John Stewart
East Antrim · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Decisions taken over the next two months will determine whether Northern Ireland has a modern, responsive enterprise service or whether we simply roll forward a model that increasingly struggles to keep pace with the world around it.”
“<BR /> <BR />I understand that significant efforts have been made to bring the Department for the Economy, councils and Enterprise NI around a table to design collaboratively the modernised service for 2027, yet that meeting still has not happened. That is deeply disappointing.”
“<BR /> <BR />I thank Enterprise Northern Ireland and note the outstanding work of our local enterprise agencies, which go above and beyond, often in challenging financial circumstances, for our entrepreneurs and businesses.”
“I declare an interest as the chair of the all-party group on micro and small business, but I feel that I must highlight an issue that should concern every Member, regardless of party or constituency.”
“The infrastructure in Larne West is shambolic and fails residents and commuters daily. Minister, you will be aware of an ombudsman's investigation of the missing link road at Ballyloran that reported last February on the back of my office having brought the matter to it.”
“The Bill sends an important message that demonstrates confidence in the governance arrangements that are already in place and in the boards and management teams that have successfully led the organisations for many years.”
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“From the groups that I have engaged with, I know that the substance abuse strategy is broadly recognised as saying and doing the right thing, but, regrettably, as is the case with so many other important strategies in the Department of Health, it has not been fully funded. We need to see that happening, and we need to see it happening now. This is not a time for political point-scoring — it is too big an issue — but we need to make sure that the strategies and everything that can be done to tackle the problems and scourge of drug taking are put in place as quickly as possible.”
“That is why the Department of Health, along with the many agencies involved, must continue to do all that it can to stop people taking those substances and, when necessary, support them in their recovery from any addiction while preventing the most at risk dying from overdoses. Time and time again, we have heard about how that will involve a cross-departmental approach. We need more ability in and funding for our police so that they can tackle the importation of illegal drugs; we need our schools to be able to raise awareness among our young people about the tragedies that can ensue; and we need to do away with the criminal gangs that deal this rubbish and push it to our kids up and down the country. That needs to be dealt with. <BR /> <BR />There is an overall plan in the Department of Health.”
“When it is mixed with other substances, such as opiates, there is a slowdown in breathing. We all know the impact that that can have when there is polydrug use. Of course, the other more commonly recognised drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, also claim far too many lives. They also ruin lives and families on a daily basis. Cocaine, for instance, remains the predominant substance in deaths that involve only one drug. <BR /> <BR />No matter the drug or the circumstances in which it has been taken, as MLAs, we should drive change to ensure that society does all that can be done to respond to this undoubtedly huge problem. In 2025, with all the information that exists about the dangers of drug taking, nobody should lose their life. Equally, however, I am a realist, and I recognise that we cannot just wish the problem away.”
“However, I have also seen first-hand the agility, skills and compassion of staff on the ground who have been engaging with individuals and their families. I pay tribute to each one of those NHS workers and to our charities and community workers. The last Member to speak talked about the great work that is being done in East Antrim by the likes of Carrickfergus Community Forum, our PCSPs and a litany of unsung heroes who are volunteers and help those most in need. They should be praised. <BR /> <BR />While the numbers change year-on-year, there has been a stark increase in the number of people losing their lives to drug use over the past year in Northern Ireland. I was surprised to learn recently that the drug that is most often mentioned in drug-related cases across Northern Ireland is the prescription drug pregabalin.”
“We can all agree that the Minister is one of four or five Ministers who could be sitting here, because the issue straddles Justice; TEO, if we look at it through the lens of the paramilitary crime task force and the effects of the drug-dealing crime gangs that exist on our streets; and even Education, with the raising of awareness in our schools about the tragedies that can result from taking drugs. I thank the Minister for taking the time to be here today. <BR /> <BR />We have already heard that, regrettably, seven lives were lost in East Antrim in the past year as a result of drugs. As I said, each one of those is a tragedy. Through my constituency office, I know about the problems with addiction that people face daily and how engaging with the statutory services can be a challenge.”
“Death is incredibly difficult in any circumstances, but it can be even more harrowing and often more distressing when it comes as a result of drug use. Unfortunately, too many people still lose their lives as a result of drugs across Northern Ireland. Behind every statistic is a human being — a son, daughter, mother or father — and a tragedy of someone who was loved and is, no doubt, sorely missed. I send my condolences and thoughts to everyone who has lost someone as a result of drugs not just in East Antrim but across Northern Ireland. Each one is a tragedy. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Member who secured the debate and the Minister for responding to it.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for that answer. You highlighted a number there, Minister. In response to a recent question, we heard that, between 1 February 2024 and 1 February this year, the scheme received 178 applications from people from England, Scotland and Wales, with 3,900 applications from those in Northern Ireland. Do those figures bear out the fact that more could be done to highlight the scheme in GB to try to make sure that everyone who was affected is aware of it and knows that they are eligible to apply?”
“In recent weeks, council colleagues and I have engaged with DFI officials and called on the Minister to look into and review that decision. We continue to hear about the financial pressures on the Department for Infrastructure, yet, somehow, it has found an excess amount of money to install that fence that, quite simply, is not required. One local described it as using a sledgehammer to crack a non-existent nut. That is fair. <BR /> <BR />We are all conscious of safety, but when it comes to our promenade views and respecting the local area and the aesthetics of that area, it is very important that something is looked at. I call on the Minister for Infrastructure to look at that, engage with her officials and work with the council to do all that she can to try to find a solution. I know that a solution can be found.”
“I am sure that you will agree, Mr Deputy Speaker, that East Antrim clings to the sea and has some amazing views for people who like to walk or cycle along the promenade. Sadly, in recent weeks, the Department for Infrastructure has installed something akin to a prison wall — a 6-foot-tall fence with mesh on the front of it — along a large part of the promenade at Whiteabbey and Jordanstown. <BR /> <BR />I have been contacted by hundreds of people who live and work in the area and use that walkway and cycleway. I want to speak on behalf of the many thousands of people who have signed petitions against it. That fence was installed without consultation — without enough consultation, at least — with the council and certainly without consultation with local residents.”
“We look forward to seeing action from the Minister.”
“When members of the Audit Office were at the Committee recently, I made the point that not only are we not spending enough right now but, by underspending year-on-year, the infrastructure that is there will cost more and more to maintain, so we are running to stand still. It is simply unsustainable. We need an honest, evidenced-based, rational assessment of what is required to secure reliable, resilient water services for the future that support growth, protect public health and meet our environmental obligations. When we see raw sewage pumping onto our streets and into Belfast lough and the impacts on Lough Neagh, it is clear to all of us that something urgently needs to happen. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster Unionist Party is happy to support the Alliance Party's amendment and the original motion.”
“The Minister for Communities has recently and rightly announced an investment in social housing, but we will not see that come to fruition without resolving the waste water capacity issues. The Minister for Infrastructure has a three-pronged approach, and, as part of that, developer levies are being considered. I, for one, join other Members in wanting to see the details of that, because I fear that, while those levies may be developer-led, they will ultimately be homeowner- or renter-paid. That is not what we want to see. <BR /> <BR />The previous Utility Regulator, the Consumer Council and independent experts have all pointed to the same root cause: the funding model is broken. Northern Ireland Water needs stable, multi-year investment, not the uncertainty of hand-to-mouth annual budgets that cannot keep pace with infrastructure needs.”
“<BR /> <BR />As we have heard, new housing developments are stalled across Northern Ireland because the water and waste water infrastructure simply cannot cope. Tens of thousands of houses are stalled in key growth areas, such as Belfast, Newry, parts of mid-Ulster and in my constituency of East Antrim, where, for example, a whole section of Larne is banned from seeing any development. That is simply unsustainable, mainly because, as we know, we lack the investment in waste water treatment capacity. <BR /> <BR />As we know, it is not just a problem for private developers; it is a problem for everyone. It blocks economic growth, worsens housing shortages and weakens our ability to attract investment.”
“This is the latest in a series of debates on Northern Ireland Water and the funding crisis that it faces. It is a crisis; you do not need to be a member of the Infrastructure Committee, like my colleagues and me, to know the seriousness and gravity of the situation. Every one of us from across all constituencies is well up to date on the problems and capacity issues that face Northern Ireland Water. <BR /> <BR />As we know, Northern Ireland Water is critical to the health, economy and environment of Northern Ireland, yet, for too long, it has been expected to deliver vital services with one hand tied behind its back. That approach has left Northern Ireland Water underfunded, unable to plan properly for the future and increasingly unable to meet rising demands. We now see the consequences of that.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for giving way. She makes a valid point, specifically about the York Street interchange and the time that many people spend sitting in traffic, but she also highlights the economic impact. A recent fiscal study established that not developing the York Street interchange costs the local economy £1 billion a year. How do we factor in the cost and impact of not doing something versus the cost and impact of doing it?”
“— hospitals or other capital projects that invariably go over time and over budget.”
“That includes the money that has been spent so far on the A5 western transport corridor, on which still no work has been progressed; the millions of pounds that have been spent on the York Street interchange, which has been a capital project priority for years, although we are still nowhere near to seeing the project being delivered — the list goes on. We could all point to dozens of examples, in our constituencies, of schools —”
“That is a damning reflection by the Audit Office. We owe it to our people to do better. An infrastructure commission would give us the tools to do just that by operating independently to provide expert, long-term advice on Northern Ireland's infrastructure needs. It would assess major project proposals, track delivery and intervene early whenever problems arise, helping to ensure that projects are built on time, within budget and to the highest standard. <BR /> <BR />We have heard from the proposer and other Members about the litany of capital projects to date that have invariably gone over budget and over time and not been delivered as required.”
“In its 2023 report, the Public Accounts Committee was blunt, concluding that Northern Ireland lacks the necessary oversight and strategic direction to ensure that public infrastructure is delivered efficiently and effectively. The Audit Office added that, without major reform, public services will continue to be undermined by poor capital delivery. The Comptroller and Auditor General went further than that in 2024, saying:”
“We simply cannot continue to make those mistakes.”
“Reports from the PAC and the Audit Office have consistently highlighted serious concerns about delays, spiralling costs, poor long-term planning and a lack of rigorous project management, where major capital projects are late and over budget and fail to deliver the full benefits that they promised.”
“Apologies for not being on the speaking list; I do not know what happened. <BR /> <BR />I rise on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party to join many organisations, including the Construction Employers Federation, the Northern Ireland Business Alliance, the Institution of Civil Engineers and many others in supporting the establishment of an independent infrastructure commission for Northern Ireland. I thank the Opposition for bringing the issue forward for debate. <BR /> <BR />An infrastructure commission is vital if we are serious about improving how we deliver public-sector capital projects and restoring public trust in how taxpayers' money is spent. As others have done, I commend the work of the Public Accounts Committee and the Audit Office, which have compiled numerous reports on the back of evidence that they sought.”
“Minister, it is clear that the funding model simply is not working and that, as a result, Northern Ireland Water is currently not fit for purpose. Do you accept that people are paying for water through the rates process? To that end, would you support there being a line in the rates bill to highlight what is specifically for water? Doing so could potentially open up other models for funding Northern Ireland Water.”
“<BR /> <BR />We will not oppose the regulations, as we welcome their strategic intent and the focus on strong and independent oversight, but I urge Ministers to be careful of the cost — not only the financial cost but the cost to public trust when delivering during this mandate. I reiterate that, as we strive to meet our climate obligations and to play our part, we must ensure that that is not at the expense of our people and does not further undermine the delivery of high-quality public services in an area in which these institutions are already under considerable strain.”
“<BR /> <BR />I note that, while the regulations have been carefully drafted and comply with the enabling power of the Climate Change Act, there has not been a full public consultation. I appreciate that the Act does not require one, but transparency and public engagement are essential, so it would be good to have that. <BR /> <BR />Moving forward, it is critical that the office deliver. It must not become a well-meaning but costly entity that publishes reports without delivering meaningful change. It must hold Departments accountable, challenge when necessary and support the practical implementation of climate policy, especially where delivery lags behind ambition.”
“Sorry, are you seeking to make an intervention? I thought that you were speaking to me. I will move on. <BR /> <BR />The commissioner's office is expected to cost approximately £1 million per annum, which is significant expenditure at a time when we are under strain. We face acute pressures across our health service, education system and community infrastructure. Every pound must be carefully weighed. The Executive's "Planet" mission in the Programme for Government is commendable, balancing green growth and an equitable, just transition, but we must ask whether this is the right moment to commit substantial new funding to the establishment of another body and is well intentioned.”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. She will realise that, as a devolved region, we control our own Departments and that, while the Climate Change Committee exists and offers some advice, the Climate Commissioner will specifically oversee our Departments.”
“It is also right that the commissioner operate independently of Departments such as DAERA, DFI and DFE, which will be tasked with delivering the actions that the commissioner monitors. I note that the NICC's placement in the Executive Office is a deliberate act to ensure separation of leadership from the centre of government. <BR /> <BR />While the UUP supports the establishment of the commissioner in principle, I must highlight concerns around cost, sustainability and timing. We are told that the commissioner's office is expected to cost approximately £1 million per annum. That is significant recurring expenditure at a time when our public finances are under considerable strain.”
“Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time. We all recognise that there is an urgent need for robust, independent oversight as we strive to meet our net zero obligations by 2050. However, it is important to remember the financial reality: we need to balance our climate obligations against the need to deliver high-quality public services for all our people. The creation of an independent Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner, as provided for in section 50 of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, is a logical and necessary first step. The new office will have a clear remit to oversee and report on departmental compliance with climate obligations, offer expert advice, commission research and publish findings and recommendations to guide policy and delivery.”
“Deputy First Minister, you will agree, I am sure, that we have many excellent businesses here that punch well above their weight and export into the US market. Naturally, many of those business owners will be concerned about the changing world picture, particularly the tariffs that the USA is looking to implement. What lobbying did you do on their behalf, and what can the Executive do to promote and protect those businesses to ensure that our manufacturing sector still has a base in the United States of America?”
“I know that the under-18 team would have loved to have been at the final to watch the first XV, but they did not want to be outdone and came home with silverware as well. It shows that the future is bright among the youth at Carrickfergus Rugby Club, and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.”
“The sense of pride and the buzz around the town in the build-up to and on the back of the victory have been really impressive to see, and I congratulate and salute everyone associated with the club for all that they have done. <BR /> <BR />It is also really inspiring to the many young players who are watching on and seeing what can be done and what they can strive for. To the captain, Conor Cambridge, man of the match, Mattie Hadden, and the entire team, I congratulate you all on a very special win and on putting Carrickfergus back on the rugby map. Not to be outdone, Carrickfergus under-18s shared the U18 Bowl on Saturday, drawing 12-12 with Clogher Valley/Omagh. That was also great to see.”
“"Carrickfergus Rugby Club, Junior Shield champions 2025" has a lovely ring to it. Following my sending best wishes to the club last week, I am very proud to stand here and congratulate them on an excellent success. I had the privilege of being at Ravenhill on Saturday for a fantastic game of rugby when Carrick triumphed 17-13 over Ards after a roller coaster of a game. I commiserate with Ards and their supporters. They fought hard on the pitch and sung hard off it, but, thankfully, Carrick came up trumps. <BR /> <BR />I congratulate all the Carrick players on a fantastic performance, delivering the first silverware to the club in 20 years to the delight of hundreds of travelling supporters, who, I know, partied and celebrated on Saturday and into the wee small hours of Sunday morning.”
“Minister, it appears that fly-tipping is, regrettably, on the rise. You will be aware that many councils are changing their policies on who can access recycling facilities, including stopping some businesses from coming in. Are you concerned that the impact of that will be greater illegal dumping, particularly in rural areas?”
“Here we have the latest problems arising from a sticking-plaster solution to funding Northern Ireland Water. Minister, what are the potential health and safety consequences should the overspend not be granted? Will the overspend in any way impact on how Westminster acts to claw back up to half a billion pounds' worth of funding?”
“Here's to hopefully celebrating lifting three trophies in the coming weekends.”
“The whole town will be supporting them, and we look forward to seeing the Junior Shield return to Carrickfergus on Saturday evening. <BR /> <BR />On Saturday as well, Carrickfergus Rugby Club under-18s will take on Clogher Valley under-18s in Omagh in the Bowl final. The following Saturday, its under-16 team will take on Instonians under-16s in the Plate final. I congratulate both junior teams and wish them all the best in their respective finals. The success at all levels of Carrickfergus Rugby Club is further evidence of and a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many individuals at the club. From the president, Raymond Crooks, down, I commend the coaches, the committee, all the officials and all the volunteers for everything that they do to foster amazing sporting achievement at the club.”
“First, I associate myself with the Member for North Antrim's comments. I had the privilege of serving on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council with Beth Adger. It was a privilege to work with her, and my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her friends, her family and all her colleagues in the DUP. <BR /> <BR />I commend Carrickfergus Rugby Club and wish it the very best of luck as it looks forward to two climactic weekends. This Saturday, the first XV takes on Ards Rugby Club in the Junior Shield final at Ravenhill. It is sure to be a special day for the club and its supporters, and I wish captain, Conor Cambridge, coaches Andrew Hughes and Shane Kelly and all the players the very best of luck ahead of their special day.”
“I welcome the Minister to her place. Minister, you talk about your legislative responsibility regarding bonds: one of my biggest frustrations in representing the hundreds of people in East Antrim who live on unadopted roads is the ability to call down those bonds. One development in my constituency was abandoned by the developer over 15 years ago. That bond has still not been accessed despite your Department having the legislative resources to do so. Why is it such a bureaucratic, long and drawn-out process for people to finally get the works done in those areas?”
“The Committee will work collaboratively with the Department to advocate on its funding requirements whilst seeking through its scrutiny to maximise the scarce resources available by ensuring efficiency in the system. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of the Committee for Infrastructure, I am content to support the motions.”
“The Committee has engaged actively with the Department and Translink on their assessment of Translink's needs for the incoming financial year and will receive further evidence from Northern Ireland Water at its meeting this Wednesday. We recognise that the motions and the Budget Bill's introduction later will reconcile this year's expenditure and provide resource to allow Departments to continue to incur expenditure in the first few months of the next financial year, but, from the evidence received thus far, it is clear that the Department's allocation in the draft Budget for next year, which is being consulted on, is far below its assessment of what is needed.”
“However, subsequent to the Minister of Finance's written ministerial statement on 6 February in response to storm Éowyn and the resulting pressures, the Committee noted that the Department had identified further pressures amounting to £9·2 million and £8·8 million on the capital side. The statement confirmed that DFI received a resource-only allocation of £8 million, which, whilst welcome, leaves what appears to be an unfunded pressure of £1·2 million resource and £8 million capital. Therefore, the Committee, at its meeting last week, agreed to write to the Department to seek further detail on how that allocation will be used and how the Department will manage the unfunded pressures within existing limits. <BR /> <BR />I turn to the Vote on Account.”
“<BR /> <BR />At its meeting on 5 February, the Committee received oral evidence from DFI officials on the spring Supplementary Estimates, which, as outlined, will reconcile all the changes arising in the 2024-25 financial year, including those from the in-year monitoring rounds. In the course of the evidence, the Committee noted that the Department received additional in-year allocations of £38·9 million in resource plus £20·2 million in ring-fenced resource for depreciation and impairments, and £69·8 million in capital. Having asked officials whether the Department anticipated that its forecast resource and capital would be fully utilised, it was confirmed that it was not anticipated to be subject to any underspends.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst the Committee welcomes the additional funding allocations received in this financial year, the funding for 2024-25 was, like other Departments', still well below the resource and capital requirements. In-year allocations enabled the delivery of road maintenance schemes, structural works and the provision of a winter roads service. In addition, the allocations enabled the Department to provide further resources to Translink and Northern Ireland Water. Given the scale of resources required, however, those allocations were not sufficient to address fully the significant shortfalls in funding that all Departments faced.”
“On the resumption of business last year, the Committee engaged extensively with the Department to identify the specific pressures faced, and noted that, due to a lower opening baseline position, it intended to submit bids through the in-year monitoring round process to secure additional funding. <BR /> <BR />The Committee received oral evidence from departmental officials at each juncture of the in-year monitoring process to assess the Department's pressures and how it would prioritise any remaining resources in the event of submitted bids not being enough. Given the scalability of the bids for road maintenance, the Department can prioritise its programme of works based on the allocations from monitoring rounds. Delaying lower-priority maintenance or repairs, however, can quickly degrade road surfaces, particularly during cold spells.”
“We all take for granted many aspects of the functions for which the Department is responsible: the water for our morning tea or hot shower, the infrastructure for our daily commute, to name but a couple. The reach of the Department goes much wider by supporting our economy, the delivery of homes, hospitals and schools and making roads safer. <BR /> <BR />It is essential to ensure that there are sufficient resources to maintain existing infrastructure or initiate projects to develop it. The financial position faced by the Executive is at a point where demand far outstrips available resources.”
“I welcome the Minister to his place, thank him for his service and engagement as Infrastructure Minister previously, and wish him all the best. <BR /> <BR />I want to speak, first, in my role as Deputy Chair of the Committee, and, if time allows, to make some remarks of my own. I welcome the opportunity to set out the Committee for Infrastructure's approach in seeking to understand and consider the Department's financial position over the 2024-25 financial year and its future requirements. That has involved ongoing engagement with DFI's business areas and, of course, through the in-year monitoring process. <BR /> <BR />It is fitting that the newly appointed Minister of Finance is acutely aware of the financial position of the Department for Infrastructure and how fundamental the Department is as a backbone in supporting our daily lives.”
“Minister, as councils start to strike their rates, local businesses, particularly independent retailers, in city and town centres are seeing their rates go up and up. If we are truly serious about town centre, village and city centre regeneration, can we look at a package that rebalances commercial rates and takes the focus away from our independent and small retailers?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Primary-school principals that I am in contact with in my constituency tell me that it is increasingly difficult and slow for pupils who are suspected of having dyslexia to get referred to the EA literacy support service. Can the Minister give the House and concerned parents an assurance that moves towards graduated responses and local integrated SEN support teams are not just euphemisms for the dilution or reduction of services that are currently provided by the EA literacy support service? Are the changes being properly resourced?”
“I thank the Minister for his quite reassuring update. Minister, how transformative will the roll-out be in areas such as East Antrim, which are experiencing high levels of ongoing health needs? Do you hope that placing more staff in primary care settings will ultimately lessen the pressures on secondary care?”