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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“<BR /> <BR />It is important to remind Members across the House of how we, over the past 18 months in particular, have lauded the excellent work of health and social care staff and the sacrifices that each and every one of them has made to keep us safe. I truly hope that we will be consistent in our approach and stand up for their right to access their work, free from harassment and distress. <BR /> <BR />One staff member described to me how she had experienced a horrific miscarriage last year and was now heavily pregnant again, which, obviously, is a very anxious time for any woman. She was becoming increasingly anxious, and being faced with those images and scenes was extremely triggering for her. She stated how she found herself being reduced to tears almost every single day in her work when she encountered those protesters.”
“I will put that in context by sharing some of the real-life experiences of staff, patients, parents and other members of the public who have contacted me to highlight how they have been made to feel as a result of the distressing scenes that they have been faced with. In particular, I have received numerous messages from staff working across both sites, all of whom have personal stories. Some described how they were recorded going to and from work and had to ask protesters to allow them to make their way into the facilities. Others reported being subjected to verbal abuse and harassment by some of those individuals while trying to provide a vital service to the public.”
“Nor do I agree with DUP comments that the Bill may lead to the banning of the distribution of leaflets or other information. There are plenty of examples of where exclusion zones apply to lobbying and protesting outside facilities. <BR /> <BR />Both healthcare sites that I referenced offer a wide range of services, including services for children, young people, adults, older people, people with disabilities and people with mental health conditions. All have been subjected to images, slogans, harassment and abuse, which has caused them stress and anxiety as they tried to access the healthcare that they need. I say that with authority because I have spoken to a wide range of people.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I mentioned, since the start of this year, we have witnessed protesters gathering at John Mitchel Place Health Centre in Newry and outside Daisy Hill Hospital. They carry placards depicting distressing images and slogans, and they harass staff and patients as they attempt to access those sites. Although those individuals claim to be trying to help people, that is certainly not the experience of those who have come into contact with the protests. I am yet to see, as my colleague mentioned, any evidence of the positive impacts of their behaviour or the protests at any healthcare facilities across the board. <BR /> <BR />I fully support the right to assemble and free speech, and I disagree with the notion that the Bill prevents any of that.”
“What women have been subjected to is totally wrong, and it is a really sad state of affairs that, in 2021, we are having to put in place legislation to protect women who are trying to access safe and legal healthcare to ensure that they do not have to run the gauntlet of protestors during what is often a very traumatic time in their life. We would be having a very different conversation if we were talking about men —I know that that will not go down well. Not only do those protests have an impact on women accessing abortion, who have, for whatever reason, had to make that very difficult decision and are feeling very vulnerable but, in my experience, they have also had a profound impact on the wider public who are accessing healthcare facilities for a variety of reasons. We need to take urgent, appropriate action to address that issue.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the Bill, which is a very important piece of legislation, If passed, the Bill will go a long way to helping deal with issues that I have been dealing with in my constituency for almost a year now as a result of the huge impact of the protests outside healthcare facilities on the many people who have been in touch with me. The experiences that other Members have detailed in the debate, which have been very disturbing to listen to, are very similar to those that I been listening to from people across my constituency.”
“I ask the Minister whether a feasibility study to extend the programme to Newry has been commissioned, as it has been for Derry. <BR /> <BR />It is inevitable that everyone in the House is in agreement. I ask others to come on board and look at how we can do this together, exploring options and finding ways to address the regional imbalance. That is fundamental. Those who have faced disparity and inequality in the past can no longer be left behind. We want to see equal balance across the North.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. As I said, it is about exploring all options and trying, on a cross-departmental basis, to find solutions for something that is critical. <BR /> <BR />As I said, the block grant has suffered cut after cut as a result of Tory austerity, which has certainly played a significant role in the detrimental position that we are in. That legacy of historical underfunding demonstrates the need for the Department to take the bull by the horns and look at ways to improve its current plan, for example — others mentioned this — by expanding the Living with Water programme outside Belfast to areas such as mine in Newry, which are in priority need of such an integrated approach that seeks to make communities more sustainable.”
“We have learned that NI Water is currently unable to draw down money because of its large government subsidy and its status as a non-departmental public body. In the South, meanwhile, Irish Water can go to the money markets to borrow and raise bond finance. In 2018, over 70% of its revenue was derived from government subsidy. That could be a solution to addressing some of the issues that we have raised today. I therefore ask the Minister to explore options to enable NI Water to draw down more funding within the existing model.”
“Maybe if the Minister and her party colleagues who went to Westminster to stand up to Boris cannot sway the Tories to review the block grant, we need to start thinking outside the box. Unlike others who want to stand up here and just blame everyone in the House, I want to look for solutions.”
“It is clear that the financial package was inadequate to fund public services, even prior to the onset of COVID.”
“It is inevitable that the need will continue to be critical as the capital requirement continues to grow. To give a sense of what we are dealing with, £300 million will be needed next year and £400 million the following year. <BR /> <BR />However, in true form, as many have mentioned, the British Government reneged on a substantial number of their financial promises immediately after the NDNA agreement was reached. One of those was the commitment to:”
“<BR /> <BR />This year, the Department has committed £215 million, which is actually over and above the full funding requirement as determined by the Utility Regulator. It is very welcome that the Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has recognised the importance of making that allocation despite the Executive receiving a standstill resource Budget. Yesterday, whilst the SDLP was pontificating about meeting the shortfall from the Tory austerity Budget that we have been left with, our Ministers were trying to find ways to do what they can, within the constraints, to find the funding for areas where it is needed. <BR /> <BR />It is no secret that long-term, sustainable funding is needed to address the historical underinvestment in our water and sewerage infrastructure.”
“Whilst NI Water staff are actively working on the ground to deal with that, the underlying problem is the network capacity. <BR /> <BR />As many have mentioned, the NI Water slogan, "no drains, no cranes", has rightly been re-emphasised. The slogan is an important focus for us all because it encapsulates the impact on our communities if the issue is not addressed. <BR /> <BR />In addition to the obvious problems associated with waste water infrastructure, a key priority for my party is to ensure that those issues are addressed in the whole of the North in an equal manner that does not facilitate further regional inequalities. NI Water has identified that a total of £21 billion is required for its 2021 to 2027 business plan, known as PC21. That will enable appropriate action to be taken to improve the capacity issues.”
“<BR /> <BR />In my constituency, Newry city is one of the key areas that has seen the detrimental effects of the lack of investment in waste water infrastructure. I am aware of a current social housing development that is already experiencing delays due to network capacity issues. If that is not addressed, there will be serious implications for future housing provision in the Newry area. Therefore, it is imperative that solutions are found across the board. <BR /> <BR />Similarly, the Meadow area of Newry has had long-standing problems with the sewerage system that spans decades. Today, in the area, residents are experiencing sewage overflow into their gardens, and there are problems with domestic toilets and waste water systems.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on this important motion. As others have said, waste water infrastructure across the North is in a dire situation, and it is essential that urgent action is taken to address that. As my colleague said, this is not about blaming the Minister; it is about underinvestment. It is about the House coming together to recognise the need to consider the other options that may be available. <BR /> <BR />Currently, there are well over 100 areas where the infrastructure for waste water and sewerage is at capacity. As everyone has said, that has a significant impact on existing and future development, particularly for much-needed housing across the Six Counties.”
“As the Minister stated, the funding that has been provided by the British Government to meet the priorities that were set out in NDNA is far short of what is needed. Has the Minister engaged with the British Government to push for adequate funding to ensure that the number of additional police officers will be met by the end of the mandate?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The protection provided by the protocol is vital to our inclusion in an all-Ireland PGI status for Irish grass-fed cattle. Does the Minister therefore accept that it is vital that we continue to apply EU standards and regulations in maintaining high-quality produce, which allows it to be considered in an initiative such as the all-Ireland PGI status for grass-fed cattle?”
“Minister, in your response, you mentioned electric vehicles (EVs). One tangible step in addressing the climate crisis would be to ensure that we have an adequate system of charge points in place for those who use electric vehicles. As you know, the current network is in terrible condition, and an urgent upgrade is urgently needed. In the South, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) received funding from the Government through the Climate Action Fund, and I know that it is asking for similar assistance in the North. We need to encourage people to take up greener transport like electric vehicles, and access to charge points will play a significant part in driving that shift. Will the Minister indicate whether there are plans to provide similar investment in our charge point network?”
“The immediate implementation of the Stormont House Agreement in a human-rights compliant manner and in a way that is victim-centred and gives victims the answers that they are entitled to is the way to achieve that outcome. Together, we owe it to all victims to ensure that they are treated with equality, dignity and respect and that their legal rights are protected and upheld, whether they are to be exercised in Belfast, London, Dublin or Strasbourg. On that basis, I urge Members to join with me in support of the amendment.”
“Today, the House needs to send a united, clear message to the British Government and, indeed, the Irish Government that we need to see the immediate delivery of the rights of all victims and no further delays or denials.”
“I offer that as a challenge to some in the Chamber. There can be no space for those who selectively seek to talk about collusion, particularly when they choose to deny, dismiss or disregard the huge body of evidence and lived experiences of many families and communities in the North. There is an issue of consistency. No family should be asked to concede their right to an investigation in line with human rights law, or an inquest or public inquiry. That is their right in law. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin will continue to uphold the rights of all victims. Denying families their basic human rights is at the core of the British Government's approach to legacy. Those proposals would not be out of place in a military dictatorship.”
“That is why families are understandably angry as they see their legal rights potentially being denied. These are families across the island who have fought long battles over decades in memory of their loved ones. We saw evidence of that anger and frustration over the weekend when thousands of people, on an all-island basis, joined the Time for Truth solidarity vigils rejecting the British amnesty proposals. <BR /> <BR />Experience has shown that, without access to legal rights and an independent legal process, there will be no truth, justice and accountability. Significantly, that cannot be done on a selective or à la carte basis. If we are serious about investigating the extent of collusion, its administration and practice, we need to do so in a way that meets the needs of all, not some, victims.”
“I will speak in favour of the amendment. My starting point is that no victim should be asked to be silent and to forego their right to truth and justice. I am also sensitive to the deep loss, hurt and pain across our communities and, importantly, to the desire by families for their many questions to be answered. I would much prefer an approach to legacy that was about implementing what was negotiated in the Stormont House Agreement, which in no way asked victims to concede their right to truth and justice. That is their fundamental legal right. Fully engaging with the past must be on the basis of the legal rights and entitlements of all victims. <BR /> <BR />Let us be in no doubt: the British Command Paper on legacy amounts to a full-frontal assault on the Good Friday Agreement, the rule of law and the administration of justice.”
“There is nothing to incentivise the installation of small-scale renewable systems. I encourage others to take note of those facts and to support the Bill today.”
“Therefore, that remains aspirational at this stage, while the Bill can be passed by the Assembly within the current mandate. <BR /> <BR />As we are all well aware, the recent extreme hikes in the price of fossil fuels have demonstrated our over-reliance on the major power companies, and the Bill will help to provide greater democracy in that regard. <BR /> <BR />A lot of what I had planned to say has already been said, but, as other Members said, the Bill provides an opportunity to increase income for families, businesses, the farming community and the broader community right across the spectrum. Most importantly, it will take practical steps to tackle climate change by incentivising renewable energy and encouraging more homes and businesses to make the transition in the absence of any active renewable energy support schemes in the North.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill, and I thank my colleague John O'Dowd for bringing it to the Chamber today. <BR /> <BR />It is no secret that we are on the brink of an environmental disaster. That has been well rehearsed at this stage, but it is important to note that time is precious. We must do all that we can to ensure that we meet our climate targets by reducing our use of fossil fuels and enabling an effective transition to a net zero society. <BR /> <BR />The Bill provides a real opportunity to take practical steps in the short term that will help us to move towards delivering effective change, which will benefit generations to come. It is particularly important, because the Department for the Economy has indicated that it has no plans to legislate for the green growth strategy in this mandate.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. That is good to hear, and I welcome the fact that there is such massive reach. That is so important this year. In the event of an underspend in the programme fund, will the Minister consider making unspent money available to local community groups or sporting organisations that may be able to apply for it on the basis that they can run the diversionary activities required over the summer months?”
“I note that the draft strategy mentions creating a "managed care network". What assurances can the Minister give that, in a year's time, those who access the managed care network will see an improvement in their lives after being repeatedly let down?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Supporting those with a dual diagnosis of addiction and a mental health condition has been a long-term failing. I know that my colleagues Carál Ní Chuilín and Órlaithí Flynn have raised the issue numerous times.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Will the Minister give more detail on the organisation's plans to promote its waterways, as I do not believe that enough people know the huge scope of what is on offer across our island. While we are on that topic, I will say that the plans for a city park at the Albert Basin in Newry aim to reconnect Newry with its waterways. Will the Minister outline how her Department may be able to tie in with that project? The inclusion of cycling and walking lanes would be a huge boost to it.”
“I disagree with the Minister on no one having any say, because the DUP has brought us to where we are. It is an outworking of Brexit. Can the Minister give us an assurance that the work on the construction of the point-of-entry facilities will proceed without further unnecessary and politically motivated delay?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I am aware that it is a private development. I have had engagements with DFI officials and the private owner. There is a willingness to deliver. The Armagh Road is particularly busy. I ask the Department to consider any additional remedial measures that it could put in place to alleviate this issue in the meantime. We need something to be done urgently. I am conscious of the fact that planning permission would need to be attained for the owner to do that.”
“I thank the Minister for this statement, and I really appreciate his efforts in tackling this very challenging issue. I echo the comments of other Members in sharing my support for the Minister in relation to the reckless comments from people who should have known better. <BR /> <BR />Minister, the statement has a lot of detail in it, and I particularly welcome the update on the cross-border scheme, albeit it is a partial replacement and only for 12 months. As you know, I have been lobbying on that, and it is a welcome update. <BR /> <BR />As of March this year, there were 4,300 red-flag cancer surgeries on the list. What progress has been made since March on these, and how will the framework impact on the progress on tackling the numbers on the waiting list?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. The fact that the legal challenge has prevented the award of resurfacing contracts in Newry, Mourne and Down, Mid Ulster, Derry and Strabane and Omagh is totally unacceptable. I can speak best about my constituency, where the roads are in a dire state, particularly in the rural areas. <BR /> <BR />I was going to ask about a time frame, but you have outlined that. It is concerning that it will be 2022 for a lot of the roads. Will the areas that are already part of a huge backlog be prioritised for interim repairs to improve the quality of those roads until the contracts are awarded and proper resurfacing can be done?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and her answers so far. Minister, on criminal justice and social diversity, what work have the project groups done on social diversity? Can you outline any learning gained from that?”
“We need to commit to looking at ways of further improving the system and tackling the backlog of unadopted roads so that we can deliver fairness and equality for all those residents across the North who invested in their home and who are entitled to receive the basic services that, owing to this long-standing issue, they are unable to access.”
“<BR /> <BR />I appreciate that enforcement action is a last resort, but serious issues are arising, particularly about what the Department considers to be a timely manner for dealing with unadopted roads. Encouraging developers to take action and to call in the bond could be looked at as part of the review, and maybe we could look at a time constraint for doing that, which might help to address it. <BR /> <BR />Rather than go over the same points that everyone raised, I will say that I fully support the motion.”
“<BR /> <BR />The inquiry has been discussed, and it provided a number of recommendations, some of which have been helpful in looking at how we can improve the current system. Part of the inquiry looked at the inadequacy of bonds, especially where they were not enough to carry out the remedial works that were required. That needs to be addressed proportionately, as we appreciate that it could affect costs to homeowners. <BR /> <BR />As others mentioned, the impact of Tory austerity played a huge role in reducing staff numbers. I particularly note the loss of experienced private street inspectors and how that impacted on the Department's ability to take enforcement action. That is clearly evidenced in the figures, which show that the number of bonds is increasing while the number of enforcement cases is decreasing.”
“That means that many residents have invested thousands of pounds in their home, yet they are living in developments where there are substandard roads, and they do not have access to the basic services that other Members mentioned, such as bin collections, a winter service, street cleaning and street lights. One example in my constituency had, for over eight years, what could only be described as a dirt track for residents of a development of over 100 houses. Residents had to endure that until pressure was put on the developer to address it. <BR /> <BR />A number of factors led to this situation. Other Members mentioned the property crash in 2007 and how it clearly exacerbated the issue. A significant number of older backlogs remain as a result of that crash.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue. I hope not to go over all the same points, but I certainly hope that the motion will help to draw attention to the plight of so many residents across the North. It is safe to say that all Members in the House will have come across someone who has been affected by the matter. We need a greater focus on reviewing the current processes, particularly so that we can address the significant backlogs and improve the process. <BR /> <BR />As other Members said, 2,991 bonded roads in private developments, across the North, have yet to be adopted. Some 263 of those are in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, part of which I represent. Those bonds are worth approximately £8·2 million.”
“Minister, can you give an update on the Newry city centre master plan?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I, too, am glad to hear cross-border greenways being mentioned. Can the Minister advise whether the Carlingford lough greenway was discussed at the meeting, particularly the plans to link the greenway from Victoria lock in Newry to the border? That would significantly enhance what is already a fantastic greenway and would certainly improve safety for walkers and cyclists, who currently have to join the road again at Victoria lock to meet the greenway on down the road.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I think that it is important to welcome the Minister's commitment to addressing this issue as it does open vital funding streams for many organisations, particularly as we come out of the current pandemic. Can she provide an update on any other supports that are available to help community, cultural and sporting organisations through this pandemic?”
“Minister, you will be aware of the importance of ensuring that those going through the appeals process are not suffering financially. Will you therefore outline what steps you are taking to ensure that that is not the case?”
“It is for this reason that education and early intervention are key to ensuring that our children and future generations have strong values of equality and respect for all. Only then can we be confident that our efforts to stamp out racism and to build a society free from discrimination and hate have had a lasting impact.”
“<BR /> <BR />The IHRA definition has been debated globally, and many groups from the Jewish community have stated that it does not go far enough and, in ways, actually weakens the fight against antisemitism. I welcome Mr Frew's comments about the importance of listening to all victims, and I think that that highlights my point. We must focus on tackling all forms of antisemitism as an important part of our wider approach to tackling all forms of racism and discrimination. <BR /> <BR />I finish on this: as children, we are born into society with no preconceived views or stereotypes. As we grow and develop, the world around us shapes how we see others and how we treat people.”
“As political leaders, the onus is on all of us to ensure that no victim feels reluctant to report incidents of racism or hate crime and that the processes are robust and effective. <BR /> <BR />The Executive Office's racial equality strategy provides a framework that will help us to drive forward the vital work required to ensure that this is a place where everyone can live, learn, socialise and work together, free from fear of discrimination and harm. Greater representation of ethnic minorities on decision-making bodies and in political life is crucial, as they are important stakeholders throughout society. A diverse range of voices is required to enable policymaking that properly incorporates the needs of and issues facing people from a broad spectrum of religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds living on this island.”
“Let that sink in. That equates to at least three racist hate incidents being reported across the Six Counties every single day. It is important to note that, whilst these figures are shocking, they are only the tip of the iceberg, as we recognise the huge issue of under-reporting. If we are really serious about making effective change in order to tackle racism and discrimination, we must focus our efforts on addressing under-reporting. <BR /> <BR />A key factor in under-reporting is that victims do not report a crime if they feel that there will not be a positive outcome at the end of process. As the Justice Minister said during Question Time, we must ensure that everyone feels confident in our policing and justice system.”
“However, these despicable acts have shone a light on the need for political leadership to stand together to challenge racism and discrimination in all forms. <BR /> <BR />It is disappointing that the PSNI's 2017 'Thematic Review of Policing Race Hate Crime' states:”