Danny Kennedy
Newry and Armagh · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />I know the circumstances that we are in, but my hope is that departmental officials will continue to explore these issues and find solutions so that, at the earliest point, those solutions can be delivered to my constituency and to the people who have such frustration with the lack of service.”
“This situation is also prevalent in other rural areas of Northern Ireland. People in areas such as Lissummon, Ballygorman, Cladymilltown, Altnamackan, Loughgall, Mullaghglass and countless others, unfortunately, all of which are located in my constituency, find themselves in a position currently where they are provided with little or no e…”
“I, with others, receive regular contact from my constituents on this issue. It is abundantly clear from the representations that I receive that the lack of broadband provision, particularly in rural areas, impacts in many ways on families and businesses that reside in various locations across the constituency.”
“Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I thank you and the Business Committee for affording me the opportunity to debate the issue of broadband provision directly relating to my constituency of Newry and Armagh. I also place on record my good wishes to you as you leave the House, and I wish you well for the future.”
“The lack of high-quality broadband, for instance, has an impact on the ability of many rural businesses to function efficiently, placing them clearly at a disadvantage to other competitors in their particular field.”
“I could continue to detail many more circumstances, but I want other Members to contribute and to hear what the Minister has to say. I take this opportunity to make an impassioned plea to the Minister to pursue, within a quick time frame, the network improvements that are so clearly required.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,097 lines we hold for Danny Kennedy, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 12 of 22.
“However, it must be recognised that, while prices have fallen, the number of street lights that my Department is responsible for inevitably grows each year as new housing development streets and other new roads are adopted into the public road network.”
“To get the most competitive electricity prices for street lighting, a tender competition is run each year. The annual cost of electricity for street lighting varies from year to year, depending on the prevailing cost of electricity, the number of street lights and their wattage. In recent years, the annual cost has typically been in excess of £10 million. The out-turn costs for the last financial year, 2014-15, are not yet finalised, but I confirm that, in 2013-14, for example, street lighting electricity cost just over £10·6 million. I am glad to say that, like many other electricity consumers, my Department has recently seen a reduction in the unit cost of electricity.”
“I am grateful to the Minister for giving way. Use of the term "legal niceties" is one thing, but, fundamentally, there remains a question for the Minister to answer: is he prepared even to consider some legislative amendment that will provide the opportunity to correct the clear injustice to Colin Worton? Is the Minister open at least to exploring that today, given that a large majority of Members have indicated their support for the cause and case of Colin Worton?”
“They have even managed to devise literally hundreds of get-out-of-jail-free letters to hand out to so-called on-the-runs. There is no doubt, however, that the justice system has failed Colin Worton. I urge the Justice Minister, even at this stage, to exercise his discretion and prove that common sense and fairness still have a place in the justice system of Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Member. I am conscious of his legal background, so I will be interested in how the Minister of Justice addresses his point later in the debate, in addition to the point made earlier by the Member for North Antrim Mr Allister. <BR /> <BR />Colin Worton's life has been dominated, unfortunately, by a set of circumstances beyond his control. He deserves and is entitled to proper and fair justice and, indeed, to fair compensation for what he has endured. He is also entitled to an apology and to have his good name restored. <BR /> <BR />The political and legal systems have managed to find a way of releasing prisoners early. They have managed to exercise the royal prerogative of mercy in some extremely dubious cases for even more dubious individuals.”
“Indeed, the Justice Minister acknowledged that in the House in a previous debate and, in part, acknowledges it again in the Alliance Party amendment. However, I believe that the amendment is flawed because it effectively rules out any potential further action on the issue of compensation for Colin Worton. In listening to the Justice Minister's response, I will be interested to hear how he proposes to address that. <BR /> <BR />There has been a huge impact on Colin Worton, his life and his family lifestyle.”
“The individual, Mr Colin Worton, was held on remand for 30 months between 1 December 1983 and 30 May 1986, when he was acquitted after Lord Justice Kelly ruled that his statement, which was the only evidence against him, was inadmissible. Mr Worton has been seeking not only justice but compensation since 1992 and has thus far been unsuccessful. <BR /> <BR />Whatever the legal niceties, the fact remains that he has been denied justice. I have lost count of the number of meetings that I have attended with Colin Worton and members of his family. We have met senior politicians, Secretaries of State, important public figures, such as the Police Ombudsman and human rights commissioners — Monica McWilliams and others — to put forward the case. It was clear in all the many meetings that no one disputed the innocence of Colin Worton.”
“This has been a long campaign for justice, not only for the UDR four but for Mr Colin Worton, who is our focus today. There is no doubt that Colin Worton is an innocent man, but the justice system has not served him well, and he has suffered as a result. I pay tribute to Colin Worton for his doggedness and for how he has pursued the issue. I also pay tribute to his wife and family — his elderly mother in particular — who have supported him in his attempts to obtain justice. <BR /> <BR />The origins of the case, which became known as the case of the UDR four, have been well documented and acknowledged as a miscarriage of justice.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate. I do so as a constituency representative for Newry and Armagh, and someone who has had involvement and more than a passing knowledge of this case and the personalities involved.”
“Taking into account the Belfast bike share scheme and my plans to progress a number of other schemes in Belfast city centre over the next few months, it is an ideal time to push on with the promotion of the bicycle as a convenient, accessible and viable way to travel. <BR /> <BR />With the support, enthusiasm and influence of Members, and with their political commitment and the commensurate funding, even in fiscally restrained circumstances, we can look forward to a bright cycling future that I believe we can and should deliver for all the people of Northern Ireland.”
“Let me be absolutely clear to Members: I am not against targets, but I am very clear that, if targets are set, they should be appropriate and measurable and should reflect the political commitment that the Assembly and the Executive are prepared to make to promote and provide for cycling — everyday cycling and every-way cycling. It is essential that the Committee acknowledges that, if targets are to be achievable, wide-ranging political commitment and funding will be necessary. I ask the Committee to continue to give me that support. <BR /> <BR />I am convinced that Northern Ireland has the potential to develop a successful cycling culture over the next 25 years. I have stated before that it is my ambition for us to be the UK's cycling capital and the cycling capital on this island.”
“I am grateful to the Member for expanding on his point. I accept that fully. I think that there is an ongoing role to play not only in input but on finance to ensure particular safety issues. That will also be helped by the realignment of Departments, as road safety, together with my cycling unit, will potentially be housed in the same Department. I suppose that there is comfort there too. <BR /> <BR />We are working to ensure that there is greater joined-up working between all of us, and we are striving to develop and promote cycling in Northern Ireland. I note the Committee’s recommendation that targets should be included in the final bicycle strategy; that was one of the significant points raised in the consultation.”
“I am happy to confirm that my officials work with DOE colleagues to develop cycling issues, and it is also done through the cross-sectoral group.”
“I am grateful for that clarification. I do not think that I will pursue that much further today. <BR /> <BR />I am very mindful that the message that we want to continue to communicate is one of respect for all road users. I agree with the Committee about the need for a cross-cutting approach to cycling in Northern Ireland. That is why I established and chair the cross-sectoral cycling group, which includes representatives of other Departments and agencies: the Public Health Agency, the PSNI, Sport NI, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Belfast City Council, Sustrans and Translink. <BR /> <BR />Mr Clarke, the Chairman of the Committee, asked about ensuring that the Department of the Environment plays its part in developing cycling.”
“I think that those comments do a disservice to all those who contributed to the development of the strategy. <BR /> <BR />At the suggestion of the Committee, my officials specifically wrote to motoring organisations about the draft strategy. In response, the RAC warmly welcomed the development of the strategy and, indeed, suggested that it provided a sound basis on which to move forward. However, I agree with the Committee that we need to balance the needs of all road users. Too often, we refer to motorists and cyclists as if they were two different species. They are all people — people who sometimes use a bicycle and sometimes drive. People are important, and we must promote the health and well-being of people. I am very mindful that the message —”
“Let me be clear: I believe that it does not reflect the spirit, tone or content of my bicycle strategy or any part of my departmental policy. This is not war on the motorist. It also, I believe, potentially creates a tension where none need exist and undermines efforts to build support. As I said, I welcome positive criticism, but I do not welcome criticism for the sake of criticism.”
“That was, I think, raised by Mr McAleer in his contribution. I am committed to rural proofing as a Minister and as a rural dweller, but it must be meaningful and must benefit rural communities. In order to do that, my officials spoke to their DARD counterparts to explain how best to carry that out. They agreed that it would be more meaningful to rural proof the bicycle strategy delivery plan. I can give a very clear commitment that that will happen. I also remind Members that the draft bicycle strategy directly addresses the issue of rural routes and that that will be an area for development. <BR /> <BR />I am a little puzzled at the Committee's statement about the perception that the strategy is anti-motorist. That issue did not arise in any of the 106 consultation responses.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am also sympathetic to the recommendations relating to the Cycle to Work scheme. I would support it being extended as widely as possible, and I will do everything I can to see that happen. I think that the Chair of the Regional Development Committee raised a very fair point about how it is handled by the Assembly Commission and how Members and the staff associated can participate in the scheme. We need to make that better and easier for people to join. I remind Members that the Cycle to Work scheme is a Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs scheme. While my Department actively promotes the scheme, individual employers must decide to join the scheme and are responsible for how they implement it. <BR /> <BR />I have carefully considered the Committee's recommendation that rural proofing be undertaken as a matter of urgency.”
“To develop baselines for monitoring, my Department is also working with Sustrans in developing a Copenhagen-style bicycle account for Belfast. <BR /> <BR />At this stage, I want to move on to address a number of issues raised by the inquiry that would, I feel, benefit from further clarification. The Committee has suggested that the draft bicycle strategy is more a statement of intent. I recognise the criticism, and I take that in a positive manner. If we are to build support and drive change, a statement of intent is exactly what is needed. However, I am equally clear that change needs more than a statement of intent if it is to happen. It needs direction and direction supported by action. I believe that the draft bicycle strategy also provides that direction, and I expect that to be clearly reflected in the final strategy.”
“I believe that building cycling provision at park-and-ride facilities, railways and bus stations offers significant opportunities to make cycling linked to public transport a viable alternative to the car. That is something that we heard latterly from Steven Agnew. That is under way, and I am determined to build on it. I previously set out my intention to bring forward primary legislation to encourage active travel. I look forward to the Committee’s support in taking that forward. <BR /> <BR />I can assure Committee members that their comments and, indeed, those of other respondents will be used to reshape the content of my bicycle strategy as it is finalised. As a result, I have asked my officials to revisit the vision to make it more concise.”
“For that reason, I am sympathetic towards many of the points that the Committee has made and others have echoed during today's debate. I want to explore some of those briefly. <BR /> <BR />I agree that it is important that the cycling unit has a specific annual budget and that funding is ring-fenced to allow it to deliver on the strategy. I have done that for 2015-16, despite the very challenging budgetary position in my Department. In addition, I have ring-fenced the funding for the Active Travel schools programme. My officials are also looking at ways in which the programme might be extended beyond 2016, working with other Departments.”
“Together, we can build political support and make the case for increased funding for cycling. Part of the challenge is to build support in the Chamber, but there is also a need to engage businesses and communities. Alongside my bicycle strategy, the inquiry provides us with the foundations on which to do that, and I commend the Committee for its work. <BR /> <BR />The report makes 23 recommendations. More than half of those are specifically for my Department. Of those, seven are recommendations in respect of my draft bicycle strategy, and I welcome that input. The Committee's recommendations reflect many of the public responses to the consultation on my draft bicycle strategy. As with the public responses, the Committee's recommendations can strengthen my strategy, and I believe that they do.”
“For my part, this is not change for the sake of change or cycling for the sake of cycling; it is about seizing the economic, social, environmental and health benefits that higher levels of cycling can deliver. <BR /> <BR />I am grateful to the Committee for providing me with an advance manuscript copy of the report in January. I have read the report, and I must say that I am encouraged that it has much in common with my draft bicycle strategy in the benefits and priorities that they each identify. I assure the Committee, the Chair and Deputy Chair that I will make a detailed formal response to the report. I particularly welcome the Committee's recognition that progress is not a given but requires strong leadership, political commitment and funding, and I look forward to working with the Committee to provide that leadership.”
“At the outset, I welcome the Committee's year-long inquiry into the benefits of cycling to the economy and the report that it has produced. I am encouraged that we have an opportunity to debate the report in the Assembly today. I thank all Members for their contribution to the debate and assure them that I have been taking careful note of all that has been said. <BR /> <BR />The Committee for Regional Development's decision to undertake the inquiry was timely and opportune. Following on from my announcement in September 2013 that I wanted a cycling revolution for Northern Ireland, it sent a very clear signal of shared determination to drive real change.”
“I believe that I have not breached the law in any respect.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. The Member will know that the Committee for Regional Development has made repeated requests for sight of the project assessment review (PAR) report produced for the Department in September 2014. The Department has been consistent in its position that it will share the report with the Committee following the conclusion of the procurement process, which is under way. However, it is not in a position to do so immediately due to sensitivity around the commercial confidentiality of the report. The scope of the review has been released to the Committee already. I should tell the House that there is an ongoing competition. I have taken the view that the report should be released when the competition is complete but not before then. I also want to stress that I have acted throughout on legal advice.”
“I am grateful that the Member makes that very important point. I am very much aware of the Connswater greenway project. All agencies, including other agencies not even under my remit, are cooperating. I expect that of the officials and agencies of my Department.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. Of course, there are significant schemes happening through capital moneys in all areas and all parts of Northern Ireland. It slightly surprises people then when they hear of budgetary concerns, but it is due to the difference between the resource budget allocation and the capital budget allocation. Happily, we have been able to bring forward schemes. There will always be a level of inconvenience in the practical outworking and working through the completion of any scheme, whether it is resurfacing, pipeline, track laying or whatever. We seek to work with communities, and our contractors and those engaged in it, to continue to do that.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary question. Indeed, I was not familiar with the expression "toving". I was generally always told that boasting is not a thing to engage in. I have always tried to show an attractive modesty. <BR /> <BR />As I indicated, we continue to bring forward schemes. Part of the job of the specially created section in my Department that looks at EU funding opportunities is to seek out and identify where we can to do that as quickly and as speedily as we can. He will know the European funding record that gave assistance to the track relay scheme. If there are other road infrastructure schemes that we can pursue, we will pursue those opportunities. We might have some hope in terms of the A6, although I do not want to predict, boast or tove about anything.”
“We are always on the lookout to see how that can be enhanced and improved.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question. I want to absolutely assure him of my commitment to enhance and improve the entire road network infrastructure and public transport aspects of all of Northern Ireland. There are no areas excluded. The Member will know the commitments that I have made good, particularly the reopening of the Coleraine to Londonderry line and the saving of that line, effectively. <BR /> <BR />I understand the point he makes and, to a certain extent, I understand his concerns on it, but, as far as I am concerned, I have a commitment to enhancing and improving the entire network wherever it is and as quickly as I can possibly do it. Indeed, my Department has the best record of drawing down European subsidy and grant aid for schemes that we have been involved in.”
“I am grateful to the Member. I am aware that his party colleague the mayor was at that meeting, and a representative from East Londonderry, Claire Sugden MLA, also attended, so I believe that the council interest was represented and reflected successfully at that meeting and will be included in any ongoing discussions.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his topical question. Obviously, it is very topical in the Coleraine area, particularly with the merger of the two schools. The Member may well know that I attended a meeting with the representatives of the boards of governors and the teaching staff of both schools recently. We discussed and looked at the various options as that merger moves forward. Yes, it is in a fairly constrained part of town and congestion, though not inevitable, will always be a challenge to deal with. My officials are aware of that and will work positively and constructively, not only with officials from the local education board but with the management of the school.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary question. Rather than work off the top of my head, I would prefer to confirm that answer in writing to the Member as quickly as possible.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his topical question. I can confirm that the signalling procurement is still ongoing and the original tender timetable has been extended by a few weeks. However, depending on a successful procurement process, the end date for the substantial elements of the project is still expected to be towards the end of 2016. Of course, that means that we have earmarked and allocated funding for that outcome.”
“I am grateful to the Member. I can update him by saying that the tender process commenced with the publication of a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union on 28 July 2014 seeking expressions of interest from contractors to provide a shovel-ready contract that would enable an early start to construction when finance became available. Tender documents were issued on 7 January 2015 and returned, after a six-week tender period, on 17 February. However, as I said, actual construction of the scheme will not commence until further funding is confirmed by the Executive.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his question, even though it might be number three in his book. My Department continues to look at the A6 scheme, and he will know that we brought forward a scheme by which we could, subject to the available finance, move on-site at the Castledawson section fairly quickly. That remains our position, and I hope very much that, whilst the economic situation is relatively bleak and challenging, at some point capital moneys can be released to bring forward that element of the A6 scheme.”
“I am grateful to the Member. He will know that final decisions were not made until much later. That has been explained not only to him and the Committee but to the House, and it is time to move on.”
“I thank the Member for his question, but I do not foresee such circumstances. I believe that the oversight was relatively minor, and I do not think that it will be repeated as we go forward. As I said, I was heartened by my discussion with the acting chief executive of the Consumer Council.”
“I thank the Member for his question. Let me say this: absolutely not. I do not believe that it would make any economic sense or in any way attract greater usage of our public transport system to put forward a second fare increase at this time. I rule that out without any reservation. The situation is challenging, and there is a need for streamlining and for savings to be made. However, simply putting up fares is not a solution that is on my radar at this time.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary question. He may recall that this ground has been covered not only by me in the House but through correspondence with the Committee for Regional Development. I had a very friendly and successful meeting with the acting chief executive of the Consumer Council in the wake of the decision. There had been concern on the part of the Consumer Council that procedures had not been completely followed through. I was able to give an assurance that, in this case, the reasons were quite exceptional and that there was no intention of excluding it from any information in any such future discussions.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important to say that Translink will be expected to save £7 million next year from greater efficiencies, and this helps to minimise fare increases. I am hopeful that the positive trend in passenger journeys in recent years will continue despite the increase in fares.”
“I had been able to freeze public transport fares for over 18 months, but, given the shortfall of some £60 million in my overall budget for next year, revenue grants to Translink will be cut by around £13 million. If I were to insist that Translink continued with a freeze on fares, that would have a detrimental impact on Translink finances into the future. <BR /> <BR />In the 2011-12 financial year, the number of passenger journeys was just over 77 million, and, in the current financial year, Translink is on target to achieve 80·5 million passenger journeys, an increase of over 4·5%. This growth is most significant on the railways but, in overall terms, compares very well with trends in other parts of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.”
“Given the difficult financial context facing Translink this year and next, unfortunately the recent fare increase — the first since January 2013 — was unavoidable. It should, however, be recognised that, since coming to office, I have ensured that fares have increased at around half the rate of inflation. Translink is also continuing to promote the various smart ticketing options, which will help to reduce the impact of the recently introduced fare increases on passengers. For example, an annual rail ticket includes a substantial discount for a regular commuter. <BR /> <BR />No one, myself included, wanted to see the recent fare increase, but it has been kept to an absolute minimum. It remains the case that Translink fares compare very favourably with those in the rest of the United Kingdom and, indeed, the Republic of Ireland.”
“The project economics take account of the inevitable disruption that will result, and any compensation payable will be in accordance with departmental policy. That does not include compensation for any reduction in trade, as access to all property will be maintained. Any detailed compensation claims will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his comments. He is absolutely correct about the importance of the scheme. It is important that we move forward on it because even this scheme has been talked about for quite a long time. Earlier, Mr Elliott talked about delays with the A4 Enniskillen bypass, and other Members will bring to mind schemes that have been delayed. It is important that we get these schemes to a shovel-ready position. That is what I fully intend to do. <BR /> <BR />Mindful of the point that the Member has made, my project team has examined the construction programme and developed plans to demonstrate that the project can be built while maintaining access for all traffic movements.”
“I am grateful to the Member. I assure him that there is no lack of enthusiasm for any of my responsibilities. I have indicated that officials met the individual concerned. They are currently reviewing what might be called the alternative proposal. When they are in a position to report to me, they will do so. If further discussion with the proposer of the alternative is necessary, we can engage in that. <BR /> <BR />I have an open-door policy; I think that the Chair of the Regional Development Committee realises that. He does not always use it, but it is important that we leave ourselves open to other ideas and engineering solutions.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his supplementary question and for his interest in the scheme. It is, potentially, a very important scheme. In very large measure, it could unlock some of the key congestion issues in central Belfast. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of the alternative suggestion that was made. In fact, my officials met the individuals involved, and we are, of course, prepared and open to consider such suggestions. Ultimately, decisions will have to be made, and I will continue to advise and update the House accordingly.”
“The formal consultation on this much-needed £125 million project, which links three of the busiest roads in Northern Ireland, concluded on 10 March 2015. My officials are collating and reviewing the responses before submitting the information to me for a decision on whether to hold a public inquiry. <BR /> <BR />Officials will prepare and forward a full business case to the Department of Finance and Personnel for approval when the full context of the scheme is determined, following the outcome of the consultation and a public inquiry, should I decide one is appropriate. The scheme will then be procured through an open tendering process in accordance with my Department's procurement policy.”
“I am grateful to the Member for his comments, his sympathy and his supplementary question. It is a relatively small amount of money in the context of the overall budget, but I face cutbacks of about £60 million over the responsibilities of my Department, and we therefore have to look closely at all aspects of the business as they affect NI Water, Translink and Transport NI. We are trying to be as creative as we can, but, ultimately, the scarcity of resources is the really big issue. Whilst, as some people say, it is a 0·6% impact, in real terms, it is a deficit of some £60 million. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to maintain all front-line services as we desire, or even as we need to, when facing cuts of that magnitude.”