Phillip Logan
North Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Was the Member in when Simon Hamilton outlined the plan? I see this as a way forward. This is positive. There was a problem, and we have addressed it. That is what the people of Northern Ireland want. Elections will not fix this or make it right, but we have put in place steps to do that.”
“Thank you. I thank the Member for his contribution. He is absolutely right. It really should not be an expectation to ask for those things. It should just be part and parcel of life and human decency. <BR /> <BR />I think that we were making progress. It was slow and laboured; nonetheless, I think that we are making progress.”
“We were making real progress, but no more. <BR /> <BR />To be honest, I have no idea what lies ahead after an election. I have no doubt that there will be talks, as the motion indicates, whether it is about building on what we have already attempted to achieve or maybe on a new way forward.”
“To be fair, in the Chamber, as we have discussed this, there is consensus that we all want the best for Northern Ireland. We make that claim. As an optimist, I assume that most of us mean it.”
“I was nine years of age when the Good Friday Agreement was signed and, to me, it feels like a long time ago. I remember reading the Good Friday Agreement and its outworkings at Cullybackey High School and googling a lot of its attributes. Some of it was quite amazing, and I can understand why people struggle to understand a lot of it.”
“Some of the issues that are cited under equality are being used as pawns. Let us talk about them and not polarise people with different opinions. I want to focus on all the people of Northern Ireland.”
The complete record
Every one of 111 lines we hold for Phillip Logan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 3.
“In the common funding scheme, small schools support funding seeks to reflect the needs of smaller schools in delivering the curriculum. <BR /> <BR />The Education Department's sustainable schools policy is the framework used for assessing viability, and it is a key driver for the area planning process. The sustainable schools policy was rural proofed, and, as the Education Authority's draft area plan is based on the policy, we can be assured it is rural proofed. Let me be clear about this: what we have here —”
“<BR /> <BR />When funding is being allocated, schools in urban areas are treated exactly the same as those with similar characteristics in rural areas. The Minister has stated that he recognises that funding is a significant issue and that all schools face difficult choices and ongoing challenges to ensure that they live within their budgets. We heard from the principals earlier today. That was a very helpful meeting, and it highlighted some of the issues we are trying to get across in our amendment. <BR /> <BR />As Chris Lyttle mentioned, the Minister wishes to examine the common funding scheme to ensure it is fit for purpose, the best possible support is given to all schools and the maximum advantage is being derived from the moneys allocated.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the motion, if the previous Minister and his officials marched to the top of the hill and retreated, I accept that that is a failure, but we in this party are determined to take the tough decisions that need to be taken. We acknowledge that burying our heads in the sand is not a viable, long-term option. <BR /> <BR />As regards the concerns over rural schools, the Rural Needs Act 2016, which received Royal Assent in May, placed a duty on public authorities, including councils, to have due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting and implementing policies. The Department of Education has to meet legal obligations to give due regard to rural needs when reviewing the SSP and the area planning process.”
“I need to make my point and get on. Schools are not closed lightly or without consultation. Instead of putting in protections for rural schools just because they are rural, I believe that there should be a case-by-case approach — we mentioned Rathlin, and rightly so. Schools have to deliver for their pupils, regardless of their size or location. That is why we need a strategy so that small schools can be helped to deliver. Smaller schools face challenges, but, with a pragmatic approach and innovative and creative thinking, it is possible to ensure that education provision is available as close to a pupil's home as possible.”
“The annual area profiles published by the Education Authority are based on three of the criteria and enable managing authorities to keep schools that are in danger of becoming unsustainable under review. <BR /> <BR />The topic is emotive, and, as Lord Morrow pointed out, many stakeholders are involved in a school — pupils, parents, teachers and support staff. When faced with the prospect of potential closure, schools are protective and passionate — rightly so. Schools —”
“OK. The sustainable schools policy places the needs of our children and young people at the heart of the planning process. Area planning aims to ensure that children and young people have access to educational pathways and a broad and balanced curriculum that meets their needs. It is not focused on achieving a projected level of savings, but, rather, focuses on maximising the impact of available resources by working towards a network of schools that are educationally and financially viable. The criteria and their associated indicators are not used in robotic fashion to close schools, but concerns about a school's viability are often addressed when enrolments have fallen to an irreversible level. In such cases, the criteria provide a framework for early identification of emerging problems so that possible remedial action may be taken.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. With regard to rural schools, there is no separation when it comes to dividing the money. Those schools are rural schools and are as important as urban schools.”
“I wish to address our amendment first. Schools are not closed for absolutely no reason. The purpose of the area planning process is to implement the Department's sustainable schools policy. The primary objective of that policy is to ensure that all children get a first-class education in fit-for-purpose facilities, regardless of background or where they live, and make the best use of the resources available for their education. It places the needs —”
“The Minister spoke very well about our amendment, and it is clear that the Ulster Unionist Party does not understand the draft strategic area plan. There is one thing that I cannot get over about its motion, and that is that it does not mention pupils or what is best for them. It reeks of all the luxuries of being unaccountable and not having to bear any responsibility.”
“Will the Minister outline what progress he has made in promoting a culture of lawfulness in Northern Ireland?”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. What progress has the Minister made on implementing the plans in the Fresh Start Agreement for tackling paramilitary activity?”
“They saw pupils as individuals and dealt with them as such — each individual is different in their circumstances and difficulties. Nurture groups gave parents practical support — that is very important — including strategies that they could use at home with their children. Parents felt more confident about being able to help their children and valued the nurture groups more highly. <BR /> <BR />As Chris Lyttle pointed out, there are some concerns that literacy and numeracy targets were not achieved in certain nurture groups. That is something that I hope will be addressed as they continue to develop. Let us be clear: children who are more well-rounded emotionally, behaviourally and socially will be more willing to dedicate themselves to learning in school.”
“It is considerably higher again if the child has to avail himself or herself of alternative full-time education provision and/or attend a special school. Existing evidence suggests that investment in nurture group provision is likely to pay for itself after just two years. It is therefore cost-effective and represents a significant economic return to society, along with the benefits that it brings to the child and their family. <BR /> <BR />The schools that were most effective at nurturing had a clearly defined, positive but firm approach to the way in which they spoke to pupils. They gave them clear boundaries, praised them for their efforts and achievements, ensured that they made academic progress and worked with their parents, who are, of course, children's first educators.”
“Of course, he has urged caution, as we know that there are budgetary pressures from all angles. However, despite the initial budgetary strain that they will exert, as has been said, nurture units have proven to be cost-effective. The estimated cost per year of reducing one child who is defined as having behavioural difficulties to within the normal range is just less than £13,000. The cost of a pupil with behavioural difficulties being provided with just one of the many additional resources during the school term between year 3 and year 12 will be at least twice as much to the education system as it would be by addressing those difficulties through effective nurture group provision before the start of year 3.”
“Just a few weeks ago, I asked the Minister in an Assembly question to give me his assessment of the Queen's University nurture unit evaluation report, and I was delighted to hear that one of the clear indicators is that intervention has been of tremendous value to children, particularly to some children who are vulnerable and those who need that help. <BR /> <BR />Another thing that came across clearly from the report was that, even though only a limited number of children are directly involved in a unit, intervention through nurture units in schools creates a whole-school improvement, and children across the board get that. That is why, ideally, we should look at expanding the nurture group provision. Again, I was delighted to hear the Minister's insight that there is a strong desire to see an expansion if possible.”
“It is a privilege for me to highlight my support for nurture units. As has been said, they provide a short-term, focused intervention for children with particular social, emotional and behavioural difficulties that create barriers to learning in mainstream classes. It is a targeted programme aimed at pupils who fail to engage in the learning process and may otherwise be at risk of underachievement, leading to SEN support or the need for education outside of the school setting. <BR /> <BR />Analysis of the data gathered on the 529 children who had previously attended nurture groups showed that, on average, they had made consistently large improvements in social, emotional and behavioural development.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am disappointed that the motion is framed negatively. As Lord Morrow rightly said, we will be voting it down today.”
“The centre provides an extensive training programme for parents, schools and a range of professionals, offering opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and safe practices for education provision for children and young people with autism. The centre's data shows that, up to April 2016, almost 15,000 parents and 17,000 professionals in the Republic of Ireland and 4,500 parents and almost 20,000 professionals in Northern Ireland attended the centre's training events, which are held in venues across both countries. The latest inspection report, which was referred to, could not be more full of praise for the leadership in the school. Equipping people to deal with autism is a vital and necessary part of allowing individuals with ASD and their carers to get the most out of life. That is what the Middletown Centre for Autism seeks to do.”
“That support does not always need to come from residential services. As I said, I believe that that is best placed with parents and carers. After the launch of the Northern Ireland Executive's autism strategy and action plan, the Middletown Centre for Autism, in conjunction with the Education Authority, is delivering training programmes for teachers, education professionals, youth workers and parents, helping to provide effective support for children with autism. Formal arrangements are also in place for collaborative working between the Department of Health and the Department of Education. <BR /> <BR />The Middletown Centre for Autism is, right now, a fantastic resource and facility for young people.”
“It talks about a renewed commitment to the centre's original priorities, which are as follows:”
“The research shows that children are best placed at home with their parents or carers, who have benefited from the centre's training.”
“The Department of Education also provides funding to the Middletown Centre for Autism and has established it and enabled it to expand its programme of direct support and intervention to children with complex autism, who are referred by the Education Authority, and provide professional and parental training and research services. Minister Weir visited the school in August this year, just three months into his appointment, to look around the centre and assure management and staff of his support. <BR /> <BR />I said earlier that I agree with Mr Lunn's comments. I am disappointed at the tone of the motion. It uses language such as, "'deeply concerned", "failure" and "setback for autism services" and this is simply not accurate. It calls for residential assessments and, like others, I agree that this is not necessarily the best option.”
“I want to contribute to the debate in a positive manner just as some other Members have, and I agree with most of what Mr Lunn said. The motion is quite negatively framed, but I want to contribute in a positive manner. I praise Middletown on the work that it does which is very valuable to the children — some of whom have very complex forms of autism — and their parents. <BR /> <BR />I am confident that the Department of Education and the Minister are clearly committed to meeting the needs of children and young people with autism. This manifests itself through a range of different methods, including mainstream provision, learning support centres attached to mainstream schools, and the special schools provision.”
“Thanks to the First Minister for her answer. I am sure that she agrees that the Washington DC branch does great work to promote a positive image of Northern Ireland to America. Will she assure us that, regardless of the result of the presidential election, the Washington DC branch will continue to do its work?”
“Does the Minister have assurances from all arm's-length bodies that they will implement this policy at the desired pace?”
“Had we remained — Mr Lyons made this point — there would have been uncertainty on many aspects. As well as that, when was the next bill or penalty going to come? This was a tough decision, but our eight MPs and a First Minister who is firmly at the table will be there to represent Northern Ireland and all our people here.”
“I have given away quite enough. <BR /> <BR />You have never heard me say in the Chamber that leaving is the easy option; I have never said that. It is a difficult option — of course it is — but we are up for that challenge. We acknowledge and recognise the options and the opportunities outside of Europe.”
“There is no happy medium with the European Union.”
“I do not want to be part of an organisation that penalises us, as the United Kingdom, for economic success, like we saw back in November 2014 when David Cameron was landed with a bill for £1·7 billion. By the way, France was given a reduction of £800 million and Germany was given a reduction of £600 million. We were landed with a bill for £1·7 billion as a result of our economic success. He said he would ask for a reduction in that, and he did not get it. He said he would ask for special terms, and he did not get them. That is what the vote was all about. It was about taking back control. It was about taking back control of our laws, because, remember, either you have control of them or you do not. Either you have control of immigration or you do not. Either you have control over finances or you do not.”
“That is right. Everyone has a seat at the table with their MP, and they are very welcome to that discussion. <BR /> <BR />It was not done region by region or constituency by constituency; it was a United Kingdom vote. I respect democracy, and we in this party have shown that time and time again, although sometimes we maybe do not agree with it. I mean, I do not get too excited about doing business with Sinn Féin, but we respect the democratic will of the people of Northern Ireland and we get on with the business of doing what is right for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I oppose the motion because I believe we are better off outside the European Union.”
“Yes. Perhaps Ireland, as the thirty-seventh — I hope I have that right — largest economy should be taking our lead on this one. <BR /> <BR />I oppose the motion as well because I believe in democracy. In June this year, people walked into a polling station and were given this question: should the United Kingdom leave the European Union or remain a member of it? I will not go any further on that; we are all aware of it. So it would be ridiculous of me to suggest that some constituencies in London that voted to remain should be given special circumstances, and the same should be said for here. Some constituencies voted to remain and, again, it would be ridiculous to suggest they should be given special circumstances. It was not done constituency by constituency or region by region; it was —”
“Yes, thank you very much. Sixth? Where is our recession, Steve?”
“Thank you. No. We got our answer on that. Theresa May has committed to triggering article 50 by March next year. That is what they are committed to doing, and we are absolutely supportive of that. You see, Theresa May is our Prime Minister. We are united with the United Kingdom, which has the fifth largest economy in the world. Perhaps —”
“I oppose it, secondly, because it is a national matter. Yes, there are issues specific to Northern Ireland that need to be addressed. We do share a land border with an EU state, but Theresa May, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom — a nation made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland —”
“I love taking the opportunity in the Chamber to discuss our exit from the European Union. We once had "Remainers" and "Leavers", and we once had a "Remain" campaign and a "Leave" campaign, but we all have one thing in common in the Chamber today, and that is that we are all leaving the European Union. We no longer have "Remainers", just a few "Remoaners". I would much rather the Opposition brought before us today a motion of substance that talks about the opportunities outside Europe, the trade deals and an outward-looking United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />I stand, unsurprisingly, today to oppose the motion because it is premature. Why do we need special status? Of course, the negotiations have just begun, and we have a seat at the table with our eight MPs at Westminster, who actually take their seats.”
“Thanks to the Minister for his answer. Do you have any plans for a new targeted rate relief scheme for small independent retailers?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. What assurances can he give to schools currently in receipt of funding for nurture units?”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. Does he have any plans to introduce any new programmes for organisations that help homeless people, particularly homeless people with addictions?”
“Thanks for the opportunity to bring this.”
“— a digitalised healthcare system with electronic healthcare records for Northern Ireland. E-health has already helped to revolutionise the delivery of health and social care for patients. To finish —”
“A digitalised system would be fantastic for the rest of Northern Ireland. We also have to have a continued strategy across all Departments to tackle health inequalities, which is one of the indicators in the Programme for Government. <BR /> <BR />Finally, we need the Assembly to invest in the future of our healthcare by investing in a health service that is fit for the 21st century. That means more innovation. We need to move towards —”
“<BR /> <BR />These moves forward for healthcare in North Antrim are great, but we cannot be complacent. There is still much to do and, like a good Presbyterian, I have a three-point sermon prepared that I will get on to very quickly. We need to invest in people, invest in the system and invest in the future. <BR /> <BR />We need the Assembly to invest in our people employed in the healthcare centres. I recognise that the contribution made by staff in the NHS is invaluable to the functioning of Northern Ireland's health service. I also know of the pressures facing the profession, especially around staff numbers. <BR /> <BR />We need the Assembly to invest in the system of our healthcare. By investing in health infrastructure — something the DUP would like to achieve — we have already seen some of those benefits within Ballymena.”
“That was done to streamline administration, provide training and make it all more efficient. It provides accommodation for around 58 staff, and up to 12 vehicles can be garaged there to make sure they are viable for the long-term. <BR /> <BR />I was very pleased to see in July this year that at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's planning committee it was decided that the First Presbyterian church in Ahoghill, my home village, is to be transformed into a new medical centre catering for around 5,000 patients. There will be minimal change to the historic building, which dates back to 1858 — I think maybe Mr Storey remembers it being built — but it will be a very useful, modern healthcare facility that will serve the local community.”
“Mr Wells said it was something he would have loved to see created 20 times more over Northern Ireland in his time as Health Minister. We are, of course, leading the way on that. I pay tribute to some of our councillors for lobbying for that healthcare centre for many years. We are delighted to see that it boasts six GP practices, locally accessible acute, primary and community care services, a mental health consultation wing, a separate children's wing and dental services. The building provides a hub for healthcare in the local area. It allows primary care, mental health and other teams to be co-located, which makes healthcare as a whole more efficient. <BR /> <BR />There is also a new ambulance station in Ballymena. That is the new north sector division headquarters, consolidating the activities from Coleraine into Ballymena.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have been very fortunate in the past year in North Antrim, and particularly in Ballymena, to have had significant investment in healthcare facilities — needful but significant. Ballymena has gained a state-of-the-art centre, which was officially opened by the then Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, on 18 February. Ballymena Health and Care Centre is the largest healthcare facility of its kind to date in Northern Ireland.”
“I thank my colleague Mr Storey for bringing the debate to the House today. Leaving Northern Ireland aside, we are very fortunate in North Antrim to have an excellent health and care system. Mr McGuigan picked up on some of the issues coming through his constituency office, and, even at this early stage, I have the same. So, we are well aware. I welcome the fact that the Minister said last week at Question Time that waiting lists are not defendable. I welcome that, but, leaving that aside because that is an issue all over, when people get to the other end of that waiting list, the service that they receive is first class. The service that they receive from our GPs and front-line service people is first class.”
“Does the Minister agree that it is important to have this discussion in an atmosphere of respect and that people do not have their viewpoints misrepresented, as we have seen in the past?”
“What was the First Minister's reaction to suggestions by some that the joint Executive letter to the Prime Minister was, in some way, a softening of this party's position on the exit from the EU?”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for his statement. Was a single electricity market mentioned?”
“Has the Minister any plans to review the common funding formula?”