Karen Mullan
Foyle · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I support the motion but would like it to have gone further. Damp and mould do not exist only in Housing Executive properties, so it is important for us to address and identify solutions for all homeowners. The right to a high-quality, safe and secure place to call home is one of the most basic and fundamental rights in any society.”
“<BR /> <BR />For the purpose of today's debate, I will focus on Creggan in my constituency, where hundreds of homes have been affected for many years by damp and mould because of lack of ventilation and poor insulation. Following the SERC report, surveys were carried out of properties in Creggan in 2015 and 2016.”
“I also carried out an online survey of residents who lived in Housing Executive and housing association properties affected by damp. Respondents outlined timelines of their experiences of damp and mould, with one resident reporting having experienced it for 33 years — absolutely shocking.”
“<BR /> <BR />The extent of the issues facing tenants was initially brought to light by the research carried out by the South Eastern Regional College in 2014. The research found that many homes suffered poor and inadequate levels of thermal protection, resulting in unnecessary energy losses and assumed high heating costs.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I said at the beginning, the Housing Executive is not the only housing provider that needs to act. I want to see the housing associations putting plans in place immediately to address the same defects in their homes, with grants made more widely available to homeowners and those in the private rented sector, so that everyo…”
“Occupational therapy is one of the most important areas of health about which constituents contact my office. I am sure that that is the same for many Members. You have given us an answer, but I want to highlight that, as of December 2020, there were at least 120 occupational therapy staff vacancies.”
The complete record
Every one of 223 lines we hold for Karen Mullan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 5.
“Environmental NGOs have found it difficult to make ends meet during this period. Like other charities and NGOs, they have lost income from donations in other areas. Will the Minister tailor support to meet the needs of NGOs of different sizes and types?”
“Therefore, I call on the Minister of Education to re-evaluate the education model now in practice and to devise and prepare new, sensitive ways of progressing our children through the different stages of primary and secondary education. The old way of doing education will not be compatible with the new conditions and requirements that will be expected from educators or students. We need to get this right. Remember the old saying: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. We cannot afford to fail our future generation of essential workers, leaders and educators.”
“They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, which must include the receipt of a living wage and proper, protected working conditions. We must also strive to support and promote our small and medium-sized enterprise and hospitality sectors, which, in many cases, have taken a major hit to their viability. They are the backbone of our local economies, and we must devise imaginative ways to ensure that they not only survive but thrive. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I believe that we all accept that the pandemic has changed the manner in which we will conduct almost every aspect of our lives. It would be remiss of me, as Deputy Chair of the Education Committee, not to recognise the challenges ahead for our educators.”
“Those workers, be they home-care workers, delivery drivers, shelf stackers, counter assistants or any of the multitude of workers who have earned the description "essential" over the past number of months, must never be left behind again.”
“I speak in favour of the motion and commend its sentiments. However, just to pass a motion in the Assembly is not sufficient; we must convert its sentiments into practical strategy and implement that strategy in full. Therefore, I call on the Minister for the Economy to instruct her officials to begin immediately the process of planning for a just recovery from both the health crisis that we are experiencing now and the economic challenges that we face at the other side of the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />It is not sufficient to join in the weekly Thursday night clap for NHS workers if we do not commit to ensuring that their pay and conditions equal the care and diligence that we demand of the health service. No more should we feel that we can refer to certain grades of workers as "low-skilled"; low-paid, yes, certainly, but low-skilled, no.”
“Poverty is not a fact of life and there should not be an acceptable level of poverty. We have it in our gift to put the eradication of poverty at the heart of everything that we do here. <BR /> <BR />As I stated earlier, in the past 10 weeks, we have had to learn to adapt and work together. In supporting the Budget (No. 2) Bill, let us carry that forward and look to do things differently, ensuring that we protect workers and families.”
“Not only are we obviously very passionate about where we come from but we are passionate about delivering the projects that have been worked on for many years. The recent announcement of match funding for the Derry City and Strabane strategic growth plan and inclusive future fund, alongside the Executive commitment to open the medical school at Magee, are examples of what can and should be done. <BR /> <BR />Following the financial crash of 2008-09, austerity became the default position of the rich and powerful across the world. Working-class people bore the burden while bankers and speculators walked away. When we emerge from the COVID-19 health and financial crisis, we cannot return to the default position of austerity and heap the cost on the poor and low paid.”
“In order to plan for the reopening of schools, the Department of Education will not only need resources but must look within its own budget to areas of work that have not happened in this period and re-profile that money to provide support to our children and young people who are returning to school and to support their mental health and well-being. <BR /> <BR />The childcare sector is almost decimated. We need to ensure that that sector is supported to reopen, provide sustainability and support parents back to work. <BR /> <BR />The Programme for Government and New Decade, New Approach commit the Executive and the Assembly to deliver services and resources based on objective need and to tackle regional disparities. Unfortunately, you have two Derry representatives speaking one after another.”
“As a new Member, I have found the debate to be very interesting and beneficial. When we debated the Budget Bill earlier in the year, we could not have foreseen the devastating impact of COVID. We were very concerned with addressing 10 years of austerity and ensuring that we had the funds available to deliver the commitments that were made in New Decade, New Approach. <BR /> <BR />Today's Vote on Account will allow Departments to spend money to deliver our public services and begin the process of rebuilding our economy. Public services include the education system.”
“The cross-departmental cooperation that has been so successful throughout this crisis must continue. Where opportunities arise and common outcomes can be achieved, we must look at how Departments can share the costs of achieving them. I urge other Members to support today's Vote on Account to ensure that our public services continue to deliver and operate unhindered in what are truly difficult and unprecedented circumstances.”
“That increase made it possible to resolve the long-standing industrial action by teachers. Significant sums of money have been allocated to special educational needs, an area which has been underfunded in recent years, and which has impacted on some of the most vulnerable in our society. Last week's announcement by the Finance Minister of an additional £4 million made it possible to provide financial support to our substitute teachers who have been left without an income since schools closed. <BR /> <BR />All of that has been done in the context of a global health pandemic, which brings not only consequences for the health and well-being of our loved ones, but also very difficult economic consequences. I have said it before, but I will say it again: the difficulties we will face will require new and dynamic thinking.”
“As has already been pointed out, this is an unusual measure that we are being asked to support today but, without doubt, we must do so. The unusual nature of this measure is reflective of the uncertainty that the COVID crisis has brought with it. <BR /> <BR />I will take this opportunity to commend the Finance Minister, and my party colleague, Conor Murphy. Since the outset of this crisis, the Minister has fought not only to save lives, but to protect livelihoods. He has also ensured that resources have been made available to assist those most in need. In my role as my party's education spokesperson, that has been entirely evident from his announcements since the return of the Assembly. The Minister increased the level of funding available to the Department of Education by 11% compared with last year.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, which will be very welcome across many sectors. In particular, the childcare sector, which is struggling very much at this time, will greatly welcome the rate holiday. Sub teachers will also be very relieved today. They have waited for a long time, with bills piling up. I, therefore, welcome the Minister's intervention to provide funds to ensure that those teachers will receive financial assistance. Does he have any idea when those teachers are likely to receive the payments?”
“I call on the Health Minister and the Minister for the Economy to sign off on the graduate entry medical school for Ulster University at Magee without further delay.”
“An area of work that I am keen to see progressed is closing the attainment gap between our most disadvantaged pupils and their better-off peers. In that context, we must seek to ensure a culture of collaboration, joined-up thinking and working across the Executive. Departments should be able to and should be encouraged to share costs in order to achieve common outcomes. <BR /> <BR />Yesterday, in Derry and Strabane, we received confirmation of the long-awaited city deal match funding. That funding can be a catalyst for regeneration after decades of neglect and underinvestment. While it is welcome, further work needs to be done. Derry has an unfortunate history of being ignored and discriminated against when it comes to the development of our universities. Now, we have an opportunity to put that approach behind us.”
“I am hopeful that the additional funding announced by Minister Murphy will help to address some of those difficulties and alleviate some of the other pressures facing children with special education needs and their families. <BR /> <BR />In a short time and in difficult circumstances, the Finance Minister has not only delivered a much-needed increase in the Department of Education's budget but made real-terms increases to all Executive budgets. As the Finance Minister stated, the block grant to the North is still lower than it was prior to austerity, which means that pressures will continue. With those pressures in mind, it is important that we get our priorities straight. We must deliver on the basis of objective need.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Finance Minister's announcement of at least £227 million of additional funding for the Department of Education is hugely welcome and should be commended. That funding boost is, hopefully, the beginning of the turning of the tide in the crisis of school budgets. Our school leaders need to be able to prepare and plan in the confidence that they have the resources that they require to deliver for their pupils. <BR /> <BR />It is also welcome news that over £40 million has been made available for special education needs provision. In recent years, special education has been starved of resources and investment. The Education Authority has consistently exceeded its SEN budget, which highlights the shortfall in the funding that was going to SEN provision.”
“At this stage, however, I pay tribute to our teaching and non-teaching staff, our youth and childcare services and the wider education sector for how they have adapted in order to continue to deliver educational, youth and childcare services. Like every other Department, the Department of Education has had to make changes to its initial budget plans and bid for extra resources to deal with the emergency that we find ourselves in. <BR /> <BR />Last week, the Education Committee had a budget briefing from departmental officials and was informed of some of the changes and the ongoing bids. I welcome that proactive approach and ask the Education Minister to do all that he can to make the necessary funding available to support our day-to-day substitute teachers, who have been without an income since the crisis began.”
“I also send my condolences to John Dallat's family and his SDLP colleagues. Our thoughts are with you all. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for his statement. Today, as the Sinn Féin education spokesperson, I welcome the news that the Department of Education has received an 11% increase on last year in its resource budget. That is the first significant increase in its budget for 10 years. It is a step towards addressing the huge shortfall in the system that came about as a consequence of a decade of Tory policy. The increase in funding for the Department has also made it possible to make a long-awaited pay award to our teachers, and I commend all involved in making that happen. <BR /> <BR />The onset of COVID-19 has brought with it much tragedy and uncertainty.”
“Minister, I thank you for your statement. I welcome your update on the school enhancement programme. For the 16 successful schools and their school communities, it will give a welcome boost to their morale at this time. <BR /> <BR />Minister, before the pandemic hit, I believe, the Department had nearly completed a round of capital applications. In your statement you say that you will return with that announcement in the coming months. Can you give us a clear indication of when that will be?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for his Department's work so far. Minister, I welcome the increase that you have made available to the Department of Education, in particular confirmation for the Education Minister and the Communities Minister that the parents of children who are entitled to free school meals will receive direct financial payment. Will the Minister provide some further detail on the flexibility that he has introduced for procurement? If the Department of Education could follow that flexibility, along with increased funding, that would go a long way to make schools' core budgets sustainable.”
“Those experiences, along with our duty to protect our people, influence our response to this pandemic. <BR /> <BR />As my colleagues have said, we need the public to work with us and heed the advice and stay at home where possible. In normal circumstances, we in Sinn Féin would insist on the most effective and forensic scrutiny of legislation through the procedures available to us. Unfortunately, however, normality is not something that we have the luxury of right now. The absolute priority in the time ahead must be to save lives and protect communities. That is why we will support the motion today. <BR /> <BR />I will finish with a quote from Seamus Heaney:”
“<BR /> <BR />Notwithstanding any of the concerns that I mentioned, the Committee unanimously agreed to support the passage of the legislative consent motion in respect of the provisions linked to education and childcare. I therefore commend those to the House. <BR /> <BR />I will now add a few words as Sinn Féin education spokesperson. As Members have already alluded to, these are truly extraordinary times, and, in times like these, it is often necessary to throw protocol to one side and make uncomfortable decisions. That is what we are doing with this legislative consent motion today. <BR /> <BR />The experiences of countries around the world, in particular the experience of our friends in Italy, in the last couple of weeks are stark examples of the heartbreak and loss that this virus can bring.”
“The schools are anxiously awaiting guidance on social distancing, protective measures and testing. The childcare sector has also highlighted the same concerns. It is our responsibility to ensure that guidance is clear and that our schools and childcare sector is supported and protected in the time ahead. <BR /> <BR />The Bill gives the Department quite a lot of leeway in respect of examinations for GCSEs and A levels. This is another area where further explanation will be required for schools, parents and young people. It is important to note that when the situation is resolved, it may then be opportune to give consideration to our examination system.”
“The Bill permits the Department of Education to close schools and the Department of Health to close childcare settings. Indeed, both Departments will be also be able to provide directions to each kind of setting in order to permit them to provide continuing services for what the Bill calls "specified children". <BR /> <BR />Some principals received clarifying correspondence from the permanent secretary of the Department of Education last week. Despite that, there is still a lack of clarity from the Departments as to how arrangements in schools and childcare settings are going to work during this difficult time. Some principals have communicated that they are unsure about the number of specified children that will be attending their school. I am aware of post-primary schools that opened yesterday with only one or two children attending.”
“I will speak on behalf of the Committee for Education. First, like others, I want to extend our appreciation to front-line staff and key workers, including school leaders and staff. I want to pass on our condolences to the families who have already been bereaved. <BR /> <BR />Yesterday, the Committee for Education considered the relevant aspects of the Coronavirus Bill at an additional meeting, at which a Department of Education official was present. We thank him for attending that meeting. As has been said, these are extraordinary times. Consequently, the Committee agreed to forgo the usual timescales and level of scrutiny for a legislative consent motion.”
“Minister, we live on a small island with many variables in people's lives. We need urgent and decisive action on school closures today.”
“Minister, over the last number of days, I, you and everyone in this Chamber has been inundated by messages from school leaders, trade unions and others about closing. Today, we are hearing about confirmed cases of pupils who have been diagnosed. In my city, the council, community sector and business sector have led the way. They have closed facilities and businesses, and yet we still have children attending school along with a large workforce. We also have people who live in Donegal and cross the border to work or attend school in Derry. It just does not make sense. <BR /> <BR />If a school's board of governors decides to close the school, will there be any repercussions? Today, we are hearing that a third of pupils have turned up to school, so parents have already taken action themselves.”
“I welcome the Minister's ongoing commitment to Derry. Does he intend to provide financial support for the north-west city deal and the Inclusive Future Fund, in line with the commitments in New Decade, New Approach?”
“Further to your answer, Minister, to the Chairperson of the Education Committee and given the EA's internal audit report, which was presented to the Committee last week, what action will your Department take to ensure that there is no repeat of the failings identified into special educational needs practices?”
“A few weeks back, at the Committee, I raised concerns with Education Authority and departmental officials about the lack of support for community preschool facilities and the removal of funding. I know of at least two facilities in my constituency that, despite operating for 30 or 40 years, now face closure. Minister, I ask that you relook at that practice immediately. Otherwise, when we finally get a strategy in place, we will not have the childcare facilities to provide this vital service.”
“<BR /> <BR />I hope that, at the end of the debate, the Education Minister will provide information on the Department's views on the relative value of part-time versus full-time provision, as well as updating us on the interim evaluation and future funding position of Bright Start. Finally, I ask the Minister to tell us about the nature and timing of the legislation that he will need to introduce in order to give effect to the childcare strategy. <BR /> <BR />Speaking as a Sinn Féin MLA, I will now add a few words in support of the amendment. Childcare must be more affordable and accessible. Sinn Féin's aspiration is to have a universal, high-quality system of childcare. Childcare is crucial for parents who wish to remain in employment and to those who want to enter employment, education or training.”
“However, it explained that, depending on the options selected, it might need anywhere between £1 million and £50 million in the next financial year. As we await the Budget for the next year, I encourage the Executive to view the childcare strategy as a priority and allocate resources accordingly. When that happens, it will be important for the Department to set out and explain the options to the Committee and to stakeholders. It will also be important to assure ourselves that educational and development objectives for children are being met, as well as the employment benefits for parents.”
“It also complements early intervention strategies such as Sure Start and measures such as extended schools and nurture groups. <BR /> <BR />When officials came before the Committee a few weeks ago, they talked about up-to-date research and the practices in other jurisdictions. The options appear to include a new childcare offer of 15 hours or 30 hours for all or some three- and four-year-olds. Two-year-olds, it seemed, might also be included. Indeed, there has even been consideration of the wider ambition to extend care to children in other age groups. Some work on that has been taken forward through Bright Start and other funding streams. <BR /> <BR />The Department has asked for £15 million in 2020-21 for childcare.”
“I will begin with a few remarks on behalf of the Committee for Education. The childcare strategy was one of the first, and one of the most important, policy areas that the Committee considered since it was formed in January. The Department of Education has had responsibility for early years educational provision for some time. However, childcare was added to the Department's portfolio only after the Fresh Start Agreement. <BR /> <BR />I do not think that anyone will disagree with the sentiments of the motion. We can all assert that good childcare has a transformative role:”
“<BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin also supports amendment No 2 in the spirit in which it is intended, but I must point out that in no way does that include the current teachers' industrial action, which should and will be sorted in the coming weeks.”
“Parents choose the schools to which they want to send their children for a multitude of reasons. Acknowledging that diversity must be part of the conversation as we explore the prospects of what a single education system might look like. Open and frank conversations about curriculum and ethos will be crucial over the next number of years if we are to realise a truly open and inclusive education system. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to seeing the Executive take the review forward as a priority, and I encourage the widest possible engagement and participation in the process by all stakeholders involved in the provision of education here.”
“<BR /> <BR />The austerity programme pursued by the Tory Government has cruelly left its mark on our public services here, particularly on our education system. In spite of that, teachers and school leaders have delivered a high quality of education to our children and young people, many of whom have achieved great outcomes. However, that should not mask the serious tail of underachievement still experienced by many children, particularly children from working-class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Addressing that issue is also a commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement. I hope to see the Executive advance that area of work alongside any independent review. <BR /> <BR />Our education system boasts a diversity of school types, each with its own distinctive ethos and values.”
“There must be greater progress and political leadership in area planning and the realisation of a truly sustainable network of schools with a high-quality education provision and greater educational outcomes. <BR /> <BR />The education system as we know it is at crisis point. There is no avoiding the need for reform. To shy away from tough decisions now will have devastating consequences for the system, for our children and young people and for our society in years to come. <BR /> <BR />While reform is crucial, we cannot escape the fact that the system requires a significant and urgent injection of cash. In real terms, there is well over £200 million less in the system now than there was 10 years ago.”
“Ever-shrinking school budgets, teacher pay stagnation, crumbling school infrastructure and the rising diagnosis of special education needs have put our front-line services under massive pressure. It is my firm view that the way in which we deliver on our obligations to our children and young people, to our families and to our teachers requires fundamental reform. We must seek to ensure greater efficiency in the system where resources are used to maximise the educational benefits for children and young people. <BR /> <BR />Without predetermining the outcome of any review, there are obvious and practical changes that could be made. We must look to a more cost-effective approach to procurement and trust schools to make decisions that best suit them when it comes to accessing minor works and supplies.”
“The 'New Decade, New Approach' document provided the basis for the restoration of these institutions. Sinn Féin, along with others, placed an emphasis on education throughout the negotiation process, and that, thankfully, was reflected in the final agreement. Amendment No 1 is about bringing the motion back into line with the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach deal. That commitment, as outlined in the amendment, had a level of buy-in from all parties, so we should work to progress it. Agreements have been made before and often only partially implemented. I hope that this agreement really does signify a new approach to how we do politics and governance in this part of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />As part of my work, like many others in the Chamber, I visit schools right across the North every week.”
“Department of Education (DE) England has also produced excellent guidance, alongside a specific helpline for schools. Will the Minister establish a similar group here to update school leaders with emerging advice and practice and to provide advice on preparation for GCSE and A-level examinations?”
“I thank you, Minister, for your speedy response last week to my colleague Caoimhe Archibald. I know that a number of schools were very anxious, so I thank you for that response. <BR /> <BR />Minister, we will, hopefully, welcome you to the Committee on 18 March to discuss special educational needs issues and, of course, a response to the coronavirus. The Committee has written to your Department to seek clarity on trips and deep cleans, so I thank you for your updates today. England, Scotland and Wales have established an education working group specifically on coronavirus under the leadership of EdTech UK and Independent Schools Council (ISC) digital group. It is specific to schools, in order to give emerging advice in practice.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I think he crossed over to speak as Minister of Education. I thank him for his meeting with CnaG and the action he has already taken. I suppose, in working with his colleague in the Department for the Economy, it is about ensuring that the increased resources will be provided to facilitate the teaching of subjects through the Irish medium, as it is the fastest-growing education sector here at the minute.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. You touched on this, but can you identify the stakeholders that your Department is engaging with at a community level that are most impacted on by persistent antisocial behaviour?”
“Like others, I reiterate my good wishes to the individual concerned. I thank the Minister for his update. As Deputy Chair of the Education Committee, I ask him to ensure that he does all that he can to keep schools and parents updated, including providing advice on school trips and returning from trips. Parents and schools are rightly anxious, and I ask that you keep the situation under constant review.”
“Will the First Minister set out the areas of expertise that they will cover?”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the Minister's update that Departments should and will be encouraged to share the costs of achieving common outcomes. The Programme for Government and New Decade, New Approach commit the Executive and the Assembly to delivering services and resources based on objective need and to tackling regional disparities. In the Budget, I urge the Executive to be imaginative and rigorous in their determination to ensure that places such as Derry benefit and develop as of right. To do that, we need meaningful, time-bound targets on job creation and Derry to be connected to Belfast, Dublin and further afield. As a catalyst and as a sign of intent from the Executive, we need 10,000 graduate students in Derry.”
“That highlights the shortage of funding going to special educational needs provision, and the Budget should resource it. <BR /> <BR />Commitments arising from the 'New Decade, New Approach' document will add further pressure to the education system unless accompanied by the associated resources. I commend the work of the Finance Minister in engaging with the British Government to try to get them to live up to their obligations. The Department of Education faces pressures of over £400 million in the coming financial year. The position is stark. With those pressures in mind, there is an onus on Departments to facilitate greater collaboration and cooperation. Over the past number of weeks, the Education Committee has received briefings on that work, but we need to see greater evidence, alongside cross-departmental financial investments.”
“<BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the work of the permanent secretary and officials in the Department of Education over the past three years in bidding for extra funding to stop further cuts and to secure a budget for transformation. It is vital that the transformation project happens and that we show leadership on issues such as area planning. Our education system cannot plan, prepare or function properly if constantly constrained by austerity. We have all heard about teachers having to buy essential items because their school's budget has been stretched too thin: that is unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />As other Members have said, special educational need is a particular area that has been starved of resources and investment. The Education Authority has consistently exceeded its budget for it.”