Andy Allen
East Belfast · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for her question. There are two accessible toilet cubicles available to visitors on the ground floor, one designated for male use and one for female use. On the first floor, there is an additional accessible toilet facility that is available for use by all visitors.”
“Before I begin, I declare an interest as a trustee of a charity. Through that role, I have seen at first hand the valuable work that charities carry out and the responsibilities that fall on trustees to ensure that organisations are properly governed.”
“I thank the Member for her follow-up question. While no formal assessment has been undertaken to establish a direct correlation between facilities and attendance by people with disabilities, we regularly engage with and welcome to Parliament Buildings people with disabilities through a range of forums, including involvement with the Youth…”
“<BR /> <BR />Perhaps the most significant issue for scrutiny is the extent to which important operational detail is being transferred from primary legislation into regulations.”
“Nevertheless, it would be useful to know how concerns relating to such organisations, should they arise, would be addressed and how cooperation between regulators would operate should issues arise.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission installed a Changing Places facility in Parliament Buildings in 2011. Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of many people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities.”
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“I thank the Minister for her answer. She highlighted the impact that antisocial behaviour has on so many in our society. Will the Minister advise what steps her Department is taking, perhaps in conjunction with the PSNI, to clamp down on the illegal sale of fireworks, which can often be used in ASB?”
“The Minister will, no doubt, be aware that many in the disabled community, me included, face challenges in accessing accessible transport. Indeed, the media recently covered the broad range and scope of those challenges. Will the Minister advise what work his Department has undertaken to increase the availability of and options for accessible transport in Northern Ireland?”
“I thank my constituency colleague for tabling this important question for urgent oral answer. Minister, this question may need to be answered in writing, but will the Department set out the support that was provided to the shipyard in the past number of years and what it is doing to support manufacturing as a whole in Northern Ireland?”
“I am sure that the Minister, as with other Members, including me, is being contacted almost daily by members of households who are struggling to heat their homes. Can he therefore give a guarantee that the fuel poverty strategy will be truly cross-departmental and will have meaningful and tangible outcomes that will be felt by those householders struggling to heat their homes?”
“Can the Minister detail the last time his officials engaged with the expert panel members who helped shape the strategies?”
“The Minister, like so many others, will no doubt recall the memorable moment when former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave his resignation statement with the sound of 'Things Can Only Get Better' blaring in the background. Many held this Government up as being the better option. Clearly, that has not transpired to be the case for the many pensioners who have had this valuable payment that they rely on abruptly taken away from them. What engagement has the Minister had with the UK Government on increasing the minimum income threshold for pension credit?”
“Northern Ireland stands tall, proud and ready for even greater victories to come. On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I extend our best wishes for their successes as we follow them from here onward.”
“I welcome the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Northern Ireland athletes at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Our athletes have once gain proven that Northern Ireland, although small in size, is mighty in spirit and determination. The relentless dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment has shone brightly on the world stage, inspiring us all. The games have been a celebration of their successes and a testament to the power of community and teamwork. Behind every medal, personal best and triumph is a story of resilience, hard work and a strong support system that has fuelled the journey of our athletes. <BR /> <BR />We must continue championing our athletes as they build on those successes and pave the way for the next generation. Their achievements remind us that, with determination, anything is possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, I am keen to hear from the Minister on the time frame for what he will do, because it had been suggested that it might be the next mandate before we see the further piece of important work on building safety. What is he doing to ensure that that will come forward a bit quicker?”
“It is not always the case that we want to take things forward by accelerated passage, but there can be exceptional circumstances at certain times, as there are now, when we need to avail ourselves of the mechanism. It was the will of the House to take this piece of legislation forward by that mechanism. However, it is important that the Department does not stop in its duty. I am not suggesting that that is the case, but it is important that it continues to monitor and evaluate any piece of legislation. I am interested to hear from the Minister on how he intends to ensure that his officials and Department monitor the legislation as it is implemented and make sure that there are no unforeseen, unintended consequences impacting on the wider sector.”
“I, too, thank the Minister and his officials for the manner in which they have engaged with all Members on this important piece of legislation. The Minister and other Members have outlined the importance of the legislation, so I do not intend to rehearse that. Clearly, as highlighted by the Member opposite, my Committee colleague Mr McCrossan, there are those who have significant concerns with the Bill. Those concerns have been highlighted by him, so I do not intend to restate them. However, I would like to hear from the Minister on the Department's position on that and on the engagement that it has had with those stakeholders to allay their concerns. <BR /> <BR />I would also like a commitment that the Department will continue to monitor and observe.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. The Member will appreciate, given his former role on the Communities Committee, that we have always worked together constructively. However, as the Minister has asked on several occasions and as I asked in my speech, what difference will the SDLP amendment make? I know that the Member has cited ambiguity, but it is already covered by the current legislation. I am not convinced. If the party opposite had engaged with Members to convince us of the merits of the amendment beyond what the Minister cited, we may have been able to take a different approach.”
“I thank the Minister for that clarity. That was our interpretation. I would have liked the opportunity to engage with the Member more broadly in order to scope that out. Indeed, as other Members said, it would have been preferential to have had the opportunity, notwithstanding what I said during the accelerated passage debate, to explore some of those aspects during Committee Stage, but that was not the case, as per the will of the House. On that, I will end my comments.”
“I am happy to give way to the Minister if he wishes to clarify whether there is a necessity to specify defective materials, products and design features by regulation in order to enhance the level of protection that is provided.”
“During the Second Stage debate, the Member opposite highlighted concerns about specific building materials, and many across the House share those concerns and echoed them today. I assume that that, as he stated, is what he is attempting to capture in the amendment. The Minister stated during the Second Stage debate that the Bill:”
“At this point, I do not intend to restate the comments that I made in the accelerated passage debate and at Second Stage. They are on the public record and available for people to read. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the amendment. We believe that, in seeking to specify defective materials, products and design features, the proposed amendment to the Defective Premises Bill is not necessary. The current law already mandates that the construction work be performed in a workmanlike or professional manner, using proper materials, ensuring that the dwelling is fit for habitation upon completion. It is our view that that requirement inherently includes the use of safe and appropriate materials and design features. We are of the view that the existing legislation covers the aspects that the amendment intends to cover.”
“Thank you, deputy First Minister, for that answer. I was at an event this morning in Clifton House on hidden homelessness. There is deep concern among housing providers and those involved in housing over the funding that is to be made available to the social housing development programme and the ability of the Executive to take a truly cross-departmental approach to tackling the housing crisis that is gripping Northern Ireland. Will the deputy First Minister outline how the Executive will truly get to grips with that crisis?”
“<BR /> <BR />Additionally, the legislation would adjust the qualifying earnings threshold, allowing contributions to be calculated from the first pound earned. That change is especially significant for lower-income earners and those with multiple part-time jobs, who will benefit from employer contributions on all their earnings when the Bill is enacted, thereby enhancing their retirement savings. <BR /> <BR />The Bill also ensures parity with the rest of the United Kingdom, maintaining a cohesive and unified pension system across our nation. That consistency is crucial, given the UK-wide nature of many private pension schemes and the benefits of a standardised regulatory framework.”
“I welcome the Second Stage of the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the financial security of our workforce in Northern Ireland. I thank the Minister and his officials for the work that they have undertaken on this important legislation to date. <BR /> <BR />As has been mentioned, the Bill is designed to provide powers to extend the scope of automatic enrolment in workplace pension schemes, ensuring that younger workers, starting from the age of 18, can begin saving for their retirement from the earliest stages of their career. By lowering the age threshold from 22 to 18, we empower our youth to build pension savings over a more extended period, fostering a culture of financial responsibility and long-term planning.”
“<BR /> <BR />We feel that the Defective Premises Bill is important legislation that seeks to enhance accountability, extend legal recourse, ensure fairness, simplify legal processes and strengthen consumer protection. However, the Minister, having been granted accelerated passage for the Bill, must address the concerns raised by stakeholders.”
“<BR /> <BR />Furthermore, those highlighting concerns with the Bill also state that, although similar amendments have been passed in England, as Mr Allister said, their impact still needs to be fully understood. They have also cited differences between the construction economy in England and that in Northern Ireland, going on to challenge the view that the changes will bring consumer protections in Northern Ireland into line with those in England and Wales as simply not being the case and saying that bringing the Bill into law ahead of other changes enacted by the English legislation will cause further complications and raise the possibility of very different outcomes.”
“They feel that the amendments are well intentioned but will have several unintended consequences that must be considered appropriately. Additionally, they have referred to the legislation as legally turning back the clock, which, they think, creates the potential for unusual implications, impacting on insurance policies and professional indemnity, existing government funding and relief schemes, and human rights concerns such as the right to a fair trial. As has already been raised, with a particular focus on ensuring that we get the legislation right and protect homeowners and those who live in residential buildings, we must ensure that we fully scope out any potential adverse unintended consequences.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill represents a significant step forward in strengthening consumer protections by transferring functions related to defective premises from DAERA to the Department for Communities, centralising and streamlining oversight and seeking to provide more effective enforcement and support for affected homeowners. It is important, however, to consider the concerns that individuals have raised about the potential for unintended consequences from the legislation, as I and others have already mentioned. Those raising concerns highlight the fact that the amendments to the Defective Premises Order represent a rare example of retrospective or retroactive legislation, essentially changing the past by law.”
“It must be noted, however, that some have suggested otherwise, particularly concerning the definition of the phrase "finally determined". To that end, I ask the Minister to expand on that point. Has he had any clarification of the meaning of "finally determined" for existing or previous judicial processes? Notwithstanding my previous comment, the Bill appears to provide a clear definition of responsibilities to reduce ambiguity and potential disputes over the interpretation of duties and standards. That clarity should benefit homeowners and those in the construction industry, fostering a more transparent and straightforward legal environment.”
“The extension aims to offer homeowners a more equitable opportunity to seek justice and compensation for defects that may not become apparent within the shorter time frame. It acknowledges that serious structural issues can take years to surface, thus ensuring that those affected have time to take legal action. The Bill also seeks to ensure fairness and parity with the standards already set in England and Wales through the Building Safety Act 2022. By aligning our laws with those across the rest of the United Kingdom, the Bill seeks to address a disparity that currently places Northern Ireland residents at a disadvantage. <BR /> <BR />In addition, the legislation will simplify and clarify the legal processes around defective premises.”
“It is not merely about setting high standards but about ensuring that homes are safe, habitable and constructed to last. Builders and contractors must be accountable for their work, and we must protect homeowners and residents from the physical and financial risks of defective building work. It is important to note that, while there may be instances of poor construction practice, the vast majority of buildings are constructed to a professional and lasting standard. <BR /> <BR />One of the core tenets of the Bill is to extend legal protection for homeowners. The current time limit for bringing claims related to defective premises is a mere six years. The Bill proposes to increase the period to 15 years and, in certain retrospective cases, up to 30 years.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Defective Premises Bill. Before turning to the legislation, it is important that I acknowledge the swift and collegial way in which the Minister for Communities, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs worked to progress this important matter from the outset. <BR /> <BR />The legislation would address critical issues in constructing and maintaining residential housing stock, ensuring safety, quality and accountability in building practices. At the heart of the Bill is the principle of accountability. The legislation extends the duties of those involved in construction and maintenance, requiring them to perform their work in a professional manner, using proper materials.”
“He talked about there being a vote at the Committee. For clarity, the only vote that took place in Committee was not to object to accelerated passage but to write to the Minister to ask whether he would consider having a short, sharp Committee Stage.”
“The granting of the accelerated passage procedure is, as the Minister mentioned, a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Therefore, I urge the Minister to consider and address the points that I have raised, as they will help to inform the House and, indeed, Members' decisions.”
“It is crucial for the Minister to address those queries as they pertain to the potential for accelerated passage, which would set aside the Committee Stage of the Bill, where we would have an opportunity to engage more broadly with stakeholders and, indeed, the Department. What interactions has his Department had with relevant stakeholders and how have those interactions helped to influence the Department's perspective? Moreover, how extensive has that engagement been? Have any potential unintended consequences been raised or identified? If so, can the Minister provide details on what steps his Department has taken, or plans to take, to mitigate such issues? <BR /> <BR />In summary, whilst we acknowledge the urgency and importance of resolving the legislative discrepancy, we must not compromise on the thoroughness of the process.”
“As a party, we concur that the issue is of significant concern, with the potential to affect many of our citizens. Therefore, it is paramount that we address it correctly, ensuring the delivery of fit-for-purpose legislation. We also recognise that, for the most part, the Bill aims to align our legislation with that of England and Wales, achieving parity and providing Northern Ireland's citizens with the same protections. <BR /> <BR />Given the Minister's decision to pursue accelerated passage, and without pre-empting the outcome of the debate, I have several queries for him.”
“The latter is an important aspect of the legislative journey, as it provides an opportunity for detailed examination and refinement, where applicable, of the legislation through engagement with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. <BR /> <BR />It is imperative for the House to ensure that the decision to forgo the Committee Stage is justifiable. The Minister must provide clear reasoning and assurance, taking into account all concerns to justify that decision. In a recent statement on the introduction of this urgent legislation to rectify the disparity in legal protection for citizens who are affected by defective premises, the Minister stated:”
“I join with Members in expressing my deepest condolences, and those of my party, to the Committee Chair and his wider family on the tragic passing of his nephew. <BR /> <BR />Today, we stand at an important juncture concerning the defective premises legislation. The path that we tread has been meticulously documented and, undoubtedly, will be, as it has been by Members in our discussions today, further explored. The pivotal question that looms over us is whether the accelerated passage procedure is the most suitable mechanism to propel the legislation. The accelerated passage procedure, as has been highlighted, enables the Bill to pass through all its legislative stages in as few as 10 days, forgoing, crucially, the Committee Stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />I urge Belfast Met to reconsider the proposal to close the Castlereagh campus, and I urge the Minister and Department to intervene to prevent the closure of that much-needed facility.”
“We must also consider the message that closing the campus would send to our current and future students. It would convey a lack of commitment to their educational and personal development. In an era where we should be championing education and lifelong learning, closing what should be a thriving campus would be a step in the wrong direction. <BR /> <BR />Like other Members, I have engaged extensively with Belfast Met's senior management, and I have concerns that are similar to those that have been conveyed. I, as, I am sure, have many other Members, have conveyed those concerns and those of students, staff, the wider community, unions and many others who have engaged with me and other elected representatives about the proposal to close the Castlereagh campus.”
“Moreover, the closure would impact on the local businesses and industries that rely on the skilled workforces that are produced. The courses in IT, plumbing, creative media production and other fields are tailored to meet local employers' demands. Those businesses depend on graduates to fill their ranks with capable trained professionals. <BR /> <BR />The social impact of closing the campus cannot be overstated. Castlereagh campus is more than an educational institution; it is a community hub. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. It is a place where lifelong friendships are formed and where students can find mentors and role models. Closing the campus would mean dismantling a vibrant community that contributes significantly to the social fabric of East Belfast and beyond.”
“Those facilities are not just tools for education but investments in the future for our community. Indeed, many of the students I have engaged with have not expressed any concern about the facilities that are on offer. <BR /> <BR />The closure of the campus would mean the loss of a critical educational resource for our young people. The campus serves as a vital stepping stone for many students by offering pathways to higher education, apprenticeships and employment. By closing the campus, we would be cutting off those pathways and limiting future prospects for many. Other Members acknowledged that and spoke about how Belfast Met would struggle to accommodate at other sites the courses that are delivered at the Castlereagh campus.”
“and more. However, as has already been said, some of those courses have been moved to other campuses, which skews the data that we have been provided with. The courses at the Castlereagh campus offer a unique blend of academic and specialist vocational programmes. They are not just about imparting knowledge; they are about equipping students with the skills that they need to thrive in the modern workforce. <BR /> <BR />The facilities are described on Belfast Met's website as being of "industry standard". In many cases, they provide students with an environment that mirrors the professional world, whether it is the fully equipped science labs, state-of-the-art engineering workshops or cutting-edge creative media studios. I had the honour of engaging in a course recently at the Castlereagh campus.”
“I thank my constituency colleague for securing this important Adjournment debate. <BR /> <BR />The Castlereagh campus is more than just a building: it is a beacon of education, opportunity and community spirit. It is home to a diverse array of courses that cater for a wide range of interests and career aspirations. The Castlereagh campus's website states that it is home to courses in:”
“I thank the Minister for his update. Minister, I have recently been contacted by a number of individuals who use wheelchairs to get around on a daily basis, and pavement parking is obviously an issue that they are majorly impacted by. Another issue that they have raised with me is their ability to use power-assist devices, which enables them to add an adaptation to their manual wheelchair to get around. However, current legislation is causing a barrier, and I know that one individual has engaged with your Department. Are you willing to meet me and them to discuss that matter?”
“The Minister, rightly, alluded to the fact that we need to leverage a broad array of options in order to tackle the housing crisis facing Northern Ireland. He also highlighted the fact that we previously underutilised FTC. Will he expand on the amount of FTC that this initiative will draw down and whether his Department is exploring other models?”
“The Minister has highlighted the important work of the independent panel. We would love to be able to fund and take forward many important mitigations in its report. I appreciate that the Minister will not commit to those today. What are his views on the carers' recognition payment?”
“I thank the Member for her answer, and I thank the Commission for its efforts in addressing the accessibility problems in the Building. Is the Member aware of any accessibility problems for wheelchair users accessing the upper floors that affect the number of wheelchair users who can be present at events on the upper floors of the Building at any time? If there is such a restriction, will it be addressed through the survey that she mentioned?”
“Several veterans have told me that they struggle to access the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt orthopaedic service on the mainland, whereas their counterparts on the mainland and in other parts of the United Kingdom can access it. Will the Minister commit to meeting me, with his officials, to discuss the matter?”
“Deputy First Minister, there is no doubt that the over 46,000 people on social housing waiting lists will want to see a transformative and ambitious Programme for Government. To that end, will you commit to pressing for a stand-alone housing outcome in the PFG?”
“Minister, in highlighting the excellent work that our community and voluntary organisations provide, will you commit to joining me in my constituency of East Belfast to meet the Ledley Hall Youth and Boxing Club and other providers to hear at first hand about the impactful work that they are carrying out?”
“I echo the comments welcoming the Minister to his post. He has many challenges ahead, and I hope that he faces them head on. <BR /> <BR />The review of the housing selection scheme is vital to delivering housing, but I think that we would all accept that the major challenge is the lack of available housing across the board. What thought have you given, Minister, to leveraging financial transactions capital (FTC) in your Department to deliver more social and affordable housing?”
“My party will not be found wanting when it comes to engaging with colleagues across the House about our response to the cost-of-living crisis.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have also collectively called on the Communities Minister to establish a fuel poverty task force. One thing that we do well in Northern Ireland is to put in place short-term measures; short-term measures that do not have long-term outputs. We need a fuel poverty task force that can look at short-, medium- and long-term interventions to support households and families. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that short-term, sticking-plaster measures without adhesive do not cut it. We can go further, and we need to go further. Yes, the finance is there, but we need to hear about what we will bring forward to address this. We heard about the energy payment support scheme, but we found out only at the eleventh hour that many individuals will be excluded and that HMRC will not take a payment forward. There need to be appropriate measures.”
“The cost-of-living crisis, which is pushing every household across Northern Ireland beyond the brink, is not new. We have known about it for quite some time, and — I will be frank and honest — the response has been inadequate. The Assembly came together in November 2021 to call for an emergency energy payment scheme, and it is only rolling out now. Although that payment is welcome, it excludes a huge number of individuals across our society. Practical and appropriate steps can be taken. Some of those were outlined by the Member to my left, the Chair of the Committee for Communities, who, alongside me and Members from every party, has called on the Communities Minister to do more to provide support and intervention for households and families across Northern Ireland.”