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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“I thank the Minister for his reply. Is he willing to meet a delegation from the area to discuss the matter?”
“Are the Executive in communication with the families affected by the sub-postmaster convictions?”
“<BR /> <BR />A tragic death on our roads again highlights the issues of road safety, and I will continue to lobby the relevant Departments to maximise the safety of those using our roads.”
“Like Cathy Mason and our brother Nick, I wish to remember Giovanni Buggea, who tragically lost his life in a road incident last Monday evening in Ballynahinch. Members will recall the horrific details of the incident that were reported in the press last week. Giovanni was a regular visitor to my constituency office in Ballynahinch. The community miss his presence in the town where he was seen daily walking through the square. He had a welcome smile, a friendly personality and always had time for a chat. On behalf of the Ballynahinch community, I offer my deepest sympathy to Giovanni's family and friends, locally and in Sicily, where he was born and brought up.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. In the current climate, my supplementary question was going to be about whether the Minister has plans to reintroduce the scheme, so I will just say that it is good news to hear that that will happen later in the month. That will help small businesses.”
“— be that a revamp of urban villages or building successful community schemes.”
“That can be achieved with community buy-in through a bottom-up approach that achieves tangible results. We should focus on what we can do to build on the foundations already laid and what has been successful in the past in our future government-led initiatives —”
“I welcome the Member's comments. <BR /> <BR />The key to building a sustainable and lasting shared future will not be found in attacking someone's freedom to choose, maintain and develop their identity. In recent decades, we have welcomed many thousands of migrants to the UK to work and live, bringing with them an eclectic array of cultures, religions and traditions. We call that "diversity", not "division". There should be no difference in how we view our domestic cultures. Our shared future can and should celebrate such diversity, as it is intrinsic to our identity. <BR /> <BR />As we continue to transition as a post-conflict society, there are undoubtedly areas in which needless financial and social segregation can and should be combated.”
“The motion intimates that there are some by whom such opportunities cannot be accessed. I am interested to know to whom and what that refers, given that we live in a free country and that individuals are at liberty to study where they wish, work where they wish and enjoy whatever leisure activities they wish. Similarly, they have the ability and opportunity to enjoy cultural and identity-based pursuits. The motion appears to cite the example of public services that are not open to all in justification of that argument. That is a very alarming inference to make. If that is believed to be the case, those making the inference should spell out what public services they are referring to and whether they have raised those inequalities with the Equality Commission.”
“I thank the Member and welcome her intervention and comments. <BR /> <BR />I return to the wording of the motion, which acknowledges those who enjoy:”
“Yes, just a wee second. The idea that parental choice can be set aside in favour of one elevated sector is wrong. Go ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />Take education, for example: there is a reluctance by many to recognise that natural integration in the controlled sector, particularly the grammar sector, is just as favourable as that found in the integrated sector. Some would have us believe that integration does not happen outside of the integrated sector: that is an insult to the many schools across Northern Ireland that are often more integrated and diverse in their intake than many integrated schools.”
“A genuine shared future must celebrate, acknowledge and cater for everyone. Community integration can be achieved only through natural permeation. It is a community that integrates. Whilst government can provide tools and mechanisms to support the creation and strengthening of social cohesion across traditional tribalism, it cannot engage in the business of integration itself, nor should it seek to force artificially contrived notions of integration on society. If we mean to be genuinely realistic around the subject and not bandy it about as a fashionable vote-winner, we need to acknowledge that a shared future does not equate to a one-size-fits-all policy.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. It calls, first, on the House to recognise the ongoing need to build a genuinely shared future. Many of us in the Chamber have, for many years, been committed to playing our part in seeing a shared future become a reality. The DUP is focused on making Northern Ireland work for everyone. We are committed to a shared future and to playing our part in building it, provided that it acknowledges and caters for all of our communities and identities across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, on occasion, the genuineness and sincerity of some in relation to a shared future ring hollow when it becomes apparent that their concept of a shared future seems to be to freeze out those with whom they disagree or those who do not fit their narrative.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your response. Further to last week's US visit, can you give us an update on the Department's efforts to attract more US investment?”
“<BR /> <BR />The basic question that faces the Minister and his officials is this stark and sobering one: how many people will we have to lose? How many road users need to be injured before a common-sense approach will be adopted to address the legitimate road safety concerns along the Portaferry Road?”
“History has, sadly, shown the dangers that are associated with the A20. Schoolchildren from the Teal Rocks development are taking their life in their hands on a daily basis as they cross the road for school buses. Motorists who are unfamiliar with the road are met with hazardous conditions during periods of bad weather, with flooding and coastal spray often hampering visibility and impacting on breaking distances dramatically. It is not acceptable that the basic necessity for action to reduce the speed limit is being denied due to policy constraints. This is an occasion when the contextual implications necessitate an exceptional circumstances proposal to reduce the speed limit in order to ensure that public safety is prioritised over policy criteria.”
“I thank my party colleague from Strangford for, once again, highlighting the issue and bringing it to the House. All the elected representatives for Strangford and the wider community have supported for many years the campaign to see a speed reduction along the A20 Portaferry Road. As other Members acknowledged, the A20 Portaferry Road remains one of the most dangerous stretches of roadway in my constituency. We have had ongoing engagement with DFI Roads officials over a period of years, but, unfortunately, the situation remains the same, largely due to policy constraints and the lack of residential frontages that are accessed from the public road. <BR /> <BR />While some road safety enhancements have been made along the road, with additional signage and road markings, speed remains the major concern.”
“Thank you for your answer, Minister. What actions will you undertake to meet those funding challenges and to help to address the shortage of social housing in Strangford?”
“It used to be, in all our centres, that we could walk in and make an appointment. That was great, and a lot of people are now having issues. I am sure that we have all been asked, "Could you book an MOT for me?". That is an issue. <BR /> <BR />Our system is great. I love the way we do things. The system can be fixed. It is much better than the UK system. As I said, a lot more cars are getting tested for their MOT. We will end up driving our cars for 40 years, and they will end up being historical museum pieces. The way things are going, we will not have to worry about the MOT.”
“I welcome the opportunity to say a few words on this topic, and I appreciate the Minister's being in attendance to listen. In the previous mandate, we talked about having a 10-lane super-centre. That was talked about. I do not know whether that was or is a consideration. For years — as long as I can remember — waiting times were around a week til a month. It was recommended that you book your MOT a month in advance. I thought that it was interesting that Peter McReynolds said that 25% more cars have been getting MOT tests in the past year. <BR /> <BR />I have found that it is since the new booking system came into operation, by which you can book your car in for an MOT online, that things have started to go wrong. We had the COVID issues and issues with the lifts. Also, it is not good that there are no staff in our MOT centres.”
“Minister, could you provide me with an update on the challenges that have been presented by the outbreak of bluetongue on the mainland?”
“<BR /> <BR />I also thank the emergency services for the outstanding and efficient manner in which they dealt with the potentially disastrous situation. The first fire crews arrived eight minutes after the initial call at around 6.30 am on Friday. Due to the tireless efforts of the firefighters, the fire was brought under control, which prevented its spreading to other adjoining properties. I also thank the PSNI for its role in the operation in Newtownards on Friday.”
“I will speak about the dreadful fire at Conway Square, Newtownards on Friday morning, when, sadly, Cordners shoe shop was totally destroyed. Cordners has been in Newtownards for many years and employs many local people. The staff have worked there for many years and, as a result, know a lot of their regular customers personally. I offer my support to all those who are affected. Adjoining businesses have also been affected and have to remain closed until the damage is assessed. I know that they will open as soon as is safe and possible. I also offer my support to them. The community spirit in Newtownards has been very much evident and appreciated, and local people and business owners have rallied round those affected. I encourage, where possible, that we continue to support those local businesses in these difficult days.”
“As has often been said, government works only when it works for all. That theme must therefore be central to our focus on any discussion of future reform. If the plan is simply to diminish the voice or representation of one tradition in order to facilitate or bolster the rise of another, such changes are doomed to fail. <BR /> <BR />It is good to see the Assembly functioning once again and commanding the ongoing support of unionists and nationalists. It is for us all to put our shoulder to the wheel and make it work for Northern Ireland. That will be achieved through delivery on bread-and-butter issues that matter to the public. Delivery is where our focus should be. Delivery will cement stability and progress. Only then should we advance proposals for reform.”
“No one can deny that stability was an issue in the past and poses a risk to the House in the future. We must be honest, however, about the root causes of instability. Stability was challenged when the institutions were not functioning for the good of everyone and were not deemed to be representative of all communities. As a party, we have evidenced that we are not afraid of reform of the institutions, where such reform is necessary. Indeed, changes have been made to the petition of concern, for instance, to take into account its impact on Assembly business. <BR /> <BR />It is incumbent on us all to ensure that government works and is seen to work for everyone in Northern Ireland. We are the guardians of that delicate balance and of the need to ensure that, in a divided society such as ours, everyone is at the table.”
“Cross-community consent, and what flows from it, is not the problem, but it seems somewhat that the SDLP, in its recent road to Damascus-style conversion into opposition, believes that it is. It appears that the SDLP feels the need to fix something to which John Hume and others from its ranks were so wedded. The reality remains that 80% of us in the Chamber still designate as either nationalist or unionist. My party and Sinn Féin represent the bulk of Members. As such, wider support for both traditions in Northern Ireland remains the dominant force in politics and must be borne in mind if we are to sustain fully functioning institutions representing and delivering for the people who elected us. <BR /> <BR />The motion raises a valid point about the long-term stability of devolved government.”
“I have listened intently to the points made thus far, particularly by the Opposition, on future reform. It has struck me how little interest or focus seems to have been placed on the principle of consent and how much it would feature in reform as envisaged by the SDLP. I find that concerning, given the importance that the principle of consent has had to politics here for the past 20 years or more. It is no exaggeration to say that politics in Northern Ireland could not function without it. <BR /> <BR />Cross-community consent has got us to where we are. We should not forget that. It has been essential to political and social progress and should be viewed as a positive influence.”
“Does the Member agree that it is vital that we take the opportunity to consider the need for a long-term solution to the flooding issues in Downpatrick?”
“I wish you well on your recent appointment, Minister. The current criteria for assessing the need for banking hubs are quite rigid . Does the Minister have any plans to review the criteria for banking hub eligibility?”
“Does the Member agree that our actions outside the Chamber will matter much more than our words in it?”
“<BR /> <BR />We must be clear by our actions as well as our words that our women are to be valued, respected and protected against the minority who would do them harm, be it physical or emotional. I look forward to seeing the practical outworkings of the strategic framework and to working collectively towards the eradication of violence against our women and girls.”
“It is important to acknowledge the great work that has been done to support women and to tackle the issue of violence against them over many years. Organisations such as Women's Aid have been at the coalface dealing with the ugly realities and outworkings of misogyny and sexism in wider society. I am hopeful that the strategic framework will build on the foundation that has already been laid and provide further support for the organisations and bodies dedicated to supporting women and girls across Northern Ireland. It is astonishing to think that it is estimated that domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland costs £750 million to £1 billion a year. Not only is there a direct and often catastrophic human cost to the victims of such abuse but there is a financial cost as a result of the ongoing prevalence of that societal illness.”
“That aim will be achieved through working together as partners across society, in the public, private and third sectors and in the community, to prevent and eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls. While it is right and proper to have such a document in government, it will be for every sector and every community to buy into its vision and seek to make it a reality, because that will not be achieved by government alone. I am encouraged by the willingness for collaboration that has already been evidenced in seeking to address and tackle the issue. <BR /> <BR />Co-design has been a vital aspect of developing the framework, bringing together expertise and experience from across government and the community and voluntary sector, as well as from lived experience.”
“The first necessity is to acknowledge the existence of the problem. The Executive Office's strategic framework does exactly that, as does the motion. The stark reality is that 75% of girls, even at the formative age of 16, have experienced street harassment at least once in their life. Sadly, such events occurring on our streets mirror the far more serious circumstances faced by too many women behind closed doors. The problem exists, and the message must be that it is wrong, regardless of the form that it takes. <BR /> <BR />The framework's vision is one of:”
“The need to address violence and the causes of violence against women and girls formed a core aspect of my party's Assembly election manifesto in 2022. I am pleased that progress is being made across government, particularly in the Executive Office, on spotlighting the issue.”
“The motion draws our attention to the unacceptable and ongoing issue of violence against women and girls in our society. The issue affects us all and has the potential to affect every home represented in the Chamber. For women and girls, it affects them directly. For men and boys, it has the potential to affect them indirectly, should violence be perpetrated against a female whom they hold dear, be she a mother, a sister, a wife or a partner. In light of that, it is incumbent on us all to be willing to play our part to tackle the issue head-on and tackle its root causes.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. Will you assure the House that you will look at all areas and treat them fairly when you look at the bigger picture?”
“<BR /> <BR />While I am on my feet, I also welcome all the new Members. I am glad that you have the opportunity to participate in the proceedings of this House, and I wish you all well, as I do those who have returned to these Benches. We are all here to help improve the lives of others. That should be our ultimate goal.”
“I rise for the first time in this new mandate with a deep sense of pride. Mr Speaker, I congratulate you on your recent appointment to your new role and wish you well in it. It is a tremendous opportunity and, with that, a huge responsibility. <BR /> <BR />My reason for rising this morning goes much deeper than that. I rise in remembrance of those who have gone before us. Mr Speaker, I think back to what must ironically be exactly 50 years ago when your father, Charles Poots, along with my father, Cecil Harvey, walked these corridors, occupied these rooms and spoke fiercely in this very Chamber. It is them and their memory that I wish to mention today. Both men were elected to the first Northern Ireland Assembly in 1974. Edwin, you and I have many memories of them in this place and in others.”
“Will the Minister highlight what steps he has taken in the past two years to improve our environment?”
“Minister, do you agree that the wildlife intervention is needed to maximise the success of the next phase of the policy, which is primarily vaccination, by breaking the cycle of infection and reducing the infection load?”
“Farming with nature is a key element of the policy, and I welcome the outcomes-based model that it follows. However, Minister, how will you ensure that all land types play their part in delivering for nature?”
“To those of you who will not be standing for election again, I wish you well. I have enjoyed getting to know you all and have really enjoyed working with you. Some of you are in the House today, and others are at home. There are lots of reasons that you will not be standing, but I will miss you, and, as I say, I have enjoyed working with you. I also want to remember those who departed from us early. I wish you well too, Mr Speaker.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the amendment. As was noted at Consideration Stage, my party and I continue to support the passage of the Bill. The 24 months will be useful to provide schools with the time to prepare for the introduction of the legislation. It will also allow for positive conversations with stakeholders. It is worth noting the consensus generated across all political parties for the extension of the implementation time.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. It is good to see her back with us. Will today's announcement of a large number of post-primary-school projects prevent future capital calls from being made for the next decade?”
“<BR /> <BR />Whatever the form or structure of what will fill the void that is left by the dissolution of the GTC, we must ensure that teachers are supported with the best services and functions of a representative body. Those core principles must be protected and will need to be first and foremost for any new body if we are to avoid these difficulties in the future.”
“That was all made very evident by the findings of the effectiveness review, which called upon us to urgently address the problems that had arisen. <BR /> <BR />I know that those in the teaching profession will be pleased that the matter is finally getting the attention that it requires. I agree with the Minister that our teachers deserve and demand better. The Bill will ensure that we can now wipe the slate clean and move forward to consider what should replace the GTC, without fear of the reinvention of an organisation that no longer serves any meaningful purpose. That is without doubt a positive step and will be seen as such across the profession.”
“At the outset, I thank the Minister for the speed at which she has acted to address the issue. It was clear to those of us on the Education Committee not only that the Bill warranted approval but that it should be moved under accelerated passage. I am pleased to see it come to Final Stage. <BR /> <BR />To say that the Baker Tilly Mooney Moore report revealed an organisation in chaos would be an understatement. The findings were all the more alarming given that the organisation was a public body. Those in the profession had been raising concerns about the GTC for some time, including about the lack of leadership in the organisation, the ineffectiveness and lack of professionalism and a systemic atmosphere of aggression.”
“I urge Members to do the right thing by opposing discrimination in our education system.”