Rosemary Barton
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Unfortunately, I see nothing about women in agriculture in your statement. You talked about succession, for example. Will there be extra support to allow women to succeed to the family farm? Many women have caring responsibilities.”
“My question leads on from Mr McGlone's. You talked about responsibility for the environment, but everybody has to take responsibility for their local environment, and that is the aspect at which I want to look. What conversations have you had with councils about how they will be able to help you meet the strategy's challenges?”
“Thank you, Minister, for that comprehensive answer. Those investments are all very fine and are very welcome in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. We still have a communication problem owing to the mobile network coverage, however. Can you think of any way in which to put further investment into Fermanagh to try to alleviate that problem?”
“When there is an issue involving devolved matters, it is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assembly to legislate on those matters. The UK Parliament retains the power to legislate on them, however.”
“<BR /> <BR />A number of strengthening arrangements therefore needed to be considered. There must be an assurance that the Assembly is made aware in a timely manner of those Westminster Bills that require an LCM. There needs to be improved communication from Ministers to the Assembly if normal timescales cannot be met.”
“The amendment that we are debating is to Standing Order 3, and it covers what happens in the event that a Member cannot attend, whether through illness or for another reason, the first meeting of the Assembly following a dissolution. That Member, therefore, would not be able to declare his or her political designation.”
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“There is no clear definition as to what a participant is. Is it an individual on horseback, who is out for a hack with their pet dogs? Is it someone who is out on a country walk, whose dog chases a rabbit? <BR /> <BR />Clause 2(2) is also ambiguous, in that it suggests that trail hunting:”
“Yes, that is what I said. <BR /> <BR />Clause 1 makes it an offence:”
“<BR /> <BR />While there are many who say that hunting with dogs is a necessity to keep predators like foxes under control, others contend that that method of control is very cruel and causes unnecessary suffering before the animal dies. There are swifter and more humane methods of eradicating predators such as foxes, which are a danger to young lambs, free-range fowl and ground-nesting birds. <BR /> <BR />In considering the Bill, we must remember that its aim is to introduce a ban on hunting wild mammals to death with dogs. It is a short Bill, with 10 clauses, but there are several that need greater clarification as to their intent.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker; I will try to keep within the time limits. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this Second Stage debate. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland has no dedicated and specific legislation that bans or regulates the hunting of mammals with dogs, unlike in England, Scotland and Wales, where hunting with dogs is either restricted or banned by legislation. We do, however, have legislation that protects wildlife as its objective, such as the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, which prohibited hare coursing but left the possibility to hunt wild animals. There is also legislation to deal with attacks on people, livestock and other animals.”
“Existing legislation in Northern Ireland does not define the duration of bereavement leave for a parent who needs time off work following a death, and the Bill that we are debating this afternoon will provide the necessary legislation for parental bereavement, including leave and pay considerations. Those considerations should include bereavement pay and leave from day 1 for the parent of a child under 18 years of age, including in cases of miscarriage and stillbirth. That leave will, hopefully, help and support parents as they come to terms with their grief. <BR /> <BR />The Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill will be an important step in counterbalancing the legislation that is already in place elsewhere. The Ulster Unionist Party supports the Bill and the amendments.”
“The impact of bereavement, particularly that due to the loss of a child, can have an adverse impact on the health and well-being of a parent. <BR /> <BR />Three days of paid bereavement allowance is quite frequent with many employers in Northern Ireland. That gives so little time for grief. There is a funeral to organise, as well as supporting a family and dealing with the necessary requirements and practical tasks following a funeral. Such a limited bereavement time means that loved ones return to work physically and emotionally exhausted and without the time, space or financial support to grieve properly or to come to terms with their loss.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of the principle of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill and in support of the Committee amendments. <BR /> <BR />There is nothing worse than the loss of a child and the grief surrounding that. We so look forward to a young life brought into this world, growing into adulthood, and we expect children to outlive their parents. At any time in the UK, around one in 10 workers is believed to be affected by bereavement. While there are organisations and employers who offer compassion and support at the time of a bereavement, in a survey of employees completed in Northern Ireland, one in seven bereaved parents said that they had not been offered a single day of paid bereavement leave.”
“We are some eight months into this and heading towards the end of the financial year. Is there a possibility that time may run out to get that funding out to organisations that desperately need it? Surely that is paramount.”
“Minister, thank you for your answer. I understand that you have the power to increase the amount paid through the winter fuel payment. Can you advise whether you have considered that alongside the other measures to support those who are adversely impacted by the rising costs of living?”
“<BR /> <BR />The Ulster Unionist Party will support this uncontroversial Bill, which will give our service animals the necessary protection when carrying out their duties to help people.”
“It has therefore become a necessity for those service animals to be afforded the same protection as animals in other parts of the UK. That enhanced protection will apply only when the animals are in active duty under the control of an officer and being used by an officer in the course of their duties. <BR /> <BR />The Bill is welcome. It has gone through a consultation process, with the overwhelming majority of consultees supporting it. Other dogs, such as those used for search and rescue purposes, are not included in the Bill because they are considered to be working in a passive way and therefore do not need the added protection unless they are working with police. The Bill also provides the power to add to the types of animals that are to be protected, if needed, in the future.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill. Many of our services in Northern Ireland, such as the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Belfast harbour and airport police, are dependent on support and help from specially trained dogs for a variety of tasks, including responding to calls to help to track burglars or prevent prohibited items entering our country or prisons. <BR /> <BR />As in the rest of the United Kingdom, it is an offence here to cause unnecessary harm and suffering to animals. Unfortunately, service animals have increasingly become the object of deliberate harm or abuse, occasionally being maimed for life in their line of duty.”
“Minister, in your statement, you mentioned the Lough Erne (Navigation) Order 2021. As you know, it involves reducing water levels in Lough Erne. Over a number of years, farmland and even access roads that are adjacent to Lough Erne have suffered with winter flooding. Can you advise how much the level of Lower Lough Erne has been lowered, how the new reduced level was determined, and whether you are confident that local farms will now be protected from the risk of flooding?”
“Minister, you referred to your discussions about climate change. Can you update the House on the position of climate change policy in the United Kingdom compared with the Republic of Ireland?”
“A key element of the scheme was the requirement for six members of the community to participate in a mandatory Managing Your Space capacity-building training programme. What evidence do you have that that programme was successful in achieving capacity building?”
“First Minister, I understand that a number of UK-wide projects are in development, as you will see if you look at some of the questions asked in Westminster by your colleague Carla Lockhart. Can you advise the House where in Northern Ireland those events will take place?”
“Only two thirds of all potholes are mended. We are left with a third that go unmended. When will basic contracts be put in place so that there will be adequate funding for the maintenance of those roads?”
“Minister, you spoke about increased budgets for rural roads. In the west, rural roads are in a dreadful condition.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answers. You spoke about elective care. There has been an initiative in the South West Acute Hospital in relation to elective care surgery. Will you comment on the success or otherwise of that, please?”
“The second option was the most suitable for reinstating funding for both racecourses as soon as possible. That option also negated potential negative impacts such as failure to attract top competitors and thus downgrading the quality of racing. That would also impact on tourism in the area. <BR /> <BR />Supporting the amendments to the Bill ensures that both racecourses will continue to receive funding to attract top competitors to the meetings, and that will have a positive impact.”
“<BR /> <BR />The change of ownership at Down Royal in 2019 brought about the suspension of payments. Consequently, the payments from the horse racing fund to the racecourse ceased, and Downpatrick racecourse also received no funding. Therefore, a resolution had to be sought to restore the funding from the horse racing fund to both racecourses. <BR /> <BR />There were options: do nothing, amend the 1990 Order or carry out a strategic review of the 1990 Order. Do nothing was not an option. Carrying out a strategic review would have involved a number of cross-departmental issues and the length of time needed to do that was not within our gift, so we looked at the second option, which was to change, as soon as possible, the named operator at Down Royal.”
“This Bill is a technical issue related to the two racecourses at the Maze, sometimes referred to as Down Royal, and Downpatrick, both of which received financial assistance. That assistance helped towards prize money, general expenses on race days and assistance towards the cost of improving the racetracks and facilities for spectators. <BR /> <BR />The 1990 Order extended the horse racing fund to include Downpatrick Racecourse, but the financial assistance was limited to prize money, general costs on race days and spectator safety. This legislation ensured that licensed bookmakers paid an annual fee, which the Department of Agriculture distributed to the beneficiaries at each of the horse racing courses. At Downpatrick Racecourse, that was known as "the company", while, at the Maze, the operators were referred to as "the corporation".”
“Otherwise, if that is not going to be the case, we must provide substantial investment in the current schools to give them and their pupils a fair opportunity to complete their education in the sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />I understand that there are three overarching objectives that are planned to be achieved through the successful delivery of the school: promoting excellence in educational provision, achieving experience and outcomes through the delivery of exemplary facilities; providing the future delivery of the post-primary estate on an area planning basis that will ensure the delivery of a 21st-century curriculum; and stimulating the further development and regeneration of Omagh town and the wider district through the provision of facilities that are widely accessible to all members of the community. <BR /> <BR />I say to the Minister that it is imperative that progress is made on the project.”
“Placing education strategically at the heart of the community means that the young people are connected through education, which filters into the wider community. There is, potentially, a huge social and educational dividend that can promote and enhance community relations. <BR /> <BR />The main areas of the proposed sharing across the campus are the shared education centre, covering areas such as technology and design, music, drama, art, home economics and sixth-form study; the shared sports centre and sports pavilion that Mr McAleer mentioned, including multiple courts, a covered multi-use games area and spectator seating; and sharing in the core schools for minority subjects and areas of subject excellence.”
“It will bring together pupils from local schools with representation from the controlled, maintained and voluntary sectors. Each school will retain its individuality and ethos whilst maximising the opportunities that are provided through collaboration and sharing. That means that the widest range of subjects will be available to the students on campus. Schools will be able to deliver a 21st-century curriculum in progressive, modern and flexible facilities, aspects of which will be enhanced significantly through the sharing of resources. The campus approach will also facilitate better connectivity between mainstream and special needs schools.”
“However, the latest cost estimate is that, from October 2021 to programme completion, a further investment of £184 million will be required. The complex should have been opened by now, but the latest estimate for opening is September 2025. Hopefully, there will be no more delays. <BR /> <BR />My greatest concern is for those schools that are waiting to have new, modern premises and facilities. It is unfair on their pupils and staff, who are often learning and working in conditions that are of a much lower standard than those in many other schools and educational settings. That can often result in pupils and staff becoming demoralised, and it can have a negative effect on education and teaching. <BR /> <BR />The Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh has a pioneering approach to delivering education.”
“Loreto Grammar School, Omagh High School, Sacred Heart College, Omagh Academy and Christian Brothers' Grammar School were set to get new buildings on the campus alongside Arvalee School and Resource Centre, which opened on the campus in 2016. <BR /> <BR />The estimated overall cost of the project has risen from £169 million in 2016 to approximately £230 million in 2021. That is an increase of over 36% in five years. To the end of September 2021, the Department had invested some £46 million in the Strule Shared Education Campus programme. That investment has delivered the design, construction and fit-out of Arvalee School and Resource Centre, the Strathroy Link Road to improve the traffic flow to and from the campus and the completed site preparation works. It has also delivered the designs for the core schools and the shared facilities.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the Adjournment debate this afternoon on the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh, and I thank Ms Brogan for securing the debate. While I represent Fermanagh and South Tyrone, quite a number of pupils in the north Fermanagh area attend schools in Omagh, so, obviously, my great interest in the debate lies there. <BR /> <BR />I am very aware that a project takes time to plan, develop and progress. However, this development appears to have been taking somewhat longer than most. As I recall, plans for this landmark project commenced long before the planning application was submitted in 2011. Work then began in 2013. It was planned that six schools and more than 4,000 pupils would move to the site of the former army base at Lisanelly.”
“The disadvantages faced by so many women and girls must be challenged, and the stigma and taboo associated with periods and period poverty must be brought to an end. In November 2020, Scotland became the first nation in the world to take such a step against period poverty by making sanitary products free for all women. We need to follow that example.”
“That is because the subject is not openly discussed. The ongoing discrimination against 50% of our population needs to change immediately. Periods are a natural process that we all go through. We cannot choose when we start having them and when we stop, and we cannot prevent them. Consequently, we should not be penalised for requiring those essential items. <BR /> <BR />It is long past the time for talking and discussions. I find it incredible that, in the 21st century, we are discussing such a taboo subject as women's intimate health or the lack of provision for it. My firm belief is that steps need to be taken to rectify the injustices that so many still face. Ultimately, the elimination of period poverty must be prioritised.”
“We need to realise that it is an issue throughout our society and that we must do what we can for all the women and girls who constantly struggle with their rising general day-to-day expenditure and other essential products becoming more expensive all the time. <BR /> <BR />It is unacceptable that some women are forced to do without sanitary products simply because they are unaffordable. In Northern Ireland, one in seven girls struggles to afford sanitary wear. The embarrassment that that causes is immense, and it directly relates to the rise in mental health issues. Evidence has shown that children are all too aware of money problems in their home, and some may not wish to burden their parents further by asking for money that simply is not there in the first place. <BR /> <BR />Periods carry a stigma and an embarrassment.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the debate this afternoon. I thank Mr Catney for bringing the Bill to the House for debate. <BR /> <BR />As we all know, period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints. In the UK, sanitary products are taxed at 5%, a levy that is blamed on the EU, which sets tax rates on certain products. Period products are not and should not be classed as luxury items. They are essential items that cost the average woman £5,000 over a lifetime, and that figure is rising as the cost of living increases. <BR /> <BR />It is estimated that over 137,000 children across the UK have missed days at school because of period poverty. We need to recognise the huge significance that that has for our children's futures.”
“What engagement have you had with your research department to help reduce emissions, such as methane, that are produced on farms?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. In it, you refer to the:”
“What communication have you had with our councils to try to get their recycling rates above 50% and nearer to 100%?”
“In paragraph 15, under the six strategic environmental outcomes, you speak of:”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. In paragraph 13, you refer to the:”
“Minister, is it the case that, only because the VMS has been expanded to include vaccine history across any location, many thousands of people can now be vaccinated in our community pharmacies?”
“Minister, those organic producers may be working at a disadvantage, given that, in Great Britain, food that is 95% organic is allowed. What will DAERA do to help them to market their food?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. You referred to Glenarm Forest as Northern Ireland's first Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project. Do you have other locations identified for that project?”
“Minister, can you provide an update on the work carried out by the Gillen education and awareness group?”
“<BR /> <BR />There are many complex and wide-ranging issues that need to be considered. To ensure that the Committee has the scope to give due regard to the specific aspects of the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill introduced by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the motion is submitted to extend the Committee Stage until 28 January 2022. Notwithstanding that request, and in the context of the limited time available in the mandate, the Committee will endeavour to complete its scrutiny as soon as is practically possible in order to allow the House ample time to consider the Bill.”
“I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to the motion on behalf of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Our Chairperson and Deputy Chair are unavailable. <BR /> <BR />As the House will be aware, in recent months, the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has invested significant time and energy in considering climate change legislation. The Committee recognises that climate change is one of the most important issues affecting our society. It is essential that we have legislation in place that will allow us to contribute effectively to climate action and that takes account of the specific characteristics of our local economy. Climate change affects us all and will have profound implications for how we work, live and travel.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. You talk about the reduction in staff, but that is not good enough, particularly for homes in streets that have not been adopted for over 15 years. What plans do you have to meet the needs of the homeowners who still wait to have their footpaths adopted, their roads completed and their bins collected?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Will you advise what support you will give to non-new builds in the countryside?”
“The written statement from the Minister, two weeks ago, showed a marked similarity to the response made by senior civil servants to the RHI inquiry in 2018. Bearing in mind the seven significant areas for improvement that were identified then, why has the report taken so long, particularly as he is chair of the Executive subcommittee?”
“Minister, we are all aware of financial pressures across all the Departments. Are you content that there will be sufficient budget to commit to this programme?”
“Minister, you will be aware that Enniskillen Royal Grammar School is waiting for some work to be started on the Portora site. Will you give me an update on when you expect that to get going?”
“Minister, cases have been brought to my attention of children who are applying to a comprehensive school and have been refused school transport because they have not applied to their nearest school, which happens to be a non-grammar secondary school. Will there be a review of that situation?”