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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“Trust chairs have the responsibility for governance and running the service, and the scale of their concerns about the Budget is deeply worrying. <BR /> <BR />The Budget settlement, as proposed, does not give trusts the flexibility to recruit staff and to address severe workforce issues. That is simply not sustainable and does not allow for any kind of future planning. There is also the potential that it will lead to millions of pounds being paid to agencies to plug workforce gaps, particularly in professions such as nursing, as we all know. <BR /> <BR />During the pandemic over the past 12 months, we have seen the pressures that our NHS staff have been under. It has brought home to us all just how overstretched our services are across the Six Counties and how stressed staff have been.”
“I understand that that joint statement from the chairs was an unprecedented move, which underscores the deficiency of this Budget.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the Budget debate in my role as my party's health spokesperson and as a member of the Health Committee. I hope that, next year, we have less of a disjointed process and that, next year, there is increased collaboration and partnership with Departments and their organisations to deliver a Budget that works and delivers for all our people in Northern Ireland. There are a number of points about the Budget, as it relates to health and social care, that I would like touch on. <BR /> <BR />First, there is the issue of workforce and recruitment challenges because of non-recurrent Budgets. Yesterday, I wrote to the chairs of the health trusts across the North further to their statement and response to the draft Budget consultation.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answers so far. Looking through the pathway, it is welcome that one of the strategic priorities is maintaining the health and well-being of all our citizens. Given the welcome pace of the vaccine programme, what plans do the Executive have to introduce an improved, full-scale and comprehensive track-and-trace system? What further steps have been considered to ensure that future outbreaks can be contained so that we do not have to reverse any elements of the plan?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. That is fantastic news for the people of Dungiven. I know that you have worked hard to provide the park-and-ride scheme. On accessibility, will a shuttle bus be provided to take people from Dungiven town out to the park-and-ride facility?”
“I hope that, when we next discuss regulations, we will see that they have improved the situation and that we have today recognised the need to come together politically at this time.”
“The whole retail landscape has changed drastically in recent years, and perhaps the pandemic will, sadly, cause that to continue even more. It is not fair that small businesses in our towns and villages incur such large fees in rates. I really hope that that is something that we can take from this experience and change. <BR /> <BR />I echo Mr Gildernew's point, and I would like to see a review of the impact that the regulations and restrictions have had. That would be really beneficial for the Committee to see. <BR /> <BR />As always, I and my party, the SDLP, offer our support to the Minister and the Executive on the regulations as we continue to work together to beat the virus.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst I am glad to see the Executive move on click and collect, we all recognise that many small business owners will not be in a position to do that or have the means to establish or offer click-and-collect services. Likewise, small independent shops will not be in the business of clothing and electrical goods. What has angered many small business owners in my constituency is that the burden of closure and restriction seems to fall heavily on their shoulders as opposed to the bigger chain stores that I mentioned, which may, as a result of stocking such a wide variety of goods, have exceptions much more easily than, for example, a small local business like a boutique or gift shop. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, business rates need to be looked at.”
“I am sure that it has come as some relief and welcome news to some businesses, such as those that sell clothing, footwear and electrical goods, that they will now be able to offer click-and-collect services. Being able to offer some kind of custom and service will, we hope, not just be of financial benefit but will give some hope to small business owners for the prospects of the sustainability of their business for the remainder of the restrictions. We have seen how larger companies such as Asda and Tesco have benefited while small businesses continue to struggle. I am happy that that has been somewhat rectified.”
“4, I also welcome the provision in the regulations for driving instruction for services provided by or on behalf of the police, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust or the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Board. That seems to be a wise and sensible measure, particularly at a time when we have extra need for and pressure on our emergency services; indeed, we recognise the great value of their work. <BR /> <BR />I will focus my remarks mainly on amendment No. 3, as well as the resumption of the click-and-collect services from 8 March for some retailers, which was announced last week. We are all too aware of the huge impact that the pandemic has had on local businesses across all of our constituencies. Whether it be shops, pubs, restaurants, gyms or hairdressers, no small business has gone unaffected.”
“I sincerely hope that, in the months ahead, we prioritise living with COVID-19 in a safe way and that things can safely and slowly return to normal, as opposed to continued lockdowns. <BR /> <BR />With regard to amendment No. 2, the 18 February date has passed, and we have seen the Executive's announcement last Thursday. However, I welcome the requirement on the Department of Health to review the need for restrictions. I note and welcome it that the current restrictions will again be reviewed on 18 March and that the Executive's pathway to recovery blueprint will shortly be published, on 1 March. <BR /> <BR />On amendment No.”
“I have expressed similar sentiments before, but I sincerely hope that the next six weeks will be the last ones with such strict restrictions in place and that the rates and spread of infection will allow a greater loosening of restrictions in early April. <BR /> <BR />As I have also done in my previous remarks in these debates, I continue to urge the public to continue to adhere to the guidance. We acknowledge the great toll that the last year has taken on everyone's mental health and well-being. I hope that the difficult sacrifices that everyone has made since the beginning of the pandemic are recognised. I especially note, as has been mentioned by colleagues, the impact of the lack of team sports and regular gym use on the overall well-being of people of all ages.”
“I join other Members in welcoming Edwin back to the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak on the regulations. Of course, since these amendments to the health protection regulations were tabled for debate in the Assembly this morning, as of last Thursday we have known that the restrictions are to be extended. My party colleagues and I continue to support the Executive in their decisions on the continuation of lockdown until 1 April. They are not easy decisions, especially as time goes on. However, we know that they are not taken lightly and are made on the best medical and scientific advice and in the interests of public health.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Given that East Derry is a very rural constituency, I often hear about the difficulties with broadband and digital poverty. What further steps is your Department taking to remedy that?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, I am mindful of the concerns of those waiting in limbo for cancer surgeries across the North, and I am sure that you share my concern. Therefore, has your Department made any further funding available for private healthcare providers to enable more cancer surgeries to take place?”
“I hope that, as lockdown lifts, the Department and the PHA will continue to engage directly with the gym industry and sports groups to ensure that health and safety can be adhered to and that these important aspects of our lives can safely resume as soon as possible. <BR /> <BR />I conclude with a question to the Minister. Could staff who carry out COVID-19 testing be considered for priority vaccination as they are front-line workers in a high-risk group? As far as I am aware, they are on zero-hour contracts and have deep concerns that, should they contract the virus, they would not receive sick pay. <BR /> <BR />My party and I support these regulations. Like all Members, I regret the need for such stringent measures at this time. I can only hope that the end is somewhere closer in sight.”
“They are frustrated to see people coming from far and wide to stay in their holiday homes, and I deeply understand their frustrations. I reiterate that no one would ever seek to stop or limit anybody's right to exercise, but I ask that the public stay in and around their own areas for fear that they inadvertently spread the virus. In normal times, tourists and visitors are very welcome in our towns in East Derry. These towns are very dependent on the tourism market. Hopefully, those days of having tourists are not too far away, but, for now, I urge people to adhere to the guidance on travel. <BR /> <BR />A number of constituents have voiced to me the importance of team sports and regular gym attendance for their mental and emotional well-being.”
“I continue to press the Minister of Health and his Department to act and work now to put a plan in place to deal with the anticipated mental health crisis as we come out of the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />Last week, we discussed the Health Committee's recent report on care homes. In that debate, across the House, we all reflected on the difficulties that care homes have experienced. The report brought home to me the stark realities of what life has been like for residents and families, and, indeed, the effect on people not being able to visit, see, touch and hug loved ones. <BR /> <BR />I want to make a point relating specifically to regulation 19 from the perspective of my constituency of East Derry. I have been contacted by a number of constituents and residents at the seaside resorts of Portballintrae, Portrush and Portstewart.”
“As I have done in previous debates on the health protection regulations, I want to mention the impact that the regulations have had on mental and emotional well-being. The lack of contact with family and friends, and the need to stay at home, which the restrictions require and enforce, has been one of the most difficult and, in some cases, painful experiences of the pandemic over the last year. The sense of isolation and loneliness that many people have experienced must be dreadful, particularly for those in the elderly community, the disabled and those living in rural areas, who may have already found themselves cut off and isolated, regardless of the pandemic.”
“As we approach the one-year mark since the first lockdown last March, it does not seem to be getting any easier to adapt to this way of life. Hopefully, once the current phase of restrictions is lifted in the coming weeks, we will never have to return to such a way of life.”
“There is now a lower number of daily cases of infection and a lower R number than at the start of the year, and, along with the fantastic process for the roll-out of the vaccine, we can all take heart from the developments. <BR /> <BR />Despite that positive news, we still have some way to go. I continue to urge the public to adhere to the restrictions and the guidelines. We continue to recognise the gravity of the public health crisis and the continued immense pressures that NHS and front-line staff face day in and day out. As a member of the Health Committee, I am also aware of the pressures on all staff, right across the health system, as a result of the crisis. <BR /> <BR />It has been a long and difficult winter.”
“I thank the Minister for being here today. I welcome the opportunity to speak again on the health protection regulations, specifically, regulations 12, 17, 19 and 22. Those restrictions are, perhaps, among the most difficult. They greatly impact on our daily life and our everyday movements. It is very regrettable that we remain in a similar situation, 11 months into the pandemic, both with the virus itself and continued cycles of lockdown. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the restrictions are not put in place lightly, and we support the Executive and the Minister in the difficult decisions that they have had to make to protect lives and to beat the virus. The sacrifices made by the public over the past number of weeks have not been in vain. We are now beginning to see, slowly but surely, an improvement in the figures.”
“I thank the Minister for her detailed answer. In 2020, over 3,000 sexual offences were reported to the PSNI, 960 of which were incidents of rape in the North. The steps being taken to support victims and survivors are welcome news. Will the Minister outline any conversations that she has had with the PSNI or the Education Minister on providing sexual consent education to contribute to the prevention of further sexual assaults in Northern Ireland?”
“First Minister, what is your assessment of the mental health impact of lockdowns, and what cross-departmental approach will be taken to mitigate it?”
“Yes. <BR /> <BR />— for residents, staff and families, and I hope that the report will go at least some way to addressing those issues.”
“<BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I very much welcome the report and the opportunity to speak about it today. We have a responsibility to ensure better preparedness for such an eventuality, should it happen again. There are also many lessons to be learned from this awful experience and many issues that we must urgently address in care homes —”
“<BR /> <BR />I recently spoke with Julieann McNally from Care Home Advice and Support NI. Julieann lost her mother and grandmother in the Dunmurry Manor home and has since fought to get answers about appalling care standards. We had a very thought-provoking discussion. During our meeting, she said, "The elderly in our society are not treated equally. If we were talking about children, would it be allowed?". I do not think that it would, and that is why the report on COVID in care homes is so important. It outlines the immediate steps that we must implement and recognises the evident failures from last year. So many have been impacted by separation from their loved ones, and I fear that, one day, when we come out the other side of COVID-19, not all loved ones will be here with us. We must recognise that.”
“In line with the Committee's recommendation that the care partner scheme be expedited, perhaps the Minister, in his concluding remarks, could include an update on the scheme and its uptake to date and what more he and his Department are doing to encourage it. Several families in great distress have reached out to me on that matter. The inability to see their mum or dad safely and the lack of visitation are causing severe distress and uncertainty. There is also an element of suffering; it is very difficult not to see your loved ones. The lack of visitation has undoubtedly contributed to the cognitive decline of those with dementia. It has been almost a year now — 11 months — since families have seen their parents and loved ones due to the fear of passing on the virus.”
“It is vital that those crucial steps to track and monitor the virus are taken to ensure that every safe measure is taken to protect those in a vulnerable category. <BR /> <BR />Like the Committee's findings on testing, the situation with PPE and its availability has improved from what it was at the start of the pandemic. That is also welcome. We all recall the real fear last March about access to PPE. That must never happen again. <BR /> <BR />The lack of visiting has had a severe and negative impact on families with loved ones in care homes. They have had a particularly difficult and upsetting time not being able to visit their loved ones, and residents have not been able to have that really important time with their family.”
“I have great and deep admiration for the staff, who are working in such a challenging environment, but I will, first, speak about testing. Although it is good to note that the context has changed significantly since the outbreak of the pandemic in terms of testing capacity, increased frequency of testing, regular symptom monitoring and new approaches, it is deeply regrettable that, at the start of the pandemic, care homes were not equipped to carry out testing better to ensure that the spread of the virus was kept to an absolute minimum. Of course, I welcome the fact that the report finds that the situation now is much improved. The Committee's recommendation is that, subject to rapid testing becoming available, care home workers should be tested daily and that testing should be extended to all those entering nursing homes.”
“As is outlined, at the start of 2021, 30% of COVID-related deaths — 607 — had taken place in care homes. That is 607 people. That is a shocking figure. The report looked into many aspects of care homes and the impact of COVID-19. I will touch on a few in particular.”
“I speak today as a member of the Health Committee and as my party's spokesperson on health. I thank all the organisations and individuals who contributed to the report and discussed the issue of care homes and COVID-19. I regret that I have only five minutes in which to speak. I thank the Minister for his regular, positive engagements with and briefings to the Health Committee. As a new member, I definitely found them helpful. I appreciate that, given the serious nature of health at this moment in history, the Minister has kept open and transparent communication with us. <BR /> <BR />The report gives a very clear picture of what things have been like for care home residents, staff and families during the pandemic. I hope that the Minister and the Department will implement the report's findings and recommendations.”
“However, we often wonder whether, if he were having his diagnosis in 2021 and needed that crucial surgery, we would be having a very different conversation. I share that deep concern, and the Health Committee should discuss the issue further. <BR /> <BR />I thank the public for their continued efforts and the health staff for their hard work.”
“The vaccine roll-out is giving us all hope that the end is a little bit closer, but it is important, now more than ever, not to give up and undo all the sacrifices that have been made over the last year. <BR /> <BR />A lot of political angles have been discussed today, and I could indulge in that. However, I want to shift to an important topic. Mr Buckley mentioned, very passionately, his deep concern about cancer surgeries being cancelled. I absolutely agree that that is very concerning. Cancer is a deeply emotional and raw topic, and I share my deep concern. Two years ago, my father had a robotic radical prostatectomy, and the cancer care that he received from the Western Trust was absolutely fantastic.”
“<BR /> <BR />While I appreciate that swift action needs to be taken by the Executive when it comes to decisions around regulations and lockdowns, I believe that the Assembly should have more time to discuss those decisions. Today's regulations were all made between 10 December and 29 December, which is over one month ago. I also note that it seems that, too often, we are learning about Executive decisions through the media as opposed to being properly informed and briefed on any policy changes or extensions to restrictions. <BR /> <BR />I will conclude my remarks by once again thanking front-line staff for all that they are doing in this fight. We are all very grateful. I urge the public to continue to adhere to the current guidelines and regulations, as difficult as that may be.”
“<BR /> <BR />As we look towards more weeks of businesses having to stay closed, I call on the Executive to act quickly to extend current schemes and to help those business owners who rely on that money to keep their businesses afloat. <BR /> <BR />From my constituents, I hear a lot about the closure of entertainment venues and the need for more support for entertainers, singers and musicians. Having no social events such as weddings has caused great difficulty, and the pandemic has meant that the entertainment industry has had a very hard time. In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to learning what further consideration is being given to provide support for that sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />I must also pay tribute to the NHS staff who, as we speak, are facing some of the most difficult times that they ever have faced or will face in their work. We are greatly indebted to them and hope that, with further restrictions in place, we will start to see a fall in infection rates and people needing hospital care, and, in turn, less pressure on front-line staff and the health system. <BR /> <BR />Similarly, I pay tribute to all those who are involved in the vaccination programme. Its success is remarkable, and it is heartening to see the figures every day for those getting the vaccine. Currently, 10·5% of the adult population has been given the first dose of the vaccine, and that is most welcome.”
“I believe, as do other Members, that it is on us, as MLAs and the Executive, to commit to ensuring that the support is, and will continue to be, there for those who are in need of help and support, particularly after this traumatic time. The last 10 months have been very difficult for all aspects of society. <BR /> <BR />One thing that Mr Middleton touched on was that in previous health amendments we discussed funerals. It is a very difficult time to have a funeral. In the North, having wakes allows us to engage with our community in grief, and that support system is not there. To speak directly to the public, I urge those who are suffering from a bereavement to seek crucial support and counselling.”
“For many of the most vulnerable people, during the pandemic, their life has existed only between four walls. Many experienced a very lonely Christmas, making sacrifices this year so that the next will be very different. <BR /> <BR />As I and many other passionate Members have said before, the after-effects on mental health and well-being will be felt long after the pandemic has passed. Mr Middleton, although he is not here at the minute, mentioned a call that we had with the Western Trust when we heard the worrying statistic that 12% more people are presenting at mental health services. That is deeply concerning and worrying.”
“I will begin by taking the opportunity to thank the public for all that they have done and the sacrifices that they have made over the past 10 months as we continue to do all that we can to beat the virus. <BR /> <BR />As we discuss amendment Nos. 19 to 25, I am sure that the recent news that the lockdown will be extended until early March was met with many sighs and heavy hearts. Whilst all of us across the Chamber recognise the need for continued restrictions and support the Executive in this difficult decision, we are very mindful of the impact that the pandemic has had and will continue to have for the foreseeable months on our constituents, not least the emotional impact of being socially isolated. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, the sacrifices that have been made for the greater good have come at a very personal cost.”
“I thank the Minister for coming before the House today. Although I appreciate the immense pressures that the health service is under, COVID has been truly revealing of the decades of underinvestment in our healthcare system in Northern Ireland. Does the Minister foresee that, in addition to red-flag surgeries, that could lead to more routine surgeries taking place in private medical facilities?”
“Thank you, Minister. With respect, when we talk about students, we talk about real people, real problems, real worries, real bills and real stress. Some 94% of the students surveyed said that the pandemic had negatively impacted on their well-being. I respect the fact that you have had lengthy discussions with student loan companies and vice chancellors, but talking is not enough. As a former student and an MLA, I ask the Minister whether she intends to abdicate responsibility and blame everyone else or to commit today to helping our students financially?”
“As I draw my remarks to a close, we ask you to note the concerns voiced today in the Chamber and for your acknowledgment of the mass increases of COVID-19 cases and the challenges that they present. We ask that you listen to the needs of the public and their worries and treat health and safety with the utmost priority. I hope that Members will support the motion.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I agree: it is regrettable. Clarity is absolutely necessary and, above all things, gives people crucial time to plan ahead. <BR /> <BR />To close, I thank Members for their contributions and hope that I have been able to fit them all in. Lastly, Minister, just briefly, the number of coronavirus positive tests is really staggering and is increasing greatly this week, as you mentioned. I believe that, on the 30th, there were 2,341 cases. It is a really dangerous, serious time, as you have acknowledged. With schools due to return shortly, teachers, simply by doing their job, undoubtedly increase their odds of being a victim of the virus.”
“Teachers and principals are fundamentally overwhelmed. The lack of answers and time to prepare causes undeniable anxieties. <BR /> <BR />Mr McGrath mentioned the transport issues again. They are a massive issue. He asked for clarity on children with special needs in mainstream schools. <BR /> <BR />Ms Woods stated that 45% of young people did not feel safe in their workplace, school or college and called for a youth conference, which is a fantastic idea, to boost engagement with the public. <BR /> <BR />Lastly, Mr Carroll emphasised his frustrations, stating that he was worried about workers across schools and would like to have seen the Minister act sooner.”
“I would like to hear more about that as well. <BR /> <BR />Mr McNulty reiterated his fear for young children and the distress that they may find when taking the transfer test. I agree with that wholeheartedly. <BR /> <BR />Mr Nesbitt voiced his concerns about the nature of the debate today: was it simply an opportunity to lambast the Minister? He also sought further clarity on contingency plans and said that we must all work together during this difficult time. I agree. <BR /> <BR />Mr O'Dowd said that he would like the Minister to plan for if schools were to close for a significant period. <BR /> <BR />Ms Armstrong reiterated the point of mental health being impacted by the lack of decisions by the Department. She also stated that we must apologise to teachers. I absolutely agree on that, as will many Members.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. Yes, it is a key issue that many people have echoed to me as well through my constituency office. It is key that we have long contingency plans to continually assess what will happen in the next couple of weeks and months. <BR /> <BR />Going back to Mr Humphrey's point, it is important that we hold our Ministers to account. <BR /> <BR />Ms Flynn started by saying that clarity was urgent and necessary. She reiterated that mental health was important during the pandemic and stated that children from deprived areas were suffering greatly from increased anxiety. I also find that worrying. Minister, we have known since the start of the pandemic that anxiety in young people of school age is a huge issue, and I welcome your comments about the £5 million investment.”
“It is a fundamental aspect of our role as MLAs to scrutinise and hold Ministers to account.”
“Moving on, Mr Colm Gildernew, who is also Chair of the Health Committee, rightly mentioned the valid point of the new COVID variant and the scientific evidence of increased transmission in young people and the difficulties that that presents in school settings. He stated that he feels that there have been times when the Department has been slow to act. I echo that sentiment. Parents are genuinely afraid to send their kids to school in this time of uncertainty, and they seek leadership and enhanced communication from the Department. <BR /> <BR />Mr Humphrey echoed that cross-Department collaboration is key in the pandemic: I agree. He also stated that Members can be too critical of Ministers and that they have tough decisions to make. That is true but is somewhat of an unfair statement.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Bradley said that school was necessary for pupils' development: I agree. School is fundamental to young people's well-being. However, I reiterate what Mr McCrossan said when he moved the motion: none of us wants to shut schools, but we simply recognise that, for them to reopen safely and securely, we must protect children, staff and their families.”