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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“Most importantly, perhaps, or certainly up there, is community engagement, which would involve local residents in the planning process to ensure that their voices are heard and their safety is prioritised. The Member for Lagan Valley Mr Honeyford is with me today, and he and I were at a residents' meeting in Hillsborough last week where the overriding call from residents was for community engagement. Regular safety audits of our roads and pathways should be conducted so that potential hazards can be addressed promptly. <BR /> <BR />As I close, I want to honour again the memory of those whom we have lost by committing today to making our roads safer, particularly around Lagan Valley. It is not just a matter of convenience but a matter of life and death.”
“<BR /> <BR />In order to address those pressing issues, we need a comprehensive and immediate strategy that includes enhanced traffic calming measures and perhaps implements speed bumps, chicanes and other traffic calming solutions to reduce vehicle speeds, particularly in residential areas and near schools; HGV restrictions that enforce stricter regulations on the movement of HGVs through village centres to mitigate the risks that they pose; improved parking solutions that develop additional off-street parking facilities to alleviate on-street parking chaos; and infrastructure development that ensures that any future development is accompanied by necessary infrastructure to support increased traffic, including better road designs and pedestrian pathways.”
“<BR /> <BR />The regrettable consequences of the draft Belfast metropolitan area plan (BMAP) have further exacerbated the challenges. The plan has led to what can only be described as uncontrolled building without the necessary infrastructure to support the additional pressures on our roads. The result is increased traffic volume and congestion that places an unsustainable strain on our already overburdened road network. <BR /> <BR />We must confront the reality that, unless we find solutions to alleviate the chaos, we risk hastening the deterioration, destruction and collapse of our roads, pathways, environment and waterways. How can we continue to call Lagan Valley one of the most desirable places in which to live in Northern Ireland when our residents' safety is continually at risk?”
“<BR /> <BR />The historic village of Moira is hampered daily by horrendous traffic queues that extend way back to the country-bound M1. Evidently, that is not what anyone wants, and I know that it is not what the Minister wants. Drivers sit for an hour or more to travel half a mile, and cars tail back onto the motorway. It simply increases driver and traffic risk, is bad for the environment and is hugely inconvenient. <BR /> <BR />On-street parking is another critical issue that is worsened by the limited availability of off-street parking in Moira, Hillsborough and Dromore. The situation creates dangerous conditions where parked cars obstruct visibility and force pedestrians to navigate perilously close to moving traffic. Every day, the safety of our residents, especially that of children and the elderly, is compromised.”
“That devastating incident is a poignant reminder of the urgent need to enhance pedestrian safety across all our villages. We are discussing villages in Lagan Valley in particular today, but, tragically, that was not an isolated case: numerous serious accidents and an alarming number of daily near misses underscore the dangerous conditions of our roads. <BR /> <BR />Since 2016, I have consistently raised concerns with the Department about the volume of heavy goods vehicles travelling through Culcavy via Royal Hillsborough. The impact of those large vehicles on our narrow roads is profound. The vehicles pose significant risks to pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists, and their presence is simply incompatible with the quaint, pedestrian-friendly nature of our villages.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for giving his time and I thank those Members who have turned up to discuss an issue that strikes at the heart of community safety and well-being: the traffic chaos around villages, not only in Lagan Valley but right across Northern Ireland. I will speak particularly about Royal Hillsborough, Moira and Dromore. <BR /> <BR />As we all know and the Minister knows, Lagan Valley is renowned for its beauty and vibrant community spirit, yet those very qualities are under threat from an escalating traffic crisis that demands our immediate attention. I begin, however, by addressing a tragedy that deeply affected us all, which was the heartbreaking loss of a one-year-old baby boy in Moira in 2023.”
“Thank you. I will wait until you change the Chair, if that is OK.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Do I need to move this? I just get up and open the debate, yes?”
“I thank the Member for her supplementary question. The Commission takes a number of things into consideration when it discusses such matters. There were several contractual options, including bringing the staff who provide those services under the employment of the Assembly Commission, or in-house. The options were included in the business case that the Assembly Commission considered, but that option was not selected, as the Assembly Commission does not possess the expertise, technology or external upstream partners. The Member's point is a good one, however, and we will take it back to the Commission and ensure that we consider it in every negotiation.”
“I thank the Member for her question. Under the terms and conditions of the contract, which commenced in January 2023, staff employed in Parliament Buildings for the delivery of catering, cleaning, porterage and related help desk services are directly employed by Aramark. Terms and conditions of employment are therefore a matter solely for Aramark. Staff are paid in line with the rates of pay that Aramark submitted as part of its successful tender bid and, if necessary, when it is statutorily reviewed, the living wage hourly rate. Discussions on pay enhancement for staff are held exclusively between Aramark and its employees.”
“There is a suggestion that the Member cycle from Strabane. There is no capacity to build a gym; I asked about it in 2016. MLAs have busy schedules, but we also have a duty to look after ourselves. This is not advice from the Commission; my advice is to join a gym and allocate some time to that <BR /> <BR />We can show leadership by looking after ourselves and our well-being and setting a standard. Health and well-being are a priority of the Assembly Commission, and it will continue to look at those matters on an ongoing basis. It is my ambition that the Commission might come up with a solution in the future.”
“I thank the Member for his question. I agree with the Member about the shower facilities. I am not sure whether he is aware that there are two showers located in the Building. They are communal, and he must make sure that no one is in there when he goes in. I encourage Members to make use of the wonderful grounds for running and walking. His ambition for active travel is a matter for the Assembly Commission to take up with the Infrastructure Minister. As leaders, we should set an example, but the Member will recognise that the Building is a historical one with some limitations. However, the Commission will take on board the Member's ambition and look into the matter.”
“I have a lot of answers, and this one might talk slightly more directly to your query about distance markers on the floors. The Assembly Commission recognises that it is a positive suggestion to promote a healthy and active environment, and it shares the commitment. Given that Parliament Buildings is grade A listed, the Assembly Commission must be mindful of the architectural integrity and heritage of the Building. Therefore, placing distance markers on floors or walls of corridors would be problematic. However, the Assembly Commission will consider other ways of highlighting distances around the Building. Our schools do the daily mile, which would be a wonderful initiative. As a Commission member, I will take that back to the Commission for the Member.”
“<BR /> <BR />In its restaurants, the Assembly Commission aims to provide users of Parliament Buildings with healthy eating choices through its catering contract. That includes providing a selection of daily menus that offer a choice of healthy options; making every attempt to reduce salt, saturated and hydrogenated fat and sugar content and to increase fibre content in the menus; and using the healthiest possible cooking methods.”
“Staff also have access to the walking trails within the Stormont estate and an outdoor gym area. <BR /> <BR />As for the physical Building, the Assembly Commission endeavours to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all those working in Parliament Buildings. Offices in Parliament Buildings have natural light and ventilation. Workers have access to drinking water throughout the Building and are encouraged to take breaks away from their workstations. Display screen equipment assessments are undertaken for those working in the Building, which assess an individual's work environment, including light, ventilation, noise and temperature. Unfortunately, there is little capacity in the Building to offer further facilities.”
“I thank the Member for her question. The Assembly Commission recognises that supporting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for various aspects of life, including physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life. The Assembly Commission encourages its staff and Members to avail themselves of sustainable modes of transport that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Staff and Members are able to take advantage of the cycle-to-work scheme; Get Active, which is Translink's TaxSmart scheme for commuter bus travel; and an interest-free loan scheme for annual commuter cards. There is also a bicycle station that has tools to make it easier for staff to cycle to work. I have to commend the Member for West Belfast Gerry Carroll, who zooms to and from here every day on his bike.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. This is something that I am passionate about. The Member and I will disagree on a number of issues, but we certainly agree in and around health and moving forward on a duty of candour. However, does the Member agree that politicians, when they are not here — they were not here for five years out of seven — have not played their part in any change and improvement to people's lives, whether in health or education, and that there is a responsibility on all of us to ensure that that does not happen again?”
“Those issues are not just peripheral concerns but are central to the well-being of all our communities and should be embedded in our DNA. As we move forward, let us commit to a vision where mental health support is comprehensive, inclusive and accessible at every stage of life. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive from infancy right through to old age. Together, we can create a society where mental health is prioritised and every individual is given the chance to lead a fulfilling and mentally healthy life. I encourage all Members to support Infant Mental Health Awareness Week.”
“Those moments of change can be challenging and stressful, making it essential that support systems are in place to help individuals navigate the transitions smoothly. Too many of our young people, girls and boys, struggle with their mental health, and, tragically, some lose hope along the way. That should be a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support. <BR /> <BR />It is our role as legislators and leaders to ensure that future generations are provided with hope and opportunity in abundance. In our pursuit of transforming mental health, we must also confront and address the root causes of mental health disparity. Tackling inequalities, poverty and discrimination must be ingrained in our collective efforts.”
“Today, we recognise Infant Mental Health Awareness Week. We are reminded of the crucial importance of providing a strong foundation for mental well-being from the earliest stages of life. I thank Stronger from the Start Alliance, a coalition of around 60 voluntary sector organisations, which highlights the importance of infant mental health. The mental health of expectant mothers, newborns and young children is not just a priority but a necessity. Ensuring that they receive the best start in life is fundamental, but our commitment must extend far beyond those early years. <BR /> <BR />As we know, mental health is a lifelong journey. It requires continuous support at all stages of development, particularly during the critical transition points in life, such as entry to school, adolescence, the start of a career and ageing.”
“<BR /> <BR />Education is the best route that any child can take. It opens the doors of opportunity and breaks the cycle of poverty. There should be no borders. I said this at the start. We talked about borders, but there should be no borders in educational attainment for any child. Every child deserves the best start in life and the chance to succeed and reach their full potential. We must continue to support and invest in our schools, particularly those in disadvantaged areas. By doing so, we build a brighter future not only for our children but for our entire society. We need to support the great initiatives that Mr Kingston and the Members for West Belfast talked about. Thank you for bringing the topic for debate, Pat.”
“My cousin Robert's son is called Ashton, and he is the head boy at Belfast Boys' Model School. He was one of the first children to go through Shankill Sure Start. If you needed evidence that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, Ashton is that. He is a fantastic sports student — that is not in the Butler genes; it must be in the McQuade genes. He is head boy at Belfast Model, and he lives in West Belfast. As you rightly said, Belfast Model is in North Belfast, on the border, but my nephew — my cousin's son — comes from West Belfast, and he is doing us all proud. That is a real marker of what can happen if we get the start right. Through his parents' support and the impact of Sure Start in his life, he has grown into a fine young man. He is a credit to West Belfast and to Belfast Model.”
“Clonard monastery — Clan Mór Sure Start is there. I also visited Shankill Sure Start, which is in Ballysillan. I had to work out why it is in Ballysillan but is called "Shankill Sure Start". I could not help but be moved by the dedication of the staff and the palpable impact that they have on the lives of the children there. It was phenomenal. I had sand ice creams thrust at me. Those children were learning and playing, and it was absolutely fantastic. I pay tribute to Sure Start and all the other initiatives that are tackling this at the very start. We need to give our children the best start in life, as that is what will make all the difference. <BR /> <BR />He will go buck mad when he sees this, but I will also pay tribute to a success story from Sure Start.”
“Only a couple of weeks ago, I managed to visit a number of Sure Start centres in West Belfast, one of which was Clan Mór, which is on or just off the Falls Road. It is not off the Falls Road. Clan Mór is beside — what do you call the big church, Pat?”
“The problem is not merely an educational challenge but a societal one. When children grow up in disadvantaged environments, the odds are already stacked against them. Many schools in those areas face significant hurdles, including higher levels of disadvantage, which have already been talked about, and higher levels of additional needs. Mr Baker mentioned the higher levels of need among some of our students. When you go around those schools, you often find that some of them are in the greatest state of disrepair, unfortunately, which has a fundamental effect on the therapeutic environment in which children learn. However, our schools, teachers and support staff do phenomenal work, despite the challenges being, sadly, greater. <BR /> <BR />I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of Sure Start.”
“I am a Butler from Lagan Valley, and there are Butlers in West Belfast who are every bit as bright, clever and talented. However, the statistics will say that, potentially, they may face a more difficult challenge in their educational attainment or achievement. That is not indicative of the person or the families; it is indicative of a societal problem that we have allowed to develop over many years. We absolutely must get to grips with it. I will give Mr Sheehan absolute credit for this: there probably has not been an Education Committee meeting at which he has not tussled with that one, and that has been the case for a while. <BR /> <BR />I am really pleased to speak about the matter, because, sadly, educational underachievement blights many sections of the community, particularly those who struggle with poverty.”
“It was great. <BR /> <BR />I have a real passion not just for education but for the children from West Belfast. I have to declare an interest, and the reason is that my dad's family — the Butlers — come from west Belfast. I skinned my knees in Springmartin and Highfield from the late 1970s and through the 1980s, and I ran about with a lot of young people there at that time. They are not so young now; we are in our 50s. There are schools up there that no longer exist. There was a school up in Springmartin. I remember its image, but it is no longer there. In fact, some of my family have to travel to schools in north Belfast — the Boys' Model, for instance. <BR /> <BR />It is perverse that there are areas and borders on maps of Northern Ireland that show places where, statistically, our children are failed.”
“I had the option tonight of speaking in the debate or leafleting in Lagan Valley. One of my earliest forays into school visits happened in 2016 or 2017, when I visited a school in West Belfast. Pat Sheehan was there. He gave me a handshake and welcomed me to, I think, the Christian Brothers' school on the Glen Road: is that fair?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Mr Clarke, who shares a role on the Commission, probably broke the convention. I am not sure that he and I were supposed to speak. I will make one point. I have been on the Commission during the whole journey, and the principle on which this was established was set aside. I understand the need for a democratic vote, but this is definitely a departure from where this journey started. Colin, as I have expressed, I think that it is unfortunate that you are having to give the winding-up speech on this. Maybe the Member can give the Assembly a bit of a steer regarding that.”
“It is important that we have public confidence in policing and equally important that journalists and the legal profession can go about their lawful work with confidence that confidentiality is protected at all times.”
“Perhaps, towards the end of the debate, we will be able to get consensus; that would be good. <BR /> <BR />It is important to clarify what has happened around the allegations, which have led to an inquiry being required to establish exactly how the police have acted in relation to those matters, and that the circumstances are fully explored to ensure that journalists and lawyers, who offer a vital public service, can go about their work unhindered and in the knowledge that their endeavours remain confidential. We owe journalists and lawyers a speedy resolution to these matters to protect them as they carry out their lawful work, but we also owe it to the PSNI to clarify the actions that it took, particularly in relation to what has been alleged in the press and in the Chamber today.”
“The motion proposed by the Opposition and the Alliance amendment recognise the same need, but they differ on how an investigation may be set up. The amendment is correct in stating that the PSNI is:”
“<BR /> <BR />The police have a range of information-gathering methods available to them. At all times, permission to deploy any of those methods is, quite properly, strictly controlled. Senior management grants permission only if legislative guidelines and public interest tests are fully met. That is the bar that should be met. <BR /> <BR />Given the serious nature of the allegations being made against the PSNI about surveillance methods that it has used on journalists and lawyers, an urgent investigation could be fully justified. As the Member who moved the motion said, it will be interesting to hear from the Justice Minister on the role that the Policing Board may play in light of the Alliance Party amendment.”
“Equally, we support the police in carrying out their duty to protect lives and prevent sensitive information being leaked. A leak of such information could lead to the collapse of a long-running investigation or, in the worst-case scenario, put someone's life in danger. The police and the press must respect each other's duty to collect evidence that will help to put those who do wrong behind bars. It is vital that the police and the press act within the law and respect their boundaries. <BR /> <BR />Another cornerstone of the freedom that we enjoy is ready access to legal advice. What passes between clients and their lawyers must be confidential. Compromising that rule could be damaging to the human right of an accused person to receive the best legal advice and guidance.”
“The motion and amendment go right to the heart of the core values of a free press. Over recent years and even going back a number of decades, investigative journalism has shone a bright light into the many dark corners across this country and exposed many scandals that the public would otherwise never have heard about. The Ulster Unionist Party fully supports our journalists in shining that light, which is often done at great personal risk to those who conduct such investigations. We support the press in carrying out their duty, but it goes without saying that it must be carried out in a lawful manner and always performed in the public interest. <BR /> <BR />A free press is an essential part of every citizen's right to freedom of expression.”
“I put on record my thanks to the Minister for holding a 45-minute meeting with me on the issue on the resumption of the Assembly. She recognised that I wanted to bring a private Member's Bill to achieve what Mr Justice Humphreys did on Friday. <BR /> <BR />Minister, we were in disagreement about how the victims of historical sexual crime interpreted this. I impressed on you the removal of hope that section 12 did to them. Minister, do you accept that victims of sexual assault and sexual crime have now had that hope restored, and do you recognise that fact today in relation to how you will move forward with this?”
“I thank the Minister for his very welcome update. Minister, will you give us a bit more detail on the PEACE PLUS funds for the Shared Learning Together programme and the cross-border element? Will you also give us an update on the quantum of money available for shared education projects in Northern Ireland?”
“The Commission seeks the Assembly's agreement to the budget amounts for resource DEL and capital DEL, as set out in the motion. I commend those amounts to the House.”
“Those have had an added effect across all our Departments, and it is the same for the Commission. Perhaps a lack of detail was evident, and that is not normally the case. That places a pressure on scrutiny, and there was a need to ensure that we had the motion debated in today's plenary sitting. <BR /> <BR />The Commission has considered its requirement for the 2024-25 year, recognising that a significant element of its budget is non-discretionary. It relates to payments to Members, which are set out by the independent financial review panel or through a determination published by the Assembly Commission. The Commission is grateful to the Audit Committee for its work on scrutinising the Commission's budget for the period.”
“The budget will enable the Assembly Commission to meet the necessary costs that will arise from staff costs, the running costs of the Building, the costs of delivering effective constituency services for our communities and the costs of investing in systems and infrastructure to ensure that they continue to meet the Assembly's needs. The budget also provides for the costs of repairing the roof of Parliament Buildings, but, as Ms Ennis has advised, the Commission has issued legal proceedings against those previously contracted to undertake roof replacement work and is seeking recovery of the full cost of repairs. <BR /> <BR />I will now briefly respond to the contribution made by the Chair of the Audit Committee, Mr Alan Chambers. He spoke about the compressed time frames.”
“While the House agreed the Commission's three-year budget for 2022-25 on 23 February 2022, the significant changes in the planning context and the economic climate since then have to be recognised. It also has to be recognised that, in the absence of normal Assembly business during 2022-23 and most of 2023-24, investment by the Commission was indeed limited. The budget proposals presented today therefore reflect that, with significant investment planned to ensure that the Assembly is effectively and efficiently supported and is provided with robust, innovative, modern and secure systems in a modern working environment. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly Commission considers the budget for the year to be a reasonable estimate of the financial requirements needed to support the Assembly fully and to deliver the required services to its Members.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the proposer of the motion and the Member from the Audit Committee for their contributions. Given the recent debate on the Executive's expenditure proposals for 2024-25 and in the context of the significant wider public-sector budget constraints, it is crucial that the Assembly debates the Assembly Commission's budget today. That is because the resources that are made available to the Assembly Commission will be used to provide services to the Assembly and all its Members. <BR /> <BR />The provision of all the services that are required to carry out the Assembly's legislative, scrutiny and representative functions will remain the Assembly Commission's overarching objective.”
“He never accepted limitations, and Rob found ways to excel well beyond expectations, continually inspiring those around him, right up to his death. In a world full of adversity, Rob's legacy reminds us all to dare to dream. Rest in peace, Rob. Your impact endures.”
“Anyone who has followed Rob's journey, from his diagnosis to this point, cannot help but be inspired by how he faced into the terminal illness that he was diagnosed with. He fought with every fibre of his body. He was described on the news as being one of the smallest rugby players, but he was almost certainly one of the biggest fighters and one of the biggest men that rugby has ever produced. Rob Burrow's determination and spirit in facing motor neurone disease were emblematic of his character.”
“In fact, the family issued a statement shortly after his death in which they said:”
“I will start by associating myself with your comments, Mr Speaker, and those of Mrs Linda Dillon in expressing my and my party's condolences to the wider Gildernew family on the tragic death of 21-year-old Fiachra — if that is how you pronounce his name; I am trying my best. Our thoughts are with his family. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, at the weekend, there was another death that many of us will have found out about from the news. Rob Burrow, the former rugby league player, passed away at Pinderfields Hospital near his home. He was surrounded by his loving family in his last moments. Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019. His final days, and those throughout his illness, were marked by the compassion and care of the hospital staff, for which, I know, the Burrow family are very thankful.”
“The Member has nearly run out of time, and he said that he would give way. <BR /> <BR />The Member mentioned uncosted pressures, but the Alliance Party has brought multiple motions to the Floor about the increasing cost of health provision. Can the Member produce the Alliance Party's costed options for those motions?”
“— and queried the reliance of the DUP on the promised UK legislation. That is a fair point. We then had a fine wrap-up from the Minister. I commend the motion and the amendment to the House.”
“We really want to get to the point where we get the certainty and our farmers and agri-food industry know exactly what way they will be facing. To be caught in this vacuum is not useful for anybody. Patsy McGlone reiterated the problems that are a result of the failure of the EU and the Conservative Government, and he referenced what we did with human medicines as a potential solution. He also reiterated that there are other viable alternatives. Jonny Buckley spoke about the time bomb and the time constraints, and it was nice to get a little reminder of that. Jim Allister recognised the scale of the matter and the import of the issue —”
“Clarification has been given on the amendment, and we will support it. There was concern that we would put ourselves in a position that would work against the industry, and that has been clarified. Declan McAleer talked about extension of the grace period, potentially, if needed, beyond 2025, but he reiterated that the EU needs to be informed and brought along with that. He talked about food security. <BR /> <BR />Eóin Tennyson, apart from being in agreement with Jonny Buckley, referenced the outworkings of Brexit. He welcomed the motion, which is great, but he highlighted the challenging time frames and spoke of the potential need for an extension to the grace periods. I think that we will all agree that that should be done only if it is required.”