Jemma Dolan
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“Minister, I am really shocked at that response, because I am not aware of any Western Trust engagement on the vision plan. My question was going to be, "Will you outline how you will ensure that the public are aware of this planning, so that they can engage with it?".”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. Last week, the Irish Government announced a further €30 million investment in the Ulster canal restoration project. That is transformative for the communities along the route and will benefit local economies and tourism. What is the current position of the Ulster canal project?”
“They are the result of years of chronic underfunding by successive British Governments and a funding model that has consistently failed to recognise the real needs of people here. That is the root cause of the problem.”
“Our public services are under immense pressure. Health workers, teachers and community organisations are all being asked to do more with less. Communities that have already endured years of austerity continue to feel the impact.”
“However, the second part of the motion is profoundly flawed and contradictory. On the one hand, it welcomes the efforts of local Ministers to press for more funding for public services, while, on the other hand, it states that the Executive are purposely deciding to "impose further austerity" by not agreeing to a Budget.”
“There is an onus on us as elected representatives to deliver better front-line services. However, we cannot get away from the fact that we are a devolved region with limited fiscal powers. Almost all our funding comes through the block grant.”
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“A number of Committees raised the issue of lower in-year flows of funds from the British Government, and the Chair of the Health Committee talked about there being a lack of detail. <BR /> <BR />I will now say a few words on behalf of Sinn Féin. The reports on the draft Budget reiterate the strain that our public finances currently face and highlight the limitations that exist for us as a devolved Administration in trying to address those challenges. The Fiscal Council and the Committee for Finance both highlight the desire for multi-year Budgets that exists among the various stakeholders. The direction of travel towards that as early as the next financial year is a positive development that will put medium- and long-term planning on a more sustainable financial basis and support transformation.”
“Members are aware that the Budget outlook for the 2025-26 fiscal year is challenging. On many occasions, the Committee has heard officials talk about the need for Departments to live within their means and the fact that there are unlikely to be significant in-year transfers from the Treasury. <BR /> <BR />I will now reflect on the main themes that Members raised in today's debate. All Committees and the Minister agreed that we have a difficult Budget envelope. Employers' National Insurance contributions and wage pressures were common themes. Concerns were expressed about the absence of multi-year Budgets, and the need for greater alignment between the Budget and the Programme for Government was discussed.”
“I will make a winding-up speech on the Committee's motion. <BR /> <BR />First, I thank those who contributed to the debate. The Committee tabled the motion to allow Members, particularly Chairs of Statutory Committees, an early opportunity to discuss and reflect on the 2025-26 Budget that was recently agreed by the Executive. The Committee is grateful to the Minister for agreeing to respond today. The Committee also thanks the Fiscal Council for its assessment of the Budget, which was published recently. The council provides a vital function in supporting the Assembly's scrutiny of the Budget. The Finance Committee finds its assessment very useful, and it raises issues that the Committee previously identified. <BR /> <BR />As the Committee had hoped, the debate has been useful and constructive.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“However, it is our duty to continue to stand up for all our citizens and present a united front to oppose actions that detrimentally impact on people here.”
“Community organisations had to endure another broken promise from the British Government when the money that they provided for their successor scheme to EU funding did not replace all funding in full and was, in fact, providing millions of pounds less. Without being matched with adequate funding, the latest costs, following decisions by the British Chancellor, have led to further uncertainty for many community organisations, placing in jeopardy jobs and programmes that have been vital in supporting people to achieve new skills and gain employment. <BR /> <BR />Given the limited financial capacity on resources that we have as a devolved Assembly, I recognise that it is extremely challenging for Executive Ministers to mitigate for taxation and spending decisions made by the British Government.”
“We have witnessed their priorities again in recent weeks, with the spring statement announcing increased spending for militarisation rather than funding for local businesses, communities and public services. <BR /> <BR />At a local level, I recognise that efforts have been made to reduce the financial pressures faced by businesses, with a continuation of the small business rate relief scheme, which benefits over 30,000 businesses, and the Back in Business scheme, which encourages the opening of retail businesses on our high streets in premises that have been lying vacant. Work is also ongoing by the Department of Finance on a review of rate support. <BR /> <BR />The community and voluntary sector is having to cope with those additional pressures, which follow on from the loss of the European social fund as a result of Brexit.”
“<BR /> <BR />Our public services also face additional financial pressure following the decision by the British Treasury not to cover the full costs of the rise for the public sector here, despite the extensive efforts and strong lobbying by the previous and current Finance Minister for it to do so. We still now face a £60 million shortfall. <BR /> <BR />One positive aspect of last autumn's Budget statement was the move to increase the national minimum wage, which will help almost 170,000 of the lowest-paid workers here, reduce inequalities and support overall spending in the economy. It is concerning, however, that the British Government have not matched that positive move by prioritising investment in public services and initiatives to support wider economic development.”
“It is disappointing that, since last year's Westminster election, the Labour Government have embarked on the same failed economic policies of their Tory predecessors. Small and medium-sized businesses are a significant driver for our local economy and have already had to survive numerous challenges in recent years, including Brexit, COVID-19 and high levels of inflation. Instead of implementing measures to support those businesses and the community and voluntary sector, however, the British Chancellor has chosen to place the burden for problems with their finances on those who play a crucial role in providing jobs and is punishing those organisations and groups that work tirelessly in our communities by increasing employers' National Insurance contributions.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister and the Education Authority must work with local providers to ensure that additional preschool places are made available in Fermanagh and across the North as a matter of urgency. We need a clear plan to support rural provision and ensure that no child is left without a place.”
“The lack of preschool places is causing great distress to families across Fermanagh. I have been contacted by countless parents who are anxious, frustrated and deeply concerned because they simply cannot secure a place for their child. It is not a case of parents being picky because they did not get their first preference; a number of my soon-to-be four-year-old constituents have missed out on a place at all four of their local playgroups. Their families now face enormous uncertainty as they try to plan for the months ahead, and many fear that their children will miss out on vital early years education. That situation not only places an emotional burden on parents and children but creates serious logistical challenges for working parents who rely on preschool places to help them to balance work and family life.”
“The development of a baby loss certificate scheme will give families the opportunity to get formal recognition of their heartbreaking loss and will send a clear message to parents who have lost a baby prior to 24 weeks that their love and grief are real and they are not alone. The introduction of baby loss certificates will be not merely a bureaucratic change but a compassionate acknowledgement of the profound loss experienced by parents. <BR /> <BR />Ensuring equality for registering births and stillbirths for same-sex couples is also an important aspect of the Bill and will ensure that they can register in the same manner as opposite-sex parents can. I support the Bill's progression.”
“I welcome the progress of the Bill, which will make permanent the temporary relaxations for registering a death or stillbirth that were introduced during the pandemic and will enable the creation of a baby loss certificate scheme. <BR /> <BR />The electronic transfer of documentation is something that many of us take for granted in the workplace and in our personal life. While the changes were initially necessitated by COVID-19, they are now considered to be a normal registration process and have been viewed as positive by stakeholders, the public and funeral directors.”
“The Minister mentioned the money for waiting lists. Will the Department of Health benefit any further from the Budget?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. When will phase 2 of the spending review be announced?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Given that it is one of the Programme for Government priorities, how does the Budget support investment in skills?”
“The Palestinian people in Gaza have endured horrendous slaughter at the hands of the Israeli occupying forces over the past year and a half in particular. Do you agree that Israel needs to stop its attacks and respect the ceasefire?”
“I welcome the opportunity to make a short contribution to the debate on the LCM. The Bill is a positive step that will help to address concerns that have arisen about the legal status of digital assets and will ensure that they are not excluded from property rights. It is important that the law keeps us up to speed with developments in modern society. Given the ever-increasing role that digital assets play in today's world, the legislation provides clarity and greater legal certainty on how those types of assets will be treated, whilst enabling common law to develop it further. It will also reduce ambiguity in transactions involving digital assets and provide legal certainty for businesses in risk assessments and investments, which should reduce disputes over ownership and lead to there being fewer legal proceedings.”
“It mitigates costs for the first two years, which is when owners have to deal with the initial overheads to get their business off the ground. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to the continued growth of the scheme and to seeing it utilised by businesses to create more jobs in our economy and support the regeneration of our town centres.”
“The extension of the Back in Business scheme is a welcome intervention that helps to encourage businesses to take on new retail premises that have been lying vacant, thereby supporting the reinvigoration of our high streets. The closure of businesses in our town centres not only has a devastating impact on those directly connected but can reduce footfall across the board, increase the pressure on other businesses and put further jobs in jeopardy. <BR /> <BR />The reintroduction of the scheme last year was well received by the business community and has the potential to be more of a success in the longer term as it becomes better established. It is a tool to support business owners in what is usually their most challenging period.”
“As an MLA for a large rural constituency, I recognise the value that the rates exemption for rural ATMs has had in my community. It has helped that community to retain access to cash at a time when we see banks abandoning our high streets and villages. I am also conscious of the fact that many households continue to struggle with the cost of daily living, so maintaining measures that help protect the most vulnerable in society is welcome, as is keeping the domestic rate at a level that is sustainable and recognises the need to raise revenue to provide for our public services. I support the order.”
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs and services. I am therefore pleased that other measures to support them with meeting the cost of rates, such as the small business rate relief and the Back in Business scheme, are due to continue.”
“An increase of 3% for businesses and 5% for domestic rates, when combined with the district rate, will raise over £1·6 billion, which will be used to invest in areas such as the health service, education, support for parents with childcare costs and programmes that help tackle serious issues in our society, including ending violence against women and girls. <BR /> <BR />Recent decisions that the British Government have taken, such as raising employers' National Insurance contributions, have put an additional strain on businesses. The lower increase for them recognises that fact and will help mitigate the impact that another rise in operating costs would have on businesses that also suffered through the pandemic and that have suffered from high levels of inflation in recent years.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the Rates (Regional Rates) Order to the House. As the only major tax over which the Executive have control, the regional rate is a vital source of income that supports the delivery of our public services. <BR /> <BR />In setting rates annually, it is important that a balance be achieved between recognising the circumstances that local businesses and households are experiencing and providing funding that will help sustain the front-line services on which people rely every day.”
“Thank you, Minister. Yes, constituency offices have been lobbied heavily on it. Do you expect biennial MOT testing to ensure a permanent reduction in waiting times?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. I may be asking him to step back in time, but will he outline how the transforming planning proposal will make a difference to planning?”
“Therefore, while the Programme for Government is welcome progress for the North, our ability to address the challenges that our public sector and local economy face remains restricted by the artificial barriers created by partition, which limit us from unlocking our full potential. Constitutional change would offer us the opportunity to build something new, provide us with full control of our affairs and enable us to address how we can deliver better public services and build an economy that meets the needs of every one of our citizens.”
“I recognise, however, that the Executive's ability to deliver the public services that our citizens deserve continues to be constrained by decisions made in Britain, as shown by the upcoming rise in employers' National Insurance contributions, a decision of the British Treasury that has put added pressure not just on public services but on the community and voluntary sector and our local small and medium-sized businesses. <BR /> <BR />Going forward, we need to see maximum devolution of fiscal powers to the North, providing us with more levers to develop the local economy. I support the work of the Finance Minister in his negotiations with the Treasury to ensure that we are funded at our level of need.”
“Investing in vital infrastructure that provides people with what matters most is a key part of the Programme for Government, with a focus on reducing childcare costs, enabling parents either to remain in or to rejoin the workforce, improving people's health and well-being by cutting waiting lists, providing affordable homes for people and taking measures to protect our environment. <BR /> <BR />Another welcome commitment of the Programme for Government is to address a legacy of regional imbalance through a commitment to work with councils and other partners to deliver a subregional economic action plan. The delivery of city and growth deals such as the Mid South West growth deal in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone is evidence of the type of investment needed for economic development.”
“The publication of the Executive's Programme for Government is a positive step. It sets out clear priorities and commitments that will improve the lives of workers, families and communities here. Many of the challenges that we face are cross-cutting and require a collaborative approach, which means locally elected representatives working together and putting the interests of our people first, following 15 years of austerity measures from the British Government that have starved our public services of the resources that they need.”
“It is a fundamental aspect of our health and well-being, so I urge the Minister to work to ensure that every resident of Fermanagh and South Tyrone can smile with confidence knowing that their dental health needs are met promptly and effectively.”
“The contract is not reflective of the changing demographics within and without dentistry. <BR /> <BR />To increase access to NHS dentistry for patients, we must make NHS dentistry an area where people want to work and make the service financially viable. The response so far has been wholly inadequate, forcing many dentists to lose confidence in the deeply broken system. I urge the Minister to explore the reinstatement of the financial support schemes that have previously bolstered our dental services. Collaborative efforts with educational institutions to train and place new dentists in our region could also serve as a long-term solution to the ongoing crisis. <BR /> <BR />Access to dental care is not a luxury.”
“He emphasised that the absence of Ministers had impeded the progression of the recommended pay uplifts for the 2023-24 period but assured me that the matter was an immediate priority. <BR /> <BR />Most dentists want to continue delivering NHS dentistry not only because they are committed to their patient base but because dental practices are small businesses. For the past decade, uplifts in fees have failed to keep pace with inflation. As a result, many dentists are being forced to reconsider their future because the numbers that NHS dentistry are based on increasingly do not add up. The current NHS dental contract, which was introduced in 1990, is antiquated and is not fit for purpose. Dental fees have no correlation with the true cost of delivering modern dental care.”
“I thank my constituency colleague for securing the Adjournment debate, and I thank the Minister for attending this evening. <BR /> <BR />The significant shortage of NHS dental places in Fermanagh has left many of my constituents struggling to access essential dental care, leading to prolonged suffering and, in some cases, the exacerbation of preventable oral health problems. In October 2023, I raised the matter with the then permanent secretary of the Department of Health, and again, in February 2024, I posed the question to the then Minister of Health, enquiring about the measures that were being taken to increase the number of NHS dentists. The Minister acknowledged that a key factor contributing to the access issues was the inadequate rates that were being paid to our dentists for treatment.”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, I thank the Finance Minister again for bringing the Budget Bill to the Floor.”
“The additional pressure that the British Government's decision to increase National Insurance contributions will have on public-sector budgets has been highlighted repeatedly during debates on the Budget. I reiterate the call for the British Government to mitigate that pressure by covering those costs in full. <BR /> <BR />We need to see the devolution of more fiscal powers. I support the Finance Minister's efforts in his negotiations to ensure that our public services are properly funded. I also support the appointment of Professor Gerry Holtham to conduct an independent review of the North's level of need. In the longer term, we need to have more control over our own affairs in order to achieve greater fiscal sustainability and deliver the public services that our citizens deserve.”
“Some notable positives in the Budget include the doubling of funding for childcare, which will help to alleviate the financial pressure that parents face, supporting them to either remain in or return to the workforce, and investment to tackle violence against women and girls, both of which are priorities in the draft Programme for Government. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome other commitments, such as an earmarked allocation to support the agriculture sector and funding for the Mid South West growth deal, which would help to address regional imbalances, including the delivery of a key infrastructure project in my constituency, the A4 Enniskillen bypass.”
“I think that I gave you a promotion earlier. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for bringing forward the Budget Bill and for his engagement with Members during the debates on it over the past week. Like other Members, I recognise the challenges that our public services face due to historical underfunding and a decade and a half of austerity measures from the British Government. However, it is important to note that there has been progress over the past year, including the delivery of the interim fiscal framework, which has secured an additional £248 million for the forthcoming year.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Minister Archibald also confirmed that her understanding of the issue with schools procurement is that the Education Authority has established framework arrangements that schools are mandated to use, even where the individual school can source goods and services on better terms. The Education Authority can decide to remove that requirement and allow schools greater autonomy in making purchasing decisions. I call on the Minister of Education to conduct a review of the Education Authority's application of procurement policy for schools.”
“It is vital that schools have access to high-quality goods and services that meet their needs. <BR /> <BR />The overly rigid and bureaucratic procurement process hinders schools' ability to achieve best value for money, to respond quickly to local needs and to access small and local suppliers of relevant goods and services. We need to support schools to maintain safe environments that are conducive to learning without imposing undue financial strain. I welcome Minister Archibald's clarification in a letter to my colleague Pat Sheehan MLA that the Executive's public procurement policy does not prohibit schools from directly procuring low-value goods and services.”
“Ultimately, school principals should not feel constrained by a procurement process that ends up costing them more money than it needs to. <BR /> <BR />Empowering our schools to have greater autonomy over procurement decisions could be very beneficial for pupils and staff. Centralised procurement may provide a degree of consistency and central oversight; however, it has not delivered value for money, so a new approach is needed. It is, of course, appropriate to apply caution when spending public money. In any review of the Education Authority's procurement process, we need a balanced approach to the challenges. That approach should maintain robust procurement practices while being mindful of cost efficiencies. Regular engagement with school leaders should be established to identify and address ongoing challenges in procurement policy.”
“In the worst-case scenarios, schools have gone days without heat or hot water and, consequently, have been unable to provide meals. Long delays in the maintenance process are made worse by the Education Authority's unnecessarily complex procurement processes. Schools are required to go through a tendering process that often results in work being more expensive and taking longer to complete. There is a litany of examples of the Education Authority's procurement process costing schools thousands of pounds when work or equipment could have been sourced for much less. <BR /> <BR />School principals and schools play a hugely important role in our communities. They have often spent many years building relationships, including with parents and local businesses, and are therefore best placed to source services and equipment.”
“I will speak in favour in the motion. My comments are being made on behalf of the schools and school leaders who are extremely frustrated about the procurement situation. Schools across the North continue to face a challenging situation in which budgets are under huge pressure, driven by over a decade of British Government austerity. Added to that pressure is the Education Authority's requirement that school principals pay above and beyond what is reasonable for their procurement services. <BR /> <BR />The safety, well-being and health of our pupils and staff throughout our school estate should be a top priority. We have all heard the stories from schools in our constituencies about mould on walls, toilets that are unfit for purpose or a boiler that does not work properly.”
“I welcome the efforts of previous Finance Ministers in that area and the commitment from the new Minister to continue that work.”
“I am pleased that funding for DAERA is an earmarked allocation. In my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, the investment from the Mid South West growth deal will be a key driver in addressing regional economic imbalance and will see the delivery of a vital piece of infrastructure, the A4 Enniskillen bypass. <BR /> <BR />There remains an onus on the British Treasury to alleviate the additional pressure that its decision to increase National Insurance contributions is putting on our public finances, and I reiterate the call for it to cover those costs in full. <BR /> <BR />There is an obvious need for more fiscal devolution, which would provide us with greater flexibility around Budgets and enable us to achieve greater fiscal sustainability in the longer term.”
“It is welcome, therefore, that the Budget has prioritised investing in areas that will be most effective in improving the lives of workers, families and communities here. We are all well aware of the strain that the health and social care sector is under and of the need for transformation. However, there is recognition in the Budget that additional funding is required to support services in the interim. <BR /> <BR />Doubling the allocation for childcare is another significant step in helping to mitigate financial pressure on parents, and it will support them to remain part of the workforce or return to work. The decision by the British Government to remove ring-fencing for agriculture support funds was extremely disappointing and caused concern to the farming community at a time when it is facing other issues, such as the inheritance tax.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the Budget Bill to the Assembly, and I take this opportunity to wish him well in his new role. <BR /> <BR />I also recognise the work of the previous Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, particularly on securing the interim fiscal framework, which marks a significant improvement in our funding model. That secured an extra £248 million for our public services for the forthcoming year that would otherwise not have been available. It was a recognition from the British Government that the North has been funded below need and a commitment that we will be funded at or above the relative level of need in future financial years. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, a decade and a half of Tory austerity has starved our public services of vital funding, and we continue to face considerable challenges.”
“I call on all representatives here to reject that unfair tax and stand with our farmers to safeguard the future of family farms in Fermanagh and South Tyrone and across the North. We must act now before it is too late.”
“We must ensure that farmers in the North are not left at a disadvantage compared with those in the South, where targeted reliefs help to protect family farms and secure the future of agriculture. <BR /> <BR />Despite rising land prices, more land was advertised for sale in 2024, up 21% from the previous year. Young farmers are being priced out, and tighter planning regulations will only increase costs for those who are looking to expand or modernise their operations. We cannot let tax pressures and inflated land prices block the future of farming. <BR /> <BR />As we approach the 2025 spring statement, I urge the British Government to reconsider their inheritance tax proposals. This is a critical opportunity to protect our farmers and the rural economy.”