Cara Hunter
East Londonderry · Social Democratic and Labour Party · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />At Committee, we heard such compelling evidence from young people about why girls should have the choice of wearing trousers in school. Outside of the young people themselves, the conversations that we had with Menstruation Matters, particularly on the dignity piece about young girls and periods, really resonated with me.”
“I am happy to be here. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I fear that I will repeat a number of points that have been made this evening. As a relatively young woman — I am 30 now — I am absolutely baffled that we have to debate this issue. It is truly astonishing. If I did not have notes in front of me, I would have no words to say.”
“That is why it is so important to echo today that, despite the simplicity of this change, it will be so meaningful in protecting young girls and their dignity in a number of ways. We also often hear directly from young women that they simply want to be comfortable.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Ultimately, the Department of Education and the Minister will tell our young people, "Aspire to be the best that you can be. Get out into the world. You can do and be anything — but you cannot wear trousers". That is lunacy. It is lunacy and hypocrisy of the highest order.”
“<BR /> <BR />I find it extraordinary and depressing that this did not pass previously and that we have had to regroup. As the Chair of the Education Committee rightly said, this could be done at the stroke of a pen. It is nonsensical that we have to do it this way.”
“I thank the Member for his point, but, respectfully, I am not here to talk about other jurisdictions; I am here to talk about the rights of my constituents in East Derry and people right across the North.”
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“Minister, I ask for an update on any other transport plans that your Department is currently working on.”
“I look forward to next week when it will pass through the House.”
“When women, especially those in our most deprived areas, need the products, it is absolutely vital that they get them. <BR /> <BR />We support all the amendments. I thank Pat, the departmental officials, the Minister for Communities and all those in the Bill Office for their time and effort to see the Bill through, and I welcome the cross-party support for the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP is about putting people first: this Bill is so important and a real example of that. As my colleague Sinead mentioned, it is also an example of what we can achieve when we work together. In the past few weeks, it has been very enlightening to witness what can go through the House when we work as a team. <BR /> <BR />I thank Pat for taking forward this important Bill. It will play a huge role in equality and social justice.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I, too, will be brief. <BR /> <BR />I reiterate my support for my colleague Pat Catney and, of course, this important Bill at Further Consideration Stage. Pat, I have to say that we are literally and figuratively behind you today at this stage. When it is passed, the Bill will allow for the free provision of period products, which will, undoubtedly, improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of women across the North.”
“I pay tribute to everyone who came forward throughout the progress of the Bill to share their experience of period poverty, including Homeless Period Belfast, student union representatives and the wider women's sector. I appreciate the support from parties and independent MLAs across the House. It is a true reflection of what can take place and how positive it can be when we work together. <BR /> <BR />As the cost of living continues to soar, this policy is needed, now more than ever. The Bill is an opportunity for the Assembly to demonstrate that there is more that unites than divides us. I hope that all parties will support our Bill today, because it is one of which we can truly be proud. No more shame; no more stigma. Thank you for that, Pat.”
“Because of his efforts in crafting it, and with the correct funding, women, girls and all those who require period products will have free access to them. <BR />Once the Bill is passed, nobody in Northern Ireland will ever again be forced to leave a classroom, school, sports activity or university library as a result of the most natural thing in the world: having a period. Regardless of how we identify politically, we all share the goal of improving the lives of people across the North. The Bill will do just that. No longer will women suffer the indignity, distress and anxiety of having makeshift alternatives; no longer will the panic be there or the "I have to go home" conversations take place. <BR /> <BR />Many people fed into the Bill to make it what it is. That is why I am so glad that we are here today.”
“Would it be weird? Would people feel uncomfortable in talking to me?". I am here to say, without reservation: no, Pat. As we come to this stage, it is obvious that everyone inside and outside these walls can see that you have truly gone above and beyond in engaging with sectors and activists and in hearing from women across the North about their perspectives. You have responded with kindness, consideration and, most importantly, an open mind and an inclusive nature. <BR /> <BR />None of us in the Chamber knows whether we will be in politics for the next five days, five months or five years, but we know that the legislation that is passed in our names or by our parties outlives us all. I try to remind Pat about the magnitude of the Bill, as he often gets flustered and forgets.”
“We will support amendment No 10, which is the Committee's amendment to include the requirement for "privacy and confidentiality", as Mrs Dodds mentioned, to be considered in the development of the scheme, and we will support amendment No 14, as it touches on the importance of referring to reusable products in the consultation. Those products will be better for the environment and will be long-lasting and reliable products for women and girls. <BR /> <BR />Pat Catney has been talking about this important Bill for around 18 months. Since becoming an MLA, I have been extremely fortunate to share an office with Pat. It has been a true privilege. On our best days, we are like an episode of 'The Office' up there. When Pat first talked about the importance of the Bill, he asked me, "Would it be strange of me, a man, to sponsor a Bill on periods?”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on such an important Bill, which aims to improve the lives of so many across our society. If passed, the Bill would provide free period products in schools, colleges and public buildings. It is a fantastic coincidence that today's stage falls on International Women's Day. <BR /> <BR />I will begin by touching on a few of the many amendments that we will support. Amendment No 8, which is the Committee's amendment to include the requirement for "privacy and confidentiality" to be considered in the development of the schemes, is vital. We will support amendment No 9, which is the Committee's amendment to add a specific reference to the need for reusable products in order to showcase and highlight the concern around that issue.”
“If our agriculture sector is to adapt and thrive, it needs more women in its workforce. Women have unique skills and viewpoints that will help to build a modern and robust farming industry. We have already seen the tremendous impact that women have made on the sector, and we need to do all that we can to encourage that moving forward. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the Committee's work on reviewing the barriers that remain and highlighting the importance of breaking the glass ceiling for women in agriculture. The North should be very proud of its agriculture sector, and I look forward to ongoing efforts to break the bias and ensure that women are properly represented in it.”
“Despite that, it is extremely disappointing that the North lags behind the rest of Europe when it comes to the number of female farm managers. For too long, women have been denied opportunities in the sector. The old saying "If you can see it, you can be it" comes to mind. We need to showcase properly the pioneers who are leading the way in agriculture on this island despite historical challenges. <BR /> <BR />Farming is changing due to advances in technology and in order to tackle the climate crisis that threatens our everyday life. As farming becomes more modern and more reflective of our modern society, so, too, must its workforce. We need to showcase the opportunities that exist here for women in the agriculture sector and ensure that ability is encouraged, supported and developed from a young age.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I really appreciate that. I welcome the opportunity to speak, albeit briefly, on the important issue of women in agriculture and the challenges that they face in what was traditionally seen, and is sometimes still seen, as quite a male-dominated space. It is appropriate that we are discussing the issue on International Women's Day, with this year's theme being "Break the Bias". <BR /> <BR />Across the North and, indeed, the world, women play a huge role in the agriculture sector. Over the past few decades, the sector has transformed. With those changes comes opportunity. While our traditional view of farming might be that it is male-led, women have been the backbone of farming communities, providing skilled labour and support for generations.”
“I welcome the amendments, as they give our agri-food sector the breathing space that it needs to create a sustainable path to a better future.”
“The debate should never be about the environment versus a sector; it should be about what we can all do to ensure that the correct funds, support, committees and commissioner are there to support our farmers. It is important that the legislation is shaped to do that and support the agri-food sector, as highlighted in amendment Nos 63, 66 and 68. <BR /> <BR />We also support amendment No 20, as it will help to alleviate the concerns of our rural citizens by making sure that our Departments commission a financial, social, economic and rural impact assessment on any developing sector plans. We welcome that as it takes into consideration the impact on rural communities in the key plans that are being made. <BR /> <BR />I have mentioned just a few of the many amendments that we support.”
“I spoke with farmers in Claudy, Park, Feeny and beyond, and I was deeply impressed by their willingness to engage, which was mentioned by Members earlier, their willingness to be part of the solution and part of the change and their willingness to diversify. They had a lot of questions about what the future will mean for them, which is why the discussion on the just transition is so vital. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP supports amendment No 53, which highlights the importance of a just transition fund to support our farmers in a positive, proportionate and appropriate manner and assist with a smooth transition. Many farmers mentioned concerns about the unknown future and the uncertainty around funding streams. That is why the fund is so important.”
“I welcome the contributions that have been made from across the Assembly. Tonight, Northern Ireland is one step closer to having its own climate change legislation. The SDLP has been vocal and supportive on that throughout the years, recognising the need for appropriate legislation to tackle the climate crisis. <BR /> <BR />From farming to food processing and distribution, we in the SDLP understand and recognise the strain that farmers and businesses in that sector face. I have spoken with several farmers and food chain suppliers in my constituency of East Derry and listened to their concerns. One thing that we all very much agree on is that climate change is real and concerning.”
“We know that budgetary issues can have huge negative knock-on effects. What will the budgetary pressures mean for areas like the Causeway Coast and Glens district, which already struggles with officer availability? Have you spoken with any officers in that area? They already feel overstretched.”
“This is an important matter. What impact will the latest collapse of the Executive have on planning decisions?”
“I, too, will be brief in my comments. I thank the Minister and her Department for introducing the Bill and the Committee for its universal agreement on the matter. <BR /> <BR />As the Minister and others have rightly stated, accelerated passage is not our preference, but many of us across the House want to do everything in our gift to prevent increased insurance premiums for our citizens. As Mr Boylan rightly stated, at a time when the cost of living is forever rising and families struggle immensely to keep the lights on and with food poverty, we should do everything in our power to prevent an increase in the cost of insurance premiums. I support the Bill at Second Stage.”
“I say that because of the real impact that a failure to update the law will have on people here. <BR /> <BR />In essence, it will restore the original intention of our motor insurance law, ensuring that compulsory insurance requirements will remain confined to the use of motor vehicles on roads and other public places and not place further requirements on our citizens. <BR /> <BR />I would welcome further assurance from the Minister this morning on that point and that her Department is closely watching the legislation in Westminster. I thank the Minister and her Department for bringing the Bill forward and assure the House of my support.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the Bill to the Assembly. As a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, I am grateful to the Minister and her Department for sharing the Bill with us today. <BR /> <BR />The Minister has pointed out the fact that motor insurance is a devolved matter, and it is right that we as an Assembly take these decisions. However, we in the SDLP agree with what others have said this morning that accelerated passage is not the preferable route. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that the Minister will want to point further to the case for accelerated passage and her efforts to secure a smoother route. It seems to me that, in the time available, there were few options for the Minister and the Department, and, therefore, I commend them for securing the support to get the Bill here by accelerated passage.”
“Thank you, Minister, for your response. I, too, am a firm believer in tree preservation. Will you please provide me with an update on the Forests for Our Future initiative and any other kinds of incentives or strategies that your Department has to promote the planting of trees across the North?”
“I am going to get through this. <BR /> <BR />Preferring to deal in facts rather than fiction, I will focus my closing comments on reality. The reality is that the Assembly and the public owe a great deal of gratitude to our public workers and civil servants who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep people safe on our roads. Yes, COVID has caused great disruption, but the service is working and delivering, rather than crumbling in the face of challenges.”
“With some parties walking away from their responsibilities in government and others trying to pull down the Assembly for an early election, I say to them, "Take a leaf out of the SDLP Minister's book and go back to work and find solutions". The SDLP is focused on people: people first and people before politics. To ensure that we can continue to enhance our public services, we need to continue with the job that we are paid to do. <BR /> <BR />Members will note that the motion asks about "creative and innovative measures". I am still unsure about what measures colleagues are seeking. I know that the Minister has asked the Committee what additional ideas it has for the DVA to explore, but I am not aware of what is on the table.”
“It is testimony to Minister Mallon and officials in the DVA that they have kept drivers safe on our roads. They are now doing record numbers of MOT and driving tests against pre-pandemic figures. Against all odds, and against delta and omicron, DVA staff are working longer hours. Those public service workers deserve our thanks and support. They have been on the front line, working against the highly contagious virus. <BR /> <BR />I agree with other Members that there has been disruption and confusion for the public. My constituents have faced those challenges, too. The challenges were caused by COVID and met with solutions by the DVA and our Minister. For anyone to argue otherwise is pathetic politicking.”
“I thank my colleagues on the Committee for working together on the motion. In particular, I am pleased that members accepted and acknowledged the work that has been done by the Minister for Infrastructure and the Department to restore the services. It is important to acknowledge the work that has been done. Not only did Minister Mallon take on crumbling DVA services, with the lifts breaking in her first few days, but, following the Executive's decisions and based on the public health advice of that time, she had to turn off and turn on DVA services. It is no secret that the COVID pandemic has thrown all our public services into disarray, which, in turn, has led to delays. We only have to look at our health service and the waiting lists: there are patients who have been waiting for years for operations.”
“They feel the injustice and are angry at the damage to our landscape, and that is a prime example of the importance of environmental legislation to protect our land. To not speak up about those issues in the House is a dereliction of duty, and that is why I am speaking up today. <BR /> <BR />As political leaders, we have to put our money where our mouths are, and the SDLP will continue to tackle the climate crisis in a just and fair way. The climate crisis is here, and so many can see that. It is time that Governments worldwide catch up with the people on the ground.”
“The SDLP believes that those are the correct steps necessary to support a fair and just transition. <BR /> <BR />At Westminster, our leader, Mr Eastwood, has come forward with a climate change Bill that is ambitious, with emissions reductions targets to protect and restore our ecosystems and construct resilient infrastructure to protect our livelihoods. I have a significant concern for ecosystems, especially in the North. When we talk about climate change and an impact on the environment, I look to my constituency specifically, where I see the same problematic companies, which I believe are reckless profiteers, ruining our countryside across the Sperrins for residents from Park, Dungiven, Claudy and beyond. Constituents have voiced their disdain for the damage to our environment by companies, and they feel that it is beyond their control.”
“Having met farmers in my constituency, I note that they want to diversify and help to be part of tackling the crisis. That is why we have added amendments to group 4 today. The SDLP tabled amendment No 50, moved by my colleague Mr McGlone, to strengthen legislation for our farmers. It details the vital importance of a just transition adviser. What that might look like is a person, persons or body that will provide advice to talk about the societal impact. Most importantly, it will also provide detail to the Department of Finance for the just transition fund or funds to support sectors in the economy or sections of our community through those costs and challenges to meet those targets. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP also tabled amendment No 52, articulating the just transition principle, highlighting:”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the group 4 amendments on the just transition principles. Rightly, all parties across the House have detailed the concerns of farmers. Today, for group 4, I will touch on that and the importance of a just transition. Just before Christmas, I met farmers in Claudy and Park, which are in my constituency. I spoke with them about their honest concerns and their fear of the generational impact in farming families. I personally found that very helpful, especially for today's debate. <BR /> <BR />As a party, we recognise fully that any legislation with robust targets must be underpinned by adequate long-term funding supporting our farming communities. We want the correct funding to ensure that we can support and work with our farmers in tackling the climate crisis.”
“<BR /> <BR />I firmly believe that today is our chance for change. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the legislation and to contribute to the debate on the amendments in group 4 later today, when the SDLP will say that a just transition is necessary to meet targets ethically and that we can do that through having an adviser, correct coordination and appropriate fundamental just transition principles.”
“Thousands of young people on the island of Ireland, many of whom are too young to vote, have shown us through protest, speeches, petitions and climate change events just how much the topic means to them. Some argue that the North is small, but we can make a huge and positive step by creating appropriate legislation. <BR /> <BR />I welcome amendment Nos 32 and 35, which detail the Department's accountability for key factors when setting carbon budgets, such as "scientific knowledge about climate change", "technology relevant to climate change" and, most importantly, the "likely impact" on rural jobs and rural employment opportunities. Any decisions made on climate change must include a fair and just transition. As always, the SDLP is committed to working with our rural communities to bring about the change that we need.”
“We want to ensure that the legislation, with our amendments today, is strong and fair. Later today, we will discuss the importance of a well-funded just transition, oversight and clear policies across Departments. <BR /> <BR />I will move to some of the amendments. Above all else, we across the House can contribute today to clear and effective climate legislation. Today, the SDLP will support amendment No 9 and, if moved, amendment No 10, so that emissions targets can only be brought forward and not pushed back and, for a particular year, a "higher percentage" target. That reflects the urgency of the climate crisis and holds Departments to account. Protecting our environment should be a priority for our Government here.”
“I welcome the opportunity today to contribute to the Climate Change (No. 2) Bill discussion and to speak on the group 1 amendments on targets, carbon budgets and nitrogen balance sheets. I also welcome the fact that the debate is not timed so that many can contribute and have their say. <BR /> <BR />As one of the youngest MLAs in the Assembly, I engage heavily with the younger generation and climate activists of all ages, and I know how much the consideration of the climate change legislation today means to them. From my engagement with a number of sectors ahead of the debate on the Bill, I believe this to be an exciting time in our history, as I have seen how keen our citizens, businesses and sectors are to diversify, innovate and learn how to tackle the climate crisis.”
“I thank the Member who asked this important question. <BR /> <BR />Minister, will you outline how the Victims and Survivors Service will work with the regional trauma network? I recently attended a meeting in Claudy with victims and survivors, and I note the incredible support that the service provides to victims of trauma.”
“My question refers to the energy support scheme. We know the difficulties with rising energy costs. Many people experienced difficulties before Christmas. Why did it take until January for the scheme to be unveiled?”
“My question is on the topic of sexual consent. Does it concern the Minister that, for many young people in the North, the first time that they hear of or learn about sexual consent is at university? Does she see that as a failure by her Department?”
“We know that she has made a case on the basis of the pressures that NI Water has suffered. At the Committee, members from across the political spectrum shared her concerns and supported her efforts to access that vital funding. <BR /> <BR />As we look forward to the multi-year Budget, we must keep in mind the need to ensure that basic services, including water, that underpin everyday services, such as hospitals and schools, get the correct investment. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion.”
“I thank the Minister for introducing the motion, and I, too, wish her well with her recovery over the coming days. <BR /> <BR />I agree with the Minister that water charges must never be allowed here. People already face a number of increased costs, and the Minister shares with me our party position of strong opposition to charging for water. I welcome the fact that the motion puts in place a subsidy to allow a water service to be provided to all our citizens for years to come. <BR /> <BR />Whilst this is a technical motion, it points to the type of society that we want to be: one that cares for and protects its communities. We recognise the value of and the right to clean, free water for families across the North. <BR /> <BR />Rightly and responsibly, the Minister has pointed to the need for NI Water to have the correct funding.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon. He will recall my proposal at the Infrastructure Committee about pressing for vital funding for NI Water and our public transport. I welcome the fact that he has listened and has now provided those much-needed funds. Will he give a guarantee that he will meet the bids for those critical services in the multi-year Budget?”
“It is time that we create strong pull factors to encourage all those who have left to return home. I believe that we should act now.”
“Young people also said that elsewhere has a broader range of higher education courses, greater availability of places and higher-quality student experience, which encourages them to leave Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I believe that one thing that we can all agree on is that the fact that two thirds of our young people leaving this island and never returning home is absolutely unacceptable. Our own Matthew O'Toole MLA has crafted a proposal, called the make change programme, to transform our Civil Service so that it specifically tackles more deep-rooted challenges such as the climate emergency, economic underperformance and, of course, poverty. Our party is keen to see new opportunities and new starts for young people, and I know that other parties across the House do too.”
“That should not have to be the case. We can provide those opportunities right here at home. We must act today to provide for our young people's future tomorrow. <BR /> <BR />The report also recommended that the Northern Ireland Executive develop a specific strategy to address the loss of our talented young people. It is time to retain and regain the lost talent here. Let us diversify our university course offerings, open a veterinary school, create an appropriate and effective strategy to develop our universities and invest in young people and allow for the energy and talent that they bring. Let young people create that, and let them stay here and live here.”
“We have already lost generations of people due to our conflict. Now is the time to effectively address our current societal issues before we lose any more. Every participant raised concerns about political instability, and not one of them expressed confidence in governmental decision-making. How sad is that? Students also voiced the fact that they feel that they are not represented by politicians or in our political debates here. I welcome the representation by and engagement of our student unions across the North, which continue to turn their anger into action and to demand better from our Executive. <BR /> <BR />Looking at my own time under the age of 21, I, too, left Northern Ireland for elsewhere. I have lived in Liverpool, Dublin, Boston and California, looking outward for opportunity and beyond home for new starts and new chances.”
“I welcome the opportunity to talk a little bit more about my concern about the North losing its best and brightest young people to other shores. In December, a new report revealed that ongoing orange and green issues are as much to blame for Northern Ireland's brain drain as the economy. <BR /> <BR />It is very worrying that, in 2019, over 17,000 young people left Northern Ireland to go elsewhere. Among the reasons cited for our young people leaving Northern Ireland were segregation, poor community regulations and stuck-in-the-past political debates. Students in the study described themselves as:”
“I thank the Minister for her answer, and I welcome that a limit has been introduced and that landlords can raise rent only once a year. Will she assure my constituents that she will do all that is in her power to create or contribute to appropriate legislation in this mandate that will cap the size of rent rises?”
“Minister, you mentioned discussions that you have had on suicide prevention strategies in the North and South. Can you outline further any discussions that you have had on that important matter?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. Can you provide a timeline for the review of consent and of wider RSE in our curriculum?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I hear clearly her commitment to New Decade, New Approach (NDNA). What impact is Brexit having on Waterways Ireland?”
“<BR /> <BR />I cannot stress it enough that, if we are to deliver the change that our society deserves, we need to work together and to deliver. Any continued dither and delay on the energy strategy is not acceptable. We know what the Economy Minister is proposing, and I accept today that, in relation to the decarbonisation of transport, Minister Mallon wants to see the energy strategy come to the Executive for scrutiny.”