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.”
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“For those reasons alone, it is important that we look after the welfare of staff, help to ensure that they are not experiencing increased costs at what is already a difficult time and do all that we can to acknowledge and emphasise their daily hard work to look after all of us, protect the lives of others and provide an invaluable service that we could not do without. We repeatedly talk about how grateful we are for the work that our front-line workers do, particularly as we have come out of COVID. This is one way in which we can show our appreciation of that in the longer term and acknowledge the work that they have done. <BR /> <BR />Similarly, the removal of parking charges will be beneficial to patients, particularly those who attend hospital regularly. We talk about cancer patients, dialysis patients and all those patients.”
“While there is free parking in the area near Daisy Hill Hospital, it still means that those who are going on shift at times when it is quieter, whether early in the morning, as it is for many of them, or very late at night, feel totally vulnerable and more at risk at those times. If we are successful in passing the Bill, it would be hugely welcomed by the staff in Daisy Hill Hospital; I know that for a fact. <BR /> <BR />Similarly, in recent weeks, a number of staff from Daisy Hill Hospital had their cars clamped because they were not able to get parked. They had to park where they could, and they ended up getting clamped, whether that was for staying over their time or parking somewhere that they should not have parked. I do not condone that, but it emphasises the need for staff to be able to access proper parking.”
“She was attacked on her way to work, where she saves and protects the lives of others. There was no free parking near the hospital that she could avail herself of for that long period, and she was attacked as a result. It is important to note that context for staff, and that incident sent shock waves through the community. <BR /> <BR />It has also left staff, many of whom have been in contact with me, feeling very vulnerable and fearful that, if they do not use the paid facilities, for which they incur huge daily costs, they are at risk of something similar happening to them.”
“<BR /> <BR />In my constituency, particularly at Daisy Hill Hospital, we have seen the importance of having safe and secure parking for staff. There is a safety element to it. In recent weeks — as recently as 31 January — there was an incident where a doctor was going on shift to Daisy Hill Hospital and was mugged at her car because she had parked on the road outside the hospital.”
“I want to start off by thanking my colleague Aisling Reilly for bringing this really important Bill to the Assembly. I am delighted that it has got to this stage, and that is definitely due to the hard work that she and her predecessor Fra McCann committed to it. <BR /> <BR />It is long overdue that action has been taken with regard to hospital parking charges. As elected reps and as members of the community, we know the impacts of those charges and how they can take a real toll on patients and their families alike and particularly on staff in the context of the rising cost of living, almost daily at this stage. We should be doing all that we can to reduce costs, particularly those that arise for those who are travelling to work and going about their job. It is important that we look at that in the current context.”
“Minister, do you agree that the only way to guarantee that available funds get to our essential services, particularly our very overstretched health service, is for the DUP to end its electorally motivated boycott of the Executive? Is it not long past time that the DUP stopped putting its selfish party political interests before the people?”
“I agree with the Member. As others have said, and as we talked about during the Consideration Stage of the Bill, this is not about censorship. People can still protest on this issue, just not in the vicinity of where the safe access zones will be. The right to protest is not being taken away from them, but, if we were to allow for a reasonable excuse, it might infringe on the rights of the women who are trying to access the vital healthcare that they need at an important time in their lives. I hope that we can pass this today and get it through to the Final Stage.”
“The reason that we are at this stage is that it has had such a huge impact on so many people — as Mr Chambers mentioned, not just women who are trying to access healthcare but staff, members of the public and other patients accessing a range of services within the hospital and healthcare sites. We have to have it nailed down, to an extent, so that there is no ambiguity in the legislation, that it is clear and that the needs and rights of women are protected at every stage. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to seeing —”
“I support amendment Nos 1, 2, 3 and 5. I will speak against amendment No 4, mainly because I do not think that you can have a reasonable excuse for the harassment of women, whether it is intentional or not. We talked about that at length during the debate on the previous stage of the Bill. I fear that, as other Members have said, amendment No 4 could potentially open the floodgates and, in a sense, put the Bill on its head because there could be so many cases before the courts that the legislation would never have any real impact. <BR /> <BR />I go back to looking at how intention is so important, because a lot of the people involved in protests do not necessarily intend to cause the harm that is caused by those protests, whether they are standing with a sign, chanting or raising comments to women coming and going.”
“I did not mention scripture as being the offensive part; I said that the offensive part is when people are blatantly called "murderers". That is the language that is used: "Babies are killed in here". I fully respect people's right to freedom of speech when it comes to their religious views, but the reality is that not everybody using those facilities shares those religious views. That is a debate for another day, but it is important that we cannot use the view of one religious sect to influence others. That is the point that I make: we are talking about the impact on people.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I go back to the point about someone standing somewhere holding, as you say, a placard with scripture on it. I go back to my original points. I get that it may not be covered under current legislation — that is why we are here; we would not be having the debate if it was — but how can it be deemed acceptable that a person can hold a placard outside a facility that claims that a woman going into that facility is a murderer or that a member of staff going into that facility is killing babies? The issue is the impact of that on all those people. That is why we are here today. We are not taking that right away; we are asking people to move somewhere else. Such activity is harmful, plain and simple, to the people it impacts on.”
“As others have said, regardless of their views on abortion, people have expressed their dismay at the protests at our healthcare sites, particularly at Daisy Hill, which is held in the highest regard by us all. It has been widely recognised that the behaviour of many of those protesters towards women and staff is unacceptable. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased that the Bill has reached this stage. As someone who is incredibly frustrated by the lack of clear responsibility for dealing with the range of issues emanating from the protests, I hope that Members will support the Bill moving to the next stage and support it to its conclusion. That will finally provide the Department of Health with the ability to protect its service users and staff from this trauma.”
“Nobody should be faced with that type of behaviour when accessing healthcare. <BR /> <BR />In particular, I welcome amendment No 4, which further clarifies the distance allowed for establishing a safe zone. That concern was brought to my attention, particularly in relation to Daisy Hill, as it was not clear initially whether the safe access zones would be relevant to the front doors of the building or, indeed, at the entrance and exit to the site as a whole, as that is currently where protests take place. Without that clarification, the Bill may, consequently, have had no impact on situations like the one at Daisy Hill. <BR /> <BR />I can say wholeheartedly that, of all the issues that I have dealt with in my time as an elected representative, this is without doubt one of the most important to many people in my constituency.”
“Regardless of the intention of those who are protesting, the language, imagery and behaviour that has been used at protests — it is well-documented — has, and will continue to have, a very damaging and distressing effect on women, if protections are not put in place. <BR /> <BR />Women deserve better: women who have been raped; women who have had the devastating news about a fatal fetal condition of their unborn child; women who, for their own personal reasons, cannot continue with their pregnancy; women who are accessing healthcare or who work on the healthcare sites and who may have suffered pregnancy loss or be experiencing fertility issues. They all deserve better. We have a duty to support and protect women who are going through a very difficult and often life-changing experience.”
“No one is taking that right away from them. What is being proposed is not, as some have alluded to, the creation of a one-world view, nor should it place further pressures on the PSNI, which the previous Member to speak suggested. As the Member for South Belfast Ms Bradshaw said, when people know what the legislation is, they are more likely to say, "Right, well I can't do that". When there is a double yellow line on a road, we know that we cannot park there; we do not need the police to come out every time we think about parking in those places. Putting things in that context supports what she was saying. <BR /> <BR />Safe access zones are about creating safe and neutral spaces to enable incredibly vulnerable women to access healthcare services free from intimidation, harassment and abuse.”
“You either support the protection of women and girls or you do not. <BR /> <BR />I also disagree with the view that the Bill's provisions are a form of censorship. I fully appreciate the right to freedom of speech and the right to protest. However, when those activities are having such a significant impact on so many people, we need to put appropriate protections in place, because it is about balancing everyone's rights. <BR /> <BR />I read the Health Committee's report and the evidence that was given to it by many stakeholders that corroborates the fact that the protests have had real impacts on patients, staff and members of the public. We have been saying that for months. Sadly, those who are so vehemently opposed to the Bill failed to address that in some of their comments. <BR /> <BR />Those who wish to protest can still do so.”
“Other Members will know that this matter is very relevant in my constituency. Ironically, as we speak, there are protestors at my local hospital, Daisy Hill Hospital, who have been there since early this morning. That has been a weekly ritual for the better part of two years that, as in other areas, has caused huge distress and anxiety to many women as they attempt to access abortion services or, indeed, other healthcare services. <BR /> <BR />Over the last number of months in particular, the Assembly has stood united in its commitment to tackling violence and abuse against women and girls. Yet, some Members stand opposed to the Bill, which will protect women from what is undoubtedly targeted abuse of them. We cannot pick and choose what types of abuse we think women should be protected from.”
“To reiterate what you said, Minister, it is very important that we create a positive image of Daisy Hill. That is something that I have been championing in my area. What has happened at Daisy Hill is, basically, a service collapse as a result of staff shortages. You said that recruitment is not within your remit, but the fundamental issue is a lack of workforce planning in the Department. Are you able to outline the other services that may be at risk of collapse for the same reasons? Can you confirm whether the Department's review of urgent and emergency care, which is yet to be published, will consider the crucial issue of workforce recruitment?”
“Minister, can you elaborate a bit more on the work that is being carried out to determine the best model for the infrastructure commission, including its cost and the appointment process?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, I was contacted, as other Members will have been, by lots of constituents who had difficulties in applying through the online service the first time around. You mentioned that the remedy payments will be accessed through an online link. I think in particular of elderly people, because that is certainly one of the issues that have been brought to my attention. Given their needs, will a phone line reopen for those who are entitled to remedy payments, so that they can get updates and check when they will receive the payments?”
“Minister, the South is purchasing fewer products from Britain and is instead using supply lines here in the North. That is certainly positive for us in the North. How is your Department supporting local businesses to benefit from the new trading realities?”
“As others have said, many, in desperation, pay for private assessments to get the support that they need. <BR /> <BR />It is important to recognise how crucial the progression of the Bill is. Whilst I recognise that the responsibility for the delivery of the strategy essentially rests with the Department of Health, it needs full and genuine input from all Departments to close the gaps that have existed for far too long and achieve better service provision and outcomes for individuals and their families and carers.”
“It is a major issue across the board. I recognise the point that was made by my colleague about the need for that to be part of adult services. As someone with experience in adult services, I know all too well how important that is. The frustration and challenges that those parents have to go through to be seen, never mind to eventually get help, is unacceptable. The amendments and the wider Bill will strengthen the support that is offered to people with autism and their families at the earliest opportunity. Families are being quoted long waiting times before being seen, and they know only too well the importance of early intervention for their child or family member's well-being and development. Having to wait any longer than necessary can be detrimental to them in the longer term.”
“One that particularly struck me was a parent who has to carry her seven-year-old child up and down stairs several times a day due to her disabilities. She is waiting for a specially adapted home, which could take up to five years. Obviously, her child's needs are increasing as time goes on, as is the physical, mental and emotional stress that that puts on that parent and the whole family unit. It is an essential need for her child and the whole family to be able to live together in a safe and suitable environment. It is important that housing is addressed, and I really welcome its inclusion in the amendment. <BR /> <BR />The last component that I want to address is early intervention and support. My office regularly supports the families and parents of young children who are seeking diagnoses through health trusts or schools.”
“As other Members have said, it is an important component, as it recognises that one size does not fit all. It is crucial that the strategy is not seen to pigeonhole those with autism as requiring supported living but recognises the needs for housing in general and that every individual will have unique needs and requirements. My office regularly supports many individuals and families to meet their housing needs. It is apparent that there is no blanket solution to address it. Therefore, it is vital that people with autism have options to meet their individual needs. <BR /> <BR />Housing can also put stress on wider family units. I recently dealt with some complex cases involving children and young adults with autism.”
“It will also empower people with autism, their families and carers to access support and up-to-date and accurate information on their changing needs and the needs of their child or family member without having to rely on others to provide that to them. One of the key asks of many of those whom other Members and I have dealt with is to have a single point of contact. Often, they deal with numerous professionals, agencies and services, and, as I said, that adds a lot of stress to a challenging situation. An information service, as referenced in the Bill, as amended, will go a long way towards helping to cut through a lot of that and create a more streamlined system for many. <BR /> <BR />The amendment to include housing is also welcome.”
“From speaking to that group and many others, it is clear that there is still a major issue with a lack of knowledge and understanding of autism by the public and professionals. Many people know of autism, not about autism. In my experience, the lack of understanding by others can be extremely frustrating and can create unnecessary barriers for those trying to access the support that they badly need. We must help to break down those barriers and improve inclusivity for those with autism. Hopefully, the Bill will go some way towards doing that. <BR /> <BR />A regional information service that is accessible in person or remotely should help to provide a real source of support and reliable information to the public and professionals.”
“The inclusion of an information service for people with autism, their families and carers, as well as for professionals who work with people with autism, is to be welcomed. It has the potential to make a huge difference in helping and supporting people to make better-informed choices. <BR /> <BR />Just two weeks ago, I met a group of carers in the Newry and District Gateway Club. They provided me with clear insight into the real challenges that they, as parents and carers, and their children face in navigating a difficult system. People with autism, parents and carers must be central to the development and provision of services. They are the experts in their situations, and they must be listened to and respected in determining the support and assistance that they need.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many families whom I have worked with repeatedly emphasised just how stressful a lack of communication across Departments can be and how it can often add to the many daily challenges that they face. Carers, in particular, deal with a wide variety of people, including OTs, speech and language therapists, GPs, social workers and teachers, to name but a few. Having to keep track of all of that whilst repeating the same information over and over again can be exhausting. Better multidisciplinary and cross-departmental working should help to address that. <BR /> <BR />Building on that, clause 2 sets out additional components of the autism strategy. Each will be beneficial, but I will expand a little on the information service, the amendment to include housing and the early intervention and support service.”
“A crucial part of that is better communication across Departments, particularly across Health and Education, to save the need for information being repeated regularly when coming into contact with the many services with which people with autism engage and to prevent things like clashing appointments in different locations at the same time, which can be hugely challenging for many people who require those services. Important changes such as that can simplify the experiences for persons with autism and their families and carers as they try to navigate services and balance those with their daily routines and lives. They can also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our public services.”
“I, too, support of the Bill and the Committee amendments. I acknowledge the considerable work done by the Bill sponsor, Pam Cameron, and the all-party group on autism. I also pay tribute to my colleague Cathal Boylan, because I know that he has been committed to the issue over the past number of years. <BR /> <BR />The Bill and the amendments aim to strengthen the cross-departmental strategy, as others have said, so that those with autism and their families and carers can be better served by public services.”
“The legislation would effectively retain the status quo in domestic motor insurance legislation and help to protect families and workers from any additional rises in the cost-of-living crisis.”
“We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis — we have all mentioned that today — and we need to help people with the pressures of everyday life that are hurting the most vulnerable most. It is a priority for me and for my party to support families and individuals at every turn. The cost-of-living crisis is especially impactful in the North, as, according to an income tracker, in 2021, families in the North had, on average, £143 a week of spare income at their disposal compared with £246 a week in England, Scotland and Wales. Addressing the cost-of-living crisis must be a priority for us, as representatives of families and workers across the North in these institutions, and we must do everything that we can to help people with the everyday pressures of life.”
“Removing the case law would effectively keep things the same and remove the inconsistency that would have serious implications for the Motor Insurers' Bureau and insurance premiums. <BR /> <BR />The Infrastructure Committee reached out to a number of groups on the legislation and the decision to take it through by accelerated passage. That included the Consumer Council, ABI and the MIB, to name a few, which all agreed with the way forward. I, too, support the Bill to prevent a rise in motor insurance premiums for everyday workers and families, because it has been estimated that, without the Bill, premiums could increase by £50, which is a lot in the current climate. <BR /> <BR />I will end on a wider note.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing this stage of the Bill to the House. I, too, support the legislation, because it will effectively retain the status quo for domestic motor insurance. I appreciate that there was not enough time to get an Assembly Bill through by the conventional route in the current mandate, but I, too, stress that we must avoid taking this path at every possible juncture, because scrutiny is what we do here, and we need to use the correct procedures. <BR /> <BR />Domestic law restricts mandatory motor insurance cover to the use of vehicles on roads and other public places, however action is needed to prevent domestic legislation from being inconsistent with case law, which has a much wider interpretation, as others have alluded to.”
“Special Branch refused to pass on relevant intelligence to investigators. Eyewitnesses to killings were exposed to risk, with their names read out in front of suspects. <BR /> <BR />The report is a devastating indictment of collusion between the British state and loyalist paramilitaries. That is why the British Government want an amnesty for their state forces, their intelligence services and the agents who killed for them, and it is why victims, families, political parties and human rights groups continue to oppose those plans vigorously. <BR /> <BR />It is time to address the legacy of the past by implementing the mechanisms agreed at Stormont House in a human rights-compliant manner to ensure that families are not waiting any more decades for truth and justice.”
“<BR /> <BR />The ombudsman has also said that eight RUC Special Branch agents were involved in 27 murders and attempted murders in south Belfast, with one agent being recruited because of his involvement in the planning, preparation and execution of previous murders. <BR /> <BR />The ombudsman found collusion in each and every killing. Lives could and should have been saved, but warnings about attacks being planned were not passed on, and state agents involved in murder were allowed to kill and kill again. <BR /> <BR />It beggars belief that the RUC handed guns back to loyalist paramilitaries so that they could be used to kill again. <BR /> <BR />The latest report by the ombudsman shows a clear pattern of collusion and cover-up. Evidence and documentation were destroyed, and warnings were not passed on to victims.”
“At the outset, I will say that my heart goes out to the families of the 11 people murdered, who included a 15-year-old boy, and all those injured as a result of collusion between the British state and the UDA. My thoughts are with them today as they try to come to terms with the stark revelations in the Police Ombudsman's report on the deaths of their loved ones at the hands of loyalist murder gangs. <BR /> <BR />It follows previous reports into loyalist mass killings in Loughinisland and Greysteel, carried out using weapons that British state agents helped to import and distribute to the UDA, the UVF and Ulster Resistance. Eighty people were killed with those weapons, and the ombudsman has revealed that those responsible for bringing them in have never been investigated, despite the involvement of state agents.”
“It can be done, while protecting livelihoods and industries across the spectrum. It is up to us to show strong leadership, to have meaningful engagement with the sectors and to bring people along with us. We have one chance to do this and one chance to do it right.”
“My final points relate to the importance of ensuring collaboration and cooperation on an all-island basis in relation to the policies and proposals. That is relevant right across the piece. Not only are our agri-food sectors inextricably linked on a North/South basis — it is essential that that link is continued to ensure that the industry's potential is maximised and that no disparity is inflicted as a result of political boundaries — but there is a real opportunity to explore active travel proposals by sharing good practice with our southern counterparts and creating cross-border linkages to harmonise our efforts across the island. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, despite the attempts to undermine and create fear around the setting of ambitious targets, achieving net zero is a real possibility.”
“Active travel must be an integral aspect of all our lives.”
“Scaremongering and misleading people simply kicks the can down the road and will expedite the problem to the point where the small window of opportunity that we have to take control of our own destiny in terms of climate change will be closed. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the references to transport in these amendments, particularly the move to active travel and the use of electric vehicles. We need to get serious when it comes to improving and enhancing our active travel infrastructure. Like my colleague said, there was a missed opportunity to do that during the pandemic. However, this is not only about putting in place infrastructure; we need to change the cultural mindset to encourage people out of private cars. There is a role in that for all Departments, be that Health, Education or Economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />Like many others, I have met and been engaging with farmers from my constituency, and representatives of the farming community, who are clearly up for playing their part in tackling climate change. In fact, many are already taking action to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to more sustainable ways of working in the absence of any legislative direction. The people on the ground are already in this space, and it is up to us to show leadership and ensure that nothing is imposed on those vital industries. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin fully recognises the crucial role of our agricultural sector. If we are to achieve fair, ambitious and deliverable climate change action, those who would be most impacted on must be part of the solution. Proposals and policies that will support and empower people is how we achieve our objectives.”
“The proposals and policies to deliver the net zero target that has now been agreed by the majority in the House must be developed in partnership with the sectors, communities and industries that will be impacted, and based on a fair and equitable approach with the principles of a just transition at its core. No one should be left behind, and that can be done, even when setting ambitious targets. <BR /> <BR />We have a duty of care to all sectors and communities, but particularly to our farmers and the agricultural community, who will undoubtedly face unique challenges. Therefore, policies and proposals must be developed in consultation with them. It simply cannot be done without the input of those who know best.”
“I, too, will keep my remarks brief. I welcome the opportunity to finally speak in the debate. As my colleague said, it is disappointing that it has taken the Minister this long to finally accept the stark realities of climate change. The DUP's approach of putting its head in the sand has run out of road. It now has to come to terms with the fact that climate change is happening, and we need to act now. <BR /> <BR />Whilst the Minister and the DUP have paid lip service to protecting rural communities and farmers, they have brought about, as others have said, the single greatest threat to our farming community when they lobbied strongly for the Brexit shambles that we are all now paying the price for. <BR /> <BR />Climate change is not based on ideology. It is reality, and we have a small window of opportunity to tackle it.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers. Minister, this is not a one-off report. Following the RQIA report last October on healthcare for vulnerable people in prisons, this report identifies failings in planning and delivering basic and specialist healthcare. Minister, do you accept that immediate action is needed cross-departmentally between Justice and Health and between the South Eastern Trust and the Prison Service to address those issues urgently?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. We all know that the Mournes wildfires caused significant ecological damage. It is important that we get the recovery plan in place as quickly as possible not only to support the Mournes as an area of outstanding beauty but to deal with longer-term issues. If Executive agreement on the plan has been reached, when does the Minister expect implementation to begin, given all that he said in his response?”
“The trust and the Health Minister must urgently bring forward solutions to recruit and retain staff to ensure that we are never faced with a situation like this again.”
“We cannot keep lurching from crisis to crisis, creating instability and fear across our communities. We cannot play games with the lives of people in south Armagh, south Down and further afield, where travelling to Craigavon Area Hospital for urgent treatment is not a viable option. Daisy Hill is a first-class hospital, staffed by committed and diligent workers. Sinn Féin stands firmly with staff, patients and the community on this important issue. We have fought hard over the years, in conjunction with the community, to retain Daisy Hill's services, and we will not stop now. Daisy Hill is the only hospital between Drogheda and Portadown. It is therefore essential that it is in a position to serve the people of that whole region.”
“The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed that only two of the required six general surgery consultant posts have been filled. The pending resignation of another surgeon will further reduce that number. That is another stark reminder of the chronic staff shortages across Health and Social Care. Sinn Féin has been consistent in its calls for the Minister of Health and his Department to come forward with a workforce plan as a matter of urgency. I reiterate that call today. We must have a workforce plan if we are to stop the loss of vital services like these across Health and Social Care. <BR /> <BR />Daisy Hill has been under constant threat over the years, due to lack of investment and poor workforce planning. Enough is enough.”