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 />That leaves political parties with two options: either they get behind the Budget, acknowledging, of course, the challenges and difficult position that we are in, and try to make it work within the envelope that we have or they vote against the Budget, while offering no solutions or, in the worst case, walking away from their ministerial portfolios. Walking away or opposing the Budget is not a responsible thing to do. It is even more irresponsible to do that without offering one single alternative suggestion for how we can improve the budget envelope for each Department. It may seem like a politically —.”
“There are words that are commonly used when we look at any Budget that comes to the Chamber, and they have been used to describe the Budget today: "challenging", "difficult" and "frustrating". There is not one area of our public sector or public services that we would say has enough funding. Whether it be the health sector, education or policing, their Departments' budgets are under much pressure. The Finance Minister has produced a Budget of which we now have sight. There is no doubt that many of us share the frustration at, at times, its lack of detail and the level of that detail, but we are working within the time frames that we have.”
“Harsher penalties will also reflect our society's commitment to protect all living beings and uphold humane values. <BR /> <BR />I commend all the organisations that provide support and shelter for animals; the many groups, such as Justice for Luna, that have used their voices to speak up for innocent animals; and the overwhelming number of responsible owners who love and cherish their animals. We need Ministers across the Executive to work together to bring about tougher sentencing laws for animal cruelty. By doing so, we can help to ensure that those who commit such abhorrent acts are held accountable and that no animal has to endure such suffering again.”
“<BR /> <BR />The current penalties for animal cruelty are clearly insufficient to deter such acts. Too many perpetrators receive minimal punishment, which sends the wrong message that animal lives are not valued. We need to change that. The justice system must treat animal cruelty with the seriousness that it deserves, reflecting the profound emotional and social impact that those acts have in our communities. <BR /> <BR />I call on the Justice and AERA Ministers to urgently come together and act on this growing injustice in our society. Stricter sentencing for animal cruelty is essential. It will serve as a strong deterrent to potential abusers and provide a measure of justice for the victims: the animals and the communities that are affected by those crimes.”
“Today, I want to address a deeply troubling issue that has, once again, surfaced on social media: a video showing an appalling attack on an innocent dog in the north-west. The disgusting acts in the video are too graphic to describe. Sadly, however, the dog did not survive. This heartbreaking incident has not only shocked us but, once again, brought into focus the need for immediate and decisive action. <BR /> <BR />Animal cruelty is a heinous act that reflects the darkest aspects of human behaviour. When we witness such violence against a defenceless animal, it is a stark reminder of the cruelty that can exist in our society. Animals like the dog in that video trust us and depend on us for their well-being. Betraying that trust through abuse is morally and legally unacceptable.”
“He was concerned about the ongoing situation in the Middle East and across the globe. <BR /> <BR />I want to bring the debate on the motion to a close. It is regrettable that some of the contributions tried to turn it into a situation that it was not intended to be. We should pay tribute to all those who are involved in the ADS sector. It is not the situation that people go into those jobs just because they cannot get anything else; those are highly skilled, highly paid and respectable jobs. As an Assembly, we should do all that we can to ensure that we are global leaders in that industry. I commend the motion to the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />My colleague David Brooks spoke passionately about East Belfast and the heritage that exists, particularly around defence, in that constituency, and the need to meet NATO commitments. As my colleague Jonny Buckley did, he spoke of Thales, Harland and Wolff and Spirit Aerosystems. <BR /> <BR />David Honeyford spoke about the need to focus on employers growing GDP and the aerospace and manufacturing industries. He went on to speak passionately about areas in his constituency. I am still quite unclear about what his position is and whether Alliance will support the motion. He spoke positively. If the Member wants me to give way, I can. He spoke passionately about the sector but was maybe unwilling to say what he would do. <BR /> <BR />Gerry Carroll spoke on a number of issues that I do not believe were relevant to the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sorcha Eastwood spoke about meeting international law on the issue of arms sales to Israel and the need for more to be done from the UK Government's perspective on social value. She also spoke about skills and the role of further education, schools and careers advice. <BR /> <BR />Sinéad McLaughlin spoke about Northern Ireland's being a global leader in the ADS industry, recognised the extensive ongoing work by Invest NI in that area, and said that the Department has been found wanting on the skills pipeline and should work more closely with the Education Minister in that respect. She also spoke of her opposition to the 'Safeguarding the Union' paper.”
“He outlined the conflicts that are happening right across the globe, the increase in defence spending right across the world and Northern Ireland's contribution to the defence industry. He highlighted the contribution that many of our businesses made. He also spoke about how vital it is that Northern Ireland receives its fair share of the £75 billion being invested over the next five years. <BR /> <BR />Philip McGuigan spoke of the economic vision outlined by the Minister and the importance of the all-Ireland economy from his perspective. He recognised the skills in the cybersecurity industry as well, although he went on to raise political issues in respect of the USA and UK's role in Israel, protecting innocent lives and also ethical procurement and involvement.”
“My colleague Jonny Buckley, who moved the motion, spoke of our late colleague Gordon Dunne MBE and the role that he played in championing those particular sectors. He highlighted the per head expenditure and the fact that Northern Ireland falls below the rest of the United Kingdom, the issue of imbalance and the need to fully integrate Northern Ireland into the defence network. He also outlined the difficulties that some of our SMEs and businesses face in trying to enter the defence industry but also highlighted some of the success stories that other Members went on to mention. <BR /> <BR />Doug Beattie spoke about the importance of viewing the motion through an economic lens, and I share that view. That was the intention behind the motion.”
“As has already been mentioned by other Members, the equipment produced here in Northern Ireland, such as anti-tank weapons, has assisted in the defence of democracy in Ukraine. Our skills have been used right across the globe to fight against terrorism and protect innocent lives. We cannot stand by or sit on the fence when it comes to defending peace and democracy across the globe. <BR /> <BR />The high-quality, well-paid jobs that the sector provides deliver prosperity for communities in all parts of the United Kingdom. It is clear that, while there has been a modest uplift in the proportion of UK defence spending allocated to Northern Ireland, the level of investment from the MoD in our Province is disproportionately low. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to Members' contributions.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the 'Safeguarding the Union' paper, the Government also pledge to showcase the opportunities for investment in Northern Ireland defence industries and shipbuilding. It is important that those commitments to Northern Ireland are honoured, but there should also be a recognition that, in order to maximise the clear and sizeable opportunities that the success of our defence industries has, the buy-in of the Executive, of the Minister for the Economy and our homegrown and international firms will be essential. <BR /> <BR />There is no threat to the principle of consent from the Northern Ireland economy seeking to play a more active role in the defence economy and the infrastructure of the United Kingdom.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the past, Northern Ireland has punched above its weight in its contributions to the ranks of the armed forces, and it is now time to replicate that to a greater extent in equipment and technologies produced here in Northern Ireland. During our negotiations with the Government, the DUP secured a range of commitments from Ministers to advance that cause. The UK Government have confirmed that they will launch a review into increasing public and commercial awareness of the Northern Ireland defence sector; developing proposals to ensure that Northern Ireland benefits from investment in defence industries in the same way as the rest of the country; exploring how to leverage Northern Ireland's cybersecurity clusters; having an academic centre of excellence; and establishing R&D programmes.”
“I thank all Members who contributed to the debate, particularly those who stuck to the motion and recognised the intention behind it. <BR /> <BR />The aerospace, defence, security and space (ADS) sectors are a significant and emerging force in the Northern Ireland economy, accounting for more than 9,000 jobs, adding £1 billion to the UK economy and providing hundreds of apprenticeships and other skills development opportunities for people of all backgrounds across Northern Ireland. In recent years, a number of significant contracts have been awarded to major firms in the heart of our constituencies. Despite recent growth in those areas, there is still much untapped potential. The local ADS industries can play a much more prominent role in the United Kingdom's defence network.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and, on behalf of the Committee for the Economy, welcome her to her role. <BR /> <BR />I note from the statement that InterTradeIreland has commissioned all-island research on offshore wind and hydrogen energy. Can the Minister outline what steps she plans to take to work with Westminster, given the fact that the UK Government are, in large part, responsible for that area of business?”
“I thank the Minister for her update and for the ongoing important work. Addressing road deaths is another area where there is a need for cross-border, multi-agency cooperation. Does the Minister see that cooperation being taken forward in the initiative that she is involved in, and does she want to prioritise it within her ministerial remit?”
“I agree with the Member. As I bring my remarks to a close, I must point out that, as a society, we cannot allow the radicalisation of our citizens by professionals who want to spread hate and bring discord to these shores. It is important that that dangerous rhetoric is challenged, because it will have disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, it is being led by people who cannot even point out Gaza on a map. That needs to be challenged. The Chamber should be united against violence, as my party has been, not only here in our Province but across the world.”
“That must involve the immediate release of hostages and an end to attacks on its closest neighbours.”
“Hamas must be held accountable for its actions. We will always stand for democracy in the Middle East and against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, who want to bring instability to the region. <BR /> <BR />I want to put on record that every effort must be made to bring about peace, protect civilians and provide aid to those who need it. We stand too in condemnation and anger at all the innocent lives that have been lost — Palestinian, Israeli and all those who strive for peace. We have no problem, on these Benches, saying that. Hamas will never be content until Israel and all Jews are destroyed. Hamas does not abide by laws or agreements and, in its thirst for death, uses hospitals, playgrounds and every method that it can to use its own people as shields. <BR /> <BR />I want to see peace and stability in Israel and the Middle East.”
“When I visited that site, it was heartbreaking to see the hundreds of memorials set up by family members of those who had been killed. In just a matter of hours, over 1,300 people were murdered and many more wounded. As Vivian Silver knew, no good could ever come from war. There was a ceasefire prior to 7 October 2023. Twenty thousand citizens travel daily from Gaza into Israel for work, and many friendships were built. I visited the crossing and saw how open it had been. <BR /> <BR />It is a sad reality for the people of Gaza that they have suffered for far too long over the years from the actions of Hamas. Whilst Hamas leaders siphoned off funding for their lavish lifestyles and the building of their terror tunnels, ordinary Palestinians were being deprived of basic needs that their neighbours enjoyed.”
“With no signs of a body, it was assumed that she had been abducted. It was not until five weeks after the attack that her remains were identified through DNA. More than 100 of Vivian's neighbours were murdered that day, with many more taken hostage. Children were prised from their parents' arms, senior citizens were pulled from their beds and babies were lifted from their cribs and driven into the deep, dark depths of the Gaza Strip. <BR /> <BR />Just a short distance away, another massacre was taking place as young people were enjoying the Supernova music festival. A total of 364 innocent people were gunned down — murdered, some raped, some then burnt. Some had taken cover in bomb shelters only to have grenades thrown into the shelters by Hamas.”
“The Hamas terrorists entered these very peaceful communities on a murderous rampage, going from door to door killing, raping and burning alive men, women and children. <BR /> <BR />Just a couple of weeks ago, in the kibbutz Be'eri, just a few kilometres from the Gaza border, I stood in what was left of the home of Vivian Silver. Vivian was a 74-year-old Canadian-Israeli peace activist and a women's rights activist. She worked in the kibbutz to organise programmes to help Gazans, such as with jobs training and fair pay for Gazan construction workers. When she retired, she founded Women Wage Peace and volunteered with Road to Recovery and Project Rozana to transport patients from Gaza who were travelling to Jerusalem for treatment. On that dark day of 7 October, her home was found burned and gutted when first responders arrived.”
“I dedicate my short remarks to all the hostages who remain under Hamas control in Gaza. <BR /> <BR />On 6 October 2023, in Israel, many Jewish families were preparing for their special weekend holiday and religious celebrations. Many family members travelled home to be with their parents and loved ones, including many members of the security forces, who were unaware of the murderous plan that lay ahead. At 6.30 am on 7 October, Hamas terrorists launched more than 2,000 rockets into Israel in the space of just 20 minutes. Families were woken from their beds and forced to take shelter in safe rooms as the deadly terrorists reached the border to carry out their attacks on civilian neighbourhoods.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister. I welcome the first meeting. This is a vehicle that can be used to strengthen each constituent part of the UK. Deputy First Minister, how do you see the Council progressing, and what opportunities may there be for civil society to become engaged in this very useful Council?”
“I thank the Minister for that response and welcome the work that is ongoing. Will the Minister commit to continuing to meet the sector and the Minister for Communities to ensure that there is a joined-up approach right across the community and voluntary sector, which will provide some reassurance that their local representatives are fighting for them?”
“I fully agree with the Member. Does the Member agree that the early intervention piece is key to ensuring that, by investing early, in the long term, we save money for the health service?”
“Does the Member agree that many people from various backgrounds and communities have raised genuine concerns about the issues that the Alliance Party has brought forward and that its description of those people as the far right is shameful and a demonisation of those who have genuine concerns?”
“<BR /> <BR />Members, it is imperative that we do not let Lyra's name be forgotten, five years on, on Thursday 18 April. As an Assembly, we must unite in our stance against terrorist activity, condemning the actions of illegal terrorist groups, masked gunmen and those who continue to choose to wreak havoc and destruction on communities and upset the peace that exists in them. Today, we as an Assembly remember Lyra with the hope that, one day soon, the terrorists involved in her murder will feel the full weight of justice.”
“Only a few days after Lyra's murder, many people gathered at the Guildhall to join civic, religious and political leaders in condemnation. The then First Minister, Dame Arlene Foster, alongside Gregory Campbell MP and me, joined many in the Creggan standing in solidarity with people from all walks of life and backgrounds demanding peace and justice. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, although the police know the identity of the murderer, he continues to walk on the streets and remains free, not facing justice and protected by the anonymity that comes with a lack of charges being brought against him. Lyra's family and the community at large are unable to properly grieve or have any sense of justice, as they do not know who this person is. That is simply not good enough.”
“In just two days' time, 18 April will mark five years since the senseless, brutal and tragic murder of Lyra McKee in the Creggan area of Londonderry. That evening was one of utter turmoil. Many of us watched on with horror at the violence in the Creggan as rioting and scenes of destruction unfolded. Lyra, innocently watching those horrific scenes of utter recklessness alongside her neighbours and friends — she was described by her sister, Nichola, as one of the kindest, most beautiful souls ever to grace the world — was shot dead by a terrorist, so close to her family, her friends and her place of love and safety. <BR /> <BR />Those responsible for the violence on the evening on which Lyra was murdered and on many violent nights since do not speak for the wider community and the city that I am proud to represent.”
“<BR /> <BR />There are, of course, wider challenges, such as the stigma around openly talking about pregnancy loss, the feelings of isolation and, for some, self-blame. We, as public representatives, have the power to encourage change, to talk about our journeys and to open the door to those who have their own experiences of loss. Of course, every story is unique and deeply personal. In order to provide better and much more compassionate help, we must listen to those who have walked that journey.”
“<BR /> <BR />I specifically want to mention Julie-Ann, from my constituency, and all those at Life After Loss who provide much-needed support, comfort and friendship to the many families who have, sadly, lost their babies during pregnancy. Julie-Ann, like many other women, has her own story of loss that she has bravely shared, and, for years, she has used her story as motivation to help others. Julie-Ann recognises the difference that a baby loss certificate would have made to her journey, and she actively and passionately advocates for the scheme to be formalised. The introduction of certificates may seem like a small step forward. However, it would be a powerful, compassionate and empathetic way of supporting the many families in all our constituencies who face tremendous loss.”
“The pain in those instances is much more than just physical, and we, as a family unit, know that a formal certificate to mark our babies' lives would have helped profoundly in our journey. <BR /> <BR />Baby loss certificates are a tangible and meaningful way for grieving parents and loved ones to recognise and grieve their profound loss. Such a certificate would serve as a reminder that they are not alone, that their baby's life mattered and that their baby will never be forgotten. It is important to pay tribute to the many groups, charities and individuals who, over the years, have worked tirelessly to provide support to bereaved families. Such organisations are strong advocates for the many babies who have, sadly, passed away, unaccounted for on death registers but forever loved and missed in their parents' lives.”
“For the many who have, sadly, had to experience the pain of losing their baby, the lack of a formal process to acknowledge the loss of life and the fact that their baby existed is incredibly significant. <BR /> <BR />I speak from personal experience: my wife experienced several baby losses prior to 24 weeks. The excitement that comes with pregnancy, the bonding, the planning, the life that exists within and the terrible, painful, sudden and traumatic loss prove to make the grieving process all the harder. In our case, when medical professionals could not find an answer as to why, we, of course, were left with a very painful and private grief, with no formal way of acknowledging the loss due to not reaching certain date-based thresholds.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important motion. Indeed, I pay tribute to all who have already spoken, particularly Kellie for making her important contribution and for sharing her experience of loss. <BR /> <BR />Losing a baby at any stage during or after pregnancy is, without doubt, one of the most difficult experiences that anyone can go through. The trauma, the grief and the often unanswered questions are tragic for grieving mothers, fathers and their loved ones. Losing a baby has a profound and lasting impact on people's lives. We must act together to provide a method of recognising the life that existed and the loss of that precious life.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for the work that she has done over the years on the development of the Urban Villages initiative. The Fountain is one area that has benefited from Urban Villages. Will the deputy First Minister outline how the Fountain area has benefited and what plans there are for the Urban Villages programme?”
“I am confident that, by working together, we can meet the targets.”
“Our people are our most valuable asset. We must invest in their education and training so that they have the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. It is crucial that careers services are fit for purpose and support young people and those who seek to upskill or reskill to choose appropriate and high-value pathways in job quality and growth potential. <BR /> <BR />In the remaining time of this Assembly mandate, we have an opportunity to create an environment where businesses can thrive and people can find good and well-paid jobs. That is why we are calling on the Economy Minister to set ambitious targets for job creation in Northern Ireland. We have the talent and the determination, but we need the Executive and His Majesty's Government to deliver the resources.”
“<BR /> <BR />Of course, if jobs are to be created, the talent and skills on which they depend also need to exist. The 10X skills strategy noted:”
“At the centre of the 10X economic strategy was a clear commitment that we must focus our attention on the emerging sectors that are best placed to add value to the regional economy and consolidate Northern Ireland as a global destination for investment and as a small, advanced economy. <BR /> <BR />The 10X strategy noted the potential for there to be a demand for thousands of new employees in the 10X sectors every year for the next 10 years, including 2,500 in digital, ICT and the creative industries, 1,500 in advanced manufacturing and engineering and 1,000 in agri-tech. In fact, the 5,000 new tech jobs target cited in the motion and our manifesto is likely to be an underestimate of the potential growth in those priority sectors. We will be more than happy to work with the Minister and other parties to advocate being even more ambitious.”
“It also means working with the Education Minister to ensure that we have a pipeline of skilled workers who are educated and trained to meet the demands of the future. It means working with the Health Minister to invest in the health and well-being of our citizens to ensure that they live long, healthy and productive lives. It means making work pay and improving workers' rights across the board. <BR /> <BR />Of course, we live in a rapidly changing global economy, where technology is transforming industries and creating new opportunities at an unprecedented pace. Our Province has become a global leader in cyber, fintech and advanced manufacturing.”
“We must make it easier for small businesses to start up, grow and succeed. We need a continuous focus on entrepreneurship and start-ups. I urge the Minister to work with our SMEs to create an environment where innovation can flourish and businesses of all sizes can thrive. That means working with the Department for Infrastructure and local councils to address frustrations around the planning system. Too much investment has been lost because of unnecessary delays and burdens on those who want to invest and create employment. <BR /> <BR />At the Economy Committee last week, we heard from Renewables NI about the lack of investment here due to delays, costs and bureaucracy. If we are to meet our net zero targets, we need urgent change.”
“The Lyons review of Invest NI was a timely opportunity to take stock and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation, whilst acknowledging the clear value of the work that it does. I was encouraged to hear from the new Invest NI chief executive, Kieran Donoghue, at the Economy Committee. I have no doubt that his experience will be invaluable in bringing new ideas and new life to Invest NI. We cannot expect investors to choose Northern Ireland if they are faced with a raft of new restrictions. We should take best practice from other countries in how they have made strides towards regional balance, whilst welcoming all investment opportunities to our shores. <BR /> <BR />One of the most important ways to create jobs is to support our small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.”
“From a north-west perspective, we have seen at first hand how business and education leaders, politicians and agencies working together can deliver real change on the ground. It also means talking up our offering and our strengths rather than talking down the place that we want to see prosper. That collaboration is a model that can be built upon, and, if we lean into that, we can see new opportunities ahead. That, of course, means acknowledging that, where things can be improved and done better, they should be. We must ensure that those who advocate for Northern Ireland overseas have the tools that they require to promote all parts and regions of our economy.”
“It means focusing on need and targeting areas of higher deprivation. That does not mean penalising or taking away from our areas of higher economic activity. We need our capital city to thrive. The success of some of the investment and major employers secured there can have a ripple effect throughout the Province. As the phrase goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. <BR /> <BR />We must recognise, however, that there have been areas that have been left behind. The Economy Minister and the new Executive now have a chance to build on the work that has already been started and to chart a new path to ensuring that no part of our communities is left behind. Growing the economy requires us to listen first and then to respond to the needs of our constituents, businesses, educators and investors.”
“Since 2007, Invest NI has created over 50,000 jobs and punched well above our weight in the UK by securing record levels of investment. We have seen positive change in our infrastructure and public realm and our education sector and skills and training. We have seen investment in our universities and further education colleges. That, of course, should not be the limit of our ambition. More can and should be done to ensure that the benefits of new employment and opportunities are felt by the most disadvantaged in our society. <BR /> <BR />Our Executive and the Economy Minister must work together to address the inequalities that continue to exist. That means work that encompasses rural communities as well as our towns and cities and encouraging investment in all of Northern Ireland — north, south, east and west.”
“As we embark on a new chapter in the Northern Ireland Assembly, we have an opportunity to make Northern Ireland an even better place in which to work, live and invest. The new Executive, working together, can make a positive difference to the economic and social well-being of so many across our society. It is imperative that we set about growing the economy through ambitious targets that will drive growth, prosperity and opportunity for all our people. The motion that we have tabled calls on the Minister to set ambitious targets and to create more and better jobs, which, in turn, will lead to better prosperity for those whom we serve. <BR /> <BR />Over the past 15 years or more, there has been significant progress. We must recognise how far the Northern Ireland economy has come.”
“I thank the Member for her response. I put on record our thanks to the Assembly staff for the fantastic way in which they run the Youth Assembly and that initiative. Can the Member shed any light on plans to engage harder-to-reach young people who do not necessarily put themselves forward and to ensure that harder-to-reach groups in our communities benefit from the Youth Assembly as well?”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank Members for their contributions and for supporting our amendment, which, we believe, strengthens the motion tabled by the Members opposite.”
“We need to see that addressed and brought forward in any new Programme for Government. <BR /> <BR />Of course, wholesale reform of employment legislation without substantive input from employers should be avoided. I welcome the Minister's comments on working with stakeholders to ensure that we bring people along with any new legislation that comes forward. <BR /> <BR />When we look at policies such as the right to disconnect in the Irish Republic, let us be mindful of the adverse impacts on sectors and businesses where a level of flexibility in engaging staff outside normal hours is essential to the success of their operations. Employers should be encouraged by the Government to proactively take stock of their policies and practices. However, that should not be done in a top-down way or an imposed process.”