Declan Kearney
South Antrim · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“The 'good jobs' Bill is designed to benefit every single worker across this society, regardless of background. It is not anti-business. It is about growing economic productivity and enhancing employment and workers' rights.”
“The rhetoric around proper scrutiny is a complete red herring; it is an attempt by the DUP to run down the clock in relation to the mandate. Why is that? What is the DUP afraid of? Why is it vetoing the 'good jobs' Bill?”
“The fallout from Brexit is a reality that is being felt hard by workers and families across the North daily, and that is illustrated in evidence sessions that we have received in the Economy Committee. In one, we learned that our electricity bills here are now higher as a result of Brexit.”
“Catastrophic, kamikaze economics, politically toxic — there is no other way to describe the Brexit debacle. Yet, 10 years on, those in the Chamber who continue to cheerlead are burying their heads in the sand.”
“The fact is that Brexit has brought a positive focus to the democratic logic of self-determination and constitutional change in Ireland. There is a way to remove the negative and enduring legacy of Brexit. Irish unity provides that option. Therefore, it is time to widen participation in the debate.”
“Minister, do you agree that the discrimination in employment and the political vetting that have been practised in this state for so long, and actively supported by some Members, have no place in today's society, and that appointment to government boards should be open to all sections of society, including such citizens as Peter Lynch?”
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“I would appreciate that feedback, Minister, and thank you for that. As you know, it is a matter of very serious public interest. Staying in that vein, will you support the call from the Public and Commercial Services Union for an official inquiry into the established failings of the contract that you mentioned between HMRC and Concentrix?”
“Mo bhuíochas duit, a chara, as ucht an fhreagra sin. I appreciate your answer, which leads directly onto my supplementary. Do you agree that the Assembly must show collective and united opposition to racism, sectarianism, homophobia and all forms of intolerance in our society and promote equality for all identities and traditions, including respect for the Irish language?”
“Maith go leor, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Sheas mé trí huaire i ndiaidh a chéile. Go raibh maith agat, cibé ar bith. Gabhaim buíochas leat, a chara, as ucht na bhfreagraí go dtí seo. Thank you for your answers to date, Minister. Do you agree with me that all prison staff, prisoners on both the integrated and segregated wings, families of prisoners and visitors to the prisons deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that those principles, and adherence to those principles, are at the very foundation of ensuring that we have a prison system that is bereft of stress and creates the best conditions whereby we can ensure that appropriate interventions are made to address prisoners who are suffering with mental illness and mental conditions.”
“— on Wednesday. Have you read the report, Minister? Will you indicate how your Department intends to deal with the huge and serious fallout from and the financial and economic implications of the scheme?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a chara, as ucht an fhreagra sin. That was a helpful answer to my first question. The C&AG report on the non-domestic renewable heating incentive scheme has found that the operation of the scheme will result in devastating costs to the Northern block grant for 20 years or more. We will see a loss of hundreds of millions of pounds from our block grant, which will be a cost to the Executive. The Public Accounts Committee will commence its hearing of the issue —”
“I thank the Minister for the detail she provided to date. Will you, Minister, provide an update on the agri-food processing investment scheme?”
“Minister, have you had any discussions with the Minister of Health in relation to the ongoing promotion of equality and human rights for women, specifically with regard to ensuring that women are not being denied timely and suitable prenatal testing in relation to fatal foetal abnormalities?”
“Flowing from your answer to my earlier question, will you detail how you intend to prioritise direct engagement with the European institutions in order to ensure that current funding levels are maintained and that we do not lose our special status as a region with the European Union?”
“It will help to transform the regional economy and modernise our local transport infrastructure, particularly —”
“Investing in rail services between Belfast and the regional airport and in the Lisburn to Antrim rail link should be seen as a strategic opportunity.”
“In the face of that type of adversity, there is an even greater need for blue-sky thinking. I refer that point directly to my colleague's earlier intervention. We need to coordinate the transport policy with foreign direct investment, industrial policy in the Six Counties, job creation and environmental priorities. We should be innovative and ambitious, even with the limited resources available. In that sense, we need to think about investing to accumulate, arising from our neglected transport infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />All our Departments and officials need to think about strategic challenges differently. Thinking the same way and doing things the same way will only guarantee more of the same results.”
“We cannot approach the issue in zero-sum terms. If the proper standard of transport infrastructure, including rail provision, is put in place, economic growth, new investment and population expansion will inevitably follow. All the options, including investment in light rail rapid transport, should be considered fully. We need to come at this in terms of what we can do and what we ought to do, as opposed to what we cannot do, simply on the basis of what we are told. <BR /> <BR />I understand that the Minister must contend with unremitting pressure on his departmental budget. There will be the impacts of worsening austerity, due to British Tory policy, and the unforeseen economic and investment damage that will be caused as a result of the Brexit decision.”
“I thank the Member for that contribution. I will revisit that point in due course.”
“It has the potential to become an enterprise zone in the future, and it should be recognised and nurtured as a strategic economic hub within the regional economy. However, that growth trajectory, that potential, is in fact fettered and limited by the absence of an overall integrated transport infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />I understand the business case that argues that passenger numbers in the airport do not meet the criteria for a direct rail connection from Belfast, but, equally, I do not accept that we should wait — I believe that we should not — until all the conditions are met before acting.”
“Not surprisingly, in parallel with the growth in population, there has been a spike in car use, with inevitable environmental consequences in terms of the carbon footprint and so on. <BR /> <BR />The Antrim to Knockmore section of the Lisburn railway line runs directly past Belfast International Airport, yet, as others Members have correctly observed, there is no connection. The role of the airport complex as an economic driver for growth and investment in our regional economy cannot be ignored in the context of this debate. In the last two years, there has been a significant upswing in passenger footfall and air routes available through Aldergrove airport. The airport has also benefited from important commercial investment.”
“This is a catchment that is badly served by public transport generally. Bus services in that part of the lough shore area are completely inadequate. The transport infrastructure in these parts of South Antrim does not correspond to the needs of local people. I welcome the fact that I and constituents will meet the Minister — in October, I hope — to deal with some of the issues that are now unfolding as a result of these serious difficulties in the local transport infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that the design of local transport infrastructure fails to meet the needs of local business, and, in turn, that fails to assist in optimising economic growth or attracting new investment opportunities both locally and from abroad.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an díospóireacht; tá sí iontach suntasach ar fad. Tá sé fíor-riachtanach go ndíríonn an Tionól a aird ar an cheist shuntasach seo. I speak in support of the motion. The reality is a lack of competitiveness and availability of rail services between Belfast and the International Airport. In my constituency of South Antrim there is indeed — it has been touched on by other Members — a long-held local desire for the Lisburn to Antrim rail line to be restored, and I support that wish. <BR /> <BR />There has been a dramatic increase in population growth in the wider Crumlin, Glenavy and Ballinderry area over the last 30 years. There has been a quite phenomenal explosion in population. Once small rural villages are now growing towns with large numbers commuting daily, particularly for work and education, into Belfast.”
“<BR /> <BR />The crime of stalking has existed for far too long beyond the effective reach of law in Ireland, North and South. In that context, a LeasCheann Comhairle, this gap in our law should be closed by the Department of Justice. I commend the Minister for taking the importance of this debate on board. She should consider how the matter can be prioritised as an item of all-island cooperation.”
“Stalking complaints are currently addressed within the framework of the Protection from Harassment Order. However, in England and Wales, because the Protection from Harassment Act did not effectively deal with stalking, it was amended, and two stalking offences were introduced in 2012. More significantly, since 2010, Scottish law has made stalking a specific criminal offence. Scottish law has made stalking a priority crime, and we should follow its lead. We require effective legislation, but prosecution and conviction rates will also depend on training to change attitudes towards stalking, improving investigations and securing robust prosecutions. In parallel, there needs to be a concentrated focus on digital stalking, cybercrime and online abuse.”
“That fact has been discussed by the Assembly since 2012, yet there has been no measurable progress. That is not good enough. <BR /> <BR />Stalking is a deeply insidious and invasive psychological form of criminal abuse, with shocking side effects and consequences for victims. If the targeted victim does not give attention to the stalker, it is likely to escalate into something much more sinister. As the previous contributor mentioned, one in five women and one in 10 men are likely to be victims of stalking at some stage in their lives. Worryingly, on average, 21 people who are connected with a victim will also be impacted as secondary victims of that crime. <BR /> <BR />Stalking is a breach of human rights and, therefore, undermines article 8, which is in the Human Rights Act, yet here in the North, it is not a specific criminal offence.”
“Tréaslaím le moltóirí an rúin seo agus tacaím leis an leasú chomh maith. My party welcomes the debate. I will speak in support of the amendment as it builds on the trajectory of the intent of the motion, which I fully commend. <BR /> <BR />There are recognised links between domestic and sexual violence and abuse and stalking. As mentioned by the previous contributors, definitions of domestic and sexual violence and abuse were previously set out in March in the joint departmental seven-year strategy. While that acknowledged that stalking in its physical and digital forms is a type of domestic and sexual violence and abuse, and as was mentioned by previous contributors, we still do not have a legal definition of stalking or any effective legislation here in the Six Counties.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle, agus a Aire. Minister, given that much of the support for welfare advice has been allocated to the larger voluntary organisations, can you confirm that you will examine how the work of smaller organisations in the community sector that operate in that independent sector can also be supported in the vital work that they provide in disadvantaged rural and urban settings?”
“Guím gach rath ort, a Aire, i do Aireacht úr. Thank you Minister, and I wish you every best wish in your new post in the time ahead. Does the Minister agree with me that the supply chain forum is an important body? Will she indicate a progress report in relation to its work? How many meetings have taken place in recent times?”
“The Assembly and Executive should respect and underpin the democratic decision of the North and not, as other Members advocated, simply roll over and acquiesce. We are better than that. Our urgent focus must be on retaining our special relationship with the EU and protecting the trade, investment and funding that are essential to support our regional and island economies. The Executive's Budget, the Programme for Government and the democratic will of our people must not be held hostage to the anti-democratic agenda of British right-wing Tories. <BR /> <BR />The British state, as we know it, is in crisis. The political imperative for the Assembly must be to stand up for local democracy and face down the austerity coming from Britain.”
“I predict that we will face an even more right-wing Tory Government and greater austerity in this state.”
“Their outrage is justified, so Theresa Villiers should follow David Cameron and resign. She has absolutely no authority to represent the economic or social interests of the people of the North of Ireland or on matters regarding Europe. Brexit is the price of Ireland's continued partition.”
“This referendum was always about a civil war between British Conservative right-wing factions, and it is unacceptable that the democratic will of this region should be overruled by English voters. Our economic and financial future is now one of unprecedented uncertainty. Two hundred thousand jobs in Ireland directly and indirectly depend on €1·2 billion worth of trade, North and South, on this island every week. Brexit directly threatens all of that and more. <BR /> <BR />I have previously challenged Theresa Villiers to say whether Brexit would benefit our people and whether her Government would replace the lost investment, trade and funding that would go with a Brexit. She refused to answer then and has refused since. However, the majority of our people know the answers to those questions, and they registered that answer last Thursday.”
“<BR /> <BR />There must also be greater accountability on the use of public funding. In the Public Accounts Committee, I have already noted an absence of transparency and accountability and a culture of disregard concerning the use of public funds in this state. That is never acceptable, especially when our Executive Budget is being raided by Tories and far too many families are living on the breadline. There must be zero tolerance of the misuse and abuse of public funds. <BR /> <BR />In recent days, the EU referendum has dramatically changed the political and economic landscape here. The majority of voters from across the political spectrum in this state voted to say that the North should remain in Europe.”
“<BR /> <BR />I believe that justice and policing remain central to the continued democratic transformation of this state, and, as my party's justice spokesperson, I will advocate for increased investment in front-line policing, community restorative justice programmes and effective service delivery to make our community a safer place for everyone. Justice agencies and processes must be appropriately resourced to ensure that they administer not only appropriate punishments but deterrence and rehabilitation. The justice system must become more responsive to young people, vulnerable women, disadvantaged families and our elderly citizens, and everyone must have adequate access to justice. That includes the families denied truth and justice because of the British Government's refusal to finance legacy investigations and inquests.”
“<BR /> <BR />Increased engagement and partnership with wider civic society should now define how our regional government works. Ní mór don Choiste Feidhmiúcháin agus don Tionól malairt slí straitéisteach a mhúnlú amach anseo. A step change is required. Renewed commitment to power-sharing and partnership has to be central to the new mandate, and that will be as much a test for the parties that chose to go into opposition as it will be for the parties that are entrusted with governmental responsibility. The approach to the forthcoming PFG should be radical, innovative and transformational. It should also refuse to be fettered by institutional orthodoxy and absolutely and resolutely oppose austerity. These institutions need to continue to act as a bulwark against British Tory austerity.”
“It has undermined economic growth and prevented balanced regional investment, job creation, all-Ireland economic competitiveness and the eradication of inequality. Add to all of that the denial of fiscal independence to the Executive. <BR /> <BR />Austerity is the cost of the Union and the context of the Budget debate, within which the new Programme for Government (PFG) must be implemented. The PFG offers a new policy paradigm, which puts the well-being of community at the heart of governmental decision-making. The proposed consultation process should be embraced as a strategic opportunity by local businesses, our trade unionists, our urban and rural-based community sectors and wider civic society to democratise further the process of government in this state. I urge the Executive to listen carefully, very carefully.”
“The purpose of the economy must be to serve the needs of society. Budget allocations should be aligned with society's priorities. This small regional economy contends with deep structural weaknesses and depends on a public expenditure settlement from Westminster that has reduced in net terms year on year since 2010 due to the austerity policies of this British Tory Government and the previous Administration of Tories and Lib Dems. <BR /> <BR />British Government policy has been a direct cause of political instability here in recent years. The North remains a low-wage economy with unyielding and unchanging patterns of social and economic disadvantage and the worst living standards of any region in Ireland or Britain. Tory austerity has run down our public services and forced our people into food banks.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhaire, as ucht na deise labhartha. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Go raibh maith agat, a chara, agus guím gach rath ortsa san Aireacht úr atá os do chomhair amach anseo. I am honoured to replace my friend and comrade Mitchel McLaughlin in the Assembly and to represent South Antrim. I pay tribute to his role as an architect of the peace process and latterly as Speaker of the House. Since childhood, I have been inspired by a proud Antrim republican tradition founded on the egalitarian and anti-sectarian ideals of Jamie Hope and Roger Casement and the commitment of personal friends now deceased such as Anne McCoy, John Davey, Malachy Carey and Peter Gallagher. <BR /> <BR />Dearbhaím go bhfuil mé tiomanta mo dhícheall a dhéanamh ar son leas na ndaoine go léir ar bhonn trasphobail.”
“Guím gach rath ar an Aire san Aireacht úr seo. I wish the new Minister the best in his future portfolio. I bring to his attention the serious road safety concerns on Main Street, Glenavy and the nearby Glen Road and Chapel Road. I ask that his Department undertakes the necessary surveys required for urgent remedial works to be completed.”
“Guím gach rath ar an Aire san Aireacht nua s'aici. I welcome the Minister to her new portfolio. Does she recognise that the continued refusal by the British Government to lift their veto on maximum information disclosure in relation to matters of the past is an increasing source of anger and concern in the wider community?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Aire. Guím gach rath ort san Aireacht úr. I wish you all the very best in your new Ministry. <BR /> <BR />Further to that, Minister, have you had a chance to assess the development proposal for the expansion of Magee university? Do you agree that the successful development of that project is essential to addressing the endemic patterns of inequality west of the Bann?”
“Mo bhuíochas duit, a Aire. Thank you very much for your response, Minister. Does the Minister agree that it is important that we take due regard of international authorities on these matters and, when we speak of consensus, it is entirely appropriate that we take regard of international opinion as well as the collective opinion of the House?”
“A Cheann Comhairle, tá mé toilteanach an post a ghlacadh. I am willing to accept the position.”