Colin McGrath
South Down · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, regardless of where people stand on the exact figure, surely we can all agree that a health service cannot function without the doctors whom it trains.”
“Minister, climate change is happening, and extreme weather events are taking place. We saw that in Downpatrick a number of years ago when the town centre was ravaged by flooding, and it has taken the businesses affected many years to try to get over that flooding.”
“Minister, given that capital funding is, generally, being decimated, the extent of which may increase as a result of the Executive's not agreeing a Budget, what impact will that have on any final road maintenance strategy, and are any contingencies being put in place to manage that?”
“<BR /> <BR />Since March 2025, the parliamentary excellence programme has delivered dedicated sessions with the Executive Office on the strategic framework and its delivery plan, enhancing Members’ understanding of the cross-government approach and their role in scrutiny, legislation and constituency engagement.”
“<BR /> <BR />More broadly, the Assembly Commission supports Members and Committees in carrying out their scrutiny functions, including in relation to the Executive Office’s work on that framework.”
“As the Member mentioned, one example is the Assembly's Women's Caucus, which has a particular focus on supporting women in public life and highlighting the increasing challenges that women face in the digital sphere, including online abuse.”
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“Businesses are struggling, and the news of recent interventions has been helpful. SSP is a concern because most businesses will have people off sick at some stage and there could be a drain on the financial resources of their business, especially small and medium ones. I also hope that the rumours that there will be some assistance for the self-employed will come to pass, and I understand that there may be announcements in London this morning. Hopefully, that will provide some help for our self-employed sector, which has been waiting for information. These are worrying times, and the self-employed feel a bit like a forgotten clan. They have been left to watch their employers get 80% of their wages while they face universal credit.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill gives the Department of Education and, by extension, the Minister the power to direct schools to close temporarily. Unfortunately, it must be said that, up to this point, the lack of and confusing information provided by the Department has been unhelpful. My inbox and, I am sure, those of many other Members have been filled with concerned teachers, parents and unions worried about what to do, what not to do and then how to do it. I hope that the Minister of Education will ensure that there is greater clarity, although, judging by his tweet last night, I will not hold out too much hope for that clarity. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will bring into force provisions for a power in relation to the funding of additional employers' liabilities for SSP incurred as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.”
“Why are we not testing more? I welcome the fact that the Minister referred to an increase in testing, because we need to ramp up our capability and see an immediate programme put in place in our communities that lets anybody who is worried be tested and then have the results quickly. It is silly to have medical and healthcare staff off sick for 14 days when a simple test with results in 48 hours could let them back onto the wards 11 days earlier. What of the other essential staff whom we are making work? Today, there are teachers in schools looking after children whose parents are day and daily in contact with people suffering from the virus. Can they be tested too? The potential for cross-contamination in such a setting is massive.”
“They need to be properly protected. We owe it to them, for their endeavours, to protect them, and providing them with personal protection equipment is a must. <BR /> <BR />Also, as has been mentioned, what of our retail and other sectors? They are at the front line, engaging daily with people who potentially have the virus. We should consider providing some assistance for them. <BR /> <BR />I accept that there may need to be some reconfiguration of services in our health network, and I would not question that. However, I want an assurance from you, Minister, that any such moves will be temporary. Can I seek from you today on the record an assurance that any reconfiguration of health services is temporary and will be moved back again once this passes? <BR /> <BR />On testing, the Bill is not perfect. There are glaring omissions.”
“<BR /> <BR />Pharmacists are another set of unsung heroes. They will have emergency provision to prescribe medicines and drugs that they would otherwise not have been able to. We extend our thanks to pharmacists, who are at the front line of the battle. Staff in other professions will be able to take blocks of leave — up to four weeks at a time — as part of emergency volunteering and that will enable them to help with the fight against COVID-19. That is critical, because the work may very well overwhelm our National Health Service staff, and they will need our help and assistance. We should welcome that provision to allow people to step up to the mark. Many in the health sector are concerned about their safety and the provision of personal protection equipment. They are at the front line, exposed to the virus day and daily.”
“The legislation before us will be time-limited for two years, and it is neither necessary nor appropriate for all of the measures to come into force immediately or at all. We have the ability, with scientific evidence, to bring the powers to an early close, and I welcome that there are moves in London to have this reviewed every six months. That would be appropriate. <BR /> <BR />Some of the clauses refer to the emergency registration of healthcare professionals. All over the North, we see doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals graduating early or re-registering so that they can put themselves on the very front line of the pandemic. Let us never forget the debt of gratitude that we owe them, and I hope that any concerns that they have regarding their pension payments can be quickly resolved.”
“This day can be the defining moment of the Assembly. There is no other issue — not one in a generation — that has brought people together, removed the stain of orange and green politics and seen the need for us all to work together as this issue has. The Coronavirus Bill is brought to the House for consideration. We are told that, to effectively respond to the ongoing pandemic, consistency of outcome will be achieved by making the range of tools and powers consistent across the UK. I fully appreciate that this is not an easy ask for any of us. The legislation is not perfect, and it is not legislation that I ever believed I would be asked to support, but these are extraordinary times.”
“The powers are exercisable only if a declaration of threat to public health has been made by the Executive Office, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer or any of his deputies and the direction is given for the purposes of preventing, protecting against or controlling the incidence or transmission of coronavirus or facilitating the most appropriate deployment of medical or emergency personnel and resources in Northern Ireland. What that means is that the advice of the Chief Medical Officer or his deputies must be sought before direction is made. That appears to be a significant safeguard. <BR /> <BR />I now speak as a member of the Health Committee and as an MLA for South Down. Much has been said over the last months about the Assembly and how it would define us and our collective capacity and resolve to work together.”
“Where such a declaration is made, the Executive Office has the power to prohibit or restrict events or gatherings and close premises or impose restrictions on persons entering or remaining inside them. Anyone who fails to comply with a direction will be guilty of an offence punishable by a fine of up to £100,000 on summary conviction or an unlimited fine on conviction or indictment. I sincerely hope that we do not get to that stage. There is a duty on every citizen to comply with directions that aim to protect society during these unprecedented times. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned earlier that a significant challenge faces us all in fulfilling our scrutiny role in the COVID-19 crisis setting. In that context, safeguards become even more important, to ensure that powers are properly and proportionately used.”
“I understand that they will complement the powers to be made available to the Department of Health on the control of infectious diseases and are similar in effect to other provisions covering other jurisdictions. The powers will be available for use immediately on commencement, although it is hoped that the voluntary postponement of mass gatherings in response to the outbreak means that early use is unlikely. We have already seen many organisations take the life-saving step of postponing events, and they should be applauded for that. <BR /> <BR />The Executive Office will have the power to make and subsequently revoke declarations indicating that:”
“There is no doubt that a significant challenge faces us all in fulfilling our scrutiny role in the COVID-19 crisis setting. Everything is urgent. Everything is fast-moving. Things change by the hour. <BR /> <BR />The Committee for the Executive Office has carried out some scrutiny of the provisions of the Bill that fall under the responsibility of the Executive Office. It received written briefings from officials on Friday past, and the lead official helpfully offered to speak to members if they needed any clarification in advance of this debate. <BR /> <BR />As has already been outlined, the Executive Office has policy responsibility for civil contingencies. Therefore, clause 50 and part 5 of schedule 21 give the Department powers in relation to events, gatherings and premises in Northern Ireland.”
“I speak on behalf of the Committee for the Executive Office on what is an important issue for every strand of our society. For the most part, it is crying out for much greater powers and restrictions to help in the fight against COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />I begin by offering my condolences to the families of those who have died as a result of the coronavirus in the North. We have had our third death, and we know that that is, sadly, only the beginning. <BR /> <BR />The scrutiny by Assembly Committees of legislative consent memorandums is usually full and intense. In normal circumstances, members would have the benefit of a Committee report on the legislative consent memorandum to help to inform deliberations on whether to grant the legislative consent, but, with such urgent legislation, that has not been possible.”
“However, I hope that the opportunity is not taken, under the cover of this crisis, to realign services and leave rural areas deprived.”
“In constituencies such as mine, resorts, including Newcastle yesterday, were absolutely jam-packed, while beaches had tailbacks of cars trying to get into them. People have to realise that they have to heed the advice and stay at home. If they have to go out, it is simply for work, to go to the shop or to care for somebody, and really not much reason beyond that. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I hope that some Departments do not use the crisis as an opportunity to settle some old goals with regard to relocating and closing down services. I am hearing some very worrying remarks about the Downe Hospital. Many people and staff have contacted me. If things have to be done for safety, that is perfect as long as it is detailed out.”
“Many carers are going in and out of people's homes where the only protection that they have is a set of gloves. There can be up to four people coming in, and that is very worrying for the people in those houses. <BR /> <BR />Testing remains a major issue. If we do not know who has the illness, we do not know how to isolate. If people in the health sector are isolating for 14 days at a time, that means that they are taken off the wards and off the floor for 14 days. A test could be turned around in 48 hours to get those people back on to the floor if they do not have the illness. <BR /> <BR />I echo the remarks that have already been made and say that we need to get a clear message out as an Executive and as an Assembly to curtail people socialising at this time.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister and the First Minister for the update from the Department today. I also echo the condolences that have been sent to the families of those who have passed away as a result of the virus. <BR /> <BR />This is a worrying time for people, and, as the deputy First Minister said, information is key. I welcome all the announcements so far, but I ask whether some consideration can be given to funnelling the information through to MLAs because we are literally being contacted by hundreds of people and are having to go on to news websites and twitter feeds to try to find information. If there were a way of getting information funnelled out, it would be greatly appreciated. <BR /> <BR />I am concerned for our health sector staff, as they are very worried that they do not have the equipment that they need.”
“While Mr Allister's Bill attempts, in theory, to address the matters raised, it poses more questions than answers, with one of the most questionable aspects of the Bill being the criminalisation of special advisers. There are many questions that need to be answered and clarity sought at Committee Stage. At this point, we cannot support or reject the Bill, but we will have our perspectives at Committee Stage.”
“It is a valid point. If we record absolutely everything, it could frighten off whistle-blowers who may not want to come to you and detail some things. Whilst we have concerns about things that are off the record, there needs to be some capacity for off-the-record conversations, certainly in the context of whistle-blowing. <BR /> <BR />A point that was raised earlier and I raise again is whether special advisers' employment should be term-limited. The current code of conduct states that a special adviser's employment ends when their Minister ceases to hold office. I will not rehearse the eloquent remarks that were made earlier about that. <BR /> <BR />These are the questions that all of us have to address. We have big, deeply systemic issues that need to be addressed in the functioning of our Government.”
“Are we, as an Assembly and an Executive, giving due consideration to the overall special advisers' code of conduct? Special advisers have an obligation to their Minister, but maybe it could be considered that it should be to the Assembly or to the Executive. <BR /> <BR />The issue of whistle-blowing is linked to the report, and we need to ask ourselves whether we take it seriously enough. For instance, what should happen if a whistle-blower were to approach us as individual MLAs? Do we have the capacity and knowledge to deal with that, and where should that information go?”
“Alas, the work of this Chamber goes on, and I wish to make a few comments about the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The RHI report was discussed earlier today, but we cannot downplay the link between that report and Mr Allister's private Member's Bill. Given that the report of the RHI inquiry was released on Friday and many of us are still digesting it, I recognise that Mr Allister's Bill seeks to address some of the issues contained in that report. There are, perhaps, lessons to be learned that were not raised in the RHI report. The fundamental flaw in the RHI scheme was the lack of accurate information. <BR /> <BR />When directives are given to civil servants from a special adviser, they should have a note explaining explicitly that it is a directive to be given by the Minister, as opposed to that adviser.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the end, members could not reach consensus on whether the Committee should form a view at that juncture on the general principles of the Bill. Subsequent to a Division, the Committee agreed to consider the general principles following the publication of the RHI report. Unfortunately, the Committee cannot be afforded that opportunity because the Bill is having its Second Stage today, in advance of the next Committee meeting. <BR /> <BR />I wish to speak now in my capacity as an individual MLA. While I am aware of the threat posed to our way of life by the coronavirus, I wish to begin by acknowledging the great work that is taking place in communities across Northern Ireland, with people pulling together to help one another in the difficult and dark days ahead of us.”
“Following an in-depth discussion, there was unanimous agreement amongst members that the status quo was not an option. Members agreed with the principle of change and felt strongly that action needed to be taken not just to restore public confidence but to improve the functioning of government. There was, however, some disagreement on the right vehicle or vehicles to do that. Some members felt that now was not the right time to consider the general principles of the Bill, while others offered their support. <BR /> <BR />As I have mentioned, there were concerns over the timing of the Bill. The question was asked on numerous occasions why the Bill was introduced in advance of the publication of the RHI inquiry report. Introducing it in advance of the publication of the new ministerial code was also questioned.”
“His idea was that the Bill could accommodate amendments to address any additional issues that were raised in Sir Patrick Coghlin's report. <BR /> <BR />The new ministerial code that has now been published, but was not at the time, was also raised. It was highlighted that the changes to the code would likely go further than the proposals contained in the Bill. As we now know, the new ministerial code and guidance have been significantly strengthened, and an independent panel will be established to rapidly investigate alleged breaches of the ministerial code. Whilst Mr Allister made the point that a code is only a code and can be unmade as quickly as it is made, further doubt was added to the timing of the Bill's introduction.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I am not going to pretend to be an expert on the legal process of private Member's Bills, but I am sure that Mr Allister will take the opportunity to respond to that, given the remarks that we are making. <BR /> <BR />If Mr Allister had gone down the route of not drafting the Bill himself, a consultation process would have been necessary. <BR /> <BR />In relation to the timing of the Bill, some members questioned whether it would have been prudent to wait for the outcome of the RHI inquiry to ensure that the Bill, as introduced, covered most, if not all, of the issues raised. In response, Mr Allister acknowledged that he was confident that he could second-guess the outcome of the RHI inquiry. That was why he drafted the long title of the Bill to make it as wide as possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Allister went on to outline the two routes that can be taken to introduce a private Member's Bill: one where you draft the Bill yourself; one where you get the Bill Office to draft it for you. He informed the Committee that he was not obligated to carry out a formal consultation as he had drafted the Bill himself. He simply presented it to the Speaker's Office and, because it was legally competent, it was able to be moved forward.”
“<BR /> <BR />While a range of issues were covered during the question and answer session that followed the briefing, members spent considerable time discussing the lack of consultation on the Bill and the timing of its introduction. When asked about the lack of consultation, Mr Allister informed the Committee that he did not feel that there was a need for further consultation on the Bill's provision. He advised the Committee that he had carried out a consultation on various issues around special advisers in the course of drafting a Bill that he introduced in 2015 and that some of those provisions are contained in this Bill. He also told members that he drew on the well-publicised issues arising from the evidence given to the RHI inquiry to inform his drafting.”
“I make these opening remarks in my role as Chairperson of the Executive Office Committee. A number of weeks ago, the Committee received a briefing from Mr Allister on the principles of the Functioning of Government Bill. Mr Allister outlined the three strands of the Bill. The first strand deals directly with some of the issues that were rehearsed during the progress of the RHI inquiry. Obviously, that report had not been published at the time of the briefing. The second strand deals with the changes to the law to address the number of special advisers in the Executive Office, amongst other related matters. The third strand establishes a rolling review of the functioning of government.”
“Could the Minister give us more information about the discussions that she is having with operators to ensure that there is provision during this very worrying time?”
“Nothing challenges antisocial behaviour more than police on the streets. There can be a perception at times that there are not enough police on the streets or that they are never seen. There has been a promise of additional officers, especially for the community beat team. I made reference to that yesterday, so I ask the Minister again when those new officers will be on the ground.”
“We want to see positive action being used to challenge these events.”
“In recent weeks, we have had assaults, threats, intimidation, drug consumption and criminal damage, but the root cause is always the same: large volumes of alcohol being consumed. I want to see the new officers in place soon and challenging this behaviour in Downpatrick. I hope the Minister can tell us today when those new officers will be in place. <BR /> <BR />We must do more to change attitudes. We must do more to combat paramilitaries who continue to wreak havoc across the North. We must do more to seek ways to prevent reoffending. We must do more to encourage those who have been the victims of crime to speak up, and most importantly, when they do speak up, we must do more to support the victims. <BR /> <BR />It was the SDLP who brought this motion to the Assembly, not the Executive or the Department.”
“<BR /> <BR />The interventions need to start earlier. I welcomed the announcement made by the Police Service a number of months ago, before this Assembly reconvened, to deploy extra officers back into the community beats or neighbourhood area teams. These officers operated at the coalface, but they were a permanent fixture. People knew them, and they knew people, and those relationships and their network of contacts were used to challenge issues in local communities. I look forward to seeing them again in areas like Downpatrick. <BR /> <BR />We currently have issues with large groups of young people gathering on Friday afternoons, trying to get passing 18-year-olds to purchase drinks for them. If successful, they consume large amounts of alcohol, and then their behaviour goes downhill.”
“Thank you, and I thank the Member for her intervention. We have a range of issues that we need to address and tackle. Earlier today, I referenced the need for the Executive to deliver on an anti-poverty strategy, because that will start to combat the poverty in our community, and that will then allow some people to receive help and assistance, which may mean they do not have to be in the circumstances that have been mentioned. <BR /> <BR />I was referencing those who get so intoxicated that they cannot control their behaviour, and it can be a complete stranger in the street or a partner at home who feels the brunt of that abusive behaviour at the end of the night. We must do more — and see more action from the police too, who often get exposed to such violent crime and become the needless targets of such crime as well.”
“The sad reality is that the majority of cases of violent crime are underpinned by alcohol or drug consumption. We must do more to rid our society of the scourge of alcohol and drug abuse. I am careful to note that I am not referencing the overwhelming number of people who can have a glass or two of wine or a few pints; I am referencing those who get so intoxicated that they cannot control their behaviour.”
“This looming shadow, which stains our land and our lives, has a name, and it is violent crime. My constituency is, in many ways, a rural one, and my home town of Downpatrick is not exempt from that looming shadow. Last year alone, the PSNI in the Downpatrick area recorded 2,395 acts of antisocial behaviour, 1,619 acts of violence and sexual offences and 837 acts of criminal damage and arson. However, the most harrowing truth of this matter is that we may never know the total levels of violent crime occurring across the North, as many people still feel unable to come forward to tell their story. <BR /> <BR />Members, if like me you feel the same sense of moral outrage that this Assembly did not sit for over three years and did not legislate to combat the shadow of violent crime, then you will agree that we must do more.”
“Most regrettably, 50 years on, "this mindless menace of violence" still overshadows our land and continues to affect the lives of all. <BR /> <BR />All across the North, men and women suffer, oftentimes in the most awful silence, because of domestic violence. The victims and survivors of institutional abuse have suffered for years as they have sought to speak truth to power and let their story be heard and the evil perpetrated on them rooted out and bought into the light. Young and old alike are attacked in their home and in our very streets, and they must then piece together their life afterwards.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to the motion on violent crime. I also welcome the level of engagement that there has been on the motion and the input from other parties. <BR /> <BR />An American legislator once said:”
“How much longer must communities outside parts of Belfast wait for their fair share? We must dream bigger and imagine more. I hope that this programme will allow us to do so.”
“That is why our key talks commitments included priorities such as the expansion of Magee. That was highlighted in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document, and I believe it was even included in bold as a top priority for the Executive. <BR /> <BR />It is regrettable that tangible action is not included here.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our public services are in crisis, and people are struggling to make ends meet across the North. They deserve an Executive and Assembly that do not merely exist but genuinely deliver. After three years of failed politics, people deserve the right to expect better. I recognise that this programme does not represent all the legislation that the Executive intend to deliver, but it is disappointing that there is no commitment to tangible action to address decades of regional inequalities and imbalance. That is felt acutely in my constituency of South Down, where, as my colleague Justin McNulty revealed last week, Invest NI brought precisely zero investors. Addressing the stark regional imbalance across the North has been a priority for the SDLP.”
“Many sectors were negatively affected by the political impasse and lack of legislation, none more acutely than the hospitality sector, which has been crying out for years for change. As Hospitality Ulster outlined, the local hospitality industry supports thousands of jobs, contributes £1·2 billion every year to our economy and is a cornerstone of our growing tourism industry. <BR /> <BR />The commitments in this programme are welcome, but they must be the first step on a journey to modernise licensing laws and unlock economic growth across the North. There is a lot to welcome in the programme, therefore, it would be churlish not to do so. However, while we recognise that the Executive must be flexible and respond to urgent priorities, there is a lot we are missing.”
“It is right that we welcome the progress and the safeguards that were secured for our citizens, but it does not go far enough. The Minister must act to strengthen mitigations for families across the North, and I look forward to working with her and colleagues across the Chamber to deliver on that. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the housing (amendment) Bill, which will make changes and allow us to open up potential and capacity for our housing sector. I take this opportunity to put on record my thanks to the diligent staff who campaigned hard to deliver on this. I am sorry that the impasse means that it has taken us three years to deliver, but I am glad that we are finally here. <BR /> <BR />The other element of the legislative programme that I want to refer to is the licensing and registration of clubs (amendment) Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will make a few brief remarks on behalf of my party and my constituents in South Down about the legislative programme that the Executive intend to bring forward. I warmly welcome the swift action taken by the Communities Minister and her Executive colleagues in moving decisively to extend the welfare mitigations. The looming cliff edge at the end of March was causing fear and anxiety for families across the North, and it must be welcomed that those mitigations are to be extended. However, we must look at strengthening those protections and scrapping the most callous elements of welfare reform, including the two-child benefit cap. At a time when so many families are being pushed into hunger, poverty and despair, they should be able to look to our Executive and the Assembly to help them.”
“I thank the First Minister and deputy First Minister for tabling the motion and fulfilling the obligations placed on them in the 'New Decade, New Approach' document. It has been said before — it is worth repeating— that it is very welcome that we are back in this place, delivering legislation that will improve people's lives. That is not before time. Much of the legislation will be brought to the Executive Office Committee, of which I am Chair, for scrutiny. Committee members were interested to learn just when those elements of the legislative programme process might commence. Perhaps we could get some ballpark timings for the legislation, as that would certainly help the Committee's forward work planning.”
“Although I appreciate and understand that the RHI report is not something that is the direct responsibility of the Minister as it is being carried out by the inquiry, what preparations is the Department making to update the House on his Department's interpretation of the report and future actions as a result of it?”
“I certainly hope that, once the Budget process is concluded, we can move quickly into the new process and all have our say. We can give our lists, as I have done, in Committees and other places, but we must certainly do what we can for people out there. They want us in here fighting on their behalf for services in their community and the Budget that reflects those.”
“The 'Priorities for Youth' document, which was produced seven or eight years ago, contains that type of direction: that there should not be duplication. In fact, where the voluntary service is doing the delivery, it should be given priority. That should be enshrined. Of course, the voluntary sector needs to be funded, and the Budget needs to reflect that. It is important that youth services are funded as needed. <BR /> <BR />As I stated, the Budget for the period ahead is 45% of last year's Budget. I want to end where I started: if we do not have a new approach to the Budget and the Budget process, we will simply come in here and get a few hours to look at the spend of £20 billion and all the priorities for the year ahead.”
“It can create a different outcome and direction for them in their lives. In the Education budget, I would like consideration to be given at all times to the Youth Service and additional resources. We need to be able to help our young people.”
“Yes, indeed — absolutely — but one leads to the other. If we constantly do regional, those who pay their rates and taxes and who live in constituencies need to have their say. I am probably asking for a little indulgence and latitude on the basis that this is the first time that I have had an opportunity to raise issues on behalf of constituents in four years, so there is quite a lot that I am referring to for this one Budget. <BR /> <BR />It would be wrong of me if I did not speak about one regional issue: youth services. It is critical to invest in the Youth Service. It provides opportunities for young people who would otherwise not get to participate in structured activities or educational outcomes. For many who get involved in those projects, it is an opportunity to shine.”
“Investing in our natural environment, such as the new build at Our Lady and St Patrick's, is no longer optional. For the sake of current and future generations, we must invest in this, and invest substantially. Will we see this reflected in the Budget in the months ahead? <BR /> <BR />Also — I am coming near the end — there is climate change, which is an undeniable and irrefutable fact, although some would question that. With rising sea levels, there is coastal erosion. These matters need to concern each of us so that our natural landscape can be enjoyed by all, with houses also protected. I hope that, in the Budget lines that are being established, there will be finance to address those concerns.”