Liz Kimmins
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I do not know how it will have affected North Antrim specifically unless the Member is referring to something in particular. We all have a responsibility in climate change and what we do to try to mitigate its impacts.”
“As the Member rightly said, removal of the zero-detriment policy is for the AERA Minister, and I have engaged with the Minister on that, as well as on the removal of the statement of regulatory principles and intent. I recognise that removing that would have detrimental impact on future development.”
“In response, we recently developed and introduced new appraisal guidance, which represents a significant and deliberate shift in approach. Under the previous arrangements, schemes were largely determined by a monetised cost-benefit ratio threshold where, typically, projects that fell below a ratio of one did not progress.”
“A number of significant issues have led to that scenario. I assume that the Member is referring to waste water capacity. I have said that NI Water has suggested that it needs between £3·5 billion to £3·6 billion for the next price control period.”
“Recruitment is a key challenge faced by all Departments. In questions to the Minister of Health, my colleague from Newry and Armagh referred to the recruitment issue that recently impacted on Daisy Hill. The challenge is not unique to DFI. I want to put a focus on ensuring that we build our internal capacity and improve staffing levels.”
“The Executive and the Assembly agree that the Executive's Budget is not adequate, which is why we are in that negotiation. When it comes to the capital budget, we have to factor in a timeline for the legal challenge that we are going through. It is unlikely that we will get a decision from the court on this side of the summer recess.”
The complete record
Every one of 2,530 lines we hold for Liz Kimmins, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 44 of 51.
“However, the Minister and officials made it clear that, should car parking charges be removed on 12 May, the trusts would not be in a position to implement a parking management solution that would prevent gridlock at many of our hospital sites. It was said that, at some of the sites, it would not be possible to preserve blue-light routes and protect designated spaces, as the Minister mentioned. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that many Members have received complaints from constituents about problems with parking at various sites, and the Committee was made aware that, without the necessary controls being put in place, the problem would be exacerbated.”
“<BR /> <BR />From the Committee's point of view, accelerated passage is not something that it actively encourages. We all understand the important role that Committees play in consulting the public on legislation and bringing forward amendments following consideration of the evidence provided. However, on occasions, accelerated passage is required if circumstances deem it necessary. The Committee was informed of a number of reasons why accelerated passage for the Bill was needed and of the consequences of its not being granted. We are all aware that provisions in the Hospital Parking Charges Act 2022 were due to come into effect on 12 May 2024.”
“I thank the Minister for his opening remarks and for the opportunity to outline the Committee's consideration of the Minister's request for accelerated passage on the Hospital Parking Charges Bill. The Deputy Chair and I met the Minister and senior officials last Monday, and the Minister outlined the reasons for seeking accelerated passage for the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Following the briefing, officials came to the Committee last Thursday, where they outlined to members the reasons for accelerated passage and the consequences of accelerated passage not being granted. I thank the Minister and officials for that engagement and for the opportunity to further interrogate the reasons for accelerated passage being required for the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today, let us hear the voices of every mum and dad who has suffered the loss of a baby during pregnancy, and let us commit to work together across all party lines to deliver the baby loss certificate scheme.”
“Therefore, we must ensure that any scheme that is brought forward is easily accessed by those in need, so as not to create any additional stress or suffering during what is already a very traumatic time for them. <BR /> <BR />Some fantastic organisations across the North provide invaluable support to help families through their loss: CRADLE, the Little Forget Me Nots Trust, Aching Arms and TinyLife, to name just a few. Those organisations bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help us, as policymakers, to develop the compassionate care and support that bereaved parents need and deserve, regardless of the timing of their loss. Collectively, they have emphasised just how significant the implementation of a baby loss certificate scheme would be in recognising the loss for families and facilitating the grieving process.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst I recognise that everyone deals with their grief differently, it is evident that a baby loss certificate would go some way to providing many families with comfort as they deal with their loss. However, there is so much more that we can do. I commend both my colleagues, the Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, who has committed to work towards the delivery of this scheme, and the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, who is working to expand parental bereavement leave to include those who have lost a baby prior to 24 weeks. <BR /> <BR />Pregnancy and baby loss can be a complex and multifaceted issue, and it is evident that no one size fits all when tailoring support for families who are impacted.”
“Today, we have an opportunity to do the right thing by those parents and put our arms around those who carry that grief by bringing the introduction of the baby loss certificate a step closer. Pregnancy loss affects approximately one in four pregnancies. Sadly, where that loss occurs prior to 24 weeks, the lack of support for and acknowledgement of that baby and their family is stark. What we have heard, loud and clear, from everyone who has kindly shared their story and experience of baby loss, and from the health professionals and organisations that provide support to families following the loss of a child at all stages of pregnancy, is that we need to do more.”
“One dad described how the pain never really goes away, saying:”
“Another lady who had multiple losses said:”
“<BR /> <BR />I take the opportunity to read to you some of the courageous but heart-wrenching testimonies from over 4,000 parents that were submitted to a survey that my party conducted. One parent said:”
“Today, we in the Chamber can take a positive and progressive step forward by officially recognising that loss by committing to deliver a baby loss certificate scheme for parents who lose a child before 24 weeks of pregnancy. By introducing that scheme, we can send this clear message to the parents who have suffered a pregnancy loss: your baby existed; your love was real; your grief is valid; and you are not alone. The certificate will not be just ink on paper. It will be a testament to the love that was felt, the dreams that were woven and the hopes that were held for a precious life that was cut short. It will be a symbol of acknowledgment and remembrance.”
“However, it can also be a time of worry. As a mummy to two boys, I know too well the feelings of anxiety in anticipation of every check-up and scan appointment through your pregnancy and of how you yearn for the regular reassurance that your baby is doing well and is safe and healthy. To be given the earth-shattering news during pregnancy that your baby has sadly passed away is the worst news imaginable for many parents. <BR /> <BR />The devastating loss of a baby during pregnancy is too often overlooked and treated as taboo, with many parents suffering the tragedy alone and feeling that no one will understand the depth of their loss. The heartbreak of losing a baby is a reality that touches the life of countless families around us.”
“Baby Robyn Elizabeth Purvis was born sleeping on 21 April 2023 at just under 17 weeks' gestation. That date will be etched in the hearts and minds of her mum and dad and, indeed, her whole family, who still and always will grieve the immense loss of baby Robyn, particularly as they approach her first anniversary, which is in just under a week. Robyn's parents, like thousands of families across the North who have been impacted by baby loss, had begun to plan for the arrival of their beloved baby from the very first day that the pregnancy was confirmed. The excitement of a new baby gave them much joy and happiness. <BR /> <BR />Pregnancy can be a very exciting time for expectant parents as they build their hopes and dreams for their child and consider who he or she will look like and the joy that the baby will bring to their life.”
“The 'Worried and Waiting' report was published today. Has the Minister had time to consider that report, and does he intend to initiate a child health system review to identify the needs aimed at reducing child health inequalities, as called for in the report?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she outline a timeline for a refreshed international strategy?”
“Sinn Féin will continue to work to achieve that, and I urge all other parties to join us in continuing to press the British Government so that we can deliver, collectively, the quality of healthcare that all of our constituents need and deserve.”
“Until it is stabilised, it is almost impossible to fully realise the significant investment and transformation that every corner of our health and social care system needs. <BR /> <BR />Some of the most basic services that the public rightly expect to have access to are in crisis, with astronomical waiting lists that continue to grow; GP services collapsing; community pharmacy and dentistry on their knees; and funding cuts to vital services such as the Children's Hospice. Those are all strong indicators of the compelling need for our public services to be properly funded. It is untenable that we are expected to continue to deliver public services with the scraps from the Tories' table. When the Assembly was restored two months ago, all parties were united in our call for the British Government to provide funding on the basis of need.”
“I commend my colleague the Finance Minister for her diligence in working in these challenging financial circumstances and for ensuring that a fair pay rise for Health and Social Care workers has been prioritised at the earliest possible stage. <BR /> <BR />It is important to emphasise that it is the responsibility of the relevant Ministers, not the Finance Minister, to make bids and determine how budget allocations are spent. Health is undoubtedly a priority for us all, and the allocation of over 50% of the overall Budget signifies that. However, we also have to be realistic, and every Member in the Chamber knows that the total block grant falls well short of what is needed to stabilise our health service.”
“My hope is that, despite the pressures in the system, we can work together to begin a journey to create a brighter and healthier future for all. <BR /> <BR />I will now make some remarks as Sinn Féin health spokesperson. Our Health and Social Care workers have waited far too long for a fair pay rise, and we need to ensure that that can be implemented at the earliest possible stage. Our health service is on its knees, not least as a result of over a decade of Tory austerity, including cuts of £1 billion imposed by the Tories last year. It is the most vulnerable in our society who feel those cuts most acutely.”
“We must recognise that healthcare requires collaboration, innovation and a commitment to prioritising the well-being of all citizens. While the Budget provides a framework for action, it is up to all of us — politicians, policymakers, healthcare professionals, community leaders and citizens — to work together to ensure its effective implementation and to build healthier communities for generations to come. The Committee will look to work collaboratively with the Minister, health professionals and key stakeholders. It will seek to advocate for equitable access to healthcare services, support initiatives that promote health and well-being and hold the Department accountable for the prudent use of resources allocated in the Department of Health budget.”
“The Committee welcomes the additional funding identified for outstanding pay rises and urges the Minister to continue to meet representative bodies and ensure that pay rises are implemented as soon as possible. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the ongoing and positive engagement that there has been with the Minister to date and with departmental officials since the Committee started to meet. Whilst some of the information that the Committee received has, to be honest, been frightening, we appreciate the work that is undertaken to address the failings in the system. The Committee understands the difficult decisions that the Minister and the Department will have to take over the coming period to address many difficult and pressing issues, including waiting lists, recruitment, workforce retention and pay.”
“The Department has indicated that it has an estimated overspend of over £500 million in 2023-24. The trusts have indicated that they all have a deficit of at least £50 million, and the Department has indicated that it would take more than £1 billion to address waiting lists. Those are considerable pressures. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has heard, in its first set of meetings, about the pressures and stress on the healthcare system. Unfortunately, it is our dedicated and hard-working healthcare staff who are at the end of those financial pressures. I pay tribute to all healthcare staff, who go above and beyond to care for and treat some of the most vulnerable in our society. Those are people in our families and communities.”
“I welcome the opportunity to participate in the debate as Chair of the Health Committee. The health budget makes up just over 50% of the block grant and has significant implications for the health and well-being of the people of the North. It is crucial that we understand its impact and significance. <BR /> <BR />First, let us acknowledge the importance of healthcare in any society. It is the cornerstone of a thriving and prosperous community. The allocation of funds within the Department of Health's budget directly affects the quality and accessibility of the healthcare services available to the citizens in our constituencies. We must therefore ensure that those funds are allocated wisely and efficiently. <BR /> <BR />We are all too aware of the financial pressures facing the Department of Health and the trusts.”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. Based on that, can the First Minister give her assessment of the huge potential coming out of today's meeting and what progress we may see in the time ahead?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I congratulate the Armagh Ladies on their superb win yesterday against the Kingdom of Kerry in Division 1 of the National League final. It was their first appearance in a final, and, no doubt, they are the pride of the county. I would safely say that they are the pride of Ulster on their success yesterday. Ladies' football is up on its hind legs, particularly in Armagh. We are delighted with the win that the girls achieved, and we encourage everybody to get behind them and to support ladies' football in the time ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />At its meeting on 29 February, the Committee agreed that it was content with the policy proposals of the SL1. The Committee then formally considered the statutory rule at its meeting on 7 March and agreed that it would recommend that the rule be approved by the Assembly.”
“Officials outlined that the rule is required as regulations 3A and 19 have sunset provisions that will cease to have effect in the North on 1 April 2024 unless they are extended. <BR /> <BR />During questions, the practical outworkings of why the extension is needed were discussed. Officials stated that the vaccines are procured on a UK-wide basis and that, at present, deployment of vaccinations is determined by the characteristics of the vaccines. We are aware that the vaccine is provided as multi-dose preparations and is not currently available in prefilled syringes. Officials outlined that they hoped that improvements in technology would allow that to change in the coming years. The rule will allow for the continued roll-out of vaccine programmes until a longer-term solution is found.”
“I welcome the opportunity to outline the Committee for Health's consideration of the rule. The Committee was briefed by officials on the rule at its meeting on 29 February. The Human Medicines Regulations govern the arrangements for the licensing, manufacture, wholesale dealing and sale or supply of medicines for human use. The rule seeks to amend regulations 3A, 19 and 247A of the HMRs in order to support the ongoing delivery of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in the North of Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Officials advised members that regulation 3A enables trained healthcare professionals or staff under the supervision of healthcare professionals to conduct the final stage of assembly, preparation and labelling of COVID-19 vaccines.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Although I am probably like a broken record at this stage, and I understand the information that has been provided, I cannot stress strongly enough how critical the situation is. I ask the Minister to please consider a bespoke scheme that will deliver for families that have not been able to access flood insurance and are trying to rebuild their homes but have not been able to do so. It is a critical situation. I ask the Minister to strongly reconsider that.”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. Thank you for providing clarity on the difference between introducing regulations and introducing primary legislation. Can you indicate how quickly that could be done? A lot of Committee members have had difficulty establishing how quickly it could be done if needed.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. In addition to finding that none of the North's rivers had an overall "Good" quality rating, the 'State of Our Rivers' report found that they achieved only a "Moderate" chemical status due to the presence of toxic chemicals in the water. Does the Minister have any other plans to address the presence of those chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) by, for example, following the European Commission's strategy to phase out non-essential chemicals or, at least, bringing us into line with the EU drinking water directive?”
“However, we also take on board that the public health Bill will take some time, and it is also important to note that, if we were to face a similar public health emergency again, it would be crucial that the Assembly and Executive could respond in a timely and effective manner to protect the lives of our public. <BR /> <BR />I have one last question for the Minister. Whilst I appreciate that he is taking into account what is happening across the water, do we have any information on the preparedness across this island, as an all-island approach will be important in any future pandemic or similar incident? I look forward to hearing the rest of the contributions, and I thank the Minister for his contribution so far.”
“The restrictions introduced to control the spread of COVID-19 were needed, and, at the time, they were necessary to protect the most vulnerable. However, as we have been advised, thankfully, COVID-19, while still present, has largely been contained through the roll-out of vaccinations and the hard work of our Health and Social Care staff. <BR /> <BR />As stated in the Department's briefing to the Committee, there are no significant new variants and no significant increases in COVID-19-related hospital admissions. I understand that the public health Bill that the Minister is working on will have significant public health provisions to allow him or subsequent Ministers to act in public health emergencies, should they need to. That would potentially negate the need for these extensions.”
“The Committee agreed that, as the debate was taking place today and Thursday was the last Committee meeting before the debate, it would note SR 2023/139, as there was not enough time to get further clarification on some issues. I am sure that Committee members will raise those matters during the debate, and, should the legislation not be approved, I would be grateful if the Minister could outline what advice he received on bringing forward legislation and what discussions took place with the Office of the Legislative Counsel to identify possible options. <BR /> <BR />I will now speak briefly as Sinn Féin health spokesperson. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most serious global health emergencies that we have faced. The virus wreaked havoc across the world and caused thousands of deaths across Ireland, North and South, alone.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the Committee meeting on 29 February, a number of members indicated that they felt uncomfortable supporting the extension and that they did not have enough information to make a recommendation to the Assembly. Therefore, the Committee wrote again to the Minister to seek further clarification on the time that it would take to bring forward legislation; whether new primary legislation would be required; the timescale for the public health Bill to be introduced; and the current level of risk from new variants of COVID. <BR /> <BR />The Committee considered the Minister's response at its meeting on 7 March, and members felt that they still did not have enough information.”
“Members also asked about the alternative if this rule is not approved by the Assembly. Officials advised that legislation could be introduced at pace but that it would take a number of weeks to do so. <BR /> <BR />Following the briefing from officials, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the rule and write to the Minister to seek further information on whether it was his intention to bring forward a new rule to further extend provisions. The response from the Minister was considered at the Committee meeting on 29 February, and that response indicated that he was minded to seek a further extension until a permanent solution is brought forward in a new public health Bill.”
“The Committee was then briefed on the third, and current, extension rule by departmental officials. At the briefing, members asked officials whether it was the Minister's intention to bring forward a further regulation to extend the date beyond the 24 March deadline. Officials advised that the Minister had not decided at that stage whether to request a further extension and that any decision would be based on up-to-date public health advice. <BR /> <BR />Members then asked officials for information on the current trends in COVID; whether we are seeing any increase in hospital admissions or outbreaks in care homes; and how COVID is monitored and new variants picked up. Officials advised that the situation is constantly monitored and that there are no significant new variants or any significant increases in cases.”
“in the North. <BR /> <BR />In the previous mandate, that allowed the Department to bring forward rules relating to domestic restrictions, travel restrictions and the use of face coverings. At the end of the previous mandate, the Minister brought forward a rule to provide that section 48 and schedule 18 should not expire but be extended by six months to 24 September 2022. The result of that has been three further extensions to prevent those sections from expiring. The first six-month extension was to 24 March 2023, the second was to 24 September 2023, and SR 2023/139 extends that period to 24 March 2024. <BR /> <BR />The Committee, at its meeting on 22 February this year, agreed to note the first and second extensions, as the time frame that they covered had past.”
“I welcome the opportunity to outline the Committee for Health's consideration of the rules before I speak as a Sinn Féin MLA. <BR /> <BR />As the Minister outlined, section 48 of and schedule 18 to the Coronavirus Act 2020 inserted powers into the Public Health Act 1967 to enable the Department of Health to make public protection regulations:”
“We have been campaigning on the A1 for some time. I, too, have met Monica Heaney over a number of years, so I appreciate the Minister's update. Minister, how does your Department plan to address some of the safety concerns? It has been a long-standing issue, and I appreciate that you can go only so far at this stage.”
“I am happy to support the motion, but I urge the Opposition not to get lost in their efforts to grab a headline but instead to join the rest of us in focusing our collective efforts on securing a financial package from the British Treasury that is reflective of the needs of the people of the North and that will deliver a long-term, sustainable footing for our health service and all our public-sector workers.”
“If we do not have adequate finances to pay our health and social care workers a fair wage, not just now but in the future, and do not ensure that they work in conditions that are properly resourced, issues such as the constant firefighting to deal with colossal waiting lists, a lack of respite provision and delayed cancer diagnoses and treatments, amongst the long list of serious issues that our health service faces, will not be resolved. <BR /> <BR />In recent days, I met the junior doctors committee. It will take to the picket lines this week as a result of 30% pay erosion over the past 16 years, yet we ask ourselves why our GP practices are collapsing around us and why we cannot access our GPs. If we do not look after our public-sector workers, we will have no workforce, and no workforce means no public services. Sin é.”
“That is a shameful indictment of just how high on their list of priorities the Tories place those individuals, who work in the most challenging environments and in deteriorating conditions, which are driving health and social care workers away from the jobs that they love in their home towns and cities to the South of Ireland, across the water and, in many cases, to the other side of the world. <BR /> <BR />That continued trajectory is undoubtedly the fundamental issue of the huge crisis that we are witnessing in every corner of our health service.”
“I will not, no. The proposer of the motion failed to acknowledge the role that the Tories play in preventing us from properly investing in our public services, particularly our health service. The SDLP joined the rest of the parties in the Assembly just four weeks ago in passing a cross-party motion that called on the British Government to fund public services here properly and to place public finances on a sustainable footing. Thirteen years of Tory austerity have decimated our public services — no matter which way you package that — including pay for health and social care workers.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is disappointing that the proposer of the motion has allowed the Tories to abdicate their responsibility to fund this place in line with the needs of our people by failing to acknowledge the role that they play in preventing us —.”
“I can safely say that, given Members' speeches, no one in the Chamber would disagree that our public-sector workers should get the pay increase that they well and truly deserve. As other Members have said, we have witnessed, particularly in recent years, during COVID, that it was our front-line public-sector workers who stepped up to the mark and delivered. When the vast majority of other workers had the option to work from home and adapt their working pattern to deal with the public health crisis that we faced, our healthcare workers kept our health service running. As has been said, we came out and clapped for those workers every week, yet, when it came to giving them what they were entitled to, the Tory Government showed that they felt that clapping was sufficient reward for their hard work and dedication.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer on this very important issue. The Minister will know that many of the 17,000 women in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area who are involved in the cervical smear review will still be very anxious. Will the Minister give an update on the review's progress and on when he anticipates that it may conclude?”
“It is unprecedented, but we now have an opportunity to put the wrongs right and try to find a way forward that will provide long-term sustainable solutions. We need effective flood defences and a robust flood response. We also need the insurance system to be looked at, because all those affected have been impacted by the inability to get flood cover. I hope that we will be able to deliver for those people. I thank the Member for bringing forward this topic this afternoon.”
“I do not say that flippantly; that is the reality of what we are dealing with on the ground. We need to see delivery. The flooding impacted not just businesses but so many families in our area. Their livelihoods have been impacted. They are now worrying about how they are going to pay their mortgage and all the other bills that everyone else worries about every day, on top of worrying about how they are going to rebuild their homes and lives. <BR /> <BR />I hope that the Communities Minister will listen to the plight of those families whose lives have been turned upside down. They watch on while other Departments fulfil their responsibilities to deliver for businesses within their remit.”
“The fear that that family, including the children, experienced, and how that has impacted them every day ever since, is just untold. <BR /> <BR />I am so pleased that my colleague has brought the scheme forward, but I hope that the Minister for Communities is listening and watching. We need to see something to support those families. A £1,000 payment does not cut it. I have heard sympathy being expressed from right across the Chamber, and from the different officials to whom I have spoken over the past four months, but sympathy is not going to pay their bills or put a roof over their head, because they are still out of their home. Those children are absolutely traumatised every time that they hear heavy rainfall. They wonder whether their house, or where they are living at the minute, is going to be flooded and whether they will survive.”