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 />'New Decade, New Approach' states, on page 44:”
“My colleague touched on the fact that we have to make work more attractive. The Assembly could really make a difference on that. Sectors such as hospitality are desperate for workers. We need to do more to ensure that people are not penalised for working and that supports are there to encourage them to stay on. We also need to end the disparity with GB on the new protections against employers there withholding gratuities and tips from staff. <BR /> <BR />The issue of zero-hours contracts was also discussed. While some people may favour those in particular circumstances, we are aware that they can cause problems for workers in terms of income and security. Obviously, there is the lack of benefits, and, sadly, there is exploitation by some of the employers that utilise that initiative.”
“It is very clear that central to the task of making the Northern Ireland economy succeed is specialising in areas in which we can secure a productivity advantage, and, in today's knowledge-based economy, that depends more than ever on investing in people and cherishing and celebrating our workforce.”
“We also delivered a statutory entitlement to parental bereavement leave in the previous mandate, and we want to see that urgently extended to those who, sadly, experience miscarriage. Sadly, that is an issue that affects far too many. I can speak, from my family perspective, on the physical and emotional trauma that it can cause. In many cases, women are expected to return to work immediately after a miscarriage, and that is an unacceptable, cruel and heartless situation that people find themselves in. I join my colleague Philip Brett in paying tribute to organisations such as TinyLife that do so much to raise awareness and try to bring about the change that we so need to see. <BR /> <BR />I move on to the 10X economic strategy for Northern Ireland that was developed by DUP Ministers.”
“We welcome the motion and the debate. It is clear that the Chamber will unanimously support the motion, and we welcome the fact that Members agreed with our amendment in their contributions. <BR /> <BR />I believe that improving worker's rights is not only a moral imperative but an economic one. When workers are treated fairly and with respect, they are more productive and engaged. That leads to better outcomes, not only for employees, which is, of course, most important, but for employers, and to a stronger economy for all. <BR /> <BR />The DUP is committed to strengthening worker's rights. That was evident when we showed our support for public-sector workers by leading the charge in seeking changes to the funding model for Northern Ireland's pay and better work conditions to be met.”
“Over the past number of years, there have been several significant flooding incidents across the Foyle constituency. Will the Minister indicate how much his Department has paid out within the Londonderry and Strabane District Council area over the past five years?”
“I thank the Minister for his comments, and I welcome the fact that the policy position will be reviewed. Will the Minister agree that, when it comes to funding, many rural communities feel disadvantaged in comparison with urban communities, particularly funding for community development? Will the Minister commit to working with those communities to ensure that they get their fair share of funding and support?”
“On this 75th anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to the Commonwealth and its noble ideals. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our citizens where a future of peace, prosperity and dignity prevails. Long live the Commonwealth.”
“It provides a space for countries to engage in constructive dialogue, build consensus and address global challenges collectively. The Commonwealth's members are bound by a shared commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Those values have served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless people around the world. <BR /> <BR />His Majesty the King, as head of the Commonwealth, has pledged to continue to serve to the best of his ability; indeed, this afternoon, there will be a special service at Westminster Abbey to mark this special occasion. Of course, we continue to pray for His Majesty the King and the Princess of Wales as they continue to recover from their illnesses. The Commonwealth, going forward, will no doubt play a leading role in shaping a more just, equitable and prosperous future for all.”
“This afternoon I take some time to recognise today, Commonwealth Day, on its 75th anniversary. The Commonwealth is an association of 56 member states, with a combined population of 2·5 billion citizens, almost a third of the world's people. That unique association of 56 independent and equal member countries has evolved into a diverse and vibrant community of nations united by shared values and a common purpose. Over the past 75 years, the Commonwealth has played a pivotal role in promoting global cooperation and development, it has fostered dialogue and understanding; it has bridged divides; and it has provided a platform for communities to work together on issues of mutual concern. In a world characterised by increasing interconnectedness and interdependence, the Commonwealth remains a vital force for unity and collaboration.”
“<BR /> <BR />The debate has been encouraging. The tone has been set for how we will go forward to address a number of the issues and challenges. They will be addressed only by working collaboratively across all sectors; the issue is too big for scoring political points. We can really make a difference on it in the short time that remains in the mandate. I commend the motion and the amendment to the House.”
“He also paid tribute to previous Economy Ministers, Gordon Lyons and Diane Dodds, for what they did to progress apprenticeships. It is important that we put that on record. <BR /> <BR />Near the end, Stewart Dickson, chair of the all-party group on social enterprise, spoke of the transformative power of apprenticeships, the need for a dedicated skills fund and the wide-ranging benefits of apprenticeships on that sector. <BR /> <BR />Steve Aiken, as chair of the all-party group on STEM, highlighted some of the frustrations with the student cap and the impact that it has on various sectors. He mentioned the apprenticeship levy and the process for improving it. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the Minister spoke about his economic vision and the four priority areas in that. He answered queries from across the Chamber, and then Mr Honeyford summed up.”
“He spoke of some of the concerns that we have all heard in relation to removing barriers to apprenticeships, such as age, gender, qualifications. He then highlighted some specific challenges with North/South relations, which the Minister responded to, such as the impact of apprenticeships in border communities. He also highlighted careers guidance and the particular challenges that exist in nursing. <BR /> <BR />My colleague Jonny Buckley spoke positively about apprenticeships and about the need to recognise and celebrate their value in society. He spoke about his personal experience, and he has our sympathy for having to sit down with our colleague Keith Buchanan. That example highlights the fact that apprentices come from all walks of life and backgrounds, which we should very much celebrate.”
“We will, no doubt, come back to that as we continue to work through the economic vision on the Economy Committee. <BR /> <BR />Sinéad McLaughlin said that apprenticeships are fundamental to driving economic growth and bringing people back into the labour market. Once again, she highlighted the issue of EU funding and said that we need to find ways to make up lost ground. She highlighted the comments of Stephen Kelly from Manufacturing NI on the availability of labour and the shortage of labour in particular sectors. She also highlighted the need to find a balance between the further and higher education sectors and to invest where the need is greatest in terms of regional imbalance. <BR /> <BR />Pádraig Delargy spoke about his engagement with local businesses Terex and Nuprint.”
“He highlighted the benefits of nursing apprenticeships to that sector. He also highlighted the potential that the green sector and the energy strategy have to create additional jobs. <BR /> <BR />Mike Nesbitt highlighted the importance of a skills fund and his party's support for it. He also highlighted some of the best practice across Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. He mentioned an event at Parliament Buildings earlier for the publication of the document, 'Democracy at Work: Social Dialogue and the Tripartite Model'. He highlighted a debate that the Economy Committee had on what it means to have a good job. From his perspective, a good job is one that a person takes pride in, that society values and that the employer awards appropriately.”
“Sorcha also spoke about the impact that the loss of EU funding has had on apprenticeships and recognised that there are financial difficulties across Departments. We are all alive to that fact, but we have to ensure that we invest for the future. <BR /> <BR />There were so many other points, but a common theme that we heard from Sorcha and others was on careers advice and the need to empower people. The apprenticeship levy was mentioned alongside an acceptance that Northern Ireland is made up of SMEs and that we must support them with apprenticeship development. <BR /> <BR />Mr McGuigan — Philip — spoke about the Minister's economic vision. He highlighted the loss of EU funding and the inadequacy, from his point of view, of the Shared Prosperity Fund and the gap that it has left.”
“He has been a strong advocate for North Belfast, and he spoke of the many organisations in his constituency that work in supporting apprenticeships. It is important that we recognise the great work that is being done in all of our constituencies, that we do not disregard that and that we appreciate it. However, more can be done. Finally, he summed up by saying that there is a need for joined-up thinking and a wrap-around careers advice service. <BR /> <BR />Sorcha Eastwood welcomed the motion and the amendment, which focuses on education. She spoke about education and skills being a passport for life. She said that apprenticeships very much offer an opportunity and a gateway. She also highlighted the fact that, on a UK-wide basis, participation in apprenticeships remains lowest in Northern Ireland.”
“There is no doubt that more needs to be done to improve entry routes and career progression across the public sector as well. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for being here, participating in the debate and listening to the many contributions. My colleague Phillip Brett moved the motion and accepted the amendment. He welcomed the economic vision set out by the Minister in terms of good jobs. He also recognised the 10X strategy and the endorsement that that has from businesses and economic leaders in bridging the skills gap. He assured the Minister of DUP support for addressing the issue. He also spoke strongly about North Belfast. We will forgive him for that, considering that he hears about the north-west at every opportunity.”
“By partnering with businesses and training partners, apprenticeships ensure that individuals acquire the specific skills that employers seek. <BR /> <BR />I also very much support apprenticeships on the basis that they promote social inclusion and provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed. To fully deliver inclusivity of our apprenticeship offering, we must address the gender gap. A recent Northern Ireland Affairs Committee inquiry into investment in Northern Ireland heard evidence that women are poorly represented in apprenticeships, specifically in STEM jobs. It is crucial that the Department, in delivering the skills strategy, tackles the factors that have led to some apprenticeship initiatives becoming male-dominated.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I am glad that Mr Honeyford did not summarise the speeches of all the Members, because that is what I plan to do. However, it is worthwhile to summarise what, I think, we would all agree has been a positive debate on the motion and the amendment. That is something that we can take heart in. <BR /> <BR />I will begin with a few remarks of my own. It is imperative that we invest in programmes that empower our citizens with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in the workforce. Apprenticeships, with their unique blend of academic and practical training, play a pivotal role in achieving that goal. From an economic standpoint, apprenticeships provide a vital pipeline of skilled workers for industries that face labour shortages.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The Irish Government have recommitted their allocation to the A5. Can the Minister outline the current projected cost of the A5? Will funding be in place for the A5, or is the Minister making a case for that funding?”
“Does the Member accept that although the mandatory coalition that we have to deal with in Northern Ireland is an imperfect system, it is the one that we have to work with? It means compromise and working together on issues.”
“<BR /> <BR />Derelict properties blight all our communities. There is serious frustration, particularly among residents who live near to those properties, with the speed at which these issues can be dealt with. The Faughan Valley site has been sitting vacant for well over a decade, yet we are seeing no progress. Over the next number of weeks, I will encourage not only all those public bodies to show leadership in dealing with derelict properties but investors, including private investors, to come forward with ideas to improve our communities.”
“I rise to speak about an issue that, unfortunately, arose once again in my constituency last night when arsonists attacked the former Faughan Valley High School site. Unfortunately, 50 fire crew, several water-pumping appliances and a command unit were required to deal with the situation. <BR /> <BR />The issue is serious because somebody could have lost their life, but there is a wider issue regarding dealing with derelict properties, particularly those such as the old Faughan Valley site. Last night, residents close to that site were, unfortunately, told to keep their windows shut and stay in their property whilst fire crews dealt with the situation. Had there been an incident anywhere else in the city, the fire crews, which are already stretched, would have struggled to deal with it.”
“We look forward to working with the Minister and to seeing some of this stuff becoming a reality.”
“The restoration of the railway line from Londonderry to Portadown would link the towns of Strabane, Omagh and Dungannon, providing an opportunity for greater connectivity across the Province. There is also an acceptance in the draft report from the all-island rail review that individual projects will need further feasibility studies and environmental assessments. There is no doubt that significant amounts of funding will be required to move things along, but we must invest in order to reap the future benefits. <BR /> <BR />In closing, I would like to pay tribute to all of the many campaigners who, over the years, have put in the effort and voiced their concerns. I include Into the West in that, which has been at the forefront with its campaigns.”
“<BR /> <BR />Since I first entered politics, back in 2010, the change in the city that I represent has been incredible, with the building of the Peace Bridge, the new greenways and the first fully electric metro bus service in the UK. Those are positive changes, and now we need to see greater progress on rail connectivity. We need an urgent update on the phase 3 Londonderry to Coleraine feasibility study. It is encouraging to see the delivery of the north-west transport hub, but more can and should be done. <BR /> <BR />We also need better connectivity between our airports and our sea ports. That can be done with investment that will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits.”
“The 'Union Connectivity Review: Final Report' welcomed the all-island strategic rail review, and it is important to see that in the context of a British Isles-wide approach. The £5 million that was allocated by the Government in response to the Union connectivity review is welcome, but it goes nowhere near far enough to fund the progress and preparation that is needed for real change. <BR /> <BR />The previous Infrastructure Minister's ambivalence to that review may go some way to explaining the lack of progress on the north-west and Enniskillen projects. As a party, we will commit to work closely with the UK Government, the Irish Government and the Minister for Infrastructure in order to ensure that those projects get off the ground as soon as possible and are able to deliver the infrastructure that Northern Ireland needs and deserves.”
“The motion does little to reflect the importance of the Union connectivity review and the all-island strategic rail review, nor does it make any reference at all to the UK Government and the need for funding investment. As my Fermanagh colleague Mrs Erskine said, we need to move beyond the ideas phase and ambitions and on to delivery. Despite its absence from the motion, there also needs to be a recognition of available Executive allocations, going forward. <BR /> <BR />The DUP has long championed the full implementation of the Union connectivity review, recognising the effect that good transport and connectivity across the United Kingdom can have on economic growth, jobs and all aspects of our society.”
“For that reason, the DUP recognises that the Union connectivity review and the all-island strategic rail review present a real opportunity and a vision to improve connectivity throughout the British Isles, benefiting our economies and unlocking growth and job opportunities that should benefit all our communities.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the amendment tabled by members of our party. Since the 1950s, the Northern Ireland rail network has been cut by some 450 miles. It is evident that we have suffered historical underinvestment in our rail network and services in comparison with regions across the United Kingdom. We do not have any railway electrification, and there are clear disparities in access to services in specific areas, particularly the north-west and Fermanagh. There is no doubt that it is unacceptable that such a disparity in services exists across Northern Ireland, in the rail network and across our infrastructure network in general.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. One of the frustrations that the council has highlighted with me is the speed with which the business cases have been approved. There is frustration that heads of terms could not be signed at an earlier opportunity to draw down funding and allow the projects to make the necessary progress. Will the Minister commit to working with the Economy Minister to bring the city deal projects further forward?”
“Does the Minister agree that we need to improve career guidance and entry rates across the board, not only into the health service but across the public sector, and that any development of such a programme needs to be reflected in the ethos in our schools and in careers advice?”
“I thank the Minister for his announcement today and for his investment in Foyle. <BR /> <BR />Minister, will lessons be learned from legislation in other parts of the UK to ensure that the legislation that we implement here will be effective?”
“Absolutely. We need to look at every type of initiative. In our GP services, we see the use of multidisciplinary teams. There are various mechanisms that we need to use, and we cannot rule things out. We need to be looking for the best possible outcomes for our constituents. <BR /> <BR />The Audit Office report sets out a number of recommendations. I agree with other Members that we have had a lot of strategies. We now need an action plan. We need something that we can point to and say, "This is now the course of action that we are going to take". We have waited far too long for our waiting lists to be addressed. Now is the time to bring forward an action plan and ensure that we can deliver for our constituents.”
“There are also many people who unfortunately cannot get through to a GP. They therefore present at the emergency department, even though that may not be the most appropriate place for them to be.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. It is a very timely point. The Member touched on the community and voluntary sector earlier and mentioned the various organisations that help alleviate pressure and ensure that there is not a greater cost down the line. The problem that I have, and the concern that many of us have, is that the cost could ultimately be a life, and that is something that concerns us all. <BR /> <BR />I also raise the need to address urgent and emergency care in our emergency departments. There is a frustration at the number of people who unfortunately cannot access their GP. In the statistics that I have, it is stated that almost 20% of people attending have been referred to our emergency departments by GPs. That accounts only for those who were referred, however.”
“We have heard today about how people are waiting an extraordinary amount of time to access mental health services and drug and alcohol services that would, no doubt, go towards improving their life, or even saving their life.”
“The Western Health and Social Care Trust's figure was 44%, whereas the Belfast Trust had the lowest percentage, at just 22·6%. Of course, there are big disparities across the various specialisms within the sector. Just 52·9% of patients were seen within 14 days of their urgent referral for breast cancer, against a target of 100%. Unfortunately, no trust achieved that target. <BR /> <BR />The postcode lottery for services is simply not sustainable. Yesterday in the Chamber, we spoke about the economy and the need to address regional imbalance. We need to ensure that regional imbalance and regional inequalities are addressed across the health sector. There are similarly concerning statistics across all levels of the health and social care system.”
“<BR /> <BR />The findings of the Northern Ireland Audit Office report send a stark signal of the need to urgently address the missed targets and the evergrowing waiting lists across the board. Of course, I have particular concerns about cancer targets. The latest figures that I have show that only the Western Trust met its target for patients diagnosed with cancer receiving treatment within 31 days. As an MLA for Foyle, I welcome this particular position and the target being met in the Western Trust, but the reality is that there are many different pictures across other trusts in Northern Ireland. Just 34% of patients with suspected cancer who were urgently referred by a GP began treatment within 62 days. That is against a 95% target.”
“I will begin my remarks by paying tribute to the fantastic and dedicated health and social care staff across Northern Ireland. Many of them are working in conditions that are very difficult and stressful. I want to put on record our thanks to them, first and foremost. <BR /> <BR />As others have mentioned, it is a sad reality that here, in Northern Ireland, our waiting times are not only the worst across the United Kingdom but, indeed, are some of the worst across Western Europe. Over a quarter of Northern Ireland's population is on a waiting list. It is also a sad reality that a growing number of people in our communities are dying while languishing on waiting lists.”
“I congratulate you on your elevation to the position of Principal Deputy Speaker. I also congratulate my colleague Alan Robinson on his excellent maiden speech today.”
“The Minister will agree that Mobuoy is a scandal that, sadly, has gone unaddressed for far too long. What assurances can he give to the residents of the area, who, unfortunately, continue to live with this illegal dump and continue to deal with illegal dumping within and outside that site? What assurances can he give to members of the public who have been waiting far too long?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, particularly the comments about addressing regional balance. One of the ways to do that, of course, is through the city and growth deals. There is a lot of frustration, particularly in my council area of Foyle, at the delay in getting those projects over the line. What can the Minister do to progress the city and growth deals as fast as possible?”
“That includes the British Heart Foundation, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, Children's Heartbeat Trust and many more. By continuing to support those charities and raising awareness, your message could indeed save a life and, hopefully, touch the right person.”
“<BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) is strongly urging people to consider their cardiovascular health. Its Step by Step campaign encourages people to take seven steps towards having a healthier, stronger heart. It is encouraging people to sign up for an online health check through its website; increase their steps and physical activity; try following a healthy and balanced diet; cut back on alcohol; quit smoking; look after their mental health and get enough sleep; and get to know the signs of a heart attack. NICHS's Red Dress Fun Run will take place in the Stormont estate at 11.00 am on 25 February. I encourage as many people as possible to get involved in that event and to encourage their families to do likewise. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to all the charities that are proactively working in heart health.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whether losing a loved one to cardiac arrest or coping with the devastating impact of heart failure, far too many of us have felt the pain of heart and circulatory conditions. Sadly, in 2021, my father-in-law, Cyril Davis, who was seemingly so fit and healthy, died of a massive coronary episode. None of us saw it coming, and, indeed, it has been a difficult journey for our family in getting used to life without him. Sadly, that story is all too familiar to many families across Northern Ireland. In this, National Heart Month, which is the month in which, as a family, we would have marked Cyril's 60th birthday, I am asking all my fellow Members and people across Northern Ireland to join me and others in sharing heart health messages on their social media and to get people talking about it in their daily conversations.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to say a few words about Heart Health Month and National Heart Month. February is a month when charities and organisations across Northern Ireland and further afield raise awareness of heart health and the impact that it has on individuals and families. At the start of this month, many buildings across Northern Ireland were lit red to encourage people to get talking about heart health. Heart and circulatory diseases cause nearly a quarter of all deaths in Northern Ireland, or around 4,000 deaths per year. That is an average of 11 per day. Around 1,100 of those deaths are of individuals who are under the age of 75.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and welcome the £1 million. However, up to just last month, there were 11,000 potholes across Londonderry and Strabane. Does the Minister agree that it is more important that we invest in our roads than pay compensation? Can the Minister give any indication of the expenditure on compensation in 2023?”
“Of course, we have Declan Kearney coming out to say that the concerns are a myth; we have Mr O'Toole saying that he does not understand it; and we have Mr Tennyson saying that it is beyond him. I urge the parties opposite to please get to grips with the unionist electorate. They should understand that we will not be pushed to the side or ignored. <BR /> <BR />If Sinn Féin and other parties in the Chamber are serious about making devolution and these institutions work, they should look back to 2019 and the mistake that they made to move forward with a Northern Ireland protocol without the support of the unionist community. That was a mistake then, and it is a mistake now. I urge them to commit to making Northern Ireland work within the United Kingdom. This party is resolute on that, and it will not change its position.”