Robbie Butler
Lagan Valley · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Officials highlighted that alignment was provided through existing EU-derived arrangements and that coherence with existing regulatory frameworks was identified as a main consideration.”
“I note that the Member for Strangford agrees: she understands the value of our fisheries in those areas. There are other complexities. The Isle of Man Government have now done a bit of a circle around that island, which makes it difficult for our fishers from Portavogie, Kilkeel and Portaferry to craft and graft a living from some of the…”
“The Committee took the opportunity to question officials on several issues and highlight matters warranting scrutiny at Committee Stage but was not limited to those areas.”
“As the Minister said, they have possibly been viewed as competing demands, but they are not competing demands, because clean water is part of sustainable food production.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am glad to see language in the Bill on the sustainability of the aquaculture sector, and I want to lean in a bit on that. Aquaculture pastimes have, perhaps, been underutilised, whether they relate to the angling fraternity or other river and water users.”
“Today, I want to talk about a very talented young girl from Lisburn called Freya Terris. Freya, who is 17 years old, attends Friends' School and studies the piano under former Lisburn resident Rory Dowse. Freya is an incredibly accomplished young pianist and has performed in the Ulster Hall.”
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“This should not be seen as a choice between a healthy environment and a productive countryside: Northern Ireland needs both. It needs clean water, thriving fisheries, sustainable food production and a vibrant angling sector. The Bill should deliver a balanced framework that protects our natural environment while supporting rural communities and the industries that depend on it.”
“He said that the opportunities for fishing in Northern Ireland are probably some of the best in the world. It is right that we in the Assembly grasp the opportunity in a Bill such as this to expand our offering. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster Unionist Party looks forward to engaging on the Bill, and we will do so because we share the ambition for clean water as part of a healthy ecosystem, both for food producers and the general public.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am glad to see language in the Bill on the sustainability of the aquaculture sector, and I want to lean in a bit on that. Aquaculture pastimes have, perhaps, been underutilised, whether they relate to the angling fraternity or other river and water users. We all use water in different ways, but we have some fantastic indigenous species here. We have seen a decline in numbers of, for instance, Atlantic salmon. Some might argue that they are not indigenous because they swim off into the Atlantic and go to other places, but they come back to our rivers, though, sadly, in smaller numbers. I think of brown trout, rainbow trout and other species that we need to value more and use as a springboard for tourism. A while ago, I listened to a gentleman talking about fishing in Fermanagh.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the Minister's winding-up speech, he might touch on the adequacy of the funding and resources for the Bill, because, while there was a claim that it does not come with a specific, quantified and absolute financial package, I cannot see it being delivered in its totality without adequate funding and resources. <BR /> <BR />I return to the issue of fair and proportionate enforcement. That point speaks to having data and ensuring that we have the public's confidence in order that we deliver what could be worthy legislation. We need to ensure that the evidence that we produce is co-produced and agreed on, because, when we pass legislation that involves regulation and enforcement, it is vital that the enforcement is fair to people, particularly those who produce our food.”
“Any regulation needs to be fair and measured against the absolute data that we have. <BR /> <BR />We also need to learn the lessons of Lough Neagh, because we have not cracked that one yet. There is still a lot of work to be done on Lough Neagh and Belfast lough. That segues into talking about the need for statutory agencies to lead the way. That goes back to the SORPI arrangements. The Minister struck out over a year ago to tackle that thorny issue, but we need to grapple with it. As the Assembly term runs down and the new one comes, we must not miss the opportunity, because, if we do not get off on the right foot and find collective departmental arrangements, we doom it to failure. We need to set the standard for the changes that need to come.”
“I note that the Member for Strangford agrees: she understands the value of our fisheries in those areas. There are other complexities. The Isle of Man Government have now done a bit of a circle around that island, which makes it difficult for our fishers from Portavogie, Kilkeel and Portaferry to craft and graft a living from some of the finest seafood that is available on these islands. While the Bill does not sit neatly in that area, it does not sit in isolation either. We need to look at all those things. <BR /> <BR />Evidence must be made available, because we need to look at the data and the science. It was clear from our visit last week to Portavogie that, sometimes, the evidence is missing. I am not necessarily saying that about the Bill, but I mean when it comes to our seabed. Some of it has not been adequately mapped out.”
“As the Minister said, they have possibly been viewed as competing demands, but they are not competing demands, because clean water is part of sustainable food production. It is in all of our interests to speak plainly and clearly and with that shared ambition to ensure that any impacts or challenges are faced head-on, because the food sector is evidently our biggest indigenous industry. It is of significant importance to our internal economy, contributing around £7·5 billion and holding up 110,000 jobs. That does not diminish the need and ambition for clean water. <BR /> <BR />We also want to ensure that anglers are involved in the conversation, because, as we found out last week on a visit to Portaferry and Portavogie in particular, we have indigenous species of fish and shellfish in that area.”
“We all agree on the concept of clean water and its value to the ecosystem, whether it is for our farmers and fishers, who provide our food; for industry; or for the growing numbers of individuals who use our inland waters — rivers, lakes and loughs — or coastal waters for cold-water bathing. It is in all of our interests to have clean water. It is all linked: clean water is a health matter for everyone in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Bill needs to clearly identify the challenges and pressures in delivering clean water as part of a wider ecosystem. It is about balancing environmental protection with our food security, and the Ulster Unionist Party will not be found wanting in that space.”
“As part of its scrutiny, the Committee intends to explore a number of issues, including the regulatory burdens; whether enforcement will be fair and proportionate; possible restrictions on fishing and land-use activities; and whether sufficient funding and resources will be available to deliver on the Bill's intended aims. I hope that I have given the House a flavour of the Committee's early consideration of the issues. The Committee supports the principles of the Bill and looks forward to considering it in greater detail. <BR /> <BR />Speaking briefly as the Ulster Unionist spokesman on these matters, I would like to cover a number of issues regarding the principles of the Bill. I do not think that too many in the House would understate the need for clean water.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee reflected on its recent scrutiny of the Dilapidation Bill, noting that a "Modernisation of powers" table had been particularly helpful in clearly setting out legislative changes. Members requested that the Department provide a similar comparative analysis to support Committee scrutiny should the Bill pass Second Stage today. <BR /> <BR />Overall, the Committee welcomes the Bill and a joined-up system approach to the management of water, the environment and fisheries. Members are acutely aware that water quality remains a significant public concern, particularly in light of issues at Lough Neagh and Belfast lough and pollution in other loughs and rivers.”
“Officials highlighted that alignment was provided through existing EU-derived arrangements and that coherence with existing regulatory frameworks was identified as a main consideration. <BR /> <BR />Members highlighted the impact on the legislation of SORPI — the statement of regulatory principles and intent — and the need for strong interdepartmental working, particularly between DAERA and DFI. Officials advised that a move to a more consistent and equitable enforcement regime remains under consideration at Executive level and that coordinated interdepartmental engagement is ongoing to address issues such as waste water and improved water quality outcomes. Members queried the public engagement and education, and officials highlighted ongoing stakeholder engagement, including co-design approaches linked to the river basin management plan.”
“Work is ongoing to strengthen monitoring and evidence-based decision-making. <BR /> <BR />The Committee queried how the Bill will address the needs of the broad range of water users — uses range from recreational interests to hydropower — and its alignment with other frameworks such as the river basin management plan. Officials clarified that specific user groups are primarily addressed through other legislation and the Bill aims to integrate fisheries policy into the wider water policy framework. That is being done to support sustainable use for environmental and societal benefits. <BR /> <BR />Members emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency with cross-jurisdictional arrangements, as fish do not read law and, naturally, move across many boundaries.”
“The Committee took the opportunity to question officials on several issues and highlight matters warranting scrutiny at Committee Stage but was not limited to those areas. Drawing on our experience of the Committee Stage of the Dilapidation Bill, where a lack of clarity in the definitions in the Bill created much deliberation, the Committee queried the issue of definitions. Officials provided assurance that all relevant terms will be clearly defined in the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Members queried the shift from a species-based approach to an ecosystem-based approach, including how that will operate in monitoring fish stocks and measuring success. Officials highlighted that, while extensive scientific data exists, recognised gaps remain, particularly in light of recent challenges such as those at Lough Neagh.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that the estimated staff costs of the policy and legislative development are almost £230,000, with a budget for that confirmed up to March 2027. We also noted that existing legislation already provides enforcement powers to authorised officers at sea and inland, so there should be no significant additional financial implications in that area.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee noted that the Bill will introduce a proportionate enforcement framework and graduated penalty regime that is designed to deter non-compliance. We understand that the approach to inland fisheries prioritises conservation and protection of the environment over maximising the catch and aims to establish a balanced framework that is informed by environmental, economic and social considerations, alongside scientific advice. <BR /> <BR />The Committee heard that the Bill represents the modernisation of aquaculture from a narrow, licence-driven approach to a more integrated, ecosystem-based regime. Furthermore, we heard that the Bill will introduce a streamlined licensing framework intended to reduce barriers to entry with water quality as a central objective.”
“<BR /> <BR />Earlier this month, the Committee received a pre-introduction briefing from departmental officials and was advised that the Bill is intended to modernise and consolidate the legislative framework by replacing the outdated and fragmented Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966. We heard that the Bill is intended to support sustainable and profitable fisheries, underpinned by a resilient marine ecosystem; contribute to wider strategic objectives; establish statutory duties and objectives for the Department; strengthen regulatory and enforcement powers across inland and sea fisheries; update licensing systems; and reflect current environmental standards and policy priorities, whilst aligning with the UK Fisheries Act 2020 and the 2022 joint fisheries statement.”
“On behalf of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, I welcome the opportunity to speak in the Second Stage debate on the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. The Committee was anticipating the Bill's introduction for some time. In May 2025, the Department advised the Committee of its proposed policy direction, which was followed by two public consultations later that year. The Committee considered the consultation responses in February 2026 and noted broad stakeholder support for reforms, with an emphasis on the need for urgent and resourced action to improve water quality, stronger and consistent enforcement and new powers to regulate fishing rights, with a clear focus on protecting the wider ecosystem.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Whilst my question was very much about the increasing prison estate, she will also understand that high-profile prisoners taking up residence in our facilities has a ripple effect in those establishments. In light of the recent high-profile imprisonment, can the Minister give us an assurance today that resources will be made available to ensure that any ripple effect is minimised and that staff are not affected by it?”
“I recommend to anyone who wants to take the time that they jump on to Rory Dowse's website to hear a fantastic recital played by Freya. Trust me: it will blow your mind.”
“Earlier this month, the ABRSM announced that, for the first time, its 2027-28 piano syllabus will include a dedicated list of piano music for one hand from grade 1 to grade 8. Anyone who knows anything about music will know that grade 8 is a phenomenal standard. For the first time in the board's history, pianists at every level can work towards a recognised qualification even if they have the use of only one hand. Freya has not let her restrictions define her or her piano ability. Her family are proud of her, I am proud of her, Lisburn is proud of her, Lagan Valley is proud of her, and I am sure that everyone in the Assembly will also say that they are proud of her, not just because of what she has achieved for herself but because of what she has achieved for others.”
“Most would have given up, and no one would have blamed Freya had she done so, but Freya is cut from a different cloth, and she showed Herculean determination and steadfast patience, spending years building up her technique from the foundations and learning to play at a high standard with only her left hand. Freya then took the initiative and contacted the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) to see whether it was possible to sit a grade 8 exam using only her left hand. The board agreed, and, in January of this year, she sat and passed her grade 8 piano exam using only her left hand, becoming the first person ever to do so in 137 years of the ABRSM. <BR /> <BR />The story does not stop there.”
“Today, I want to talk about a very talented young girl from Lisburn called Freya Terris. Freya, who is 17 years old, attends Friends' School and studies the piano under former Lisburn resident Rory Dowse. Freya is an incredibly accomplished young pianist and has performed in the Ulster Hall. She gave a keynote talk at the Northern Ireland Young Musician Competition in the Waterfront last year, and, earlier this year, she passed her grade 8 piano exam with distinction. <BR /> <BR />What makes Freya unique is that she did it all using only her left hand. Freya had played piano since she was only four years of age. She loved it, and she immersed herself in it so much that it became a part of her identity. Sadly, a long-term injury and surgery left her unable to play with her right hand.”
“<BR /> <BR />On 29 May, the Department had to withdraw the draft SR after the Examiner of Statutory Rules identified typographical errors in it. A revised draft SR was laid in the Business Office on 3 June, and, at its meeting on 11 June, the Committee agreed to support it. <BR /> <BR />The Committee agrees to recommend that the Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 be approved by the Assembly.”
“Officials advised that the experience in England demonstrates clear benefits of CCTV, including its use in staff training, identification of welfare breaches, support for enforcement action, assistance to verify or refute allegations and provision of assurance to the public regarding welfare standards. The Committee noted that, while the EU does not mandate CCTV in slaughterhouses, evidence from GB indicates that it is an effective and proportionate safeguard. <BR /> <BR />Overall, the Committee was satisfied that the regulations will strengthen enforcement, improve consistency across premises and enhance public confidence in animal welfare standards. The Committee agreed on 19 March that it was content to support the SR as drafted.”
“Footage must be of evidential quality, retained for 90 days and made available to authorised officers. Enforcement provisions and penalties will align with those in Great Britain, with a six-month implementation period to support compliance. <BR /> <BR />Members also noted that the public consultation showed that 91% of respondents were in favour of mandatory CCTV, albeit with some concerns about costs and data protection. During the Committee's scrutiny with officials, members queried the evidence that CCTV delivers measurable improvements in animal welfare and accountability.”
“By way of background, the Committee heard that, in 2015, the UK Animal Welfare Committee recommended the introduction of mandatory CCTV across all slaughterhouses to strengthen oversight and to improve animal welfare. This measure is to address a regulatory gap, as Northern Ireland remains the only UK jurisdiction without such requirements. The Committee was informed that, of the 20 licensed slaughterhouses here in Northern Ireland, 15 already have full CCTV coverage, driven primarily, I suppose, by commercial requirements for GB retailers and assurance schemes such as Red Tractor, but that five have only partial or no coverage at all. The Committee then heard that the regulations would require CCTV in all areas where live animals are present, including unloading, handling, stunning and killing.”
“The Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs first considered the draft SR at its meeting on 19 February 2026. We considered the SL1 and agreed to issue the call for views, to which zero responses were received. On 19 March, the Committee held an oral evidence session with DAERA officials, who outlined the purpose of the statutory rule (SR): to mandate the use of closed circuit television in slaughterhouses that handle live animals. We heard that the regulations will be made under section 11 of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, using the draft affirmative resolution procedure.”
“How might the emotional health and well-being framework address the long waiting times highlighted by many young people and families?”
“<BR /> <BR />My question to the Attorney General and the PSNI is this: having rightly warned of the consequences of unlawfully identifying protected complainants, will they now ensure that those warnings are backed up by robust investigation and, where the evidence meets the legal test, appropriate prosecution? If we stay silent and fail to ask that those protections be upheld, we risk sending a chilling message to future victims that speaking out may expose them to public identification and harassment. We owe them better than that. The law should be applied fairly and consistently without fear or favour.”
“If there is credible evidence that individuals have deliberately breached those protections or have used social media or other platforms to encourage others to do so, the public are entitled to expect that those entrusted with enforcing the law will act. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done. Law that is enacted but not enforced risks becoming law that will be ignored. This is not about any one individual, nor is it about politics. It is about public curiosity. It is about ensuring that victims of sexual offences can have confidence that the protections that the Assembly and Parliament have provided are real and meaningful.”
“Everyone will agree with me that there can be no compromise when it comes to protecting children and those who have suffered from sexual abuse. The law is absolutely clear: the anonymity afforded to complainants in sexual offence cases is not an optional courtesy but a legal protection that exists to safeguard victims from further trauma, encourage others to come forward and uphold confidence in our justice system. <BR /> <BR />We have heard many warnings from the Attorney General and the PSNI that anyone who seeks to identify or facilitate the identification of protected complainants may be committing a criminal offence. While those warnings are welcome, warnings are not enough.”
“Procedures must be clear, enforced and acted on without delay. Fourthly, public trust is at stake. Confidence in our institutions depends on transparency and the principle that no one is above scrutiny, regardless of position or status. At times, the rank hypocrisy in this place is nauseating, and it has been nauseating to many victims over decades. Finally, we must recognise the need for culture change, whereby inappropriate behaviour is challenged early, whistle-blowers are protected and silence or deference to power is never allowed to override integrity. That is what rebuilding trust requires: truth, accountability and a system that puts people before reputation. <BR /> <BR />I say one thing in response to Miss Hargey: Mr Donaldson was not the leader of unionism; he did not lead my party.”
“It is important because we must not revisit the issue in the House. It is a stain on every political party. <BR /> <BR />First, at every juncture, our focus must be on the victims, who are actually survivors. They deserve to be heard, supported and taken seriously from the moment they raise concerns. Secondly, we need accountability. When warnings or complaints are made, the public deserves to know how they were handled and whether the processes were fit for purpose. If they were not, we all must learn from that. Thirdly, this is about safeguarding. No organisation, including political parties, should treat safeguarding as optional. That should also be the case in a church or other faith setting, and I say that as a person of faith. Those should be places where children and adults are most safe and secure.”
“This has to be one of the most difficult topics that any of us will ever speak on because we have to be incredibly careful with our words so that we do not deflect from the pain and horror that was inflicted on the victims in this case, and in every case of sexual violence against women, girls and boys. <BR /> <BR />After last week's judgement on Jeffrey Donaldson and the horrific acts for which he was found guilty, we must consider recent revelations about inappropriate behaviour and the way that concerns were raised and handled, and the questions that were asked and, perhaps, brushed aside. That does not reside only with other political parties, however. It concerns how the PSNI acted, how things happened in Westminster and how the statutory agencies and counselling services, whether faith-based or not, reacted. Why is that important?”
“<BR /> <BR />Therefore, having consulted with the Bill Office and having considered the evidence that the Committee intends to take and its wider workload, the Committee seeks the support of the House to extend the Committee Stage of the Hunting with Dogs Bill until 5 February 2027. However, the Committee will of course work at pace to report in advance of that, if at all possible.”
“Even with the extension provided in those cases, the Committee faced significant pressure to incorporate late evidence within reporting deadlines. The Committee also expects to receive a Research and Information Service paper following summer recess, which is likely to identify further issues for the Committee. <BR /> <BR />The Committee's public call for views is under way, and we encourage all interested individuals and organisations to contribute. The Committee is committed to ensuring that the Bill and its wider impacts are given full and appropriate consideration alongside the Committee's broader scrutiny responsibilities.”
“<BR /> <BR />Given the breadth and complexity of the issues, the Committee considers that the extension is necessary to allow for proper scrutiny while completing in time to allow for the remaining stages of the Bill before the end of the mandate. The Committee is currently managing two private Members' Bills and must also prepare for the introduction of the imminent Executive Bill — the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill. The Committee considers it preferable to examine those Bills in parallel rather than risk curtailing scrutiny of any one of them. The Committee's experience from the Agriculture Bill and the Dilapidation Bill is that significant evidence can emerge late in Committee Stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee will also need to scrutinise the evidence base underpinning the Bill, including consideration of the experiences in England, Wales and Scotland and, in particular, in relation to animal welfare outcomes, enforcement and any unintended consequences. <BR /> <BR />Through engagement with farmers, landowners and other rural stakeholders, it will be important to address any impact of the Bill on rural communities and livelihoods. Indeed, the Committee consultation process via Citizen Space has been open for less than a week, and I can report that there have already been 100 responses. That shows considerable public interest. The Committee will, of course, analyse all consultation responses carefully.”
“In particular, the Committee will wish to consider the extent to which intent or knowledge must be established to ensure that individuals are not penalised for unintended or accidental actions. <BR /> <BR />The Committee will also need to examine the scope and the practical operation of exemptions to ensure that livestock protection and pest control can operate effectively in practice. In addition, the Committee will need to consider the proportionality of the proposed penalties and the practicalities of enforcement — there are a lot of "p"s in there — including the guidance available to enforcement bodies and the potential resource implications for the PSNI and other relevant Departments.”
“We were told that it also provides for a number of exemptions to permit legitimate activities such as pest control and the protection of livestock, but the Bill does not extend to other forms of hunting, such as drag hunting or to those involving firearms. <BR /> <BR />This is a complex and sensitive area of policy, and the Committee considers that the Bill will require careful scrutiny. A wide range of issues were raised at Second Stage, both in support of and in opposition to aspects of the Bill. The Committee did not take a position in the Second Stage debate, and it is therefore important that sufficient time is available to examine the issues in full. Areas that the Committee will be keen to consider include scrutinising whether terms such as "hunting", "searching", "pursuing" and "participation" are clearly and precisely defined.”
“On behalf of the AERA Committee, I request an extension to the Committee Stage of the Hunting with Dogs Bill to 5 February 2027. That date was agreed after discussions in Committee on 11 June 2026, and I will now outline the reasons why the Committee agreed to request that extension of the Committee Stage. <BR /> <BR />The Committee was first briefed on the proposed content of the Bill at its meeting of 30 April by the sponsor Member, John Blair, and heard that the Bill is intended to amend the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 to bring the position more closely into line with legislation in other jurisdictions. Also, we were told that the Bill will seek to prohibit the use of dogs to hunt, attack or kill wild animals and to address potential loopholes, including where trail hunting may be used to mask illegal hunting.”
“I thank the Member for his lengthy and detailed answer. I pay tribute to the Education Service, Usher Services and the events team, all of which provide an exemplary service here. It is with pride that we share this Building with them. Does the Member agree that, by making people aware that they can come into the Public Gallery whilst the Assembly is sitting and attend Committee meetings, there is further opportunity to have a more participatory Assembly to try to increase public confidence in politics in Northern Ireland?”
“Like, I am sure, everybody else here, I understand that the practical outcome of that would be better physical health, better mental health and connectivity for our communities.”
“Northern Ireland's most recent outdoor recreational action plan was published in 2014, which predates most of us here — not you, Mr Speaker — but much has changed since then, and many of its actions are now outdated, incomplete and no longer equal to the challenge before us. In December 2024, the Minister confirmed that there was a commitment in the environmental improvement plan to publish an outdoor recreation strategy, and that was to be progressed as resources permitted. Will the AERA Minister work with his Executive colleagues to initiate a new, ambitious and properly resourced outdoor recreation strategy for Northern Ireland? It should provide clear cross-governmental leadership, address inequalities in local access and set out practical progress.”
“Too many rural residents must travel by car or walk on roads that were never designed for recreation. Outdoor recreation is not a marginal leisure issue; it contributes to preventive health, mental well-being, social connection, rural development, active travel, sustainable tourism and care for our environment. It supports priorities across several Departments, yet, as with many things here, responsibility for it remains fragmented.”
“That contrasts with mapping that indicates that 48% of households are within 400 metres of accessible green space or off-road trail. The difference between what exists on a map and what people experience in daily life should concern us all. A place may be nearby, but it is of limited value if it is inaccessible, unsafe, poorly connected, inadequately maintained or does not feel welcoming. <BR /> <BR />The rural figures are particularly stark, and that should surprise most of us. While 63% of urban households are within 400 metres of green space or a trail, the figure is just under 20% for rural households. That falls to under 13% in open countryside and small villages. <BR /> <BR />Being surrounded by countryside does not necessarily mean having safe, legal or practical access to it.”
“I rise today to highlight the urgent need for a new outdoor recreation strategy for Northern Ireland. The latest People in the Outdoors Monitor provides compelling evidence of the value that people place on our natural environment. Some 70% of adults spend time outdoors in natural places at least once a week, generating an estimated 134 million visits each year. Four in five people would like to spend more of their free time outdoors. The great majority of visits deliver benefits for physical health, mental well-being and nature connection, with many people joining me for a run every week. <BR /> <BR />Access to those benefits is not equal. Only 17% of adults — around one in six — say that they have local green space within a five-minute walk of their home.”
“We owe them a scheme that is deliverable and capable of providing timely access to redress. For those reasons, we will not support Mr Carroll's amendments, albeit they are well intentioned. However, we welcome further clarification from the junior Ministers regarding the financial and record-access implications of amendment No 11. My colleague from the DUP said that his party will not divide the House on amendment No 11, and nor will the Ulster Unionist Party. Ultimately, if it is the will of the House to support amendment No 11, we will not oppose it.”
“We were told that access to records remains a significant barrier for many survivors and, thus, puts more hurdles in the way of having their day of justice and truth. <BR /> <BR />If we as an Assembly support amendment No 11, it will inevitably significantly expand the number of potential claims, and there will be real and significant consequences. As I have said, it is not the victims who are pushing for it. That is a fair assessment. If it is passed today, we need to look pretty urgently at what other support we can make available to meet the demand on the archives, record retrieval services, Departments and public bodies. Many of the records that are required to verify claims may, ultimately, sit within health and social care systems that are already under considerable pressure. <BR /> <BR />We owe survivors more than good intentions.”
“At a time when Departments across the Executive continue to face difficult choices, whether in Health, Education or other public services, we need to fully understand the full financial implications of any proposal that could add significantly to the overall costs of the scheme. <BR /> <BR />Our concern is not purely financial. My colleague the Minister of Health has been engaging with the junior Ministers on the experience, and, to be honest, sometimes the real challenges, of survivors in accessing historical records and their personal information. The Committee report highlighted delays, resource pressures and the need for additional investment in record retrieval services.”