Deirdre Hargey
South Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“His double standards, including his condemnation of and opposition to equality and rights for our LGBTQ+ citizens, have caused real harm to others. The revelations about his double life expose the staggering hypocrisy of the DUP's moral facade. We need to know whether failing to act sooner left more vulnerable people at risk.”
“One week ago today, Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 child sexual offences, including rape. That conviction was made possible only by the strength and resilience of the two victims who came forward and reported the abuse. Donaldson was an abuser. He abused children, but he also abused his position in politics and faith.”
“They now say that they knew about his behaviour, but, crucially, they did nothing to expose his inappropriate hypocrisy and double life. The 'Spotlight' programme and other reports have shown that senior members of the DUP — its most senior figures, including the then leader, Edwin Poots — were aware of serious issues and allegations abou…”
“It is therefore not credible to suggest that the intelligence agencies were blind to his compromised double standards and double life. <BR /> <BR />Those questions demand answers from the DUP leadership. They demand answers in the House from the deputy First Minister, who was closely associated with Donaldson.”
“It is clear that there is a huge disconnect between Whitehall and the reality that is being felt by people on the ground. A British Treasury policy that is managing decay, real-terms cuts and disastrous policy decisions such as Brexit or the funding of wars over public services comes on top of existing disparities between how public servi…”
“The answer is not the short-term fixes or cash injections that we have had in the past, which have allowed for the repeated Treasury script of record settlements and inability of the Executive to manage their finances — scripts that are often parroted in the Chamber.”
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“We know that the music industry, in particular, and freelancers — that is an issue that has always come up — are still being impacted now because of the restrictions. We are working with them to look at what immediate supports we can give, but we are also looking at recovery and what can we do, and they are coming up with recommendations and suggestions as well. Freelancers have also been given a place on that task force to ensure that we are listening to their concerns.”
“Yes. I launched the culture, heritage and arts recovery task force just over a month ago. Rotha Johnston is the chair of that task force, and it is made up of a number of representatives from all those sectors right across the North. I wanted to make sure that there was an urban and rural balance in all the organisations that are represented. The task force started work right away in looking at the needs of those sectors going forward. I was glad, obviously, that, in the Budget and through the COVID moneys, I was allocated the amount that I requested to support this work in the time ahead. We are working with the task force to design ongoing supports for the sectors that are still being impacted.”
“One of the areas is working with the community and voluntary sector to ensure that we are responding to its needs. We worked very well with local government over this last year and worked very closely on revitalisation schemes. We tried to get the food support out quickly, and there is a model of good practice. There was also legislation. I accept that it was done very quickly through accelerated passage, but changes were made to, for example, discretionary support, where we increased the income threshold. We also removed certain barriers around that, and that was done at pace. Indeed, there is learning from that, not just for the Department but for the Assembly as a whole, in how we respond to those situations.”
“Obviously, there is ongoing learning. We are still in the midst of responding to the pandemic. Members will remember that, last year, ongoing emergency meetings were called to make sure that, first, we could pay social security payments. Some services were stood down to ensure that that was prioritised, particularly when we saw double the number of people needing those benefits. We stood up the emergencies leadership group, and that worked with the community and voluntary sector at a grassroots level and a strategic level across the North. We want to keep that group going and, indeed, develop it in the time ahead. <BR /> <BR />We are working with the Executive in looking at a social recovery going forward, and that will pick up on lessons learned. Are there things that we can be doing?”
“There has also been, and continues to be, a significant demand for our services and for ongoing assistance, and I believe that a range of measures that I put in place to mitigate the social, economic and well-being effects of the pandemic on our communities have provided a much-needed safety net and paved the way on the journey towards our recovery from the pandemic.”
“I have detailed previously how my Department has worked in partnership across central and local government and with its arm's-length bodies and stakeholders to provide financial and practical support across a range of sectors. <BR /> <BR />Since March 2020, my Department has put in place a range of measures to protect the most vulnerable people in the community, to try to put in place safeguards, and to work with the organisations that they depend upon as a consequence of the unprecedented pandemic that none of us could have foreseen at the start of last year. We have given, and continue to give, practical and financial assistance, and, by the end of the financial year, my Department had provided more than £314 million in financial support and assistance, which I have previously spoken about in the Chamber, through a range of schemes.”
“Obviously, a critical part of the revitalisation will be to make sure that existing stock is maintained. For example, I want to get the Housing Executive building again. That is part of the revitalisation programme. We have had a bigger number of social homes this year. We can be more ambitious if the budget allows and build houses on the basis of where they are needed.”
“As the Member will know, one of the fundamentals of social housing and the reason why the Housing Executive was formed — it is why I will ensure that it is kept — was to ensure that housing is allocated on the basis of equality and where there is need. Fundamentally, any public housing needs to be allocated on that basis going forward. Of course, there are differences in urban and rural areas. Indeed, I understand and reflect that, when you look at the list of areas of need, understanding the differences between the urban and rural context is not a clear picture. <BR /> <BR />As we continue to go forward, I am keen that we build more social homes and upgrade the stock that we have, because it is recognised that the stock is falling apart and the Housing Executive does not have the finances to deal with it.”
“Sorry. We are putting contracts in place to continue that work. I will update the Assembly when we progress.”
“<BR /> <BR />Through the budget, by way of in-year underspends and COVID money, I have been able to direct extra resources into the Housing Executive, which it can then put into its reserves to start to deal with maintenance issues. I know that, soon, at its board meeting, it will come forward with contracts to deal with the maintenance backlog. However, it is a huge problem. That does not get into looking at the green agenda and trying to retrofit properties as we start to go forward. We need to deal with the fundamentals. It is not fit for purpose in its current form. Obviously, I want to keep it as close to its current form as possible. Work is ongoing. <BR /> <BR />As regards the timescale for that, I will present a way forward to the Executive before the end of the mandate. The programme board has been established.”
“The shake-up from the revitalisation programme for housing is desperately needed, because change is needed. <BR /> <BR />The Housing Executive has engaged in a process. My Department, working with the Housing Executive, has set up a programme board to take forward that work. Obviously, the supply strategy is part of that, looking at what the Housing Executive model will be going forward to make sure that it can borrow, because that is one of the restrictions. We have removed the corporation tax issue. I am glad that that was in the British Chancellor's statement earlier in the year. We are looking at the clawback.”
“Again, that feeds into the huge challenges for the Housing Executive and, particularly, its financial viability as it stands. It was pointed out to the House in the November statement, when Carál was in my position, that, unless changes are made now, the Housing Executive could lose nearly half its stock because it cannot maintain the stock that it has. It does not have the finances to do that. We would need over £8 billion overall to look at that in the time ahead. Fundamentally, that means finances coming from the block grant or looking at my Department's budget over an eight-year period and just putting it into rectifying existing properties. Therefore, there are huge challenges. That is twinned with high levels of fuel poverty due to the standards and conditions of housing.”
“That looks at the supply issues to make sure that we meet the needs. It also recognises that we have an ageing population, that people live longer and that they may want to live differently. There are new opportunities to work through local councils, as you will be aware, and the local development plans; indeed, the councils will look at those in the time ahead as they reimagine their town and city centres and how people will potentially live in the future. As part of that revitalisation agenda, we want to make sure that housing meets the growing needs. The housing supply strategy is open for consultation. I ask the Member to make sure that anyone with whom he is engaging, such as communities and activists involved in that sector, engages with that supply strategy consultation.”
“The needs test that is done in order to get points for the points system takes into account the needs of those who need a home. All of that is assessed. That is fed into the social housing development programme to identify standards and what will be needed in following years. In addition, all new build homes are built to lifetime homes standards to ensure that, as people get older, the house adapts to their needs. <BR /> <BR />We have made a statement on the huge changes that we need to make in housing. The system is broken; I have already said that publicly. We are doing the biggest shake-up in housing in 50 years, since the creation of the Housing Executive. Part of the work that will be done to implement that is the housing supply strategy, which will be presented to the Executive before the end of the mandate.”
“I recently approved the new three-year social housing development plan from 2021 to 2024. That contains a further 45 social homes that will meet the needs of elderly residents in that area. Staff in the place-shaping team in the Housing Executive continue to work with registered housing associations to highlight the gaps in supply and identify opportunities to address those needs.”
“Thanks very much for the question. I am aware that the South Antrim constituency has a need for suitable accommodation for those aged 55 and over. The Housing Executive does not hold a waiting list for the over-55s, and the elderly cohort is normally measured by those aged 60 and over. Housing need is met through the reletting of existing social housing and through the contribution of new build homes under the social housing development programme. <BR /> <BR />In the last financial year, 42 properties suitable for elderly tenants were allocated in the South Antrim constituency. Last year, 11 homes that meet the needs of elderly residents were completed in the constituency. Currently, there are 28 homes under construction in the South Antrim constituency that meet the needs of elderly residents.”
“Therefore, accelerated passage of the Bill, extending the existing regulations, which run out at the end of May, until March 2022 and taking out clause 2 will be needed in the time ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />I now want to alert the House to the fact that, as we move to the next stage beyond accelerated passage, I will give a commitment to remove clause 2 from the Bill. The Bill will enable councillors to follow public health advice on social distancing while continuing to participate in democratic local government programmes. It will also extend the provisions on the manner in which persons may attend, speak, vote or otherwise participate in meetings. We are also aware that councils have put a number of contingency arrangements in place in the meantime to enable council decision-making to continue. <BR /> <BR />NILGA has helpfully collated information on the contingency arrangements that each council has put in place. However, those arrangements are suitable only for a short interim period.”
“However, because of the restrictions included in the Act, the legislation permitting the holding of remote meetings ceased to have effect in May 2021. Extending that will require primary legislation. Until the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Bill comes into effect, there will be a gap in legislative cover in respect of council meetings that are held remotely. Even with the COVID situation improving, it is considered prudent to extend those provisions to allow councils to hold meetings by remote means. I have also received representations from the local government sector asking for the provisions to be extended. The Bill will remove the restrictions in the Coronavirus Act 2020, thereby ensuring that the provisions are extended until 6 March 2022.”
“I welcome the opportunity to address the Assembly on this matter. Accelerated passage is not a route that we would normally take, but I am sure that Members will understand the circumstances in which we use it. I know that there has been some discussion about it outside the Chamber. As Members are aware, under Standing Order 42(4), when a Bill is being progressed by way of accelerated passage, the Member in charge of the Bill will explain the reasons for it and its consequences when moving the motion for accelerated passage in the Assembly. <BR /> <BR />In April 2020, my Department made the Local Government (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of District Council Meetings) Regulations 2020 under the powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020.”
“I beg to introduce the Charities Bill [NIA 27/17-22], which is a Bill to make provision about the lawfulness of decisions taken or other things done by staff of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, and about exempting charities, by reference to conditions related to thresholds, from the duty to be registered in the register of charities.”
“<BR /> <BR />With the other amendments that were tabled, it is not that they are necessarily bad; it is just that there have been a lot of calls to make sure that the legislation is clear and concise, not unwieldy and layered. I believe that many of the amendments are not necessary because they are already covered. <BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 14 and 15 are set out in the review. Amendment No 20 is already in the schedule and is set out in the various courts. On amendment Nos 21 and 22 around effectiveness, the implication of provisions will include objective assessment of effectiveness. I believe, therefore, that those assessments and requests are already built in to what I propose in the legislation. I commend the amendments to the House.”
“There have been ongoing engagements with officials in the DOJ and with the Minister on the development of the legislation. You will understand that that will be a matter for that Minister and the Department. Obviously, the DOJ will be aware of the legislation's progress. There has been engagement on various parts of it, and it will be a call for that Department. Once the legislation passes, I will commit to working with the DOJ and the Minister to try to have a system of data that is as robust as possible and can be presented digitally. Again, the costings and all of that will be down to that Department, but I will be keen to work with it to deliver on that.”
“We will try to go lower, where possible, in making sure that it complies with GDPR, so there is a commitment, in progressing this legislation, that we will try to provide as much of that information as possible, as long as it complies with those rules. Of course, the records are not held in my Department but are, in fact, held by the DOJ, which holds the data on the register of licences that go through the courts. Of course, it will depend on the quality of data received. Again, we are more than willing to work with the DOJ and with the courts on the back of the legislation to make sure that we provide data that is as good as possible and at the most local level possible.”
“<BR /> <BR />There has been some discussion on amendment No 16, which relates to an amendment that was tabled by Matthew O'Toole at Consideration Stage. Obviously, the Information Commissioner's Office has determined that a postcode is classed as personal data and that, therefore, there may be GDPR issues with gathering and publicising that data. I can understand issues that people have raised in other circumstances where some of that data has been given in other records. Obviously, there is a commitment from me and my departmental officials to provide the information initially, as was said, at district electoral area level.”
“I thank those who have contributed to the debate, even when their amendments have not been passed. It has shown how important the legislation is. It is historic that we are now finally moving forward on the implementation of this. Obviously, it has been long overdue, and I thank everybody who has made a contribution to it. <BR /> <BR />On the appointment of the independent expert, some of the initial stuff will take at least six months for procurement and for that person to be in post. Again, neither I nor my officials will rest on our laurels, and we will try to speed up where we can. There will not be any undue delay. There is a commitment in the amendment to the legislation that we will have the person in post as early as possible, but it may take at least six months just to get the procurement process in place.”
“I thank the Communities Committee and the Chair for all of the work that they have done to get the Bill to this stage and for working with me and my officials in the way that they have. I thank the Committee for playing its role as a scrutiniser of the legislation. I reiterate my thanks to my officials, who have been on hand for anybody in the Chamber and outside I who has asked to have those engagements. As we move through the implementation of the legislation, once it is signed off by the Assembly, they will commit to continue to do that. They will not wait until Sunday but will do it on the Friday. As I said, they have been proactive since 2005 in trying to get the legislation through, and I know that they are committed to doing that. I express my thanks to the officials behind the scenes in the Assembly in Committee.”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 21 and 22, tabled by Kellie Armstrong, propose that clause 44, which requires the Department to review and report on the implementation of each provision of Parts 1 and 2 of the resultant Act, should include the term "and effectiveness". I have been advised that any assessment of the implementation of a provision would necessarily include an objective assessment of its effectiveness. I do not support the amendment, as I believe that it is unnecessary.”
“The amendment also sets the reporting level of the geographical spread of pubs to district electoral area and requires the Department to include a statement commenting on observable trends. Again, I thank Matthew O'Toole, whose amendment it was, for working with my officials to ensure that there are no practical difficulties in implementing the policy. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 20, tabled by Rachel Woods, proposes that, under clause 43, the Department's guidance should include the detail of the practical implementation, as well as the effect of Part 1 and the resultant Act on the Licensing Order. The practical implementation of the Act is set out in the schedules and the various court rules that accompany it. I do not think that the amendment is necessary. Therefore, I do not support it.”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 15, tabled by Rachel Woods, proposes that the independent review provided for in clause 24 should, as part of its remit, consider the desirability of the social value of public houses carrying out other types of businesses on their licensed premises. I have been advised that an examination of the social benefits or otherwise of the diversity of trade on licensed premises is adequately covered by the terms set out for the review in new clause 24(2)(d) and (e) proposed by my amendment No 14. I, therefore, do not support the amendment. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 16 to clause 25 clarifies that the information that is required to be published annually by the Department relates to the number of pubs and off-licences, not the operation of the entire licensing system.”
“The amended clauses increase the time frame for appointing an independent person from six months to within one year of the Act receiving Royal Assent. The timescale from the completion of the review is increased from one year to two, with the inclusion of a regulation-making power to extend that if necessary. A regulatory power has also been included to allow for the time frame for publishing an action plan to be increased by the regulations if necessary. The remaining changes are to improve the drafting of the clause and ensure its practical implementation. They do not seek to reverse the agreed policy intent. I thank Matthew O'Toole for tabling the amendment at Consideration Stage and for working with my officials to ensure the practical implementation of the policy.”
“The amendment is in response to legal advice received by my Department that the statutory duty placed on the Department of Health to bring forward legislation takes no account of the role of the Executive Committee and could place the Minister in a position of being unable, because of his duty under the ministerial code, to comply with a legal obligation. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 14 replaces and improves the drafting of clause 24, "Independent review of the licensing system and surrender principle", to ensure that there no issues with the practical implementation of the provisions. A number of definitions have also been added as they are stand-alone provisions that are not to be inserted in the Licensing Order.”
“My amendments in group 2 would improve the drafting of the Bill and mainly address the potential practical difficulties in implementation. Amendment No 12 clarifies clause 22, ensuring that the Department of Health not only sets a minimum unit price for alcohol but prohibits the sale of alcohol below that price. The amendment also provides the Minister of Health with the opportunity to explain to the Assembly the reasons that it is not practical to do so within the timescale set, should that be the case.”
“It is about permitting a court to determine an application for an occasional licence and to impose the terms and conditions of that licence as it sees fit. I commend the amendments to the House.”
“I thank everyone who has spoken. Again, I thank the Chair and the Committee for their approach to the amendments. I was glad to work with the Committee to adopt some of the amendments. Many of the amendments are technical and consequential, and, as has been touched on by many members, moving to Further Consideration Stage is a huge step forward. Hopefully, the debate will not be as long as the Consideration Stage debate. <BR /> <BR />Amendment no 5 has been mentioned. The policy for the use of occasional licences at the premises of a local producer was agreed at Consideration Stage. From my point of view, voting against amendment No 5 will not reverse the decision that was made by the House. To reiterate, amendment No 13 is about improvements to the drafting of clause 23.”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 23 to clause 48, which is on commencement and the short title, makes it clear that paragraphs 1 and 14 must be commenced before those paragraphs referenced can be commenced. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 24 to schedule 1, which deals with repeals, improves the drafting of the Bill and ensures that references are consistent between the Bill and the Licensing Order. Those are the amendments in group 1.”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 18 to clause 34 ensures that the number of occasions on which a registered club can be granted a late-night authorisation can be amended by the regulations, which may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly. I thank Andy Allen for identifying the lack of regulatory-making power to amend the number of late-night authorisations for registered clubs, as is the case with licensed premises. That was an oversight, and this amendment now seeks to correct that. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 19 is a technical amendment that clarifies a reference to the Registration of Clubs Order 1996 in clause 37, which is on underage functions.”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 10 seeks to improve the drafting of subsections (4) and (5) in clause 15, which relates to underage functions. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 11 improves the drafting of clause 20, which restricts the advertising of drinks promotions in supermarkets to the area in which intoxicating liquor may be displayed in such premises. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 13 improves the drafting of clause 23, which permits a court, when determining an application for an occasional licence, to impose terms and conditions on the licence. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 17 is technical in nature and makes a grammatical correction in clause 26, which is on code of practice.”
“alongside off-sales premises. There is no specific provision in respect of the conditions under which young people can be in a bar following the inclusion of new articles 52E and 52F, which is the case for all licensed premises with a bar. This amendment means that, if a licence holder wishes to have children in a taproom part of its premises, the child must be seated at a table away from the bar, meals and beverages must be available and the young person must not be on the premises beyond 9.00 pm. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 8 to clause 11 is technical in nature and corrects the relevant cross references. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 9 removes clause 12, which was brought into clause 11 by amendment No 5. Members should also be aware that amendment No 9 is linked to amendment No 5 and, therefore, Members should vote in the same way for both.”
“The amendment also ensures consistency with the Licensing Order in respect of the protection of young people. The Bill currently refers to article 5(1)(m) and premises in article 58 of the Licensing Order:”
“<BR /> <BR />Amendment No 6 corrects references in clause 11. Amendment No 7 to clause 11 is required to maintain consistency with the Licensing Order, ensuring that all premises that can sell alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises are prohibited from allowing consumption outside the area that has been licensed.”
“Amendment No 4 makes the insertion into clause 10, local producer's licence, which clarifies that the general prohibition on selling alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises does not apply to local producers who have a suitability order and authorisation to do so. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 5 moves what was clause 12 into clause 11, as it relates to the sale of alcohol for consumption in a local producer's premises. It also ensures that the Committee's original policy intent regarding the use of occasional licences in taprooms is clear, as I am concerned that the amendment at Consideration Stage potentially did not do that. The amendment clarifies that any part of a local producer's premises that has an eligibility order to sell for consumption on the premises could not be used for an occasional licence.”
“I state at the outset that all my proposed amendments are technical, drafting or consequential amendments. They seek to improve the drafting of the Bill, to ensure the enforceability of some clauses, to maintain consistency with the Bill or relevant parent legislation or to address potential practical difficulties in the implementation. For that reason, I will keep my comments brief, I hope. <BR /> <BR />Amendment Nos 1 to 3 improve the drafting and ensure the enforceability of clause 9, which adds cinemas to the list of venues to be defined as "places of public entertainment".”
“I thank the Chair and Committee, and I commend the motion to the House.”
“The regulations ensure that the compensation provided under the scheme maintains its value relative to inflation. I am sure that all Members will welcome the provisions.”
“The scheme provides financial help to persons diagnosed with this horrible disease or, if the person has died, to their dependants within a matter of weeks of diagnosis and without the need to establish an occupational link or, indeed, a causative link. Therefore, provided that they have not already received a compensation payment from another source, people who suffer from the disease are eligible for a payment regardless of whether they were employees, self-employed or, indeed, have never worked, as was the case, for example, with the many family members who have contracted the disease through cleaning asbestos-covered clothes. <BR /> <BR />For 2021-22, the amount payable, for example, to a person aged 37 or under at diagnosis has increased from £93,827 to £94,296, the same maximum as can be paid under the 1979 scheme.”
“The cancer is commonly found in the lungs and is heavily linked to asbestos exposure. Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, a swollen abdomen, chest pain, a cough, feeling tired and weight loss. It is a long, latent disease. Typically, symptoms come on slowly and, in some cases, 30 to 40 years after exposure. <BR /> <BR />Under the scheme, those who have been exposed to asbestos can claim a lump sum payment if they are not entitled to a payment under the Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers' Compensation) (NI) Order 1979, known as the 1979 scheme, and do not otherwise have a civil claim.”
“The regulations are part of the annual uprating package and increase the compensation payable by the scheme under the Mesothelioma, etc., Act (NI) 2008. Unlike the main benefit uprating order, there is no explicit requirement to review the level of the payments under the scheme each year. However, the regulations have increased the amounts payable by the scheme in line with the rate of inflation. The amounts payable under the scheme have been increased for 2021-22 by 0·5%, which mirrors the percentage increase of industrial injuries benefit in the main uprating order. <BR /> <BR />I will provide some background. Mesothelioma is a cancer that arises in the mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that surrounds the organs in the chest, abdominal cavity and pelvis.”
“Thank you to the Chair of the Communities Committee, the Committee and those who spoke on the motions. The mitigation package was raised. The Member will know that I have legislation ready to go. I have had that legislation ready for some time, and I urge that it be progressed without further delay. I again commend the motions to the House.”
“As a result of the 2021 uprating package, a further £91 million, approximately, will be paid out by my Department to people who are on social security benefits and pensions. This is in addition to any temporary increases in easements that were introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Members will be aware of those increases. <BR /> <BR />I understand that we might like to do more for recipients of social security benefits and pensions, especially in these unprecedented times. However, in relation to the annual uprating order, I simply reiterate that my Department has the power only to make corresponding provisions to the order made in Britain. I therefore welcome Members' support for the uprating order and consequential uprating regulations.”