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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“I cannot imagine the stress that the last year and a bit has been for them, but, from meeting with constituents in East Derry, I know that it has been an extremely difficult and worrying time. The Executive's COVID support packages came as a great support and relief to many and helped to sustain them through what has been a difficult time. I urge the Executive to continue to look for ways in which we can continue to support our local businesses as we move forward. <BR /> <BR />The impact of the pandemic and lockdown will continue to be felt by not only our businesses but all across society in many ways. I think particularly of our young people, the elderly, the vulnerable, those who have to shield and the many who live in rural areas, on whom isolation has, arguably, had the most impact.”
“They act as a safe space where young men and women — all of us — can open up, build their confidence and engage in community outreach. I am delighted that that hugely important aspect of our society has resumed. With the fear of the new strain, we must remember how crucial fitness and team sports are for our overall well-being and how they contribute to feeling supported, fulfilled and, frankly, alive. We have to make sure that, regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, we keep the doors of the sports clubs and the pitches open. <BR /> <BR />After many months of successive periods of lockdown and closure, perhaps more than any of us, it is our local business owners who have breathed the greatest sigh of relief at being able to open their doors again.”
“They are sensible precautions to help to prevent the spread of the virus while allowing us to go about our daily lives as much and as safely as possible. <BR /> <BR />My eyes are drawn to amendment No 4, which states that "All outdoor sport may resume" and removes restrictions on indoor sporting events subject to a risk assessment in certain cases. I struggle to articulate how positive that is. For many, sport acts as a tool to combat stress. Many have had their lives turned upside down this year, so I am delighted to see that measure included. The closure of gyms to the public and the lack of team sports and team engagements was incredibly hard for many, including me. For many, our sports clubs are like family; they play a huge role in our everyday lives.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the health protection regulations. The amendments, especially amendment Nos 4 and 5, will be a significant step on the road out of lockdown. Whilst the rise in case numbers in recent days and the concerns about the delta variant are alarming, I am hopeful that, by continuing to take the usual precautions regarding hands, face and space, we will avoid a tightening of restrictions or any kind of return to lockdown. <BR /> <BR />The successful roll-out of the vaccination programme continues to give us hope of better days. I take the opportunity to again pay tribute to all those involved in the programme who have contributed to vaccinating the vulnerable in Northern Ireland. Of course, we must continue to take precautions, such as wearing masks, as mentioned in amendment No 2.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. It was very informative. I reiterate my and my party's support for you following the comments last week, which were deeply unhelpful and disgraceful. No public representative should have to endure that. <BR /> <BR />My question refers to waiting lists. We know about the pain, uncertainty and stress felt by patients and their families. Given that the statistics have been revealed recently and we have seen how horrific they are, will the Minister provide an update on any conversations that his Department is having about psychological support for patients and families throughout this trying time?”
“Has the Minister considered increasing financial support for Northern Irish undergrad students living in London? NI students in London receive £6,780 in maintenance grants. Meanwhile, English students in the same circumstances are given over £12,000, so there is nearly a £6,000 difference. Is that something that you and your Department are looking at and addressing?”
“What coordinated work are the Executive taking to address our waiting lists? We recognise that a cross-departmental approach will be necessary. What joined-up work is being undertaken?”
“Although it is good to see other political parties regarding waiting lists as a priority, I respectfully ask this: with the resources that you have, Minister, including civil servants in your Department, a joint First Minister, multiple Ministers and spads, what more creative and innovative ways and what vision do you have to help tackle issues in the health service? It is really important today to highlight some of the failures in the Budget. It is crucial to mention that, although it is good to have a cross-party commitment to improving waiting lists, we have not seen that today.”
“Now is our opportunity to tackle underfunding and neglect in the North, but, unfortunately, looking through the Budget that the Minister has put forward today, I feel that it lacks the vision and ambition that his colleagues have been calling for to address waiting lists in the South. Minister, I ask you this today: what more can you and your Department do to tackle waiting lists and to provide the appropriate funding so that they can be tackled? <BR /> <BR />I have another concern.”
“Over 300,000 are currently awaiting a treatment, a surgery or a meeting with a consultant. We must be ambitious and creative in tackling waiting lists so that we can improve their lives. Surely there is more that can be done. We must work harder and smarter for the results that our citizens deserve. <BR /> <BR />I will conclude with a few quick comments and questions to the Finance Minister. On 13 May 2021, Minister, your Sinn Féin colleague and health spokesperson in the South said:”
“It is arguably one of the biggest difficulties that we will encounter coming out of the pandemic. The physical and mental well-being of people who are on waiting lists is at utmost risk. Many people have been willing to be patient during the COVID crisis, but, as we emerge from it, patience is wearing very thin. The Budget does nothing to tackle proactively the historical waiting lists, and it is important today to highlight that evident failure. <BR /> <BR />As a young person looking at the health service, I am filled with dread. Those waiting lists will take a significant amount of time to fix, but doing that is heavily dependent on having the correct funding. We all know or love somebody who is waiting on an appointment. That is the reality for one in four people in Northern Ireland.”
“Those who can afford to go private do so, and their lives improve. Oftentimes, many are using their life savings, which is so sad. Others who cannot afford to go private, suffer and wait, wait and suffer, often dying on the waiting list. That is a sad and horrific reality of which none of us can be proud. We must make our health service run effectively and efficiently, but, to do so, we need a better Budget: one with ambition and vision. I am very disappointed that I do not see that today. As a result, we still see many challenges as we come out of COVID. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the funding that has been allocated in this year's Budget for mental health, but I am deeply disappointed that, in a 74-page Budget document, mental health is mentioned only twice.”
“It is crucial that we invest correctly in order to help preserve life and provide improved quality of life for all our people who are currently on waiting lists. <BR /> <BR />Earlier this week, it was heartbreaking and deeply concerning to hear the Department of Health's estimate that it could take anywhere from five to 10 years to address the current waiting lists. There are real people on those waiting lists who are deteriorating and living with chronic pain. As time passes, their conditions only worsen and are somewhat irreversible. Really addressing the health crisis will require extensive reform and possibly a complete reimagining of our services. Money talks, and it is undoubtedly needed in order to support the regeneration of our NHS and how we do things. <BR /> <BR />What we have currently is a two-tier system.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate in my capacity as the SDLP's health spokesperson. We are facing the biggest crisis in the NHS of any of our lifetimes. The pandemic has not only greatly exacerbated an already dangerous situation but has served to highlight the faults and gaps in our healthcare system. Real people in real pain are behind the waiting list statistics. Greater levels of funding would help alleviate some of the most pressing and urgent issues, such as waiting lists, which are truly in a dire and deeply alarming state, and, most importantly, red-flag procedures such as cancer surgeries and treatments. Forty million pounds is not enough to tackle all of that.”
“I thank the Minister for his positive answer. I think that schools will welcome that flexibility. I know that you have already taken some steps to tackle cyberbullying, which is a massive issue that we know can have a detrimental impact on young people and their overall well-being. What further steps are you taking to either stop it or to support students and families who are experiencing it?”
“<BR /> <BR />To conclude, I would like to put on record my support and that of my party for those young people and their families. I hope that we will soon see a strategy forthcoming from the Department.”
“I think that our children are among the most affected, and I am deeply concerned about what it will all mean for them. I fear for children who may have been left behind when they were not in school over the pandemic and who may have autism but their teacher was not there to witness the signs and symptoms. I am sure that that adds a great sense of uncertainty not just for the children themselves but for their families and carers. <BR /> <BR />I call on the Minister and his Department, in conjunction with the Minister of Education, to work together through the Children's Services Co-Operation Act to bring forward a longer-term strategy and, in doing so, to work with those who have autism, their families and carers, and the community and voluntary sector to ensure equality of care and services that are free at the point of need.”
“Thank you. I thank the Member for his intervention. Yes, I think that it is crucial to keep the numbers. I note that, in my constituency, a number of parents have raised the fact that it has been difficult to find support, especially during COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />I was particularly concerned to note that there has been an increase in the number of people with autism over the past 10 years, with one in 24 children of school age having a diagnosis. Nearly 20,000 people in Northern Ireland have autism, which is one in every 100 people. The conversations that we have today have the power to change lives. That is really important. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken here on a number of occasions about the impact of COVID-19 on overall well-being.”
“That is a very sad reality when we note that an early assessment can help to shape the lives of people with autism and contribute to their living happy, healthy and independent lives.”
“I have witnessed first-hand how delays contribute to the detriment of a child's mental health, confidence and overall well-being and the real, tangible isolation that they feel in and outside the classroom. <BR /> <BR />Ahead of today's debate, Autism NI circulated a briefing to all Members, and it makes for stark and concerning reading. I thank Autism NI for its commitment to bettering the lives of those with an autism diagnosis and to supporting their families. The report includes the disparity in waiting times between the different trust areas and the health inequalities that are arising as a result of the waiting lists, with some families, as mentioned previously, able to afford a private diagnosis, while others simply cannot.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate in my role as my party's health spokesperson. I support the motion and the amendment, and I thank the Members who moved them. <BR /> <BR />This is an important and much-needed debate. The figures stated in the motion really do speak for themselves. I think that we all know or love someone who either has autism or, unfortunately, is waiting for a crucial assessment. At the end of last year, almost 4,500 children in Northern Ireland were awaiting an autism diagnosis, which is shocking, and almost of one quarter of them were in the Western Trust, which falls into my constituency. <BR /> <BR />Personally, someone very close to me has the most wonderful son, who is of primary-school age and has been left without an assessment for over two years.”
“It is still very early days in the road to recovery, and, sadly, many businesses will have found themselves in a position where it is no longer sustainable for them to have their doors open at all. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Health Minister and his Department for all that they have done over the past year and continue to do, in what is a tumultuous time in our history.”
“We have not yet seen the full impact of the pandemic on people's mental health or the ramifications for our health service. I continue to urge the Executive and the Minister of Health to work to ensure that the correct and sufficient services are in place to deal with that. <BR /> <BR />As of last Friday, many businesses have thankfully reopened, at least to some extent, and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. That is very welcome and great to see. I know from business owners in my constituency of East Derry that the Executive's support schemes were a lifesaver and allowed businesses to meet necessary costs and outgoings throughout different phases of the lockdown. However, I urge the Executive to not let up on support for businesses.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I agree: there is a lot of confusion because the response is often, "We do what we can on a case-by-case basis", but we have expectant mothers asking, "What will that mean for me?". With birth, unexpected things can happen, so it is really important, especially in circumstances where there has been a traumatic birth, that they have their partner there for that additional support. <BR /> <BR />As I have done previously, I want to mention the impact of the pandemic and successive lockdowns on our collective well-being and mental health. I am thinking particularly of the elderly, the vulnerable and those who have had to shield, especially those who are living in rural areas like my constituency, and have been greatly impacted by the isolation over the past number of months.”
“With the continuing loosening of restrictions, now is the time for change in the policy to allow for birthing partners at all stages of the birthing process — before, throughout and after — so that it is not decided on a case-by-case basis and is not for up to one hour a week post-birth.”
“Guidance is also essential on what is seen as being essential travel within the common travel area. Additional clarity on that is much-needed. <BR /> <BR />Another main concern that I have is about birthing partner policies in hospitals. Expectant mothers have expressed to me their deep frustration and severe anxiety at not being able to have their partner with them at such an emotional and life-changing moment, especially for first-time mums and young mums. I could have visited Primark last weekend or got my nails done, yet we have expectant mothers who are waiting on wards and are vulnerable and alone and making decisions without their partner being there. That is a really important point.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I agree wholeheartedly and share his frustration. Being from a constituency that has such a beautiful coastline and attracts a lot of tourists, I think that the messaging could definitely be a lot stronger and clarification is needed. As the Chair of the Committee said, it is not clear what "stay local" means. Does it mean x number of miles? We do not know. As the summer and the beautiful weather come closer to us, additional clarification is badly needed. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken to constituents who have shared their concerns and said that they really do not understand the messaging. Perhaps further money being put into a media campaign or more online communication are needed as younger people especially really do not know the rules.”
“It would be all too easy, as things begin to look more positive, for us to ease up in adhering to the guidelines and for complacency to set in. That, of course, would be a huge mistake, and I continue to urge members of the public to adhere to restrictions, which include maintaining social distancing, washing hands and, of course, wearing a face covering. <BR /> <BR />Having spoken with constituents, I call on the Executive to ensure clear messaging to the public, particularly on travel and making trips to seaside resorts. Additional clarity from the Ministers on holidays this summer would be welcome.”
“The reopening of society and a return to a much more normal way of life has come as a huge relief after months of lockdown and what was a very difficult winter for so many of us. The changes to restrictions would not have been possible without society as a whole pulling and working together. <BR /> <BR />We owe a massive debt of gratitude to our NHS and our front-line workers. We will be forever grateful to them for their work under the most trying of circumstances throughout the pandemic in what has been an exceptionally tumultuous year. I also pay tribute to the public for sticking with and continuing to adhere to the restrictions. It has not been easy, but we are seeing every day how their sacrifices continue to pay off. <BR /> <BR />None of us wants to see or experience again further restrictions or a return to lockdown.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in today's debate in my role as my party's health spokesperson. Many of the regulations today have now been superseded by more recent announcements and regulations, but the amendment on wearing face coverings seems to be a particularly sensible precaution to take, especially as people can now return to their place of worship and attend services such as weddings and funerals subject, of course, to a risk assessment. <BR /> <BR />Thankfully, the number of daily infections continues to fall and the vaccine programme continues at a pace with its successful roll-out. All that has allowed for the loosening of restrictions by the Executive in the last two weeks and continued loosening in the weeks ahead.”
“As others have outlined, there are many reasons to end the use of academic selection. There have been interesting contributions today, and I recognise that this is a controversial debate. <BR /> <BR />My background is that I was educated in Northern Ireland in a grammar school, but I was also educated in the States, both for primary and secondary education. I found it really interesting there that there was no test at 11 years old, but some of my classmates chose not to go into higher or further education, while others ended up attending Yale, Stanford or even Harvard. Today is an opportunity to see and explore, to look outwards for opportunities for how we can reform and to collaborate while doing so. <BR /> <BR />There are 15 seconds left, if the Member wants to come in.”
“No, you will get in at the end. Although I have focused my remarks today on the well-being impact of our academic —.”
“I am not done just yet. Sorry, Robbie. If I finish within time, absolutely. <BR /> <BR />We have an opportunity to reshape our society and make much-needed changes to several of our systems and to public services so that they work better and for everyone, whether those changes be to healthcare or, indeed, our education system. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, although I have focused my remarks —.”
“In that troubling context, this debate is taking place today. I have said today and previously in other debates that, as we begin to emerge from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to reshape our society and make much-needed changes to several of our systems and to public services —.”
“an examination that took place around half a century before. That is shocking and, indeed, very sad. <BR /> <BR />Our education system should be building up young people, supporting them and making them resilient, confident and capable of tackling life's many challenges. It should not contain an integral process that impacts on their mental health, well-being and level of self-worth. Members across the House will share my concerns about the scale of the mental health crisis here in Northern Ireland. The pandemic has greatly exacerbated that crisis, especially for our young people. A survey last year found that 12·6% of children and young people here suffer from common mood disorders. As was mentioned previously, the mental health champion, Siobhán O'Neill, has warned of the devastating effects of the pandemic on children.”
“That perpetuates, in many ways, the postcode lottery and inequalities, because a child from one side of the town may have easier access to education-based opportunities than a child from another side of the town. We can do better than that. <BR /> <BR />The report also states:”
“It does, and I have seen that at first hand, especially in my time at school. Children feel humiliated if they do not get into the school that they want or perhaps if they do not get the result that they want. It weighs heavily on their shoulders and continues to, way past the time that they go to university or choose not to. It is ludicrous that, in this day and age, when we have such a better understanding of issues surrounding mental health and well-being and know the impact that our formative years can have on us later in life, we continue to have an education system whereby a real outcome for our children can be low self-esteem. <BR /> <BR />This was mentioned by a Member who spoke previously, but a notable concern for me is that greater opportunity can be available to children from affluent families, who have access to more money.”
“Not at this time, because we do not get an extra minute. Sorry. <BR /> <BR />The report goes on to state:”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion on the important issues of academic selection and the transfer test. I support the amendment tabled by my party colleagues. <BR /> <BR />I will focus my remarks on the mental health and well-being impact that academic selection and the transfer test can have on our young people. The Ulster University report to which the motion refers outlines the impact that failing the transfer test can have. I feel strongly that academic selection at the age of 11 is quite simply wrong. As my party colleague said, the SDLP believes that academic selection is unfair and in need of reform. I agree with him that it is disappointing that, in 2021, we still have not done enough to ensure better educational outcomes for all our young people in Northern Ireland.”
“I welcome the installation of 20 mph speed limits at many of our schools and the fact that protecting children is a priority for you, Minister. With your commitment to do more this year, from a financial perspective, have you received enough money from the Finance Minister to facilitate that?”
“My question refers to the point made by the Members who have spoken. Understandably, people have deep frustration and concern about not getting face-to-face appointments. We are all hearing it from our constituents. Off the back of that, what conversations are you having with patients and GPs about face-to-face appointments resuming as soon as possible?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and for his commitment to improving the lives of those who are struggling with substance misuse. The topic of alcoholism has touched all of us in some way. Was there any discussion about how we can best support the families and children of parents who struggle with alcoholism?”
“Of course, there will be many competing priorities for the Minister, the Department, the trusts and, indeed, the Executive as a whole to decide upon in the coming weeks and months. I know that these will be difficult decisions to make, but the experience of cancer patients, these recent figures, and, sadly, often the severity of a cancer diagnosis makes it imperative that cancer services be a top priority.”
“Beyond that, in line with the cancer strategy, which I understand is due to go out for consultation this summer, we are presented with the opportunity, as we hopefully begin to emerge from the pandemic, to shape a very different and better health service for the future, not just in cancer services but across the health service. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I concur with the motion that cancer services must be put at the centre of the COVID-19 recovery.”
“I understand that fear, but, in line with public health advice, I urge anyone with symptoms, whether or not those are cancer-related, to seek the necessary medical attention and to contact their GP immediately. <BR /> <BR />Although I recognise, as we all do, that much needs to be done to address the issue, I also recognise the wonderful work being done in the cancer field in Northern Ireland and, in particular, the work of the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin, from whose care many of my constituents and family have benefited. <BR /> <BR />The health service in Northern Ireland has been in crisis for many years, and the pandemic has greatly exacerbated that crisis. I welcome the fact that the Department is working on finalising the cancer recovery plan and hope that the Minister can bring it before us very shortly.”
“For many cancer patients and their families, I am sure that it has been a very daunting experience and time, exacerbated by the uncertainty around a return to normal services as well as the enforced isolation that has become a part of our daily lives. I welcome the fact that, in his statement last week on trust rebuilding plans, the Minister confirmed that the cancer recovery plan will be accompanied by an important mental health support scheme. I hope that that will go some way towards supporting those patients' well-being. <BR /> <BR />I am concerned that, over the past year, many people have put off seeking medical help and attention for symptoms because of the fear of contracting COVID-19.”
“They include only over half of patients who were given an urgent referral for suspected cancer by their GP in December of last year commencing their treatment within the recommended time. The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry's estimation that 1,600 cancer patients have been missed owing to the pandemic is similarly concerning. That includes 200 bowel cancers, 200 lung cancers and 100 upper gastrointestinal cancers. Behind all those figures are individuals and their families. The impact that that has had not only on cancer patients' physical health but on their mental health and well-being has been deeply significant.”
“As we have seen, nothing has been impacted on by it as much as our health service and, in turn, its staff and patients. I take the opportunity today to pay tribute again to the amazing work that we have seen from the health service over the past year. It has truly been incredible. Of course, we recognise that the public health crisis of COVID-19 has had to be at the forefront of the NHS and trusts' priorities over the past year, but, equally, we recognise that it has come at a huge cost to other services and health conditions, not least to cancer services, including diagnostics, treatment and surgery. <BR /> <BR />Recent cancer figures for Northern Ireland are very alarming.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this most important of issues. I thank Pam and Jonathan for tabling the motion. I know that Mr Buckley is very passionate about the issue. We have seen that over a number of weeks at the Health Committee. Thank you both for bringing it forward today. <BR /> <BR />We all know or love someone who has had cancer. It is a difficult, scary and traumatic time for the patients and families involved. That is the case at any time in their lives, but throughout the COVID pandemic especially it has filled patients and families with fear and, as Colm said, deep frustration. We all feel that and share their concern. <BR /> <BR />Over the past year, the pandemic has impacted on almost every aspect of our lives and of society.”
“Areas such as Benone and Magilligan and ports in my constituency are heavily dependent on tourism to thrive. Has the Minister had any conversations with the Minister for the Economy or the tourism sector to help those towns build back better after COVID?”