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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“I have made my position on that very clear. Libraries NI should offer a safe place. Parents should and must have confidence in the books that are available, and we need to make sure that we do everything that we can to protect children. I have made my views clear to the board of Libraries NI — to the chairman and the chief executive. I hope that the people who agree with where the Member and I are coming from make sure that their views are made known, because I do not believe that the majority of parents would agree with some of the literature and books that have been made available in our libraries. It is right that we stand up and speak out against it.”
“There are two reasons for that. First, fairness, and secondly, safety. Sport is inherently physical. The physiology of the sexes matters. Everyone should be getting behind the notion that women's sports are reserved for women. Most people will agree with that. In fact, it is regressive to think anything else.”
“Let me make this very clear: I do not believe that there is any room for men in women's sport.”
“I am happy to look at any proposal that comes from the organisation that the Member mentioned. If appropriate, I will be more than happy to write to the Health Minister to see what can be done jointly, if the objectives that it outlines align with the Programme for Government.”
“The Member will be aware of the very tight budgetary conditions in which we find ourselves and the significant cost savings that I have had to make in the past 12 months in order to deliver a balanced budget. However, I am always willing to meet those who are making requests of the Government, especially if they are in line with the objectives that we are trying to achieve as an Executive.”
“I do not think that this Government have any idea about the implications that their decisions are having for people across Northern Ireland, be they farmers, pensioners or the voluntary and community sector, which is doing key work in making sure that we tackle some of the most pressing issues in society. All that they are doing is making things much more difficult, including for the voluntary and community sector. That is why I will continue to make the case against the increases.”
“We are committed to the principle of full cost recovery in brokering funding arrangements with sector providers. Where delivery partners face significant unexpected cost pressures, we will consider all reasonable requests. I have demonstrated my commitment to the sector by providing a 5% uplift to key DFC funding programmes in this year's budget. That additional funding was provided as a contribution towards the pressures that organisations face from rising costs.”
“<BR /> <BR />In recognition of the impact of the announcement, alongside the Minister of Finance and the Minister for the Economy, I have met the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) chief executive and voluntary and community sector representatives to discuss this issue and the wider financial challenges faced by the sector. The Finance Minister subsequently wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, outlining the pressures that will be faced as a result of the policy decision. The correspondence requested that His Majesty's Treasury (HMT) consider providing support to those outside the central government sector who provide vital public services and receive funding from central government.”
“Where delivery partners working with my Department are facing significant unexpected cost pressures, my officials are willing to consider all reasonable requests for changes to agreed objectives. Organisations grant-funded by my Department can retain the full amount of any employers' allowance received, which offsets some of the employers' National Insurance contributions burden for small organisations. The substantial increase to employers' allowance included in the Chancellor's recent Budget announcement is expected to offset some of the increase. My Department encourages all eligible organisations to claim that allowance.”
“Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will group questions 8 and 11 for answer. <BR /> <BR />I understand and acknowledge the sector's concerns about the impacts of recent UK Government Budget decisions, including the increase to employers' National Insurance contributions. My Department currently has two contracts with voluntary and community sector organisations. Both contracts provide demand-led services; therefore, contractual targets are not suitable for those contract types. My Department also provides grant funding to a number of voluntary and community organisations. Those funding relationships do not involve contractual targets; instead, organisations are funded to deliver agreed objectives in line with an outcomes-based accountability approach. <BR /> <BR />My Department adopts a flexible approach to grant-making.”
“Absolutely. That is an important part of what we are trying to do through the housing supply strategy. We need to make sure that we do everything that we can to make use of the buildings that we have. Sometimes, that involves extra cost, but it is still beneficial for us to make sure that we use the buildings that we already have. I have engaged with the historic environment division (HED) in that regard, as well as other interested stakeholders who have experience of converting and reusing existing buildings. I hope that we see more of that not only to tackle the issues that we have in Northern Ireland in regard to housing but to see other ways in which we can reuse existing buildings for the benefit of our economy and people more widely.”
“I do not have that detail with me, but, of course, I am happy to write to the Member outlining what we have done in that regard.”
“Yes, of course, absolutely. I know that that area is dear to the Member's heart, and I thank him for the continual, constant lobbying that he has been involved in up to this point. The commitment from the Department certainly stands.”
“The Member is right: I do not want to give too much away on that. However, I hope that he recognises my commitment to making sure that we lead on the regeneration of cities, towns and villages of all sizes. Obviously, different responsibilities fall within the remits of different Departments, but I am pleased with what we were able to do under the COVID recovery small settlements scheme, and I will continue to make sure that we deliver. <BR /> <BR />We have already delivered in the West Tyrone constituency. We are providing funding of over £6 million towards the planned public realm scheme in Strabane, and significant city deal investment of £102 million is planned for Strabane that will include the canal basin and neighbouring sites. That will make a real difference in the Member's constituency.”
“My officials are also working with officials from DAERA and DFI, as well as local councils, to develop a long-term, community-led approach to regenerating our cities and towns that would also include rural villages and smaller towns. I intend to make a joint announcement on that programme later in the year.”
“The Department for Communities' regeneration policy focus is on urban settlements with a population of 5,000 or more. As rural villages and small towns have populations of under 5,000, they sit outside DFC's urban regeneration policy remit. Those smaller settlements fall within the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. However, my Department has led on the delivery of the COVID recovery small settlements scheme, which was jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Department for Infrastructure. In total, almost £29 million worth of projects are being delivered to smaller settlements across Northern Ireland.”
“Mr Speaker, as you point out, that is not related to the question, but it is a good attempt by the Member to connect it, so perhaps I could write to him with that detail. Dereliction is an issue that needs to be addressed, and I look forward to seeing the dilapidation Bill coming forward from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.”
“Prior to the Clifton Gateway public realm scheme's being paused, design proposals had been developed, including engagement with key stakeholders. I suppose that the snag is that the design programmes will need to be reviewed and updated to take account of the eastern transport plan and Belfast Rapid Transit outcomes when the scheme is progressed.”
“Officials from my Department and DFI are working together to explore any opportunities for collaboration on delivering improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure within the public realm project in a way that avoids nugatory works, minimises the impact on the local community, maximises the benefits gained from public investment in the area and achieves value for money. That has had a significant impact on the planned DFC Lower Oldpark Road public realm scheme design in, for example, planning permission, budget and programme.”
“For Peter's Hill, which is phase 1 of the Shankill Gateway scheme, work is ongoing to procure the works contractor. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in April of this year. Site works are expected to commence in spring or early summer and to take 12 months to be completed. That represents an investment in the Shankill of £3·6 million. <BR /> <BR />The lower Oldpark Road public realm scheme area commences just beyond the junction with the Crumlin Road and proceeds along the Oldpark Road, finishing at Deanby Gardens. Since the plans were developed, the Department for Infrastructure has identified the lower Oldpark Road as a route in the Belfast cycling network delivery plan.”
“For those reasons, my Department is unable to develop further its plans for the Clifton Gateway public realm scheme, and progress will not be possible until there is more clarity about the Department for Infrastructure's proposals for the area in the eastern transport plan 2035 and its delivery programme for Belfast Rapid Transit 2.”
“My Department's plans for the Clifton Gateway public realm scheme have been significantly impacted on by the work being undertaken by the Department for Infrastructure to develop the eastern transport plan 2035 and the proposals for the next phase of the Belfast Rapid Transit programme. Donegall Street, Clifton Street and Carlisle Circus, which represent major sections of the proposed Clifton Gateway public realm scheme, are vital parts of the infrastructure network, are integral to proposals in the eastern transport plan 2035 and form part of the proposed route of Belfast Rapid Transit 2.”
“I hope that the Member will read all the documentation that has been put out. Previous investment contributes towards higher points in the matrix, not just investment throughout the process. It is important that those who have been willing to invest already in their facilities benefit from having done so. I encourage the Member to read all the documentation, because he will see that the scoring matrix that we have put in place is very fair. That has been the response from most clubs so far.”
“We can certainly give advice. I am aware that trials are being conducted on additional organic materials that may be able to be used. I hope that the Member agrees that, instead of needing guidance in the first place, it would have been better for us to have had those discussions in the House to work out whether we could keep what we currently have. The regulation will add costs. As someone who believes that we need additional pitch provision across Northern Ireland, I am concerned that this will add costs to our ability to deal with that issue. I hope that that is something that Members will take on board.”
“It is right that we highlight the fact that there will be additional costs for people across Northern Ireland involved in various sports because of the implications of the regulation.”
“Of course it is. All the evidence that we have is that the regulation will drive up costs. In the current system, we can ensure that the pitches have what is needed in them. That is being taken from us, and the alternatives are more expensive. This might have been a route that we wanted to go down. We may have decided that it would be right on the basis that the environmental benefits outweighed the additional costs, but we should have been able to make that decision in the House. It is a decision that we should have had the opportunity to debate and scrutinise in order to make sure that it was right for us. That has been taken from us.”
“Of course, we might have wanted to consider that. We could have debated it in this place. We could have decided whether it was the right move to make and whether the perceived benefits would have outweighed the additional cost, but we did not have the opportunity to do that in the House. We did not have the opportunity to decide whether it would work for us. I cannot commit to allocating additional funding at this time, but we will keep that and all such issues under review.”
“My Department has issued guidance notes to all eligible applicants to the performance programme of the Northern Ireland Football Fund. The guidance notes are also available on the Department's website. Applicants will need to satisfy the Department that investment in artificial grass pitches with rubber infill will offer value for money.”
“For clarity, it will be 2026, not 2016. I can do many things, but I cannot travel back in time. I want to make sure that the review is comprehensive and that we consult as many people as possible. As I said in my answer to Sinéad McLaughlin, I want to make sure that we do this right. That means that we have to speak to as many people as possible and make sure that we have all the information at our disposal.”
“In the 10-year period from 2014 to 2024, the number of cases of intimidation fell from 380 to 226. The number of domestic abuse cases rose from 721 in 2014 to 1,146 in 2024. It is a damning indictment of our society that, in the social housing sector alone, the total number of reported cases was 1,146. It is clear that there is wider work for the Executive and society as a whole to do to tackle the issue.”
“I want it to be done right now, but I also want it to be done right. There is a balance to be struck. I have full confidence in officials in the Department and the Housing Executive to make sure that we have in place a system that is, as the Member describes it, "fit for purpose".”
“That will be part of the ongoing fundamental review of allocations. My officials will work with the Housing Executive as it carries out modelling, stakeholder engagement and appropriate consultation to inform its considerations. It is anticipated that the fundamental review, including consideration of primary social needs points, which is a new addition to the review, will be completed by autumn 2026, if not sooner.”
“I have met Liz Kendall and others in the DWP ministerial team. My officials have continued engagement at that level to make sure that our particular circumstances are taken into consideration. I have to say that, although there are similarities between what the UK Government are trying to do and what we are trying to do, it is to everybody's benefit that more people get into work and that we break down the barriers that prevent people who are not in work from getting into work. We have common cause, and I want to make sure that we work closely together to get the maximum benefit. Ultimately, our aim should be to protect those who need help and to ensure that we give the assistance necessary to get those who are not in work into work.”
“All those issues can be considered through the development of the fuel poverty strategy.”
“No, it is not my understanding that any additional charge will have to be paid. There is, importantly, no application process either.”
“That is what we are doing through the fuel poverty strategy, which is out to consultation. It will be out to consultation until 6 March, and I hope that people will respond to it. I hope that, through that, we will have a strategy in place that provides support to give immediate relief to those in need and a longer-term strategy to make sure that we put in place measures that can help — for example, investment in energy efficiency to make sure that people in Northern Ireland have to spend less money to heat their homes.”
“First, I hope that the whole House will be behind me on this: we want to see the UK Government change course. They have made a mistake: they have decided to take £1·4 billion off those who need help to heat their homes. That, overall, is a small amount that the Government should have kept in place. It is small compared with the additional costs that will come to the Government because of that decision. There will be additional costs to the health service and from the additional number of people who have applied for pension credit, which is also a passport to other benefits. It is nonsensical. It will not end up saving the Government money, so I hope that they will change course. <BR /> <BR />However, I recognise that that may not happen, which is why we are taking the action that we can to help those who are in need.”
“My officials are working at pace to put in place the IT and other logistical arrangements necessary to make the one-off £100 pension-age fuel support payment. That payment remains on schedule to be paid before the end of March 2025.”
“I am always happy to work with clubs that are in need and looking for some support, either to direct them to funding or to make use of the funding streams that may become available in the Department. I am a big advocate for all sports. I want to make sure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to play and take part, because that brings benefits that go way beyond my Department — we can think of the health and educational outcomes. Certainly, I will always look for additional investment in that way. The Member will understand the limited budgets with which we are operating, but it is an investment and, therefore, a good use of money. I will always be an advocate for that.”
“There are a number of ways in which we can help when it comes to improving sports facilities at schools. Often, it is the case that the Education Authority has a role to play. As I previously outlined, we have the Your School Your Club programme, which helps us make the best use of the facilities that we have. Much of our sporting estate is found within the school estate, and I am keen that we can open that up, where possible, to make sure that as many people as possible have access to facilities that are funded with public money.”
“I am always happy to visit North Down and join the Member wherever it is that he wants to show me around. In many ways, the additional need that he is experiencing is a good problem. However, we know that it exists right across Northern Ireland, and I am keen to better understand the issues and see what my Department can do to help in that situation.”
“I am more than happy to engage with the project. My understanding is that funding has been secured for the project through PEACE PLUS funding. Certainly, I am more than happy to engage and, if there are any specific issues that the project is facing, I am happy to discuss them.”
“Grassroots sports are the first step in the lifelong journey to more people being more active, more often. <BR /> <BR />In 2024-25, my Department secured £500,000 for the Your School Your Club initiative to enable school sports facilities to be opened for community use outside of normal school hours. I hope that that funding opportunity will continue in future years. Despite the challenging budget position, I will continue to make the case for funding to support clubs across all disciplines of grassroots sport, including junior football. I encourage my officials to meet any grassroots sports clubs to understand the sector's needs, either for funding opportunities or for additional facilities to meet demand.”
“Mr Speaker, with your permission, I wish to group questions 1 and 4 and request an additional minute for the answer. <BR /> <BR />Regrettably, neither my Department nor Sport NI has any funding opportunities open to which grassroots sports clubs could apply. However, I can announce that Sport NI will reopen its popular crowdfunding programme in March. I recognise the important role that grassroots sports play across our communities, including in junior football. The physical health and well-being that sport and physical activity provide cannot be overestimated. Promoting the active living strategy, opening up participation opportunities for sport and physical activity and developing and improving sporting facilities are key areas for my Department.”
“I beg to introduce the Sign Language Bill [NIA 10/22-27], which is a Bill to make provision about the status of and for the advancement of British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language.”
“We need to look at the role of statutory consultees, and I am pleased that, when I came into the Department, I identified an issue with the historic environment division and the length of time that it took to respond to consultation. I put extra resources in place, and we have seen a significant improvement in response times. We need to make sure that that happens across all statutory consultees. We need to deal with the waste water issues, zoning requirements and whatever else it may be. Let us take concerted action and work together to make sure that we make it as simple and straightforward as possible to build homes in Northern Ireland. That is what will tackle the issue, and I look forward to working with my Executive colleagues to deliver on that.”
“We also continue to invest in areas where we have had great success, such as co-ownership, and I will keep pushing to ensure that they have the funding and resources necessary to provide an affordable path to homeownership for everyone who needs it. However, as I have said, the challenges in our housing market will not be solved by that alone. We have to increase housing supply across all tenures in Northern Ireland, and that will require a commitment from across the Executive. <BR /> <BR />To increase supply, we need to make it easier and more straightforward to build homes in Northern Ireland. That means that we have to look at planning regulation.”
“The Member says that that was his aim. He is obviously trying to bring us together in opposition to him, and he has certainly succeeded in that today. <BR /> <BR />The reason why there is such broad opposition to the proposal is that we can all see that simply injecting more money would just drive up the cost of homes and make them unaffordable for those who come next. Therefore, we should not take that approach. It has been tried elsewhere, and, where it has been tried, it has been recommended that it be withdrawn or it has been withdrawn, so, for goodness' sake, let us take an evidence-based approach, see what has gone before and make sure that we learn from that. <BR /> <BR />What is the key in all of this? The key for us is to increase housing supply. That is exactly what we are attempting to do through the housing supply strategy.”
“about the impact that equity loans will —.”
“The intermediate rent scheme will provide good, affordable private rented housing with enhanced security of tenure to low-income households. The discounted rents, which are available at 80% of the rental cost on the open market, could help those who cannot yet afford to access homeownership to start to save towards a deposit. <BR /> <BR />We have had a number of contributions today. I have to say that I think that there is broad opposition around the Chamber to the SDLP's proposal. That is interesting, and the Deputy Chair was certainly forthright in her analysis of the situation. People should take note: when Gerry Carroll and I are on the same page”