Keith Buchanan
Mid Ulster · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, we watched a gentleman having his head nearly removed on the street. That is a problem, whether you think so or not. I referred to it as being like something that I witnessed in the slaughterhouse in my previous job. We have to address it. I am not radical; I am just a normal MLA who talks to normal people in the street.”
“It is always a privilege to celebrate sporting success in mid-Ulster. Today, we congratulate Nigel Davidson, a proud Cookstown businessman, on his outstanding achievement at the Hyrox world championships in Stockholm. To see him compete and succeed on the world stage is an achievement that makes all of us in Cookstown incredibly proud.”
“Minister, I was contacted on Friday by a lady whose brother was in Muckamore — a lady who did not tell her story. Now the report has come out and sparked a degree of need for her to speak. I use the word "need", but that is maybe not the best word. What can that lady do now?”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. We are starting to see the impact of investment into local communities through funds from the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Arts Council. In the past, Sinn Féin has been critical about your priorities, complaining recently that consistent funding for Ulster Scots and bands was for "vanity projects".”
“Last Friday, I had the privilege of walking alongside the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, his dedicated team and veterans as they completed a six-day journey: the Somme 110 walk. The final day coincided with the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Battle of the Somme is not just a story from the past but one that lives on in families, regiments and the hearts of those who continue to serve. It stands as a stark reminder of the sacrifice, suffering and bravery of those who fell and fought. Those men faced unimaginable conditions so that others might know freedom.”
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“I support the Bill. What is domestic abuse, and who can become a victim? The simple answer is that anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age or ethnic background. It is not just physical abuse but includes sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, coercive control and, indeed, other forms of abuse. You do not have to be physically harmed to be abused. We must always be mindful that domestic abuse has consequences for other members of the household and/or family. <BR /> <BR />While the Bill seems, in principle, to be reasonable and justifiable, some issues need to be further addressed when it reaches Committee Stage, as I have no doubt that it will. I am not about to make negative comments. They are general observations and comments for the Committee and the Bill sponsor.”
“OK, thank you, Mr Speaker. What representation was there from Northern Ireland at COP26 and how did that come across to you?”
“A letter was issued at the beginning of November 2021 setting out the intent of the Bill and offering an opportunity to raise concerns with LPS. Today, the Bill is at Second Stage. <BR /> <BR />As raised in the previous debate, the Committee has had very little time to fully and thoroughly consult on the Bill or understand what its implementation would mean. We have been unable to connect with local businesses and stakeholders or review the pros and cons of the Bill. That could set a bad precedent. I support the Bill passing Second Stage, which will allow it to go to the Committee for further scrutiny. Taking on board previous comments from the Chair and, no doubt, with support from other Committee members, we will do all that we can to deal with the Bill as speedily as possible.”
“Earlier, one Member referred to his short time in the House — he has been here for 27 years — and he is not aware of any. I am not aware of it happening in the short time that I have been here, and it seems unfair to those appealing. <BR /> <BR />The most frustrating part of the Bill is the fact that the Department has been aware of the issue since early spring 2020. It has known about the issues arising from COVID-19 and has not acted until now. I appreciate the earlier comments about the excellent work that LPS has done and is doing during the pandemic. However, our next election date was always going to be in May, at the latest, so it was always coming. <BR /> <BR />Until very recently, the Department had chosen not to consult business stakeholders and local government.”
“The Bill would remove the ability of businesses appealing their net annual value to cite coronavirus as a factor. <BR /> <BR />I understand that the Minister has also indicated that £50 million in Barnett consequentials would come from the United Kingdom Government. Maybe the Minister can confirm in his closing remarks whether he has received confirmation that that will be received regardless of the Bill's passing. If that is the case, can it be ring-fenced for rates support in this mandate and/or the next mandate? If so, that would go some way to easing the impact on the hotels, B&Bs, pubs, shops etc that are affected. <BR /> <BR />The retrospective aspect of the Bill applies the constraint on appeals to appeals made before April 2020 that relate to coronavirus. I am not aware of the House having passed any similar legislation.”
“<BR /> <BR />The new antecedent valuation date (AVD) is 1 October 2021, with a new valuation date list due in April 2023. The previous valuation list was published on 1 April 2020, with an AVD of 1 April 2018. The issue, as I understand it, relates to the date on which the health regulations were implemented. Had they been implemented three days later, the AVD, which was October past, would have taken into account the effects of the current pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Under article 39A of the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, the normal appeal process is that businesses appeal on the basis of their net annual value, and they do so after the valuation list is produced. The appeals can be general and based on a range of issues. The issue in question relates to businesses that appeal using coronavirus as the main or attributing factor.”
“Vital support also came through the furlough scheme provided by the United Kingdom Government. Those schemes have been successful and have spared or saved almost all our locally run businesses and jobs. Unfortunately, some businesses were unable to make it through those hard times, and many still struggle. Recent proposed controls will put additional pressure on those businesses. As we start to reopen our economy, those businesses are evaluating their position in the market. The support from the high street voucher scheme will give a massive boost to local high street businesses. The new year, which, for some, means the end of the rates holiday, will see additional pressure placed on them. As pointed out by the Chair, while non-domestic rates provide vital income for councils and the Executive, they are a strain for struggling businesses.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to add my comments to the Second Stage of the Non-domestic Rates Valuations (Coronavirus) Bill. As we know, the pandemic changed almost everything overnight. What was considered normal is now considered to be the past, and the unimaginable is becoming normal. Schools were shut, hospitals were under more pressure, and businesses were forced to close. Restrictions and closures quietened the cities, the open markets and the towns. <BR /> <BR />At that time, the restrictions were followed by financial support schemes. The UK Government provided several billion pounds. That support was distributed by many Departments. Under the Department of Finance, Land and Property Services did an excellent job and implemented business support grant schemes and business rates holidays.”
“As noted, businesses and stakeholders have had limited consultation on the Bill's proposals. The Bill would, undoubtedly, impact our economy in some manner. I will not support accelerated passage and will give more commentary at the Bill's Second Stage.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to add my brief comments on the motion on accelerated passage for the Non-domestic Rates Valuations (Coronavirus) Bill. The Bill would have impacts on businesses that apply retrospectively to April 2020. There has been limited consultation by means of only recent communication with the business sector. <BR /> <BR />As the Chair of the Committee noted, the Bill is necessary to secure income from business rates for district councils and the Executive and to avoid a deluge of appeals. Considering the complexities and difficulties that the pandemic has caused to our businesses, it would be foolish not to give detailed consideration to the Bill. However, that has to be done through the correct and proper channels. The Committee's fundamental scrutiny of the Bill is needed.”
“My understanding is that over 2,000 businesses have appealed their NAV on the basis of coronavirus being an issue. If the Bill passes, what will happen to those 2,000 businesses?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. She referred to the money from this year's budget. Given that it is a New Decade, New Approach priority, does she have a commitment that she will have the budget for it next year?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, in which he referred to the plastic bag levy being increased and to the maximum fine for littering. This is also an urban issue, but when you go around the rural roads, you see a shocking amount of litter. The situation was particularly poor during COVID. What more can the Minister do to put pressure on councils to emphasise and deal with the issue? Some councils are good at it, while some are very poor. To be honest, my council does not issue enough fines, but it is not about issuing fines to everyone. Rather, it is about getting out the message and getting people to improve their habits.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. This is an incredible scheme, and I do not underestimate the challenges involved in rolling it out. People can sneer from the sidelines, but the scheme has been rolled out in a short time. To be fair, there have been a few small issues, but that is to be expected. <BR /> <BR />The Minister said that £26·5 million has been spent so far in the local economy. From the information that you have received and based on the amount that has been spent so far, is the scheme having the desired and expected impact?”
“With sustained and targeted funding in place, we can allow that generation to fulfil its potential and take our economy to the next level. Targeted funding at already up-and-coming industries such as digital ICT, the creative sectors, agri-food, fintech, financial services and the growing engineering sector should be at the forefront of all our minds when it comes to a ring-fenced skills fund.”
“If we do not back up the skills strategy with sustainable and long-term funding arrangements, including a ring-fenced pot, it would be a missed opportunity to reset our economy towards new growth and give the ensuing generation of young people a better foundation in our society to better themselves and the society that they will forge. <BR /> <BR />Other important factors that need to be considered as part of any ring-fenced skills fund include the need for clear accountability for how funds are allocated and the need to ensure value for money and a central role for businesses and employers in how policies are designed. Long-term investment decisions need to take account of the changing demographics in Northern Ireland. The current share of our population aged between five and 14 is the highest that it has been for decades.”
“As stated, the Minister for the Economy and his predecessor have already taken action to support learners during COVID-19, including the apprenticeship recovery package. As a party, the DUP is committed to ensuring that the shake-up and reform of local skills policies are at the heart of Northern Ireland's exit strategy from COVID-19. We need to put a higher value and emphasis on skills and the benefits that they present not just for our economy but for personal health and well-being and alleviating the subsequent pressures on public services. <BR /> <BR />Collaboration with industry and individual businesses is critical. We need to address the historical underinvestment by local businesses in training, upskilling and continuous professional development.”
“Job Start provides funding for employers to create new job opportunities for 16-to-24-year-olds who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Two main types of apprenticeships are available to bolster the workforce. The Skills Focus programme targets small to medium-sized enterprises to support and facilitate collaboration between businesses and colleges. Small to medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of any successful economy, and supporting them is essential.”
“I support the motion. Investing in the skills and talents of our workforce is essential to the workforce fabric of Northern Ireland, as the speed of change in working conditions continues to transform the future of work in a post-pandemic society. The creation of new opportunities that meet the evolving technological and economic context and demands is essential for a fully functioning working society. We need to invest and future-proof essential skills for the youth who are now entering the workforce and the employees and employers whose work is now in a transitional phase. <BR /> <BR />There are some existing initiatives. Essential Skills, which my colleague mentioned, aims to develop literacy, numeracy and ICT skills for employees. That initiative is free and can be delivered at the workplace or a local college.”
“Support for the LCM will mean that members of the schemes in Northern Ireland should not be disadvantaged and will mitigate the risk of future litigation, should the Northern Ireland changes be delayed or differ in cost or design. We should remember that any changes that we wish to make would have to be paid out of our block grant, and that would likely impact existing budgets.”
“My comments will be quite short, due to the fact that the Chair has covered a lot of the main points about this very technical Bill. The Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill that is currently making its passage through Westminster is aimed at implementing a deferred choice underpin in the pension scheme. All eligible members will be treated equally and will be able to choose to receive pension scheme benefits from either scheme. The reasons for the original reform still stand: public service pensions should be affordable and sustainable whilst providing an appropriate pension to members. <BR /> <BR />The LCM will address the close timescales now required to implement the remedy solution by April 2022 and ensure the changes for devolved schemes are implemented to the same timescales as similarly constituted schemes in Britain.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. In his statement, he referred to £3 million that is being allocated to his Department — the Department of Finance — to cover the COVID-19 LRSS scheme, as we know it. Is that £3 million for a tidying-up exercise? Where are we in that scheme? Is it being wound down? Has that money been allocated to help close it down?”
“If Bellaghy GAA club is now aligned with the group Saoradh, any public funding allocated to the club should be recouped and the club barred from such funding in future. Taxpayers' money should not be used to sponsor those who promote and condone terrorism. You cannot deliver food parcels one day and support that type of event the next. Which is it?”
“This was an vicious and indiscriminate murder by the so-called New IRA and was unacceptable and rightly rejected across the board, yet that group sought to justify and explain a gunman being on the streets targeting police officers. Such violent views are outrageous, undemocratic and madness. Such madness led to a journalist being murdered. <BR /> <BR />I have written to the chairman of Ulster GAA and the chairman of Bellaghy GAA club, and, to date, have received no response. The Bellaghy GAA club and Ulster GAA must make a clear statement to explain how their facilities were used, condemn the use of violence, support the PSNI and call for those who murdered Lyra McKee to be prosecuted.”
“On 2 October 2021, the Saoradh hunger strike commemoration 2021 used the grounds of Bellaghy GAA club. The use of the grounds by Saoradh indicate that the club is aligning itself with the views of that organisation. I find this offensive, as do many people in mid-Ulster who repudiate violence or the threat of violence. <BR /> <BR />That organisation has been responsible for justifying and promoting outrageous statements and actions. Following the murder of journalist Lyra McKee on 18 April 2019, Saoradh released a statement saying:”
“Thank you very much for giving way. I appreciate that. Will the Member, who is a Mid Ulster constituency colleague, give me some analysis of the number of people who have come into her office to tell her that the protocol is working for them? Since it has come in, I have had none — not one. Will the Member say how many have told her that it is working?”
“We need to get the Brexit notion out of people's heads and look at the real issues across Europe, not just in this part of the United Kingdom.”
“You refer to the speech from the Member across the way. At one point, I was using my fingers and then my toes to count the DUP references, and then I had to stop. It is probably a good way to start: fill in "DUP" and just put words in between. I congratulate the Member opposite for promoting the party. <BR /> <BR />There has been negativity in today's debate. It has been about Brexit, Brexit, Brexit. I do not think that other Members have done their research on the issues that other countries have. Those issues are not down to Brexit. I am sure that the Minister will agree that COVID has been an issue. Workers have moved around different sectors. In Mid Ulster, there has been a pool of movement as workers moved from food processing to engineering.”
“— of qualifications. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister for the Economy is taking a number of measures to address shortages in the hospitality and tourism sector. It is important that the Department continues to support further education colleges and the skills focus programme, which offer bespoke training aimed at hospitality and tourism managers. Programmes such as the skills intervention programme and SKILL UP are also important to deliver a wide range —”
“Work is currently under way to amend the age eligibility criteria for Apprenticeships NI frameworks, which will make them available to older apprentices. Both apprenticeship frameworks include knowledge-based and competence-based qualifications in driving a range of goods vehicles, including articulated vehicles. <BR /> <BR />There has been increased demand for workers in the hospitality sector across Northern Ireland, with a high level of vacancies in a number of occupations. Those workers include chefs, catering assistants, bartenders and waiting staff. Representatives of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association have said that the current disruption is down to a number of factors, including access to labour, COVID restrictions, and logistics and supply chains, which have been disrupted globally.”
“It is clear that those issues are not unique to Northern Ireland, with HGV driver shortages also being reported across Europe, including the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, the shortage is not a Brexit issue. Engagement on the terms and conditions for staff in the haulage industry will also be important. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster University Economic Policy Centre's (UUEPC) report, 'Northern Ireland Skills Barometer' anticipates that an estimated 800 new road transport drivers, including HGV drivers, will be needed every year in Northern Ireland up to 2028. <BR /> <BR />The Department for the Economy's Apprenticeships NI programme offers funded training to those aged between 16 and 24, who are interested in driving goods vehicles at levels 2 and 3.”
“Our immigration rules must be adaptable to ease the pressures that can build. <BR /> <BR />The coronavirus pandemic has not been mentioned — some people may have missed that — and, along with changes to the UK's immigration policy, that has impacted almost all parts of our economy and has manifested itself in various forms, including the shortage of HGV drivers. There have been recent claims that as many as 600,000 people in the UK currently have the necessary licences but are not active in that profession. Although the granting of emergency visas for 5,000 HGV drivers is welcome, it represents nothing more than a sticking plaster. <BR /> <BR />Members will be aware that the responsibility for testing HGV drivers falls to the Minister for Infrastructure, and she will have to look at what her Department can do to ease those problems.”
“The DUP opposes key recommendations outlined in the report, which include the end of all specific work migration routes for low-skilled workers except seasonal and agricultural, rejecting a regional salary threshold and a shortage occupation list for Northern Ireland that is better suited to the needs of local sectors. <BR /> <BR />There have been sensational reports of over one million EEA workers leaving the UK. Those reports have, largely, been discredited. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) statistics indicate that 200,000 is a more accurate figure. In truth, by the end of May 2021, there had been 5·6 million applications for settled status. If they wish, those workers can return to the UK when sectors lack the relevant skills or the terms and conditions do not incentivise those who qualify to come forward.”
“Those asks include relaxing the English language requirements of the points-based system for agri-food workers, speeding up processing times for agri-food visas, placing the butchery profession on the shortage occupation list, extra routes for temporary non-seasonal workers and expanding the sectors covered by the seasonal worker scheme. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that Brexit did not cause the current crisis; the new UK domestic immigration policy is the main catalyst. There is scope for change, and we will be making that case strongly.”
“The Irish Farmers' Association, in the Irish Republic, has also expressed concern about the lack of suitable labour available for processing and on pig farms, and that is despite its continued membership of the EU and access to free movement. <BR /> <BR />Ironically, the same parties that are calling on those of us who oppose the protocol to focus on practical solutions would rather grandstand on that issue than get behind the clear and tangible asks that the Agriculture Minister has made to DEFRA and the Home Office.”
“The Democratic Unionist Party understands the seriousness of the current labour shortages that are affecting the local agri-food and haulage sectors. I represent a rural constituency and have worked in that sector for over 20 years, so I fully recognise the importance of the sector to the Northern Ireland economy. It is valued at £5 billion and employs around 113,000 people. <BR /> <BR />The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) recently highlighted a similar labour crisis in the Irish Republic's pig sector. I am not aware that the Republic of Ireland has left the European Union. They are, obviously, experiencing some of the issues that we have here. That demonstrates that EEA free movement is not the answer that some in the House claim that it is.”
“Minister, in an answer to a previous question, you referred to pedigree transfers across the Irish sea. What issues with sheep imports and movement is your Department aware of? Obviously, there are now a lot of sales in Northern England and Scotland, and that will incur issues.”
“It is a great achievement by my constituent. I wish that young man well for his future career, whatever that may be.”
“I rise to congratulate a young gentleman from Newmills, just outside Dungannon: Nick Griggs. Yesterday, Nick won the under-17 mini marathon in London. He was selected to represent Northern Ireland only recently, and, yesterday, went and won that event. <BR /> <BR />I will give the House a brief background on the young gentleman and his recent wins. He won a gold medal in the men's 3,000 metres at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Estonia. He accomplished a record-breaking performance in the under-18 Irish youth games and under-17 British records for the 5,000 metres and 300 metres respectively, and a three-time record-breaking performance in the Irish juvenile championships, smashing the times to date in the 3,000 metres and 5,000 metres. The young runner has won an impressive three Irish titles at under-18 and under-20 levels.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am interested in the figures, percentages, capacity, kilowatts and all that stuff. It is interesting to me from my previous life. It is about how it will work practically. How we incentivise the scheme is another issue. Members can go away and do some calculations in their own dwellings tonight.”
“If a dwelling can avail itself of that by using its own energy — I am using 20p as a guesstimate — there is obviously a saving for the dwelling, and an export can be put on to the grid. <BR /> <BR />Without getting into too much science, it depends on how many kilowatt-hours you are using in your dwelling in an average day, after which the remainder can exported. You would not have to increase your capacity leaving the dwelling, if you understand where I am coming from. <BR /> <BR />We will see where the obligation on the Department goes. My colleague referred to putting the cart before the horse. We may have bought the saddle, but we do not have the cart or the horse. The energy strategy would probably have been the way to do that, with legislation to follow.”
“<BR /> <BR />The explanatory and financial memorandum uses the word "incentivise". I appreciate that the Bill will go to the Department for it to come up with a scheme, but it depends on the definition of "incentivise". There is a big difference between small-scale and large-scale production, given the economies of scale. I do not disagree with the principle of the Bill or its intent, but "incentivise" can mean lots of different things. <BR /> <BR />While other Members were speaking, I did some calculations. The average domestic house uses 3,100 kWh, but that depends on how that is calculated. If you do a simple equation of 20p per kilowatt-hour, the average cost for a dwelling in the United Kingdom is £620.”
“Our colleague referred to creating a tunnel for his machine. You need infrastructure at your private dwelling to do that. It is not as simple as putting 50 kW in every domestic house in Northern Ireland, because we do not have the infrastructure to do that. <BR /> <BR />I will not refer to any specific energy supply companies, but it is extremely expensive to do any modifications to the grid, whether it be for new builds or any other modifications. That is something to bear in mind. It is not as simple as sticking 50 kW on top of a domestic dwelling. Infrastructure has to be to put in and capacity within that. It is worth bearing that point in mind. <BR /> <BR />My colleague referred to state aid implications. We have concerns about that, and other Members raised the issue. Maybe that can be addressed.”
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Bill. I will not go into great detail. I appreciate that a lot of points have been raised. I ask, rather, for clarification from the Bill sponsor. I will not ask a list of questions. I would just like clarification on some points, if he does not mind. <BR /> <BR />I presume that the 5% in clause 1 is a minimum export capacity to the national grid. Obviously, a dwelling will use a percentage of what is created. Perhaps the Member could clarify that. <BR /> <BR />Under 50 kW is referred to as "microgeneration". The average domestic dwelling can be fused, as in a single phase supply, of 63, 80 or 100 amps. If you do some calculations based on 25 kW — I will not blind you with science — it works out as roughly 104 amps. Therefore, you need infrastructure.”
“The Minister mentioned the rates holidays etc. Those rates bills are going to land on businesses' mats in, I presume, April or May next year. Is there anything the Department or LPS can do to ease that burden over and above what they currently do? Obviously, the bill can be paid monthly over a period of time. Is there anything else that can be done to relieve the shock that is going to hit those businesses?”
“I did not really hear a condemnation of the terms, but I will leave it at that. Everyone's language and actions are massively important to public messaging. Do you feel any regret for destroying the pandemic messaging when you attended the funeral in June last year?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Are you content that Sport NI has got this right and will get it right and that there will be not just one sporting organisation or type that gets money from the fund? There is more sport in Northern Ireland than Gaelic sports. I will be interested to see what sporting organisations get money from the fund and that it does not go in just one direction.”
“Will a raised threshold of serious harm allow newspapers or broadcasters to calculate that the financial reward of publishing a questionable story will outweigh any likelihood that it will be challenged? Will a higher threshold for pursuing defamation cases ultimately lead to a reluctance in the legal profession to take on anything but watertight — if there is such a thing — cases? <BR /> <BR />Those are a few pointers and general concerns about the clauses. I would appreciate it if the Bill sponsor could alleviate those concerns in his closing remarks.”
“If an individual in Northern Ireland takes on a large media giant in California, it is the David and Goliath principle. However, David has no stones, and it could be a difficult lawsuit to follow in real, practical terms. Maybe the Bill sponsor can touch on that issue later. <BR /> <BR />The interaction needs to be better explained. Does the definition for the "operator of a website" cover all relevant housing platforms in all forms? Will the Bill compel or enforce social media companies to change their policy of non-disclosure? I understand that such a policy is currently the case in some instances. We also need to examine the Bill's potential for unintended consequences.”