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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“The tax puts all that at risk, threatening to drive even more families off the land. <BR /> <BR />The British Government's autumn Budget 2024 proposes capping agricultural property relief and business property relief at £1 million from April 2026. With the North's high land values, farms that are larger than 27 hectares could face a 20% tax on the portion of land that exceeds the cap. That could affect 36% of farms, including many dairy and livestock operations, and force land sales that would destabilise the industry. <BR /> <BR />DAERA has warned that the changes will disrupt farm continuity, particularly for elderly farmers and those who face sudden estate transitions. The issue does not just affect the North; it is an all-island issue. Agriculture is interconnected across both parts of Ireland.”
“The message was clear: taxes must be fair and proportional. That policy will force many farm families to sell land or shut down their businesses just to pay an unfair tax bill. Family farms are not just businesses. They represent a lifetime of hard work and heritage and are crucial for our food security. We cannot let them be taxed out of existence. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin has been vocal in opposing those changes. Alongside the Ulster Farmers' Union, we have shown our commitment to protecting farm families. Despite the British Government's refusal to listen, we will continue to fight for fairness on every front, including at the British-Irish Council. Farming is the backbone of the rural economy, especially in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. It provides jobs, sustains communities and ensures food security.”
“Before I begin my remarks, I declare an interest as I was brought up on a family farm. <BR /> <BR />I stand firm in support of our farming communities, which are under threat from an unjust tax that jeopardises not only their future but the very foundation of our rural economy in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. The British Government's decision to impose inheritance tax on farms that are valued at over £1 million is a direct assault on family farming. Its consequences will be devastating, particularly here in the North, where agricultural land prices are amongst the highest. <BR /> <BR />On 18 November 2024, the Agriculture Minister and Finance Minister, along with the First Minister and deputy First Minister, wrote to the Chancellor urging a rethink of that flawed policy and the preservation of agricultural relief.”
“As the important work of strengthening our all-island economy continues, a harmonised VAT rate would represent a positive step forward and ensure a level playing field for all hospitality businesses in Ireland.”
“Of course, having different VAT rates not only impacts on our ability to attract tourists but means that local people and organisations have the option of travelling short distances to choose venues in neighbouring counties for events such as conferences and weddings, as those venues are likely to offer more value because of lower taxation. <BR /> <BR />As a major employer, the hospitality sector makes a significant contribution to the local economy, with many livelihoods depending on it. We need to see action from the British Government that supports our hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes, all of which have struggled in recent years with increasing costs. I welcome the commitment from the new Finance Minister to highlight the issue with the British Treasury later this month.”
“It also has a knock-on effect on attracting tourists to the north-west region as a whole, and I note the comments of one hotelier in Donegal, who said that he would also welcome a VAT reduction for visitors from Northern counties, as it would increase the overall package on offer to them. Currently, that part of the country is not receiving its market share of tourists who come to our shores annually, with 70% of international tourists who arrive in Dublin heading southwards. VAT harmonisation would therefore be another positive step in developing the all-island economy, ensuring an equal playing field for hospitality businesses.”
“There is no doubt, however, that the higher VAT rate in the North means that businesses in my constituency that have that additional financial burden are at a competitive disadvantage to those in neighbouring counties, meaning that people may visit our numerous tourist attractions yet choose accommodation in hotels that are just a short distance away in Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo or Leitrim. <BR /> <BR />Tourism is one of six areas of North/South cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement. The sector is already concerned about the impact that the British Government's decision to introduce the electronic tourism authorisation scheme may have on all-island tourism, and the growing gap in VAT rates is a further tool that acts as a barrier to marketing all parts of the island equally.”
“I thank my constituency colleague for proposing the motion. We are both MLAs for a border constituency, and we know that the tourism and hospitality sector plays a significant role in our local economy. I am therefore acutely aware of the detrimental impact that different VAT rates can have on businesses. Every year, thousands of visitors make their way to sites such as the Marble Arch Caves, take a boat trip to the historic ruins at Devenish Island, tour the world-famous Belleek Pottery site or go for a hike on the Cuilcagh boardwalk trail, which is aptly named the stairway to heaven. Local hotels, restaurants and cafes all benefit from the footfall that the natural beauty spots of Fermanagh generate.”
“Minister, will you provide an update on the inclusion of the North in Fáilte Ireland's regional brands?”
“Cutting overtime for hard-working postal staff will only exacerbate those inequalities, potentially leaving my constituents at an unfair disadvantage compared with those in urban areas. It is not just an issue of efficiency; it is an issue of fairness. Royal Mail, which has a universal service obligation, must recognise that its duty extends to every citizen regardless of their location. For many here, it is not about luxury: it is about basic access and inclusion.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have written to Royal Mail to urge it to reconsider the decision, prioritise investment in rural services and engage with postal workers and the communities that they serve in order to find solutions. Unfortunately, that is not the first time that I have had to contact Royal Mail about delivery issues. In October last year, I had to contact it regarding complaints about the delayed delivery of post in Belleek and Kesh. As far back as December 2023, I raised with it the concerns of my constituents in Enniskillen. In my opinion, Royal Mail has been chipping away at the service. <BR /> <BR />Rural communities, such as those across Fermanagh, already face challenges due to their limited infrastructure and services.”
“Last week, I was contacted by numerous Royal Mail staff members in Enniskillen who expressed deep concerns about a decision by their employer to cut overtime for its postal workers. That decision will have serious repercussions for my constituents across Fermanagh, particularly those who are in more rural communities. The cuts threaten the reliability of postal services, with delays already being felt by families, businesses and the most vulnerable. Many of my constituents depend on the timely delivery of essential items such as medical appointment letters and social welfare correspondence. For elderly residents and those who live in isolated areas, the post is often a critical lifeline.”
“Minister, it is vital for rural areas such as my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, especially as a young girl lost her life. In the meantime, when there is no legislation, will you commit to working with other agencies and stakeholders to ensure maximum safety for our children and young people at bus stops on rural roads?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, you mentioned the need to resource the planning system. What plans do you have to increase funding in that area?”
“I know that the Minister is not across this, right now, but will he follow up in writing to me on how my constituents might refer themselves for meals on wheels?”
“Go raibh maith agat, Minister. I know how busy Ministers are, so I appreciate that the Minister may not be aware that I submitted a priority question for written answer on 24 October and am yet to receive a response. I am therefore grateful for his answer today. It was comprehensive and informative. I have been in touch with the Western Trust, several times, on the issue. Unfortunately, it has not been able to provide me with a pathway through which my constituents should refer themselves for an assessment of need for meals on wheels.”
“Minister, how will the employment rights Bill assist people with disabilities in the workplace?”
“I welcome the Minister's assurances in particular around the Boho area. In relation to the Fermanagh lakelands — please, I hope that the Minister will answer this question — can he provide an update on the upgrades to the Belleek and Garrison waste water treatment plants?”
“This is a follow-up question to the Minister's previous answer. As the Minister mentioned in his statement, debt advice organisations such as Christians Against Poverty and St Vincent de Paul already provide a fantastic debt advice service. However, they, like others, struggle with the level of demand. How will the announcement support them to deliver the service?”
“However, I have many friends in Enniskillen and therefore commiserate with the Enniskillen Gaels and congratulate them on giving us one of the most exciting senior county finals that Fermanagh has ever seen. Comhghairdeas libh, a Ghaeil na hÉirne.”
“It is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate my home GAA club, Erne Gaels, Belleek, on its historic victory over Enniskillen Gaels in the Fermanagh senior championship at the weekend. This is the first time that the New York Cup has been in Belleek since 1981. We do not just celebrate a trophy; we celebrate the heart, grit and relentless spirit of our players. Every training session, every sacrifice and every ounce of energy that was poured into this season was for this moment, and they have made us all so proud. <BR /> <BR />I thank and congratulate the coaches, the back-room staff, the volunteers and, of course, the loyal fans. It shows what is possible when we stand together as a community. You have made history, and you have given us all a moment that we will never forget.”
“There are countless opportunities to invest in green technologies that will protect our water systems. The lough has been a symbol of life and beauty for centuries; let us make sure that it remains so for centuries to come.”
“Farmers, who have long been stewards of the land, need our support. By incentivising eco-friendly farming techniques and providing access to new technologies, we can ensure that food production and environmental protection go hand in hand. <BR /> <BR />Secondly, we need stronger regulation and enforcement when it comes to waste management. That means tackling illegal dumping and ensuring that waste water treatment facilities are upgraded to meet environmental standards. I have been raising this issue since getting elected. We need funding to ensure that waste water treatment issues are addressed across the North. Years of underfunding by the British Government has impacted negatively on public services, and NI Water is no exception. <BR /> <BR />Finally, we must look to the future by embracing innovation.”
“The effects are undeniable: fish stocks are declining, water quality is deteriorating and habitats that once flourished are being destroyed. Let us not forget the impact on human health. The very water that sustains our local communities is now under threat, risking the health and well-being of future generations. If we do not act together now, the consequences could be catastrophic for our environment, our economy and our heritage. <BR /> <BR />I recently met Waterways Ireland in its headquarters in Enniskillen. I was heartened by the ongoing work that it is doing to protect our waterways. During the meeting, I raised the issue of blue-green algae, and, whilst much of it is unfortunately due to climate change, a couple of steps to address the pollution were outlined. The first is that we must invest in sustainable agriculture practices.”
“The rising threat of pollution in Lough Erne is an issue that affects all of us who call this beautiful region home. Lough Erne, with its stunning landscapes, historic islands and rich biodiversity, has been a source of pride for generations. Its waters have sustained livelihoods, nurtured our wildlife and offered moments of peace and reflection to countless visitors, but, today, that natural treasure, like many others, such as Lough Neagh and Lough Melvin, faces an unprecedented challenge. <BR /> <BR />Rising pollution levels in Lough Erne are no longer an abstract concern but a clear and present danger. We are witnessing increased levels of untreated waste water and plastic waste finding their way into our waters. Those pollutants are damaging not only the beauty of the lough but the ecosystems that rely on it.”
“<BR /> <BR />The sense of urgency feels even more pressing in Fermanagh, where we have all heard and experienced stories of failure to get GP appointments. While people experience difficulties during the day, it was brought to my attention that the whole of Fermanagh was left without out-of-hours GP cover for at least 36 hours one weekend in July, with some constituents being left with no alternative but to pay for a private GP appointment. I know that the Health Minister cannot fix our GP crisis overnight, but I wrote to him highlighting that cause for huge concern and asking that it not happen again. People cannot afford to pay for it. Inevitably, our health will deteriorate if the two-tier health service continues.”
“As Deborah Erskine said, the recent NI Audit Office report on access to general practice found that almost one in three local practices sought crisis support in the past four years. The absence of a specific workforce strategy for general practice has resulted in the failure to train, recruit, retain and reward staff, which has consequently led to a deterioration of service provision and limited progress on the roll-out of MDTs in local primary care settings. That is the foundation of the health service. Significant levels of funding and transformation are therefore required. With more than one in 10 GPs in the North leaving the profession last year, the need for support to preserve and protect the existing general practice workforce must be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
“While primary care also includes our nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists, social workers, mental health practitioners and community pharmacists, our GPs have shouldered the burden of escalating demand, a declining workforce and real-terms funding cuts like never before.”
“I thank my party colleague Áine Murphy for securing this afternoon's Adjournment debate. <BR /> <BR />Primary care in a wider sense is generally the first point of contact with the health service for those who become unwell, providing 95% of the care that people need throughout their lifetime. Let me therefore, first off, acknowledge the enormous contribution made by those working in primary care.”
“Transport cannot resolve all of Fermanagh's economic difficulties. The Enniskillen bypass is not a magic bullet that will cure all the ills currently affecting the constituency, but it will be a massive help and a significant boost to the area, particularly in light of the recent shock announcement from BT that 300 people with responsibilities and aspirations may lose their jobs. Fermanagh has been neglected for too long, so this is hugely positive news. I look forward to continuing to work with the Executive and the Infrastructure Minister to see the timely completion of this vital scheme.”
“<BR /> <BR />The proposed Enniskillen bypass would provide a new transport link to the southern side of the town, improving the connection between the A4 Dublin Road and the A4 Sligo Road and offering the following benefits: reduced traffic congestion in Enniskillen; provision of a transport link across the A4 from the Dublin Road to the Sligo Road; facilitation of more efficient movement of traffic in and around Enniskillen; and reduction in noise and air pollution in the town itself. That is to name but a few of the benefits.”
“It highlights Sinn Féin's commitment to its priority of tackling regional inequalities and driving balanced and sustainable growth across the island. <BR /> <BR />My constituency is one of the areas most deprived of modern, decent roads. To help drive regional balance, we need to invest in the right infrastructure. Enniskillen town centre can act as a bottleneck, where local traffic mixes with passing and strategically important traffic, resulting in delays for both. The bypass will be a huge economic driver for Enniskillen and crucial to helping unlock the area's full potential.”
“to my constituency colleague Deborah Erskine for requesting the Adjournment debate and to you, Minister, for facilitating it. <BR /> <BR />This is a topic that my constituents and I feel very strongly about. The Enniskillen bypass is an extremely important project. I am like a child at Christmas at the news that the Executive have agreed to provide £16·2 million of capital funding across 2024-25 and 2025-26 to see it delivered. Since I first ran to become an MLA in 2017, this has been one of my priorities. Although the project long predates that, I am proud to say that, any time that Sinn Féin had the chance, we invested in progressing the issue. I therefore thank the Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, for making this next step possible.”
“Just as importantly, I hope that the legislation that is passed in this mandate sends a clear message to the perpetrators of domestic abuse that their evil and atrocious actions will not be tolerated. I commend the sponsor for bringing forward the Bill and support it at Final Stage.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak briefly at the Final Stage of one of the most important and progressive Bills of the mandate. I commend the positive cross-party engagement to ensure that the Bill was prioritised to make it through the House in this mandate. <BR /> <BR />As other Members have said, it is regrettable that we have such an epidemic of domestic abuse that a Bill of this nature is required. I hope that the Bill, along with the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act 2021 and the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill, will be another indication from this mandate to victims of domestic abuse that their situation is not of their making and that support is there for them when they build up the courage to ask for it.”
“In the Enniskillen area alone, Invest NI has around 12·5 acres of land available for investment. However, since 2017, it has hosted only four investor visits. Clearly, that is not good enough. Will the independent review of Invest NI address the patterns of failure of Invest NI to tackle regional imbalances and attract jobs to Fermanagh?”
“Minister, a lot of essential legislation was passed in the mandate. I commend you and the Assembly for delivering those progressive and far-reaching changes. I am sure that you agree that much work remains to be done to ensure that our justice system has the confidence of the public, particularly on sentencing. How advanced is the sentencing review work, and how soon could it be introduced?”
“<BR /> <BR />We also need to see improved maintenance of rural ATMs. When issues arise, such as malfunctions or cash-flow problems, they cause huge disruption and often take a long time to be resolved. Rural ATMs can frequently be targeted by criminal gangs. That behaviour is extremely disruptive and is an attack on rural communities. <BR /> <BR />The statutory rule that the Minister is proposing is the continuation of a rates exemption that is applied to ATMs in rural wards, and that is welcome. I am happy to support the SR.”
“Despite a local campaign to have the services retained, the last remaining bank withdrew, and now residents must travel to Enniskillen — 25 miles away — if they require a face-to-face banking service. <BR /> <BR />Similarly, the way we pay for services is changing. More and more, we are transitioning towards contactless or credit cards as a means to pay for things, but not all businesses are in a position to accept credit card payments. Many small businesses or self-employed service providers still require cash payments, and, often, rural areas do not have the broadband connectivity that would enable online payments. Many of the towns and villages that I represent now have only one ATM, and those communities recognise that as the essential service that it is. Any scheme that will ensure the continuation of the service will be welcome.”
“I thank the Minister for the scheme. I welcome the opportunity to say a few words on what may seem like a small issue; however, it is a very important one. As an MLA for a rural constituency, I know the essential service that ATMs provide in rural areas. Dwellers still rely heavily on cash to access goods and services, and, in many towns and villages, ATMs are the only means of accessing cash. <BR /> <BR />Banking services are changing. All the major banking companies are taking the decision to close branches in many of our towns and villages and to provide online banking services only. Those decisions have a detrimental impact on people who rely on those services. My home village of Belleek lost all its banking services a number of years ago.”
“Last week, the Dublin Government cut petrol and diesel excise duties, and we have seen other countries around the world take the same action. Does the Minister agree that, by contrast, the British Government's response to the cost-of-living crisis is woefully inadequate?”
“The Minister touched on the fire and rehire concept. I look forward to legislation on that in the next mandate. I am disappointed that it has not happened in this mandate, given that there were complaints to his predecessor from councils. <BR /> <BR />Minister, you directed people with bookings with P&O to go to the Consumer Council. Have you been in contact with the Consumer Council around what consumers may be entitled to?”
“The significance of having an all-island entitlement to paid leave for domestic abuse victims and survivors would be huge. Sinn Féin will do all that it can in the Assembly and in Leinster House to ensure that that is delivered. <BR /> <BR />If we are to end the epidemic of domestic abuse, we need a whole-of-society response that supports and protects women. A key element of that is delivering paid domestic violence leave. This is International Women's Week, and we should mark that by taking the opportunity to pass the Bill and support victims of domestic abuse, the majority of whom are women. <BR /> <BR />I support the Bill and the amendments.”
“As the Minister said, the majority of the amendments are technical. The details of each have been outlined, so I will not repeat the remarks of others. <BR /> <BR />Financial independence from perpetrators is essential for women experiencing domestic abuse, and employment is a key element of financial independence. Paid domestic violence leave as part of a comprehensive package of workplace measures can play an important role in supporting abused women to remain in employment, thereby expanding their agency and choices. <BR /> <BR />As the Chair said, our party colleague, Louise O'Reilly TD, brought forward a similar Bill in the Dáil, which, although it has been hindered by the Dublin Government, will, hopefully, become law in the Twenty-six Counties.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Consideration Stage of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill. I commend the Committee members, the Minister and the Bill sponsor for ensuring that the Bill is prioritised, and I hope that it makes it through this mandate. <BR /> <BR />Gender-based violence is not confined to the home. It can happen anywhere, and, regardless of where such abuse takes place, the victims carry the mental and physical injuries and scars of such abuse into the world of work. As legislators, we have a role to protect women in the workplace and to ensure that victims' rights and entitlements as employees are enhanced and protected. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin supports the amendments tabled by the Economy Minister, as we believe that they will improve the Bill and ensure that it is operable.”
“Following on from your last response, Minister, can you give an additional update on the measures that you are taking to help to create employment opportunities?”
“We generally support the trade union freedom Bill and its aims, and I thank the Bill sponsor for briefing my party colleagues and me earlier last month. However, we also acknowledge that some in the trade union movement see the Bill as putting the cart before the horse and not addressing the priorities of trade unions, which are accessing workplaces and increasing membership, rather than what happens during strike action. I am sure, however, that Committee scrutiny of the Bill can strengthen it and that those concerns can be addressed. I support the Bill's move to Committee Stage.”
“No, sorry. I am nearly finished. We are also concerned that trade unions have regularly been left out of policymaking and that trade unionists are not directly involved in shaping the review of Invest NI.”
“Low wages remain a problem, with around 20% of the workforce still earning wages that are below the real living wage. Collective bargaining can help to address that. <BR /> <BR />It is regrettable that we have had three DUP Economy Ministers throughout the mandate and little legislation has come forward to improve workers' rights or trade union rights, notwithstanding the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill. We are also concerned that trade unions —”
“During the pandemic, trade unions ensured that workers were given adequate sick pay and leave when they had to isolate. They ensured that workplaces complied with public health guidance, and they stood up for workers who faced being made redundant or having their furlough cut. <BR /> <BR />Trade unions and collective bargaining have a crucial role in helping to create good jobs that are secure and pay fair wages. Research by the Nevin Economic Research Institute found that collective bargaining led to higher wages and that firms that engaged with collective bargaining benefited from higher productivity. <BR /> <BR />The role of trade unions in helping workers to increase their wages is particularly important in the current cost of living crisis, in which workers struggle to pay energy bills.”