Emma Pengelly
South Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“This week, I will travel to France to pay my respects to all those who fought and the many who fell at the Battle of the Somme as we mark its 110th anniversary. <BR /> <BR />From across Northern Ireland, generations have served their country.”
“One of the men who fought was James Sandford, my great-grandfather. He fought, he survived, he went on to fight again, and he was seriously injured in another battle. I am deeply proud of him, and I am proud of all those who stepped forward with such honour in the face of the horror of that war.”
“When I stand there this week, looking at the gravestones of so many who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom, I will also remember — we must always remember — the responsibility that we carry forward. Remembrance is not only about honouring the past; it is about shaping the future.”
“Last night, people in north Belfast witnessed horrific scenes that have absolutely sickened and appalled people across Northern Ireland. It was a shocking and barbaric act of violence that has left a victim fighting the consequences of a truly savage attack.”
“Every person has the right to walk their streets, live in their community and feel safe in their own neighbourhood. This type of brutality has no place in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />This morning, I spoke with the Chief Constable and the Justice Minister.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have also been in contact with the Prime Minister, because the PSNI has confirmed that the 30-year-old male who has been arrested is believed to be of Somalian heritage.”
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“In the remainder of the mandate, I want that to be not just an absolutely key strategic action but a success story of the Executive. Again, it comes back to the budget challenges that we have. We can only do what we can with the Budget that we can get, but we will make the best possible case for additional resources by looking at what we have in order to prioritise that to support those hard-working families.”
“I thank the Member for her important question. Childcare has been a priority from day 1. I was really pleased that, because of its urgency and importance, we were able to get childcare on the agenda of the very first Executive meeting. We know that the cost of childcare puts a huge burden on families, but I really welcome that many thousands of families have received their first payment through the immediate £25 million childcare fund that we were able to secure and that our Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been able to roll out. That is the feedback that I have got. It does not go far enough, but it makes a difference — a positive difference — to those really hard-pressed budgets. <BR /> <BR />It is a priority issue. I look forward to the significant work that will be completed in order to bring forward the substantive strategy.”
“It will not be an easy fix — we know that — but I think that there is determination across all four Executive parties to find workable solutions. <BR /> <BR />We have a fantastic farming community in Northern Ireland. We have excellent agri-food products. Sometimes, there is apprehension in the farming sector that a disproportionate burden will be put on farming and agriculture on environmental actions. We need to make sure that, in fact, that will not be the case and that there will be a fair and proportionate approach. We know that, for example, as I have said, the waste water, sewerage and water infrastructure is a critical aspect of that, which we must tackle.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Of course, Executive business is confidential. However, I agree with the Member that having an environmental improvement plan is important. I welcome the fact that, in the Executive, we were able to produce and agree the Lough Neagh plan to look at some of those urgent issues. On the wider picture of the Programme for Government, I welcome that it is a priority action, because we know that it is having a detrimental impact. We have only to look at Lough Neagh. We know the importance of Lough Neagh and those environmental aspects, but, of course, it is linked to other policies. There is no doubt that the water, sewage and waste water issues at Lough Neagh are critical. We have to resolve them. That will require investment.”
“We can see that across all Departments, and we hear from all the Ministers about the resources that are required for them, including for, for example, Health and Education. A recent example of that is the winter fuel payment and the impact of the decision on that by the Labour Government on those who are very often the least capable of being able to afford to heat their homes. We have serious concerns, although I welcome the fact that we will meet the Chancellor this Thursday along with the Finance Minister. We will raise sustainable and proper funding for Northern Ireland. That is what people here need and deserve. We will be upfront and determined in making that case to the Treasury and the Chancellor. We will also raise issues such as the decision on the winter fuel payment.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Executive have a determination to deliver. We have set out our draft plan, trying to identify what we believe matters most to people throughout Northern Ireland, but the ability to deliver is fundamentally based on resources and the Budget that we have. We can do some things if we have a more limited Budget, but we could do more to improve lives if we had a better Budget. We have stepped up and said to the UK Government that we have a determination to have a sustainable Budget. We have a determination to be sensible and to have a sensible approach to our Budget, but we should have what we need in order to run our public services. <BR /> <BR />Up until this point, our Budget has really struggled.”
“We will also be going out as an Executive and engaging with people through workshops and roadshows, outside and within Belfast, to really listen to people on a sectoral basis about the issues that they want to see reflected in the Programme for Government.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As was indicated, it is critical that we listen to people. Ultimately, we want to deliver, and what we want to deliver will impact on all throughout Northern Ireland, particularly the big issues such as healthcare reform and, for example, the affordable childcare strategy and tackling the big issues in education, particularly in relation to special educational needs. Those are issues that impact on so many people throughout Northern Ireland. We want to listen and we must do so. Therefore, there will be a range of methods used to try to gather those views. There will be an online process, and there will be the ability to write in and give your views.”
“We want to engage, of course, with all Committees, but particularly those Committees, such as hers, that have a particular focus on infrastructure, to make sure that that 10-plus-year plan on capital can do what it needs to do. Budget is, of course, going to be really important. We know how difficult the circumstances are in that regard currently.”
“I thank the Member for her very important question. We are all very conscious of the importance of investment in waste water and sewerage and the impact that that has on planning applications and environmental issues in relation to Lough Neagh, for example. It is critical; it is one of the most urgent issues that we are facing. We are also acutely aware — we have discussed it on a number of occasions in the Executive — that that has a potential impact on a number of the priorities, not least in social, affordable and sustainable housing but in relation to growing our economy and other connected issues, particularly environmental issues. <BR /> <BR />The Member is absolutely right: the primary vehicle for that will be the investment strategy for Northern Ireland. We are working on that.”
“We want to move on this urgently, and, if that priority is agreed following consultation — I believe that it will be, because it is an important issue that detrimentally impacts on so many people — there will be specific targets and an action plan attached to the commitment, and we will work with the Health Minister on what he can bring forward to support real and meaningful progress against that Programme for Government priority year on year.”
“The Member has raised the question of the commitment to cutting waiting lists. It is there. It is one of the nine key priorities. The document simply states, "Cut Health Waiting Times", and we are determined to do that. That cannot happen without transformation. It cannot continue to be the case that additional funds go in and outcomes not just remain the same but get worse. We therefore need a plan, and we will work with the Health Minister to support that. Where there is a need for additional expertise, we will look to that.”
“I recognise that the Member has been a huge champion of dignity in dying and the support that is required for that. She spoke of the inevitably of death for us all. The First Minister and I are up for having that conversation and for engaging with those in the sector on how that issue is reflected. It is critical that the Programme for Government follows that life-cycle approach. It is often said that healthcare is from the cradle to the grave, but, as we know, there is also important work to be done before birth to support mothers, and that work can impact on children's life opportunities. The Programme for Government is based very much on that life-cycle approach. It is a critical aspect, and we look forward to engaging with the Member on it.”
“The best way to do that is with a plan that is put together by listening to people, by focusing on the right things and with a joint determination to make a real and positive difference to people's lives.”
“I thank the Member for her question. This is the stage when we want to listen to people's views about the priorities. In putting together the draft Programme for Government, we have been listening to many people, and we believe that the draft document represents the key issues that matter most to people. They are the issues on which people want us to make progress. <BR /> <BR />I am confident that all four parties in the Executive and, certainly, the First Minister and I share a determination to ensure that we deliver. We have made it clear that we want the Executive to deliver. As we jointly lead the Executive, we want to give a commitment to everyone throughout Northern Ireland that we have the determination to deliver.”
“'Our Plan' is for all of us, and we all have a stake in making it happen.”
“To improve the lives of people here, we need to deliver real change, and the Programme for Government provides us with a framework to deliver that change as an Executive. <BR /> <BR />Mr Speaker, we are determined to find solutions. We are determined to take action to ensure that our communities have access to the life opportunities that they deserve. We are determined to make this a place that we can all be proud to call "home". We are determined to deliver for the public. The consultation will provide people here with an opportunity to consider the programme and provide their views on it. We can have an effective plan for Northern Ireland only if we can hear from those on whom it is most likely to impact. That is why it is important that as many people as possible share their views during the consultation process.”
“By focusing on "People", "Planet" and "Prosperity", we will shape a fairer and more peaceful society. We know that equality of opportunity and good relations are central to that goal, supporting our commitment to safer communities. <BR /> <BR />A key feature of the new programme is its focus on collaborative working between organisations and groups across the public, voluntary and private sectors. It is also a programme in which individuals and communities can play an active part. The Executive will therefore work collectively to deliver the programme and to drive forward work across departmental and sectoral boundaries. We will also be tracking performance regularly and publishing annual reports on the progress that we are making so that everyone can understand the impact that we are having.”
“<BR /> <BR />The "Planet" mission focuses on the natural environment. It is vital to everyone's health and well-being both now and in the future. We are all very aware of the increasingly evident biodiversity crisis, as seen, for example, at Lough Neagh. <BR /> <BR />The "Prosperity" mission considers our economic performance. While it has improved dramatically in the past 25 years, it still lags behind where it could and should be. Our GDP per capita remains stubbornly low, and that is particularly true outside Belfast. We need to make sure that we are building the skills needed to attract investment that can grow our economy and benefit workers everywhere. <BR /> <BR />In terms of "Peace", we want to build on the successes of the past 26 years to make sure that our peace is lasting, meaningful and prosperous for everyone here.”
“I look forward to us — the Executive and the Assembly — working together to make a real difference. <BR /> <BR />The scale of the challenges that we face requires new thinking and structures. A missions-based approach will help us to measure and prioritise our work. Those missions are "People", "Planet" and "Prosperity", and they are underpinned by a cross-cutting commitment to "Peace". <BR /> <BR />When it comes to "People", we have some of the highest levels of life satisfaction in Europe, but not everyone here is able to have a positive experience of life. People from more deprived areas are more likely to suffer from poorer physical and mental health, for example. We need to invest in people and ensure that they are supported to succeed and prosper. We want everyone to reach their full potential.”
“They are to grow a globally competitive and sustainable economy; to deliver more affordable childcare; to cut health waiting lists; ending violence against women and girls; better support for children and young people with special educational needs; to provide more social, affordable and sustainable housing; safer communities; protecting Lough Neagh and the environment; and the reform and transformation of public services. We must all focus on delivering the programme together for everyone. <BR /> <BR />We know that there are challenges, but there are opportunities. With 'Our Plan', we have a way forward. It provides a road map for people, organisations and Departments. The Programme for Government provides a basis for transformational change in the things that really matter.”
“We want to build on the fact that we are global leaders in key sectors such as cyber, fintech, advanced manufacturing and health and life sciences, and we want to continue to invest in our young people so that we can continue to have a young, dedicated and highly skilled workforce. Our aim is to change the lives of our people and communities for the better. <BR /> <BR />To deliver on that aim, the Programme for Government contains nine priorities. They are the immediate priorities that we will work to this year and throughout the duration of this mandate.”
“The First Minister and I wish to inform Members that, following the Executive's unanimous agreement to the draft Programme for Government (PFG) on Thursday, the Executive Office will today launch a public consultation. <BR /> <BR />The draft Programme for Government outlines the Executive's bold ambition for Northern Ireland. It is different from what has been attempted in the past. It is reflective of the realities that we face today, but it is also ambitious for the future. It is also realistic about the financial position that we find ourselves in and the shortened mandate in which we operate. We make no apology for being ambitious. We want to build on our reputation as a great place to live, work, study, invest and visit.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he agree that today is the opportunity for us to send the strong and collective message that violence is wrong, disorder is unacceptable and that we utterly reject racism? The challenges in our communities are real, but that is a responsibility for all of us to tackle, including through access to affordable housing. We will listen to communities — we must listen to communities — and get our policies right. Does he agree that those who are burning, destroying and rioting, and who are attacking our police officers, are doing nothing but destroying their own communities and that, today, we stand absolutely united against that?”
“People apply for certain things that they feel are required to meet their targets, but those things may take years to get through the system, meaning that there is, understandably, a delay in their being able to achieve what they are trying to do. <BR /> <BR />Departments need to be honest about this. In the next short while, we will have to have the discussion whereby Departments ask honestly, "How achievable are the targets that are currently set out? What are the actions required to get us to that point?" Honest conversation is essential for everybody driving towards the shared objective of getting to those targets as quickly as we can.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Member will be aware of the very challenging nature of the targets that we set. It was this place that decided to set those targets, including an interim target in 2030 of, I think, about 48% of our energy coming from renewables. They are challenging targets but something for us to drive towards. I am pleased to say that Northern Ireland is showing a strong trajectory towards that. The percentage of electricity that we get from renewables is one of the highest in the British Isles, which gives us a good foundation to build on. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that we have challenges. Our planning system, for example, is slow.”
“I know from speaking to many of our small or independent businesses and restaurants in the hospitality sector how valuable that scheme was in putting much-needed revenue into their pockets and businesses. That is a good real-world example of a scheme that was taken forward following a discussion at the British-Irish Council.”
“Absolutely. Even at this meeting, where we discussed the opportunities around green growth, it was useful to hear what other jurisdictions were pursuing. One key point that came out was that we should not be competing with each other across those eight Administrations and countries. We should be working together to make sure that what we are driving for is supplementary and complementary to what is happening elsewhere. There is no point spending significant money to be in competition. <BR /> <BR />One good example was the £100 voucher that we rolled out in Northern Ireland as part of our COVID recovery. That came about as a result of a discussion at the British-Irish Council with the Government of Jersey, who had rolled out a similar scheme.”
“All of this works together. We do not want the East-West Council to duplicate any of the other work, and I am confident that it will not, but we have few enough opportunities to have genuine conversations on policy. Policy matters. How it is implemented matters. How we deliver for people matters, and talking to each other makes a lot of sense, particularly at a time of fiscal restriction and constraint.”
“I thank the Member for her question. As I said in the statement to the House on the East-West Council, I really welcomed that addition to a number of those types of bodies that are all focused on sharing experience, building relationships and having that closer collaboration across these isles. There had been that gap, and, of course, the British-Irish Council and the North/South Ministerial Council were products of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, but there was no body that looked at internal UK relationships. I am really glad that we achieved agreement with the UK Government to establish and hold the first meeting of the East-West Council.”
“<BR /> <BR />We need to recognise that, whatever way we roll it out, it must be done in a fair and proportionate way and that no one sector disproportionately feels that burden; that we are really in this together, and we are listening to all the voices with a joint desire to reach the targets and improve the environment in which we live.”
“Absolutely. Over recent years, more people have been engaged in that area. That is very welcome. A lot of younger people, in particular, are engaged in activism around climate change and driving forward that desire to see policy change in Governments and Administrations. I have also had the opportunity to speak to a number of councils, and it is really good to see their support for those types of initiatives and green growth, particularly under the city deal initiatives. <BR /> <BR />One of the issues that we talked about at the BIC was the balance across all of that. In some quarters, there is a concern about the burden of climate change and meeting those targets disproportionately falling on particular sectors. That includes our farming and agriculture sector, which is an incredibly important sector for us here.”
“There are seven other Administrations that we can listen to and learn from, and we can take forward some of the initiatives that we hear about.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Absolutely. Building relationships works. We are a small place, and it is in our interests to work with other jurisdictions, not least in situations where there are opportunities and challenges. <BR /> <BR />At a time of challenge, when we are facing fiscal constraint, it makes absolute sense to talk to our closest neighbours, to look elsewhere to see what initiatives, projects and policies they are driving forward and what works in those jurisdictions and to bring what works there to Northern Ireland. We do not have to keep reinventing the wheel. We can look elsewhere. <BR /> <BR />I often say that we can be the magpies of the policy world and look at what has worked and is suitable for here and tailor it for our particular set of circumstances. That is best done through those types of forums.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have a determination to identify all the possible opportunities for growth here in Northern Ireland, and there is no doubt that green growth and green tech is one of the key industries that we will be focusing on.”
“I thank the Member for his question. There are many opportunities here in Northern Ireland. We have had the announcement from the East-West Council on the enhanced investment zone. That is at a very early stage, but it provides the opportunity to shape that to what we want it to be. I believe that that will provide opportunities to focus on emerging industries that can support good jobs, better jobs and the growth of our economy. That must mean the identification of opportunities around green tech and green growth. <BR /> <BR />There are a number of other initiatives, such as the roll-out of the city deals. A number of areas are developing hubs and different initiatives in relation to the green energy space. We are leading at the moment on hydrogen. That is just one example.”
“We are very keen that the Programme for Government is targeted on some key strategic priorities where, over the next three years, we can genuinely add that value, recognising the challenges of the fiscal environment in which we operate. <BR /> <BR />That has to be about driving forward some key strategic initiatives, including affordable childcare, which we have referenced. It is also about that very important transformation piece for our public services to address health, tackle waiting lists, support special educational needs and have an education system that works for everybody. Those are key priorities for the Executive, and that will require transformation.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Of course, the Programme for Government has to be underpinned by a sound fiscal framework. We all know the challenges that have been articulated in this place every week since restoration and for good reason, because we are somewhat limited in what we can do if we are limited in the finances and funding that we have to do it. Nevertheless, there is some transformation that can take place. We have made the point before in the House that a Programme for Government that promises everything will be able to achieve very little.”
“Of course, those meetings provide an opportunity to have conversations with attendees and delegates, and, over a number of days, including the formal dinner that was held, I had the opportunity to engage and have significant conversations with representatives of all seven other Administrations that were present.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Yes, we held two specific bilaterals with the Isle of Man, which was hosting, and we discussed a range of issues, including the developments in the Isle of Man, particularly around renewables and green technologies but also the wider issues around the Isle of Man's economy and tourism. We also held a bilateral with the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, on a range of issues, particularly looking forward in relation to the fiscal situation and what was likely to happen in budget terms as well.”
“I thank the Member for his question. As the Member is undoubtedly aware, eight Administrations are involved in the work of the BIC, and there are 10 work sectors, three of which Northern Ireland leads. The three that Northern Ireland leads on are transport, housing, and planning and places. The other areas are energy; early years; environment; indigenous, minority and lesser-used languages; drugs and alcohol; social inclusion; and creative industries.”
“Yes, of course, there is a drive across all the Departments in government because of the targets set down but also because of a collective willingness and a recognition of the importance of the measures. There is a process in place, which the Member will be aware of, and those processes will have to go through appropriately. Of course, another Department is managing that, but, once we reach out to that Department, I will be more than happy to give the Member an update on the particular issues that he has raised.”
“<BR /> <BR />In discussion, the employment opportunities that greener energy supports were highlighted, as well as the positive environmental impacts and wider associated health benefits of renewables. Of particular note are cleaner air and the contribution of carbon reduction to the sustainability of our planet. Equally, we recognised the need to engage with and enlist the support of stakeholders in the development of our strategies. We all agreed on the importance of enhanced cooperation and sharing learning between Governments so that we can face the challenges and realise the potential and ambition in unlocking the economic and social opportunities of renewables across these islands. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the Council noted that the next BIC summit will be hosted by the Government of Scotland in December. That concludes our statement.”
“The Isle of Man Government had earlier given a presentation on the progress that they are making in transitioning to renewable energy. The Council discussed the initiatives taking place and best practice across Administrations to support the shift from fossil fuel, ranging from decarbonisation of heat to harnessing new and emerging technologies. British-Irish Council Administrations are collectively at the international forefront of renewables, and Northern Ireland is certainly playing its part in that. Earlier this year, the Council's energy work sector, comprising officials from across all Administrations, visited Northern Ireland to see for itself the fantastic work happening here.”
“<BR /> <BR />As is customary, the summit opened with reflections on the latest political, social and economic developments across each jurisdiction. Members will not be surprised to learn that the Governments are grappling with many of the same problems and challenges, including the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on their communities and constraints on the funding needed to tackle those issues. We took the opportunity to outline what our key priorities have been since the resumption of our Government in February, including working to establish a sound fiscal framework and the need for transformation of public services. <BR /> <BR />The theme of the summit was "Unlocking the economic and social opportunities of renewables across these islands".”
“The Government of Guernsey delegation was led by the Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Trott. The Government of Jersey delegation was led by the Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham. The Irish Government delegation was led by the Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD. A full list of the principal delegates is attached to the copy of the statement that has been provided to Members. <BR /> <BR />This was the first summit meeting of the British-Irish Council that had been attended by Ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive since 2021. We were warmly welcomed by the representatives of the other Governments. In what is the 25th anniversary year of the Council's establishment, all Governments reaffirmed their commitment to the Council and emphasised its value and importance as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.”
“The forty-first summit of the British-Irish Council (BIC) took place on 21 June 2024 and was hosted by the Isle of Man Government. The heads of delegation were welcomed by the Isle of Man Government’s Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan MHK. I attended the summit with junior Minister Aisling Reilly and the Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy. The First Minister was unable to travel but participated via a meeting weblink. The Ministers agreed that I should make the statement on their behalf. <BR /> <BR />The Scottish Government delegation was led by the First Minister, John Swinney MSP. The UK Government delegation was led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris. The Welsh Government delegation was led by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS.”
“We will also run a series of newspaper advertisements and use existing channels, such as the mailing list that we have through the Victims and Survivors Service and other contacts that we have for a range of organisations that work with victims and survivors. We are really keen to hear from people, so we appeal to everybody to please make yourselves known, because support is there, and we really want to hear from you in the process.”
“I thank the Member for his question. It is critical that all those impacted are aware that the process is ongoing, have the opportunity to feed into the consultation process and the inquiry and can get access to the redress scheme that will come out of it. During the consultation process, we intend to hold eight face-to-face meetings throughout Northern Ireland. There will also be five online meetings, the first of which will kick off on 9 July. The consultation will be available in a number of formats, and there is a telephone line for those who want to raise issues about the format that they need in order to maximise access to it.”
“That would be consulted on, and the initial legislation would make provision for it, with the aim of rolling out the standardised payment at the same time as the public inquiry is established and carries out its work.”