Nichola Mallon
North Belfast · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I have had the very moving opportunity to meet families who have tragically lost a loved one on that stretch of road. That was an important opportunity for me to hear at first hand their experience and the experiences of the local community as they try to go about their everyday business while living in close proximity to a key transport…”
“I take safety on our rural roads very seriously. My Department continues to be actively committed to improving safety on our roads and to work closely with our road safety partners to deliver a programme of road safety education, engineering and enforcement activities.”
“I thank Mr Muir and all the members of the Infrastructure Committee for very constructive working relationships. At times, those working relationships were tense, but they were always very constructive — I mean that.”
“It was important to me to take forward the motor insurance legislation to try to protect people against a hike of up to £50 in their motor insurance premiums. Members will be aware that I took the decision to freeze any hike in public transport fares.”
“That commenced a consultation process that is open until 6 May. I encourage anyone with an interest in this significant project to make their views known during the consultation period. <BR /> <BR />In advance of the major upgrade, it is important that we do what we can to improve road safety.”
“I have announced my intention to extend the concessionary fares scheme to provide free travel for people with disabilities who currently pay half fare and to new operators who have already indicated or expressed an interest in joining. I am aware that many people with a disability have limited travel options.”
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“<BR /> <BR />The Department already regularly engages with councils and other stakeholders to understand how the planning system is working and to assist with its effective and efficient operation. That will continue and provide an opportunity to discuss planning policy for the countryside. I am committed to ensuring that strategic planning policy for development in the countryside remains fit for purpose.”
“As the Member will be aware, I updated the House on 19 October that I had withdrawn the PAN on 15 October. The intention of the advice note was to provide clarity and certainty and to have a positive impact on the planning system overall and on our rural communities. It became clear, however, that it was not achieving that objective. Having listened carefully to and having reflected on all the concerns expressed since it issued, I decided to withdraw the PAN in order to restore clarity to the situation. That gives me the opportunity to take stock of the concerns raised and undertake further engagement and analysis on this important policy area. That will include consideration of current and emerging issues, such as the emerging climate change Bills and our green recovery from this pandemic.”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Irish Government have reaffirmed their commitment, set out in New Decade, New Approach, to make a financial contribution. Of course, the Shared Island Fund is there, and there is a very keen enthusiasm from the Taoiseach to be investing in all-island infrastructure. The national development plan was also recently announced by the Irish Government, with significant amounts of funding being made available for infrastructure projects. I am happy to continue to have that dialogue with the Irish Government, and I really wish that we could have those discussions within the structures of the North/South Ministerial Council meetings because this is a key project and a strategic project that will benefit communities and our economy, North and South.”
“As I said, my officials are working at pace on the publication of a new environmental statement addendum so that the public inquiry can be reconvened, as recommended by the PAC, next year. Of course, the timing of the public inquiry is outwith my gift as Minister, but I am sure that all of us across the House are very keen to see this project progressed.”
“I thank the Member for his questions and his comments. I met the residents in Clady, and I could see the difficulties. I went to see it for myself. I saw the impact on road safety and the impact on the quality of life of people living on the street and the damage to their property. I was pleased to be able to move that forward. <BR /> <BR />The Member never misses an opportunity to raise the topic of the A5, and of course I reaffirm my commitment to it. It is a strategic project that will better connect communities in the north-west, but it will also enhance economic and employment opportunities for local people, and, importantly, it will improve road safety.”
“The proposed order will prohibit vehicles exceeding 7·5 tons maximum gross weight from using the B85 Urney Road, Clady, from its junction with the B165 Bells Park Road to its junction with the Urney Road. HGVs making local deliveries or travelling to and from local businesses will be exempt from the restriction.”
“The Member has raised that with me on a number of occasions. <BR /> <BR />The most strategic road scheme in West Tyrone is, of course, the A5 western transport corridor project. Following an interim report from the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) on the public inquiry held during 2020, the Department is now working at pace on the publication of a new environmental statement addendum so that the public inquiry can then be reconvened, as recommended by the PAC, next year. Receipt of the PAC’s final report from the inquiry will then allow a decision to made in relation to this project. <BR /> <BR />I can also confirm that, subject to the successful completion of the legislative procedures, it is hoped that a weight restriction will be introduced in Clady by the end of this year.”
“The West Tyrone constituency falls within both the Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council areas. There has been infrastructure investment in this area by many parts of my Department, such as DFI Roads and DFI Rivers, as well as its arm's-length bodies, Northern Ireland Water and Translink. The western divisional roads manager met both councils early in the summer of this year to present details of proposed investment in roads and active travel in these areas in 2021-22. I can confirm that officials are currently working their way through the programmes outlined in these reports, which include schemes on the Dublin Road and at O'Kane Park in Omagh, as well as a junction improvement scheme at Bells Park Road and Orchard Road near Strabane.”
“I agree with the Member that we are in a much better place when government is working with a range of stakeholders in a genuine way, and, of course, some of the key partners are our trade unions.”
“I agree with the Member that the issue of terms and conditions has been around for quite some time and that it has been flagged by the industry. When I took up post, I became aware — particularly throughout the COVID pandemic, when we were working to support the haulage industry — of the challenges faced by drivers, and particularly female drivers, when trying to access facilities and services while on long journeys. I was involved in a piece of work to try to improve the conditions for drivers so that they could access bathrooms, washing facilities and so forth. I am happy to take a closer look at the manifesto to see what we might be able to do.”
“I suppose that the challenge is about having a very clear understanding of where the difficulties lie. Whenever we have engaged with the sector, it has not cited testing as an obstacle. It says that, in its view and from its experience on the ground, it is to do with retirement, payroll, terms and conditions and Brexit. Of course, when it comes to testing, I am pleased that, through the hard work of the Driver and Vehicle Agency, we are carrying out 66% more testing than the five-year average. Those are record high numbers of tests, and we will continue to keep that situation under review and to bring additional resources online. <BR /> <BR />My officials work with their colleagues right across these islands on a range of issues, and they will continue to do so. Where we can provide solutions, we most certainly will.”
“The issue of apprenticeships falls to the Department for the Economy. I have not raised the issue of extending that to further age groups directly with the Economy Minister, but officials have been engaging about what support that Department and my own can continue to provide to the haulage industry. I am happy to raise that matter with the Economy Minister following today's Question Time.”
“I thank the Member for his question. He is right to identify the fact that the difficulties faced by the haulage industry are in GB, and that is largely because of Brexit and the other issues that I identified. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of the changes that have been made. Unfortunately, we only became aware of those changes when they were announced by the British Government. In our view, however, testing is not a difficulty. We have been engaging directly with sector representatives in Northern Ireland on a number of the relaxations that the British Government brought forward. For example, it is the clear view of the haulage sector here that the cabotage relaxation would undermine the haulage industry locally. I will, of course, continue to keep all these matters under review so that we do what we can to support the haulage industry.”
“Overtime is also used to rota off-shift dual-role driving examiners to provide further capacity. <BR /> <BR />DVA test centre managers frequently liaise directly with the LGV training schools to meet specific requirements and help address demands. In the first five full months since driving tests resumed on 23 April, the DVA conducted 1,626 LGV driving tests, which is 66% more than the five-year average for that period, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing increased testing capacity for the sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />My officials have been in contact with the Department for the Economy, which advised them that Apprenticeships NI offers apprenticeship training in driving goods vehicles at level 2 and level 3. Both frameworks include knowledge-based and competence-based qualifications in driving a range of goods vehicles, including articulated vehicles. <BR /> <BR />On testing, the DVA has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of large goods vehicle driving test slots. In addition to normal weekday slots, it now offers LGV tests on Saturdays and Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. Uptake from the industry, however, particularly on Sundays, has been less than expected, given the demand for those tests.”
“My Department is aware of the wider issues around the haulier shortage. A recent Road Haulage Association (RHA) survey identified drivers' retirement, Brexit and changes to off-payroll working rules as the three main reasons for the shortages. The commercial difficulties will require improvements to pay and working conditions, and that is now being recognised by some of the large companies that have increased their drivers' pay to help improve retention. Brexit is also a significant factor in the haulier shortage, with many EU drivers reportedly no longer working in GB. It is important to point out that testing is not seen as a significant reason for HGV driver shortages here.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the DVLA in Swansea. As I said in response to Mr Beggs's question, we encourage our customers to keep checking the system and to book the earliest available appointment. To provide reassurance, however, I reiterate that all customers who have contacted us having found themselves in that situation have been offered an earlier appointment. The DVA is working very hard to ensure that we maximise our capacity so that we can bring forward testing to prevent customers finding themselves in that situation.”
“The ABI confirmed that it is a condition of insurance that owners maintain their vehicle so that it is in a roadworthy condition. DVA customers must book a vehicle test appointment as soon as possible, even if it is after their current MOT expiry date.”
“DVA officials have consulted the PSNI and the Association of British Insurers to make them aware of the current position with MOT appointments. The PSNI has agreed not to penalise motorists who are unable to book an MOT appointment before their MOT expiry date but who still need to use their vehicle, as long as the vehicle is in a roadworthy and safe condition, it is properly insured and the driver can provide proof, in electronic or paper form, that an MOT test has been booked for the vehicle. <BR /> <BR />The ABI's view is that not having a valid MOT certificate will not necessarily invalidate insurance. Customers who find themselves in that situation owing to delays in getting their vehicle tested should, however, check their policy documents or speak to their insurer.”
“I thank the Member for her question. I understand that the technical issue has been resolved, but I commit to writing to the Member to provide her with the most up-to-date information on that.”
“Vehicle tax is an excepted matter and a responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea. We ask our customers to book their earliest available appointment and keep checking the booking system. However, if they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, they should contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk, and the DVA will do its best to get them an urgent appointment. To date, I can confirm that all customers who contacted the DVA in those circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment slot.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I also thank him for his kind comments about DVA staff. They are working exceptionally hard, and that is demonstrated by the performance statistics. <BR /> <BR />I would consider introducing temporary exemption certificates only if I were convinced that truly exceptional circumstances existed — for example, the issue with the lifts or because of COVID-19 — and that no other reasonably practical measures were available to manage demand for vehicle testing services. The current demand for MOTs is viewed as temporary. Slots are available to be booked in the system, and more will become available as we bring additional resources on line. <BR /> <BR />I will very quickly address your point about drivers being concerned that they will be penalised if they cannot tax their vehicles.”
“Following the conversion of an adjoining building at the New Buildings test centre, additional testing capacity was made available to meet demand in the north-west. <BR /> <BR />I remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring that our plans for the restoration of services are in hand. However, all vehicle test services across these islands are experiencing high demand and longer than usual waiting times, and we ask customers for their continued patience.”
“<BR /> <BR />The DVA is experiencing significant demand for vehicle testing services, and, in some cases, customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires. In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location. <BR /> <BR />The DVA has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity by adopting a range of measures, including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and sickness absence and a reduction of the vehicle test appointment time. It is also offering vehicle test appointments on Sundays and bank holidays at most test centres.”
“From Monday 26 July, the DVA reinstated normal vehicle test times, which increased capacity across the network of test centres. The DVA conducted 117,000 full vehicle tests in August and September, which is 96% of the five-year average for those months. <BR /> <BR />From a road safety perspective, there are no plans to issue further temporary exemption certificates (TECs), as it is important that all vehicles are brought forward for testing at the earliest opportunity. I have, however, issued a call for evidence on the potential introduction of biennial MOT testing, one element of which is the consideration of any impacts that such an approach would have on road safety. That call for evidence closed on 19 October 2021. Over 1,000 responses were received and are being evaluated by officials.”
“<BR /> <BR />I remain committed to ensuring that strategic planning policy for development in the countryside is fit for purpose going forward. I am grateful to Members and others, particularly those from our rural communities, who raised their concerns. I value our rural communities. I want to see vibrant rural communities and sustainable development. I said to those who expressed their views that I would listen; I have listened, and I acted.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said, I firmly believe that the SPPS provides and should continue to provide opportunities for farming families and other rural dwellers and for sustainable development in the countryside in general. We come back to the fundamental point: striking a balance between supporting and sustaining rural communities and protecting the countryside from inappropriate development. <BR /> <BR />Members asked what the next steps will be and highlighted the importance of continuing to engage with councils and our other stakeholders and partners. I will now take stock of the concerns raised and undertake further engagement and analysis with my officials on that important policy area to include consideration of current and emerging issues such as the emerging climate change Bills and our green recovery from the pandemic.”
“Similarly, in planning appeals and in the independent examination of local development plans, the Planning Appeals Commission has an equally important responsibility. <BR /> <BR />I assure Members that I am fully committed to ensuring that my Department and the wider planning system continue to play their part in managing growth in order to achieve appropriate and sustainable patterns of development in the countryside that contribute to a vibrant rural community and economy. As for the future of strategic planning policy for development in the countryside, I am satisfied that the current policy approach remains fit for purpose and that it should work effectively under the two-tier planning system.”
“<BR /> <BR />I respectfully disagree with Mr Muir that the current SPPS has been undermined. I firmly believe that the SPPS provides and should continue to provide opportunities for sustainable development in the countryside in general, including for farming families, as Mrs Erskine eloquently outlined, and other rural dwellers, striking a balance between supporting and sustaining rural communities and protecting the countryside from inappropriate development. <BR /> <BR />All stakeholders in the planning system have an important role in achieving this objective in the long-term public interest. However, Mr Muir is right: there is an important onus on local planning authorities to take all possible steps to ensure that, in the taking of decisions and the making of plans, they properly and faithfully take account of the SPPS overall.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Beggs, and Mr Robinson in particular, asked for the reason for the issuing of the PAN. The PAN that was issued on 2 August was to provide clarification on the correct meaning and intended application of the SPPS countryside policy and to assist planning authorities in making decisions and bringing forward development plans. The PAN did not add to or change existing policy, and its advice was consistent with the fundamental regional approach to cluster, consolidate and group new development with existing buildings. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, the PAN, rather than bringing clarity and certainty, as was the intention, created confusion and uncertainty. Having listened carefully to and reflected on all the concerns expressed since it issued, I decided to withdraw the PAN in order to restore clarity to the situation.”
“It also included individual meetings with relevant organisations, including the chairs of planning committees and other local political representatives, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Construction Employers Federation, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Rural Community Network and the Ulster Farmers' Union. <BR /> <BR />That preparatory work and engagement helped to inform the decision on the preferred way forward for strategic planning policy on development in the countryside. On balance, I decided not to commence a review of this policy area. That is because I am satisfied that the current policy approach provided for by the SPPS remains appropriate, robust and fit for purpose for the two-tier planning system.”
“Following publication of the SPPS, the Department issued a call for evidence in March 2016 to help to inform the scope of a potential review of strategic planning policy on development in the countryside. That attracted responses from a wide range of interests, including local government, environmental groups, business and industry, residents' groups, professional bodies and individuals. <BR /> <BR />In March 2017, the Department procured independent consultants to undertake research and provide an updated evidential context to inform the best strategic planning policy approach for development in the countryside. The research involved focused stakeholder engagement, including seminars with council planning managers, professional institutions and environmental interest groups.”
“It does that by providing for replacement dwellings, the conversion and reuse of non-residential buildings and dwellings, new dwellings within an existing cluster, infill dwellings, social and affordable housing schemes, dwellings to meet compelling personal or domestic circumstances, dwellings on farms and dwellings for non-agricultural business enterprise.”
“That included a public consultation, Assembly and Committee scrutiny and agreement from the Executive Committee prior to publication in its final form. As Ms Sheerin and others have pointed out, the important aim of the SPPS is to manage development in the countryside in a manner that strikes a balance between protection of the environment from inappropriate development and supporting and sustaining rural communities. <BR /> <BR />We have also heard from Mr Muir, Mr Boylan, Mr Irwin and Mr Robinson that there are differing views on what that means and how best to achieve it. Subject to acceptable proposals in appropriate locations, the current SPPS offers considerable opportunities for farming families and other people wishing to live in the countryside.”
“First of all, I thank the Members who proposed the motion and everyone who has contributed to today's debate. <BR /> <BR />Planning and the specific issue of development in the countryside has been and continues to be — as we heard today — the subject of healthy debate and discussion. Engagement on this planning issue, and on planning generally, is to be encouraged, and I very much welcome today's debate. All Members spoke about the SPPS at the heart of this, and it is important that we take a moment to reflect on its origin. The existing strategic planning policy on development in the countryside is contained in the strategic planning policy statement. You will be aware that the SPPS was published on 28 September 2015, following extensive engagement during its preparation.”
“As others have said, we need to lay down a challenge to the social media companies. They need to do more to tackle those who target people online and to challenge the misinformation and mistrust that is being sown across society. <BR /> <BR />I will end on this: I listened this morning to testimonies of people who were great friends of Sir David Amess. One said that the greatest tribute that could be paid to him was for us all to encourage more people to go into politics, to serve their constituents and to try to shape our society for the better.”
“There is a rage and an undercurrent in our society that I have not seen in the 10 years that I have been an elected representative. It manifests itself in a number of ways. We need to be honest with ourselves about the challenge in society. We need to deal with it and reflect on our role in it.”
“I think of our healthcare workers, shopworkers, journalists, medics and constituency staff who are being subjected to abuse, harassment and, at times, threats of violence. <BR /> <BR />We have a volatile concoction in our society right now. We have increased levels of vulnerability in mental health. We have increased numbers of people who are susceptible to and at risk of radicalisation, and we have a deep anger that has emerged as a result of the pandemic.”
“I thank Paul Givan for tabling the Matter of the Day. I did not know Sir David Amess, but I express my condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and constituents. The character of the man is clear when we look at the tributes from across the political spectrum. This morning, I spoke to Mark Durkan, who knew him, and he said that he was a man of great kindness who cared deeply and had always asked after John Hume and Seamus Mallon. <BR /> <BR />This brutal murder comes after the murder of Jo Cox. They were MPs murdered while carrying out their duties to serve the public. Those brutal murders are devastating to their families and communities, but they are also an attack on and an affront to democracy. We live in an environment of increased risk. That risk is faced by people who work in public-facing roles across our society.”
“I, for one, did not see any remorse there. <BR /> <BR />I will end on this point. There is a lot of focus on the fragility and vulnerability of the doctor at the heart of this story. However, I have seen vulnerability and fragility. I have sat with couples whose marriages broke up as a result of this and with young women who have not had any children due to the medical advice given by Dr Watt. Others have had their careers ruined because they were misdiagnosed and mis-prescribed. They are vulnerable and have not received any protection.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the "how", the public inquiry will, no doubt, identify major structural and cultural issues in the health service that need to be addressed. The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority inquiry will provide some answers to those who lost loved ones under the doctor’s care, but it needs to move much more quickly. <BR /> <BR />The question that patients have is: "Why?". Why did the doctor in whom they put so much faith and trust do that to them? Those are questions that they were looking to Michael Watt to answer publicly. That is what they expected to hear from a public inquiry at the GMC, and they have been denied that important part of the healing process. The only voice that we heard directly from Michael Watt was in his text messages to "Jane", as exposed in the recent 'Spotlight' programme.”
“It is that lack of openness, transparency, accountability and consequence that have been the hallmarks of the entire traumatic experience for patients. <BR /> <BR />Since December 2017, when I sent the first email to the Belfast Trust on behalf of a patient, to the attempts to silence the first BBC 'Spotlight' programme, to the decision by the MPTS, patients have continued to battle against a wall of secrecy. Some four years on, not one person, be it Michael Watt or those in positions of responsibility who allowed this to happen to thousands of patients, has been held to account, and nor have there been any consequences for action or inaction. Meanwhile, patients continue to suffer, and they are driving themselves mad wondering how and why this was allowed to happen to them.”
“"Devastated", "betrayed" and "gut-wrenching": just some of the words used by Michael Watt's patients to describe their reaction when it was revealed last week that the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) had allowed Dr Watt's voluntary application to be removed from the medical register. That action ensured, yet again, that Michael Watt, the doctor at the heart of the biggest patient recall in Northern Ireland, would be afforded the protection of privacy and secrecy behind closed doors and that his patients would be denied openness and transparency. So serious was that move by the MPTS that it promoted a very rare angry response from the GMC, which stated that it was "extremely disappointed" by that decision as it:”
“The challenge will come when we bring change to our own front door. Communities may be resistant to it because they are anxious about the impact that change might have. It is important that, at those testing moments, we hold the line. We absolutely have to do things in a new and transformative way. Active travel, I believe, is the magic pill.”
“I say to Mr Allister that I do not refuse outright to have meetings. I understand that discussions are being held between Translink, the school and my officials, and, rather than having a meeting at this stage, it is important to let that engagement take place and to monitor the impact of the scheme. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious of time, so I will not rehearse the points, but we have a number of live active travel schemes that we are initiating through the area. Partnership working is important in all of this. I am very struck by the encouragement from Members across the House to continue encouraging, facilitating and providing active travel opportunities for citizens. I will end with the words of Mr McGuigan about testing ourselves. If we want change, we will have to "push the boundaries".”
“The truth is that it is a learning process. I will, where appropriate, hold my hands up and say where the Department and I get it wrong. We have to work together, and we have to challenge ourselves to encourage children to engage in active travel to and from school.”
“Some 16 schools, I think, in North Antrim benefit from that. It is a positive step, but we also need to provide infrastructure. I take Mr Allister's point on the new active travel path linking Slemish College to the active travel path on the Larne Road Link. I understand the frustrations that he has expressed — he has written to me about them — and I assure him that my officials are monitoring the impact of the scheme on traffic at school opening and closing times and are in discussions with Translink and the school. As for a ministerial meeting, I would be keen to have an engagement after those discussions have taken place, so that we have an informed approach, but the situation encapsulates the difficulties that we have. We are criticised on the one hand for not doing enough, and we are criticised on the other for pushing ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />I understand the points that Members made about trying to have a more strategic approach to the development of our greenway network in Northern Ireland and across the island. We need to look afresh at how we might drive forward that strategic approach through the work of, say, a third partner. The challenge is that we are still in single-year funding. An organisation needs to have some financial security if it is to take up that work, which will be resource-intensive, but, with the national development plan and a clear commitment to greenway development across the island, there are real opportunities for synergies. I have asked my officials to look at that. <BR /> <BR />On school safety, we have the cycling proficiency and active school travel programmes. Mr McGuigan also identified the 20 mph scheme that we are rolling out.”
“A small section of the greenway was completed from Martinstown to Glenravel due to the strong community support for the project. Mr McGuigan is right that the community was ahead of its time. It is important that we are able to harness that community support in the delivery of other greenways. Last year, an additional section of the Glens of Antrim greenway from the Ecos centre in Ballymena to Broughshane was reviewed by the charity Sustrans as a potential council priority scheme. The council has not yet submitted that proposed greenway as one of its projects for capital grant funding from the blue-green infrastructure fund in this financial year, although I hope that it will be submitted in following years.”
“In response to the letter from my walking and cycling champion earlier this year, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council requested funding from my blue-green infrastructure fund to complete a detailed design for the route. The greenway is identified as a secondary route in my Department's strategic plan for greenways. It would open up and offer an opportunity for employee modal shift, which is really important, given that the Galgorm hotel has 700 staff and the Wrightbus employees are there as well. I am pleased to advise that my Department is assessing that application, among others, as we determine which can be invited forward for business case analysis. <BR /> <BR />The Glens of Antrim greenway is another one identified as a secondary route in 'Exercise Explore Enjoy: A Strategic Plan for Greenways'.”