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.”
The complete record
Every one of 761 lines we hold for Keith Buchanan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 8 of 16.
“I congratulate the Minister on his new role. I was looking for mention of the A29 bypass in his statement. There are so many potholes around Cookstown that it would be cheaper to build a bypass. <BR /> <BR />My question relates to the wise spending of the money. We see some potholes being repaired with the blast effect or whatever. Is the Minister content that the £1 million will be spent wisely? Is he content that the method of repairing potholes is the best one and is the best value for money?”
“I nominate myself to be vice chair of the Audit Committee.”
“I nominate Cheryl Brownlee as vice chair of the Public Accounts Committee.”
“I nominate David Brooks as vice chair of the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee.”
“I nominate Jonathan Buckley to be Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.”
“I nominate Gary Middleton to be the vice chair of the Economy Committee.”
“I nominate Diane Forsythe to be vice chair of the Committee for Finance.”
“I nominate Deborah Erskine to be Chair of the Committee for Infrastructure.”
“I nominate Phillip Brett for Chair of the Committee for the Economy.”
“I nominate Joanne Bunting as Chairperson of the Committee for Justice.”
“I select the Department for Communities and nominate Gordon Lyons MLA.”
“I select the Department of Education, and I nominate Paul Givan MLA.”
“On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I nominate Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.”
“On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I nominate Edwin Poots.”
“On a point of order, Mr Acting Speaker. The first item of business in the Order Paper is the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers. The debate should refer to that.”
“However, it is a bad practice whereby this House gives its agreement to legislation and does not know how many of our constituents it affects. I am not saying that there is a problem with death registrations. I am saying that I hope that the Minister will provide us with some reassurance on the matter today. I also hope that he might undertake to separate from each other in future subordinate legislation the two issues of electronic registration and notification of the coroner.”
“Both the Justice Minister and the Health Minister expressed reservations but indicated that they would accept a temporary continuation of those practices until September 2022, as indicated in the draft rule. <BR /> <BR />The Committee learned with surprise and some concern that none of the Departments or the General Register Office can tell us how many deaths have been registered in those circumstances to date; that is, they are unable to clarify how many deaths there have been where the deceased has not seen the doctor in the previous 28 days and where that has not been notified to the coroner. As the draft rule simply extends the existing measures for a short period, I expect that the House will provide its support for it.”
“I thank the Minister for setting out the purpose for and the background to the statutory rule that is before us. I will speak on behalf of the Committee for Finance. <BR /> <BR />The Committee considered the rule on 2 February and 23 February 2022, and we corresponded with the Department on its content. The rule continues some welcome simplification measures in respect of the registering of deaths using electronic media. The Committee found that uncontroversial but noted that those useful measures will lapse from September 2022. It is hoped that one of the first actions in the next mandate will be to extend those sensible provisions further. <BR /> <BR />The draft rule also continues the waiver on the requirement to advise the coroner of a death where the deceased had not been seen by the doctor in the previous 28 days.”
“The Department has kindly responded on that, and perhaps the Minister might also refer to it in his response.”
“I rise to speak briefly on behalf of the Committee for Finance. I thank the Minister for his opening remarks. <BR /> <BR />The Committee considered the draft rule at its meetings on 2 and 9 March 2022. As has been indicated, it is understood that the rule will allow any business that occupies a long-term vacant property valued as a retail unit to pay rates at the vacant rating level, which is 50%, for a two-year period. The Committee welcomed the introduction of the measure and hopes that further similar steps will be taken to revitalise our city and town centres. The Committee also welcomes the Department's intention to review the effectiveness of the measure during 2022-23. <BR /> <BR />The Committee sought clarity as to whether the measure will apply to any business that relocates to vacant premises.”
“That may also be influenced by security concerns, which have led to many rural ATMs being relocated inside shops and thus not benefiting from the exemption. <BR /> <BR />The Committee will, of course, support the rule. However, it is hoped that other measures that do not fall foul of the court judgement and that might increase the number of designated rural areas could be explored in order to support banking services across all parts of Northern Ireland. When the Minister is making his winding-up speech, perhaps he might respond to that point. <BR /> <BR />Notwithstanding the above, I am happy to advise the House that the Committee has agreed to recommend that SR 75/2022, the Rates (Exemption for Automatic Telling Machines in Rural Areas) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022, be affirmed by the Assembly.”
“I thank the Minister for setting out the purpose of and background to the statutory rule that is before us today. The Committee considered the rule on 2 March and 9 March 2022, and members noted that the rule continues the rates exemption for separate entries into the valuation list associated with automatic telling machines — ATMs — in designated rural areas. Members welcomed the continuing measure as a way of providing much-needed banking services for some of our rural communities. However, the Committee was surprised to learn that the number of ATMs benefiting from the measure is only 43 across the whole of Northern Ireland and that that number is likely to reduce. It appears that, following a court judgement, the number of relevant ATMs has substantially reduced in recent years.”
“Obviously, those staff members covered a range of tasks on the ferry. Do you have any concerns that, when the ferries start to sail again between Northern Ireland and Scotland, there may be a safety issue, bearing in mind that the new staff will have been trained in a very short time?”
“Minister, your statement referred to the fact that:”
“Checks and balances must be included in legislation to ensure that the principle is respected and any revision restricted to the headings of the relevant forms. <BR /> <BR />In that context, it is notable that new registration forms contained in the regulations do not seem to explicitly state that data must be entered in English. That raises the question of whether there will need to be a dedicated translation or interpretation function in registry offices. If that is the case, there has already been confusion around the financial implications of the changes. <BR /> <BR />The explanatory memorandum talks about "no, or negligible, costs", but the Committee received separate evidence of, at least, a one-off capital bill of £261,000. Therefore, I and my party support the prayer of annulment.”
“The Minister for Communities provided no funding to mark the centenary, and Sinn Féin blocked the lighting up of Parliament Buildings and City Hall to mark the centenary. <BR /> <BR />The same party had to be forced into a major U-turn on punitive decisions relating to subregional stadia funding. It also had to be forced to have a modest plan to mark Her Majesty The Queen's platinum jubilee. <BR /> <BR />There is an important distinction between allowing individuals to register life events through Irish and in Irish. New Decade, New Approach does not bind the Assembly to facilitating the content of registrations to be published in Irish or bilingual formats. That must continue to be in English.”
“We must remember that the full cultural package, as agreed in New Decade, New Approach, has not been published, let alone been subject to democratic scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />In our view, for us to press ahead with the reforms is not in keeping with the spirit of what was agreed in New Decade, New Approach. It is wrong that unionism should be expected to comply with the language demands of Sinn Féin. We cannot facilitate a cherry-picking of the agreement when elements that are precious to my community have, largely, fallen by the wayside. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin's disrespect agenda should not be ignored or rewarded in the House. It could not tolerate a commemorative stone at Parliament Buildings or the planting of a rose bush to mark the first 100 years of Northern Ireland.”
“My understanding is that there was no related ministerial direction and that officials undertook the change under their own authority in contemplation of the legislation. <BR /> <BR />I expect there to be a Division on the motion. I hope that, in his response — sorry, in her response; I apologise to the Minister — she might clarify whether it is usual for officials to undertake changes that require legislation prior to the passage of that legislation. Perhaps she might also comment on the costs related to it. <BR /> <BR />I will now speak as a member of the DUP and a member of the Finance Committee. I and my party share concerns about the timing and framing of the regulations. Currently, registrations of births and deaths can take place only in English for the headings and the content.”
“I thank the proposer of the motion for setting out the background to his objection to the statutory rule, which relates to marriage, civil partnership and civil registration. The Committee considered the rule on 17 November 2021 and again on 23 February 2022. The Committee divided on both occasions and, following those Divisions, agreed to support the rule. <BR /> <BR />Members were advised that the rule flows from previous political agreements around the option to register future key life events in Irish or in Irish and English. <BR /> <BR />I think that Members were a bit surprised that the necessary software changes had been undertaken — I repeat, had been undertaken — apparently prior to the rule being laid in the Assembly. Members were also surprised at the cost, which was given as £261,000, as the previous Member said.”
“At times, the Building has looked more like Steptoe's house — some people will understand that reference — than a seat of government because there are so many buckets around. That said, does that mean that repairs cannot be carried out until the liability and responsibility are clarified? Therefore, we will still have the leaks until liability is clarified through the legal route.”
“<BR /> <BR />I should have interjected slightly earlier with a question about amendment No 2. Maybe the Bill sponsor will clarify the issue when he sums up. Effectively, my take is that amendment No 2 leaves clause 9 as it is today: it neither strengthens nor weakens it. My question to the Bill sponsor is this: if clause 9 had stayed as it was, would it have left the Bill stronger than it is today or weaker? The Bill sponsor will perhaps clarify that later. Apart from that little bit of clarity on amendment No 2, we are content to allow the Bill to progress.”
“My comments will be brief. I had a conversation with the Bill sponsor this morning, and he said that his comments would be like a 45-second summing up of a 90-minute football match. I do not know what you will take from that, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Bill sponsor for his oral briefings and for the information that he provided to the Committee for Finance throughout Committee Stage and more recently. As I previously stated, defamation law needs to balance individual rights to reputation with freedom of expression and effective access to justice. <BR /> <BR />I will start from the amendment furthest down the Marshalled List and work my way up. We are content with amendment Nos 5, 4 and 3, which are technical, tidying-up amendments.”
“I listened attentively to the Member as he referred to his concern for rural communities. He represents the West Tyrone rural community, and I represent the Mid Ulster rural community. Does the Member actually listen to the rural communities as in the farmers? The farmers whom I listen to on climate change say that the Bill that is coming forward will decimate or completely annihilate them. Are you really listening to the rural farmers? You are saying a different thing here from what you are saying to the farmer on the ground.”
“The Committee was advised that, should an Executive not be formed, the Northern Ireland Act 1998 would allow the new Finance permanent secretary to avail themselves of a progressively larger percentage of the Budget for allocation in 2022-23, although that will, apparently, cover only business-as-usual spending. <BR /> <BR />The pandemic had an impact on our public finances and not least on our economy. The Budget tidies up the 2021-22 year and will give us a degree of stability for the next financial year. I support the Bill.”
“Budgets were stretched, but billions came from the Treasury to support our economy and the Executive through that difficult time. We are thankful for that. Dozens of additional schemes have been delivered quickly and efficiently, while other Departments have been slower to respond. <BR /> <BR />The legislation before us today provides legal cover for expenditure in 2021-22 and for some spending, up to 45% of the previous year's Budget, in 2022-23. That means that Departments will be able to continue their day-to-day spending until the end of July in the absence of the formation of an Executive following the election in May.”
“As I have stated previously in the Chamber, we all appreciate that, because of the pandemic, all Departments have faced challenging times.”
“The Member referred to the £300 million being spent on agency staff, and I appreciate his point that a level of agency staff may be required. However, irrespective of how much money goes to the health service, £300 million is a lot of money to be going to agency staff. What discussions has the Committee had and what plans has the Department of Health put forward to reduce that figure to a reasonable one?”
“I am satisfied with the policy objectives and intent. Therefore, I am content to support the regulations.”
“The Fiscal Council indicated the importance of such a connection. Those talking up the prospect of a cliff edge are being irresponsible. There is a legislative provision, which is due to be debated tomorrow, to ensure that public services continue to be funded and to be operable in the next financial year. <BR /> <BR />It is clear from the Fiscal Council report and feedback from Committees that the Budget proposal is not all that it seems.”
“Even where additional sums are provided — for example, to Health — there is no accompanying strategy for reform. The Fiscal Council is critical of the fact that the draft Budget does not contain a clear or systematic explanation of why certain allocations are prioritised. The Fiscal Council report also demonstrates the immense scale of the support provided via the block grant and that receipts from that grant are higher than expected for the period covered by the draft Budget. Those in the Chamber who deride the Treasury and our membership of the United Kingdom should reflect on that contribution. <BR /> <BR />It seems counter-intuitive to agree a multi-year Budget at the tail end of a mandate when the parties that will form the next Executive are yet to agree a Programme for Government as a basis for expenditure.”
“In particular, the denigration of policing and justice in the proposals is disgraceful. Justice is the only portfolio to see a net reduction in its resource allocation. One thousand PSNI officers and 350 staff would be at risk by 2025. Training on new offences such as stalking and coercive control would be under threat. The Committee for Justice also raised concerns about the draft Budget, and, in its response to the Committee for Finance, it stated:”
“Investors are attracted to Northern Ireland because of our skills, our people, our low cost base and the incentives offered by Invest NI. This Budget would decimate Invest NI's ability to offer financial help to companies. In a response to the Finance Committee, the Committee for the Economy highlighted:”
“what was outlined in the Communities Minister's recent strategy on delivering social housing. Departmental officials also confirmed:”
“The Committee for Communities noted that it was:”
“I rise to speak as a member of the Finance Committee. As the Chairman of the Committee did, I thank the officials and Committees that provided written and oral responses to the draft Budget 2022-25. <BR /> <BR />The motion is to take note of the Finance Committee and the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council reports on the 2022-25 draft Budget — a Budget that was backed only ever by Sinn Féin Ministers. It was never agreed to by my party. The Budget was put out for consultation, but, for whatever reason, that was halted. <BR /> <BR />The Finance Minister's draft Budget would lead to massive cuts to public services. The Chief Constable, school principals and housing bodies have all outlined the grave impact that it would have. The chief executive of the Housing Executive said that the Budget represents:”
“Thus, it is hardly surprising that some of our exchanges today displayed somewhat differing views. That is, obviously, the reason why we are here. Notwithstanding that, the debate has been useful and illuminating, and it will help to inform the Assembly as we consider the amendments on the Marshalled List.”
“I thank all the contributors to the debate on the Defamation Bill. You will be glad to hear that I will not go through each contribution, because, to be fair to him, the Bill sponsor covered that and there is no point in me going over old ground. <BR /> <BR />I also thank the Bill sponsor and the Minister for the oral and written briefings that they provided to the Committee. Regardless of the outcome today, it is always to a Member's credit when a private Member's Bill is brought to the Assembly, because the process is lengthy and demanding and can prove to be quite testing for the Member involved. <BR /> <BR />The issues in the Bill are important and include free speech, free press, excessive social media commentary and the protection of reputation.”
“Does the Member agree with the flip side of the argument, which is that, if someone posted something on, for example, Facebook, about anybody in the House and someone else shared it, clause 10 would let them off the hook?”
“The Member is a politician, as am I. If someone printed lies, little lies or something that was incorrect, would he sit on his hands, or would he go to his solicitor?”
“That said a lot to me. During a subsequent oral evidence session, the journalist answered a question on that by saying, "Perhaps not". <BR /> <BR />To sum up: we will not support clauses 1, 5 or 8, or amendment Nos 4 and 5, as they relate to those clauses. <BR /> <BR />With your indulgence, Mr Deputy Speaker, I may have to leave the Chamber during the proceedings. However, I will monitor exchanges carefully remotely, and return to make a winding-up speech on behalf of the Committee.”