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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“We live in unprecedented and challenging times, and there is mass pressure on all Ministers. However, I feel that calling on the Minister of Education today is key and fundamental to seeking clarity on the real, tangible steps that will be taken to protect our constituents and their families. <BR /> <BR />Mr Lyttle mentioned his frustration at the lack of timely engagement that, he felt, the Minister had had with the Committee for Education and school leaders, making contingency planning somewhat difficult: I agree wholeheartedly. For schools to be a safe environment, organisation through effective communication with school leaders is vital. One teacher informed me that, "I get my updates through the news. I wish that the Department would engage with us more directly". That was a teacher from Claudy.”
“However, he stated that the Minister was aware of the seriousness of the situation. I will be frank: I struggle to agree with that. On 21 December, in his statement to the Ad Hoc Committee, the Minister stated, on the subject of mass testing, that he would begin to further explore it. That is deeply concerning because well-planned mass testing is necessary in order to have safe and secure educational settings. <BR /> <BR />Ms Brogan said that many questions remained unanswered, which is true. She emphasised her support and the need for support for vulnerable children, children with special needs and their families. <BR /> <BR />Mr Butler from the UUP made a valid point about the importance of mental health during this time. He said that Ministers' mental health was important too: I agree wholeheartedly. No Minister is perfect.”
“He also noted that Norma Foley had implemented additional measures in the South, such as mandatory masks. I share his concern about transport in the education sector and private operators. Recently, I spoke to a school bus driver who lives in Limavady in my constituency and recently caught COVID at work on the school bus. He had 53 children from mixed households on the bus, and, as a result, over 40 families had to self-isolate. I am keen to hear more from the Minister about what is being done by his Department to protect children and drivers. <BR /> <BR />Mr Newton praised the Minister for steps that he has taken so far and for his statement this morning. He also thanked teachers, school staff and NHS staff for their devotion to helping the public. I share his sentiments on that.”
“<BR /> <BR />To meet the needs and aspirations of young people, tougher, clearer safeguards are absolutely necessary and are urgently required. The principle of creating a safe working environment for our teachers and a safe educational environment for our students is absolutely paramount. It demands action. <BR /> <BR />As I have only 10 minutes in which to speak and many comments to contribute, I will move to comments from other Members. I welcome the general and widespread recognition expressed by many Members of the importance of safety in educational settings during the crisis. Mr McCrossan stated his concerns about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the North and about how children could bring home the virus to their parents, grandparents and many loved ones.”
“I thank the Minister for being here and thank other Members for their contributions. I welcome the opportunity to contribute and make the winding-up speech in this crucial debate. <BR /> <BR />Before I move to other Members' comments, I want to say briefly that I, too, have received mass correspondence from the public on their concerns about the dire need for improved classroom safety measures and on the call for teachers and school staff to receive the vaccine sooner due to their constant, consistent, hands-on engagement with multiple pupils every day. We have raised that issue in previous weeks, and we want to see teachers included as a priority. Recently, I spoke to a 25-year-old teacher who said, "I love my job, but I would be lying if I said that I was not scared to go back to work".”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does he agree that, in many ways, what has happened is too little, too late?”
“In meeting after meeting that I have with mental health groups and charities, it is evident that what we see all too often is that nothing can compensate or substitute for a secure and loving childhood, free from abuse and fear. As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to do all that we can to protect the vulnerable in our society. Children and young people who grow up in homes experiencing domestic abuse are, of course, among the most vulnerable of all. I hope that this legislation will go at least some way to allowing us to do more to protect children and families who suffer domestic abuse in their home every day.”
“<BR /> <BR />While this legislation and its implementation is welcome at any time, it seems more pressing than ever that we act now, given what we have heard in recent months about the rise in domestic abuse, as people have had to spend far more time in their homes as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. In its report, 'Not just Collateral Damage', Barnardo's states that the long-term impacts of domestic abuse include the potential of youth offending, risk of harmful sexual behaviour, future cycles of abuse and, of course, a severe impact on mental health. <BR /> <BR />I am a passionate advocate for better mental health care and, more importantly, early intervention.”
“Many children exposed to the raised voices, unspoken hostility and tension will develop signs of psychological distress and can be affected in all arenas of development — emotional, social and cognitive. It is crucial to raise in the Assembly the importance of being aware of the symptoms and developmental impact. Amendment No 1 takes a key and positive step in protecting children through liaison with teachers to give the full picture of what is really going on at home. <BR /> <BR />I welcome amendment No 1, and I thank my colleague Sinéad Bradley, our Justice spokesperson, for raising the issue of including preschools. I also thank the Committee for including them in today's consideration.”
“I thank the Minister for being here. I support this important legislation. I will focus my remarks on amendment No 1, which my party colleagues and I fully support. It regards sharing information with schools. <BR /> <BR />The impact that domestic abuse and violence in the home has on children and young people cannot be overestimated. As Barnardo's and the NSPCC stated in their helpful briefing prior to the debate, children are the hidden victims of domestic abuse. Experiencing domestic abuse in the home is considered an adverse childhood experience. Even if the child has not necessarily witnessed the abuse, growing up in a home where domestic abuse is happening impacts on a child's development and mental health in both the short and long term.”
“I welcome the progress so far on the A6, and I welcome the work from you and your Department. The route will have many major benefits for my constituents. My question pertains to an update on the section of A6 from the Castledawson roundabout to Dungiven.”
“Does the Minister have an update on waiting lists in the Western Trust, which was recently identified as having some of the highest waiting lists in Northern Ireland?”
“In addition to the financial hardship that that entails, I am also deeply concerned about the mixed message that that approach gives to the public about dealing with the virus. A more consistent approach would resonate more strongly with the public and make clear what is required of us all in order to beat the virus. <BR /> <BR />My party colleagues and I support the Health Protection Regulations and fully recognise the need for them. We feel strongly, however, that more debate and scrutiny should be allowed in the weeks and months ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />News of the vaccination and its roll-out over the past week has given us all hope that 2021 will be a much better year for us all. We hope that we will not see a surge in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks. We acknowledge that the weeks and months ahead may be just as difficult as those that have passed. Ongoing and further restrictions may well be required, unfortunately. I hope that any new regulations in the weeks ahead will be debated by MLAs in advance of their implementation, allowing us the opportunity to reflect the views, worries and concerns of all our constituents that lockdown raises. <BR /> <BR />The approach over the past month has seen many businesses shut their doors. They were allowed to open for one week and then made to close for two.”
“In this time of great turmoil, when people are perhaps more than ever in need of a place in which to practise their spiritual beliefs, I hope that the recording and live-streaming of services has been something of a comfort to some and enabled thousands of people across the North to have the comfort of their faith. <BR /> <BR />As colleagues have said, it is deeply regrettable that these issues are only being debated today in the Assembly. Dealing with and managing the pandemic has been our most important item of business this year. As such, I feel strongly that a proper opportunity to debate the regulations, which touch on almost every aspect of our lives and our constituents' lives, must be given to the Assembly.”
“In line with the amendment (No. 17) regulations, it is evident that those businesses in hospitality, close-contact and leisure services have been hit particularly hard as a result of COVID-19. I am sure that there is not one day on which Members right across the House do not hear from many business owners, and staff from businesses, about the impact of COVID-19. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the fact that, under the current restrictions, in particular in the run-up to the Christmas period, more people are allowed to attend places of worship, in line with the amendment (No. 18) regulations. As the Member who spoke previously said, however, church closures have been very difficult, especially for many of my constituents.”
“I thank the Minister and other Members for their welcome as I become a member of the Health Committee. I look forward to working with them all. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak on the health protection regulations, as I have previously. As I reflected in my remarks last week, this has been an extremely difficult year. It has changed all aspects of our daily lives and brought great hardship and grief to many. I continue to be mindful of the emotional and mental health impact that the pandemic and isolation have had on our society and of the long-term impact that, as we all acknowledge, they will have in the months and years ahead.”
“How much has the Executive Office liaised with schools and the Department of Education to ensure that anti-racism in the school curriculum is enshrined in the racial equality strategy?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I am delighted to hear that suicide prevention is a priority in your Department and your equivalent Department in the South. What discussions have you had together so far on suicide prevention?”
“Whilst Friday sees us move into another phase of restrictions, I continue to urge everyone to adhere to the regulations, including practising social distancing in the days and weeks ahead, including over the Christmas holidays, when it would be all too easy to let our guard down. <BR /> <BR />Whilst acknowledging all the difficulties of this year that the pandemic has presented to all of us, whether in jobs or businesses, the restrictions on our daily way of life or mental health and well-being, the recent news of a vaccine and its roll-out in the coming weeks and months gives us hope that 2021 will be a much better year. We support the motion.”
“While Christmas is often a difficult time, particularly for the most vulnerable in the community, including the elderly, this year presents even more difficulties for even more people. Many family members will not be able to come home for Christmas or to gather together. <BR /> <BR />As I have already acknowledged, the restrictions are difficult but, unfortunately, necessary. We recognise that one of the amendments, No 4, increases the fine for not wearing a face covering from £60 to £200. We know that fines are not ideal. No one wants a fine, especially in the mouth of Christmas. Therefore, we proactively encourage the public to continue to do the responsible thing and wear a mask indoors.”
“We urge local business owners to continue to act responsibly to avoid a notice from the local council and to prevent any behaviour that may create a serious and imminent threat to public health. December would usually see sectors and businesses experience a boom in business in the lead-up to Christmas. Sadly, we all know that that will not be the case this year. That must make what has been a daunting and uncertain year for business owners even more concerning and worrying for their future viability. <BR /> <BR />As my party's mental health spokesperson, I also continue to be mindful of the emotional well-being and mental health impacts of the pandemic, resulting in isolation being experienced by many people.”
“<BR /> <BR />In reference to amendment No 13, we understand the frustrations, challenges and difficulties that new requirements can cause, especially with social distancing and larger gatherings in smaller restaurants across the North. From speaking to businesses in my constituency of East Derry, I know that no types of businesses have remained unaffected. Such businesses include those in the hospitality sector and contact services, including hairdressers, local gyms run by young families, the personal training industry and many other small, local shops that have not been required directly to close as a result of the restrictions but have suffered greatly from a lack of footfall in villages and town centres.”
“I will try to be brief. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion on health protection regulations. <BR /> <BR />We are now moving into our tenth month of living with restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in March, little did any of us think that, as we celebrated Christmas, we would still be living with the restrictions. Of course, we all recognise the regulations that we are debating are, unfortunately, necessary in order to drive down the infection rate of COVID-19 cases here in the North. At the same time, however, we recognise the many hardships that have come about as a result of the pandemic and the restrictions, not least the damage that has been caused to businesses.”
“I thank the Member for being here today to answer questions. What steps is the Assembly Commission taking to encourage further uptake of the specific mental health support offered by the Commission during the pandemic?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, in addition to the support scheme for self-employed workers, is your Department any further forward in developing a scheme that directors of limited companies can avail themselves of?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers so far. If someone should need to claim universal credit in December, given that there is usually a wait of six weeks for a payment, will her Department take any steps to ensure that people receive the payment more quickly so that no one will be left penniless at Christmas?”
“Minister, I understand that the Executive's decision to impose the restrictions has affected the DVA service, and I welcome how quickly the Minister and her Department have responded. With regard to communicating with the public on COVID-19 and driving tests — you have touched on this already — will social media and nidirect be updated with guidance, as that is the usual route through which most people receive timely access to information?”
“Being humiliated and intimidated by your partner is not a natural part of the process. Being told what to wear, where you can go and whom you can or cannot see is not the norm. Let us be reminded that, although the steps taken today with this legislation are to be welcomed, we need a cross-departmental approach to tackle the issue in order to protect potential and hidden sufferers of all ages from domestic abuse.”
“I feel that it is both a moral obligation and a professional duty on our education institutions to educate our teenagers as they navigate their first relationships and to equip them with the knowledge that will help enable their growth and help them engage in healthy relationships. Having spoken with representatives from Women's Aid prior to today, I know that that organisation reiterates the message to young people that being a victim of domestic abuse is never their fault. <BR /> <BR />Abusive control is not always obvious. It can be manipulation, gaslighting or someone convincing you that you are not worthy of opportunities, that you are not smart enough and that nobody likes you. Your partner can be one person in a room of many or in front of their parents yet someone very different behind closed doors.”
“I welcome amendment No 18 and the discussion on utilising regulations similar to Operation Encompass, the initiative that enhances communication between the police and schools where a child is at risk from domestic abuse. The amendment will help ensure that schools have more information to support the safeguarding of our children here in the North. <BR /> <BR />Discussing the amendments before us today further highlights the fact that we should enable our young people to acquire decision-making skills, in order for them to have a knowledge base and the skills to interpret what abuse actually is.”
“I welcome the fact that our Minister, Minister Mallon, has worked closely with Minister Long on providing free transport for victims, which is a key and necessary support for victims right across the North. <BR /> <BR />While speaking today, I feel that it would be reckless of me to have the opportunity and not use it to address domestic abuse in teenage relationships. I welcome point 82 of the Committee for Justice's report on the Bill, which states:”
“No sentence sums that up better than: in the mind of the victim, trauma has no timeline. It stays with them. <BR /> <BR />Many people recovering from a violent domestic relationship can experience complex PTSD, which presents itself in emotional flashbacks. If we turn our eyes to the pandemic, it is horrifying to have read about increased rates of domestic violence during lockdown. The ability to be monitored by an abusive partner around the clock is deeply disturbing. I thank Women's Aid, the NSPCC, Nexus NI, Barnardo's and all other community and voluntary organisations out there for their continued efforts to support victims, especially during this difficult and challenging time.”
“I will speak in support of amendment No 18. I am not a member of the Justice Committee, but I thank its members and the Minister for their meaningful, valuable and insightful contributions to the debate. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak on what is a deeply emotive and sensitive topic. Reading the legislation and hearing testimonies from survivors earlier this week has been eye-opening and, frankly, emotional. The detrimental impact that domestic abuse has on victims, families and children has been truly revealing. <BR /> <BR />There are many aspects of abuse: physical, sexual, mental, emotional, financial and, of course, psychological. Incidents of abuse can be engraved on the minds of victims. Despite how much time has passed, it can be difficult for victims to free themselves from the grasp of their abusers.”
“I am mindful of the time, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, so I will be quick. Can the Minister identify whether any additional funding from his Department will go towards those with mental health issues who are struggling with addiction and those who face a dual diagnosis?”
“I urge the Executive to ensure that the guidelines are communicated clearly and concisely, with, most importantly, the scientific reasoning at the forefront of the messaging to the public.”
“Understandably, the new realities of life during the pandemic have caused great distress and anxiety, not least because of the separation from family and friends, the wearing of face coverings becoming the new normal — that is especially distressing for young children — and the fear of a virus with no apparent end in sight. A huge part of alleviating that anxiety is through ensuring that there is clear messaging on what is expected of us all. <BR /> <BR />We have learned today that the Executive will discuss and consider plans for restaurants to potentially reopen without the sale of alcohol. I heard this morning from several frustrated restaurant and business owners who feel that they are not being listened to and that that would force them to close their businesses and livelihoods.”
“Although we must do everything that we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from contracting the virus, including by adhering to the regulations that we are discussing, we must also ensure that, as we do that, we are prepared for the knock-on effects of the virus and the mental health impact of the pandemic in the months and years ahead for all of us who have experienced it.”
“Currently, six mental health counselling sessions are being offered by university counsellors, but young people are being passed to other counselling services. Many students whom I have spoken to are greatly distressed as they are on NHS waiting lists and, depending on their trust area, and specifically in the Western Trust, they may not receive help until mid- to late 2021. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, the pandemic shows no signs of disappearing, and I am sure that the restrictions will remain in place. Our young people will need more mental health support. Their social contacts have been incredibly limited over the past eight months and so have their support networks.”
“COVID-19 has truly revealed and further highlighted how chronically underfunded our health service is. <BR /> <BR />A survey on COVID-19 and mental health by Queen's University earlier this year, which was raised previously in the Chamber, showed that a third of people in the North meet the criteria for anxiety and depression and that 20% meet the criteria for COVID-19-related PTSD. Following the implementation of the restrictions, which limit human social contact so much, I am concerned about the student demographic. Recently, I spoke to representatives of the student unions about the restrictions. They told me that, given the unprecedented circumstances, we, as a society, private institutions and beyond, must change how we provide support to our young people.”
“However, in the past number of weeks, I have had a number of outstanding concerns, including some that were raised with me by my constituents. As we all know, mental health is a huge crisis in Northern Ireland, and I am sure that the junior Minister, and all Members, will share my concerns about its impact on all our constituents and the effect that the pandemic and lockdown has had on mental health, especially during the dark winter months. <BR /> <BR />One deeply worrying fact is that, in June, 504 patients in the Western Trust, which serves areas such as Derry and Strabane that face deprivation, breached the nine-week standard waiting time for adult mental health support services, and the average waiting time for those services was 21 weeks. That is very alarming. I agree with the Member to my right, who spoke earlier.”
“I thank the junior Minister for being present. I am glad to have the opportunity to respond to the regulations, as they continue to be the most pressing of issues. I begin my remarks by paying tribute to all in society who have made many sacrifices over the past eight tumultuous months. From front-line workers to single mothers and elderly grandparents, we have witnessed sacrifices from people from all backgrounds and walks of life. I would like to thank the public, who have considered the safety of others and their loved ones by continuing to wear face masks and washing their hands whenever necessary. <BR /> <BR />My party and I acknowledge the need for the regulations that are being placed into legislation.”
“Does the Minister agree that it is crucial that environmental targets are given a strong legal underpinning and that it is vital that we do all that we can to prevent coastal erosion in areas such as the north coast?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. I welcome the positive progress that was made at the NSMC on transport. It is very much welcome that we can see the continued collaboration between the two Ministers North and South on all-island rail, which is a very important issue for my constituency of East Derry. With the extension of the 'NDNA' commitment to high-speed rail now extending to the north-west, will the Minister advise us on the next steps of this transformative project?”
“I am grateful that the Minister has provided clarity on the Executive's decision to add driving instructors to the list of close contacts. As a result, driving tests have had to cease to protect public health. When will the Minister's Executive colleagues bring forward support for the industry?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer so far. Referring to Mr Blair's question, when does the Minister expect to bring forward new policies that are informed by the responses to the consultation?”
“Martina raised my issue, so I am content.”
“I welcome the fact that the Minister has been very helpful by agreeing to ensure that traffic-calming measures will be progressed. I am grateful that she recognises the stress that some boy-racer enthusiasts have caused my constituents. Will she provide an update on the traffic-calming measures that will assist in stopping cruising and speeding?”
“I thank the Minister for her comments so far. As furlough is running out, how does the Minister and her Department intend to support employees in the city and district who will have to self-isolate? There may be questions of affordability, but we cannot afford to have those who are supposed to be self-isolating attending work to feed their families.”
“How does the Minister plan to support the most vulnerable in our society, who may be shielding and struggling with mental illness, if they are based in rural communities and do not have access to the internet when seeking support?”