Órlaithí Flynn
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />Parliamentary privilege is a complicated issue, but it is a very important one for all Members to understand. It was helpful to get Matthew's intervention on the fact that the repeal changes nothing for Members. It simply takes away the reference to privilege which never fully existed. I thank Matthew for his intervention.”
“My comments will be brief. As Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures, I welcome the opportunity to conclude today's debate on the motion to repeal Standing Order 70 and make a number of consequential amendments.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank the Chairperson and members of the Committee on Standards and Privileges for undertaking a comprehensive review of Standing Order 70 and for bringing the outcomes of that work to the Committee on Procedures, with the recommendation to make the changes to Standing Orders.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. As you outlined, Minister, a key part of creating a more resilient road network is having the workforce to deliver it. We know that British austerity has severely impacted on our workforce in DFI, creating an over-reliance on contractors and driving up the cost of works as a result.”
“I support the motion, and I thank its sponsors. <BR /> <BR />For many people, the journey to becoming a parent is not straightforward. Whilst some conceive without difficulty, others face years of heartbreak, uncertainty and loss.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have learned that people often talk about IVF as though it guarantees a baby. Tragically, the reality is that that is not always the case. This is not the first motion calling for three cycles of IVF that we have debated.”
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“It is better to fix a problem when it is small than to wait. Could we have had proposals and measures sooner to avoid lockdowns or stronger, more robust public health systems in place to give greater warning?”
“<BR /> <BR />The virus is a threat to us all, but, as other Members have said, the restrictions can also have a serious negative impact through, for example, the loss of support networks or the closure of services, whether that be counselling support to help someone with their mental health or a long-awaited screening appointment for a physical health condition. I also cannot help think of the turmoil felt by those who are unable to see a loved one in a care home due to visiting restrictions. These are extremely emotional, personal and invasive issues that we are dealing with. At the same time, logical decisions must be made in an attempt to save lives. Therefore, the questions and scrutiny must focus on what strategy is in place to avoid the need for further restrictions and weeks of lockdown.”
“I support the motion. I will focus my remarks on a few important areas: one, the negative impact of the restrictions; two, the need for an effective response in isolating; and, last but by no means least, the need to support people who have been affected by COVID and the restrictions. We have heard examples of the various ways in which people have been affected. It should act as a chilling reminder that many if not all of us who speak here tonight will know someone who has contracted COVID-19. I am sure that we all know someone who has been hospitalised with COVID-19. Sadly, many of us will know of someone who passed away as a result of COVID-19. That is just a microcosm of how the infection is spreading among the wider population outside this Building.”
“Go raibh maith agat to the Minister for today's statement. My question is similar to another Member's. The statement mentions the request that has been put in for four million rapid-testing devices. Will the Minister detail a bit more how the Department plans to roll those out? Are you thinking more about population-wide testing or about trying to target more high-risk groups like the care homes and meat plants etc?”
“I am sure that the Minister will be aware of a recent report by Ireland's forestry accounting plan, which shows that the forestry sector in the North is similar to that in the South, in that both have now transitioned from a carbon sink to a carbon source, meaning that the entire island's forestry sector is now a source of carbon emissions. The Minister outlined some initiatives that he has taken. Has he looked at any island-wide initiatives?”
“Mr Allen has already touched on this. Does the Minister foresee that today's announcement will lead to an increase in claims and possible delays in the processing of further cases?”
“Minister, today the Department announced some changes to how emergency and urgent care is going to be delivered. That will obviously affect many areas and patients. The Phone First pilot is being trialled in the Causeway Hospital. Will the Minister outline if that pilot is part of the wider transformation process or is it solely part of the COVID-19 surge response?”
“I know that one of the Members touched on guaranteeing that the over-65s would have access and whether there is enough stock of the flu vaccine, but I wonder whether the Minister can guarantee that everyone over the age of 65 will be able to receive the vaccine before the end of November.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. Will she give a commitment that the promotion of positive mental health and the provision of support services for individuals and families who are struggling at the moment will be central to any COVID-19 recovery package?”
“I thank the Minister for all those really positive mental health initiatives. They are greatly appreciated by the sector. I am conscious that the mental health action plan that was announced six months ago contained specialist community perinatal services, and I know that the sector and the perinatal mental health campaigners are waiting in suspense. Can the Minister confirm when funding will be made available for those services?”
“My question has been covered. Thank you, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle.”
“Will the Minister provide an update on any of the other city deals, please?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and her answers thus far. Will the Minister confirm whether there was any discussion at the British-Irish Council about the importance of promoting inclusion and equality of outcome as a core element in our COVID recovery planning across these islands?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. A Member who spoke previously asked about the support that could be put in place for all the workers who could, potentially, lose their job. The Minister mentioned the upskilling opportunities, which I was really glad to hear about. Will she elaborate a wee bit more on the work and conversations with councils about how they could, potentially, support workers who may be facing unemployment?”
“We have held meetings with the NIEA on the issue over the past number of months, so I am aware that it has been doing work with the Mullaghglass site. I know that the site is not expected to close until December 2021. Apart from the gas wells and the work that is being done around those, are there any long-term plans in place to deal with the odours? I speak not just as the MLA for the area but as a resident of the Colin. The odours are extremely unpleasant to live with. I know that work is being done, and we are due to meet the NIEA again in December. However, aside from the gas wells, are there any plans that you can put in place?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Since different parts of Belfast have been referenced, I want to highlight that, in areas of west and north Belfast, rents are increasing through a market demand that is coming from lower-income families that are struggling to access social housing. Will the Department consider looking at rent caps or creating rent-pressure zones in such areas?”
“I agree with all of that, and I am conscious that it is a really worrying time for students who are trying to continue their education. Is your Department considering whether it can provide additional resources to help with well-being and mental health support, particularly for students who have been impacted directly by COVID-19?”
“So many operations are being cancelled and appointments being missed, and that is storing up problems for the future. The answer must include the central aim of suppressing the spread of COVID-19. Further action needs to be taken, but the Government and their agencies must provide support in order to have the appropriate systems in place that we need to help fight the spread of coronavirus.”
“Even with restrictions already in place, it is alarming at how this virus can spread and is spreading. It is a stark warning. Restrictions are not the only answer to fighting COVID-19. Investment in public health services, such as testing and contact tracing programmes, is required, as is support for those who need to self-isolate and stay at home. <BR /> <BR />We are definitely not in a good place. We are seeing high rates, particularly around the border areas. That highlights the reality that the virus is spreading from community to community. As has already been said, we need to have a coordinated approach. Unlike with the first wave, we are now heading into the winter months, in which we know that Health and Social Care will be under significant strain and struggling to cope.”
“I acknowledge that we are dealing with the regulations after they have come into play. Over the next few days and weeks, we will potentially be talking about other decisions that need to be made. Some Members have already quoted statistics, but I want to note how much the situation has changed since the regulations were made on 16 September. On that date, there were 129 new cases. Yesterday, there were 1,066. In the week leading up to 16 September, as has already been spoken about, Antrim and Newtownabbey had the highest rate of new cases, at just over 50 per 100,000 people. Yesterday, the rate for Derry and Strabane was at 946 per 100,000. On 16 September, there were 21 hospital cases of COVID-19, with three people in ICU. As of yesterday, there were 137 hospital cases of COVID-19, with 19 people in ICU.”
“It is in everyone's interest that full scrutiny can occur. It is important that we have the full range of evidence to highlight when actions do not go far enough or are not proportional.”
“Will the Minister endeavour to ensure that the Health Committee is supplied with as much information as possible, as it is requested, to help to make some of the necessary changes?”
“I start by recognising the pain amongst all the families who have sadly lost someone to COVID-19. We are still in a really worrying and anxious time, and I know that many members of the public are deeply concerned about the rising numbers of new cases that we are see and about the increasing numbers of hospital admissions that we are starting to see. <BR /> <BR />The regulations that we are discussing today came before the Health Committee, and other Members have spoken about some of the concerns around that process and the power that it grants to the Minister and his officials to make some of these difficult decisions. I will not go over all of that in detail, as some of it has been covered.”
“Does the Minister have any plans to reform the legal aid system?”
“I thank the Member for his intervention, and I agree with everything that he said. Although a lot of the conversation has focused on face coverings today, that is only a microcosm of everything that is contained in the regulations and the broader confusion that can exist in the public. <BR /> <BR />Before I finish, I want to make the simple point that much has been said about the fact that we all now need to live and learn to live with this virus, and that is absolutely correct. However, it should not mean that we let the virus pass us by without doing anything. So, I completely understand the need for the regulations that the Minister has brought forward and I believe that we must all look at, consider and scrutinise all of the options that we are faced with in our efforts to help and protect the public throughout the pandemic.”
“For many people, that will come as a surprise, but, again, on the important issues around this, where is the public messaging campaign and where is the direction and the clarity for the public and workers, who are using these face shields as in the example that I gave, from the Department of Health or, indeed, the Public Health Agency?”
“For example, when the regulations appeared before the Health Committee last week or the week before, I raised the issue of face coverings and the use of face shields, which I have seen being used increasingly in restaurants and retail outlets, not only by members of staff but by the public. It turns out that face shields:”
“I believe that the lack of urgency, when the evidence pointed to the use of face coverings, did little to promote their uptake at that crucial time. I urge everyone who can wear a face covering to please wear one. It should not be seen as a muzzle but as a sensible precaution against a virus that we know is spread by droplets from the breath. <BR /> <BR />Similar to some of the points that Colin, Paula and Pat touched on earlier regarding communications, I also urge the Department and the PHA to undertake a more thorough public health messaging campaign around face coverings and provide a more general update around the restrictions that were announced last night. I am detecting a certain level of fatigue and confusion around what is in place now.”
“Many have already acknowledged that point, but it is vital that this is to the forefront of our minds as we consider and discuss the regulations. There are so many knock-on impacts that need to be addressed where families are unable to spend time with one another, including being unable to visit loved ones in care homes or hospitals and the many out there who are now dealing with the stress of the breakdown of a normal work-life balance. However, these regulations, I feel, are necessary, although they have since been overtaken by the recent changes as of last night. <BR /> <BR />In my opinion, the promotion of face coverings was slow. At the start, they were advised only for public transport and then shops and retail outlets were included.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. It is pronounced "Or-lee-ah", thank you. <BR /> <BR />I rise to support these regulations, and I do so as I think about the rise in new coronavirus cases in our communities and in the health service. As others have said, the virus is still with us, and we cannot downplay that fact. It has been said before, but it cannot be said enough, that these regulations would not be considered if we were not in a public health emergency. <BR /> <BR />I want to address two themes today, the first being the impact that the regulations have on people and, secondly, the need for support. I believe that it is essential that we do not forget the impact that each of these regulations have on individuals, families and communities.”
“Of course, as other Members have referenced, that will require a broader Executive approach, with all Ministers and Departments stepping up to the task. I look forward to hearing from the Minister, particularly about his plans to reform social care and deliver accessible and supportive services for those with dementia and am happy to support the motion.”
“The question is this: what would you like your personal reaction to be if you heard that your loved one had received a dementia diagnosis? Would you like it to be one of anxiety, with concerns about who will help with the potential caring responsibilities, such as collecting medication or helping with household tasks, or would you want it to be a sense of relief and hope? We should do all that we can to ensure that it is the latter, where there is a feeling of relief that your loved one finally has that diagnosis and, more importantly, a suitable pathway of support and care and a feeling of hope that, with that diagnosis and recognition, supports and changes will be put in place to allow that person to continue to live a fulfilled life. I strongly believe that that is possible. That is what a dementia-friendly society is.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is so important that the stigma and pressure around dementia care are addressed not only for the person with the diagnosis but for their family, carers and community. I wish to pose a question to every Member who is here today, and it is one that I know that at least one or some of you have already faced or will face.”
“I thank all the Members and all the parties that have been involved in tabling the motion. Listening to what Paula Bradshaw and to some of what Dolores Kelly said about their experiences triggered some thoughts for me about a family member who is living with dementia at the moment. I am sure that a lot of us in the Chamber can relate to those issues. <BR /> <BR />I fully support the motion and the efforts of Members to work towards a truly dementia-friendly society. Some of the figures and statistics that are involved have struck me not because they are high but because they do not show the full picture. A few Members quoted figures that say that there are just under 15,000 people on the dementia register. However, that is a conservative figure, with an estimate of 22,000, which has been quoted, suggested by the Department of Health.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he welcome the fact that, as was mentioned earlier, the Protect Life 2 strategy states that one of its key aims is to ensure that the appropriate services are available for the most deprived constituencies, exactly like the ones that he mentioned? That aim was not in the original Protect Life strategy but has been included in Protect Life 2.”
“Does the Minister have any plans to expand the number of COVID-19 specialist centres? If that is the case, how does he intend to staff them given the pressures that GPs are under?”
“This, rightfully, includes urban and rural communities. At present, with the multi-agency team servicing only two out of five of our trust areas across the North, there is definitely room to expand. <BR /> <BR />In closing, the most striking feedback that I have received about this project has been both from families in receipt of the service and from the ambulance and policing staff who have visited people in their homes. The staff have spoken of a sense of confidence in working together to help someone in what can be extremely difficult, challenging and complex circumstances. Families have described a feeling of understanding and compassion for the person receiving the treatment in what is a much more safe and familiar environment for them.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is also important for Members to note that one of the key aims within the suicide prevention strategy is”
“More progress towards the full implementation and funding of the suicide prevention strategy could signify hope to someone watching the debate at home, someone who has lived through such experiences or, indeed, currently living through such an experience. <BR /> <BR />It is important to note that, although this multi-agency model which is made up of ambulance staff, PSNI officers and community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) has successfully operated within the Belfast and South Eastern Trust areas — which lies in my constituency so I know it well — it has done so only at a limited capacity, operating over the weekends. The reality is that a mental health crisis can take hold at any time and therefore it is right to have access to such services throughout the week.”
“<BR /> <BR />I know that the Department of Health is conducting a review into crisis services, as part of its mental health action plan, as referenced by the previous Member to speak. I also want to highlight that other crisis services currently exist, for example, the crisis centres in Derry and Belfast, the CAMHS Crisis Teams, adult crisis services, Lifeline: 24/7 Crisis Support Service and last, but not least, the vast network of groups and individuals, who are rooted within their communities and who people, instinctively, think of when they need help. <BR /> <BR />Therefore, I call on the Minister of Health, following that review, to invest in crisis services and in communities. For me, the expansion and funding of this project would signify another small step in the right direction towards genuine parity of esteem for mental health.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am also pleased to comment that, since taking up my role as an MLA and as Chair of the Assembly all-party group on suicide prevention, the members of that APG, along with many cross-community groups and organisations from statutory, community and voluntary backgrounds, all wholeheartedly supported and encouraged this model. We all recognise that emergency departments are not a suitable place or an appropriate environment for anyone who is suffering and in a state of crisis. We recognise that, when helping someone in a mental health crisis, working in silos, whether in the justice or the health system, does little to de-escalate or effectively assess and treat the person who needs the help. In fact, many with lived experience advised that it can have the opposite impact and make that person feel worse.”
“I thank the Member for his comments. The important thing to focus on now is moving forward into the future. Thankfully, we now have the recognition that it will take a lot more intervention, cross-departmental working and that, obviously, includes the agencies on the ground who are doing brilliant work. Thank you. <BR /> <BR />I was about to say that I am sure that all the agencies involved, and the respective Ministers, appreciate the value of sustaining such partnerships and interventions, just like the multi-agency triage team. Hopefully, that will continue into the future.”
“Importantly, however, if a person is unfortunate enough to find themselves in that moment of crisis wanting to end their own life, help needs to be accessible. <BR /> <BR />A great example of how on-the-ground crisis support and intervention can help to save a person's life is that of the multi-agency triage team.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the motion. I thank Alex and Paula for bringing such a crucial issue to the Assembly. As the motion says, poor mental health has been identified and, I think it is fair to say, universally accepted as an area of concern, given recent events that populations across the world have faced due to COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />While I am glad that this area of health is receiving the attention that it deserves, what we need to do next to help those in crisis must be more than just positive mental health slogans; it must be more than interdepartmental working groups' reports and recommendations. It needs to be the delivery of true parity of esteem between physical and mental health. Strategies need to be funded, and communities need services.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers thus far. An issue, that has been raised with me locally, is that there are variations in sensitivity between the different testing kits. Is the Minister aware of any differences between the kits that are used by the trusts, care homes and the PHA? That is particularly worrying, given that they are used in discharging vulnerable and elderly people from the hospital into the community.”
“Does the Minister agree that there is a compelling responsibility on the Westminster Government to help fund the scheme?”
“That is why I am still concerned about the sustainability and delivery of services in Muckamore Abbey Hospital today. This does not take away from supporting the Muckamore Abbey families and their quest for answers and justice, which we all fully support. However, it is about ensuring that, going into the future, the public have access to high-quality, safe and reliable services that support staff and patients. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the Minister's decision and I sincerely hope, as do all the Members who have spoken today, that this decision and move will bring answers, closure and, more importantly, meaningful change for the future.”
“At the time, I was concerned that the sustainability of care in the community was at breaking point. A package of care can be many things but it is essentially about people and services and, when it breaks down, it can be for many genuine reasons. However, it can also be because a family or a carer can no longer cope, and the stress and the pressure that that can cause can be devastating. <BR /> <BR />I remember hearing the families at the centre of the abuse talking about the difficult choices that they had to make, and hearing from families who were struggling to cope when things were not working out, and particularly hearing about the fear and the anxiety of sending their loved ones to a hospital that was at the centre of one of the largest safeguarding probes in these islands.”
“That is not only in Muckamore Abbey Hospital but, as the Minister said, in the wider health and social care system. I fully support the decision that has been made around a public inquiry to get to the truth. Hopefully, this will make sure that nothing like this can ever happen again. <BR /> <BR />I am fairly sure that the Minister will agree me that no one, regardless of their condition, should ever have to call an acute hospital or a ward their home. Those who can live in the community must be fully supported to do so, and that means completing the programme of resettlement and building sustainable packages of care in our community. <BR /> <BR />On the topic of community care, one of the first questions that I asked in this mandate was about the number of admissions and discharges from Muckamore Abbey Hospital.”
“First, I warmly welcome the Minister's announcement, and I also concur with comments that were made by numerous Members throughout today's debate. I do not see this motion as being contentious or as being party political. Obviously, I thank Paula and John for bringing it to the Floor. <BR /> <BR />The motion and discussion was all about the families. It is about all the families who have been fighting for truth and justice into how their loved ones were treated in the health and social care system. We cannot forget that there are families and patients at the centre of this scandal who are simply trying to get to the truth of what has happened to their loved ones: their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. It is right that a shining light is cast into the quality of care and governance.”