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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“<BR /> <BR />Like many families across the Foyle constituency and, indeed, our country, I have seen at first hand the devastating impact of addiction, specifically substance abuse, and how it affects so many families that I represent in the north-west. I have spent hours sitting with a family member and phoning every treatment centre and charity available asking for help for an addict, only to be turned away at each turn, not because the centres do not want to help but because of a lack of local capacity. It is only when you go through the process with someone who is desperate for help that you truly realise how badly that help is needed.”
“As with all community support initiatives, projects and charities, we increasingly see that their provision bridges some of the gaps between formal medical treatment, family support and vital social aspects. Such organisations are vital, but just as vital is the need for a dedicated treatment centre that can provide bespoke specialised treatment has the capacity to take on patients from the north-west and not isolate them from their locality, their family or their community by expecting them to travel great distances for the treatment that they so badly need. It is vital that all parts of our community health support and health services work well, but it is even more vital that they work well together. A dedicated treatment centre would allow for that.”
“At just 24 years old, he set up Walled City Social, a group that lifts the stigma for young men between the ages of 20 and 30 who want to socialise without alcohol. It provides non-alcohol-focused events for young men, focusing on mental and physical health and providing positive environments in which to socialise without alcohol's being involved. Conor has recognised the growing focus on social drinking and associated pressures and has created a fantastic, positive venture that will no doubt help countless young men with their physical and mental health.”
“HURT was set up by the inspirational Sadie O’Reilly in 2001 after the untimely and devastating loss of her son Tony to heroin addiction. HURT continues to do phenomenal work in the north-west and celebrated 20 years of supporting local people and their families through addiction. HURT has a uniquely placed drop-in centre that offers a holistic and family-based support methodology to addiction recovery as well as addiction prevention programmes, youth personal development courses and workshops. Of course, many other organisations, such as Northlands, ARC Fitness, which has already been mentioned, Extern, Aware and Hope North West, as well as many local churches, do phenomenal work locally. <BR /> <BR />I want to highlight another notable and impressive local initiative that was set up by north-west man Conor McDermott.”
“Addiction is a chronic condition that is faced by the individual, who often sees impacts on many aspects of their life, including, but not limited to, mental and physical health struggles, relationship breakdown or loss of career. <BR /> <BR />Addiction is treatable. It can be managed effectively, and there can be recovery. There is hope. However, the right treatment path has to be available for the person who needs that help. There must be a clear route out of their troubles. That must be locally available so as not to put a further barrier in the way of a life-saving necessity. Many local initiatives are doing excellent work in the Foyle constituency. One such organisation is HURT (Have Your Tomorrows).”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Although my party will support its amendment, it is happy to support the Alliance amendment. <BR /> <BR />Addiction does not discriminate. It can enter anyone's life, either personally or through the struggles of a loved one. Whilst addiction knows no boundaries in whom it can affect, it ultimately takes lives and destroys the lives of valued family members, friends and colleagues. I cannot think of any community across my constituency or Northern Ireland, whether urban or rural, or, indeed, further afield that has not been negatively impacted on to varying degrees by addiction. Addiction comes in many forms. It is important to note that it is not always constrained to substance abuse.”
“Where there are opportunities to work together, we need to do that but, obviously, not with a particular political agenda. <BR /> <BR />My time has run out.”
“Diana Armstrong spoke on the same theme but also highlighted the fact that, if a specific task force were set up for the north-west, there would be an impact on her constituency, and she considered what that would mean. I very much share her concerns. As someone who represents the north-west, I think that it is important that other areas in the west are not left behind. My colleague Mr Bradley talked about the importance of his constituency, and I commend him for being a tireless champion for that area. It is regrettable that he seemed to be the only one who talked about the East Londonderry constituency during the debate. My colleague Mr Honeyford from the Alliance Party talked about the Shared Island approach on key issues. As a party, we will not shy away.”
“I do not doubt that we need special intervention across a number of areas where there are clearly particular problems, as identified in the regional balance report. My colleague Mr Brett highlighted the success of the city deal investment that this party proudly championed. Pádraig Delargy talked about the role that his party played in realising the change in the airport, the upgrade of the A5 and other pieces of infrastructure. Such cross-party working is vital for ensuring that each Department delivers within its particular roles and responsibilities. Kate Nicholl said that the pace of delivery is slow but recognised her party's belief that there are opportunities in dual market access.”
“<BR /> <BR />I very much share the concern of my colleague from East Londonderry Mr Bradley about the north-west package and making sure that the north-west goes right along and includes the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. It has a significant part to play in growing the north-west economy. When we look at measures to grow the economy across Northern Ireland and talk about task forces, we need to ensure that every part of Northern Ireland grows and that we succeed in creating the maximum potential right across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I will turn to some of the contributions. As I said, Ms McLaughlin, in opening, talked about the need for special intervention.”
“here at the Assembly or in Belfast. That is a fundamental mistake. In fact, when we look over the years that the Assembly was in operation, we see that the change has been transformational, not least in the Waterside at Ebrington, with the new hotel that has been built, the innovative businesses that are on-site and the Derry/Londonderry North Atlantic (DNA) maritime museum, which is to come on field fairly soon. That collaboration, which has involved working among ourselves as elected representatives in the Assembly and working closely with Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, the strategic growth partnership and Invest NI, will deliver change and make a real difference.”
“The city deal is the single biggest UK Government investment in our city — it is over £300 million — and not mentioning it is a glaring omission from the motion. The city deal project is a catalyst. It does not solve all the ills, but it is a game changer for development in our city and in some of the innovative projects that we will see come forward, not least the expansion of Magee university. <BR /> <BR />It is important to highlight another issue in the SDLP's contribution. One member of that party mentioned:”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I very much welcome the opportunity to discuss the north-west, job creation and our economy. <BR /> <BR />I speak as somebody who was born and bred in Londonderry and who is very proud of the place that I represent. I have now been elected for 15 years and have served in the council and here at the Assembly. It gives me great pleasure to see some of the changes in my constituency. There has been huge change since 2010 not just in the transformation of the landscape but in the fact that young people now have opportunities that I did not have just a number of years ago. <BR /> <BR />My colleague Mr Brett outlined our party position on our amendment, which I believe strengthens the motion.”
“In the grand scheme of things, the amount of money announced today may be small, but it has the potential to be a catalyst for further growth, further job opportunities and further investments in my constituency. This is a welcome, good news statement, and I look forward to seeing what the investment can do for my constituency.”
“Today, however, we have received confirmation that that £40 million investment across Londonderry and Strabane over the next 10 years has been released once again. That is welcome news for my constituency. The investment, on top of the city deal money, the Inclusive Future Fund and, indeed, the Executive money towards addressing regional imbalance, represents over £300 million of investment in my constituency. <BR /> <BR />It is crucial that the UK Government continue to demonstrate their commitment to growing the north-west and all parts of the United Kingdom by taking practical steps. It is important that the mechanism used to deliver that £40 million of funding across our constituencies in the north-west is one that reaches those who are hardest to reach.”
“In the previous Westminster mandate, the DUP successfully fought for £20 million of towns funding for Londonderry and £20 million of towns funding for Coleraine. It was deeply disappointing that that funding was paused by the Labour Government.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. When health workers are attacked, it is rightly condemned. There should be zero tolerance. When Fire Service operators are attacked, again, it should be condemned and there should be zero tolerance. Unfortunately, the PSNI does not seem to receive the same respect across the board. Will the Minister outline a possible timeline for when we are likely to see her proposals on sentencing and so on come forward?”
“I thank the Minister for her comprehensive answer. How will the Department ensure that access to AI-related skills training is inclusive, particularly of those from disadvantaged backgrounds and, indeed, those who are currently employed in sectors at risk of automation?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. Minister, I am confident of the offering of the Northern Ireland hospitality sector and what it provides, but it needs your support and that of the Executive. Will you commit to meeting representative bodies, such as Hospitality Ulster, to listen to their ideas about how they can be supported to improve the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland?”
“Unfortunately, the PSNI does not receive the same respect. We need the Minister of Justice to work with our justice system to ensure that those who perpetrate such crimes against officers receive the maximum penalty possible. There is an onus on all of us in the Chamber to ensure that there is the political leadership not only to condemn those who attack our police officers but to support the men and women — mothers, fathers, sons and daughters — who put on the uniform. They must receive support from elected representatives.”
“<BR /> <BR />The sad reality is that our Police Service does not receive the respect that other emergency services receive. Our Ambulance Service, our Fire Service and our Health and Social Care workers deserve respect, and, rightly, there is zero tolerance of attacks on them.”
“I wish to speak about the shocking and disgraceful attacks on nine police officers in my constituency and in Strabane over the weekend. PSNI officers responded to ordinary calls only to find themselves being kicked in the head, having blood spat in their face, being charged at with knives and being subjected to other assaults. <BR /> <BR />As elected representatives, it is important that we send out a strong message to our police officers, who put on the uniform to protect our communities, that we stand firm and four-square behind them. I send my regards to the injured police officers. I have spoken to the PSNI leadership in my district to pass on the DUP's sympathies to those officers and to reassure them that they have our support going forward.”
“I too wish the Minister well in her new role. <BR /> <BR />I support my colleague Deborah Erskine's call for a meeting with providers. Minister, Fibrus has indicated that, if your internet has been off for more than 48 hours, you are entitled to compensation. A constituent has told me that Fibrus has told them that that has to be 48 working hours. Does the Minister agree that that would be an unacceptable situation, and will she agree to raise it with Fibrus?”
“I welcome the investment by the Executive Office not only in Ebrington but in areas right across the Foyle constituency. I thank the deputy First Minister for her role in delivering those projects. Will she provide an update on those investments by the Executive Office in my constituency?”
“As a former pupil of Clondermot High School, which went on to amalgamate with Faughan Valley High School to form Lisneal College, I remember the days of wearing the uniform in Londonderry and having to keep my head down and cover the badge just because of the school that I went to. Due to the leadership of the school and its teachers and the greater tolerance within the wider city, I am pleased that pupils are now walking with their heads held high. <BR /> <BR />I have a proud record of working with all schools across my constituency. I urge all elected representatives to reach out, to get the facts and to focus on improving all educational facilities so that our children have the best chance in life.”
“The project in question relates to the provision of sporting and physical educational facilities in the school in a process that began almost six years ago. The process has been through the business case and planning stages, just like all projects would be expected to. The notion that funding was awarded due to some backroom deal is not only inaccurate but completely offensive. It is also a shameful attempt at politicking and slander towards a section of our education community. The comments that have appeared across social media have caused much stress and hurt. The blatant sectarianism of some contributors online has done extreme damage. <BR /> <BR />I ask those who engage in such behaviour to stop.”
“Many pupils go on to continue the school's record-breaking achievements throughout their learning, and the school continues to work closely with the community sector. Those are positive points about Lisneal College. <BR /> <BR />It is deeply regrettable that a small section of the media and some politicians have chosen to try to tarnish that reputation by shining a negative light on Lisneal and calling into question the processes that it, like other schools across Northern Ireland, has followed. <BR /> <BR />As has been stated publicly, Lisneal College continues to grow and develop, having doubled its intake in recent years. With over 1,000 pupils, it is inevitable that facilities must be restored, renewed and expanded.”
“I rise to speak about an issue that has been raised in the media over the past couple of days in relation to Lisneal College, which is in my constituency. I had already been planning to make a statement in the Chamber on the success of Lisneal College, which has just marked 20 years since its formation. <BR /> <BR />The school has been through a decade of positive transformation and has gone, as one BBC headline put it, from inadequate to award winning. It has been leading the way on new initiatives, most recently the mobile-phone-free initiative, which has received widespread positive recognition. The principal was recently named "Head Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School" in a prestigious UK-wide award.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Recent reports have indicated that, according to insolvency specialists, there has been a record jump in the number of UK businesses in critical financial stress. Businesses are in dire need of support and feel that they are being taxed to death. When will the report be completed and published, and, most important, when will we see proactive steps to support our business community?”
“The driver managed to accelerate to the RUC station, despite his car being hit 17 times. <BR /> <BR />Today, my thoughts and prayers are with all the innocent people who have been impacted on and all those who continue to mourn their passing, today and every day. We must not forget their names or their stories. We must not forget whom they were to their families or the fact that they were innocent. Their stories may not receive the coverage that others' do, but we must remember them. They will not be forgotten.”
“<BR /> <BR />The murders of those two RUC officers by IRA terrorists marked a first for Londonderry, but, sadly, there would be many more murders in the remaining years of the Troubles of those who put on the uniform and went out to protect our communities from those who sought to destroy them. Life-altering physical and mental injuries would be inflicted on many more. <BR /> <BR />Peter and David's car came under fire from a number of gunmen as they travelled along the road. One gunman fired from an alleyway, while two others opened fire from 40 yds away. During the attack, another police officer was wounded. Two other colleagues escaped injury, no doubt carrying with them the trauma of that terrible atrocity for all their days. According to an RUC spokesperson at the time, the two officers did not have a chance to return fire.”
“It is 53 years since the senseless and brutal murders of Sergeant Peter Gilgunn and Constable David Montgomery, two men who were much loved by their family, their friends and the wider community and who served the community during the most fearful of times. Those two men were out doing their job when their lives were stolen forever. They were never to return home. Constable David Montgomery, aged just 20, and Sergeant Peter Gilgunn, a husband and a father to an eight-month-old baby son, were killed in the line of duty at 8.30 am on this very day — 27 January — in 1972. They were the first two police officers to be murdered in Londonderry during the Troubles. Peter and David were driving along the Creggan Road when they were shot and murdered by vile criminals who showed no care or concern for human life.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important that the Minister come forward with timelines. My understanding is that a business case has to come forward. We would like to see that approved as soon as possible. Politically, there is an onus on all of us to support the Minister in his work to ensure that he receives the funding. I offer that commitment: I will be lobbying to ensure that that finance is there. Not only do the people of the Foyle constituency deserve it, but the staff and those who meet the needs of the community in that facility very much deserve it.”
“One of my concerns about access, which has not been touched on just yet, is access to GPs. That is an issue that we really have to grapple with. From my personal experience, many people feel that, if they cannot get access to their GP to address the issues that they have, they have no alternative but to show up at the emergency department, even though that, obviously, is not the best place for them. We have to look at why people go to the emergency department in the first place if they do not particularly need to be there. <BR /> <BR />The other issue, which has been touched on, is that of bed-blocking and the lack of beds and community care in our communities. That is another issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure that people can be discharged effectively and in a timely manner to allow more people to come forward.”
“We know that the emergency department at Altnagelvin is not fit for purpose, not least in providing support for those who come in with particular mental illnesses. We were contacted today by the Alzheimer's Society. What special arrangements are in place for individuals who suffer from dementia, for example? When a new A&E department comes along or when a business case is put forward, all those issues need to be taken into account. It needs to be an inclusive facility that meets the needs of everyone in our society, regardless of their background or the issue that brings them to A&E.”
“The Altnagelvin emergency department is one of the busiest in Northern Ireland. The statistics on Monday showed that the average waiting time was 89 minutes. I appreciate that that is the average and that, in many cases, people will wait much longer than that. We hear and see stories in the media of those who, unfortunately, are left in an unacceptable situation where they wait for many hours, if not many days. That said, there are many positive experiences in the emergency department too, and we must recognise that there are people who go in and get out and are dealt with efficiently and effectively. <BR /> <BR />As for the emergency department, there will not be a person in the Chamber or, indeed, anyone across Northern Ireland who would not want to see a new and improved emergency department. We all want to see that.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and I thank the Member who secured the Adjournment debate. <BR /> <BR />I begin by paying tribute to the staff at Altnagelvin, to Neil Guckian, the chief executive, and his team for all the effort and the work that they put in daily to make Altnagelvin the hospital that it is. Over the past years, we have seen some fantastic advancement in the facilities at Altnagelvin, not least of which is the radiotherapy centre. Those are positive steps forward in ensuring that the best healthcare is available to people when and if they need it. <BR /> <BR />As has been mentioned, Altnagelvin Area Hospital is the oldest hospital in Northern Ireland and was built in 1960. When it opened, it had 391 beds. Today, it has 472 inpatient beds and 36 day-case beds.”
“A lot of the issues that residents have faced fall under the remit of other Departments and, not least, the council. Those issues were identified in the Magee task force report. What can you do, Minister, to support the task force in working with those other Ministers to look at proposals for things such as resident parking schemes in and around Derry?”
“I, too, welcome the Minister's statement and his ongoing commitment to children with special educational needs. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in your statement you said that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to one-to-one support. Will you outline your plan for one-to-one classroom assistant support for children?”
“I thank the Member. She will no doubt share my concerns about constituency office staff, particularly those who work alone, and some of the challenges that exist there. Will the Commission agree to bring forward further measures that provide some reassurance to members of staff who are fearful about some of the more challenging situations that can arise?”
“I join others in thanking the Minister for his statement. The Foyle constituency and many primary schools throughout Northern Ireland will be thankful for the announcement, particularly the part about outdoor play equipment. Will the Minister clarify whether preschools are included? Many preschools do not have the resources or access to resources that some other schools do, so will the Minister clarify whether those groups will be included?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Minister, are there any particular initiatives that you can bring forward from your Department that can give recognition to those farmers who do step up, as you have said, and sometimes feel undervalued by your Department?”
“I agree with the deputy First Minister: a lot of good work has been done through T:BUC . Does she agree that any review needs to ensure that programmes reach those who are often harder to reach, including Protestant/unionist/loyalist (PUL) communities in my constituency of Foyle?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. What measures is she taking, as Minister of Justice, to increase the confidence of women and girls in the justice system and ensure that they get proper access to support?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, which will be very much welcomed by pensioners in the Foyle constituency. It is important that we send a clear and consistent message about how the payments will be received. Will the Minister remind the House of the eligibility criteria for the Government's current winter fuel payment scheme? Will an application process be required for his one-off payment?”
“The Minister will be aware that Invest NI is going through a series of reforms. Obviously, there has been a look at subregional offices and what that will mean for local areas. Does he see Go Succeed continuing in its current format, or will that also be looked at in its fitting in with those subregional plans and the plans of Invest NI?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you touched on defibrillators, which are lifesaving pieces of equipment throughout our community. What can you do to ensure that more defibrillators are rolled out across the schools estate?”
“Today, I want to ensure that the name Winston Cross is remembered in the House. Let us make sure that Winston, who was brutally murdered in the prime of his youth, is never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Winston's family and friends. Their loved one was cruelly taken from them by murderous cowards 50 years ago today. Fifty years on, we will remember him. This evening, a special 50th anniversary service will take place at All Saints’ Clooney Parish Church, where a plaque will be unveiled. We will be thinking of the family at this time.”
“In stark contrast to the murderers, the people in the Glen estate were all mixed and from various backgrounds, but:”
“Today is an important day of remembrance, when we remember all those who fought and died for our freedoms. It is also a day to remember Winston Cross. Winston was only 18 years old and was from the Glen estate on the city side of Londonderry. His family described him as a "happy-go-lucky" teenage boy who was funny, full of life and had a bright future ahead of him. Winston worked as a painter in Ebrington Barracks and was leaving his work one Friday in 1974 to join the army the following week. He had his papers to sign up on Tuesday 11 November 1974, 50 years ago to the very day. <BR /> <BR />Winston's sister, Sharon, shared her story, and here are some of her words:”