Harry Harvey
Strangford · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Thank you for your statement, Minister. I am pleased to see the non-domestic rates element of the review, which we have called for as a party, progressing.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. You highlighted the Change Maker funding programme and support for 65 grassroots organisations. I am sure that you will agree that it is vital that the benefit of schemes is seen at a grassroots community level.”
“Minister, the thrust of graduated driver licensing is to provide new and learner drivers and riders with better experiences and skills over time, doing so in low-risk environments. There was much consternation across the House and in Committee around the way in which the Minister first announced that plan.”
“<BR /> <BR />Further clarity will be required from the Minister and her officials on a number of proposals, particularly in relation to how the learner logbook will operate and how verification by a qualified driver will be policed in practice to ensure that there is limited opportunity for the abuse of that new element.”
“It is no secret that the cohort of 17- to 25-year-olds proportionately remains the age group with the highest involvement in serious injury collisions on our roads. It is against that backdrop that many of the changes that have been emphasised are to be welcomed as the Department seeks to increase safety on our roads.”
“<BR /> <BR />Minister, if you get a chance, I want you to tell us a wee bit more about the removal of the 45 mph speed limit. Maybe we could have a conversation about it at a later stage.”
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“Deputy First Minister, can you provide an update on the current Victims' Commissioner vacancy, please?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. To build on the success of Olympic medal winners, such as our own Rhys McClenaghan from my constituency, can the Minister update the House on his plan to grow success through legacy funding?”
“Thank you, First Minister. That leads me on to my next question. Opportunities that are brought by events such as the Open, the Giro d'Italia and others undoubtedly put us on the map. Are the Executive actively seeking to attract other sporting events?”
“<BR /> <BR />I trust and pray that the autonomy of local schools, under the direction of boards of governors, will be permitted to continue so that education can be delivered in an environment that is acceptable to the overwhelming majority of parents and pupils and that the Supreme Court acknowledges as much.”
“Our children and young people have benefited greatly from exposure to and instruction in the central tenets of the Christian faith, which is the faith of our nation and of the overwhelming majority of our citizens. It is only right that those who seek an education that exposes them to the central tenets of, for instance, the Catholic faith be permitted to do so. Equally, those who do not wish to avail themselves of such expression of faith are well within their rights to remove themselves from lessons, and they have been able to do so freely and ably in the past.”
“The fact that the matter was before the Supreme Court last Wednesday demonstrates that, despite pupils having the ability to opt out of RE and assemblies in schools, there are those who are determined to impose their position on the majority of parents and pupils in every school sector in Northern Ireland, who wish to maintain their school's Christian ethos. That is deeply concerning. <BR /> <BR />Teachers, priests, ministers and youth organisations in the sector seek to instil in our young people the core Christian values of love, compassion, respect for themselves and others, respect for authority, justice and the rule of law, and the importance of moral guidance in carrying out our duty as individuals in society.”
“I pay tribute to the incredible work of so many Christian youth organisations and Church-led initiatives that engage daily with our children and young people, particularly those that provide content for or conduct school assemblies, RE classes and Scripture Union meetings in schools across Northern Ireland. Members will be aware of an attempt to undermine or remove altogether the Christian ethos in our schools by way of litigation. The Christian ethos has been part of the very fabric of our schools for generations.”
“Thank you for your answer, Minister. How does the Department intend to ensure that patients are informed in a timely manner of the results of the testing?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. There has been extensive commentary about the other social inclusion strategies. Will the Minister ensure that the active ageing strategy is given its proper place and the same prominence?”
“Does the deputy First Minister agree that it is completely unacceptable that any woman in public life should have a fear of violence simply because they are doing their job?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Given that the Chief Constable has recently voiced concerns that officer numbers are at an all-time low, will the Minister be mindful of that and commit to a review of the PSNI's funding, if the report indicates that there are clear difficulties with service delivery as a direct result of minimal funding and reduced recruitment?”
“One thing is abundantly clear: the system has failed those children and their families. I applaud those who had the courage to tell their story and bring that travesty to light. That should not have been required. It now falls to the Department and individual trusts to make good on their promises and ensure that other families will not have to endure the pain that has been evident in the lives of those families.”
“There is an onus, particularly on the South Eastern Trust, to ensure that complex needs cases are given the attention that they deserve and that those families receive appropriate care. Funding has been allocated: it is critical that it is directed to front-line services and to the provision of respite beds and fully trained and professional social services for the families of children with complex needs. <BR /> <BR />Regular overnight respite is paramount for a family to properly function whilst caring for a child. I found the comments of the late Geraldine O'Hagan particularly harrowing as I watched the 'Spotlight' programme. That the provision of children's disability respite care services did not look much different throughout her 30 years of social work should be deeply troubling to us all.”
“In 2020, the number of children with autism or a learning disability was 4,500. Today, it is more than 5,600. Despite the ever-growing need for services in that area, it appears that, in some trust areas, provision has stood still; in others, it appears to have diminished. <BR /> <BR />The 'Spotlight' programme highlighted a societal shame that cannot be allowed to continue. That travesty has been particularly acute in the South Eastern Trust, where 499 children are on a waiting list for disability services. Of that number, 118 are awaiting family support services and 71 are awaiting gateway services. Whilst efforts are being made across all trusts to tackle that crisis in provision, it is unclear, as yet, what impact will be felt among the families who are desperately in need of respite support.”
“I thank the Member for Lagan Valley for securing this afternoon's Adjournment debate on what is a very emotive subject, particularly for the families who are impacted on by the continued lack of respite provision in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust area. Anyone who has watched Tara Mills's 'Spotlight' documentary, 'I am Not Okay', or who has heard the evidence provided to the Health Committee by some of the women who feature in it will have been deeply moved by their lived experiences of life with a child who has severe autism and behavioural problems. <BR /> <BR />My constituency office team has been navigating that system on behalf of families in Strangford who are crying out for respite. Sadly, those challenges are being faced by growing numbers of families.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention. Indeed, we want to invest our money wisely. <BR /> <BR />As I was saying, the Office for Environmental Protection and the UK Climate Change Committee, which are both expert bodies in the field, have ably provided guidance and advice on these matters in the past. I see no need to duplicate their role. At a time when hospitals and schools need funding and families are dealing with the continuing effects of the cost-of-living crisis, I cannot, in good conscience, support the creation of further bureaucracy in the system.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention and comments. We raised our objections at the proper time, thank you. <BR /> <BR />This is mandated in section 23 of the Climate Change Act. How are we to expect that any commissioner will represent value for money when we are coming so late to the game. The Office for Environmental Protection —.”
“Even if we accept that there is some value in creating the position, the role of the commissioner has already been undermined by the failure to consult him on the content of the current carbon budgets and the 2040 emissions targets.”
“I thank the Member for her intervention and comments. <BR /> <BR />Given that my party and the TUV were the only parties to reject the creation of a commissioner initially, it will be interesting to see whether other parties in the Chamber continue their support for the office. It will also be interesting to note whether, when it is created, those parties take any of the advice or recommendations from the commissioner's office under their notice. I suspect that that will be the case only if the new commissioner plays the right tune. When presented with recommendations and advice in the past from UK-wide expert bodies, such as the UK Climate Change Committee, that advice was ignored, as it did not suit parties' political agendas.”
“I fail to see how an estimated annual cost of £1 million to facilitate the creation and functioning of the office of a Climate Commissioner represents good value for money. The existence of a commissioner will do absolutely nothing to address the issues. It must be considered what an additional £1 million could do if it were used to tackle the likes of the Lough Neagh crisis or if it were invested in sustainable infrastructure or in the use of green energy across the government estate. All those examples would represent tangible benefits in addressing environmental issues across Northern Ireland. I am concerned that the regulations merely divert much-needed finance to administrative costs.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention and comments. <BR /> <BR />Let me be clear: legislation to tackle climate-related environmental issues is a necessity. It is vital that, as custodians of the planet and the world around us, we take our role seriously and seek to live more sustainably. Our party continues to champion sustainable industries and efforts to tackle environmental harm as we collectively seek to legislate to protect our natural assets. We cannot, however, permit ourselves to operate in a bubble on the issue, however genuine our motivation may be. <BR /> <BR />There is a cost to everything, and, in an era in which we constantly ask ourselves whether we are getting value for money, I fail to see how the outworkings of the regulations represent value for money to the taxpayer.”
“I oppose the imposition of the outworkings of the regulations, outworkings that will undoubtedly create yet another tier of bureaucracy that Northern Ireland can do well without. Whilst I acknowledge that the Executive Office is legally bound to lay the regulations before the Assembly and create a Climate Commissioner within the mandated two-year period, the DUP position on the issue remains the same as when the Bill creating the office was debated in the Chamber during the last mandate.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Has any initial work been done to establish which sectors will be worst impacted on in this part of the UK specifically?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she have a time frame for bringing an offshore energy Bill to the House?”
“Does the Minister agree that hydrogen can provide benefits right across Northern Ireland and not just in North Antrim?”
“Does the Minister have any concerns about the cost of such a commissioner, particularly given how tight budgets are at the moment?”
“I was delighted to see so many Blesma veterans, members of the public and colleagues in attendance. I urge all Members to familiarise themselves with the invaluable contribution that Blesma makes not only in Northern Ireland but across the United Kingdom and to support it as best as possible. Whether through volunteering, fundraising or simply spreading awareness, we can all play a role in supporting those brave men and women, who have given so much for our safety and freedom. Let us show our gratitude and respect to, and support for, Blesma and the veterans whom it serves. Together, we can ensure that those veterans are not forgotten and that their sacrifices will never be overlooked.”
“Blesma offers a strong community in which individuals who have experienced similar difficulties can connect, share experiences and find comfort and understanding. From supporting prosthetics to providing tailored rehabilitation, Blesma's impact on the lives of our service personnel and veterans is immeasurable. <BR /> <BR />I particularly highlight the exceptional work that Blesma does in Northern Ireland, where our veterans, young and old, benefit from the charity's services. It works tirelessly to ensure that, no matter the injury, every individual receives the care and support that they need to rebuild their life with dignity and hope. On Friday of last week, it was my pleasure to host a fundraising coffee morning in support of the vital work carried out by Blesma.”
“I rise to raise awareness of a very important charity that supports individuals in Northern Ireland who have made immense sacrifices in service to our country: Blesma, the limbless veterans' association. Blesma is a national charity with a strong presence in Northern Ireland, providing lifelong support to veterans and serving personnel who have lost limbs or the use of limbs. Since its foundation over 80 years ago, Blesma has worked tirelessly to support those who have experienced life-changing injuries. Its work goes beyond physical rehabilitation, encompassing emotional and mental health support, advocacy and practical assistance for everyday living. The charity's efforts extend to ensuring that those affected by such injuries do not face their challenges alone.”
“Thank you, Minister. I am sure that you will agree that community service is a useful tool in the youth justice system. Will the Minister consider what more can be done to partner youth justice with appropriate charities to expose these young people to the amazing work that they do?”
“As this is my first time addressing you, Minister, I wish you well in your new post. Minister, my question is on sustainable travel and transport. What further opportunities exist in that area?”
“With the serious pressure on the Education budget, does the Minister expect to be able to fund the strategy?”
“Minister, how do the local impact teams fit with the SEN reform agenda and delivery plan?”
“Will the First Minister brief Members on whether Air Ambulance will remain on the site?”
“The Labour Government have sought to pick the pockets of pensioners and have succeeded. I am thankful to Minister Lyons for his willingness to support our older people through a winter fuel payment this year. The DUP believes that those who have paid in should get out. We will always support our older people.”
“The retention of such individuals in the workforce allows for effective skill transfer to younger colleagues, ensuring that such skills, which are often highly specialised, are not lost to the local economy. In policy areas such as justice and tackling poverty, it is incumbent on the Executive to ensure that the voices of older people are heard and are driving legislative protection. The Justice Minister must redouble her efforts to address emerging threats to older people, particularly in the areas of online financial crime and cold calling scams, and to build on the success of the ScamwiseNI partnership. <BR /> <BR />Age UK has shown that 65,000 households with residents aged over 60 will have insufficient income to cover essential spending this year.”
“With the increased prevalence of multi-morbidity comes an ever-growing need and urgency to integrate care across services and to promote earlier and better-informed conversations about advanced care planning. Long waiting lists and limited cross-service collaboration will hinder the development of a healthy population and lead to misdiagnosis and higher levels of advanced morbidity that could otherwise be prevented. <BR /> <BR />Healthy older people who are receiving appropriate and timely healthcare can continue to play full and active roles in society and particularly in the economy, be it in employment, volunteering or childcare. Their contribution is invaluable and often brings with it a wealth of professional, work-based knowledge.”
“We are all aware of the projected increase in that cohort in society over the next number of years. The anticipated doubling of the proportion of the population that is over 85 will further increase pressure on social care and health services generally. It is vital that preparation begins now, that services that are utilised by older people are supported with ring-fenced funding and that we begin to see evidence of transformation in the provision and delivery of health and social care. <BR /> <BR />Alarmingly, provision in some key areas has reduced in recent years, as outlined by the Commissioner for Older People. The number of care home beds, for instance, has dropped by 28% since 2008, despite the number requiring a care home bed having doubled in that time.”
“I begin by thanking Ms Sugden for bringing the motion to the Floor of the House. For the sake of time, I will focus my remarks on the need for strategic planning for an ageing population in four key areas of society, those being health provision, employment, justice and the impact of poverty. <BR /> <BR />Health and social care provision for older people is arguably the most important service accessed by the over-65 demographic. With passing years and failing health, we all invariably rely increasingly on NHS services, be they general practice or emergency care through to acute, social and palliative care. Our health needs grow in number and frequency as well as complexity as we get older. A functioning NHS is therefore pivotal for a healthy, ageing population.”
“Thank you for your response, Minister. The transition from paediatric to adult care for young adults suffering diabetes can result in a reduction in funding and choice of treatment. How will you address those inconsistencies and ensure safe transition for young diabetics leaving paediatric care?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. He has somewhat answered my supplementary question. As part of ongoing engagement, will the Department be working with counterparts in other devolved regions to lobby the Treasury on that issue?”
“I am sure that the deputy First Minister will agree that the measures to address climate change must be balanced and affordable, particularly in regard to our agrisector. How are balance and affordability being ensured?”
“It is important that, as leaders in our community, we all speak out against persecution internationally and that, as local legislators, we guard against any attempt to dilute freedom of religion and belief here, be it through word or action, however subtle it may appear.”
“Indeed, North Korea remains number one on the watch list, a position that it has held almost every year since 2002. In early 2024, the North Korean Government announced stricter regulations and increased crackdowns. It has been officially reported that the North Korean authorities publicly executed about 30 young teenagers for watching a South Korean drama on a USB drive, and several 17-year-olds were sentenced to life imprisonment or death for similar reasons in June and July 2024. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to the incredible work of Open Doors and other charities working in that space to raise awareness and support those who are being persecuted by Governments across the globe. I also welcome the recent appointment of David Smith MP as UK special envoy for freedom of religion or belief, and I wish him well in that important role.”
“One of the pillars of a democratic society is freedom of religion. From the Glorious Revolution until now, citizens in this part of the globe have benefited from individual rights and freedoms, not least in the area of faith. Sadly, that is not the case elsewhere, particularly for the global Christian community, which suffers more persecution than other faith groups. Over 380 million Christians face persecution and discrimination — that is one in seven believers worldwide. That figure represents an increase of 15 million since last year and represents one in seven Christians globally, according to Open Doors' worldwide watch list 2025. <BR /> <BR />At this year's parliamentary launch of the watch list on 15 January, MPs heard speakers from Bangladesh, East Africa and Nigeria.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker.”
“The DUP has proven time and again that, where efficiency and reform will be of benefit, we will not be found wanting. No one denies the degree of work required to demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of the institutions in making a positive difference to the lives of people, but to say that there has not been progress is not only inaccurate but facetious. <BR /> <BR />'Life in the UK 2024', which is cited in the motion, noted no significant difference in overall collective well-being scores across the UK. It is clear from the report that, despite the attempts of the Opposition to characterise them to the contrary, attitudes here largely mirror those across the UK. The leader of the Opposition should not attempt to misrepresent the report's findings to suit the SDLP's narrative. Public trust in political institutions —.”
“<BR /> <BR />While those achievements should rightly be acknowledged, there is always room for improvement. I think that it was Churchill who said:”
“On that basis, I first acknowledge the hard work done over the past year by the Executive as a whole and by individual Ministers on a range of issues of importance to my constituents. The resolution of a wave of industrial disputes and pay settlements across the public sector has benefited many financially. Delivery by Minister Givan on childcare costs has eased the burden on 15,000 families and working parents. The ongoing work on special educational needs is long overdue and will have a positive impact on education as a whole. The recently published housing supply strategy, the extension of welfare mitigation payments and the strategic framework to end violence against women and girls all point to an Executive working positively to effect change.”
“The past 12 months has shown a willingness on the part of parties in the Executive to work collaboratively for the betterment of citizens the length and breadth of Northern Ireland. People want to see the House and those who sit on these Benches delivering for them on the issues that impact on their daily lives. <BR /> <BR />One feature of the past 12 months has been the depressingly bleak narrative coming from the party of Opposition. Accountability and scrutiny are vital. The presence of an Opposition in the House is welcome on that basis. However, it is important that constructive politics is a feature across all parties in the Chamber, be they parties of government or opposition.”