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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“I thank the Minister for his statement; it is an important piece of work. The Minister rightly pointed out that a number of strategies are ongoing and are not mutually exclusive with the strategy. The best start to education is vital for any pupil. The Minister is aware that Northern Ireland has the lowest starting age in Europe. He is also aware that children born prematurely, underweight or with a birth date in May or June are at a developmental and academic disadvantage. Can he update us on the call for a flexible school start age, or will that have to wait for the independent review to pick it up as a critical issue?”
“I join the Minister in thanking our teachers for their hard work. I wish them all a happy Christmas, and you, too, Minister. There is some good news in today's announcement on A levels and the 60% omission, which I have been pushing for. However, I have a 15-year-old constituent who has missed 18 weeks of face-to-face teaching in Lagan Valley, and his father is at pains to understand how that lost learning will be mitigated. Given that we have 60% omission at A level, why can we not have 60% omission at GCSE, where, actually, there is no equity across the subjects?”
“Can the Minister outline when the ministerial code of conduct will be brought before the Chamber?”
“I beg to introduce the Assembly Members (Remuneration Board) Bill [NIA13/17-22], which is a Bill to amend the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to make provision about the name, functions and membership of the Independent Financial Review Panel and for connected purposes.”
“We have two or three weeks until Christmas, and it is vital and important that we get the message right and are collegiate in fighting this challenge, which is still there and will remain for some time.”
“I thank the Member for giving way on what I think could be one of the most important points that could be discussed today, which is the relaxation of the restrictions before Christmas. People will have a desire to get out and celebrate Christmas as much as they can. There is a lot of hope there, but there is also anger and frustration in the community. Do you agree that it is vital that, at every level of government here, whether that is the Executive, Committee Chairs and Committees, we are collegiate in our message over the next number of weeks in order to give that leadership to the public, who have not enjoyed the best examples of leadership throughout the pandemic from certain elements at times? Now we can get it right.”
“We are now on the edge of the Christmas break for schools with no certainty about a return date due to the potential for increased COVID transmission over the festive holiday. What impact assessment has your Department carried out on the extent of lost classroom learning, particularly for years 11 to 14?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I have had a number of emails and letters from constituents who are concerned about the viability of the Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena, which has been a great success for Northern Ireland and one of the sports that truly unites us here. Can the Minister outline whether she has had any contact with Belfast Giants or if she is aware of any assistance that has been sought? Would she consider any application that was made?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. On the back of Ms Hunter's question, as you pointed out, the discretionary support fund is a vital support mechanism. However, I am aware that applications are taking over seven days in some instances. Will the Minister advise what steps she will take to reduce the time taken to process applications this side of Christmas?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she provide an assurance that, in her vision to deliver sustainable and green transport strategies, disabled people will be central to every consultation and included in those strategies?”
“I thank the Minister for his update on those hubs. Can he update us on the activity of the GP COVID centres?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. Whilst it is, by no means, the only solution, advances in testing will play an important role in restricting the transmission of the virus. Can the Minister provide an update on Northern Ireland's participation in pilots of the new lateral flow tests?”
“Can the Minister tell us what underpinning schemes and information he has put in place to enlighten the farming community about these changes and the support available for those wanting to join the scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Would the Minister just give a commitment to open a line of discussion with the director general, perhaps marking the occasion with a medal, for those who want a medal, and seek to ensure that the Prison Service is in line with other emergency services for the Platinum Jubilee medal?”
“I very much welcome the clarity that the Minister has given us. It stands in stark contrast to what has been reported up to now. Will the Minister give us a commitment that there will be close monitoring of the development of the additional vaccine by the PHA and the Health and Social Care Board?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. In her last answer, she used the word "hope". That is a word that was been bandied around here for a number of years. Last week, however, we had people crippled by the fear of contracting COVID and people crippled by the fear of losing their finances, but all of them were crippled by the fact that they could get no answer from the Executive, which was worse than lamentable. <BR /> <BR />Minister, what confidence can you give to people that lessons have been learned by the Executive, and what has been put in place to ensure that information comes out in a timely manner so that people are not waiting until the last minute to hear the decisions that the Executive come to?”
“I am sure that the Minister would like to join me in Road Safety Week and take up the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service challenge today to "kill your speed", given the problems that ice and snow can cause. As we know, rainwater has been a problem over the past weekend. Will the Minister take a look at the A26, particularly under the railway bridge? Members from Lagan Valley will know what I am talking about. Close to Moira, it floods absolutely every year, and it is a main arterial route. It is one of the busiest roads in Northern Ireland. Will the Minister give an undertaking today to look at that, please?”
“Will the Minister outline any Northern Ireland-specific conversations that he has had with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on specific asks, and any commonalities with the other devolved regions?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. He paints a stark picture for businesses. There are a lot of pressures on businesses, and we heard some of those mentioned on the radio this morning. Does the Member agree that the calculation is based not simply on the scientific modelling but on the fact that our R rate is rising and more people are dying due to COVID? The Executive do not work on the basis of a single figure, which may be presented as 0·5 or 0·1; they take into account the rising rates, the rising threat to health and the increasing number of deaths in our population.”
“I call on them not to challenge the regulations. I call on the Church leaders to lead by example. In any church that I am involved in, I certainly want them to lead by example with the New Testament teachings and say, "Love your neighbour, so protect your neighbour". I want them to say, "If the Government have made a decision about restrictions, well, do you know something? They have done it in your interests and in the interests of your neighbours". I do not know whether the junior Minister will speak to that, but it is certainly a challenge to the Churches from me.”
“My son is in Aberystwyth as we speak so, as a father who wants to see his son at Christmas, I think that it is incumbent upon this legislature, in conjunction with the other devolved nations, to ensure that our students have that information as early as possible and that they get back for Christmas. I hope that is something we can look at. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I am going to issue a challenge, and it is not a challenge for you guys. I go to church on Sundays; I am a churchgoer. I love my church. Last week, I was worried when I read a letter from some of the Church leaders in the UK who said that they were thinking of challenging the regulations across the water.”
“I know that the direction is to wear masks on buses, but what can we do to encourage them to wear masks even when they are gathering at bus stops? We have seen a remarkable response from young people in this country. We talk about them and say we worry about them but, in the round, they have been exceptional. Instead of a draconian measure pointing out what is not happening, we should ask how we fix the situation at bus stops and similar places to encourage schoolchildren to wear their masks. <BR /> <BR />The other thing was a conversation last week with regard to university students. Christmas is fast approaching, and we have thousands of students living here who will have to go home and students who will need to come back here. I declare an interest.”
“The Executive, in most cases, have worked exceptionally well in their messaging. You have only to look at the elections in America recently to see how divided a country that some of us admire can be. We have a complicated system here but, in some ways, we need to be proud of some of our achievements. However, we need to improve and ensure that life and safety are the number-one issues. <BR /> <BR />With regard to masks — perhaps the junior Minister might respond to this — one of the things that concerns me, and which I have witnessed when travelling to work this past few mornings, is when I the post-primary schoolchildren gathering for buses. You see them in great crowds. They are standing in big numbers, and they do not have masks on.”
“That has been ripped away from us for months now. Like many of you, there are members of my family who I have not seen since the start of this pandemic. Thankfully, we have some technology; we can speak and see each other. However, it really is quite tough. <BR /> <BR />The case has been made, and rightly so, for businesses that are struggling. The information and the finances need to be expedited into their hands. What actually cripples people is the unknown. That is what causes the most damage. When there is a void of information, a void of financial assistance and a void of a promise, that is more catastrophic than when you know the answer. I am not going to point the finger at any Minister, whether Finance or Economy, and think that I am just going to protect my party's Minister. These are Executive regulations.”
“Yes. I do not disagree with what the Member says. This is something that none of us have dealt with before, and something that all our friends and families are involved in. When you embark upon any journey such as this, it is important that, numerous times, you put your head up, take a look around and assess what is working and what is not, and that you are agile. I do not see any conflict with anything that has been said here today. We all want the same outcome. <BR /> <BR />Looking at some of the regulations, I pay tribute to the communities we have. One of the greatest burdens has been the inability to spend time with family and loved ones. The Northern Irish personality is such that a lot of doors would normally be open in our streets. We are very hospitable, and very hospitable within our families.”
“They do not work on their own; they have offices. Yes, we have a letter from four consultants who have raised concerns, but I suspect we have a thousand consultants in this country. Had the letter been signed by 1,000 consultants, I would maybe be prepared to give it a little bit more light.”
“A case has been made from both sides of the House about finances and poverty and the pressures that our businesses are under at this time, but we also have to give voice and testament to those businesses that are speaking to us and saying, "We really need help. We really want to open, but we do not want to open if our business is in any way a danger". <BR /> <BR />The evidence has been raised, and people have been calling for scientific evidence. That is OK, but when the evidence came, they said, "That is not the right type of evidence. We want it in a different way and in a different fashion". Guys, we are not virologists or scientists. We have to trust those we have put in place. I thank Mr Chambers for the point he made: either we trust our Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser, or we do not.”
“However, I thank the Speaker for continually writing to the Executive to try to encourage them here to lay these regulations as quickly as they can. I also put on record my thanks to the Executive Office for offering up the junior Ministers, because that adds to the quality of the message that is going out. <BR /> <BR />We cannot be divided on this, guys. It is right and proper that each of the Executive Ministers and those with their different priorities give voice to that, but let us be honest about it: protecting and saving lives is the priority. It takes precedence over everything.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. You caught me unawares there. It is a pleasure to speak in the debate today. I thank everybody who has engaged so far. Whilst there are a number of different opinions on some of elements of the strategy and how we go about it, we have to remember that we have been talking about this for some months now. It has gone by in a flash, but for those families who have suffered, are still suffering and are going to suffer, it is imperative that we speak with one voice and that we are not afraid to challenge each other. <BR /> <BR />As the previous contributor said, when the message goes out, we need to speak with one voice because that will give confidence. When we look at these regulations, we find that we are talking about them belatedly and slightly too late.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. One of the things that he read from his notes was that the economy went into lockdown. It was not just the economy; homes, families and everybody suffered. What does the Member think about the success of the six-week draconian restrictions in the Londonderry and Strabane area, where transmission rates reduced by 70% and, in my humble opinion, lives were saved. How does that fit into the strategy that he is outlining today?”
“Given the success of nurture units and early intervention, will the Minister commit to expediting the legislative change that will create flexibility in the age at which children start school, especially for premature children?”
“We will stay on the topic of special educational needs and the Middletown Centre, if that is OK, Minister. I echo your call for any Member who has not been to Middletown to take a trip down there to see the wonderful work that the centre does. Minister, you will be aware that there are around 40,000 pupils in Northern Ireland who have ADHD. It is one of those things that is not often talked about and is sometimes overlooked. Will you make a commitment to bring it up as a topic? Will you also update the House on any work that is being done in that area, please?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and for the funding scheme, which was timely. She is quite right: we all look forward to getting back to enjoying those artists and musicians again. Will she undertake to forward-proof the scheme, so that, in the event of further lockdowns, funding will be readily available and that money will be found? In addition, with the lessons learned from other Departments, will she ensure that nobody is excluded from the scheme and, if there is, that we can find a way to fill those gaps?”
“On average, 2,500 people are treated each year for alcohol abuse, with one in six admissions to A&E being as a result of alcohol misuse. The Bill covers a broad range of areas, from Easter opening to the introduction of a producer's licence. No doubt, many who wish to input to the Bill, or who wish to see amendments to it, will take part in the consultation. We invite them to lobby and to keep our in-boxes full and speak to the Committee. <BR /> <BR />It is vital that we get it right in alleviating the problems and that we implement the safeguards while supporting the industry. We support the Bill's progression to Committee Stage, and the Minister is correct to say that we need to strike the right balance.”
“Given the difficulties facing the sector in Northern Ireland, it could be a welcome boost to the sector, and to the local economy, when we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Modern licensing laws, intelligently implemented, could alleviate problems, as well as revive the night-time economy of our provincial towns and villages. My colleague from Lagan Valley will speak in the debate with passion and vigour. I am sure that he will refer to Lagan Valley and bring his experience to that. <BR /> <BR />When considering changes to licensing regulations, it is important to acknowledge that alcohol misuse has been identified as a significant public health and social issue in Northern Ireland over many years.”
“It is estimated that the hospitality sector generates £1·2 billion per year for the local economy and is a significant driver in the tourism industry. As we know, however, and as Mr Durkan pointed out, COVID-19 and the restrictions have had a devastating impact not just in Northern Ireland but across the world. In recent months, the hospitality industry has struggled perhaps more than others in these challenging times. Stakeholders have highlighted the fact that the growth of the industry in Northern Ireland has been curtailed significantly by restrictive legislation, which has inhibited the growth of the hospitality sector and, potentially, cost our economy millions of pounds. Modernisation of the antiquated licensing laws is long overdue.”
“It is vital to help the sector and local industries to grow and support them in creating employment whilst implementing appropriate safeguards. The Chair of the Committee spoke about that at length, and I thank her for that.”
“I know that a lot of hard work went into the previous Bill, some of which is reflected in the Bill before us. When dealing with licensing and registration of clubs, it is vital that we strike a balance in supporting the sector. The Minister has already mentioned that and used those words.”
“I do not think that I will have the Chamber in as much mirth as Mr Durkan did. I speak on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party in the absence of our communities spokesperson, Andy Allen, who is self-isolating. You could say that I am a poor man's Andy Allen. I thank the Minister for her kind remarks about Andy. He is self-isolating, but I have relayed to him the fact that you pointed out that he would be scrutinising the housing statement. I am sure that he will apply that same scrutiny to the Bill. <BR /> <BR />As a party, we support the introduction of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill. It is the second attempt at legislating, owing to the previous Bill having fallen on the collapse of the Assembly.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I spent a very brief period on the Committee for Communities with you previously. Although there is much to applaud you for, Minister, one thing that jumps out at me is the piece in and around intimidation points. I understand that the sentiment to protect people who are under threat is well made. As has been spoken about many times, however, the scheme is also abused, and we see people in housing stress being jumped over and overlooked. Will you outline what steps you will take, perhaps in conjunction with the Justice Minister, to ensure that the process is as fair and appropriate as possible?”
“Thank you for giving way. He raises good points about the consultation. The consultation was excellent. Does the Member agree that it was incredibly disappointing to see the level of responses on free school meals and special educational needs children with regard to the attitude to education at the next level?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. As he will be well aware and as he reflected in his answer, many businesses are on their knees because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the UK Government's furlough scheme, what financial measures and supports is he actively considering in order to support businesses in the event that restrictions may return after 13 November or may be applied in the future, given that it is the uncertainty that is crippling people?”
“My question may already have been answered, but will the Minister outline any further cooperation that there has been between her Department and the Department for Communities on the issue?”
“They have been preparing for this, and not just for the past two or three months. It is a system that they have known and been aware of since they were in P1. It may not be the best, but we can improve it and do a whole lot better. <BR /> <BR />At its end, the survey asked the young people for three words. The Deputy Chair picked out a couple, and I will give a couple. Whether they do the test or not, I say this to each and every one of them: you are enough.”
“One of the good points of the consultation — I know that Daniel will probably bounce in on this one — was the responses of our children. Mental health is my soapbox; it is the thing that I want to drive and talk about, and I will talk to anybody about it. At times, we underplay the resilience of our children and young people. This year's P7 cohort said in quite strong numbers, "Do you know something? I think we need to do the test this year". An interesting part of the consultation picked out the children in those schools that have decided not to do the test; 82 of those children responded to the consultation and said that they feel that they have now been disadvantaged because they are not getting an opportunity to do the test. That is out of the mouths of the babes. We have to listen to our young people and take on board their wishes.”
“The disappointing thing is that when respondents were asked what alternative arrangements they would like to see, do you know what finished bottom of the pile? Those on free school meals and those with special educational needs. It was not politicians who came back with those answers. For me, it was the most disappointing thing in the survey. If we are trying to tackle educational underachievement and trying to pull people up and not push anybody down, how can we do that when we know that those who academically suffer the most are those in socially disadvantaged areas who may be on free school meals or have special educational needs? The consultation told us that those were the two areas of least importance for alternative arrangements, and that really surprised me.”
“<BR /> <BR />I will pick out one or two issues; I will not labour too heavily on the statistics. The Chair pointed out that there is a strong voice asking for the abolition of the test, but, similarly, 48% to 50% either want to keep it or to reform it. It is in a balanced place, guys; it is not as straightforward as just abolishing the test. Going back to Mr Newton's point, if we are going to get rid of the test, we need to ensure that whatever replaces it is better and fairer. It must not be just a change for change's sake. <BR /> <BR />I am sorry to do this, guys, but for the right reasons, the Deputy Chair and Daniel McCrossan both picked up on socially disadvantaged people. I was deeply saddened to see in the consultation socially disadvantaged people, such as children who are on free school meals and SEN pupils.”
“There have been 8,700 responses to the consultation; there have also been 7,000 responses to the 'bring it back to primary' petition. There are measures that we can take, such as reducing the number of tests that pupils sit this year. There are things that we can do. <BR /> <BR />If COVID takes us to a place where the test is not taken, we need to ensure that the alternative arrangements are fair. As the consultation shows, people do not agree that the arrangements are fairer than the transfer test. Whether the test goes ahead was split across parents, teachers and pupils. I, like many of you guys, have had multiple emails from teachers and others with vested interests about what we should do. I hope that the Minister outlines at the end of the debate some of the contingencies that he is considering.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. That was before my time. However, from my background in the Fire and Rescue Service, I know that when you are in the midst of a crisis, you do not take draconian actions; you take measured steps as part of a thoughtful process. We need to do that in education. If we want to get rid of academic selection, we need tried-and-tested alternative arrangements, which I do not believe are there, and that will be borne out by what I am going to share from the results of the consultation. <BR /> <BR />I agree with the sentiment of the motion. I support the motion. The Minister needs to do something to provide contingency plans in the event that the test goes ahead: we need to know that our children are safe. Daniel McCrossan picked up on that point: our children need to be absolutely safe.”
“Today is not the day to address transfer testing holistically; debates on the transformation of education will be the grown-up time to discuss it. <BR /> <BR />From the very outset of his mandate, the Minister outlined that he will hold fast to —.”