to look beyond it. She feels that there is a need for any hydrogen strategy that is produced to be evidence-based: something that we should all agree on. <BR /> <BR />Kellie Armstrong spoke about the domestic market in Northern Ireland, the capacity of different systems to heat our homes and the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Kellie also touched on the prioritisation of skills and apprenticeships.”
“I somewhat disagree with that: the Assembly has shown leadership on these issues, not least through my colleagues Minister Dodds and Minister Lyons, as they were at the time, and, indeed, the current Minister's work on the 10X Economy strategy and through partnerships at council level and at Westminster. Mr Honeyford went on to say that business leaders should be congratulated for creating jobs in the sector: I completely agree. He also talked about dual market access. <BR /> <BR />Diana Armstrong spoke about the importance of not being left behind when it comes to hydrogen. She spoke about what a company in her constituency — Mannok — is doing to utilise hydrogen effectively and about the interest that Joe Kennedy showed when he visited that company's premises.”
“He went on to outline a number of key pillars that, we believe, a strategy should consider and to highlight the benefits that that would have for consumers and give examples, including the work that is going on at Wrightbus. <BR /> <BR />Emma Sheerin talked about being supportive of the motion and of the need for investment in this growing sector. She spoke of storm Éowyn, the evidence of global warming and the need to move away from fossil fuels. <BR /> <BR />Mr Honeyford talked about success having come in spite of the Assembly's being here.”
“Of course, we need to exploit that further and make use of that energy when our demand is lower, but we also have the potential to become a global centre of excellence for the hydrogen economy. The foundation for that already exists through our local manufacturers of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, such as Wrightbus, and those companies that produce hydrogen fuel and provide reliable storage facilities for it. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to summarise some of the contributions. My colleague Mr Buckley opened the debate by talking about the proactive steps that are required to grow the sector. The strategy should be built on what we already have. He spoke passionately about working in collaboration with the UK and the ROI and globally.”
“<BR /> <BR />A hydrogen strategy is vital to securing and developing Northern Ireland's place as an innovator in this field. We want to see the opportunities being grasped and progression across Northern Ireland to ensure that we have further growth, further job creation and the ability to deliver on a global scale. As has been mentioned by a number of Members, we have a unique ability to produce green hydrogen. <BR /> <BR />Yesterday, we had a positive debate in the Chamber about green growth. There was general consensus in that debate that green growth needs to be done in a way that is just and fair and protects consumers and businesses. My colleague Mr Buckley mentioned that onshore wind in Northern Ireland provides more than 80% of our renewable capacity.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank all the Members who spoke for their contributions. The motion has produced a very positive debate, and I thank my colleague Mr Buckley for moving it. <BR /> <BR />There were quite a number of common themes in each of the contributions. Many Members, including me, want to celebrate the businesses in Northern Ireland that are already innovating and leading the way with hydrogen and are grasping the opportunities that exist from the move towards that type of technology and infrastructure. There was also a clear thread on the focus on skills, the need for apprenticeships and the need to ensure that we have the skills as we progress in the use of hydrogen across Northern Ireland.”
“Again, that is something that the Minister should address. <BR /> <BR />The final area relates to cooperation with the Minister for Infrastructure in order to reform planning. There is no doubt that delays in the Planning Service and in the processing of planning applications contribute further to the delay in our decarbonisation. Many of the applications are for developments that would improve our environment and reduce our emissions, but as those decisions continue to be delayed so too does our just transition. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment adds to the motion, strengthens it and encourages the Minister and all Departments to place an onus on ensuring that customers, consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland are not adversely impacted on as we move towards a greener economy.”
“We believe that that should be explored. A report that was compiled by KPMG warned:”
“However, we believe that financial assistance should be provided to increase energy efficiency and small-scale energy generation by businesses and households. The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) has suggested:”
“As we transition to a greener economy, we must ensure that ratepayers do not suffer and that those who can least afford it are not expected to pay more. As we go forward, we must do so in a way that is fair to all. Affordability should be a chief concern, given the fact that the cost of infrastructure maintenance and upgrades will be shared in Northern Ireland by a population of 1·9 million, which the Consumer Council has shown has an average household discretionary income that is 41% below the UK average. <BR /> <BR />The third area that I will highlight is the introduction of a new renewable energy support scheme. We support the calls for the Minister for the Economy:”
“<BR /> <BR />In our amendment, we highlight the fact of:”
“Significant progress has been made over the past decade, and that should be celebrated. Our maritime and offshore wind supply chain is evolving. We have ports that are in ideal locations to be bases for offshore energy projects, and Northern Ireland is home to the only dedicated purpose-built port facility for offshore renewables on the island. In 2024, 81·7% of all renewable electricity that was generated in Northern Ireland was generated from wind. In the past year, 43·5% of the electricity that was consumed in Northern Ireland was generated from renewable sources. Increasing that figure to 80% in the next five years will require significant investment in our infrastructure. As we seek to do that, we must ensure that we respect our local environment, our landscape and areas of natural beauty and heritage, such as the Giant's Causeway.”
“It is undeniable that reducing emissions will create significant economic opportunities for Northern Ireland. Of course, as we seek to upscale renewable energy production, we must also protect customers from cost shocks. That is reflected in the Programme for Government and is crucial for several interconnected reasons, not least of which are ensuring energy affordability and equity, maintaining public support for energy transition and facilitating a just transition. <BR /> <BR />The second area that I will highlight is ineffective renewable energy infrastructure and planning policy, which act as barriers. In our amendment, we note:”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members for tabling the motion. I am, however, disappointed that they will not support the DUP amendment. A thread runs through our amendment that is about making sure that a just transition is affordable for local communities. <BR /> <BR />In speaking to the motion and our amendment, I will highlight four broad issues. The first is the upscaling of renewable energy production. We can all embrace a greener and more sustainable economy. Such an economy can create jobs, increase prosperity and lead to stronger and healthier communities while protecting our natural environment. We are in favour of building on the work of DUP Ministers Dodds and Lyons and their 10X Economy vision. Sixty per cent of our manufacturing companies sell into the green economy, generating £1·5 billion in turnover.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. She will be aware that people living in my constituency are deeply frustrated by the inaction on addressing the issues at Caw roundabout. Will the Minister commit to giving a timeline in which those issues will finally be addressed and a commitment that the roundabout will receive the proper measures that it deserves?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Six months ago, the Planning Appeals Commission published a report that highlighted significant flooding issues on the Newbuildings to Strabane section of the A5. Minister, are you saying that the only progress that has been made in addressing those issues is the potential for a working group to be set up? We do not know who will sit on that or when it will come forward.”
“How can we work more closely with our communities? Obviously, education does not begin and end at the school gates. What more can be done to ensure that communities have a say in our schools?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement and his leadership in Northern Ireland's education sector. Minister, in the strategy's 10-point plan, you refer to:”
“To that end, we, as a party, will work constructively with the Minister and other Executive colleagues and alongside the UK and Irish Governments to progress the feasibility studies that are under way.”
“The rail network is so important that, over many years, parents have lobbied for improvements to it. <BR /> <BR />We do not currently have rail electrification, and there are clear disparities in access to services in areas such as Fermanagh, as, no doubt, my colleague Deborah will mention. That ought to change as a result of the work that is being done on assessing the potential for greater rail connectivity. We need to see further progress made on the line between Portadown and Londonderry as well. <BR /> <BR />The all-Ireland strategic rail review and the Union connectivity review present a clear vision for better connectivity throughout the British Isles. Full delivery on their commitments stands to unlock opportunities for our economic growth and for job creation.”
“<BR /> <BR />Tourism makes an important contribution to our council area, with a total spend of over £63 million in the Londonderry and Strabane district in 2023. There were 475 tourism businesses, accounting for over 5,000 jobs. Improved transport infrastructure would help boost the tourism experience of visitors from these islands and across the world. For our constituents, however, improved infrastructure would mean greater investment and better connectivity, thereby unlocking further job opportunities. <BR /> <BR />Since the 1950s, the Northern Ireland rail network has been cut by 450 miles. Northern Ireland has also suffered historical underinvestment in its rail network and services compared with other regions of the UK. As one placard displayed at a protest about trains stated, "Our wains need trains".”
“We need a joined-up plan that will deliver for all our hardest-to-reach communities. <BR /> <BR />The north-west transport plan will cover local transport issues, such as active travel, public transport, local road networks and parking, and will set the framework for transport policy and investment decisions until 2035. The six-stage process for the development of the plan must progress without delay, but it also needs to be right, addressing local needs and challenges. The motion touches on the need to expedite the remediation of the Mobuoy site to unlock further growth in the north-west. It is vital that we see the further extension of the A6, but we must also address the challenges that exist in relation to some sections of the A5.”
“The north-west transport plan is a long-overdue step that will go some way towards addressing the region's infrastructure needs. As identified in the regional development strategy 2035, Londonderry has a significant role to play as the capital of an expanding north-west. As a party, the DUP is committed to better transport infrastructure serving the entire north-west from Strabane across to the north coast. As is highlighted in our amendment, we must:”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Our amendment strengthens the motion. We have discussed many issues today that affect the north-west, and the issue of transport infrastructure is vital in ensuring that we reach our full potential in terms of our economy, our tourism sector and, of course, our connectivity to other areas. There has been a concern over many years that the north-west lags behind other regions in strategic infrastructure investment, despite the fact that the movement of people and goods in the north-west is a key international gateway that provides access by road, rail, sea and air. <BR /> <BR />Inadequate transport infrastructure has long acted as a barrier to economic growth, investment and connectivity.”
“In the long term, it would free up finances that could be reused for health provision. I therefore see no reason — fiscal or moral — why we cannot garner support for a centre. I encourage Members to support our amendment. Hopefully, we will see a unanimous position taken today.”
“We have lost too many loved ones, and so many loved ones are caught in the endless spiral of addiction and associated problems. They have an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and are not sure where to turn. We have to provide a solution. We can no longer ignore the people who are desperate for help. <BR /> <BR />During the COVID pandemic, alcohol and drug use increased by 60%. That staggering statistic from Ulster University shone a light on those who already faced social marginalisation and highlighted the fact that they faced elevated levels of harm. The human cost is immeasurable and untold, while the financial cost to Northern Ireland is immense, but the short-term goal of a establishing a treatment centre will help those most in need and literally save lives.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Assembly must look at the person, see their suffering and ensure that they are treated as the patient that they rightly are, as that will remove the stigma that is associated with addiction. The stigma alone, together with the knowledge of how difficult it can be to get help, often causes the patient not to reach out for help or not to receive the help that they need in a time that they need it most. Your postcode should not dictate the level of treatment that you receive. <BR /> <BR />The message from me, my party and those whom I represent is clear. We hope that we can be unanimous today in our message to the Minister of Health, who has kindly given of his time to be here today. We must see dedicated and timely action to ensure that an addiction treatment centre is delivered for the north-west.”