Caoimhe Archibald
East Londonderry · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Taken together, that points to a scheme that is operating effectively in its early stages, while, of course, remaining under review as further evidence becomes available. <BR /> <BR />I therefore commend to the Assembly the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026.”
“I seek the Assembly's approval for the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026. The statutory rule was made on 1 April and came into operation on 6 April. It is before the Assembly today under the confirmatory procedure.”
“The 2026 regulatory impact assessment estimates one-off employer familiarisation costs of up to £1·36 million, with wider HMRC implementation costs forecast at £1·5 million and annual systems maintenance costs of around £10,000. It may assist Members to note that early implementation has gone smoothly.”
“The amendment ensures the continued operation of those regulations and forms part of a wider package of legislative measures establishing statutory parental bereavement pay as an entitlement for bereaved parents.”
“The regulations before the Assembly today are a key part of that implementation and ensure the continued operation of the statutory parental bereavement pay framework. The policy objective is clear: to support bereaved working parents at a time of profound loss and provide a minimum standard of protection in law.”
“<BR /> <BR />The confirmatory procedure means that the regulations before the House today have come into operation before the Assembly debate has taken place and must then be approved by the Assembly within the relevant statutory period. In this case, the deadline for approval is 20 September 2026.”
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“<BR /> <BR />We have seen and heard a willingness from the EU to engage through the existing structures, which are part of the withdrawal agreement that the British Government negotiated, ratified and signed up to, in order to find solutions. That work needs to continue in order to find permanent solutions. Despite a lack of recognition from the British Government and unionist parties, the EU has shown flexibility on a number of issues, as Mr Dickson outlined last week. Those include the removal of the obligation for a green card for car insurance and on issues to do with medicines and pets. What we need is honesty from the British Government about what they signed up to.”
“<BR /> <BR />Unhelpfully, however, we have British Government representatives, including those involved in the negotiations, saying that they did not expect the protocol to be implemented in the way in which it has been. In doing so, they are either exposing themselves as incompetent negotiators or disingenuously trying to mislead the public. The former is, of course, entirely possible, but it is much more likely that the latter is the case: they are being entirely dishonest. Their position is entirely betrayed by the fact that, if they honestly wanted the protocol to operate more easily, they could seek a veterinary agreement with the EU. The British Government have said that they do not intend to reduce standards, and a veterinary agreement would substantially minimise the checks required, yet they have completely refused to do that.”
“The majority of MLAs in the Chamber, the majority of citizens and the majority of businesses opposed Brexit and wanted mitigation against its worst excesses. The protocol is that mitigation, and, although imperfect, it offers very real protections and gives the North competitive economic advantages. Those who depend on the protocol protections for their livelihood and the success of their businesses want to see it maintained and working and any operational problems resolved. That is why we need to use the period that we now have to find longer-term solutions to the outstanding issues, and those will be achieved only through diplomatic and political engagement and through working together on the basis of good faith.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. It is good to see you back. <BR /> <BR />Last week, the grace period for chilled meats was extended until the end of September, which provided a welcome temporary relief for businesses. It is clear, however, that we need to see progress made between now and then to put in place permanent solutions in order to provide the type of clarity, certainty and stability that businesses are telling us that they want and need. Despite all the shouting and protestations from unionist parties in the Chamber and beyond, the reality is that the protocol is a consequence of Brexit, with its loudest opponents ironically being the biggest champions of Brexit: a Brexit that was championed against the democratically expressed wishes of people in the North.”
“We look forward to hearing from all those whom the Bill will impact in order to shape it to be its best and to make it a most fit-for-purpose piece of legislation, which, ultimately, is about providing compassionate support for workers at a really difficult time.”
“Members, particularly those who participated in the Second Stage debate, will be aware that, while there is considerable agreement on the Bill being brought forward and progressed, a number of issues came up where it was felt that it could be improved upon, including statutory pay as a day-one right, that all workers are treated the same, how leave can be taken and, of course, that it is extended to include leave in the case of miscarriage. It will be important that the Committee has the opportunity to conduct its scrutiny to include those issues. <BR /> <BR />We very much want the Bill to complete its passage through the House and for the subsequent regulations to be passed before the end of the mandate. The Committee will be consulting over the next number of weeks.”
“<BR /> <BR />At its meeting on 16 June, the Committee considered its call for evidence and discussed the range of stakeholders that it wishes to hear from during oral evidence sessions. Whilst the Committee shares the Minister's desire to see the legislation complete its passage through the Assembly as quickly as possible, it is important that detailed scrutiny is applied and that stakeholders are able to participate fully and sensitively on all aspects of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I ask on behalf of the Economy Committee that the Assembly supports the motion to extend the Committee Stage of the Bill to 15 November. The Committee looks forward to using that time to engage at all levels with those impacted by the legislation. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of Sinn Féin, I support the extension of the Bill's Committee Stage.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak as Chair of the Economy Committee to seek an extension to the Committee Stage of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill. The Bill was referred to the Committee for the Economy on 15 June for Committee Stage. The Bill should, under Standing Order 33(2), complete its Committee Stage by 10 September. <BR /> <BR />The Bill's main objective is to provide statutory entitlements to parental bereavement leave and pay, providing two weeks' parental bereavement leave for employees following the death of a child and a statutory paid element to the leave for employees and for workers with 26 weeks' service. The legislation is long overdue given that, until now, there has been no statutory entitlement to parental bereavement leave and pay for people in what must be the most difficult time in their life.”
“Following on from the previous question, for some businesses, direct financial assistance will be important to allow them to continue to be there to recover. So, as part of the recovery plan, is the Minister looking at support for sectors, such as a the travel and tourism sector, that have been most badly hit? They were the first to close and will probably be the last to open. This morning, I met the English language schools with the Finance Minister, and I really encourage the Economy Minister to meet that sector. That is one sector that has been badly hit by the pandemic and has not had a great deal of assistance.”
“When it comes to aviation and aerospace, there are particular responsibilities for the British Government as those are reserved matters. Have there been any discussions with or representations from other Ministers in respect of support or calls to the British Government for support for our airports or air routes? The Irish Government also have New Decade, New Approach commitments on route development, and there is the issue of the travel sector more generally. I have raised that with the Economy Minister and will continue to do so. That also needs to be an important part of the economic recovery action plan and the tourism recovery plan. I will leave it there.”
“We heard at the briefing on June monitoring last week that some capital funding allocations that are not part of June monitoring are expected to be made along with it, including £42·3 million for Project Stratum and some capital DEL funding for the city deals and Magee medical school. Officials told the Committee that those allocations are from Treasury. Will the Minister clarify that? Does he expect those allocations to be made along with June monitoring? <BR /> <BR />I have put on record previously my concerns around the ending of furlough, so I will not go into those again. The situation two weekends ago with Stobart Air highlights the impact that there will be on certain sectors that are likely to see a prolonged negative impact from the pandemic.”
“It is likely that the British Government's COVID supports, such as the furlough scheme, will start to fall away, so we must be ready with our skills programmes and other supports to ensure that our people are not left without work or training opportunities. The Committee has a strong focus on the skills agenda and wants to ensure that that is properly funded at a number of levels. As ever, the Committee will work tirelessly to advise and support the Department for the Economy to make the right decisions and seize the opportunities that are presented. The Committee is content to support the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I will make a couple of brief comments as Sinn Féin economy spokesperson. I will spare the Minister a repeat of my previous contribution.”
“Officials have indicated that they are content with the Department of Finance's response to their June monitoring round requests. However, the Committee remains somewhat unclear on some of the detail and will continue to scrutinise the outcome. <BR /> <BR />The number of vacancies in the Department is another significant concern for the Committee as that must impact on the delivery of important work. Members ask the Finance Minister to ensure that recruitment competitions and the induction of new staff continue at speed to ensure that staffing in the Department for the Economy is at appropriate levels. I ask the Finance Minister whether there is any update on the recruitment processes. <BR /> <BR />Members know that we are entering a critical phase for our economy.”
“The Committee repeats its call for better monitoring for that spend, as it will be vital that live analysis be undertaken regarding how well funds are being spent and the impact that they have. It is vital that the use of that money is maximised. We continue to engage with officials on that. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has concerns that the 10X Economy plans for innovation, trade and investment are non-Executive strategies and, as a result, are not funded. Members also have concerns about whether that means that they have not been fully aligned with other key programmes and strategies across Departments. The Committee is keen to see the Department's New Decade, New Approach commitments properly funded, and members have concerns that Treasury funding for Project Stratum etc is still not in the Department's bank account, so to speak.”
“The Committee remains alert to the fact that the economic recovery action plan has been allocated some £290 million by the Executive”
“the Budget scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />Since I spoke in the Second Stage debate, the Committee has received a further briefing from departmental officials regarding the June monitoring round. The Committee remains concerned at the Department for the Economy's heavy reliance on in-year Budget allocations to pay for important programmes and projects. Additionally, the Committee hopes to see the significant use made of ministerial directions during the COVID emergency reduced. <BR /> <BR />As I have said previously, the Economy budget has flatlined in 2021-22. However, officials have assured the Committee that they are confident that the Department's funding is appropriate to meet its expected requirements over the next number of months.”
“I will speak briefly as Chair of the Economy Committee, and I would like”
“That gives clarity to workers and businesses and supports workers through the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. <BR /> <BR />The Committee agreed the statutory rule on 20 April 2021, subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules. The rule came into operation on 31 May. The Examiner of Statutory Rules has no issue with the rule, and on the Committee's behalf, I confirm its support for the motion. <BR /> <BR />As Sinn Féin economy spokesperson, I welcome that the protections are being extended from employees to workers. All workers should be entitled to the same health and safety protections. I am, therefore, happy to support the SR. I am glad to hear the Minister say that he is looking at regulations on PPE and that those are being progressed. I look forward to them being brought forward.”
“As Chair of the Economy Committee, I support the motion on its behalf. As the Minister indicated, the Employment Rights (NI) Order 1996 (Protection from Detriment in Health and Safety Cases) (Amendment) Order (NI) 2021 will ensure that all employees and workers have the right not to be subjected to a detriment by their employer for leaving or refusing to return to their workplace or for taking steps to protect themselves:”
“Hopefully, some of the other SRs that we have passed in the course of the past year will alleviate that, but we need to look at how businesses can be practically supported to get back on their feet. I look forward to engaging more on that with the Minister and the Department. <BR /> <BR />As a final point on this legislation, I ask the Minister for assurances that, in the near future, he and his Department will bring forward policy and legislation to prioritise workers' interests in administration proceedings, so that workers' pay and pensions go not to the bottom of the pile of creditors but to the top. Will the Minister look at that? We will support the SR.”
“There are times when things will be applicable, but there will be others when it may not be the best fit. As a rule, we should seek to do our own legislation and our own consultations with stakeholders here. I know that the Minister is a devolutionist, so I assume that he agrees. I understand that today's SR places restrictions on disposal. Disposal can still take place, as the Minister has outlined, with a higher bar for transparency, so that sales that are designed to protect jobs will still be possible. Perhaps the Minister can comment on that. On the point about protection of creditors, workers are also creditors in some circumstances. <BR /> <BR />I understand that the reason why this is being progressed is the potential for companies to go into administration as a result of COVID, particularly when furlough ends.”
“The Examiner of Statutory Rules has no issue with the rule, and, on the Committee's behalf, I support the motion to affirm it. <BR /> <BR />I will say a few words as Sinn Féin's economy spokesperson. Over the past year, we have supported legislation, in particular under the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 and other pieces of legislation, to help businesses and to protect jobs during the pandemic. That, of course, has been the right thing to do. While we support the actions that have been necessary because of COVID and because quick responses are needed, we are nearly a year and a half into it, and it is important to flag that a reliance on and following of British legislation is not the way that we should routinely do business.”
“I will speak briefly in support of the motion as the Chairperson of the Economy Committee and on its behalf. As the Minister indicated, the draft Administration (Restrictions on Disposal etc. to Connected Persons) Regulations (NI) 2021 prohibit the disposal of a company's business or assets, or a substantial part thereof, to anyone who is connected with the company during the eight weeks following entry into administration unless the creditors have approved the disposal or a report on the disposal has been obtained from an independent and suitably qualified person. <BR /> <BR />The Committee agreed the statutory rule at its meeting on 26 May, subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules. The rule will come into operation on 25 June.”
“<BR /> <BR />On behalf of Sinn Féin, I extend our deepest sympathies to Gordon's wife, Gillian, their children Andrew, Stephen and Amy, and the wider family at this very sad time. I also send our thoughts and condolences to his party colleagues and friends who are feeling his sad loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
“All are shocked and saddened that he has gone. <BR /> <BR />I genuinely do not think that I ever had a cross word with Gordon, although he once made a jocular jab about my taking up too much time asking questions. For a while last year during lockdown, only Gordon, the Committee Clerk and I were physically present in the room for Committee meetings, so we always had a good chat and a laugh. He was a very witty man. Gordon was a genuinely nice man and will be sadly missed. <BR /> <BR />The public sometimes have a dim view of politicians and elected representatives, but most really want just to do the best for the people whom they represent. Gordon was one of those representatives. You could tell that he really cared about being an elected rep, about North Down and about the people whom he represented.”
“I welcome the opportunity to pay tribute to Gordon on behalf of Sinn Féin. I always found Gordon to be as you described him, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I was first on the Economy Committee with Gordon back in 2016. I always found him to be friendly and civil. Since taking over as Chair of the Committee last year, I had got to know him a bit better. John O'Dowd and I always had a bit of craic with Gordon on the Committee. He was well liked by everyone on our Committee — other reps and Committee staff alike — and we were all shocked to hear that he was ill. On Committee, he was always well mannered and friendly. He fought his constituents' corner, and he was over his brief. He made political points, of course, but every one of my party colleagues who knew Gordon has a good word to say about him.”
“I thank the Minister for taking an intervention. There were strongly expressed views on the issue of miscarriage. I urge him to pursue that with departmental officials. If there is something that we can do within the scope of the Bill, we should seek to do it.”
“Grief is one of those things that can impact not only in the immediacy of an event but in the aftermath, so I welcome that the leave can be taken up to 56 weeks after the death of a child. <BR /> <BR />I support the Bill and look forward to it coming to Committee so that we have the opportunity to get the views of those impacted and to engage with the Minister in order to deliver the best and most effective legislation we can, which will ensure that workers and their families are supported and treated with compassion.”
“As I said, on the whole, I am very supportive of the Bill. The loss of a child is one of the worst things that most of us can imagine. Our personal experiences shape many of the things that we do or that we champion in the Chamber, and I know that was the case for the previous Minister in her work on the Bill. It is something that I personally feel strongly about. I lost a brother to a cot death when he was a baby, and, while I was too young to remember much about it, I know the impact it had on my parents. It is simply the right thing to do to ensure that workers are treated with compassion and have the right to leave and pay in those awful circumstances.”
“It is important that those who suffer miscarriage have the support that they need, and that should include their workplace. There are clear definitions of stillbirth and miscarriage, so I propose that the scope of the Bill be widened to include miscarriages.”
“These are extraordinary circumstances, and rights should be protected regardless of whether you are directly employed or employed through an agency. I also highlight the non-inclusion of the provision of leave in the event of miscarriage. This legislation covers stillbirth only. The provision of leave for those who have suffered from miscarriage was recently put in place in New Zealand. Respondents to the Bill's consultation, which took place prior to the introduction of that leave in New Zealand, called for it to be put in place here. Miscarriage is a traumatic event and a deeply personal loss, and there should be leave in place for those who require it. Despite it impacting on many women and their families, there is still some taboo about it and it is not talked about that much.”
“That is what a good working relationship is about. <BR /> <BR />One thing that I would like to see looked at, and which I will be proposing that the Committee looks at, is this provision being a day one right. The Minister referred to that in his remarks and I ask that he clarifies that, because it is my understanding that it comes in after 26 weeks of employment. There is no reason why it should not be a day one right. I see no justification for having to be in employment for 26 weeks. I do not think that anybody could argue that someone who has been in a job for a week is less entitled to compassion in the awful circumstances of having lost a child than someone who has been in a job for a year. <BR /> <BR />There should be parity for employees and workers.”
“As I mentioned in my remarks as Committee Chair, I am sure that many employers are already supportive, but the Bill will place that on a statutory footing. <BR /> <BR />I am conscious of some of the things that were highlighted in the consultation responses that the legislation does not make provision for. There are references by the Minister to the Bill's aligning with what is provided for in Britain. However, employment is devolved, and if we have the opportunity to be more progressive and provide better terms for our workers, we should do that. Let us be honest: employers who are supportive of their workers, ensure that rights are upheld and provide good terms and conditions are likely to have workers who are happier and who want to stay in their roles and do their best for the business.”
“To conclude, the Committee welcomes the Second Stage of the Bill and looks forward to engaging, through its own consultation, at all levels with those impacted by the legislation, including organisations that work with bereaved parents and employers to ensure that it is fit for purpose and that workers are adequately supported when they most need it. <BR /> <BR />I will now make some comments on behalf of Sinn Féin. I welcome this legislation. It is an important provision of support for workers at a time of grief and in the worst of circumstances, and I imagine that there is unanimous support for its being brought forward in that regard. The Bill will standardise what is required for workers in these circumstances.”
“It is also very welcome that the Bill recognises that the definition of "a parent" involves not only the biological parents but the primary carers who were, effectively, parenting and looking after the child as though they were the parents at the sad time of the child's death. <BR /> <BR />The Committee shares the desire of the Minister to see the legislation complete its passage through the Assembly before the end of the mandate, which will require both primary and secondary legislation. The Committee understands that much of the detail will be specified in regulations and looks forward to the scrutiny of those provisions as they are brought forward.”
“This legislation is long overdue, given that up until now there has been no statutory entitlement to parental bereavement leave and pay for people at what must be the most difficult time of their lives. Employees should be given adequate time to grieve the loss of a child and should be supported by their employer. As the Minister has recognised, it is hoped that most employers will be compassionate and understanding of people in such circumstances. However, we have all heard examples of cases in which inappropriate levels of support were given. Therefore, there is undoubtedly a need for these protections to be put in place to ensure that the decision to allow leave is not left to the discretion of individual employers.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee considered the outcome of the Department's consultation on the Bill in January 2021 and noted that, whilst there may have been different views outlined on some of the details of the Bill, there was widespread support for making these rights available to workers who find themselves in the most tragic of circumstances. The Committee received a pre-introductory briefing from Department for the Economy officials at its meeting on 19 May, at which the officials outlined the detailed policy proposals in the Bill. I thank the former Minister and her officials for their early engagement on the Bill and for the briefing on its principles. <BR /> <BR />The Committee is aware that child deaths affect approximately 450 employed parents each year in the North.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak as the Chair of the Economy Committee in order to outline the Committee's consideration of the Bill to date, before speaking in my party capacity. I, too, thank and recognise the efforts of the previous Minister in progressing the legislation. <BR /> <BR />As the Minister outlined, the Bill will mirror British legislation and afford parents here the same entitlements following the loss of a child. The Bill will provide statutory entitlements to parental bereavement leave and pay, providing two weeks' parental bereavement leave following the death of a child for employees and a statutory paid element to the leave for employees and workers with 26 weeks' services.”
“I, too, congratulate the Minister and wish him well in his new post. <BR /> <BR />The issue over the past weekend is symptomatic of the wider impact of the pandemic on the travel and aviation sector. Will the Minister seek a sector-specific approach for aviation and travel? I am thinking particularly of the furlough scheme and making representations to the British Government on that. The previous Economy Minister had not put in place specific support for the travel sector, and the Executive Office has brought forward a scheme, but, with the economic recovery action plan fully funded, will the Minister look at supporting the travel sector?”
“I thank the Committee for its work and commend it on its consideration of all the issues, complex as they are, particularly in striking a balance between necessary reform and protecting health. We all recognise that alcohol causes harm. There is work to be done beyond the scope of the Bill on educating on those issues, but I am very much of the view that regulation is the way in which to go to achieve harm reduction. I thank the Minister and the Committee and look forward to the Bill completing its passage and being implemented.”
“The Minister's amendment Nos 58 and 59 cover guidance and a review, including reporting, which provides a good opportunity to keep the implementation of the legislation under review. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 46 concerns publication. Given that the Minister has already agreed to reviewing and reporting more in depth and over a longer period, the amendment is unnecessary at this point. I also refer to some of the comments that were made about that information being held by DFC. <BR /> <BR />Once again, I note the importance of the legislation for the reform of licensing. This is a positive day. The reform outlined in the Bill will reinvigorate our hospitality and tourism economy. It will take us out of the dark ages in some respects.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention and appreciate his comments. I know that the Minister will address them in her response. Members remarked on another thing during the debate. Trends that we have seen over the past year include people drinking at home, and that increased consumption is worrying. It is much better that we have regulated settings and measures. Having a licensing system that is fit for purpose is really important. However, at this time, when our hospitality and tourism sectors are only just reopening and are not even close to being back on their feet, a rushed review could cause uncertainty in the sector, and that could have unintended consequences. Therefore, while we are sympathetic to the intent, we will not support the amendment.”
“I appreciate that Mr O'Toole has spoken about this, but we feel that the amendment is unrealistic, particularly the time frame. It is just not achievable in that context. Another aspect is the financial cost to the Department, which is not detailed. I have heard from pub owners who agree that the licensing system must be looked at, particularly the surrender principle. They support review but believe that this needs to be carefully thought out and given due consideration. It is really important that we have a fair licensing system. There are issues with the current system, and I very much agree with the point made by Matthew O'Toole and Paula Bradley: pubs are about much more than selling drinks. They are about being hubs and providing social support and social inclusion in our communities, particularly rural communities.”
“Even though premises are closed and have been closed for a hell of a lot longer than they have been open over the past 16 months, the bills continue. <BR /> <BR />In a few weeks, the Bill will put licensed premises and local producers on a better footing to recover, with extended opening hours and the easing of restrictions around Easter and greater flexibilities. It is a chance to modernise and update our licensing laws. It is also a chance to make our towns and cities more attractive to people who come here for long weekends and all those things. <BR /> <BR />We support amendment Nos 58, 59 and 60. However, we do not support amendment Nos 45 and 46. Amendment No 45, tabled by Mr O'Toole, is on the review and surrender principle, Sinn Féin understands that the licensing system could be looked at, including the surrender principle.”
“From the number of written submissions made to the Committee and the 30-plus oral evidence sessions held, it is clear that the interest is there. They highlight the need for the Bill to be introduced as quickly as possible. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the debate, Members have highlighted the fact that this year has been really tough on many in our communities. Of course, most of all, it has been tough for those who have lost loved ones and those who have been ill. It has also been hard on our businesses and workers. Of all the sectors, hospitality and tourism are amongst those on which there has been most impact. Pubs, clubs, hotel owners and bar managers have all struggled, despite the significant support that has been made available by the Executive.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I commend the Minister for introducing this much awaited reform of licensing legislation, which will be hugely beneficial for the whole of the North. The Bill has the potential to bring so much to our tourism and hospitality sectors and to create jobs in different sectors. It is important that we get the Bill through so that we see its benefits as quickly as possible. Listening to the Members who have spoken so far reaffirms the importance of the Bill to so many people. The enthusiasm that Members have shown this evening illustrates the significance of what it can deliver. Also, after listening to Committee members and speaking to colleagues, I understand and very much welcome the work that all members of the Committee have put into robustly scrutinising and deliberating on the Bill.”
“I thank the Member for taking an intervention. What are his proposals for finding the money that he suggests is required? There is no low-hanging fruit in our Budget, given that it has been decimated by Tory austerity, to which you referred, over the past decade. Where do you propose we find the money? From where do you want to take it?”
“That is where we really need to see the multi-year budgeting process. Hopefully, the promises that the British Government have made in respect of multi-annual Budgets will be realised this year. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the establishment of the fiscal commission by the Finance Minister as part of that broader conversation about how we fund our public services and what powers we might need or could have access to. I very much look forward to the work of the commission and to engaging with it.”
“If she paid £6,000, she could have that surgery done before the end of the month, but she does not have that sort of money. As far as I am concerned, it is not OK that those who can afford it get treated and those who cannot stay sick. <BR /> <BR />I am really glad to see that the Finance Minister has provided additional funding to the Department of Health. All of us recognise that we need to see much-needed system change there as well. We have all talked about taking the politics out of health. When we talk about the system change that is needed, we all recognise that there needs to be additional investment before savings will be realised. One of the issues that we all talk about is that we need multi-year budgeting processes to be able to plan for the change needed in our health system.”
“Like many others, I have too many constituents who are concerned about being able to access GP appointments or have been on waiting lists for too long. My party colleague Colm Gildernew referred to a constituent. Last Thursday night, I was contacted by a constituent who has been on a waiting list for surgery for some time. She was taken into hospital because she had been quite sick with her condition. It was thought that she might need emergency surgery, and she was put on IV antibiotics. Fortunately or unfortunately for her — I am not sure which word you would use in her case — the antibiotics brought her condition under control, so she was no longer deemed to be an emergency and was sent home to remain on a waiting list. At the end of her tether, she sought a private consultation and was told that her surgery was urgent.”