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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“I thank the Member for bringing the motion to the House. There is no point in dressing it up: the housing selection scheme, and this is the crucial point, exacerbated by the shortage of housing, is broken, and it is time to replace it. Some might think this glib, but I got into politics to help people, and, without question, the vast bulk of my constituency work involves housing. To be honest, when I meet constituents who need help and they tell me that it is a housing issue, my heart sinks because I know that, no matter how hard I work on their case, I will not be able to deliver a timely solution for them. Some have already been living in housing stress for several years before they even come to see me. Why is this the case?”
“I very much appreciate the Minister's giving way. I would like to get some clarity from him on the narrative that we are hearing a lot today about this joint strategy to protect the best interests of Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin's position is very clearly that our best interests lie within Europe, and the DUP fundamentally believes that they are best served out of Europe. Sinn Féin has an understanding and analysis of the impact of a Brexit vote that is fundamentally different from that of the DUP. It would be really useful if we could get some light shed on what this joint strategy will look like, considering that you hold polar opposite views on nearly every issue to do with Europe.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. He shared a story about a constituent suffering a severe mental health episode. Does he agree that we need greater investment in our mental health services, particularly early intervention support and within the community? Would he, like me, welcome hearing the Minister's views on any plans the Executive might have to put investment in physical and mental health on a more equal footing?”
“I welcome the fact that our First Minister respects that democratic view, but I think that what people want to know here is how she will act on what was their clearly expressed democratic will.”
“Can the First Minister confirm whether it is the case, as London clearly sees it, that any negotiation on second-round effects of the devolution of corporation tax will be off the table in the event of the devolution of corporation tax?”
“Part of the response to dealing with collusion lies in inquests. Is the Minister pressing for a paper to go to the Executive before recess that focuses on the release of resource for inquests to give some comfort to the many families who are waiting and waiting?”
“I welcome the Minister's unequivocal statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach to all hate crime. Does she share the view that legislation in this mandate for equal marriage in Northern Ireland can help to develop a more tolerant, inclusive and respectful society here?”
“A range of Members have indicated actions that, they believe, the Minister should consider if we are to effectively deal with animal cruelty. I think that, fundamentally, we must take the opportunity to pledge our support for the animal-based welfare organisations that work tirelessly to eradicate animal cruelty. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP shares the concern of the public about cruelty towards animals. The practice must be stopped and those responsible brought to justice. We are pleased to see this afternoon genuine support for animal welfare, and we join other parties in the House in supporting the motion and the amendment.”
“<BR /> <BR />More than 4,000 animal welfare cases have been investigated by councils each year from 2012. I have spent time with the animal welfare officers of Belfast City Council as they carried out investigations. I pay tribute to their commitment, compassion and hard work. We must continue to support those who work on the front line. We must continue to ensure that all allegations of the abuse of animal welfare are investigated fully and that those responsible are held to account. <BR /> <BR />Between 2012 and 2014, there were 114 convictions for animal cruelty, 15 of which resulted in custodial sentences. It is vital that we unite with the public in our condemnation of those acts and fulfil our duty of care to the citizens and animals in this jurisdiction.”
“<BR /> <BR />The 2011 Act introduced a duty of care in respect of all protected animals and created an offence of failing to take reasonable steps to ensure that the welfare needs of that animal are met. Importantly, it specifies that abandoning an animal is an offence, whether the animal is likely to suffer or not. <BR /> <BR />The Justice Act passed at the end of the last mandate amended the 2011 Welfare of Animals Act to ensure that those who are convicted have a harsher, more suitable sentence imposed on them. Among other things, it increased the maximum sentence for cases heard on indictment from two years to five and for summary cases involving unnecessary suffering and causing, attending or other involvement in an animal fight the maximum sentence increases from six months to 12 and the maximum fine from £5,000 to £20,000.”
“On behalf of the SDLP, I support the motion and the amendment. I think it is fair to say that we are known as a society of animal lovers. In most homes where there is a household pet, it is held in loving regard; indeed, it is often regarded, as other Members have said, as a member of the family. <BR /> <BR />To most people and, I am sure, to every Member cases of animal neglect, cruelty, mistreatment and abuse are truly abhorrent. The pain inflicted from the act of cruelty on the animal is sickening, and the insight that that act gives us to the perpetrator is disturbing and should set alarm bells ringing. Therefore, I am pleased to see that, as a direct result of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011 and the Justice Act 2016, there are now stricter and harsher punishments for those who have been convicted of animal cruelty.”
“It requires investment in and access to early intervention and prevention support to help stop people finding themselves homeless in the first place. It also means supporting people to live in their home through programmes like Supporting People and Housing First, alongside targeted support to the most vulnerable, including on-street access to mental health and addiction recovery services. It also requires the reform of the common selection scheme, with allocation based on objective need at its heart. <BR /> <BR />While that list is not exhaustive, those measures combined will go a long way to addressing our housing crisis. Ending homelessness is achievable; it is doable. It just requires the political will to achieve it.”
“However, registration is not regulation, and it is right that the departmental review of the role and regulation of the private rented sector is under way and that it is looking at licensing, accreditation, security of tenure and affordability. I urge the Minster to ensure that, following the review, swift and timely action is taken. <BR /> <BR />It is important to remember that a high-quality and affordable private rented sector is part of the answer to resolving the acute housing shortage that we face, but it will only be successful in addressing the challenge if it is accompanied and supported by other housing solutions. That requires building more social and affordable homes, particularly in areas of high demand.”
“It is important that we acknowledge that the vast majority of landlords are good and responsible and provide a high level of service, but it is equally important to acknowledge that a minority do not provide the same level of service. The challenge for government is to create a system that increases standards while protecting tenant and landlord and without adversely affecting the majority of tenancies that are working. The landlord registration scheme implemented last year is a useful step. It allows us to capture data and gather knowledge, and its publication enhances accountability. The circulars that are sent to landlords, advising them of their rights and responsibilities, are also helpful.”
“However, as many of us also know — Members testified to this during the debate — a number of tenants do not find themselves in the situation of having a responsible and active landlord. In fact, many are faced with an unresponsive, or in the worst cases a neglectful, landlord. I have visited constituents in homes with a growing list of outstanding repairs. I have visited a home where the landlord has refused permission for minor adaptations needed for the health and well-being of a child. Sadly, like other Members, there are similar cases I could recall in the debate.”
“I believe that all the evidence is there to show that the home is the anchor that holds other aspects of your life together. The distress and negative consequences that flow from not having a home are felt in families and households right across Northern Ireland, not least in my constituency of North Belfast. It is certainly a serious problem that requires serious and urgent action. <BR /> <BR />The private rented sector has an important part to play in providing quality, affordable and sustainable housing solutions. Successive studies and surveys, including the house condition survey, have shown that, generally speaking, the Northern Ireland private rented sector works reasonably well, with high reported levels of tenant satisfaction. Those findings are to be welcomed.”
“I support the motion and the amendment. I also pass on my good wishes to Fra McCann. Fra is a steadfast campaigner on homelessness, and his contributions on the issue are always honest, passionate and worth a listen. I also declare an interest as the owner of a house that is out for rent. <BR /> <BR />In recent times, I have had the very humbling experience of listening to Father Peter McVerry. Father Peter is a campaigner on this issue in Dublin. He works at the coalface, but he is also vociferous in challenging government and landlords to responsibly and urgently address the issue. Peter very powerfully makes the case that there are five fundamental human rights: the right to food; an education; healthcare; work; and a home.”
“Can the First Minister provide, or lodge in the Library, an update on the work of the BIC housing subgroup and its forward work programme? Can she provide details of other priorities that might be taken forward that are referred to in her statement but not detailed?”
“We would like to hear the Minister's views.”
“Earlier, the Minister's statement on the June monitoring round said that the Executive were short on ideas when it came to the allocation of the remaining £17·2 million of financial transactions capital. The SDLP has two ideas that it would like to share with the Minister. The first is the empty homes scheme, which would enable housing associations to draw down funding to purchase vacant and repossessed properties; the second is enabling them to access that money to build. We look forward to hearing, as I am sure you will —”
“I appreciate the Member giving way. I am sure that a significant proportion of your constituency work involves dealing with housing cases, as does mine. You referred to crises in hospital waiting lists and in our education system. All of us here have constituents, individuals and families, who are homeless, who are living in substandard accommodation, who are waiting for basic and significant repairs, and who have disabilities and are waiting and waiting and waiting for adaptations to afford them the basic dignity of having access to a shower. Those constituents, whom we are trying to help, and the 40,000 households on the waiting list will want to know what is in the Budget for them. <BR /> <BR />The Member referenced revenue-raising powers.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer, and I add my good wishes to you in your post. On behalf of those 96 families in the greater Belfast area and on behalf of the Forbes family in my constituency, who, since March, have been sleeping in the living room because they cannot get a home that suits their needs in terms of the mother's disability and the son's, I ask what assurances you, Minister, can give those families that you intend to review the policy on the provision of social housing for those with disabilities?”
“The Minister has made much reference to the importance of delivering on actions and I welcomed the fact that he said yesterday that housing is a priority for him. Considering that there are 40,000 households on the waiting list, 22,000 of which are in housing stress, how many affordable and social homes will be built from this allocation? For our most vulnerable people, a roof over your head is important but also, critically important, are wrap-around services. Where is the funding for projects like Supporting People and the housing first model?”
“In light of the number of functions that have transferred out of the office, can the junior Minister detail the savings to the public purse from the reduction in staff?”
“I find it interesting that our deputy First Minister does not trust the Tories when it comes to Europe but left our most vulnerable in their hands when it came to welfare reform.”
“Critically, during the Programme for Government negotiations, we pressed the head of the Civil Service and departmental officials again and again about the availability of financing for free preschool places within the Barnett consequential following the extension of 30 hours' free places for two years in England. I hope that the Minister can bring some clarity to that query.”
“In respect of free places, financing could be sourced from the childcare fund, which has merged with the social change central fund.”
“Children who are unable to access good-quality childcare miss out on the chance to enhance cognitive skills such as language development, logic, reasoning and concentration, thereby reducing their academic potential with consequent effects on employability in later life. The benefits to the child, their family and the economy from the provision of subsidised preschool places is well evidenced. <BR /> <BR />Within the limited time constraints that I have to make my contribution, it is not possible to respond to all the issues that have been raised. No doubt Alex Attwood will do that when winding up. However, turning to the question of finance that has been raised, many of the proposals in the earlier part of the SDLP's motion are cost-neutral.”
“Greater childcare provision can act as a catalyst in bolstering the economy, retaining a skilled workforce and bettering the lives of families in Northern Ireland. In short, both parents continue to work and a third childcare worker is added to the labour force, all of whom pay taxes. No one can refute the fact that the high cost of childcare places significant pressure on families' income. This was well documented in a 2015 Northern Ireland childcare cost survey, which has been referred to by a number of Members. <BR /> <BR />I move to the third connection between childcare and poverty: the advantages to the development of the child. That was recognised and very aptly summed up by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) in its childcare study in 2015.”
“I intend to focus on the aspect in our motion of free childcare provision for children aged three and four. Specifically, I want to draw attention to the connection between child poverty and childcare. <BR /> <BR />As Employers for Childcare have documented, childcare impacts on the rate of child poverty in three ways. First, the lack of available childcare is a barrier to employment for parents. Secondly, the high cost of childcare places pressure on families' income. Thirdly, childcare is very important for early intervention, particularly regarding the development needs of children. I will examine those connections in turn. <BR /> <BR />The employment and economic benefits are self-evident.”
“In short, it has failed. The truth is that, in 2013-14, the number of our children living in absolute poverty was more than twice that target figure. A staggering 112,000 children here were living in poverty. According to Save the Children, based on current trends, 38% of children here will be living in poverty by 2020. <BR /> <BR />Every child deserves to grow up free from the threat of poverty and with better life chances and opportunities than the generation that went before them. My party colleague Claire Hanna, in proposing the motion, outlined a number of early years actions that, as evidence gathered by experts locally and internationally shows, play a key role in giving a child the best start in their early development and, as a result, a better start in life.”
“Naturally, I support the motion. One of the greatest challenges facing us in the Assembly is to empower people out of poverty and to create a society not where your life expectancy, educational level, employment, income and quality of life are dictated by your postcode but where there is equality of opportunity for everyone to realise their full potential. If that is the type of society that all of us in the House desire, we must prioritise and invest in the catalyst for change that is early years. <BR /> <BR />I will take a moment to look at the facts. In 2002-03, the child absolute income poverty rate was 25%. Fast-forward to 2013-14, and it had risen to 26%. The Child Poverty Act set a target of achieving a two-thirds reduction in the number of children living in absolute income poverty from 135,000 in 1998-99 to 46,000 by 2011.”
“<BR /> <BR />I felt that it was important today, with the consent of Aaron's parents, to pass on his message and the call from his parents for more help at an earlier stage. It is a call that is echoed in so many homes and by so many people who are in or have been through the nightmare of this experience. There is a duty on us all to listen to those families and to act. Therefore, I hope that the amendment secures the support of all parties in the House.”
“A budding chef and talented artist, Aaron was determined to use his gifts, particularly through his recovery, to share his personal experiences with other young people to prevent and protect them from going through what he had. Powerfully, through his creative gifts, he wanted to show the true picture and the real torment that, in this instance, legal highs unleashed on a young person and their loved ones. Since his painful passing, and even through their grief, his parents are determined to carry on Aaron's message, warning other young people and campaigning to ensure that help is available as early as possible, to young people in particular, so that they do not become trapped by their addiction and, critically, suffer the mental anguish that ensues.”
“However, families who have been affected and those families currently living with the horror of drug misuse, especially when it involves a child, feel desperately that much more needs to be done. It is in response to these testimonies that we have brought forward the amendment. <BR /> <BR />As I bring my contribution to a conclusion, I want to make reference to one of the many powerful testimonies shared with me over recent times. It is a message from Aaron Fox, who, while he had bravely and successfully battled his addiction, sadly lost his life, just a few short months ago, in a courageous battle with the resulting mental demons that proved just too much to bear. Aaron's story was relayed to me by his devoted father and mother.”
“Though the individual sets of circumstances may vary, the one thing that I find unifying the affected individuals and families whom I have spoken to is their response when I ask them what more, in their opinion, can be done. Almost always, it is the same answer: ensure that more help is made available and accessible earlier, before the full grip of addiction takes its hold and mental health and well-being deteriorates to a level that is incredibly difficult to come back from, especially for a young person who, in their formative years, is only beginning to find themselves. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge phase 2 of the new strategic direction for alcohol and drugs and its key elements, one of which includes a focus on prevention and early intervention.”
“The human cost of the months and years of a life spent battling an addiction and the mental vulnerability that accompanies such an addiction, the many families left broken by a battle with this cruel addiction, and the lives of all the loved ones lost as a result of drugs can never be truly or fully captured. <BR /> <BR />It is, however, possible to get a sharp and startling insight into the human cost and misery when you spend time listening to individuals and families who have come through this journey. It is perhaps most acute when you listen to those families who have painfully lost a loved one caught up in what is a growing epidemic.”
“They rightly should be praised for their commitment and dedication to helping some of the most vulnerable in our society, and they should be supported to expand their collaborative work and intensive intervention. That is what this amendment is calling for. <BR /> <BR />Those organisations will tell you, and all the evidence shows, that prevention and early intensive support in the community works. It is about the right medication and the right support at the right time. This is critical if we are to prevent the spiral of physical and mental harm and other harmful behaviours that can follow to fund a habit when someone becomes hooked on drugs. <BR /> <BR />While we may not have total precise figures, we do know that drug misuse brings with it an immense cost, not least to our health service, economy and justice system.”
“<BR /> <BR />I want, at this point, to put on record my appreciation for the tremendous life-changing, and in many cases life-saving, work that is carried out by those working in addiction and mental health services in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors in North Belfast, but also in constituencies right across Northern Ireland. They are working under immense pressure with an increase in demand for their services, particularly in services required by children and young people, as referrals for the child and adolescent mental health service and drug and alcohol mental health services show. They are trying to respond to this increase in demand at a time when budgets are being put under pressure.”
“It is a much wider job for the Executive, with critical input and collaboration between the Justice Minister and the Ministers of Education and Health in particular, who have an instrumental part to play in reducing demand by educating young people in particular against the dangers of drugs to prevent experimentation in the first instance and, critically, delivering increased provision and awareness of, and access to, early intervention and support services when the symptoms of drug-taking first present and when the chances of breaking the dangerous and harmful downward spiral that ends in addiction are highest. It is for these reasons that we are seeking to expand the responsibility and remit of the motion with our amendment, and I welcome the DUP's indication of support.”
“Certainly, as the motion points out, the Minister of Justice has a key role to play. The SDLP welcomes the increase in recent years in the number of drug seizure incidents and drug-related convictions. We also welcome the recent strengthening of legislation in respect of the supply of psychoactive drugs. We believe, however, that much more needs to be done by the PSNI and the Department of Justice, working with communities, if we are to seriously tackle the proliferation of drugs on our streets. <BR /> <BR />We also believe that this issue cannot be tackled by focusing on the supply side alone. If we are to be robust in tackling the scourge of illegal drugs — and the misuse of prescription drugs, for that matter — the job is not one solely for the Minister of Justice.”
“The priority that they have given to the issue in bringing it forward today demonstrates a commitment to tackling the growing epidemic on our streets. I assure them that, even though we sit on opposite sides of the House, this is a priority issue for the SDLP and a commitment that we share, as, I am sure, other parties in the House do.”
“It is a heartbreaking situation that, as a councillor in North Belfast over the past six years, I have also witnessed far too many times. I share Alban Maginness's passion and determination to do what I can in this new role to prevent other individuals of all ages and their families having to go through the painful battle with drug addiction and the mental anguish that goes hand in hand with it, which, in the worst cases, ends in a family mourning their loved one for ever. It is for that reason that my party colleague Colin McGrath and I tabled the amendment on behalf of the SDLP. <BR /> <BR />Before I move on to address the amendment specifically, I commend the DUP for bringing a motion on illegal drugs before us on the first day of business in the new Assembly.”
“In moving the amendment, as you point out, Mr Speaker, I make my maiden speech to the House on what is certainly an issue of grave concern to my constituents in North Belfast. <BR /> <BR />The well-documented prevalence and escalation of drug misuse through the consumption of illegal drugs and prescribed medicines is having a devastating impact on individuals, families and our community. It is a growing problem that my predecessor Alban Maginness — a gentlemen who dedicated decades of his life to trying to improve the quality of life of the people of North Belfast — was acutely conscious of and committed to tackling. He witnessed in North Belfast the torment of individuals falling victim to drug addiction and the anguish and heartache felt by their families struggling to help to free them from the cruel and debilitating grip of addiction.”