Pat Catney
Lagan Valley · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“I am delighted that he will get his own private Member's Bill through, which will bring equality, again, within teaching. He had to do a huge piece of work on the back of that. <BR /> <BR />It makes me proud to be part of this Assembly.”
“I am excited for the future. I will go back to the Minister. I have done so twice and will do it again. I do not know how the relationships required by the Bill's cross-cutting nature will go or which Department will hold the powers that the Bill provides to ensure that period products are available as widely as possible.”
“I have done that with every single Member whom I have met out there and talked to. I thank Members across the Chamber for their kind words to me personally today. This is not electioneering, folks, but I will tell you this. As we walk out and face the general public, no one knows what way they are going to go.”
“When I started out, I did not know the whole process of where or how it goes, but I know the process now, and I know that there is a lot of work, including from the civil servants. Mr Deputy Speaker, I will go back to tell you about when I had the little pub next door to Churchill House.”
“I will not be much longer, folks. I want to say that, as I was coming down this morning, I had the radio on, and I heard about an art project that is going on in Belfast. This may well be my last opportunity to speak about the ring of steel.”
“There was a bit of toing and froing, and I did not know which Department was going to lift the Bill and take up the chalice, which some people may have thought was a poisoned chalice. I thank the Minister, Deirdre, for taking that chalice. It was brave and correct to do that.”
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“They tell us that they are looking out for us while threatening us with food shortages and tearing up agreements designed to protect us from the worst impacts of their own disastrous vanity projects. We in this Chamber must say clearly that the British Government must honour the withdrawal agreement to protect jobs, our businesses and our future.”
“<BR /> <BR />I can only base my decisions in the Chamber on my own life experiences. I opened my first businesses when I was young. Some suppliers gave me a chance. I worked hard to repeatedly build up trust with them so that I could be supported throughout my career. That is the only way to build a successful agreement: through building trust. Without trust, there is no possible way forward or chance of success, only hurt and despair for all involved. Due to the actions of the disillusioned British Government, there is no trust. They have shown time and time again that they will willingly break their agreements. More significantly for us, they have shown that they could not care less about Northern Ireland.”
“The Internal Market Bill is just one more example of a Tory Government that will do anything to get back to their self-perceived glory days, at anyone's expense. We are at a critical point. The end of the year is only around the corner. Without action now, our businesses, our employees and all our citizens will suffer. I note with interest that, in response to my question for written answer, the Minister for the Economy said that she had frequent discussions with the United Kingdom Business Secretary and the Northern Ireland Secretary of State in the run-up to the publication of the Internal Market Bill. I wonder whether she did her bit as a Minister of the Executive to voice the concerns of businesses and citizens here, who face a cliff edge in January with seemingly no prospect of a positive outcome.”
“I support the motion. Although I was shocked when it came to light that the Tory Government intended to deliberately break international law, I did not worry, because, time and again, they have changed concrete policy on a whim, based on whether the Lord Emperor Cummings has had his morning coffee. I waited patiently for the inevitable backtracking and U-turn, but here we are today, with the EU having begun a formal legal process against the UK, and still we have no movement from the Prime Minister. The arrogance of his post-Empire delusion has gone completely overboard. We laugh and mock when the president of the United States gets up to such nonsense. Anybody watching the Government Benches in Westminster will see that Trumpism is alive and well in Britain.”
“Minister, has any consideration been given to a £500 payment to workers who are self-isolating, as has been announced in England?”
“I thank the Minister for that very comprehensive answer and I welcome the additional funding. However, given the impact that COVID has had on our children, how soon can that funding be allocated so that teachers, as first responders, are able to help as quickly as possible?”
“on additional apprenticeships for those students so that they can find that employment? Is the Minister aware of the uptake in apprenticeships in the regional colleges —?”
“Every job is vital. We all know that, and this House is aware of that. Those who go out and take risks in order to start businesses are risk takers, but, on top of that, we need training. I want a quick yes or no from the Minister. Has the Minister communicated those updates with the regional colleges? I am aware of businesses that have taken part in the scheme”
“However, we have to realise that each time we see Northern Ireland on the screen is a direct testimony to the foreign direct investment that Northern Ireland Screen has brought in. In this time of pandemic, when we are all concerned about investment in the region, Northern Ireland Screen continues to bring money, jobs and skills to Northern Ireland, and, for that, it is completely deserving of our support.”
“Importantly, it works in areas of deprivation to allow people from all backgrounds to become involved. Beyond that, Northern Ireland Screen fulfils an important cultural role in its work promoting the Irish language and Ulster-Scots arts sectors. The funds that it provides to those sectors allow them to grow and to be enjoyed for years to come. It is also important to realise that the creative industries supported go far beyond film and TV. There is support for creative activities and technical skills that are transferable to all arts and beyond. <BR /> <BR />I will go back to the matter at hand. It is great to see our area represented on the screen, and we all have fun trying to figure out where all the productions are located.”
“We have all seen the good work that Northern Ireland Screen has done over the past few years in promoting Northern Ireland. It brings investment and jobs to the region; in fact, it seems that I cannot watch a programme these days without recognising a building, street or a local hang-out. However, those are not the only things that Northern Ireland Screen does. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland Screen works to create opportunities for the widest possible range of people across the screen industries. It has an efficient education programme that works to make sure that we have future generations of skilled workers for the industry. It has an extensive trainee programme to give new opportunities and skills to young people who want to get involved in the industry.”
“I thank the First Minister for briefing the House. Responsible publicans are prepared to follow the regulations to the letter in order to keep people safe. The industry is one of our most highly regulated, and those involved know how best they can look after people in their premises. We have missed a trick. Given that last orders will be at 10.30 pm and off-sales will be open until 11.00 pm, does the First Minister have any concerns that people leaving the bars at 10.30 pm will be able to go to an off-sales, tank up with alcohol and head off to house parties? That is a major concern. It is a flaw in the regulations. The off-sales should have been closed before the bars, at 10.30 pm.”
“Has the Minister considered making any of the jobs and benefits office services that have been available by phone over the past months permanently accessible by phone? For example, has she considered allowing the claimant commitment to be completed over the phone rather than in person?”
“Joint First Minister, has the Department reviewed the communications strategy on the COVID response?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, and I welcome the further allocated support, particularly for our arts sector. Will the Minister agree with me that all signs seem to be pointing towards a further lockdown? That being the case, what planning has his Department done to put support in place for when that inevitably happens?”
“My question has been answered, Mr Speaker. Sorry about that.”
“I have seen this at first hand because my children have been lucky enough to be able to work at home. Does the Minister intend to encourage and support working from home as we try to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic?”
“I wanted to respond to what you said about Sammy, but it is also relevant to what you have just said. It should be all sides of the House. I am supportive of what you said concerning Mr Wilson, and anyone else who lapses or breaks the law.”
“Thanks very much. Businesses and workers will need support. We are hurtling towards a cliff edge, with the furlough scheme closing next month. I hope that it does not close, but it is starting to close anyhow. People are frightened about their lives but also their livelihoods. It is hardly laudable that no economic recovery strategy has been produced by the Executive. How will we get out of the crisis and build back better if we have no plan? The Executive need to get real about investing in infrastructure, green energy and other timely interventions that will help us to kick-start the economy again.”
“I understand the great burden that has been placed on him. No one knew or could have foreseen this when he accepted the post. I realise that where we are and what we have to do is for the greater good.”
“We recognise that restrictions are a necessity. The SDLP has always been led by the medical and scientific evidence. Businesses and workers will need support, and businesses need clarity in order to survive. As my colleague from south Armagh said, when I think of those out working in the economy, I recognise that our lives are mixed; they are interwoven. It is part of who we are to work and to see the success of our labour in order to build healthy, strong lives. Later today, at 1.00 pm, my colleague from West Belfast will have an all-party group (APG) on mental health. These are some of the outworkings of all of this. No doubt our Minister knows that well — much better than I do. <BR /> <BR />I will take this moment to thank the Minister of Health. His door has always been open to me.”
“However, the joint First Ministers need to be clear with the people if they want compliance.”
“People need clarity because they are confused about what they can and cannot do. We recognise that this is not black or white and that a level of confusion is, unfortunately, inevitable.”
“Thank you for giving way, and I trust your child has made a speedy recovery — well, she has made a speedy recovery, and everything is all right, so that is good. <BR /> <BR />I do not want to mention any names, but on the outskirts of Lisburn there is a facility that got a large amount of money in order to set up its business. I see that a former British Minister who was sent over here sits on its board. The shambles that has gone round on that testing, and the amount of public money that went into it from Northern Ireland in order to set it up, has to be a serious concern that we need to take on. Having that facility where we have it in Northern Ireland, simply by the amount of public money that went into it, should mean that the tests are rolled out much more quickly to our inhabitants here.”
“I do not know if any Members got the opportunity to watch some of the events from culture night that were online at the weekend. The participants highlighted the strong artistic and cultural traditions that there are across the island, from Derry to Cork. John Hume understood that cultural connection, Martin McGuinness understood that cultural connection and the Reverend Ian Paisley understood that cultural connection. The Tory Government will never understand it; they will never understand the all-island make-up of our economy and our health and energy sectors. They do not even understand where the border is. In the face of Tory ignorance, it is on us to protest that failure of our citizens. I urge all Members to support the motion.”
“The impact is not felt just by current businesses; it is also preventing new businesses from opening. There is a unique craft whisky industry booming on the island, and this is becoming one of the most significant times for the product. Many distillers have opened in the North, but the uncertainty of Brexit has severely impacted on their money and trade. The UK Government tearing up international agreements on a whim only adds to that uncertainty, and I hear every day of more and more businesses that are giving up on the place that I call home and the place that I love: Northern Ireland. That is fundamentally wrong. <BR /> <BR />If we do not fight now, the situation will become terminal. Let us be clear, our people are the ones who will suffer from the protectionism and the policies of the Tory Government.”
“The products are made in Lisburn, packaged and distributed throughout the whole island of Ireland. That is the unique business arrangement that that company has for this island. Those are just two large examples. Countless small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on products, services and buyers from across this island have no idea what is to come at the end of the year.”
“I do not know whether I can agree with everything that you said, but I will tell you this: I am not a lawbreaker, and I would not like to think that you were either in some of the posts that you held before. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken many times of the need to protect the all-island economy, North/South and east-west. I have used the examples before, but a hard border on this island would have such a profound economic impact that I have to use every ounce of my breath to highlight the issue until someone, somewhere listens. Our whiskey industry is entirely integrated, with County Antrim producing single malt for the entire island and bottling whiskies for distillers in the Republic. In my constituency, Coca-Cola, which was mentioned earlier, bottles produce — syrup — that comes up from County Mayo, in the Republic, to Lisburn.”
“Like many in the Chamber, I was shocked and appalled when the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland admitted that the Internal Market Bill broke international law. For me, it showed that the current Tory Government could not care less about the Good Friday Agreement or the people of Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers so far. Does he agree that, as the furlough scheme comes to an end, workers in certain sectors will be hit harder than others? Will he outline whether any further targeted wage-support schemes, to help workers in these struggling sectors, are planned?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. It may have come out on Monday that the First Minister and the deputy First Minister were going to bestow powers on a different Minister. I need to know where they come from and how they come out. Rather than give out under the grant scheme, there are powers that sit in your Department, Minister, that you are not using, but you are asking them to move to a different Department. I hope that you are”
“I ask the Economy Minister to look at the powers that she has and stop trying to put the blame on other people. Deliver what powers you have. If you are not able to do that, pass it on to some other Department.”
“I do. I want to address the point that my colleague from South Belfast made concerning the letter that he wrote to the Department. I have asked numerous times in the Finance Committee who that sits with. On Monday, the news came out that the First Minister and deputy First Minister were going to bestow powers on the Minister for Infrastructure.”
“In comparison to the big schemes already announced, it will only take a modest scheme, Minister, to cover those businesses that have received absolutely nothing. <BR /> <BR />At this time, it is on all of us in the Chamber to help all our constituents. This is surely more important at this time of crisis. I hope that you all support the motion and that the Minister takes the view of the Chamber on board and puts in place vital support for our businesses, which should be kept going for longer than six months. <BR /> <BR />Do I have any more time, Mr Speaker?”
“One month went by, then two, and now six months have passed, and they have got absolutely nothing. The money that they borrowed from friends and family is gone, the business is gone, and they are on universal credit. <BR /> <BR />It takes great courage to open a business. You move out of your comfort zone and do the best that you possibly can. That becomes part of your way of life and changes your whole outlook. Believe me, I have never come across anyone in business who is not a hard worker. I can tell you: there is no such thing as working 37 and a half hours or 40 hours. You do what has to be done. <BR /> <BR />The support did not happen. That person has gone through so much and was contributing positively to our economy.”
“Those are people who have worked hard to set up their businesses. They are the backbone of our economy. Surely it is more efficient to support workers to stay in work rather than put them through the hardship of being unemployed. <BR /> <BR />We all have stories about those who have been left behind. I was contacted by a person who had worked hard to get extra qualifications while working in two retail jobs. After three years borrowing money from their family and friends, and while caring for a young family, they opened the doors of their business at the start of the year. As soon as lockdown was announced, they contacted me about what support was available. One week passed, then two, and I kept telling them that I had asked the questions and hoped that something would be announced soon.”
“I want, first, to recognise, as others pointed out, that the Executive have provided a lot of support. They have provided rate relief schemes, grant schemes, microbusiness schemes, help for tourism, apprenticeships, higher education and supply chains but nothing for 100,000 single-person businesses and the newly self-employed. That cannot be right. Even those who have been self-employed for a long time were hit by the subtle differences in the self-employed income support scheme and the job retention scheme. If you were an employee with a salary of over £50,000, you were covered by the furlough scheme to the tune of up to £30,000. If you were self-employed and earned the same amount, you were excluded from any support. <BR /> <BR />We can see the impact in all our constituencies, with the rise in the number of those on universal credit.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answers so far. I am looking at the procedure and comparing the percentage at pillar 1 with that at pillar 2. I note that most in pillar 1 are within the healthcare system. Is there a percentage lying between those, that are testing negative? Can we find out whether one test is exactly coming out on the figures against the other one, and whether we are missing something in that?”
“First Minister, when we were talking at the Finance Committee, the honourable Member from Derry stated that this had fallen between two stools: the Department for the Economy and the Department for Infrastructure. I say that it fell between three stools, with the third being the Department of Finance. That question was asked in order to see where the power sat. I commend the First Minister and the deputy First Minister for at least bringing forward the regulations that state that the power that sat with the Economy Minister will now be transferred to the Minister for Infrastructure, from whom we are used to delivery and things happening.”
“First Minister, does that sound like the Northern Ireland that you and I want to live in? I know that both you and I want to live in a better Northern Ireland than that.”
“Minister, I thank you for your answer. At the start of the summer, I was contacted by a young mother with two children under the age of seven. She had moved into a lovely new home in my constituency. Some people in the area made assumptions about her background and put a Union flag and a UVF flag outside her house. In her own words, she said:”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Sometimes, some of the old buildings are historic buildings, like Victorian buildings. We have lost an awful lot of our built heritage. It is just a case of trying to give another lifeline to the businesses trying to operate in them. I am sure that the Member sees that as a risk as well.”
“In the days of online shopping, these micro-economies are the only way to keep our towns and city centre businesses going. <BR /> <BR />Statistics show that our own town centres have an average of 20% non-domestic vacancy levels. A mix of grant and loan schemes for over the shop properties in Scotland have proven to be popular. This can bring populations into our city centres and, therefore, bring revenue into our city centre businesses. In closing, these schemes will help our small business owners, help to regenerate our cities and town centres and provide people with affordable and practical housing that allows them to live, prosper and enjoy the places where they live. It is a simple solution with a massive impact. I urge you all to support the amendment and the motion.”
“The point that I am trying to make by bringing this to your mind is that this has to be done with planning, and we cannot use a blunt instrument such as compulsory purchase to move out those people who find themselves living in city centres. <BR /> <BR />The benefit to our town and city centre economies cannot be more clear. As I said, my parents lived above the bar for most of their lives. They bought groceries from a family-owned store across the road, bought food from the family-owned butchers on the next street and they bought their clothes from the family-owned stores next to them. In turn, these family businesses and their owners and their customers came into the bar and helped my parents to sustain their businesses.”
“We have a severe lack of one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties, which is putting stress on the private and social housing market. This is a simple and effective way of dealing with this. <BR /> <BR />Living over the Shop schemes are also tied into urban regeneration work. They revitalise town centres without the need for destruction and the eroding of character of our town centres. They enhance the areas, breathing life and vibrancy back into them. In fact, my mother and father lived above a shop in the city centre, and the only other two people who lived in behind that ring of steel that was then the commercial heart of Belfast were the caretaker and his wife, who lived above the Masonic lodge in Cornmarket.”
“Although COVID-19 has added focus to the need to aid the prosperity of our city centres, the issues impacting on them have long predated COVID-19, and they will exist even after we recover from the pandemic. The benefits of the Living over the Shop scheme are not just economic. We have a massive housing shortage and affordability issues, so anything that can be done to tackle that must be welcome. <BR /> <BR />Living over the Shop properties are also more affordable. They are more affordable to create than new residential builds, and, more importantly, they are cheaper to buyers and renters. Changes in demographics and household types are also apparent. Living over the Shop schemes provide vital accommodation to young and single-person households.”
“Now is the time to act; now is the time to implement change; now is the time to tell all the victims and their families that this will never happen again. I support the motion and the amendment.”
“We cannot treat reporting as a tick-box exercise. We need to be constantly evaluating, learning from our mistakes, and doing our best to improve matters for all our patients. <BR /> <BR />The trust needs to act now to have accountability for directors and senior management. No one can be above scrutiny. The trust needs to put plans in motion immediately to do that. I have no doubt that our present Minister of Health will see it through. Most importantly, the victims, and the families of victims, must know that we are taking the issue seriously. Many of the problems came out in the independent review, but the only way to get all the information so that all the problems can be dealt with is a full public inquiry.”
“I am sure that I am not only the MLA who has lain awake at night horrified at the stories that my constituents have told me about the scale of the problems at Muckamore Abbey. The independent report makes grim reading of the systemic issues in the Department, the trust and the hospital. I know that the Minister has had a lot on his plate over the last few months, but the recommendations must be implemented as soon as possible so that this starts to be addressed and to ensure that it will never happen again. Specifically we need to support front-line staff. The review refers to staff feeling disconnected and unsupported. That cannot happen in a high-risk environment such as Muckamore. To do so puts everyone at risk; it is a cultural problem that needs to be changed now. The lack of learning from the data is of massive concern.”
“Minister, this is slightly off the point that I made, but I heard about the 2,000 pigs that were killed on a farm. I want to thank, as I am sure you do, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the animal welfare rescue teams for dealing with what they came across.”