Jonathan Buckley
Upper Bann · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Sinn Féin's representatives in the European Parliament voted against proposals aimed at strengthening the management of illegal immigration and facilitating the return of failed asylum applicants — those who entered countries illegally — to designated return hubs outside the European Union.”
“Last year, Sinn Féin, alongside the open-border brigade of the Alliance Party and the SDLP, voted against my motion in the Assembly that called for action to address concerns about illegal and uncontrolled immigration.”
“People want an immigration system that is controlled, credible and properly enforced whilst ensuring that the genuine, heartfelt, lived experience and concerns of local citizens are at the heart of the debate. That is not an unreasonable position to take.”
“I highlight yet another example of a political party claiming to represent the views of people across the island of Ireland yet taking a position that is fundamentally out of step with the concerns being expressed by a vast number of people across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and, indeed, the rest of the United Kingdom, and t…”
“The Minister is aware and is, in fact, on record as having suggested that organised drug crime is happening in prisons. I have previously raised that matter in the Assembly.”
“Minister, I am sure that you agree that we cannot continue to leave residents in limbo. There has to be some progress on the matter. A number of unfinished developments have been lying stagnant for a long time, but the number is so small that it would not require that great an amount of money to ensure adequate facilities for residents, e…”
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Every one of 2,272 lines we hold for Jonathan Buckley, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 43 of 46.
“I am sure that the Minister will join me in condemning the attacks on police officers right across the United Kingdom as a result of ongoing protests. In light of the despicable attacks on war memorials and other memorials across the United Kingdom, will the Minister give us an assurance that that type of activity will not be tolerated in Northern Ireland, for if it had not been for their sacrifice, none of us would have the right to protest in this country?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. He has outlined the wider factors and issues that face sheep and beef farmers across Northern Ireland. Particularly in relation to the money that has been secured by the Minister for COVID response, does the Member accept that it is only fair, reasonable and vital that, albeit that we will not have money to go around all — that has been accepted — in any of the relief schemes across the Departments, we target funding at those who are most particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? I realise that there was an element of impact across all sectors, but it is important that we focus to help farmers who are particularly affected by COVID-19.”
“Minister, one of the key, fundamental issues that we saw in the health service before COVID-19 was the abuse of A&E. Has the Minister given any consideration to that? Can we learn anything from COVID that will prevent the future abuse of A&E services across Northern Ireland? Such abuse puts a strain on the health workers whom we have rightly championed throughout this crisis.”
“Does he agree that we must adopt the same will and determination as we applied to COVID in the fight against cancer in Northern Ireland? <BR /> <BR />The Minister mentioned mental health: is there any update on the appointment of a mental health champion, as that will, hopefully, help many of those who are potentially suffering adverse mental health on the back of COVID-19?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for the strategic framework. The Minister has rightly outlined the severe impact that COVID-19 has had on a range of cancer services across the system in Northern Ireland, and this news today will come as some relief to some of those cancer patients. Potentially, we can move towards regularisation of the services provided.”
“The litany of constitutional offences that has informed the way that Westminster and Whitehall have handled the issue since last July is now massively compounded by the fact that, despite the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Her Majesty's Government instead propose to ask Westminster to vote to pass legislation on a devolved matter. We must call on the Government to respect devolution, to abandon the regulations and to repeal section 9. Quite simply, the lives of our unborn depend on it.”
“Absolutely, and it is for those very reasons that the regulations cannot be cherry-picked. That is why we cannot support the Sinn Féin amendment. They rise together or fall together. <BR /> <BR />Let us look at what happened. Northern Ireland MPs were ignored on what was a Northern Ireland-only issue. There was a 17-minute debate on a matter of life and death and an NIO consultation where the proposals were overwhelmingly opposed by 79% of submissions. The essence of constitutional democracy is not simply majoritarianism; it is majoritarianism subject to rules. As long as the abortion regulations exist, they openly mock the people of Northern Ireland and their right to the dignity of constitutional due process.”
“<BR /> <BR />I do not believe that any part of the United Kingdom has been subject to worse constitutional abuses in modern times than Northern Ireland has in the development of the abortion regulations. Regardless of what we may or may not think of their content, no self-respecting Member of the House should accept them because of the way in which they have been developed. Abortion is a devolved matter. The amendment that sought to change Northern Ireland's abortion laws in spite of this was, according to the Commons Clerk, out of scope and got through only because of the pressure of a large number of signatures by MPs from outside Northern Ireland.”
“The legal difference of treatment that we are talking about here is immense, meaning that, on the one hand, the life is protected, while, on the other, far from offering protection, the state will happily acquiesce in the termination of viable disabled human beings. That is no ordinary discrimination: that is fatal discrimination. <BR /> <BR />Is it any wonder that Heidi Crowter has said, as a lady with Down's Syndrome, that the law makes her sad and cry? It would make me sad and cry if I had Down's Syndrome. To be honest with you, it makes me sad and cry even though I do not. I salute Heidi and her boldness in going to the courts to try to get this discriminatory law struck down. I want the Assembly to compassionately respond and say, "Not in our name".”
“They are brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren. They are real people. Who are we to say that their life is worth less? <BR /> <BR />I stand saddened and bewildered that, at a time when communities, Governments and the field of medicine around the world have been mobilised to save the lives of the most vulnerable, we are debating an issue that, if left unopposed, would strip those innocent, preborn babies of the most basic right of all: the right to life. Regulation 7 is a transparent expression of discrimination. It means giving non-disabled viable babies in the womb greater legal protection than disabled viable babies in the womb. That would, of course, be discriminatory.”
“I speak on an issue that is one of the most crucial of our lifetime: the sanctity of life. It is an issue that transcends traditional political and community lines and one that was cruelly taken from us and exploited by English MPs at a time of Westminster political chaos. Since I took my place in the House, I have sought to fight for the defenceless, the weak and the innocent. Surely, others in the House have been moved by the incredible crusade of Heidi Crowter, a young lady with Down's syndrome who is determined to fight for justice and equality. Moving as Heidi's story is, it does not stand in isolation. Many homes in Northern Ireland are filled with laughter, joy and happiness by those born with disabilities. Who are those disabled people?”
“<BR /> <BR />Obviously, as this applies to the registered housing associations, there will be further discussion in the House and at Committee in relation to the Housing Executive. I hope that the House will not be going towards accelerated passage again and not have the opportunity to examine carefully every facet of proposed legislation to ensure that we give people the ability to eventually own their home through these schemes which have been so popular.”
“I would like clarity on that from the Department and the Minister, because if we are moving towards a situation in which the right-to-buy scheme is to be abolished under the Bill, because the ONS classifies that as overarching control, it is that decision that will probably be key to moving it towards reversing its decision. However, the Committee has had no viewing of what potential schemes or otherwise people might be able to avail themselves of in the future. While I recognise that the right to buy will not be abolished for, I think, two years, it gives people some security to get on the scheme. It is future generations and their right and ability to own their own homes that I think about. I would appreciate it if the Minister could give further clarity on clause 8 and its meaning.”
“It is also important to bear witness to the fact that it has been noted that those who own an asset such as a home have a sense of ownership and care and attention. Roots were laid in communities across Northern Ireland because of the policy that allowed individuals to own their homes. <BR /> <BR />I have a concern about clause 8. Clause 8 is included to allow the Department to pay grants to support voluntary schemes, but very little detail is provided in the Bill and the explanatory note, or has been given to the Committee, on what sort of schemes will be going forward.”
“The right-to-buy policy enabled them not only to get on the housing ladder, but have an asset that they could leave to future generations of their family. It is something that many of them had worked towards all their lives. It also provided them with the financial security of home ownership, and we all know the importance of the ability to own an asset such as a home that can, potentially, be used to move people away from the care of the state towards private asset ownership.”
“The point is that for it to go forward as the Minister has recommended, the reason why we can support accelerated passage is because of the points that she mentioned, namely that £3 million a month is being wasted while the decision has not been overturned, and because of the potential threat of derogation being withheld. <BR /> <BR />I am on record in the Committee as saying that one particular clause in the Bill causes me considerable regret. It is in relation to the proposed abolition of the right-to-buy scheme. For many, it was a contentious scheme but I saw it as a very popular policy, which enjoyed widespread support from those who could only once have dreamed of getting their foot on the property ladder.”
“We have already heard that it is needed and we know that it has done the rounds for many years now in this place. People like me, who are new to the Committee, have not had the ability to scrutinise that housing sector in the way in which, I believe, we should. <BR /> <BR />It has to be said that we cannot continue to scrutinise important pieces of legislation via telephone conferences. I understand that that is happening at the moment because of COVID-19, but this is too important. Our eyes must be over the legislation in its entirety. We had a briefing from the Minister on 13 May, which we appreciated. It was an opportunity for Members to put on record their concerns and, despite what Ms Ennis said, there was concern from Committee members as to the purpose and intention of the different elements and clauses of the Bill.”
“I support the legislation to reverse the ONS decision to reclassify registered housing associations to the public sector and designate them as public non-financial corporations. In doing so, I support the Bill's purpose as there is clearly a need for us to be able to invest for the future in our social housing stock. We know about the housing stress that exists at present. <BR /> <BR />However, given the way that the Bill has been progressed by accelerated passage, I support it with considerable regret that we have had to go down that avenue. I have some considerable agreement with my colleague the Member for Foyle Mr Durkan in relation to the lack of scrutiny that we have been able to have in relation to this crucial piece of legislation.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way and for his willingness to look at creative solutions, whether it is FDI or something else. He will bear witness to the fact that cutting the rates bill, although it might be something for some to shout about, for businesses during COVID-19 is crucial to their survival post-COVID. That is a perfect example of how creative thinking on taxation can help businesses now and in the future.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I understand his principled position on corporation tax. It differs from mine, You caricature reductions in corporation tax as tax cuts for big business. That is your line. That is your strapline. Do you not accept that the sole purpose of reducing corporation tax is to create employment and bring jobs to these shores for the very people that you talk about?”
“We have all mentioned it, and it is easy to talk about our hobby horses in the Chamber when it comes to constituency projects. We have all been guilty of it, but the issues that I mentioned today are real priorities for us all, collectively, in Northern Ireland to try to create post-COVID economic conditions that will see the rising tide lift all boats in Northern Ireland plc.”
“That support can be given across all sporting fraternities, and it is important that we fight for equality of treatment for all sporting clubs to ensure that they can access some form of funding. My fear, which was highlighted by the fact that the fund was closed within two days, is that the funding that was allocated is simply not enough to meet the need. My contribution will be in Hansard, and I have no doubt that it can be reported to the Communities Minister. Her Department should look at something like the sports hardship fund, a resource allocation that can help save many clubs that, potentially, face no return after the pandemic, given how long it may last. <BR /> <BR />Our Budget debate today and Members' contributions must focus on one word: "prioritisation".”
“With funding allocated via the Budget for COVID-19 pressures and a rescue package for charities, many will miss the boat and slip through the cracks, yet they perform vital, life-saving roles in our communities at this time. We need to look at how we can better support them through it. <BR /> <BR />I also want to focus on an issue that, I know, many Members have been engaged on: relief and support packages for sporting clubs. The sports hardship fund, which, if awarded, allocated up to a maximum of £2,000 per club to help fight the pressures that they faced as a result of COVID-19. It is a lifeline to keep many of those sporting clubs alive, and the need for it will continue.”
“I have heard horror stories of how, for example, trains are running to Dublin and other places at the cost of thousands of pounds to the taxpayer, with as few as three, four or five customers. That cannot continue. Ministers must use that vital resource in a manner that protects the public purse. <BR /> <BR />I also want to mention the Committee that I serve on: the Committee for Communities. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen how the Department for Communities has been able to allocate resources to some constituents who are most in need. Again, there are shortcomings, and I look at the charities sector, for example.”
“It will be all hands on deck to ensure a post-COVID recovery, and budget allocations by the Minister, other Ministers and the Executive will be crucial. <BR /> <BR />I want to comment briefly on infrastructure. In earlier debates, we heard how infrastructure and capital projects would be vital in maintaining the construction sector in Northern Ireland, which plays such a significant role. From a public transport perspective, the customer base has collapsed and been devastated by COVID-19, and it shows no early signs of recovery given the need to socially distance. <BR /> <BR />The potential savings to Departments from COVID-19 have been mentioned. There must be some out there, because we have heard about how services cannot operate in the same fashion because of the nature of the social restrictions with which we are living.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I am trying to say that the spin-off of reduced corporation tax would give Northern Ireland businesses the potential to attract a level of inward investment that they have never been able to attract before. Why? Those international businesses look to the Republic of Ireland with its lower corporation tax. It has capitalised on our restricted ability to lower corporation tax. We have to look at those creative measures and collectively start to think about how we can do things differently in this place to ensure that international business can, once again, come to our shores and look at Northern Ireland's people, the place and its assets — its great strength — and put the economy back on its feet. That is what all of us will have to do.”
“It cannot be the case where it is take, take, take and spend, spend, spend in Northern Ireland. We must be creative and look at ways in which we can raise revenue. If you think about it, Northern Ireland fell victim to this because, as Mr Muir mentioned a couple of minutes ago, of the 26,000 jobs that have already been lost to the Northern Ireland economy with, potentially, worse coming in the COVID-19 response —.”
“I hope that consideration is given through Budget allocations etc, to giving them the much-needed support to see them through this difficult time. We have all heard the horror stories of freight transport going to the UK mainland and coming back, many times, with empty loads. That is simply unsustainable. They need help — urgent help. <BR /> <BR />There was a thread throughout many of the speeches in the first Budget debate after the three-year suspension of this place that things cannot continue as normal. We hear it here again; things cannot continue as normal. <BR />I listened to Mr Carroll's contribution on the Supply resolution when he talked about, and criticised, the Assembly for looking at creative ways to bring revenue into Northern Ireland and, in particular, the corporation tax cut.”
“During COVID-19, it is fair to say that Government has, by and large, stepped up to the mark to help businesses. It is important to point out the rates relief scheme because that is a lifeline for businesses and the extension of that will help them in the post-COVID-19 recovery. We also must bear testimony that many have fallen through the cracks and we as Members will be left to pick up the pieces and rebuild those businesses and jobs in our constituencies. <BR /> <BR />While many sectors have received financial support and help, I am concerned about the hauliers and the support for those who are maintaining food security across Northern Ireland; that has already been mentioned. They are key workers who, sadly, have been let down by this place around COVID-19.”
“People across this country are battling with loneliness and depression and it will be up to this Assembly, and our Executive colleagues, to pick up the pieces. I hope that budget allocations, including to the Department of Health, are made with these particular causes in mind. The mental health crisis in Northern Ireland pre-existed this viral pandemic and there is a real threat that this emergency will be compounded by COVID-19; we need to be prepared for that. <BR /> <BR />With regard to our economy, I mentioned in my original Budget speech how, after restoration, we could finally meet the needs of businesses who were crying out for support and help after the Executive and this Assembly had let them down by inactivity and absence.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also mentioned in my maiden speech on the Budget Bill the severe plight in Northern Ireland around mental health. There can be no doubt in anyone's mind in this House, that mental health was a severe crisis facing us all. I believed that, upon the restoration of the Assembly, there was unanimity in the House to try to help those who are suffering from mental health. I think that is a fair comment. I listened to speeches right across the House and there was a unanimity of purpose and a collectivity of how we could deal with it. Members were focussed on the job at hand. Sadly, again, with COVID-19 and the need for people to stay at home and in social isolation, anxiety levels are now higher than ever.”
“COVID-19 came and the health service was — rightly — given a priority status in order to protect life and save our NHS. In doing so, we demonstrated the ability to focus minds on the problem at hand. However, as we emerge from this crisis my fear is that the 420,000 on the waiting list has been exacerbated. In many cases, treatment has been delayed and put on hold. There has been a dramatic reduction in cancer referrals and, inevitably, sadly cancer will go undiagnosed in many of our constituents. <BR /> <BR />In recognising the Executive's allocation for the Department of Health's COVID-19 pressures, maybe the Minister would elaborate on what actions are being taken to address the cost of displacing many vital cancer services at this time, because that is where the priority will have to shift to in the days ahead.”
“All three of those issues are in an even worse state today and will be after this pandemic, given the significant financial shortcomings that we have heard about from the Minister and the Departments. <BR /> <BR />As was mentioned by Mr Frew, there has been little chance for Committees and this Chamber to scrutinise Budget allocations. I know where we are in the time process — this has to happen urgently in order to get money through the door to those in need. However, I want to highlight some key issues about departmental budgets that deserve further scrutiny. <BR /> <BR />First, I want to talk about the Health budget. Prior to COVID-19, there were some 420,000 people on waiting lists in Northern Ireland. We had heard about the severe pressures that the system was facing.”
“<BR /> <BR />Coronavirus has had a significant impact on this Budget. I listened in to the Finance Committee and other Members have stated that if we do not act, and act now, five Departments will run out of money by July if further allocations are not given. Those stark statistics prove the point about where we are today and the reasons why. <BR /> <BR />In February, after three years of silence in this Chamber, I was able to speak on a Budget debate in my maiden speech. I recall how I did so with the optimism that, after three years of shameful inactivity, this House was finally getting to grips with the issues that mattered to the Northern Ireland public, whether unionist, nationalist or other. In that contribution, I mentioned health, education and the economy.”
“It is fair to say that our deliberations today on the Budget Bill and the Supply resolution have been riddled by the word "coronavirus". It is in that light that I mark in the House that today has been the first day since 18 March when we have had no confirmed COVID-related deaths in Northern Ireland. There have been many dark days in this Chamber, but this is a chink of light, hopefully, towards the end of a long dark tunnel. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to the many healthcare workers in the NHS, our care homes, other health professionals and key workers who have helped achieve this goal. All of us in this House can bear testimony to what has happened over the course of the last few months and how we have sought to deal with the emergency of our lifetime. That sets the context of what we are dealing with here today.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answers on this very serious issue. Is has rightly been outlined that this has caused a great deal of distress to already hurting victims of historical abuse. My question is about the timescale of, as mentioned in the last question, an apology from the Northern Ireland Executive and institutions. Is there any rough indication of when you would expect the investigation, which I welcome, to be complete?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Minister, you will be well aware of the delay in many works across your Department due to COVID-19.As we start to move towards normality, will the Minister commit to working with me to help residents of uncompleted developments across Northern Ireland — I think that there are three that stretch back as far as the financial crash — who have not had their roads tarmacked or their water mains connected due to mishaps with the developer and NI Water? Will you commit to working with me on Birchwood Manor, in particular, to see the completion of those developments and allow those residents to live in peace?”
“We have to realise that there is a mature society in Northern Ireland that can exercise its right to do hobbies, simple sporting activities or otherwise in a socially restricted manner and at no stage be a threat in relation to coronavirus. We must take that point on board. I look forward to further engagement with the Ministers in that regard.”
“By and large, I agree. Earlier, points were made about burials, access to urban parks and, indeed, refuge. Those issues were brought to the Floor of the Assembly. Those points were aired across the Chamber, and we eventually saw changes in that regard. However, the main point is that, while there are no fixed and rigid dates, we must see a speed of action from our Executive colleagues to implement the changes to regulations to keep pace with the changing environment via the phased approach introduced by the Executive. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to continued conversation with Executive Ministers and, indeed, the junior Ministers to discuss how we can implement and change regulations to keep pace with society and the changing cultures and viewpoints. We have to apply common sense.”
“That has been mentioned, and Members are now becoming fully aware of that. That should never sit comfortably with anyone. However, we have got to see the real fabric of our society and what many people's interests, hobbies and therapies are, whether they be cross-community or otherwise. We have seen the depth of society. We must keep the people with us on this.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Agriculture Minister has done, I look for clarity on this matter and, hopefully, a change to regulation 5(2), which prohibits the exercise of non-farm animals. That can range from horses to, in my case, the sport of pigeon racing. The Assembly may note that the sport of pigeon racing is practised widely across Northern Ireland. To date, participants have been unable to exercise their birds because of the "reasonable excuse" element of regulation 5(2), which excludes the exercise of animals. I implore the junior Ministers to take that point up with the Executive to ensure that a common-sense approach is applied. Something like that could be changed with relatively little effect. <BR /> <BR />One thing that has come to light is that, when the regulations were introduced, some of them were draconian.”
“What is one person's cup of tea may not be somebody else's, but we understand their need to find those outlets in life to ease the mental pressure that they face. The regulations before us deal with changes to regulation 5, which was mentioned by Mr Allister: the "reasonable excuse" point of the legislation. That point runs the risk that public opinion will run ahead of it. That has to be taken into consideration. Mental health can cover different pursuits; it does not have to be personal exercise, as is mentioned in the regulation. We know that many people find a form of exercise, mental therapy and relaxation in other sports. I mentioned that outdoor pursuits, whether that be walking, climbing or country sports such as shooting, are all activities that, if we applied the common-sense formula, should be permitted under the regulations.”
“They are now considering those matters and coming up with their own opinions on whether a statutory rule or regulation agrees with the common-sense formulas in their heads, and many are questioning some of the particular points of regulation that have limited their way of life. It is important that the Executive junior Ministers take on board the point that there must be clarity on regulation changes and that they keep pace with the changing scene and the announcements made by Ministers. <BR /> <BR />It was mentioned — it is an important point — that some of the regulation changes have had a devastating impact on mental health. We can all testify to the fact that the pursuits and ways in which people find enjoyment are more far-reaching than we could have anticipated.”
“That has to be welcomed, and we have to note that we have watched how the Executive listened to Members, considered their concerns, edited regulations and brought into effect certain measures to allow for those simple solutions. <BR /> <BR />Mr O'Toole, I think, raised an important point about communication. I welcome phase one, as introduced by the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Executive on Monday, but I think that we can all testify to the fact that the pace of change does not correspond directly with the pace of change of the regulations. While there is that mixed messaging about those changes, we run the real risk of losing the people.”
“I will be brief. While I welcome the regulations coming into effect, I acknowledge that this was one of the most sensitive areas of the regulations to date. <BR /> <BR />I remember the last time that the junior Ministers joined us in the House to discuss the need to change regulations to allow grieving families the opportunity to grieve at peace at the gravesides of loved ones. I remember the emotive stories from Mr Nesbitt, Mr Allister and me at that time. I was glad that the issue of burials was resolved. On the same day, we also implored movement to lift waste restrictions and immediate action to allow exercise in parks in urban settings. All of those have been achieved.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I agree with his sentiment in relation to regulation 5(2) and the point of reasonable excuse. Having taken a look at the point, I realise that, under that particular regulation, it prohibits the exercise of non-farm animals such as horses or, as has come to my attention in relation to pigeon racing, the ability for people to exercise their animals, applying social restriction to applicable distances.”
“I broadly welcome the statement, particularly the funding allocated to key businesses through the extension of rate relief. That is vital and an essential lifeline for those businesses. On the back of what has been said about farming, I am delighted that farmers, the backbone of our community, have received a financial package of £25 million, which is to be welcomed. Has there been any detailed discussion on whether a further financial package is needed for farmers at this time? Also, have any specific sectors been mentioned in conversation with the Minister of Agriculture?”
“In conjunction with what Mr Allister has said, I think that it would be appropriate for you to talk to the Speaker's Office about reviewing how the functions of this place work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many questions — potent questions — that Members would like to ask. They are being harangued by the Chair and told to speed up and are not having an opportunity to question the Minister. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are given limited space and time in the House to ask questions. I ask that you review the mechanism to enable Members to ask questions of Ministers and gain responses.”
“I thank the Minister for her detailed statement and, as a member of the Communities Committee, welcome most of the content. One point that gives me considerable concern is the hardship fund for sport. As has been mentioned, the fund was closed within two days due to demand surpassing the funding allocated. In correspondence with my colleague Sammy Wilson MP, the Minister said that 40% of the funding awarded had been allocated to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). That is grossly weighted, and I would like the Minister to outline what engagement she or her Department had with the relevant sporting organisations prior to the scheme's launch and, secondly, in the design of the scheme, what consultation her Department had giving consideration to equality impact across the sporting sectors in Northern Ireland.”
“I join Members in welcoming the statement. It is indeed a pleasant experience in the House, given what we have been hearing in the past few months regarding COVID-19. I particularly welcome the two additions in my constituency, namely, the Hart Memorial Primary School and Clounagh Junior High School. As has been mentioned, this benefits not only parents, teachers and pupils but the wider school community and the construction industry, so it is indeed welcome news. <BR /> <BR />Does the Minister have any further detail on the bids from Hart Memorial Primary School and Clounagh Junior High School in my constituency and what they entailed?”