Daniel McCrossan
West Tyrone · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Member for giving way. She has raised some points of interest. Aside from the Bill at hand, the Department of Finance currently collects rates from property owners across Northern Ireland. I have found that there can be difficulties with that when properties have been lying vacant for a significant period.”
“That applies in particular to those who have been land-banking over a period of time — that happens everywhere, unfortunately — with the hope that the big cash cow will be coming and, ultimately, they will be relieved of their responsibility to maintain, look after and enhance the landscape in a town or village by spending the necessary f…”
“As is often the case when we speak in the House, it may be that some ratepayers or members of the public will take it as a given that the Bill will be the silver bullet that will resolve the dilapidation issues in towns. Depending on which area you are in, the scale is very different.”
“We need to be creative in how we can put the Bill to task. <BR /> <BR />Certainly, as I have said, it is good policy. I have no question that the Bill is well intended.”
“<BR /> <BR />Addressing dilapidation is not simply a matter for local government in isolation. The responsibility lies with the Executive as a whole. The Executive have had their eyes closed to this matter for too long, and many of our buildings have deteriorated significantly across council areas over a long period.”
“That encourages private investment, and there is natural enhancement from those investors. However, in areas that lag behind because of economic decline, underinvestment and general deprivation, many towns and cities can quickly become the poor cousin.”
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“Absolutely. I completely agree. With hindsight, it is embarrassing that politicians in this House were clapping those health workers, because, when it came to delivering for them, they let them down. That is the message: public-sector workers have been continually and consistently let down by the House. <BR /> <BR />In 2024, our public-sector workers should not have to worry about whether they will have enough money to cover their bills. Every single person in the Chamber has been cared for, or has a loved one who has been cared for, by our NHS staff, particularly over recent times. Last year, our healthcare workers received below-inflation pay offers. It is time that those in power in the Executive delivered for those workers.”
“If we cannot stand up for our public-sector workers, what is the point? It sends a message to wider society and employers that if that is how Government treat public-sector workers, it is OK for other employers to do the same. When are we going to send a message from this House that we must pay people appropriately and fairly for the job that they do? <BR /> <BR />The whole debate about public-sector pay is talked about as though it is a pay increase. It is hardly even levelling up. In truth, we do not pay our public-sector workers enough. Instead, we perform acts of random appreciation by clapping them. When it comes to paying them, we are not there.”
“Teachers continue to express their frustration, and they are united in their determination to get what is rightfully theirs. <BR /> <BR />The one clear message that I received during my time on the picket line, standing shoulder to shoulder with the people whom I represent, is that they did not want to be there. They do the job that they do because they love teaching. They love helping people and caring for those in our community. Those nurses, doctors, classroom assistants and teachers, who keep our society going on a daily basis, were forced on to that picket line because they were making choices about heating their home or feeding their family and, at the same time, continuing to do an outstanding job in supporting our people. They feel undervalued. They feel that what they do on a daily basis is not appreciated.”
“The Executive must act and offer a fair pay settlement for those who are responsible for providing an outstanding education for our children and young people. Teachers' pay has absolutely stagnated while the cost of living continues to rise, which has left many teachers struggling to cope. A couple of teachers recently said that they can no longer afford to teach. How is that for a damning indictment? Others rely on food banks. This is a huge crisis that needs to be resolved. We have been back here for nearly a month. Conversations are ongoing, but not quickly enough. We need to resolve this issue so that we can settle the industrial disputes in schools and ensure that there is minimal disruption to children's education. The continued devaluation of the teaching profession cannot be tolerated and must be challenged in the strongest terms.”
“Let us talk about economic borders. I do not hear the same stand-off when it comes to ensuring that people are duly paid for the job that they do. The hypocrisy on that matter is absolutely astounding. The truth is that the teachers, doctors, nurses and classroom assistants are not buying it. They do not see the same level of concern when it comes to their wages. Teachers' pay has dropped by a staggering 25% in the past decade, which has caused recruitment and retention issues and a continued shortage of teachers. <BR /> <BR />Substitute teachers have also been treated appallingly in this place. They are not paid appropriately for the job that they do. That has led to huge issues with attracting substitute teachers.”
“The people who needed us to speak up for them were left without a voice, because we were not here where we should have been. <BR /> <BR />Hard-working teachers who were in classrooms during COVID, at high risk, and on whom we relied to look after and educate our children, have stood on picket lines. A significant gap has opened up between teacher pay here and in other parts of the UK. Newly qualified teachers in England earn about £30,000 per year, compared with £24,000 in Northern Ireland. We hear a lot about borders and concern about the border in the Irish Sea, but there is no discussion or debate about the financial border that exists between people across the United Kingdom. The truth is that, in England, Scotland and Wales, teachers and nurses are all much better paid than they are here in Northern Ireland.”
“It is time that they put their money where their mouths are and ensure that our public-sector workers receive the pay that they are entitled to. <BR /> <BR />The truth is that, over recent years, particularly since the Conservatives came into power in 2010, overall real average pay has fallen by a significant percentage for public-sector workers. Indeed, here, in more recent years, particularly between 2021 and 22, we saw an average fall of 4% in public-sector pay, and a further 7% fall between 2022 and 23. Pay has fallen sharply for public-sector workers in Northern Ireland over the past number of years because of the combination of high inflation, the Stormont Budget crisis and — the truth — a lack of devolved government.”
“<BR /> <BR />When public-sector workers were needed, they were there. Throughout COVID and some of the biggest challenges that our society has faced, they were there. When they needed us, we were not where we should have been. The House was collapsed on two separate occasions, once for three years, as noted earlier, and again for two years. All along, we could have been here, helping to resolve the challenges that are faced by our nurses, midwives and healthcare workers. On 18 January, those people stood on picket lines in the largest strike action that this place has seen for 50 years. That is an unforgivable situation. I heard, while I stood on those picket lines, Executive parties tell public-sector workers, "When we are back in there, we will resolve this problem. We hear you".”
“I see no more critical issue for the House than this. Over the past number of weeks, months and, indeed, years, colleagues from across the House will have stood on picket lines with our public-sector workers: our nurses, our doctors, our healthcare workers, our teachers, classroom assistants and teaching and non-teaching staff, people who are the life blood of our community and society, who keep the clock ticking on a daily basis. They are the people who educate our children, save our loved one's lives and care for those who need them most. Where were they in the past number of weeks and months? They were standing in the freezing cold, demanding the fair pay they truly deserve. Where were we? We were not in the House; that is a certainty. However, this is an issue that has gone on for far too long.”
“The costs have gone up, but it is vital and in everyone's interests that it be delivered.”
“The people of Omagh, its young and its educators deserve to see what they were promised realised and delivered. It is incumbent on the House to ensure that that happens. Omagh has suffered incredibly over the past 25 years, and this was to be a project that would truly bring our young people together on one site that is entirely inclusive and shared. They were to be learning from one another and moving forward together. That was the promise of Strule. I was asked by educators on Thursday night to reinforce their plea to the House to ensure that the Minister of Education will deliver it, that the Minister of Finance will find the money to ensure that it is delivered and that the people of Omagh will not see any further delays to this important project. It is vital for my constituency, but it is long overdue.”
“It is a fantastic facility and does great things to support our young people in Omagh, but it is missing the five other schools that should have been surrounding it: Christian Brothers Grammar School; Loreto Grammar School; Omagh Academy Grammar School; Omagh High School; and Sacred Heart College. Those schools have been left in limbo for well over a decade. A proper maintenance programme has not been undertaken for them, and they have not received the same investment as other schools across the North. As a consequence of the delays, generations of young people in my constituency have missed out on opportunities that they were promised and should have been afforded. <BR /> <BR />I do not want to see any further delays to the Strule education campus.”
“I raise important issues facing a number of schools in Omagh. The ongoing delays to the Strule education campus have had an impact on a huge number of children and young people whom I represent in West Tyrone. On Thursday night, I had the privilege of attending an event at which the six schools gathered and the voices of those young people were heard collectively. They made their plea to see the Strule campus delivered. It was originally announced in 2010, with an estimated completion date of 2020. We are now in 2024, and one out of the six schools has been built, and that is Arvalee School.”
“We have an opportunity to step forward together to offer all our people a much better future.”
“<BR /> <BR />We will never be able to improve our economy unless we offer adequate transport to all major towns and cities on the island, including places such as Enniskillen and Fermanagh that have been left out of the review. We need the Infrastructure Minister to bring back a costed implementation plan this year, and we need to deliver real options for my constituency, for Fermanagh and for every county on the island. Together, let us advocate for a comprehensive and inclusive rail network that serves the needs of every community, including those in the west. <BR /> <BR />The time for change is now. We must work together towards a brighter and better-connected future for all our children. This debate is about much more than rail. As was rightly pointed out, it is about addressing a historical deficit — a wrong from many years ago.”
“<BR /> <BR />As pointed out by Mr Stewart in relation to some airports, connecting three of the island's main airports to the rail network — Dublin, Belfast International and Shannon — would give 90% of commercial aviation passengers access by train. I welcome Minister O'Dowd's comments on Derry. Direct access would truly add to the sustainability of the City of Derry Airport. That would be transformative for the economy in that part of the island. Two thirds of the island's freight tonnage would pass through ports served by the railway network. If all the review report's recommendations were to be delivered, its authors suggest that 700,000 more people across the island of Ireland would live within 5 km of a train station, boosting rail catchment by 25% on today's totals.”
“I used the word "safe" because, I say again as a Member for West Tyrone, we take for granted every day that many people go out the door to go to work, to carry out their duties or to take their children to school and, unfortunately, do not come home because of the treacherous infrastructure issues in my constituency and in others. <BR /> <BR />I argued in my submission to the review that West Tyrone must form an important part of these plans as a dedicated hub that serves the North and South. If we are to address historical issues around the lack of jobs and investment needed to improve people's standard of living, we need modern transport links that meet the needs of our population.”
“<BR /> <BR />When it was launched by former Minister Nichola Mallon and Minister Eamon Ryan, I said that the all-island rail review was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the lack of rail infrastructure in my constituency and in many others. That is the theme that has come across in the House today. There is a great sense of hope and excitement about this conversation. <BR /> <BR />The review provided us with a unique opportunity to completely reimagine our rail network and devise a fit-for-purpose, cross-border service, hugely expanding the number of routes available and getting people to where they need to be in a timely, efficient and safe manner.”
“from the north-west to Belfast and Dublin. That is a paragraph that gives great hope to the people in my area who have been deprived of decent infrastructure links for a generation. People in West Tyrone and many areas across the North have been let down by substandard rail and public transport links for far too long. <BR /> <BR />Like many others, I am reminded constantly of our railway heritage by abandoned tracks and station houses across our constituencies, many of which have become greenways. One opened in Strabane just this week, which is a fantastic investment in the local area, but, now that we are talking about this, we are seeing a need to ensure that we protect those routes. Those abandoned tracks and station houses are cruel reminder of the railways that were available to past generations for hundreds of years.”
“<BR /> <BR />I must admit that my favourite paragraph in the whole report was that the restoration of a line from Derry to Portadown and on to Letterkenny in County Donegal:”
“The biggest act of self-harm to all aspects of our infrastructure was the Troubles. Much disruption was caused to our infrastructure, and much was destroyed that we have never properly been able to replace, so I thank the Member for the intervention. <BR /> <BR />The public's desire to see rail return and expand across the west has remained strong ever since it was removed. That was shown when the public consultation, held as part of the cross-border all-island strategic rail review, received its highest number of contributions from the Fermanagh and Omagh and Derry and Strabane districts. That confirmed the huge interest that exists across the west of Northern Ireland for the return and expansion of a rail network.”
“Since those closures, two whole generations have been raised in Tyrone and Donegal without access to a mode of transport that much of the rest of the island takes for granted.”
“Absolutely. I agree with my colleague. The first step to ensuring change in relation to rail is to make your first move. I hope that the Minister will do that in ensuring that we take a step forward collectively towards achieving that and rectifying the deficit. <BR /> <BR />For over a century, trains rattled across the land, linking towns to cities. That came to a halt in 1965, which was a decision that ended a century of rail access for Tyrone and Donegal and stripped the west of most of its infrastructure. The decline began just after partition, which was touched on earlier. Partition disrupted trade on many natural routes. The closure also severed a vital link between the north-west and the west of the island and Dublin.”
“That connectivity will not only enhance the quality of life of our people but unlock new opportunities for economic development and cultural change. Let us not overlook the practicality and value of investing in rail infrastructure. It makes sense on so many levels. By prioritising rail connectivity in the west and across this island, we are making a commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for all our citizens.”
“That comprehensive review aims to rectify the decades of neglect in rail infrastructure that the north-west and west have endured. Rail is not just about transportation but about safety, the environment, the economy and, most importantly, connecting communities across this island. A well-developed rail network fosters growth, reduces carbon emissions and enhances social cohesion by bridging the physical gaps between our regions, and numerous Members pointed that out today. <BR /> <BR />Imagine the potential transformation that awaits us, and I speak selfishly here, when Strabane and Omagh are seamlessly connected to Donegal, Derry, Fermanagh and the rest of the island through a reliable rail system.”
“That short-sighted decision, as the Minister rightly pointed out, has exacerbated the already blatant disregard for the west, leaving us feeling — I can say this strongly, because it is feedback that I receive a lot from people — like second-class citizens when it comes to infrastructure and rail connectivity. It is time to acknowledge the past neglect and advocate for change. I think that there is a united voice in recognition of that, but there are Members in the House today who have had the luxury of enjoying rail connectivity all their life. All that we have is the treacherous, dangerous A5 road. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP has taken a proactive stance by spearheading the consultation on the all-island rail review, which was led by Nichola Mallon.”
“If today's debate shows us one thing, it is that we all feel strongly about the issue. Being from Tyrone, I, in particular, know more than most about the real infrastructure deficit that exists. This map, which my colleague Mark Durkan held up earlier, tells a story in itself. No words are needed. There is a clear problem with this picture. Generations of people have suffered as a result of a lack of investment in the west. The lack of connectivity has plagued the west and places across Ireland for many years. Decades ago, rail services were stripped away from Tyrone, Fermanagh, Donegal and right into Derry, as was touched on by Members across the Chamber, effectively cutting the west out of the rail transportation picture.”
“The SDLP would absolutely welcome more fiscal powers for the Assembly, which surely would alleviate some of the pressures that we face. Does the Minister agree that a key plank in ensuring the stability of the Assembly and attracting further powers is to ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister not to resign from their positions?”
“Absolutely. That is a key point. The importance of Departments working together is also pointed to in the Children's Law Centre documents today. That does not happen. I sincerely hope that, with the Ministers in place in the new Executive, that will happen. I hope that, for the sake of those children and all of the other people who are struggling in our society, the House never falls again. For the sake of those children and the future of our society, which those kids are, we need Ministers to work together to put them first. Enough of the suffering and struggling: let us take action now. Let those families and young people know that we have heard them, that we are responding to them, that we will take action, and that, most importantly, no child will be left behind again.”
“However, for God's sake, let us ensure, first and foremost, that we listen to the parents who are affected, the teachers at the coalface, the classroom assistants and all of those who are struggling.”
“That is a disaster. I am not going to stand today and say, "Let us all be cosy and work together". We need to implement the recommendations that are there. The House has talked about the importance of early intervention, and, yes, that is it in a nutshell.”
“The body that I have most questions for is the Education Authority. There has been a mountain of disastrous mismanagement by the Education Authority in this area, and our children have been failed. When I raised complaints and concerns and reported it continually to the permanent secretary and the departmental officials — in the absence of this place, when we could not hold a Minister to account — nothing was done. The Children's Law Centre is highly critical of the role of the Education Authority, stating:”
“That is a shocking statement. The briefing paper goes on to claim:”
“<BR /> <BR />I will not stand in the way of the Minister if he moves to implement the various recommendations that have been laid out, but we need to move now. Motions are grand — they draw attention to and shine a light on the issue — but people want action. We cannot delay it and delay it and delay it. <BR /> <BR />I read the briefing paper that came through today from the Children's Law Centre, which points to things that we have discussed today. It says that the problems parents and children are experiencing have been:”
“I am sorry to say it but, if there was ever an example of how not to do something in that area, this place would top the charts, because it has been disastrous. <BR /> <BR />We have all heard it. My door is knocked as much as everyone else's, my phones ring and my inbox is filled with emails: all of that comes from parents who are absolutely desperate for help. They are desperate to the extent that their mental health has deteriorated significantly and they have had to leave their jobs. There are families with no wider family network or support who are in crisis. When those families and children needed us, this place was silent — not once but twice, for five years in total. We knew five years ago what we know today, because all the reports point to the exact same things. What we need is action.”
“This is a critical and important issue, but nothing we have heard today is new. The reality is that, behind all the examples and numbers that have been given, there are families and children who are suffering in terrible situations. They are all unique. <BR /> <BR />There is a wider problem that we need to look at. We have multiple reports. There are 200 recommendations that outline how we could move to resolve the problem. The previous Education Committee spent months looking at the issue. The previous Public Accounts Committee spent months looking at the issue. The NIAO spent months looking at the issue. We know what the problems are. The reality is that parents watching today will ask — I am sorry about the tone — "Is this just more lip service?". They want action. We know what the problems are.”
“I totally agree with the Member about the work of the previous Committee. It was vital. In fact, it helped resolve quite a lot of the issues. Since the collapse of these institutions, however, do you believe that the Education Authority has learnt any lessons about how children have been mistreated in special educational needs schools?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. This is a hugely important issue, as he has rightly pointed out. It is a challenge for all our offices. This is a crisis. Does the Member agree that, although, every year, we hear about the challenges facing those children in schools, particularly those who cannot get a place, the Education Authority does not seem to learn any lessons from the previous year and, in fact, for whatever reason, seems to end up with a much worse situation the following year? Can the Education Authority not handle the situation?”
“Minister, do you think that the Education Authority is fit for purpose, and, if not, when do you plan to do something about it? In this issue, it is certainly not fit for purpose.”
“We cannot allow the rights of workers here to continue to fall further and further behind those of their counterparts elsewhere. Will the Minister give his personal commitment, today, that this legislation will be introduced before the summer recess?”
“In helping this particular family, I have seen its worst possible effects, which, unfortunately and ultimately, resulted in the loss of Bridie Hargan.”
“As we reflect on World Encephalitis Day and the important work being done to support the cause, let us all commit to spreading the necessary awareness, offering compassion and advocating for those affected by this debilitating disease. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals who are battling encephalitis, and we must ensure greater awareness of, and support for, all those affected. <BR /> <BR />I thank all those who have dedicated their time, energy and resources to raising awareness of this important cause. Your efforts are making a difference, and we stand with you in solidarity as we continue to support this important cause. Together, we can make a positive impact. It is worth noting that encephalitis can affect anyone at any age and at any time in their life.”
“It is through the efforts of people like Sonia and Jackie and their families that we are able to shed light on the impact of encephalitis and work towards greater understanding and support for those affected. Today, I amplify their voices and the voices of all those affected to raise awareness and provide crucial support to individuals and families who face the challenges of encephalitis.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of a family in my constituency. Sonia Hargan and Jackie O'Kane — two sisters — and their families have been instrumental in raising awareness about encephalitis on behalf of their late mother, Bridie Hargan, who passed away in recent weeks. Bridie was a native of Douglas Bridge and a huge part of the local community, and she battled against this terrible disease for a significant period. She spent months on end in hospital and in care. The sisters' dedication to the cause, despite the untimely loss of their mother to the disease, is truly commendable and serves as an inspiration to all those affected.”
“I would like to raise awareness of the significance of encephalitis, following World Encephalitis Day last Thursday. Encephalitis is a serious condition that impacts on individuals and families across the UK and Ireland and, indeed, globally. Raising awareness about the disease is crucial in promoting and understanding the needs of those affected. Encephalitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the brain, often leading to symptoms such as confusion, seizures and, in severe cases, coma or even death. The disease can have a profound impact on those affected and their families, making it emotional and challenging in all circumstances. In the UK and Ireland alone, encephalitis impacts on thousands of people each year, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and support for that terrible condition.”
“I thank our colleagues in the South for that vote of confidence. Obviously, they have done it at a time when we are extremely positive about the institutions returning. Let us look to the future with some positivity, work together, deliver the A5 and Casement Park and deliver for our people.”
“That includes the Minister of Finance, the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Minister for Communities knocking down the door of Number 10 and that of the Secretary of State to ensure that the commitments that have been made loosely in the press are followed through to ensure that Casement will be delivered. <BR /> <BR />There is much wrong with our infrastructure, and we face many challenges. We need money to deliver on them, and only if we work collectively with one vision to ensure that that happens will it happen. I am more positive today, many Members will be glad to know, because an €800 million cash injection is a huge commitment to this place. It certainly will take and alleviate pressure from Departments and Ministers, and it has been welcomed across the board.”
“It has been featuring strongly in the news over recent weeks and months. I would have hoped and wished that the Minister for Communities would have been a bit more excited about it today. He looked a bit glum, to be honest. A lot of people — Ulster Gaels and people associated with all forms of sport in Northern Ireland — will be excited by that announcement, because it is a tremendous opportunity. Sport unites people, brings people together and creates a sense of community. It is important that we ensure that whatever needs to be done to bring about the funding to deliver Casement is done.”
“Seventy people lost their lives, and 70 families were left with pain and devastation. No money or price can be put on a loss of human life. Colleagues in my constituency and neighbouring constituencies know too well the devastation and pain that has been caused. <BR /> <BR />Today's announcement is greatly welcomed, but there is much more to be done. I hope that the Minister of Finance and her colleague Minister O'Dowd at the Department for Infrastructure will work collectively and proactively to ensure that the other funding is found for the A5, so that we can avoid any further delay, because delays cost lives. Ensuring that the project is delivered as soon as possible is in everyone's interest. <BR /> <BR />Further to the announcements today, there has been a €50 million cash injection for Casement Park.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am sure that many people will be glad to see such a substantial investment and commitment from the Irish Government. There is €600 million for the A5, which, as many Members will know, I have spoken of passionately for many years. That brings the project a step closer. That substantial financial commitment will come as a considerable relief not just to the Minister of Finance but to many of my constituents and to the people of Derry and Donegal. <BR /> <BR />As I have said on many occasions, that road does not discriminate: it claims lives every year. Many people have left home one morning to go to work, take children to school or do some local business and have never returned home to their family. Unfortunately, 70 such incidents have happened since 1998.”