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.”
The complete record
Every one of 612 lines we hold for Harry Harvey, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 13.
“Borrowing capacity needs to be reinstated for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in order to enable it to begin building once again. The Executive must continue to invest in new models of affordable housing, from shared ownership to the new models of affordable renting. <BR /> <BR />Whilst the programme, once completed, will supply the Government with a road map, it will, arguably more importantly, inform the private sector of the Executive's priorities, providing much-needed clarity and certainty for the coming years. The input flowing from the current public consultation will therefore be a vital element of the process and will, hopefully, inform the Executive's discussion of how best to enhance and elaborate on the initial draft framework.”
“Healthcare and waiting times; childcare costs; poverty; the acute need for social housing; and urgent action on water and waste water infrastructure will all be key priorities over the next few years. However, that is not an exhaustive list of the many issues and difficulties that are faced. Whilst not identified in the motion, issues such as the provision of enhanced services around special educational needs, for example, or the requirement for delivery on key infrastructure projects, are equally important. <BR /> <BR />On social housing, for example, my party colleague has been working hard on a housing supply strategy, being aware of the necessity to set out how improvements and investment can deliver 100,000 homes over the next 15 years, with one third of them being social and affordable.”
“I am pleased that some areas on which we are all agreed have already seen action, benefiting homes and families across Northern Ireland on issues such as childcare, resolving public-sector pay disputes and considering departmental budgeting plans to allow numerous projects to be given the go-ahead. Documents that have already been published, such as those on the elective care framework, the early learning and childcare strategy and the childcare subsidy scheme, have been welcomed in their respective sectors. I look forward to seeing how work that is in progress can align with the objectives of the programme and how, in turn, the programme will allow us to identify areas requiring targeted intervention. <BR /> <BR />The Opposition motion highlights several areas that will, no doubt, be front and centre in Ministers' minds.”
“It is important that we can keep track and easily identify delivery against the objectives laid out in the new Programme for Government. That will afford Ministers clarity on Executive priorities and facilitate the scrutiny of performance.”
“In moving the amendment in my name and that of Mr Kingston, I acknowledge the progress that the Executive have made on this subject since their re-formation back in February. The publication of the draft Programme for Government on 5 September marked a key milestone, one that the House has not seen since the last Programme for Government, which was for 2011 to 2015 and was agreed by the then Executive parties. <BR /> <BR />The reality before us is that there is much to be done and little time to do it, a point that I stressed to Executive Office Ministers last week at Committee. Therefore, it is vital that clear Programme for Government objectives form the basis of delivery over the next two and a half years.”
“— any politician who is worth their salt will listen to the developing views and voices of young people, whether or not they can vote.”
“Additionally, consideration must be given to the impact of any reduction in the voting age on the mental health and well-being of impressionable teenagers and to how likely they would be to make informed individual political choices, be unduly influenced by parents and teachers or be impacted by peer pressures. <BR /> <BR />Regardless of our individual views about where the line is drawn on the issue —”
“It is somewhat ironic that some parties in the House that argue to give 16-year-olds more responsibility by allowing them to vote are those that argued for and supported raising the smoking age to 18 and sought to put further restrictions on young drivers and drinkers for their own safety. There is an irony there. <BR /> <BR />Those who seek the extension of the franchise often advance the well-rehearsed argument that young people are affected by decisions taken in this place or at Westminster. That is absolutely correct, but the youngest of children are also impacted by decisions that politicians take. The childcare scheme that the Education Minister recently announced will impact the life of 12,000 children. Do we extend the franchise to them because of that?”
“Much has been made throughout the debate of which rights and responsibilities are enjoyed at 16 and which are reserved until the legal age of adulthood. It is worth remembering that many of the activities that have been mentioned, such as joining the army, getting married and leaving home, are restricted by parental consent, which is legally required. The age for the overwhelming majority of activities and decision-making on issues that involve individual autonomy remains 18. They include, to name but a few examples, jury duty, unrestricted driving, alcohol and tobacco consumption and even the rental of some films and computer games.”
“Today's debate is, therefore, where we believe the line should be drawn and what indicators we should look at to draw that line appropriately. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that, when met with such articulate and engaged young people as those involved in this campaign, the issue before us is difficult. However, when faced with a difficult issue, we have to reach an objective and rational position. We must, therefore, look at the facts. Across the globe, voting rights are generally reserved for adults. Eighteen is the internationally recognised age of adulthood. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child defines children as:”
“However, the vast majority of those who stand to be affected by such a change will not fall into that category. <BR /> <BR />There has been an obvious failing across society and the education system to equip young people for civic life, That is a failing that we should address much more readily regardless of today's debate, which is something that the Alliance amendment seeks to acknowledge. Whilst civic education is most definitely lacking, simply enhancing the curriculum to better address topics such as voting, the political system and general politics will not in itself create a change in adolescents' behaviour and attitude towards engagement with the political system. An inherent maturity is required before an individual is both willing and capable of partaking in the political process.”
“There has been an interesting debate so far on an issue that engages the interests of a specific cohort of young people. I am always delighted to go into schools or to address school groups that are visiting the Building and engage with them on a wide range of issues. Some of those 16- and 17-year olds remind me of a much younger Harry Harvey — a political anorak with strong views and an interest in the political system. I must admit, however, that they are very much in the minority. Most young people are concerned with their studies, their hobbies and the prevailing youth culture at any given time. It is fair to say that the young people who are campaigning for change on the issue are already politically aware and engaged, which is wonderful to see.”
“It is especially powerful when individuals feel isolated and vulnerable. It is vital that individuals living with Alzheimer's or dementia remain an integral part of society and feel valued by it as they find the courage, day by day, to live with their condition. <BR /> <BR />Mark from Belfast, who took part in the recording, said that the initiative has given a voice to the voiceless. I commend the excellent work of Dementia NI and that latest fundraising effort.”
“I pay tribute to the 13 individuals living with dementia who recently joined local members of Rock Choir to record and release a poignant rendition of 'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus as a fundraising effort for Dementia NI. Many will have seen and heard the story over the weekend, as we took time to mark World Alzheimer's Day on Saturday. Those involved in the recording chose that song to challenge commonly held misconceptions about dementia, and they did exactly that. <BR /> <BR />There are few in the Chamber whose family circle or friend group has not been affected by a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia. Some live with the condition for many years, often feeling disconnected from, and unseen by, the world around them. Music, as we all know, has a tremendous ability to connect and unite people.”
“Thank you, Minister. Can you also provide us with an update on how you can ensure that there is a real legacy from the success of our athletes?”
“Like the Minister, I welcome the strategy and the positive difference that it will make to the lives of women and girls in Northern Ireland. What funding has been allocated to the strategy, and where will that funding come from?”
“Minister, what advice can you give to constituents of mine who now face many months of financial uncertainty coming into the winter?”
“What an achievement for Newtownards and the Strangford constituency, with those outstanding athletes representing them in world-class sporting events and setting an example for other young people to reach for their dreams and work hard to achieve them.”
“Ards and North Down Borough Council organised a fabulous afternoon and evening in Conway Square, where Rhys and fellow medallist Jack McMillan from Bangor arrived in style in a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible. They were welcomed back to the borough by phenomenal crowds of well-wishers. The local people enjoyed being able to personally congratulate Rhys on his success, and he stated afterwards that he was overwhelmed by the support from the people of Newtownards. <BR /> <BR />I also congratulate all those from Northern Ireland who took part in the Paralympics, and especially Barry McClements, who is also from Newtownards, on his outstanding performance in the pool.”
“The Paris Olympics 2024 will go down in history for Northern Ireland, with 41 athletes competing — 10 from the Strangford constituency. We congratulate all who participated in the games, particularly the seven who brought home medals: four gold, two silver and a bronze. <BR /> <BR />This afternoon, I especially congratulate Rhys McClenaghan from Newtownards on his outstanding performance in Paris, winning a gold medal in the pommel horse event. That is an amazing achievement for this young man. He has faced disappointments throughout his career, but his determination allowed him to realise his dream this summer. Rhys is now recognised as one of the pommel horse specialists of his generation.”
“When does the Minister intend to announce the commencement of the Ballynahinch bypass? It is not one that he mentioned today. It would certainly help us to get more quickly and safely to the routes that he has mentioned.”
“Does the deputy First Minister agree that the role of the British-Irish Council is as relevant today as it was when it was first created?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, I was going to ask what plans you have to increase the number of specialty training places to ensure that we have a pipeline of new consultants, but you touched on that, so perhaps you could elaborate on your answer a wee bit.”
“Mr Buchanan mentioned the funding, so I will mention the timeline. You mentioned that it will be looked at during the summer recess, which is great. Do you think that the work will be carried out before the winter?”
“Will the deputy First Minister please detail what advertising and publicity will be put in place for the consultation?”
“Will the Minister join me in wishing reigning world and European champion gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan, from Newtownards, well for the Olympic Games to be held in Paris this summer?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Could the Minister update the House on the development of the programme to facilitate autism-friendly visits as part of the strengthening family relations strategy?”
“I thank the Minister for his detailed answer. The resurfacing scheme on the B7 road from Ballylone to Drumnaconagher in Ballynahinch is now almost complete, and I thank him and his Department for that. Will the Minister please advise when the second phase of that scheme is scheduled to take place at the Crossgar end of the B7, as that section is equally broken up and uneven?”
“Without those brave airmen, sailors and soldiers, we might not have had the privilege of living in this democratic and largely peaceful society. <BR /> <BR />Over this incoming week, as we commemorate the events of 6 June 1944, it is important that we remember those who gave so much for our benefit. We thank all of those in that vital operation who willingly played their part. We are immeasurably indebted to those individuals. By remembering those events, we hope to share them with future generations.”
“Mr Speaker, first, I echo your words from yesterday and send my deepest sympathy to our Member Colm Gildernew and his entire family circle on their unimaginable loss at this time. I assure the family of our thoughts and prayers. <BR /> <BR />I wish to speak about the 80th anniversary of D-Day. During the Second World War, 6 June 1944 was a pivotal date: after five years of war, a powerful military force left the United Kingdom, heading towards France to overthrow Nazi Germany. The Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy and battled through the German defences. More than 6,000 ships, 10,000 planes and 150,000 troops formed part of the D-Day operation. On the day of the invasion, thousands lost their lives.”
“I thank the Member for his contribution. <BR /> <BR />We also think of the pollution in Lough Neagh and, more generally, combating pollution, among other issues. <BR /> <BR />It is important that time is taken by the Executive to draft a Programme for Government that not only addresses all the fundamental issues but garners the consensus required to produce a focused and agreed set of priorities. Agreement takes time, and agreement will be required if a Programme for Government is to have a meaningful and lasting impact for good.”
“That is where our focus and that of the Opposition should lie with regard to accountability. <BR /> <BR />As I have outlined, the absence of such a document has not prevented Executive action and decision-making in several key policy areas so far. In addition, it should be noted that neither has it hindered the Executive from outlining some key priorities for the mandate, which include affordable childcare, the need for international economic investment —”
“The Government have an obligation to set out their vision and priorities strategically, and I welcome the opportunity for the newly formed Opposition to scrutinise that. However, a document does not produce results, and it certainly does not equate to delivery. Many a document produced in this place has sat on the shelf gathering dust. Whilst I would not wish to make light of the necessity of a Programme for Government, I caution against fixation on it. The public are not particularly interested in policy documents; they are interested in delivery and the positive outcomes that emanate from the Chamber and tangibly impact their lives for the better. It is on an outcomes-based approach that the public will hold the Executive and individual Ministers to account.”
“The delivery of eight entirely new schools over the next 10 years, alongside extension and refurbishment programmes for mainstream schools, will be welcomed by a sector that urgently needs support to meet the ever-growing demand and prevalence of SEN in children and young people. Other recent announcements, such as £9 million for access to dentistry, alongside wider Executive agreement on a Budget for 2024-25 and the setting of the regional rate, all demonstrate a willingness to ensure that swift action is taken to meet the need and priorities that are being faced. <BR /> <BR />The motion goes on to call for a Programme for Government document, and, of course, we all support that.”
“Civil servants, Health and Social Care (HSC) workers and teachers have been some of those to benefit from the £3·3 billion financial package that emanated from our negotiations with the Government. I am pleased to see the benefit beginning to be felt in people's pockets. I think also of some of the recent announcements by my colleague the Minister of Education, for instance, who is driving some of my party's key priorities. There is an acute need for school building programmes. The funding that he has now allocated to the new special educational needs (SEN) capital programme will make a massive difference to the lives of many families who struggle to meet the needs of an SEN child.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the opposition motion and in support of the amendment. <BR /> <BR />The motion's opening text refers to the challenging financial situation faced by our constituents and by us all. The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite hard on family finances and government finances. Following the return of the institutions early in 2024, I have been heartened to see the energy in the Executive to meet those challenges head-on by taking immediate action in several key policy areas to begin to make a tangible difference to people's lives. <BR /> <BR />The immediate focus has been on the settling of pay disputes for public-sector workers and rightly so.”
“Furthermore, Hamas, in its founding charter of 1988, which was revised in 2017, calls for the state of Israel to no longer exist. It certainly does not recognise Israel or the Jewish nation in any shape or form. Sadly, there is not much hope for a two-state solution when one state cannot bring itself to acknowledge the existence of the other. <BR /> <BR />The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is a cause of grave sorrow to us all, as were the horrifying events that unfolded on 7 October when whole families and communities were butchered at the hands of Hamas or carried away as hostages into Palestine. The war that ensued has continued that pain and has touched and changed thousands of lives. I trust that, soon, we will see the release of the innocent hostages and the cessation of hostilities.”
“Mr Haniyeh, a senior political leader of Hamas, said that Hamas rejects ceasefire agreements by which Gaza would become Singapore, preferring to remain at war with Israel until a Palestinian state is established from the river to the sea. He recently stated:”
“In that context, it is no wonder that Israel stated on 3 November that no ceasefire would be agreed until all hostages were released. A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip took effect from 24 November to 30 November 2023. On 20 December, Israel proposed a further cessation of hostilities for a week in exchange for 40 hostages still held by Hamas. In response, Hamas declined the offer, asserting that the release of Israeli hostages would not be considered unless a ceasefire was put in place first. Such a situation is deplorable. Hostages should be released now to allow for a lasting ceasefire to be enacted. <BR /> <BR />The motion also refers to a two-state solution. For a two-state solution to be possible, both parties must be willing to adopt it.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the motion rightly refers to a ceasefire, we should acknowledge the efforts to achieve a ceasefire over recent months and the lack of interest that the terrorist organisation Hamas has had in reaching a ceasefire with Israel. On 1 November, Hamas stated that it would repeat its 7 October attack:”
“I will speak briefly on the motion. It is a timely reminder of the terrible ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as has been acknowledged. All life is precious, and every loss of innocent life is a terrible event, regardless of the circumstances. Just as was the case throughout our troubled past, there can be no defence of the loss of innocent life, regardless of the perpetrator. Sadly, there are those in local politics and across the international stage who have been all too eager to create mischief and politicking around the ongoing trouble across Israel and Palestine. With that in mind, it is important that we stick to the facts and avoid conjecture as we consider the motion today.”
“Does the Member agree that, sometimes, even just saying, "Hello" makes a difference to people?”
“— but is particularly vulnerable to chronic loneliness: our veterans community.”
“One statistic that stood out for me was the urban/rural divide. One would have expected that rural and isolated areas of the Province would present with higher percentages of loneliness, but that is not the case. In fact, Belfast presented with the highest figure, at 24·9%, with an urban/rural divide of 22·7% urban to 14·1% rural, proving the old adage that you can be lonely in a crowd. <BR /> <BR />I want to highlight a specific group that is often forgotten —”
“The DOH, Health and Social Care, the Loneliness Forum, the tackling rural poverty and social isolation (TRPSI) framework, the various loneliness networks across local government areas and everyone else who works in this space will benefit greatly from a specific government strategy on loneliness. <BR /> <BR />I was shocked to learn from Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) research that one in 20 people in Northern Ireland experiences chronic loneliness. Whilst I am sure that there will be occasions in our lifetime when each one of us experiences a degree of loneliness, the levels of chronic loneliness evidence the size of the societal problem at present. We often focus on groups whom we view as being more susceptible to loneliness, but the NISRA statistics show that other groups are equally affected.”
“As my colleague Diane Dodds said, it is vital that the Government, and funders generally, support organisations that seek to tackle loneliness among the elderly and vulnerable as much as possible. I look forward to the Communities Minister addressing the matter in the time ahead. <BR /> <BR />As I said, many organisations work in this area, but, as the motion implies, in the absence of a clear strategy and a collaborative cross-organisational approach to loneliness, many across the sector have had to resort to a silo approach. We work best when we all work together, so I welcome the proposal for greater governmental structure to support providers in the charity sector that work hard to tackle loneliness.”
“As ever, our faith community is front and centre of that effort, providing space and opportunity for senior groups to meet and organising day trips, lunches and craft evenings that are a lifeline for many people who live on their own. I think of West Winds Community Church and The Warehouse in my constituency, in particular. It is worth remembering that many church organisations not only facilitate such services for our older people but fully finance them. Given that so many funders, including government funders, either preclude them from applying or rule them out, due to the involvement of National Lottery funding, that is an unfairness that urgently needs to be rebalanced.”
“We can all think of older people who led quite socially engaged lives prior to the pandemic but who are now rarely to be found outside the house, largely due to fear. Although we were grappling with an unknown at the time, with the benefit of hindsight, we know that things could have been done differently. We must acknowledge that the House carries a degree of responsibility in that regard and should therefore, similarly, carry a duty to rectify the social harm that is still in evidence among our most vulnerable. <BR /> <BR />Many organisations already do exceptional work across Northern Ireland, particularly with older and more vulnerable citizens, to drive down social isolation and foster healthy, regular relationships.”
“I support the motion proposed by Mr Butler. Colleagues across the Chamber have covered many of the salient points, but I want to hone in on a few of the statistics presented in the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) continuous household survey for 2022-23 in evidencing a few thoughts on the motion. <BR /> <BR />We must first acknowledge not just the presence of loneliness but, more importantly, its prevalence, which all relevant data shows to have increased dramatically in recent years. According to the Action Group on Loneliness Policy, over the past three years, there has been a 3% increase in the number of people in Northern Ireland who report feeling lonely. We are all aware of the long-term impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on exacerbate the issue, particularly among the vulnerable.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. He will be aware that there is huge potential to maximise Ministry of Defence spend in Northern Ireland. My figures are slightly different from his — a meagre £60 per head of population here compared with £340 in the rest of the UK. What support can the Department give to businesses that seek to tender for Ministry of Defence contracts?”