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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“In his comments, the Bill sponsor referred to the Secretary of State, who has paved the way for the legislation to be introduced, despite the fact that the Bill touches on reserved matters about online content in clause 5. That does not remove the need for a joined-up approach. We need to ensure that the obligations placed on social media companies about their abilities are fair and realistic, particularly given that users who publish defamatory content cannot easily be identified. <BR /> <BR />While, broadly speaking, we welcome the intention to set out regulations clarifying what is expected of an online company when responding to a complaint about defamatory content posted on its website, it remains to be seen how that will work in practice.”
“Will the Bill make it more difficult for the citizen to raise a case? Will the Bill offer more protection to large social media broadcasters and print media? Will the private citizen have a diminished opportunity to bring a claim?”
“Are there ways of ruling on those at an early stage to prevent unnecessary proceedings at a full trial? <BR /> <BR />We cannot ignore the fact that the overriding concern among members of the public about current libel law is not whether it restricts free speech in the press but whether they can get affordable access to the legal system. These are some points — not necessarily questions — for the Bill sponsor: will the Bill prevent or reduce open access to courts for private citizens? Are there ways of enhancing the focus of the Bill to better reflect that? How will the Bill build confidence in the process? Will the Bill favour the defendant rather than the citizen?”
“There has to be an acknowledgement that raising the bar to require defamatory content to cause serious harm or a serious financial loss will inevitably affect whether a business or private citizen believes it is viable to launch proceedings. That gives me great concern. Perhaps the Bill sponsor can comment on that in his closing remarks. <BR /> <BR />The meaning of "serious harm" has been subject to legal wrangling in England and Wales, and the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court have provided different rulings. We need to avoid sowing confusion that ultimately reduces confidence in the system. An important practical question remains about when a dispute on serious harm should be resolved. Should there be preliminary hearings? Would that add or remove cost? The same goes for defences on grounds of fair comment.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the debate. It is important that the Bill be fully scrutinised, not only at this stage but if it gets to further stages. <BR /> <BR />While we recognise the need to see progress on long-standing concerns relating to the fairness of defamation law in Northern Ireland, it will be imperative that Members of the House draw on and learn from the operational experience of previous reforms enacted in other jurisdictions, not least England and Wales. <BR /> <BR />I will touch briefly on clause 1 and one or two other clauses; I will not go into them in depth at this stage. The interpretation of the serious harm threshold will be crucial to the success of any reforms. It needs to be fair and balanced for companies and private citizens.”
“Does he have an estimate of what that will equate to across the public sector annually?”
“I thank the Minister for his remarks and for meeting me earlier today to discuss the statement. The Committee for Finance has previously taken evidence on social value in procurement and had hoped that related legislation would be brought forward in this mandate. Further clarity on the scoring of social value and the evaluation of public contracts would therefore be welcome. <BR /> <BR />If I may, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I have a question with two parts to it. In his statement, the Minister mentions the roll-out of training to procurement practitioners and small organisations. What will that training be, in general terms, and has it commenced? The Minister also mentioned the Living Wage Foundation and an increase in the hourly wage from £8·91 an hour to £9·50 an hour.”
“First, it is only right that I welcome my colleague Stephen Dunne to the Chamber, in case I forget and do not do so for the next two or three years. You are very welcome, Stephen. <BR /> <BR />My quick question is about financial transactions capital. Pages 3 and 4 of your statement refer to the loss of 28·5% of FTC this year and 54% last year. How can we improve on that? Will you give us a bit more detail on how Departments can utilise FTC so that it is not sent back?”
“Thank you, Minister, for the answer. Minister, what learning has your Department taken from this, and have you plans on the shelf for future support if — hopefully it is not needed — the need arises?”
“<BR /> <BR />Independent advice sector funding needs to continue. In my constituency, workers for Advice NI work on a monthly contract, as there has been no confirmation regarding future funding for the sector. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that much has been done over the past 15 months to keep things afloat, but much more is to be”
“<BR /> <BR />Our economy needs a clear and decisive Budget. Many businesses are still impacted directly and indirectly by the restrictions. Many Departments still need to deliver support to businesses as they continue to feel the impact of COVID restrictions and their outworkings. We cannot predict the full extent of the pandemic on our economy, but it is clear that there will be a massive impact on Northern Ireland's rates income. We need to acknowledge the challenge and drive forward with an approach to the rates revaluation that incentivises jobs and growth and meets the needs of established and emerging sectors of our economy. <BR /> <BR />I await the outcome of the fiscal commission and the fiscal council's initial work. Maybe the Minister can touch on that in his remarks.”
“<BR /> <BR />The need for a clear, continued Budget can be particularly seen in respect of the Department of Health and the need for transformation to allow us to deliver for all constituents across all areas, as set out by the Health Minister only last week. It is hard to ignore the fact that health and social care account for almost half of day-to-day spending this year at just under £6·5 billion. We must ensure that any Budget safeguards allow for action to be taken to reduce waiting lists dramatically and provide treatment for the 330,000 people awaiting appointments and treatment. Given current estimates, it will take in the region of £750 million to £1 billion to tackle waiting lists alone effectively. It is clear that the funding impetus for the long-term change that is needed is simply not there at present.”
“and lend themselves to full scrutiny. The absence of a multi-year Budget continues to be of great concern. It is in the interests of all that a multi-year Budget be planned. The culture of in-year monitoring rounds and one-year Budgets needs to change, as such Budgets have only been stopgaps and temporary fixes. We must have a proper multi-year Budget that is delivered in a timely manner to allow for proper scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />When they exclude one-off COVID funding, it is clear that, for most Departments, the Budget outcome represents, in theory, a flat-cash settlement. The reality is that, given increased demand on services, it is likely to represent a reduction. That is extremely concerning. When considering the Budget, we must always be mindful that public money should be spent wisely and not wasted on vanity projects.”
“levels of support offered to the Executive to mitigate the worst effects of the crisis, many businesses would not have been able to stay afloat and there would not have been the assistance for employees across Northern Ireland. Those are the benefits of those elected to Westminster actually attending Westminster and lobbying Westminster. <BR /> <BR />There is a need to ensure that all Budget processes are”
“Committee. I do not know whether that is an elevation or a demotion. We will soon see, so thank you very much for that. <BR /> <BR />The Budget highlights the overwhelming financial contribution that the UK Government make to Northern Ireland. The financial benefits of being part of the United Kingdom are vital to the public services and economy of Northern Ireland, and additional funding contributions during the pandemic response underlined that. That highlights the need and importance of remaining an integral part of the United Kingdom. Without the financial input of Her Majesty's Treasury, and”
“First, I thank the Minister and his office for their kind words”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and agree with him that better soil and nutrient management is key for farmers. Obviously, the pilot has a very important role to play in assessing the value of soil testing. You referred to the pilot being rolled out in the rest of Northern Ireland, but, given the need to increase the bottom lines of farmers and protect the environment, what is the timeline for that?”
“I thank the Member for his question. The Assembly Commission will do that based on risk assessment, as it always has done. The director for that area carries out regular risk assessments and feeds that in to the Commission, which then makes a decision based on his or her recommendation. It is purely down to risk assessment.”
“Thank you for your question. Members can approach the Events Office from 22 June 2021 to book those dates. The Assembly Commission will continue to adopt a risk-based approach to the delivery of events and tours in Parliament Buildings. It will move forward cautiously, based on any public health regulations and guidance that are in place at the time of reopening. The practical considerations relating to the provision of events and tours will need to be considered in detail to ensure that they can be provided safely, observing any social-distancing or other requirements. If that cannot be done, they will not be offered.”
“I thank the Member for his response. I would rather have a slow pace than a risky pace. With respect to your point about the Blue Flax restaurant, given the proximity to the summer recess and the continued emphasis on reducing the risk of infection, the existing 2-metre social distancing will continue to apply in the Blue Flax until summer recess. With effect from 14 July 2021, it will be reduced to 1 metre, or to the relevant social-distancing requirements that are in force at that time. <BR /> <BR />I reiterate that the Assembly Commission will continue to apply the decisions of the Executive, in line with public health regulations and guidance, in order to protect the health and safety of staff, Members and other building users.”
“Therefore, it would be unhelpful for me to speculate on what future decisions the Executive will take and how they might impact on the Commission's decision.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Speaker wrote to all Members yesterday to set out the Assembly Commission's decision. The date of 14 July will allow time for staff to make the necessary preparations for the return of visitors to Parliament Buildings while ensuring the health and safety of all Building users and of the public, and minimising the risk of infection so that the vital work of the Assembly is not disrupted in advance of recess. <BR /> <BR />While Members may have a range of questions on the outworking of future changes to public health regulations and guidance on events, tours, public dining and visitors to Parliament Buildings, those are matters for the Executive rather than the Assembly Commission.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Assembly Commission reaffirmed that decision on a number of occasions, most recently on 12 May, and committed to undertaking a further review before the end of June. That further review has now taken place, taking cognisance of the significant easing of public health restrictions and the guidance provided in recent weeks, which have allowed a welcome degree of family, societal and economic normalisation. Given that the Assembly goes into a summer recess on 10 July, the Assembly Commission considers it appropriate that the current limitations on access to Parliament Buildings be removed at that point and that events, tours, public dining and visitors to Parliament Buildings should resume on 14 July, after the public holidays.”
“With your permission, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I will group questions 1, 7 and 12 together, so I will need an extra minute, if that is OK. I thank the Members for their questions. <BR /> <BR />Members will appreciate that the primary functions of the Assembly are to hold the Executive to account, make laws and represent the interests of the people of Northern Ireland. That has been the key consideration in the Assembly Commission's decision to limit access to Parliament Buildings to permanent pass-holders during the coronavirus pandemic. That decision was taken in order to ensure the health and safety of our staff, Members and other Building users and to minimise the risk of infection so that the vital work of the Assembly was not disrupted.”
“In Mid Ulster, the rural west is being hit once again with a lack of investment in infrastructure. I appreciate the reasons why. Can smaller contracts that are in place there be increased somewhat to get some of the money spent? The road users and the engineers who are trying to repair the roads will see the outworkings of the situation when the winter comes, when we will all see the negative effects of the lack of investment.”
“Some will have negative vibes, but that is only because of the change. <BR /> <BR />It is important to highlight the financial benefits of the new LED lighting scheme. The estimated annual savings from the implementation of the LED lighting scheme are around £906,000. The money saved can now be spent where it is needed in our constituencies and in wider society in Northern Ireland. Of course, some of those savings can be spent on some of the areas that my Mid Ulster colleague has requested. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member for securing the debate, and I look forward to hearing other Members' remarks.”
“I welcome the transition to the new LED lighting in Mid Ulster. The benefits of the new LED lights are clear to see, if you will pardon the pun. The new LED lights provide brighter and cleaner lighting in our rural towns and villages and are a welcome sight to behold in comparison with the dull orange or sodium street lights, as they are known, to which we have become too accustomed. The new LED lighting is far more environmentally friendly. It does not contain lead or mercury. The LED lights reduce light pollution. The lights are more focused and project a more accurate colour rendering. Of course, some people are concerned about the lesser spread of the lights, and Martin Curran has made changes. You will get complaints, but that comes with their newness. Obviously, if there is a new system, your centres will be somewhat different.”
“<BR /> <BR />Increasing rural street lighting in Mid Ulster would promote security for the people who live there. In the past, they have become more aware of antisocial behaviour in the smaller villages around the constituency. The darker side of humanity comes out in the shadows, and places can become more sinister. On many occasions, most people in those areas have requested better lighting. Obviously, some people who carry out crimes and antisocial behaviour can hide in the shadows.”
“Between 2013 and 2017, 229 people were killed or seriously injured in Mid Ulster. That is an average of 45 road traffic collisions (RTCs) a year. In 2017, Mid Ulster accounted for over 6·5% of road traffic collisions in Northern Ireland, despite accounting for 5·5% of the population. <BR /> <BR />Evidence has found that increasing rural street lighting will decrease the number of fatal and non-fatal RTCs on motorways. A total of 2·6% of accidents are fatal where street lighting is present compared with 4·3% where it is not. On built-up roads, 1·3% of accidents are fatal where street lighting is present compared with 1·9% where it is not. Similarly, on non-built-up roads, 3·1% of accidents are fatal in lit conditions, rising to 4·9% in areas without street lights.”
“Those are the density of housing in a community, including public buildings with significant night-time use; and road safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction in the number of night-time collisions. <BR /> <BR />We have been contacted by constituents in our areas who want to improve street lighting. As the Member said, changing the criteria that have been set out by the Department would provide more positives than negatives in individual cases. Street lighting on rural roads improves safety for drivers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians alike. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 40% of fatalities and serious injuries in the United Kingdom occur between the hours of 7.00 pm and 8.00 am, despite only one quarter of travel happening in that time frame.”
“I thank the Member for raising this important issue and for the virtual tour of Mid Ulster for the Minister's benefit. I actually learned of some places too. It was very informative. I thank her for that. <BR /> <BR />The importance of rural street lighting cannot be overstated. It provides a number of benefits to constituents. Street lighting promotes security in rural areas, as the Member said, increases quality of life by artificially extending daylight hours and improves road safety for all. It is my understanding that the Department uses two main criteria when considering the provision of street lighting in rural areas.”
“<BR /> <BR />While we accept that sizable investment is needed and that there is no easy solution to the problem of unadopted roads, we need the Minister to demonstrate her commitment to reviewing current practices in a way that promotes more efficient and timely interventions and puts the needs of affected households first.”
“<BR /> <BR />We appreciate that the number of bonds has increased in the post-recession period, but we also note that, unfortunately, there has been a gradual reduction in the number of enforcement actions since 2015-16. It is our understanding that that is not because the problem is diminishing but rather is because the staff are very overstretched. Previous contributors have referred to that. <BR /> <BR />During a recent Committee meeting, on 12 May 2021, the Department revealed that, following restructuring of the Department and retirements, there are now only approximately 20 staff working on private streets, and that is to cover the 3,470 live bonds plus the enforcement. That is a reduction of approximately half of what the Department had prior to 2015.”
“The bond should be sufficient to meet all needs, and, with buy-in from all agencies, that needs to ensure that roads are adopted in a timely fashion. We would support a review of DFI statutory powers in that area. <BR /> <BR />There is also an issue of historical unadopted roads. That is where council developments and other sites have never been completed to the required standard. Article 9 of the Private Streets Order allows DFI to consider the adoption of some roads if the majority of owners request it and the road or street is first brought up to the required adoption standard. There needs to be a simplified and streamlined process to call in a bond and to take enforcement action, which continues to be complex, compounding the problems faced by householders.”
“<BR /> <BR />While we appreciate the budgetary constraints and difficulties that the Department operates under, we note that a study carried out in 2012 found that over 620 kilometres of unadopted roads and laneways in Northern Ireland that were not private roads fell within the normal private streets determination process and that an estimated £300 million would be needed to clear the backlog of unadopted roads. That did not include additional items such as land purchase or any required structures or utility works. It will be interesting to have a fresh estimate of that figure. <BR /> <BR />The Department also needs to review and improve the working partnership with Northern Ireland Water and other agencies to ensure that any problem is rectified, especially with issues such as sewage.”
“We would like to see consideration given to making bonds time-limited, but, first and foremost, they must be adequate to account for inflation and their reducing value over time, as was the recommendation of the Regional Development Committee inquiry in 2012. <BR /> <BR />There is a need for an all-inclusive review of the private street adoption process. The process for calling in a bond and taking enforcement action continues to be too complex and lengthy, compounding the problems raised by the fact that households may face daily issues around health and safety.”
“I also rise in favour of the motion, and I believe that a full and systematic review of the private street adoption process should happen. While I welcome the fact that the bond conditions are being reviewed in the Department, we believe that the exercise should extend further than just a consideration of its value. While I note that progress has been made, I am concerned that work is still needed to complete all the outstanding unadopted roads throughout Northern Ireland. Given the extent of the everyday impact that the failure to adopt roads has on the families and households affected, we find it entirely unacceptable that the level of enforcement actions by DFI Roads has declined in recent years.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. That is yet another example of the unacceptable nature of the protocol and the need for it to be replaced and challenged. Those are staggering figures, and we have only just commenced with this process. What steps are you taking to right that wrong, which is outside the control of the Northern Ireland Executive?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. COVID has put a strain on care packages that people had prior to the pandemic. I am aware, as, no doubt, are other Members, that there are still issues in other areas, not just Mid Ulster. What is the financial situation with regard to addressing bed-blocking? Are additional resources available? I appreciate that you said that you have additional resources. Bed-blocking is still going on, however. People are not getting out in a timely manner, and that puts pressure on families and hospitals. Can the Minister put any more resources into dealing with it in order to prevent it totally?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. My supplementary question is on the LRSS. Some businesses in my constituency have received £3,000, £5,000, £6,000 or £8,000, but they are now being asked to pay it back because of errors in your Department. Those businesses needed that money to pay bills. They have paid the bills, and now they are asked to pay it back. What do you say to them?”
“Agriculture has a massive impact: if the agriculture sector has money, everybody has money.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I welcome the news for Northern Ireland, particularly Loughry in my Mid Ulster constituency. Loughry has had a massive impact on agriculture and the food sector for the past 100 years. I worked in it for nearly a quarter of a century. You probably look at me and think that that could not be, but maybe others think that it could. It is dear to my heart. I noted the points made about the impact that it has had on the businesses that employ engineers, food workers production staff. <BR /> <BR />In the past 100 years, Loughry has had a massive impact. What of the next 100 years? I also ask the Minister for clarification. Some people think that Northern Ireland stops at Dundonald. There is more to Northern Ireland than Dundonald.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, will you provide me and the House with a commitment that you will open a new scheme to support those clubs? Coagh United Football Club, in my area, is one of them, and, no doubt, everyone else will know of numerous clubs in their areas that need support. Will you commit to opening another scheme to support them? Those clubs will not be here otherwise.”
“<BR /> <BR />In summary, I call on the Minister for Infrastructure to commit to looking at the use of SIDs more widely at schools, which would be more cost-effective, in conjunction with the actual speed limit for that location, either the current speed limit or the roll-out of future 20 mph zones at the schools incorporating SIDs. I am more than happy to work with her Department on a trial of this principle at a Mid Ulster school. The devices have an immediate impact on driver behaviour and are a visual indication of the vehicle's speed. I ask the Minister to work with the Minister of Education to promote road safety and awareness not just for pedestrians but for all vehicle users at all our schools.”
“The responsibility for road safety in and around our schools is something that we should all consider and is everyone's responsibility, but it is important that schools, the PSNI local roads division, parents and local community groups all avail themselves of road safety training and ensure that training is delivered to all our schoolchildren, both primary and post-primary. A holistic approach to road safety is needed and should be advocated where policy, engineering, awareness campaigns and education are used to improve the road safety at all our schools across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the introduction of the 20 mph speed limit at 100 schools across Northern Ireland and would welcome funding for that initiative to continue for additional schools.”
“It is, therefore, imperative that we consider what we can do to improve road safety, especially around our schools, as that will not only enhance our children's safety but encourage parents to allow their children to walk or cycle to school, thereby improving their health and well-being. <BR /> <BR />Physical speed-reducing measures, such as road narrowing or roundabouts, can help to ensure that cars maintain a safe speed. In some areas, speed bumps or humps, as they are referred to, can also be used, but they are not always appropriate.”
“<BR /> <BR />Improving the physical infrastructure is an effective way of reducing road safety risk, and there is a wide range of examples, including improvements to road layout, street lighting, road signage and traffic management. It is also important to remember that the planning, design and build of new roads and housing developments should ensure that road safety and access is a key priority. Road safety interventions can help to encourage physical activity by creating a safer physical road environment and reducing the level of danger posed to vulnerable road users.”
“It promotes immediate and future behavioural change. In recent months, I have worked with the local policing and community safety partnership (PCSP) to purchase more SIDs and have them located across Mid Ulster at strategic points, including close to schools. I work with local businesses, and a local business in Newmills purchased one, at a cost of £2,800. That device is currently in operation, and the community in this through-village, as it is known, has seen immediate benefits due to the flexibility of the device, which can be moved to other roads in the village. Other groups and communities across Mid Ulster that I work with see the benefits of these simple devices and are striving to have them installed in their area.”
“Schools in my constituency that have benefited from this are St Trea's Primary School in Ballyronan, Ampertaine Primary School in Upperlands, St Brigid's Primary School in Mayogall, St Eoghan's Primary School in Draperstown, Edendork Primary School and Orritor Primary School. Woods Primary School close to Ballyronan benefits from a part-time speed limit of 20 mph that was introduced in September 2018. I believe that more schools, especially in rural areas, could benefit from these measures, and I encourage the local PSNI to ensure that the limits are enforced. <BR /> <BR />The signage and speed limit change should bring about a reduction in speed at those locations and are welcome, but, as was previously mentioned, the speed indicator devices, or SIDs as they are commonly known, give the actual speed that a vehicle is travelling at.”
“The report stated that, in some cases, pupils expressed their concern about the absence of school crossing patrols, insufficient pedestrian crossings near the school and the lack of traffic-calming measures around the school. I urge the Minister for Infrastructure to work closely alongside the Minister of Education on that. <BR /> <BR />In September, along with other MLAs, I welcomed the news of the roll-out of the 20 mph speed limit at 100 schools across Northern Ireland. I also welcome the news, yesterday, from the Minister that part-time speed limits have now been set in legislation for 103 schools at 90 sites across Northern Ireland. It is hoped that, with the implementation of those speed limits, children, parents and teachers across Northern Ireland will see an improvement on the roads around their schools.”