Kieran McCarthy
Strangford · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“I am pleased to support the Final Stage and to pass on my thanks and congratulations to all those involved in getting us to where we are this evening. It is simple and straightforward legislation, but it offers those in social work additional recognition of their professional standards, and gives greater reassurance to the public.”
“Specialist training and raising public awareness will be essential. There is a much wider issue of ensuring that the Bill itself will be properly resourced. That is perhaps an issue for another day, and, at this stage, our priority must be to get the legislation onto the statute book.”
“It will also cover people who are vulnerable, as well as those, including people in the criminal justice system, who lack capacity. <BR /> <BR />The new legislation will require that, if a person has capacity, they can then make their own decision about their treatment and that all possible support in making that decision will be provided…”
“That includes our Committee staff, our Assembly Research and Information Service and everyone who contributed to making our Health Committee positive and getting us to where we are this evening.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also thank Alastair Ross for his work in steering the Ad Hoc Committee, which I must say was very heavy work for some of us, but we got through it. I thank Alastair for being there to direct and guide us. Of course, he has already paid tribute to the Clerks who serviced our Committee.”
“We thank Professor McClelland for his dedication and hard work in carrying on where Professor Bamford unfortunately left off. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to everyone — as has already been said in the Chamber, there were many — who worked hard and together to see this improvement for everyone with a mental health condition or a learning dis…”
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“The Alliance Party is happy to go along with the Minister's contribution, and I very much welcome his determination and acknowledgement of the scourge of obesity that we have in society. He is obviously prepared to do something about it. The intake of unhealthy food and drink, particularly among our children and young people, is certainly storing up problems for the health service in the future. My party and I were a bit concerned about the difference between the words "study" and "consult", but having listened to the reasons or excuses — call them what you will — I am happy to support the amendments.”
“The Alliance Party is content to support the amendments. They probably tighten up what has already been agreed by the Assembly and provide a sounder basis on which to proceed. However, it would have been better if the amendments had been presented at Consideration Stage, and it is still unclear why that could not have been the case, given the apparent consensus on the need for action. In conclusion, policing of the amendments and the Bill will be difficult, but I appeal to all smokers to simply think of all the children and young people travelling in your vehicle before you light a cigarette. Never, ever put the health of your children in jeopardy. I support the amendments.”
“I am grateful to the Member for giving way, just for a second. Does he agree with me that this is a fantastic report, particularly for youngsters with learning disabilities? Hopefully, as the Minister says, if it is acted upon, it will make such a difference to the community that we all represent. Does the Member agree that if Stephen Nolan, Mark Carruthers or Conor Bradford got ahold of this, they should advertise it and let the public know that this place has produced a fantastic report on behalf of people with learning disabilities?”
“I am grateful to the Member for giving way. It is very coincidental that I have in my hand a pamphlet on what you are speaking about. I have been invited to a meeting tonight to hear what Orchardville has to offer, in conjunction with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Board, operating from Dundonald House. I am gratified to hear the Member singing the praises of Orchardville, because that is exactly what will help and encourage families like mine to get what is available.”
“If it had not been for the heckling from my left, I would have been able to pay more tribute to Dr Farry. <BR /> <BR />Can the Minister tell the Assembly that the festival has been so successful that, regardless of who is the Minister come the next mandate, it will be carried on for the benefit of all the young people in Northern Ireland?”
“— despite the fact that they wanted to do away with his Department.”
“I want to pay tribute to Mr Farry for his sterling work —”
“I thank the Minister for his fantastic response. Indeed, I want to thank him for all the answers that he has given to the Assembly during the mandate, unlike the Member behind me, who had very little to say.”
“Thank you very much. I am very grateful to the Member for reminding me of that. I know there have been other such cases with petitions, and that was certainly a very welcome one that the Member was involved in. <BR /> <BR />Our Committee examined the procedures that are carried out in other legislatures, including London, Dublin, the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament. They were all very detailed in how they operate, and we were grateful for their input. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the report and acknowledge its recommendations. I fully support the efforts that have been made by all to reach a conclusion on this very important issue.”
“Only a few weeks ago, I presented a petition to the Speaker pleading for more resources to assist and enable children and adults with autism to lead a good, normal life. Thankfully, on that occasion, our Health Minister listened and acted by awarding some £2 million to be invested immediately in services for autism. That was very much welcomed by the parents and teachers of youngsters with autism, thus bearing out the value of petitions. <BR /> <BR />I am grateful that our recommendations agreed that the existing public petition process should remain fit for purpose and that the current process should be retained.”
“As Alban Maginness said, I was able to use three minutes' speaking time to put the case across to Mark Durkan and others. Supporters of Exploris will be forever grateful to Mark Durkan, our Executive and the new Ards and North Down Borough Council for listening to the plea, through that petition. The new Exploris should be open to the public this summer, so there has been a very successful outcome. I appeal to all Members of the Assembly to make a point of visiting Portaferry when Exploris opens, where they will see what a petition can do.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have been successful with my case in the Assembly. I presented a petition to the Minister of the Environment, Mark Durkan, when an appeal was made some time ago to save Exploris. I am sure that Members will remember that. Members will recall how Exploris in Portaferry was doomed to closure because the local council could not afford the losses incurred. The people, both local and from far and wide, who had a commitment to keep an aquarium in Northern Ireland, rose up and organised, among other things, a petition, with thousands of people asking the Assembly to acknowledge Exploris as a regional facility and therefore contribute to funding its renovation and modernisations, thereby retaining a wonderful aquarium in Portaferry. <BR /> <BR />I am delighted that I was able to present that petition.”
“<BR /> <BR />Petitions, in my opinion, are a very useful weapon for the general public to get their message across to people, organisations, Departments, Ministers — right up to the First Minister and deputy First Minister, as far as this place is concerned — or, in fact, to anyone at the top of any organisation in the hope that common sense will prevail and that the issues raised in a petition will be acknowledged, and no detrimental action will be taken against the wishes of those petitioners. It has been my experience that organisers of petitions usually resort to that method of appeal on an issue as a last resort, crying out for help when all other methods have failed. I have to say that, if they are well organised and if a fair request is being made, success can be achieved with petitions.”
“Like others, I welcome the opportunity to speak briefly in support of the review of public petitions procedures. As a member of the Procedures Committee, I would like to put on record my thanks to the other Committee members and, indeed, to the leadership of the Committee, shown by the Chair, Gerry Kelly, who was ably supported by the Committee Clerk and her staff. With everyone working together, decisions and recommendations were easily reached and agreed. Grateful thanks are also to be expressed to all those outside groups that contributed to our deliberations.”
“Does the deputy First Minister not think that, given the obvious rejection by the British Prime Minister of your and the First Minister's request, as well as the request from Scotland and Wales, for a meeting to postpone the date of the referendum, he will be snubbed once again as regards a request for another meeting?”
“<BR /> <BR />The fishing industry is a vital component contributing to the economic prosperity of Northern Ireland, and I take this opportunity to thank all those fishermen who risk their lives day and daily and who have stuck with the industry through thick and thin, working in very dangerous conditions to support it. Despite the setbacks that have been endured over the years, there are signs of improvement, and it is vital that the Assembly supports the industry at every level. <BR /> <BR />I will also support the three amendments to clause 6, which are relatively technical and will improve the current wording.”
“<BR /> <BR />As someone from the Ards peninsula representing the fishing village of Portavogie, I am aware of the industry's economic value to all the small coastal communities around that area. Such legal reforms need consultation with the communities. As a result, I will vote to remove those clauses listed on the Marshalled List. I am confident that the new Committee will rapidly take to its scrutiny and development role on the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I am aware of the pressing reasons why clause 6 remains in the current legislative vehicle. There are timing and financial imperatives why it needs to be passed. As a result, I will support its retention.”
“On behalf of the Alliance Party, I will speak in favour of passing the amendments and in opposition to clauses in the Bill. I put on record my thanks to the Committee staff for their help and support in getting us to the Consideration Stage of this very important Bill. <BR /> <BR />I go along with the comments that were made by the Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and other Members who outlined the Committee's attitude to the Bill in its original draft. I concur with the view that it would be much better to introduce a Bill of this scope after the election, when the new Committee will have adequate time to scrutinise it. That scrutiny is valuable because the Bill was a significant piece of work and the fishing industry is so important to us in Northern Ireland.”
“Anything that the Assembly can do to provide organs for desperately ill people must be welcomed. We commend those who have given their organs to save the life of someone else, be they a family member or a stranger. Organ donation must be encouraged, and we support all measures to increase the number of donations available to be provided throughout Northern Ireland.”
“Apology accepted, Mr Speaker. I assure Members that I will be brief. On behalf of the Alliance Party, I support the amendments. However, the amendments come in the context of the recent de facto demise of Jo-Anne Dobson's private Member's Bill. I must express my astonishment about the opposition at the Health Committee meeting where Jo-Anne Dobson's excellent work and efforts were annihilated by the two bigger parties. That was unfortunate, to say the least. <BR /> <BR />While we do not yet have the basis or consensus to move towards a workable form of soft opt-out option, we have, nevertheless, had a much wider-ranging debate around human transplantation. There is clearly a need to encourage a greater volume of transplant organs, and I therefore support these amendments.”
“Nevertheless, a consultation does not in itself entail follow-up action, and I am interested in the Minister's thoughts regarding any action that his Department might take on the issue.”
“Very briefly, our party can concur with the content of the amendment. Obesity, as was said, is a major public health issue. It can limit life opportunities and lifespan, it brings a range of economic and social consequences, and it is responsible for considerable expense in an overstretched health service. We can, of course, sympathise with constituents who have an obesity problem. The amendment is unusual in that it is mandating that a public consultation occur. I would have thought that that could take place at any stage without public consultation. That said, the Alliance Party has no objection to the amendment if it is the view of the Assembly that it wants a watertight guarantee that a consultation would occur.”
“Smoking is effectively banned in most public spaces. That is not just about the interests of the smoker, as the smoker is free to smoke in the confines of their own private space when it does not impact on others, but about protecting others from being impacted by smoking, often when they have no ability to choose or consent to suffer these ill effects. In that regard, it is surely a loophole that, today, smoking can take place in vehicles in which those under the age of 18 are being carried. They often have no means of consenting to the damage to which they are being subjected. <BR /> <BR />With that said, I am happy to support these amendments on behalf of the Alliance Party.”
“Thankfully, today we better understand the health implications of smoking directly for the smoker, and also the dangers to others arising from passive smoking. Tackling smoking rates is a core aspect of all public health messages. While addressing the impact of smoking is a major pressure on scarce resources in our health service, it is absolutely essential that government continues to lead on steering our young people not to start smoking in the first place. I applaud the Public Health Agency on its work to date and over the years. Please, please continue to get the message over to our young people. <BR /> <BR />There are ongoing wider economic and social consequences. It is in that context that it is now commonplace in this and other societies that we regulate where and when smoking in cars occurs.”
“I, like others, welcome the Consideration Stage of the Bill. The Alliance Party is supportive of the intent behind all the amendments in this group, but, like others, I am extremely disappointed that there has not been Executive agreement to permit a formal amendment to come from the Department. Perhaps the Minister can give us a reason why his colleagues failed on this occasion. Had it happened, it would have been instrumental in guiding us around the most effective route of establishing the best way forward. <BR /> <BR />Our understanding of the dangers of smoking has evolved considerably over the past number of decades and, in health terms, it makes sense to inform people of the huge dangers involved in smoking.”
“I thank the Minister for his answers and for his acknowledgement that reporting in court cases is very important and may even be a deterrent to further crime. Can he advise the House whether any media or press organisations responded to the consultation on court rationalisation?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Of course, we are all devastated by the loss of so many skilled jobs. I welcome the Minister's commitment to work with others, including Dr Stephen Farry, the Minister for Employment and Learning. It just shows that we can work together in this place for the good of all our community. The second of the three key themes was talent. What extra measures can be taken to place a real — "real" being the important word — focus on skills to move us forward?”
“I thank the Member for his clarification. Yes, I accept what you say. Perhaps I misunderstood. We are all trying to move forward and keep going on this. I will not, in this instance, concede any drawback from the Justice Minister's contribution. As I said, I know that he is totally and absolutely committed.”
“As long as you are not going to further criticise the Minister, I will give way for a second.”
“I, like Mrs Dobson, am happy to go along with the Minister and, indeed, the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on this occasion. I was somewhat taken aback by some comments that were made by the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee when he seemed to be slightly critical of the Justice Department. I will not allow Mr Ross to criticise the Minister of Justice, because I know that the Minister is, and has been from day one, totally and absolutely committed to working with the Health Minister on this issue. I hope that that was just a blip in —”
“Not least given the huge volume of work that has been conducted to date, it is vital that we now place the Bill on the statute book. Obviously, in the context of some very tight public finances and pressures on the health budget, consideration will have to be given to resourcing, but that can be for another day. Nevertheless, the direction of travel should be clear so that the Bill can be passed and implemented in full as soon as possible.”
“OK, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. I am, therefore, sceptical about the many amendments tabled by Sinn Féin at the eleventh hour outside the context of the structured scrutiny that was offered through the Ad Hoc Committee, where proposed amendments could be tested and the full implications taken into account. In particular, the amendments that introduce the term "clinician" alongside "medical practitioner", while maybe well-intentioned, may have the unintended consequence of not being compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, in that they dilute the standard of evidence used in any intervention. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I will comment on the point of finance, which was raised by the Chair of the Committee.”
“As others have stated, by offering a single, integrated Mental Capacity Act, the Bill is groundbreaking and, in fact, world-beating in best practice by international standards.”
“They reflect the detailed work that has been conducted by both Departments and the Committee over the past months to ensure that a robust and informed exchange took place so that there was a balanced outcome. The amendments in the group reflect the importance of the underlying principles and the need for adequate and appropriate safeguards in their application. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will hopefully improve the lot of people who suffer from mental illness. Mental health and learning disability have always been regarded as the Cinderella of the health service. Hopefully, this work will now bring them to a level playing field. That is what we are all striving to attain. All the work comes on the foundation of the sterling work of the Bamford working group on mental health and learning disability.”
“Of course, the Bill has long been under development and has been necessary for a considerable time. Therefore, it is particularly important that we complete its remaining stages before the end of the mandate. We must not let it fail and, in doing so, lose all the work to date and, moreover, the reforms that it will deliver. It is important that we press on and make good progress in the time that remains. <BR /> <BR />The Assembly will be pleased to note that I do not intend to go systematically through each amendment in the group, but I pass my admiration on to the Minister and the Chair of the Committee for seeking to do so. <BR /> <BR />I put on record my support for the amendments from the Minister and the Committee.”
“Like others, I am pleased to contribute briefly to the debate on this important legislation. On this occasion, I will take the advice of the Minister and, indeed, the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee and not repeat things that have been said. I place on record my thanks to the Committee staff, officials from both Departments and all the stakeholders who gave evidence during the process. I also thank, of course, our officials, who helped to get the Committee through this important work. <BR /> <BR />It has been an extraordinarily complex piece of legislation. It has involved detailed scrutiny by the Ad Hoc Committee for the best part of six months and two Departments — Health and Justice — which are to be commended for working together on this important legislation.”
“<BR /> <BR />Other amendments make smaller but equally important changes, and I will support them as well. Hopefully it will be a relatively simple process. I hope that the Bill will continue its progress through the House.”
“They affect everyone living in the community. Coming from a rural community, I know the challenges which face all rural areas. I know that they do not happen on the basis of religion. Surely that is a total misuse of the petition of concern. There may be a debate about whether "may" or "must" is appropriate, but I do not believe that it warrants a petition of concern. <BR /> <BR />I simply want to pass comment on one of the amendments, amendment No 3, which puts in place a reporting mechanism. That is essential for ensuring that we correctly assess rural needs. As that is a new process, it will provide a valuable learning experience. I hope that it will inform not just the Assembly but the various Departments and public bodies which are required to assess those needs. I hope that the report will spread best practice.”
“I very much welcome the Rural Needs Bill. There is no doubt that rural dwellers, whilst enjoying our wonderful green and fresh environment, face many drawbacks and endure extra expense and, indeed, inconvenience. I will speak briefly, as there is not a great deal of controversy about the Bill — at least, there ought not to be. We all want to see rural dwellers enjoy life and, indeed, continue to contribute to ensuring that our landscape and farmland are preserved for generations to come. I do not intend to oppose any of the amendments, as I am of the view that they contribute to improving the outcome of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />I do have to express my dismay at the DUP's use of the petition of concern on the Bill. Surely rural needs affect all of us regardless of our community, where we are from or where we go to church on a Sunday.”
“Can he explain what exactly that means? Does it mean that something is happening within the EU directive? Are we going against that directive?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement today and for his statement over the weekend about the £2 million for autism. The people who were here this morning very much welcomed that announcement, and I hope that it will be the start of a process. <BR /> <BR />My question on today's statement relates to the standardised packaging of tobacco products. The Minister mentioned legislation:”
“One is for the Health Minister and one is for the Education Minister.”
“I acknowledge that the Special Educational Needs and Disability Bill is going through Stormont at present, and I also acknowledge the positive nature of the health board, the Public Health Agency and the early support team in each trust, but action speaks louder than words. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, the 130% increase in calls for help to the Autism Northern Ireland helpline indicates a huge problem for us all. It is no wonder that parents are crying out for help and guidance. Let all Ministers hear that cry for help, play their part and end the nightmare for children with ASD and their parents now.”
“Our petition is begging for swift enactment of the legislation, the autism strategy and, indeed, the action plan. All children with autism must be treated as equal citizens and must have equal access to rights and opportunities, which have to be protected and enforced. <BR /> <BR />Over 8,271 people have signed this petition. Many are in the Public Gallery today and many have put heart-stopping comments on the petition. I pay tribute to all the parents and friends who have faced lengthy delays and waits. Their expectation in signing this petition has to be realised, and the Assembly, which is their Assembly, must deliver now.”
“I have to say that progress has been very slow since 2011, and that has given rise to frustration, anxiety and, sometimes, total breakdown.”
“The last thing that a parent needs after a child's diagnosis is to have to spend time running around Departments looking for help. I appeal to both Ministers to act immediately and help all children with autism; indeed, both children and adults with autism. <BR /> <BR />I am extremely proud, along with other MLAs, to have served for many years on the all-party group on autism here at Stormont under, I may say, the excellent chairmanship of Dominic Bradley, who is in the Chamber with us. Along with Autism NI, the National Autistic Society and other parent groups, we assist, inform and help parents. We have championed the Autism Act 2011, which was new legislation to end the desperate waiting and uncertainty for parents.”
“My petition pleads with the Health Minister and the Education Minister for much better care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Of course, those children grow into adults and continue to need that special attention. The increasing number of children with autism who are being forced to wait 20 months and longer for assessment and statements, and the further delay in specialist care and educational support, is pretty scandalous. It is simply not good enough. As this is the final petition that I will present to you in the Chamber, Mr Speaker, and having had personal family experience of a child, now an adult, requiring special needs provision, I am extremely passionate and totally committed to the Assembly delivering on the Autism Act 2011.”
“It is up to us as legislators to ensure that no obstacles are put in their way. <BR /> <BR />Finally, I wish to thank everyone who took the trouble to correspond with me on this issue. I may not have acted in the way they will have wished, but my conscience tells me that, in circumstances in which highly qualified medical professionals have the ability to save life and prevent mental breakdowns for mothers and families, they must be permitted to help and prevent further tragedies occurring in Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the start of my speech, I said that I would not accept any shape or form of abortion into Northern Ireland. That is where I stand. That is the position of my two colleagues, Stewart and Trevor. I am not so sure about Anna, but she can speak for herself. Trevor and Stewart do not want wholesale abortion brought into this country. I am delighted that I can stand shoulder to shoulder with them on that. <BR /> <BR />We have many highly professional people in Northern Ireland; we have some of the best medical practitioners in the world. You only have to see their work — brilliant, almost superhuman work, saving lives in our hospitals and practices up and down the country. I have no doubt that those professionals are anxious to help in circumstances where there are fatal foetal abnormalities and other cases.”
“Savita and her husband were expecting a baby, but, unfortunately, complications set in, and, despite Savita's request for compassion and help, she was, in my opinion, denied medical assistance and was allowed to die. That was shocking. It was a totally unnecessary loss of life, and, unfortunately, to our eternal shame, it made worldwide news. It happened in the South of Ireland. Nevertheless, it was something that made me totally ashamed, at that time, to say that I was Irish or had anything to do with this island. Here was a family in desperate need, and the Southern authorities turned their back on our guest. That is totally unforgivable. It is time that authorities on both sides of the border showed some compassion, charity and love not only to our visitors but everyone on this island.”