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 Minister now acknowledges the high importance of the work of the Public Health Agency. Will he reconsider the huge reduction in its budget of 15%, which will leave it unable to provide the service that it has heretofore?”
“I am grateful to the Member for giving way, and I am getting angrier as the Member talks about how well she has been doing. What can the Member say to my 10-year-old granddaughter who said to me the other morning, "Grandad, what are they doing up at Stormont? They have taken my opportunity to learn Spanish and Italian away from the classrooms. What are you doing up at Stormont?"? In view of the fact that the Minister has advised the Assembly that we have handed back millions to London, what can you say to my granddaughter and other children who have been denied education in Spanish and French in their schools?”
“Will the deputy First Minister along with the First Minister, who is with us in the Chamber today, acknowledge the huge financial loss to Northern Ireland's economy as long as the Maze site is not developed?”
“I am grateful to the Member for giving way, and I am also grateful that he mentioned Mr McGlone. Will the Member pass some comment on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership that Mr McGlone mentioned? Is there a real concern in your Committee that the net result of that will have advantages rather than disadvantages for Northern Ireland? I am thinking about health provision and so on.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Would the Member agree that when she talks about role models, she has and we have in our own deputy leader an example of a role model who is a qualified engineer by trade — Naomi Long?”
“After all, it is important that the spirit of the bereavement support is upheld and that those most affected by loss are properly and, indeed, justly supported. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, let me say that the Alliance Party supports the Bill at this stage, as well as the departmental amendments, which, as has been said, are mostly technical. I urge the Department to continue to scrutinise the progress of the Bill's implementation, particularly for those groups that have been identified as most at risk of being considerably adversely affected. We must ensure that our pension system is fit for purpose and fits the needs that the 21st century will place upon it.”
“As a society, we need to recognise that we are living longer and that, therefore, the pensionable age should be adjusted to reflect that. Nonetheless, it is vital that the Department effectively communicates those changes to allow for effective financial management for those approaching pensionable age. Furthermore, I am also reassured by the assertion that any further increase in the pensionable age will require additional primary legislation to come before the House. <BR /> <BR />Part 5 of the Bill institutes a bereavement support payment. The Committee expressed concern that unmarried couples would not benefit from that payment, and it urged the Department to investigate means of validating long-term relationships to allow payments to be made.”
“<BR /> <BR />Another issue that I am keen to ensure is effectively monitored is the increase in the years of National Insurance contributions required to qualify for a state pension. The Committee was concerned that, in a changing labour market, with many people being underemployed, many would not meet the earnings threshold for National Insurance contributions. They would ultimately not qualify for a pension after 35 years because, even if they have worked, they would not have earned enough to make National Insurance contributions. However, I have hope that, with HMRC and DWP discussions, there can be a solution that means that years of work can be counted towards pension entitlement. <BR /> <BR />Part 2 of the Bill will also raise the pensionable age to 67.”
“The key changes are the creation of a single-tier pension system, changes to the pensionable age, bereavement support and alterations to the law on private pensions. Part 1 of the Bill introduces a single-tier pension that is to start from April next year, increasing the number of qualifying years to 10 and the number of qualifying years for a full pension to 35. That presented a number of concerns to interested groups during the Committee Stage. The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland in particular expressed concern that women may be more adversely affected than men. Following discussions with DSD, the Committee was content that impacts would ultimately be ironed out. Let us hope that that is the case.”
“Mr Speaker, I will bring you back; I will not be very long. Like Mr Attwood before me, I am speaking on behalf of a colleague who sits on the Social Development Committee. Also like Mr Attwood, who declared an interest — it was an almost-interest, I think, if I am correct from what he said — in what we are discussing, I declare an interest, and I am delighted to be where I am. I do not think that what we are discussing will have any effect on me, although having listened to Mr Attwood and his dire forecasts about the Tories coming in, I am a bit nervous that what we have will be shattered and interfered with by an incoming, relentless Tory Government. Anyway, I will continue. <BR /> <BR />The Bill will provide the means to implement reforms to our state pension system to ensure that it is on a par with that in the rest of the UK.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement this morning. Paragraphs 8 and 9 speak of the ash dieback scourge that arrived on this island a few years ago. Thankfully, it seems that that is on the road to eradication. Can the Minister give the Assembly any recent figures for incidents of ash dieback taking place here in the North of Ireland in recent times?”
“Will the Member agree with me that, contrary to Mr Dallat's contribution, the use of disused railway lines is an ideal way of creating cycle lanes such as that that we have at the Comber greenway?”
“Can the Minister advise the Assembly if he has had any correspondence with the Huntington's disease people across the water or indeed down South?”
“Making a clear distinction will underline this independence of office. That is why, at this stage, I am not at all convinced that there is a need to allocate the Attorney General any additional role in the Assembly. It is appropriate, therefore, that the report recommends no change in this area. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, the Attorney General has an important role in the political process. However, it is a nuanced one. That is why it is important that, at any given time, the balance is appropriately struck between accountability and independence. This report manages to do that. I support the motion.”
“The report also recommends that there be a specific procedure to allow Committee scrutiny of the Attorney General following two specific events: first, the tabling of the Attorney General's annual report; and, secondly, any referral of a Bill to the Supreme Court after the passage of Final Stage. Both of these are areas where some form of improved accountability to the Assembly will be welcome. Due to the technical detail of most of these discussions, a Committee would be best placed to hear those discussions. <BR /> <BR />However, as I outlined at the start, this report also strikes a fair balance with independence. It is important that the Attorney General retains independence from the Assembly, as it is part of the job to speak impartially and fairly. The position is also one that advises the Executive, rather than the Assembly.”
“Given that his or her advice is often used in political debates in favour of or against change, it seems reasonable that the source of that advice should be subject to transparency.”
“First, as a member of the Committee, I thank everyone involved in the drawing up of the report and, of course, our officials and staff. Our Chairman has already outlined in detail the many recommendations and our deliberations, so I will be brief but give support to the report. <BR /> <BR />Alliance believes that the report strikes a fair balance between accountability and independence. Where greater accountability can be sought from the Attorney General, the report seeks to implement it. For example, as has already been said, it recommends that the Attorney General be required to make a declaration of interests similar to that of MLAs. This is a sensible move as the role of Attorney General is a public one and it is reasonable, therefore, that people should know what other interests, if any, a senior law officer should have.”
“I am delighted that the Minister continues to answer questions briefly and succinctly because it brings us up to question 14.”
“Does the Minister believe that raising the age of criminal responsibility would help the efforts to avoid criminalising young people?”
“What is the Minister doing to ensure that the upcoming midterm review of the 2020 biodiversity strategy provides a strong opportunity to strengthen rather than dilute the birds and habitats directives?”
“Can the Minister assure the Assembly — I think that he half-answered the Chair and the deputy Chair along these lines — that sufficient funding and investment will be forthcoming to ensure that we maintain the specialist skills of the cardiology team in Belfast and strengthen the service available in hospitals outside Belfast city?”
“Like other Members, I welcome this morning's statement. It has come after a very long rally by the parents of the youngsters who have been affected. The Minister tells us that there will be a specialist family liaison nurse post in the Belfast Trust from 1 April. That is a very welcome idea in helping children and their families. The two Ministers have accepted the view of the majority of respondents, which is to have one all-island model and a preference for the retention and enhancement of paediatric cardiology skills at the Royal in Belfast, which are excellent and must be kept.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I refer the deputy First Minister to the part of the statement in which he talked about an 8% efficiency saving. Can he outline any detrimental effects or, indeed, cancelled projects, as a result of that 8% cut, which actually is a cut, in the budget?”
“I am grateful to the Member for giving way. I acknowledge the good work that is carried out by that group, but does the Member agree that all of that good work will be put at risk unless the massive budget cut in the Public Health Agency is rectified?”
“We sincerely hope that the data gathered through the project will be wisely used by the Department to make further progress and to reduce and finally eliminate all rural poverty and isolation and to enhance social inclusion. I commend all the groups and the departmental officers for their work and dedication. <BR /> <BR />I hope that the Assembly endorses the Committee's efforts and appreciates all the positive contributions from all groups, including the Department. I also hope that the Department accepts all the recommendations and implements them without delay.”
“Also, it has been mentioned by other Members that the farm families' health check programme got the seal of approval and commendation from the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association, and the same appreciation came for the assisted rural travel scheme. The Minister, whom we are grateful to see, must be rubbing her hands with glee at all the commendations from other Departments. If so, let us give credit where credit is due and hope that it continues. <BR /> <BR />The MARA project has contributed enormously to tackling our rural problems. The simple fact — again, it has been mentioned — that it allowed some 14,000 householders to be visited and that those involved listened and, more importantly, acted on what they heard, has to be commended.”
“We welcomed the comments by the RCN and the PHA about the social return on investment of the first phase of the MARA project, which stands for maximising access in rural areas. That showed that, for every pound invested by DARD and the Public Health Agency, over eight pounds were returned. <BR /> <BR />It was most gratifying to hear from the many groups involved in tackling rural poverty and isolation of their satisfaction with DARD's contribution. For instance, representatives of the Rural Development Council stated:”
“The positive impacts that it has made have to be maintained and acknowledged by the allocation of finance to each project.”
“Our Committee Chair and other members have outlined to the Assembly the many hardships and obstacles faced by the rural population. <BR /> <BR />I would like to put on record my thanks and appreciation for the work done by our Committee staff in bringing together the many stakeholders plus affected and interested parties. Our thanks also goes to those organisations, including the Department, that submitted all the written evidence that was received and considered by the Committee and to those who attended the stakeholder event held last November at the Greenmount campus. We are extremely grateful to the Assembly's research department for providing our Committee with information on rural isolation, rural poverty, rural well-being and many more topics. Our Committee agreed that the earlier work and current programme of TRPSI was done well.”
“I support this very important motion. As an Assembly Member representing a rural constituency, I see areas and people throughout the community who strive to keep their heads above water. It is only right and proper that the Assembly recognises all the problems and concerns experienced by rural dwellers and that we try to do something about it. <BR /> <BR />As a member of Stormont's Agriculture Committee, I welcome the finding of the TRPSI — tackling rural poverty and social inclusion — framework review. Having listened to the contributors who came to give evidence to the Committee, I will say that no one should be in any doubt about the size and scale of the problems experienced by our farming and rural communities.”
“The deputy First Minister will be aware that, on more than one occasion, this Assembly or previous Assemblies have supported the idea of help with personal care for our elderly people when they need it. Will he bring forward or help to bring forward some idea that would prevent our older people having to sell the roof over their heads to pay for elderly care in their twilight years?”
“<BR /> <BR />With those few words on this important issue, I am happy to relay the Alliance Party's agreement to the LCM.”
“I take this opportunity to thank Minister Wells for bringing the LCM to the Assembly today. Speaking on behalf of the Alliance Party, I support the legislative consent motion. It is a somewhat unusual LCM, in that we are lending our support to a private Member's Bill progressing through Westminster. However, given that the UK Government are supporting the Bill and notwithstanding the reality that health care, including the role of health-care workers, is devolved, there is an understanding of maintaining a common framework for regulation across different jurisdictions, especially in the context of greater mobility between jurisdictions and even mobility by patients and those in care. It is important that we do what we can to enhance protection of those who are most vulnerable, maintain public confidence and uphold standards.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. How does the Minister think the proposed cuts in rural transport will affect — indeed, improve — social inclusion? Is the Minister in dialogue with Translink to overcome those problems?”
“It is vital that we respond positively to the consultation now, which is up, as you know.”
“Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. The Minister knows how important and, indeed, vital it is that, come 30 June, those people have something. In fact, people want to know now what the future holds for those at home. They do not want to be looking for homes.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as na freagraí go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answers to date. Does he agree that a full investigation of events yesterday is needed to ascertain all the facts and that we then need to move swiftly to ensure that the good work done by the assessors is implemented so that we can have a conflict-free situation, where people can live their life free from any form of intimidation or threat?”
“I very much welcome the response from the Minister. Given all that she said — and I welcome everything that she did say — why is the fishing industry finding it difficult to recruit people, particularly young people? It would be a shame, when there is a glimmer of hope in the fishing industry, if it went back because of a lack of young trainees coming in.”
“— caring for our elderly people. On behalf of the Alliance Party, I support the motion.”
“Let us hope that the providers of that service hear what Claire and, indeed, others have said and reconsider their proposals. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I put on record my sincere thanks to and appreciation for all carers for the work that they do to help our elderly citizens. That includes the volunteers and community care workers who are out in all weathers —”
“She and her office have published documents and offered solutions to assist our older population that undoubtedly will give confidence to all concerned. For her efforts, we are eternally grateful. Some time ago, it was asked that a commissioner be appointed. Thankfully, Claire Keatinge was appointed as the commissioner, despite a lengthy delay by the Executive. She has proved her worth. It is incumbent on all of us in the Assembly to continue to support her in her endeavours and to work with her to ensure that our elderly folk enjoy the dignity and rights to which they are entitled and to ensure that all abuse will be a thing of the past. Only this week, Claire spoke out loud and clear at the shocking proposal to have community meals delivered only once a fortnight.”
“<BR /> <BR />Another very important aspect of our debate today is the need to protect from civil liability anybody who reports suspected abuse. The same must also apply to whistle-blowers, who do not feel sufficiently protected and who are therefore not encouraged to report their concerns to their superiors, who are in a position to stop any abuse and to take the necessary action against those personnel perpetrating abuse against an elder person. <BR /> <BR />I congratulate Claire Keatinge on her work to date on behalf of our elder citizens.”
“<BR /> <BR />Claire Keatinge called at our meeting for a new, single adult safeguarding Bill and offered suggestions as to what might be included, such as a power to remove the person at risk and the power to ban a suspected abuser from the home of an elderly person. Claire reminded us that most abuse of older people takes place in their own home and is carried out by family members, friends and neighbours, people with whom the older person has had — so they think — a good relationship and whom they trust. That situation is really hard to understand and probably hard to detect, as it can all go on behind closed doors. The commissioner in her submission to the Health Committee also asked for what is reiterated in our motion today: a clear and defined legislative position on which to develop further good practice.”
“As recently as our meeting on 15 October of last year, the Committee heard from health officials on the adult safeguarding policy and the need to consult, starting in November and completing by March of next year. At that stage, a decision will be made on whether to progress an adult safeguarding Bill. <BR /> <BR />At that same meeting, we heard from Claire Keatinge, the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, who explicitly indicated that there were clear gaps in the current legislation, meaning that, in some areas, older people are not protected from abuse. That anomaly has to be put right. We would be failing in our duty if we did not use all the power available to us to ensure that every older person is protected.”
“I thank the Chair of the Committee, Maeve McLaughlin, and, indeed, Assembly colleagues for bringing this very important issue to the Floor of the House. Hopefully, the outcome of the debate will be better safeguards for all our elderly constituents. All cases of abuse should be stopped, and, as has already been said, the culprits severely dealt with. <BR /> <BR />The Health Committee, of which I am a long-standing member, has tackled the issue on a number of occasions. The figures in the motion are horrific and disgusting. There can be no excuse whatsoever; whether abuse takes place in a family setting, in a care home or anywhere else, it must never be tolerated.”
“I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response. He mentioned the charter for victims. Can he confirm that that will be put on a statutory footing to ensure that it becomes a fundamental part of our justice system?”
“— "contemplate tough choices". Can the Minister tell us what those tough choices are? Be upfront with the Members of the Assembly. He knows, but he is hiding behind something. Tell us what those tough choices are, so that we can provide a first-class service for our constituents.”
“Could the Minister — then he goes on to say —”
“The question, Mr Deputy Speaker, is on page 3:”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I would like to complain that we have not had even a sight of his statement to examine one recommendation on what we are discussing. <BR /> <BR />This is yet another report. Reports and reviews are coming out of our ears. I am sure that the people engaged in providing a very good health service for our people are lost. Perhaps the Minister might be able to tell us how many reviews he is engaged in at this time. I see on page 1 of his statement that his officials have been asked to undertake yet another review on account of the recommendations, so there is another review. On page 3 —”