Emma Rogan
South Down · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />With the second and third surges seeing a decline in that ratio, it is clear that care homes and residents were disproportionately affected. They were truly at the centre of this storm. <BR /> <BR />I wish to declare an interest in that I have family members who work in care homes.”
“First, I would like to thank the Health Committee members and Clerks and all those who gave evidence and who shared their experience for the report.”
“<BR /> <BR />One of the most difficult things for human beings is not having close contact with family, especially older members of the family. I am fortunate in that I have a granny who — she will not mind my saying — is in her early 90s. She maintains that her family contact keeps her young at heart and keeps her going.”
“<BR /> <BR />A few other recommendations deserve a mention, including ensuring that there is sufficient PPE through procurement and pandemic planning; regional access to e-learning on infection prevention and control; learning from international best practice and experiences; addressing staffing levels and so much more.”
“care and to ensure that there is sufficient training for the relevant professionals and making talking about advance care planning and end-of-life care easy. <BR /> <BR />Unless it is done in a positive way, it can create a sense of doom.”
“Domestic abuse has been identified as an adverse childhood experience and can lead to emotional, physical and psychological harm. Operation Encompass, or information sharing with schools, aims to mitigate that harm by enabling immediate support and helping to make a child's day better, with something simple, such as asking them, "Are you…”
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“<BR /> <BR />Modern slavery and human trafficking has been acknowledged by the PSNI's modern slavery and human trafficking unit as one of the fastest growing crime types in the UK. The most recently released statistics show that, between April and October 2019, the PSNI had 54 referrals to the National Referral Mechanism, which compares with 33 for the same time in 2018. That was only for six and a half months, whereas 59 potential victims of human trafficking were identified in the whole of the previous year. We expect more up-to-date figures to be published in the next couple of weeks, and whilst I hope that we will see a great deal of improvement, I am deeply concerned that this ever-increasing crime is on a negative and dangerous path. Behind every figure is a person: a person who has a family and friends and a life and rights.”
“Modern slavery is a severe exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. Modern slavery is all around us, but you often just cannot see it. People can become trapped while making our clothes, serving our food, picking our crops, working in factories or even when working in homes as cooks, cleaners or nannies. From the outside, it can look like they have a normal job, but they face threats of violence, inescapable debt or having their passports taken away. Many fall into that trap simply because they are trying to escape poverty, insecurity or even war, and many are trying to improve their life and to support their family. It is estimated that 40 million people are trapped in modern slavery worldwide, and one in four are children and almost three quarters are women and girls.”
“Given the Minister's contribution during the recent Fisheries Bill debate on the damage caused by supertrawlers, will he now commit to doing all in his power to see supertrawlers banned from our waters?”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. During the Adjournment debate last week, Mr Wells made an entirely inappropriate reference to the Nazi death camp at Belsen. How are you addressing that misplaced and offensive attempt at humour, Mr Speaker?”
“The level of financial assistance offered in South Down was £10 million over three years, whereas, in 2019, in south Belfast alone, £26 million of assistance was offered. That proves that the Economy Ministers past and present are oblivious to the potential business development opportunities that exist outside south Belfast. While I express deep regret that the Minister for the Economy has not produced a COVID recovery strategy, it is not too late to introduce a radical economic intervention programme that can adequately support the many businesses and communities that have supported us. <BR /> <BR />I urge Members to support the motion and urge the Economy Minister to enact its objectives.”
“The transfer of fiscal powers is necessary in order for us to raise revenue and deliver a fair recovery that will meet the needs of people here. <BR /> <BR />The Minister's economic recovery strategy misses many of the key objectives. The Minister has made no bids and made no proposal for tackling regional inequalities through job creation or support. The lack of investor visits being scheduled by Invest NI in areas outside south Belfast is a major issue and one that needs to be addressed in order to deliver an inclusive recovery. <BR /> <BR />In the past, we have seen an over-reliance on Invest NI and foreign direct investment. In my constituency of South Down, Invest NI hosted no visits from potential investors in the three years from 2016 to 2019. In 2019 alone, 181 visits were hosted in south Belfast.”
“We are also calling for additional support for the creation of new, indigenous, small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 90% of the businesses across our economy. <BR /> <BR />The ending of long-standing regional imbalances and regional inequalities is also a priority. We want to see our local towns and villages being enabled to grow and prosper so that residents are not required to make long commutes and journeys to get to work. It is also an ideal time to grow our green economy and create additional well-paid employment. The further expansion of renewable energy can also help to lower costs for families and businesses. <BR /> <BR />Giving our Executive greater control of their financial resources is also essential.”
“We can all honestly say that many, if not all, of our households have been affected by the impact of COVID-19. Whether it has meant working from home, shielding, isolating or being made redundant, workers and families are continually having to adjust to the ever-changing circumstances. Those workers and families are crying out for radical economic intervention that will make real and lasting improvements to their lives. <BR /> <BR />In June 2020, Sinn Féin published its own economic recovery strategy. We want to see support for workers and their families, the banning of zero-hours contracts and the Executive becoming a living-wage employer. We want to see support for alternative businesses, such as social enterprises and cooperatives. We want to see commitments to creating sustainable employment and high-quality jobs.”
“My question has been answered, and I have no further questions.”
“I, too, thank the Minister for his statement. Will he list the local groups, staff, trade unions and other organisations that his Department consulted when the decision was made to downgrade the A&E department of Downe Hospital in my constituency of South Down?”
“I also call on the Minister of Justice to indicate a timeline for the feasibility study to be carried out.”
“It recognises that, while many improvements have been made since its first report, 14 years ago, there remain a number of gaps, which can impact on public confidence and could deter victims from reporting crime. Therefore, there is a notable gap that could be filled by a commissioner or other support services. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to the vital contribution of organisations such as Victim Support. In the field of supporting victims, they provide emotional support, information and practical help to victims and witnesses, and their work is crucial. A victims' commissioner or any alternative model of support would be intended to complement and support the vital work of those support services. <BR /> <BR />My Sinn Féin colleagues and I pledge to support victims and commit to improving their knowledge and experiences.”
“The report, which was widely welcomed at the time, was very important in highlighting the gaps that existed in ensuring that victims of crime were supported and had access to their rights and the relevant information about the criminal justice process. I welcome today's debate, which is the latest effort of a renewed focus in the Assembly on supporting victims in the criminal justice system. <BR /> <BR />A potential victims of crime commissioner may be the best-placed person to coordinate the rights and entitlements of victims of crime, and the feasibility study should explore that. That follows on from the latest Criminal Justice Inspection report, from July of this year, on the treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system.”
“<BR /> <BR />Victims have rights and entitlements that are laid out in the Victim Charter. It is important that those rights are not only fully respected by all but actively promoted and that victims of crime are informed of those rights. The Victim Charter, which was launched in 2015, followed a successful and highly useful report by the Justice Committee in 2012 on the criminal justice services available to victims and witnesses of crime.”
“That is not necessarily consent to the establishment of a commissioner for victims of crime, but I support the calls for a feasibility study of the potential establishment of a commissioner by weighing up all the potential benefits that it might have. The study should also explore all further options for best supporting victims, ensuring that their voices are heard and reflected in the development of strategies and policy, and filling any existing gaps. Some of my colleagues have already discussed, for example, the decision of the Scottish Government not to proceed with a victims' commissioner. However, there are other jurisdictions where victims' commissioners have been very effective and an efficient use of resources. Therefore, all options and models of best practice should be explored.”
“I welcome the motion and the debate. As a member of the Justice Committee, as other members of the Committee have mentioned, I have found it a revealing experience to hear evidence from key stakeholders and organisations, including many victims of crime. It has reinforced my views and the views of many of my colleagues on the importance of supporting victims of crime and making their journey through the criminal justice system less harrowing and more efficient and of better supporting policy and legislation that ensures that there is less crime prevalent in our communities and, therefore, fewer victims of crime. <BR /> <BR />At this early stage, I express my support for the motion.”
“When does the Minister intend to have discussions with victims to assess whether they want to go through the stress of fresh prosecution proceedings?”
“As the Minister will be aware, drug misuse affects all communities in all constituencies. Often, it derives from a more deeply rooted cause. That was recognised with the introduction of a trial of the substance misuse court. Can the Minister give an update on that court?”
“Coastal erosion is a big issue in my constituency, South Down, as it impacts on land, property and infrastructure. Does the Minister agree that we need the strongest possible measures to address that challenge and provide coastal communities with long-term sustainable answers?”
“Give the rise in positive cases of COVID-19 in recent days and the challenges that the two Governments face together, can the Minister confirm when the next health sectoral meeting will be?”
“Will the Minister reaffirm her commitment to tackling the issue of poor mental health and suicide in the areas of greatest social need?”
“The people of Newcastle need robust measures to be put in place now. Another disaster like that should not happen again. People are wondering why it will take until next summer for flood alleviation schemes to be put in place. Will the Minister provide clarity on that issue and elaborate on how the Department is looking at ways to accelerate the process as a matter of urgency?”
“<BR /> <BR />The culvert under Shimna Road has collapsed and the water backs up and has nowhere to go; that needs fixed now. The sewerage system in Newcastle mixes river water and sewage in the same system and that needs fixed now. Homeowners, businesses and schools are living in fear of the next storm, the next high tide or the next flooding incident. Homeowners find getting home insurance almost impossible. I witnessed the aftermath on the ground in the days after the flood. The contents of people's homes were being taken away in skips or were lying in front gardens. Homes were being fumigated and children's toys were being put into bin bags; everything was contaminated. People's lives were turned upside down. <BR /> <BR />Minister, your Department received the most money after the Department of Health throughout the pandemic.”
“<BR /> <BR />Now that we are facing a climate emergency, it is essential that the Department for Infrastructure puts the necessary provisions in place to protect communities such as Newcastle from recurring flooding disasters. The flood alleviation plan needs to be carried out now; it cannot wait until next summer, because residents are living in fear of what this winter will bring. Measures need to be put in place now to remedy some of the flooding issues. For example, the Burren River flood defence wall created a dam effect and the water could not get away. Garden sheds, summer houses and garages were all flooded. The wall has double valves to let the water into the river but they are too low. When the water is high, it cannot get back into the river, so the valves need to be raised; that could be done now.”
“Residents had to leave their waterlogged homes with little time to pack a small bag of essentials. The key workers from DFI Roads and DFI Rivers worked tirelessly on the ground, for which they must be commended greatly. However, some might say that the flooding could have been better prepared for. Forward planning might just have been the key to avoiding situations like the one that we witnessed in Newcastle. Could sandbags have been delivered before the onset of the storm? Could the Shimna and Burren rivers have been surveyed for any potential flooding issues, such as falling trees and debris? Could greater measures have been put in place to alleviate the potential threat of the flooding?”
“People were in a state of high anxiety, fearful of another deluge of water. You could clearly see the water flowing down the mountain at great pace.”
“<BR /> <BR />On that Tuesday morning, I stood alongside my Sinn Féin colleagues, unable to comprehend the scale of the disaster that was unfolding before my eyes. There was a need for quick thinking and reactions to help people prevent any more flooding to homes and to help those who had already been flooded. There was a realisation that accommodation was going to be needed for those who could not return to their home. The scene that greeted us was like something from an action film. The water was up over the windscreens of cars that were completely submerged. The emergency services and specialised teams arrived on the scene to rescue those in danger and make the area as safe as possible. Agencies were on the ground, working together to provide sandbags and pump out what they could to limit the damage to homes.”
“On Tuesday 25 August at approximately 9.15 am, the Shimna river again burst its banks and flowed through streets and gardens into homes. This is not the first time that it has happened in the area. The same devastation occurred in 2008, almost to the day, when homes, gardens and streets were flooded and havoc was created for local residents. Personally, I can think of nothing worse. The impact on the residents of Newcastle has been immeasurable. They have been left to deal with homes and contents that were ruined in a matter of minutes. The longer-term implications will be far-reaching — displaced and homeless for months ahead. What has resonated with me is the unseen damage to their homes: the sheer destruction that was caused to anything that got in the way of the raging floodwaters.”
“The sea fishing industry is significant, particularly in the three main east coast villages: Ardglass and Kilkeel in my constituency of South Down, and Portavogie on the Ards peninsula. According to statistics, the sea fishing industry contributed £40 million of gross value to the economy in 2016 and employed 1,790 people in 2017, in catching, processing and marketing. These industries are key to rural communities like those in South Down. It can be argued that there is a real need to ensure that they are profitable and sustainable in the long term, especially with the context of uncertainty around Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. In that regard, future fisheries policy in the North of Ireland, and indeed the island of Ireland, needs to be conscious of the specific needs of these local industries. I support the motion.”
“76 to define the overall length of a fishing vessel. There will be no impact on the administration of the scheme. <BR /> <BR />Markets in Europe and the Far East, where high-value shellfish would normally have been exported, have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, social distancing measures, the closing down of the food industry sector and the closure of many fish counters in retail outlets has resulted in reduced demand for white fish and prawn tails, practically wiping out the sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have witnessed at first hand in the last few months how the community that I live in and represent can work together and provide vital services and support to each other, and of that I am extremely proud. <BR /> <BR />As I represent a border constituency, it would be remiss of me not to mention Brexit. The clock is ticking towards a potentially disastrous no-deal crash-out. The Brexit deadline should now be extended to avoid what will be a devastating blow to our economy. <BR /> <BR />The purpose of both of the statutory rules is to provide financial support to those in the sea-fishing catching sector and the incomes that have been adversely impacted on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs agreed to a minor amendment to SR 2020 No.”
“South Down also has many tourist attractions that the economy relies on, from the St John's Point lighthouse on the coast to the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick. As MLA for the area, I want to promote and support all that is positive about South Down. <BR /> <BR />We also have a constituency with many excellent schools. Teachers, pupils and parents will need help and support in the coming weeks to see our children back at school. Parents and their children deserve so much praise for completing their studies at home in recent weeks in the strangest of times, some with inadequate broadband and devices. To the parents of children with additional and special needs I say that I also hear your needs. I urge the Minister to secure more places in South Down.”
“<BR /> <BR />For anyone who has the pleasure of working, living or visiting in South Down, you will know that it is a beautiful place on this island. It runs from Warrenpoint and Carlingford lough in the south, sweeping the Mountains of Mourne and running as far as the breathtaking Strangford lough and all the towns and villages in between. I am proud of the people whom I represent. It is an area steeped in culture, heritage and tradition. <BR /> <BR />I pledge to work hard to restore services to our local hospitals and to the community that they serve. That is the very least that my constituents deserve. I recognise the hard work and diligence of employees in the health and caring sector as they have battled to keep us safe in the strangest of times. I will continue to support small local businesses in our villages and towns.”
“It is a huge honour for me to speak here today as a Sinn Féin MLA for South Down. I am honoured to continue the work of my party colleague, Chris Hazzard, our South Down MP. He was a fantastic representative for South Down as an MLA and as Minister for Infrastructure and continues to be a breath of fresh air as our South Down MP. I thank him for his guidance and support since taking over from him. I also acknowledge the 16 Sinn Féin councillors in my constituency who have offered their support to me and their hard work and dedication to our constituents. As one of two female Sinn Féin MLAs in South Down, I am extremely grateful to have ongoing support and guidance from my party colleague and friend, Sinéad Ennis.”
“The Minister answered my question about the small business rate relief scheme in his previous answer.”
“I thank the Minister for his urgent briefing to the Assembly today. In particular, it can be challenging for our front-line healthcare staff, who work tirelessly to continue to deliver the services. Can the Minister detail what discussions he has had to date with healthcare trade unions on the ever-moving situation?”
“Thank you. Sorry, there is interference from a phone.”
“The report published in June 2019 highlighted the fact that childcare workers are paid below the median rate of other workers and are less likely to be paid the real living wage, despite the important work that they do. Meanwhile, average weekly childcare spend by workers here is higher than in England, Scotland and Wales. Will the Minister address the issues that affect childcare workers and working families?”
“How will you ensure that all the Departments are signed up to deliver on their commitments in the strategy?”
“Will the Member agree that poverty also plays a huge part in the violent crimes that are a scourge on our society? In my constituency, in the town you are talking of, one evening a child was brought home to his parents by the PSNI for committing antisocial behaviour, which can lead to violent crime. There was only one light bulb in the house — only one light bulb, no food in the fridge, nothing in the cupboards. They had to take a burning light bulb out of the upstairs ceiling and bring it down to light the living room so that the parents could have a conversation with the PSNI about their child's behaviour. A collaborative approach is also needed to deal with this issue, mental health issues, addiction and poverty. It is a huge problem.”