Gordon Lyons
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Implementing other recommendations will require further legislation that, I trust, will come in the next mandate, but I can confirm that 60 of the recommendations have already been separately addressed by either the Department or the commission. I hope that that answers his questions.”
“Yes, I do and am happy to share those. The issue has been raised in the Chamber and through Assembly questions. My position is that we want to make it simple and straightforward for people.”
“They also introduce greater flexibility in financial reporting, allowing requirements to be tailored more appropriately, reducing burdens on smaller organisations and ensuring that the system can adapt over time through secondary legislation.”
“If they want to constitute as a Northern Ireland-only charity, they are able to do that, if they believe that that will bring certain benefits.”
“That is similar to what we are trying to do with trustees. Even though you leave your position as a trustee or your position as someone who holds an office in a charity or who has employment in the office, the commissioner will still be able to make a determination that says, "Even though you have left, we are still making this order to t…”
“I do not believe that it was. That was maybe picked up wrong. We are happy to look at and explore that, but that is the information that I have on it. Again, we will have the Committee Stage of the legislation, so we can look into that then.”
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“The debate has certainly been more temperate in its language than the one that went before it. <BR /> <BR />I begin by congratulating the Member for securing this evening's debate and for her contribution, which, along with those of other Members, outlined the history of the site. I particularly thank Mr McNulty for his one-man drama. He vividly outlined the history and myths of the place, which we are all now better acquainted with at 9.50 pm on this Tuesday evening. <BR /> <BR />I will summarise a little bit of the history. As Mr McNulty will be aware, in the 1960s, the chamber and the passage were fully excavated, and a concrete roof supported on steel beams was installed.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome the support that we have received from the Chairman of the Committee for Communities in his comprehensive speech, outlining the rationale for what we are doing today. It is important that we put it through because of the benefit that it will bring to those who are helped by it. <BR /> <BR />I do not think that there are any particular issues that I need to respond to in the Chairman's comments. I thank the Committee for its scrutiny, and I commend the motion to the House.”
“I think that this is the third time that I have introduced the uprating under the Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers' Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1979. We are uprating it by 3·8%. I do not believe that I need to go any further into the detail. If anyone is interested, they can look at the Hansard report from the previous two years.”
“Money has been allocated to Casement Park. It is up to others to decide how they will spend it.”
“It has not been a straightforward process. I know that the Members across the Chamber like to blame others for why it has not progressed. I will say this clearly: a pledge was made on the sum, and I stand by that. It is up to others to decide what it looks like. <BR /> <BR />I will say this to the Member: Casement has not progressed at this point not because of the work of my Department or any unionist in this place but because of the actions of Sinn Féin Ministers and SDLP Ministers during their time in office. Mr Durkan is looking upset: he was the one who, a judge said, had acted unlawfully. Members on the other side of the House like to put blame over here.”
“There you go: a complete contradiction between his two questions. He is acknowledging the fact that there is disagreement on what that might look like and what might actually happen.”
“That is a requirement for my Department, so we need to make sure that whatever proposals come forward meet that value-for-money requirement.”
“I have been asked that question many times, and the people who ask it often do not know what they mean. There is not even agreement within the GAA about what Casement Park should look like. There is not even agreement within the GAA as to whether Casement Park should go ahead. We have had calls from many who have said that the money should be divided up between the counties. There is no clear understanding of what it means when people say, "Should Casement Park be built?" I am not going to dictate what any stadium should look like; that is a matter for others. I have two roles to play in this. The first is to provide the funding that has already been pledged, and the second, importantly — people often forget about it in this debate — is to make sure that any proposed project provides value for money.”
“It will not just be left to the councils to deal with issues. I said that we needed to cut down on the number of arm's-length bodies (ALBs) and quangos, and that is what I am doing. This is another example of how we will be able to save some money. I believe that there are ways for those functions to be carried out, and, of course, the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman will be there to deal with any complaints that may arise out of any disputes. There is more work to be done in getting rid of quangos and ALBs. A lot of money can be saved there, and this is part of the work that I am doing on that.”
“That work has progressed. I do not have a dissolution date for that, and, at this stage, I am not at liberty to say when it might happen. However, as soon as I have any more information for the Member, I will provide it.”
“Any amendment to the rent scheme must, first of all, comply with legislation, so a change needs to be made there. It also needs to reflect the additional costs, and it must not create departmental expenditure limit pressures for the Department or unnecessary pressures for Housing Executive landlords. Those things need to be worked through. We will be able to start the purchasing once approval for the rent scheme amendment has been confirmed, and I have been told that a further update on that is expected soon.”
“Anyone who is purchasing a home will know how difficult it can be and how it can take longer than we would like. However, we are making progress on that. Work needs to be done with the Housing Executive and the Department of Finance, but that work is progressing, and I hope that that can be done soon. Regardless, we are now in a position where we will soon be able to proceed. The initiative has the potential to save £75 million over the next seven years and make sure that people are not staying in unsuitable, non-standard temporary accommodation.”
“It was, and it was another dereliction of duty from the First Minister. I was shocked to hear her say in this place, a few weeks ago, "Nothing to do with me". The legislation — the law — says something different. There is a responsibility on all of us, because the covenant applies in Northern Ireland. We have a First Minister who will not go to stand up for Northern Ireland in Washington and who washes her hands of responsibility to her constituents who are in the Middle East. She was also quite content to see the Ministry of Defence removed from a jobs fair in Londonderry. We all have a responsibility to our veterans. We need to stand up for them, and now is the right time for us to do that. I encourage the "First Minister for all" either to do her job or to drop the title.”
“In addition, I have brought forward a range of other actions to enhance wider engagement and coordination with veterans and armed forces representative organisations to ensure that the services that we provide can meet their needs. Those actions include the appointment of a senior official as the strategic lead for veterans' issues within the Department and active participation in veterans' roadshows. This is not about securing advantage for one section of our community. It is about making sure that no one is disadvantaged or left behind.”
“I am committed to ensuring that veterans and the wider armed forces community receive the right support at the right time and in the right way. We are progressing a dedicated armed forces liaison pathway that will provide a single point of contact and offer a free and confidential needs assessment. The pathway will help identify potential eligibility for benefits, support and services. It will be available to veterans and service personnel who are transferring to civilian life, and to their families, because we are seeking to reduce the risk of disadvantage and ensure that they are accessing the support that they need.”
“Regardless, I, along with party colleagues, will be out there speaking up for Northern Ireland.”
“Yes, of course it is. Here is the thing: we can all have disagreements. In the past, there have been occupants of the White House with whom, I am sure, we will all have had disagreements. However, the fact that you disagree with somebody does not mean that you boycott the opportunity that is in front of you. Next week's events are an opportunity to engage not just with the current US Administration but with other voices in Congress and outside of Congress, in business and culture. That is why it is so important. We have this golden opportunity, once a year, to big up Northern Ireland and be proud of Northern Ireland. I want to see elected representatives out there doing just that. That is what I will do, and it is disappointing that Sinn Féin's narrow-minded approach will prevent that from happening in a cross-Executive way.”
“That is something that we should all be proud of and should celebrate, not just to reflect on those who came before us and did incredible things but to point forward to today and show that the spirit that drove people across the Atlantic more than 250 years ago still exists here. The same innovation and resilience exist here today. I am going out to promote Northern Ireland as a region that people should invest in, visit and come to so that they can find out more about their heritage and history.”
“I am happy to report to the House that Northern Ireland will be front and centre next week in Washington DC. Along with the deputy First Minister, I will be standing up and speaking out for Northern Ireland. We will attend a number of events that have been organised by the Northern Ireland Bureau, the UK embassy, the White House and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I am also delighted to share with the House that the Department for Communities will host an event in the United States Senate at which we will highlight the role that people from Ulster played in the foundation of the United States.”
“The Member makes a good point. Mr Harvey says that we want Northern Ireland to stand out. That has not always happened. In the past, all too often, Northern Ireland was an add-on. I am happy to report to the House that that is no longer the case.”
“He is pointing to the Sinn Féin Benches, and he is absolutely right to do so, because we need to see a plan. I am glad that the Government recognised that at their meeting with the Northern Ireland MPs. That work should continue and should happen. I am ready. We may face more difficulties in five, 10 or 15 years' time. That is why I have put in place a long-term plan that will reduce people's bills year after year. I need Executive colleagues to support me, step up and provide the funding so that, regardless of the circumstances that we find ourselves in because of the global position, it costs less to heat our homes in the first place. I am willing to do that work.”
“First, I can bring forward support if the funding is there, but the funding has not been allocated to me. From what I understand, it has been allocated to the Department for the Economy, and no plans or requests have come forward. I have stood up in the past. When I was in the Department for the Economy in 2022, I, alongside the UK Government, worked for many months to get the energy payment in place. That was exceptionally difficult because of the way in which our market and our system are set up here in Northern Ireland. However, I got on that straight away. I was in touch with the Utility Regulator and UK Government Ministers almost daily for weeks, so I stepped up when it was my responsibility. I am also ready to step up now and help in whatever way that I can. <BR /> <BR />Mr McCrossan is gesticulating across the Chamber.”
“When the fuel payment was taken off our pensioners by the Labour Government — the Member's sister party — I stepped in, secured money from the Executive and ensured that we were able to provide that support, as the matter fell directly under the responsibility of my Department. I will not step on other people's toes, but I will do what I can, and that is why I have brought forward a fuel poverty strategy that will help in the long term. That is why we are looking at changes to discretionary support so that grants, as well as loans, may be given in the future to help people with the cost of fuel. It is why we continue to provide energy advice. If anyone is facing an immediate risk to their health and well-being, such as being unable to afford essential heating or basic living expenses, they should get in contact with us.”
“Of course, I continue to do what I can to help the most vulnerable. Many people have found themselves in that position over recent months and years, not just since the current increase in fuel prices. The Member will be aware that, ultimately, a support package will, first and foremost, be a matter for the Minister for the Economy. I was concerned about the answers that were given to Mr Brett in the Economy Committee today about the £81 million that will be available for support. I ask the Member to ask the Economy Minister what plans she will put in place to make sure that people are properly supported. <BR /> <BR />As far as I am concerned, I will continue to do what I can in my Department to provide assistance.”
“I am happy to consider all the proposals that come forward to me. The Member will be aware of the emphasis that I have placed on getting more people involved in the arts and getting more money into rural communities, working-class communities and communities that have been largely left behind when it comes to funding for the arts. I will continue to do that, but I need the finance in order to get the money to them. Unfortunately, the draft Budget does not allow me to do that.”
“The multi-year Budget does not allow me to do what I want to do for the arts. In fact, unless changes are made, I will be in a difficult position with the budget for the arts, and that is not a position that I want to find myself in. It is essential that we allow the arts to continue to develop. Since my time in office, I have seen their impact more and more. We will need to make sure that any additional funding for the arts goes where it makes a difference and will have maximum impact.”
“I reiterate the fact that I recognise, understand and value the work of artists and the contribution that they make to the quality of life of the people of Northern Ireland. I note that the Basic Income for the Arts in Ireland programme is going through its first iteration. However, in Northern Ireland, we do not currently have provision in the Budget for a similar scheme, so, at this stage, I have no plans to replicate it.”
“That is to ensure that appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place and so that we can be assured that people receive appropriate advice, assistance and support.”
“Yes, there is. I have been working with the Housing Executive on that and have asked it about the issues with the provision of the severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) in particular, because there seem to be some communication difficulties there. I have been assured, however, that the Housing Executive notifies funded partners who provide outreach services whenever the SWEP is activated — funded partners such as the Welcome Organisation in Belfast, which I was privileged to be out with last week, and First Housing Aid and Support Services in Londonderry. The Housing Executive will engage with other providers as well. <BR /> <BR />While the Housing Executive is happy to engage with any organisation that is aware of anyone who is rough sleeping, Members will understand that its focus is on engaging with the organisations that it funds.”
“I hope that people will use those powers.”
“That distinction had not previously been made in other jurisdictions. If that is the case for some houses, that goes against the 1981 Order, and action can be taken. <BR /> <BR />There are, of course, other statutory protections that exist outside the responsibility of my Department. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 gives councils powers to inspect properties and enforce required actions for:”
“The Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 sets the standard of fitness for human habitation, including for those who are in temporary accommodation. It requires homes to be:”
“I wish that we did not have to use temporary accommodation — certainly not to the extent that we do at the minute — but we need to make sure that the temporary accommodation that we have is fit for purpose. I am happy to work with the Member on that.”
“In the first instance, I would appreciate it if the Member were to provide me with any specific examples that she has of where those failings are taking place, because I would like to be in a position to investigate them. It should not be the case that the Housing Executive is investigating just to make sure that the houses are occupied. Those inspections should take place, absolutely, but, if there have been complaints, there is a requirement on the Housing Executive to make sure that repairs are actioned. If the repairs are not actioned, those houses should no longer be used as temporary accommodation until they have been actioned. <BR /> <BR />I have heard concerning comments on this in the Chamber from you and your colleague Mr Durkan, and I will be more than happy to chase those up.”
“Single lets are inspected at the point of acquisition by the Housing Executive, and accommodation providers are responsible for all aspects of the maintenance and repair of their properties.”
“The cost of heating their home has one of the biggest impacts on people's income. I have a plan to tackle just that.”
“Yes, absolutely. Some of the programmes that I have put in place have made a real change to people's lives. JobStart is one of the most successful tools in our armoury for tackling unemployment. It has a success rate of over 70% return on investment. That is phenomenal, not just from a financial viewpoint. Programmes can make a difference. Getting people into work is really important. <BR /> <BR />One of my greatest concerns, however, is the working poor: those who do the right thing by trying to get employment but still seem to be hit all the time. I am investing to try to make a difference in their lives. That is why I will be launching the warm healthy homes fund to make key improvements to people's lives so that we increase their income where we can and reduce their outgoings.”
“I hope that, in the first place, the councils responded to the consultation to ensure that their views are known. Engagement will continue not only on the strategy but on all the other ways in which councils will help us deliver some of the other plans and strategies that we have in place. I have not yet received the read-out of the meeting, so I have not gone into the detail with officials at this stage. I am happy to see what learning we can get from that. Councils have a very important role to play in helping us achieve the ambition that is set out in the document.”
“That is currently at outline business case stage, requiring departmental approval. <BR /> <BR />In addition, my officials are represented on the board supporting the Coleraine Pride in Place programme. That is a 10-year UK Government-funded programme worth £20 million that is aimed at tackling deprivation with a focus on community-led improvements, allowing local people to decide how funds are used to regenerate disadvantaged neighbourhoods and to restore pride in their area.”
“I am aware of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's 'Poverty in Northern Ireland 2025' report, particularly the information in it regarding the high rate of relative poverty after housing costs and the difficulty with accessing jobs with remote and hybrid working in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area and other parts of Northern Ireland. We are working alongside the council to support the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deal. Those growth deals allow for place-based regeneration and represent a shift towards localised economic development, empowering local authorities with resources to drive tailored strategic support. We are also working closely with the council on the proposed leisure and well-being centre, which is one of the growth deal projects.”
“I urge him to explore solutions to address the impacts of reduced budgets, and I stand ready to play my part in that.”
“Under the draft Budget, I am not in a position to fill those gaps. That is why, as part of the correspondence that I had with the Finance Minister, I raised the fact that the matter had been omitted from the draft Budget. We knew back then that there were concerns about the potential for there to be gaps in funding. I support the moves being made to make the UK Government look at it again, but the Finance Minister missed an opportunity by not referring to it in the draft Budget. If we do not resolve the issue, it will have an impact across Northern Ireland on many issues that multiple Departments are trying to resolve. Including it in the draft Budget would have been the sensible thing to do. <BR /> <BR />I have written to the Finance Minister.”
“Like every other Member, I want to see a satisfactory resolution to the matter, and, through the Department of Finance, we continue to press that case. The Member is correct in saying that many of the programmes contribute to helping us tackle the wider problems in that area, which is why I want to see them continue. Depending on the outcome, we will examine what needs to be done to make sure that we are still on the path towards meeting those goals. That is why, in bringing all that together, the disability and work strategy will be so important and will make a real difference, as long as we can ensure that it is properly funded.”
“Those activities help people with disabilities or health conditions to move into and remain in meaningful employment, with tailored support for them and their employers.”
“Members will be aware that the local growth fund is administered directly by the UK Government and that the Finance Minister leads on that programme on behalf of the Executive. Beyond the local growth fund, my Department continues to deliver a wide range of employability support to disabled people and people with health conditions. Provision includes specialist health and employability support through Workable, Access to Work and the condition management programme as well as more general support via our front-line jobs and benefits offices, JobStart, the work experience programme and localised interventions commissioned by the labour market partnerships and funded by my Department.”
“As an Executive, with input from the Assembly, we should put all the options on the table and decide what will give us the greatest return on our investment and what will make the biggest difference to the lives of children, young people and others in our society. I am open to hearing all those ideas, weighing them up and seeing what can make a difference.”
“My officials have engaged with the Department of Education to provide verification of UC award amounts for those who need to use that service. I am more than happy to explore what else we can do to make sure that that works more easily. <BR /> <BR />When it comes to the wider issue of what could be included in an anti-poverty strategy, we should put everything on the table, assess all the options and measure them against one another. Many ideas have come forward, including further welfare mitigations and other plans for payments, for short-term support and for the longer-term support that can tackle the root causes of poverty. However, we should not do that in a piecemeal way.”
“The policy and legislative responsibility for the free school meals scheme sits with the Department of Education. Free school meals are available to children in households claiming universal credit where household net earnings do not exceed £15,390 per year. My officials met their Department of Education colleagues, most recently in May and December 2024, to provide assistance in developing guidance for claimants on uploading their universal credit statement to the Department of Education's online portal to allow their eligibility for free school meals to be determined.”
“There are no plans to permanently close the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. I fully recognise that Tollymore has facilities that are unique to Northern Ireland, and it is an important part of our outdoor activity offering. I am also aware that Sport NI has a duty to ensure value for money for the public purse and the sports sector. However, the centre's temporary closure has continued to facilitate the review, which will allow Sport NI to reimagine the role and function of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in a financially sustainable way, while ensuring that it continues to develop our outdoor sector. I hope that that provides some reassurance to the Member's constituents and others who use the centre.”
“I am happy to do that. I hope that we will also hear directly from the Member during the consultation period, because it is a sincere attempt to hear from a wide range of stakeholders and make sure that we put something in place that works for the future.”