Sinéad Bradley
South Down · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />Periods have had many different names and have come, as Emma correctly pointed out, in many different colours. Mostly, they were talked about in hushed tones, but that is no more.”
“I, too, support the Bill, and I thank Pat Catney, my friend and colleague, for introducing it. <BR /> <BR />As a Member who sat on the Justice Committee, I am all too aware of some of the harrowing circumstances that young women face every day.”
“Pat's charm allowed everybody to embrace what he is trying to achieve today. I genuinely mean this: the people of Lagan Valley served the House proud when they put Pat Catney here. It is having people like Pat, with a good heart and good intentions, in a place where change can happen that results in days like today.”
“I am privileged to support the motion on behalf of the SDLP. Like other Members of the House, I have heard at first hand about the horrendous and heinous acts that led to the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act.”
“I thank Members across the Chamber for their kind words. <BR /> <BR />I suppose that all of us like to consider ourselves to be fair. I include myself in that.”
“I thank my party leader, Colum Eastwood, for hearing my calls, understanding the importance of the Narrow Water bridge and making sure that it was included in the New Decade, New Approach agreement.”
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“In real terms, that means that one in three or four shops has its shutter down. That image is not enticing potential customers to visit the town centre. <BR /> <BR />We have rightly identified reasons for that, such as changes in shopping habits, the growth of Internet shopping, the growth of out-of-town retailing, parking, traffic issues and infrastructure, including rail links, as I mentioned. The Government have to play their part in keeping our town centres vibrant, and stimulating the local economy will then play well into our regional and national economies. Our main streets and high streets play a significant role in the national economy. They are very much part of the bigger picture. The high street provides jobs, distributes goods and services and is a place of investment. We cannot afford to see that investment slip.”
“Thank you. <BR /> <BR />I agree completely. I look with envy at hotels such as the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown. I also think of the industrial hub in Craigavon. Unfortunately, visitors to Seagoe often have to travel to hotels elsewhere at the end of their visit. We therefore have to look at hotels, connectivity of features that are already in place, how those can be built on and how they directly link to the high street. I know that my former colleague Dolores Kelly did much work on the rail service, for example. It is an important feature in creating access to towns and town centres. <BR /> <BR />I looked through the statistics on vacancy rates in Upper Bann. Of course, we would like them all to sit at 0%, and we should aim for nothing short of that, but there are rates of 20%, 25% and 27%.”
“They are not unique, although it has to be said that, like other constituencies, Upper Bann has it uniqueness. I suppose that, like everywhere, we have to work to our strengths and create a tailored approach to what will revive the high street in those areas. For example, I know that the council invests in Lurgan show. I have learnt that the public park there is the largest on the island after Phoenix Park. Such shows, although they are great and draw crowds, do not greatly benefit the high street. It is about creative thinking and playing to the strengths of the area. I look again at Portadown. You have the Seagoe Hotel, at which many of us would look with envy —”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. As the SDLP spokesperson on the economy, I am delighted to speak in this debate. Whilst it is specific to the Upper Bann constituency, as a Member representing South Down, I hear and recognise that many of the problems associated throughout Banbridge, Lurgan and Portadown are reflected in towns such as Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Downpatrick and right across my constituency.”
“As the Minister rightly pointed out, there is a real shortage of care workers, particularly in rural areas. Organisations with good intentions are unable to provide the care packages required. Does the Minister have some way in which she is going to make sure that rural people in particular are not disadvantaged in their access to care packages at home?”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. Perpetrators should know that any law will reflect that.”
“Thank you. Good legislation and failed legislation on stalking has already been introduced in many countries. It is now time to study it and make a Northern Ireland model. Stalking is a cruel, manipulative and appalling crime —”
“Of course, the fear of danger does not end there for the person stalked. There will always be that dreaded release date. The stalked person will inevitably fear an aggrieved stalker presenting to seek revenge.”
“Suggestions for the requirements include up-to-date training for the Police Service and the introduction of additional services and support contact points. The framework will also require authorities to have the ability to take swift and immediate action to protect the well-being of those affected. There must be properly policed restraining orders and the notion of national and international stalker registers, particularly for those who are identified as persistent stalkers. <BR /> <BR />Ultimately, if an alleged stalker is found guilty, sentencing must reflect the harrowing and serious nature of their crime. Likewise, rehabilitation should form a large part of any sentencing. Perpetrators' perceptions of reality need to be broken down, allowing them to see things from the perspective of the targeted person.”
“I recognise that, but, as the topic is discussed further and the knowledge base deepens, I ask the Minister to reflect on her position. I also ask that she takes her steer from the people who are affected by the crime of stalking. <BR /> <BR />The Minister rightly linked the debate on stalking to domestic violence. The Metropolitan Police Service found that 40% of victims of domestic murder had also been stalked, but legislation on stalking as a specific crime is missing from our statute books. Members across the House rightly pointed out that any legislative framework must reach deep into the roots of the problem and help cultivate a culture that enables those targeted by stalkers to come forward with confidence.”
“I welcome the fact that the Minister of Justice was present throughout the debate to hear the overwhelming support that exists for new legislation for this specific crime. The Minister expressed full support for the motion but, unfortunately, fell short of giving 100% support to the amendment.”
“Consider that, as has already been reported today, most people receive their 100th incident before they actually contact police and report the stalking. We cannot help but ask this question: how many cases go unreported? For now, we might just have to accept that we do not have an accurate reading of the true scale of the issue. While legislation is lacking and stalking has not been given due recognition as a serious crime, those affected by it are more likely to feel disempowered in reporting this crime. There is, however, sufficient evidence in the public domain for the House to recognise and realise the need for early and effective legislation. <BR /> <BR />It was reassuring to listen to the House speak in unison on the motion and the amendment.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many Members rightly referred to reports suggesting that the misuse of social media is perhaps now helping to fuel the increasing incidence of stalking. It is also true that many high-profile cases have given us an insight into the horrors experienced by those subjected to this heinous and often delusional crime. We are all now aware that a crime once perceived to be reserved for celebrities and high-profile personalities no longer conforms to such boundaries. The Office for National Statistics states that one in six women and one in 12 men have experienced stalking offences, but some argue that even that shocking statistic is grossly underestimated. That is a notion that I subscribe to.”
“At the outset, I would like to place on record my unreserved support for the motion and the amendment. I further wish to thank Brenda Hale for bringing this, perhaps overdue, motion in front of the House. My party colleague Claire Hanna and others have rightly highlighted the need to ensure that efficient, clear and accessible legislation is put in place to target the increasingly common and serious crime of stalking. Many across the House highlighted the fact that there is no legal definition, but good attempts and suggestions have been presented today for consideration. Contributions across the House made for difficult listening at times, and there has been a very truthful sharing of information. Researching the topic also threw up uncomfortable reading material and some shocking statistics, which have been also shared across the House.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answers so far. You have touched on some of the issues that I was hoping to raise with you. In terms of accessibility to advisory services, given the complex nature of the issue that will be dealt with during those advisory services, can you indicate further what detail has really been broken down in terms of people with mental health issues, disability access, or other vulnerable groups that may need more tailored services?”
“Can the Minister give an up-to-date synopsis of any conversations that she has had with Executive colleagues or others on safeguarding and developing export markets for the agrifood sector?”
“That was explained away, given the urgent need to give stakeholders certainty, which is a point that I do not disagree with. Having said that, I made my dissatisfaction known to the Committee. It was to my disappointment that the Chair of the Committee and others did not take up my offer of calling an extra meeting where we could discuss the matter further; he was content to sit with his partners in government. <BR /> <BR />I cannot and will not let the moment pass without expressing my concern. Whilst I welcome the stability offered to stakeholders in bringing this to the House, it should be clearly placed on record that that is not a way to do business. The Committee should not be reduced to rubber-stamping, with a nod and a wink, such important legislation.”
“Given that backdrop, I fully understand the Minister's eagerness to bring forward a draft order ahead of summer recess. What does not sit comfortably with me is the process used to do it. It would be remiss of me not to make the House aware of my dissatisfaction, which I expressed in Committee. The matter should have been conducted in a much more transparent and democratic way. Four weeks after taking up office, the Minister sent officials to the Committee to do what I can only describe as wafting in front of us an SL1 and SR as an additional item to an already full agenda. In fact, the email requesting that the additional agenda item of the SL1 and SR be included was described by Department officials as a highly unusual request at very short notice.”
“I have spoken to some of those stakeholders. Option 1, which has met with the Minister's approval, was described by one stakeholder as being the "best of a bad lot".”
“The Minister has given us quite a concise backdrop to the events. It is not my intention to repeat that or the contributions made by others, but, as a new Member and as a member of the Committee for the Economy, I am concerned at the process used in bringing the order forward. <BR /> <BR />This is the timeline. The consultation closed on 9 May. Mr Simon Hamilton was elevated to the position of Minister for the Economy on 25 May, and I am sure that, in his initial brief, it would have been brought to his attention that the Energy Bill was granted Royal Assent on 12 May. The Minister described that as a serious threat, and I agree. Understandably, stakeholders in Northern Ireland, nervous of the consequence of the powers being exercised, were eager to see that this matter was managed, and managed early.”
“Many parents will recognise that argument. I think that it happens in many houses. <BR /> <BR />I suppose that, today, I would be particularly mindful of the potential blockages to economic growth that exist. Based on that, I urge all Members of the House not just to support the motion but to really look within their own remit. We talk about the House coming out of its silo mentality and thinking. I urge all Members, across their remit on different Committees to, please, look at opportunities to see where and when access to broadband can be increased and bettered.”
“There is a growing demand for it, especially for the entertainment factor it brings. Many households across Northern Ireland will recognise the arguments that happen when one member of the family is on an iPad and there is a rush around the house to see who is doing what. It is about trying to prioritise whose access to broadband should trump the others'.”
“<BR /> <BR />On returning to the SDLP group, when we were having our discussions about how canvasses had gone and what the messages were on the ground, it quickly came to light that there is a clear demand across some pockets of urban areas that have yet to be serviced and, particularly across rural areas, that broadband is not accessible and is not there when we need it, which is hampering the betterment of our economy and local economies. <BR /> <BR />When I spoke to others, I realised that there has been a change in culture. Access to broadband is something that family units almost expect as a utility now. Long gone are the days when it was listed alongside electricity and telephone lines. Broadband is now something we look at when we are using curriculum structures for doing homework.”
“She had gone to the lengths of costing out the possibility of having to change the rating structure for her garage for change of use. All that aside and even though she had a very sound business case, I was disappointed to learn that she made the decision not to go ahead with that business proposal purely based on the fact that she could not compete with others within the sector without access to good and reliable broadband.”
“As expected, I have not come prepared to move the motion. However, the SDLP was confident in putting the motion forward. As was the case for many Members in the House, during our campaign and canvass, access to good, reliable quality broadband was repeatedly brought up on many doorsteps, particularly in rural areas. <BR /> <BR />I will cite one example that comes to mind from my own canvass. I met a young girl who had a great entrepreneurial spirit and was very eager to convert what was essentially a family garage into a potential business. Speaking to her, it was clear to me and others that simple barriers to business promotion, like lack of access to broadband, were, in fact, acting as real barriers to growth.”
“I certainly welcome the Minister's answers, thus far, particularly his reference to the Narrow Water bridge, which I am delighted to hear about. Will the Minister elaborate on that? Given that such a commitment has been expressed in the House and with the Southern Government, are we at a level of discussions at which we can start to debate timelines etc?”
“Given the Minister's positive response, is it her intention to commit to funding the challenge fund for years ahead?”
“Yes, thank you. <BR /> <BR />He mentioned that, during frank discussions with the Executive, some projects may have to be set aside. Given the renewed commitment to cross-border bodies, I hope the Minister can give an assurance that Narrow Water bridge project has not been set aside. Given his commitment to cross-border projects, he could give that assurance to the people of south Down.”
“Certainly, yes. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome funding for Waterways Ireland. Until now there has been a real danger of some of the cross-border bodies withering on the vine because they have not had adequate funding or support. The Minister did comment that he has had —”
“First, I, like others, have obviously not had sufficient time to read the report in great detail. I welcome some of the headline figures, particularly the news that there will be funding for roads. I will be watching carefully to see how that funding is allocated regionally. I know in particular there is a need in south Down for more tarmac —”
“Minister, welcome to your first Question Time. <BR /> <BR />Does the Minister share the concern that pupil attainment may be compromised going forward owing to the reduction in the number of rewarding bodies that are available, because of changes that have been made to the grading system elsewhere?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your reply. Will you explain why the two parties represented by the First Minister and deputy First Minister at last week's Business Committee did an about-turn on a fully crafted and agreed position of all five parties in March 2016 on the provisions for Opposition debate on the Floor of the Assembly? Did that about-turn perhaps happen after —”
“— the need for a ministerial subgroup to address further —”
“Yes, surely. He did recognise the need for growth in the industry. I would like to close by saying that it may be an opportune moment to suggest —”
“He did try to make a distinction between perception and what might be considered reality.”
“Unfortunately, he expressed his lack of confidence in the framework document that we now rely on to develop the Northern Ireland economy. <BR /> <BR />The Minister addressed many of the issues raised and looked directly at the issue of regional imbalance.”
“He described a mismatch, in that the skills being developed are not always right for the jobs that are there. He also referred to the need for improved broadband infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />Emma Little Pengelly cited many of the challenges to growth, such as rates, car parking etc. She highlighted the fact that people require the tools and the skills to become economically active. <BR /> <BR />Alan Chambers delivered a very measured and considered maiden speech — congratulations on that, Alan. He referred to the need for more investment in the "gold coast" of North Down, and for funding in SERC and other places of education. <BR /> <BR />Daniel McCrossan referred to the regional imbalance, particularly in Strabane and West Tyrone, describing it as "multigenerational neglect".”
“Perhaps the sequence of events rolling forward will help to give clarity to such Members, and Mr Murphy will then be less unaware of the arguments made in support of a specific manufacturing strategy. <BR /> <BR />Peter Aiken answered Mr Murphy and explained again the need for that manufacturing strategy. He then moved on to the business in front of us and expressed concern at the underinvestment in the higher and further education sector and how that is now reflected in poor world rankings. He called also for a national risk register. <BR /> <BR />Trevor Lunn said that he supported the motion and amendment. He highlighted the need for updated skills and investment in infrastructure. He warned that a supportive plan needed to be put in place around the reduction of corporation tax. <BR /> <BR />Tom Buchanan referred to the skills gap.”
“He mirrored the view of his Government colleague Gordon Lyons when he said that he had no objection, in principle, to the amendment. However, he did not recognise any added value in being specific about high-value or high-skilled and highly paid jobs, as they were, in his interpretation of the draft Programme for Government framework, sufficiently indicated. Mr Murphy also expressed some confusion over the economic strategy sitting alongside the new Programme for Government, given the calls yesterday for a specific manufacturing strategy. He did, however, say that issues had been brought to the Floor without the opportunity for discussion at Committee.”
“<BR /> <BR />Colum Eastwood referred to decades of lack of investment west of the Bann and the need to address and tackle the inequalities that exist. Only when that is done, he believes, will foreign direct investors be drawn to such areas, which are in need of high-value jobs, and the export of our young people can finally stop. Mr Eastwood highlighted the lack of tarmac and the need for a large infrastructure commitment west of the Bann. He described as "stupid and reckless" any promotion of the "Leave" Europe campaign with regard to our Northern Ireland economy. He closed by asking the Minister what scoping work had been done to fund the reduction in corporation tax. <BR /> <BR />Conor Murphy shared the concerns raised by Colum Eastwood about Europe.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, and congratulations on your elevation. I also congratulate the Minister and look forward to working with you both. <BR /> <BR />A common thread across the debate has been the need for the development of infrastructure — road and digital — alongside the development of skills. Many also expressed concern that an exit from Europe would have serious detrimental consequences for the Northern Ireland economy. <BR /> <BR />Gordon Lyons said that he had no particular objection to the amendment and recognised the need for a distribution of jobs on a regional basis. Despite this, he stated that foreign direct investors may wish to locate in more developed areas, where their requirements are not compromised in any way.”
“The Northern Ireland Executive must formulate and implement a manufacturing strategy, for which the industry has been calling for more than a year.”
“The amendment sadly does not fill me with confidence that ambition has been raised. Make no mistake: this debate has the potential to represent a pivotal moment in the future direction of manufacturing in Northern Ireland. We see an opportunity to create a focused strategy that has the potential to navigate specific barriers to growth in the sector and help realise that desirable 20% of GDP. At a time when Europe openly seeks to reindustrialise, Members have yet to grasp the significance of needing a specific manufacturing strategy. I find it regrettable that, through my maiden speech, I have to try to convince others that a real need for a dedicated manufacturing strategy exists. I would have much preferred my contribution to have focused on the ambitions of that strategy.”
“Many headline statistics can be found to illustrate just how significant it is. In my constituency, South Down, major employers such as Bradfor Limited, MJM Group and B/E Aerospace are but a few of the key manufacturing businesses supporting the economy. In Northern Ireland, manufacturing represents 13% to 14% of GDP. The SDLP shares the manufacturing sector's belief that it is possible and necessary for the Executive to work with the sector to increase that contribution to 20% of GDP. Manufacturing NI says that this would be possible with, and I quote:”
“No doubt there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss in detail many of those issues in an overarching economic agenda delivered for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />This motion, however, presents us with an opportunity to pay particular focus on one sector in that economic offering: manufacturing. It is well documented that the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland has suffered a number of blows during the past 12 months. Some Members have already mentioned the loss of more than 1,000 jobs from Bombardier, and there have been similar cuts with Michelin, JTI Gallaher and, lately, Seagate. <BR /> <BR />Manufacturing NI recently warned that more than 6,000 jobs could be lost across the sector over the next decade, due to advances in technology. Despite that, manufacturing continues to play a significant role in our overall economy.”
“However, I share with you openly my hope that this chapter of politics in Northern Ireland will be remembered in South Down as the time when the Narrow Water bridge was finally delivered. Nothing short of that would bring satisfactory closure to the lifetime's political work that my father, P J Bradley, put into that project. <BR /> <BR />I move to the business in front of us. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the need to develop a manufacturing strategy for Northern Ireland. Many base factors are essential for a balanced growth of all sectors across our economy. Those include things that have already been mentioned, such as access to a healthy and skilled workforce, the development of reliable and competitive sources of energy, and infrastructure etc.”
“I will attempt not to, Mr Speaker. Thank you very much. As you said, it is my maiden speech to the House. I would like to direct my first comments to thanking the people of South Down, who have given me the privilege of being here and representing them. It is a great honour for me to add my name to the list of SDLP representatives who have served the people of South Down, namely, the late Eddie McGrady; my father, PJ Bradley; Eamonn O'Neill; Margaret Ritchie MP; and, in the last mandate, Karen McKevitt and Seán Rogers. Like each of those former Members, I will endeavour to make sure that South Down is very well represented in the House, and I look forward to working with others for the betterment of the people of Northern Ireland.”