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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“I thank the Minister for his responses so far. Earlier this afternoon, I met a delegation from NUS-USI, and part of our discussion was about fees. When will the Minister bring forward his proposals for the future funding of further and higher education?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement and the first phase of the economic stimulus package. Will the Minister elaborate on his discussions with the Chief Secretary on protection for financial transactions capital going forward, le do thoil?”
“Has the Minister challenged the NIO to release funding for the Lord Chief Justice's five-year plan for legacy inquests and pointed out that the British Government are in breach of article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights by not doing so?”
“I thank the Minister for his responses. How much does the electricity for street lighting cost each year?”
“— and all mechanisms within that need to be considered.”
“It would be good to hear some more reassuring soundings coming from the British Government in the same vein. The democratic will of the people here who voted to remain must be respected —”
“In that regard, I welcome the setting-up of the all-island forum and statements by various parties, including those in the Irish Government and the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson, that call for a settlement that takes account of the circumstances on this island.”
“I guess that was an unforeseen consequence, but it would seem that many of the consequences are exactly that. The British Government, meanwhile, seem to lurch from one idea to another and go further to the right by the day as they try to keep everyone on board. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that none of the ideas or proposals that are being put forward is good news for people here, nor, indeed, are they intended to be. It is, therefore, up to us as elected representatives here to stand up for the interests of the people of the North, our businesses, universities, young people and all those who have come from other countries to make their life here.”
“The new British Cabinet is increasingly insular and inward-looking, putting up barriers to the rest of the world in a time of increased globalisation; indeed, it seems intent on cutting off its proverbial nose to spite its face to prove that it meant what it said and is sticking to it guns, regardless of the consequences, with the hollow rhetoric of "Brexit means Brexit". <BR /> <BR />Alongside the consequences that are already beginning to unfold for business and trade is the somewhat ironic news that the plummeting post-referendum pound, which had initially been hailed as good for exports, is likely to see the British budgetary contribution to the EU for next year being up to £2 billion more than it was at the beginning of this year.”
“Added to the soundings that the British Government do not intend to remain within the single market and last week's comments from the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, regarding a hard Brexit or no Brexit, these are all signals that do not bode well. Any future trade arrangement other than continued single market access will take time to negotiate. It will involve further uncertainty, and there is no guarantee that the North and its unique circumstances will feature highly in the discussions.”
“We have very different circumstances — economically, socially and in terms of trade — from those anywhere else in England, Scotland or Wales. <BR /> <BR />I do not believe that the British Government understand or particularly care about the best interests and needs of people here. There is no permanent representative for the North or any of the devolved regions on the British Cabinet Committee on Brexit. They will be called as required, apparently. Half of that committee, which will have responsibility for the exit, is made up of so-called hard Brexiteers, including Liam Fox, David Davis and, of course, Boris Johnson.”
“We believe that the democratic will of the people here must be respected, and the High Court challenges are one strand of trying to achieve that. Since many now believe that there is not majority support in the British Tory party for the type of Brexit that currently seems to be the preferred option of those negotiating, it would seem that they are reluctant to allow their own democratic parliamentary processes to be actioned in case the result goes against them. We await the outcome of the legal challenge with interest. <BR /> <BR />Equally, though, it is important that other mechanisms that would allow for recognition of the unique status of the North continue to be explored. Any mechanism should allow for the North to remain part of the EU.”
“It is time to do more than discuss them. <BR /> <BR />In the months since the result, none of the above-mentioned groups or sectors has been shouting about the opportunities that have opened up for them; they are instead attempting to deal with the challenges that now exist. In the event of an actual exit and the freeing-up of some of the British Budget, the development of future funding streams to replace those lost will not be finalised for several years, and, in the meantime, all those groups and organisations face nothing but uncertainty. <BR /> <BR />We, in Sinn Féin, have been unambiguous before and since the referendum on our position: we believe that the best interests of the people of the North are served by remaining in the EU, a view clearly held by the majority here.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on what has clearly become one of the foremost topics in current politics. The pros and cons of leaving the EU and the implications for all sections of society here have been debated and discussed at length. Undoubtedly though, since the vote, the realisation has hit businesses, academics, the community and voluntary organisations and others of the need to focus on alternatives and plan contingencies. All those groups have pointed out the black holes that will exist in their budget as a result of the loss of EU funds. The implications for particular sectors, including the agri-food sector in terms of trade, have been discussed. The impact on our migrant workforce and the ability of universities to recruit and retain overseas staff and students are all things that we are very aware of.”
“The Minister mentioned United Airlines in his previous answer. How has his Department ensured that there is value for money from the Executive's contribution to ensuring that the link between Belfast and the USA is sustained?”
“Those present at protests represented a wide cross section of the community — business groups, cancer support groups, disability support groups and individuals — all of whom recognise the impact any changes will have on their lives. We call on the Minister to work with his counterpart in the South to ensure that arrangements will be created to ensure that cross-border movement of people, goods and services will continue unimpeded. <BR /> <BR />I urge Members to endorse our amendment. We recognise that remaining within the European single market would achieve the aims regarding free movement and trade access, so we will support the Alliance Party amendment. We believe that majority support would be a strong statement from the Assembly, acknowledging the democratic will of the majority here who voted "Remain".”
“Remaining part of the single market is important, and the messages coming from Westminster are not reassuring. However, the main export market for businesses here is cross-border, with over 31% of our exports worth £2·1 billion going to the South. It is absolutely vital that we continue to have unfettered access to that market and that trade and movement continue as is. Sinn Féin strongly believes that the best means to achieve that is to negotiate arrangements for the North. That is a real possibility that must be fully explored. <BR /> <BR />Protests took place at the weekend at border crossings across the country, calling for the "Remain" vote here to be respected.”
“We must also look towards supporting those same enterprises with their product and service development to ensure that they are able to take up opportunities. Supports for innovation and upscaling are also important strands to any economic strategy, and they will underpin general sales and export capabilities. It is important that companies right across the North, of all sizes and sectors, including the third sector, have the same opportunities to access all these supports and are being made aware of them. Any dissemination events must include more diverse locations to ensure genuine regional balance in their delivery. <BR /> <BR />I now come to the final part of our amendment. The previously mentioned HMRC report also shows that 52% of our exports go to the EU, which is still a sizeable amount worth some £3·5 billion.”
“A 74% increase in exports to the US is highlighted, which is great news, a 56% increase in what it calls "chemical and related products", and a 10% increase in miscellaneous manufactured products. As Mr Lyons said, such industries have been expanding here for some time, and it is really good to see their success. The report shows that the number of businesses exporting here had fallen in comparison with the same quarter in 2015. We have work to do in supporting businesses to explore accessing export markets, and the trade accelerator plan launched last month is a positive step. Alongside that, it is important to ensure that there are appropriate practical and logistical supports in place, particularly for SMEs, to enable them to make the most of any export opportunities that arise.”
“We need to put in place supports to encourage enterprising behaviours. Organisations representing businesses, including the CBI and the British Chambers of Commerce, referenced the importance of consultation with the sectors and their representatives in developing any priority for negotiation and helping to create stability in the short term. I believe that we have a responsibility to do that. <BR /> <BR />It is also important to acknowledge the achievements of companies here. The export data that we have seen this year to June are positive news. We should learn from what may have contributed to that. The report, which shows a 9·5% increase in exports, also includes more detailed information, which Mr Lyons referenced.”
“Agri-food is an important sector for our economy and for exports. Last week, the chair of the Agri-Food Strategy Board was before the AERA Committee. When asked about the opportunities being presented by Brexit for the agri-food sector, he made the salient point that energy will now be spent on managing the situation we are faced with rather than building and growing what we know today. He was subsequently asked whether too much emphasis was being put on negative rather than positive impacts, and he responded that we have to understand the risks before we manage them, and, if you work on the basis that there is no threat, you will do nothing about it. We have to face up to the challenges that businesses now face and realise that the environment that we are in does not encourage investment.”
“For businesses, this makes it difficult to plan for the future and means that they are less likely to invest. As recently as yesterday, the acting director of the British Chambers of Commerce remarked that the uncertainty we now face is making businesses, which already tend to be risk-averse, even more risk-averse.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate and to move our amendment. I will say at the outset that I endorse the call to ensure that growing exports, and enabling companies to do this, should be an integral part of our economic strategy. However, it is also important to recognise the implications of the referendum result, which present companies here with significant challenges, and we must face up to this. That is not being negative; it is being realistic. <BR /> <BR />Over the past couple of months, like most Members in the Chamber, I have had many discussions with stakeholders, businesspeople and business representatives. The message most clearly articulated is that the uncertainty following the referendum result is causing difficulties, and there is a fear factor, whether we like it or not.”
“With regard to paragraph 11and the Loughs Agency's successes to date in securing external funding, will the Minister outline some of those successes and whether they have all been EU-based funding streams?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and responses so far. Paragraph 23 of the statement references the all-island air quality report. Will the Minister elaborate on what actions she intends to take based on its findings?”
“It is expected that there may be some clawback of investment to BT, which could be redirected towards a project like that. <BR /> <BR />Broadband and mobile coverage are no longer luxury commodities; they are necessary utilities like water and electricity. They are a requirement for SMEs to do business and are expected in households for educational and entertainment purposes alike. It is no use telling people who live in those areas affected that 48,000 premises have been connected via the broadband improvement scheme; they only want to know when they too might be connected. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion and commend the amendment to address the disparity in service provision to rural dwellers.”
“<BR /> <BR />I could stand here and list areas with no coverage or very poor coverage, but so could many other Members, and I am sure that the providers are aware of where they are. That information needs to be collated and the issue tackled. That is why we are calling for the Minister to commit to a programme to identify the pockets of areas with poor broadband or mobile coverage and hold the providers to account to ensure they target those areas in a systematic way. <BR /> <BR />There is also a role for local councils in that, and some have plans already in that regard. A targeted action plan should be developed to deliver at least basic broadband over a set period of time to all areas. This is a piece of work that will become necessary with the universal service obligation.”
“<BR /> <BR />There have been many debates and discussions about the need for better broadband provision and mobile coverage in rural areas, and a great deal of investment has been put into mobile and broadband infrastructure. I acknowledge what the Minister previously said about not wanting to allow a situation to develop where there is one level of service for urban areas and another for rural areas, and I welcome that. Unfortunately, however, that may already be the case in some areas. It is very frustrating for individuals, whether they are seeking home or business broadband, to be told they are just outside the scope of decent delivery, and it is equally frustrating as a rep to be told the same and not be able to offer a solution to those individuals.”
“It cannot be ignored that there has been a reduction in the number of in-branch transactions and that fewer people may be using branches, but banks should be encouraged to look at more innovative or imaginative solutions than simply closing branches. Reduced hours is one option, or, if reducing overheads is an issue, sharing premises with shops, other banks in the town or post offices or delivering a full range of services through a post office branch are other options. I acknowledge what Mr McPhillips said about privacy, and that is something that needs to be addressed. This would ensure that the full spectrum of service remains within the locality. While acknowledging that the Minister has limited say in the business decisions of individual banks, all possible influence should be exerted to encourage those types of initiatives.”
“Mobile apps are increasingly the method of choice for many banking transactions. For example, Halifax states that 65% of its online banking is done via mobile app. For many rural dwellers who do not have access to transport, it is imperative to have access to online or mobile banking. This could be households with a single earner and one car where a parent is at home with kids or rural dwellers who are unemployed, are long-term sick or have a disability. In this instance, people may be unable to travel to the nearest branch. It is therefore necessary to have adequate broadband or mobile phone coverage. Many of our most isolated areas suffer from a lack of services in general, including public transport, so the loss of a local bank branch exacerbates an inequality in service that is already there.”
“The two points raised were the importance of rural banks and rural crime. It was pointed out that small businesses need to be able to deposit cash and that it is a security risk for them to travel or keep money in a safe. It was also highlighted that there is footfall associated with local bank branches for cafes, shops etc in a small town or village that can be lost when a branch closes. For personal banking, there are of course those who prefer or need to avail themselves of in-branch services for particular transactions. <BR /> <BR />On our amendment, it cannot be ignored how banking has changed in the past decade. Online banking is now used by around 60% of our population for a range of transactions. For example, 33% of Barclays personal loan applications are done online.”
“I thank the proposers of the motion for raising this important issue. We believe that our amendment adds to the spirit of the motion, which is to ensure the equivalence of service delivery for rural dwellers. <BR /> <BR />I was supportive of the motion. As a representative of a constituency with large rural areas and as a member of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, I am well aware of the many issues affecting rural constituents regarding services. As Mr McPhillips pointed out, there have been a number of bank closures across the North, the most recent in July. As he said, this represents a loss of local jobs as well as the service. <BR /> <BR />A few weeks ago, the Federation of Small Businesses presented to the Economy Committee, and I asked whether there were specific issues for rural small businesses.”
“Will the Minister outline any discussions that she has had with stakeholders about the potential impact on environmental legislation in the North following the referendum result?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. Will she outline what arrangements will be made through the project to accommodate the needs of prisoners with mental health issues, autism and ADHD?”
“<BR /> <BR />This is a complex problem. As others have said, it involves multiple stakeholders, including local government and other agencies, all of which should be consulted and included in any strategy being developed.”
“It places a significant financial burden on individuals in particular, and consideration needs to be given to that, especially as the responsibility for dealing with Japanese knotweed falls to the landowner. Stopping it spreading to neighbouring properties is currently a matter of civil law under a duty of care to the neighbours. I acknowledge what Mr Swann said about developments. In that regard, an evaluation of the control measures, the legislative framework and financial considerations adopted in other states should be carried out to determine what is most effective. That would allow the strategy or measures put in place here to be informed by best practice elsewhere. Care must be taken to ensure that such measures do not place individuals in financial hardship when obligations are placed on them to deal with the problem.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Committee Chair said, the European Commission recently published a list of invasive species around which the Department is planning to legislate soon. Japanese knotweed is not included on that list, so it will not be subject to the measures contained in it. Explaining its absence, the European Commission indicated that the list was not exhaustive and that other species might be added. There is, however, a need to consider, as others mentioned, the legal framework for dealing with Japanese knotweed. <BR /> <BR />As has been said, the consequences of discovering Japanese knotweed on public or private land can be severe, and its eradication from property can prove very costly.”
“The biodiversity strategy to 2020 was published last year, and protecting against adverse pressures from invasive alien species forms part of that strategy. Japanese knotweed is listed, however, as one among several invasive species. The invasive alien species strategy published in 2013 set out measures and actions that should be adopted to tackle invasive species in general. They include better awareness to identify the species; detection, prevention and control measures; management; and communication. In developing any strategy to control or eradicate Japanese knotweed, a first step should be to evaluate progress made against that strategy. It is due for review this year.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. Others have outlined the significant problems that Japanese knotweed causes. Its prevalence seems to be increasing, so clarity is certainly required on a strategy and measures that should be adopted to control it. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion. The problem must be tackled, and a targeted focus is required to do so. As an invasive species, as others have pointed out, Japanese knotweed poses not only a threat as a result of the damage that it does but a threat to our biodiversity. Protecting our biodiversity is a priority to mitigate climate change and the increasing threats from plant and animal diseases associated with that.”
“The aim should be to encourage, or even incentivise, producers and distributors to recover waste tyres to put them to other uses, and to make it easier for those who want to be involved in processing what would otherwise be waste. As we look to develop our policies and encourage environmental protection, waste management is a vital part of any environmental strategy or policy. We should be as innovative as possible in our approach, and that is what we are calling on the Minister to do in today's motion.”
“I do not particularly advocate their use in furnaces, but it has to be acknowledged that tyres and tyre chips have a calorific content that exceeds that of coal, and a similar or lower sulphur content. Tyres have also been used, with varying degrees of success, as underwater reefs, where a large quantity of tyres is bound together and dropped into the ocean to act, like a reef, as a habitat for breeding fish and crustaceans. As tyres are relatively stable in water, there is also the potential for use as river and coastal defences, as previously mentioned. <BR /> <BR />The use of waste or end-of-life tyres should form part of the strategy to monitor and control distribution and disposal.”
“Indeed, these measures were included in the Environment Committee's 2013 report on its inquiry into used tyre disposal, which recommended the introduction of producer responsibility schemes, coordinated North and South for greatest effectiveness. We therefore urge the Minister to work with her Southern counterpart on this. <BR /> <BR />Waste management in general poses a significant challenge as we attempt to meet targets on landfill reduction through increased recycling and reuse. That should be our focus for waste tyres. We have already heard from other Members on the potential uses of tyres through remoulding and retreading or in artificial sports surfaces and playgrounds.”
“Responsibility is placed on manufacturers and importers to maintain records regarding the amount of material placed on the market and to arrange for the recovery and treatment of waste. Those principles could be applied to waste tyre regulation. <BR /> <BR />In the South, following the publication of a report on the current system for managing waste tyres, which showed an apparent failure to comply with regulations, a lack of accurate data being recorded and between 25% to 50% of waste tyres being unaccounted for, the Minister has announced the introduction of a full producer responsibility initiative. Lessons could quickly be adopted from that initiative and a similar scheme introduced in the North.”
“The residue from those burnt tyres can cause the contamination of land and water from the phenolic compounds, heavy metals and the significant quantity of oil that is released through burning. <BR /> <BR />Members, we must take all possible steps to ensure that that type of environmental contamination is reduced and eliminated. The motion calls on the Minister to look at the establishment of a used tyre register to improve the regulation of the tyre industry to make it easier to monitor and regulate the disposal of tyres. Indeed, measures should be looked at that would trace tyres from manufacture to end of life and make it more difficult to dispose of them illegally. <BR /> <BR />One example of this type of producer responsibility measures has already been implemented for waste electrical and electronic equipment.”
“I speak in support of the motion and the amendment. I welcome the opportunity to contribute. My party colleague Mr McMullan has outlined the background, and we have heard from several of my Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs colleagues on why this is a very important topic for discussion. <BR /> <BR />As we have heard, the illegal dumping and burning of tyres has a very negative impact on the environment. Tyres that are illegally dumped are a significant environmental concern, even directly on land, because, while they can remain intact for decades, some of the components can degrade and toxic additives can leach into the ground. There is also a concern about tyre fires, with the acrid smoke containing many hazardous chemicals, including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and many others.”
“We need to listen to what the advocacy groups, support groups and individuals tell us about the care and support services that are needed, and we need to work to deliver on those. We need to have different models of support — trust-delivered direct payments or whatever it is — available for individuals to access depending on their circumstances. Families need to know that support is there for them and their loved ones as they get older, and young people who are struggling to cope with learning disabilities need to have hope that they will have support into the future. <BR /> <BR />I know that we have a receptive Minister of Health who is open to listening to all those suggestions. I am confident that she will ensure that the issue is fully addressed in a way that is acceptable to those who are most affected.”
“We also heard about the massive difference that real, effective support from organisations like Destined can have on the lives of those living with learning disabilities by allowing them to reach their full potential. Our citizens deserve nothing less than to have those opportunities. It is a travesty that more of those support services are not in place. <BR /> <BR />It is important that we learn from this. Families have called for an independent inquiry, and we support that call. We need to get a full understanding of the level of the underspend and how it was allowed to continue over the considerable time that it occurred, and we need to address that underspend with a similar level of investment.”
“When I say "quantify", in this instance, I do not mean numerically or financially; I mean the services or support that could have been provided if the appropriate funding had been available and the difference it might have made to the lives of those living with learning disabilities and their families. At the meeting, we heard from families who had supported loved ones over many years. We heard about the lack of respite care and limited day centre services. We heard about how much of a difference these services can make to families and how many parents feel abandoned as they get older and struggle to cope with adult dependents with very little support. We also heard of their very real worries about what will happen to their loved one if they are unable to care for them.”
“I also commend Mr Hussey for securing the debate. I know that I will repeat some of what has been said, but I feel that it is important to put on record the concerns of my constituents in East Derry. <BR /> <BR />Like others here, I attended a public meeting organised by the Western Learning Disability Action Group in Benbradagh Resource Centre in Limavady. I also attended the Western Trust briefing on the underspend. The sentiments being expressed by families have already been articulated very well. They have been let down over many years. It is difficult to quantify.”
“My concern is with the North of Ireland and the issues for our farmers. <BR /> <BR />A major change has taken place over the last few days, and the uncertainty that has resulted has already affected our economy severely. It was mentioned earlier that it may have a short-term positive impact on export prices, but, in the longer term, the uncertainty will result in many farmers reconsidering their future in the industry, and that may impact on production. We need direction, and we need some certainty for all sectors of our society.”