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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“Is the Minister engaging with the Department of Education in order to deliver an effective strategy to deal with young people who are leaving school with low qualifications and at risk of unemployment?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. A number of rural communities in my constituency have said that there is not enough social housing provision. Does the Minister share my concern on that issue? What steps is her Department taking to ensure that rural communities are not decimated as a result of a lack of suitable housing?”
“We fear and have extreme concern regarding what the north-west would look like without access to a service like this, a community-based programme with a listening ear that is available out of hours and is on the doorstep. If we cannot afford to fund this life-saving service, what kind of message are we sending to the wider public? <BR /> <BR />I have spoken at length with staff at CCIS. You can tell the impact that this service has had on reducing suicidal behaviour in the wider council area. I urge the Minister and other Executive colleagues to please consider a long-term, ring-fenced funding strategy for this critical suicide prevention service.”
“I thank Gary for bringing this important debate to the Chamber. Although I am not an elected representative for Foyle, my constituents avail themselves of Extern services, so I am delighted to be here today to speak on the issue. In my time serving as a councillor on Derry City and Strabane District Council, I was greatly impressed by the work of CCIS and its commitment to those struggling with mental ill health. It is providing vital services to the local community, serving people from the outskirts of Strabane right through to Derry city and constituents from Claudy. <BR /> <BR />In the midst of a global health pandemic and as discussed in the mental health crisis debate earlier, the need for on-the-spot mental health support is painfully apparent.”
“As we work towards removing the stigma around mental illness, I ask the Minister to please continue to keep mental health at the top of his agenda. We want our young people to grow up in a better, improved and inclusive Northern Ireland. They look to us, as politicians, to lead on mental health, so that is what we must do.”
“That includes de-escalation services. It is, therefore, disappointing that CCIS continues to fight for long-term funding. We cannot put a price on work such as that. <BR /> <BR />Last week, I chaired the first meeting of the all-party group on addiction and dual diagnosis, and I thank all Members who helped me to establish the group. It shows the support in the House for that important topic. I hope that the APG will bring together a wide range of stakeholders and continue to better inform all our work on the sensitive and complex topic of mental illness and addiction. After speaking with the Northern Ireland Alcohol and Drug Alliance, I am mindful of the members of society who come into contact with the criminal justice system. They have unmet health needs, with mental ill health and addiction often being primary issues.”
“While last week's news that funding has now been secured until next March is most welcome, longer-term funding must be ring-fenced for organisations that are as crucial as this. <BR /> <BR />Since CCIS opened in January 2019, it has carried out 467 time-critical and immediate interventions, saving lives. The mental health action plan published earlier this year noted that the focus on:”
“<BR /> <BR />In my time serving as a councillor for Derry City and Strabane District Council and now as an MLA for East Derry, I have been greatly impressed by the work on and commitment to mental health care from local voluntary groups that I have met. They are providing vital services to their local communities in the midst of our ongoing mental health crisis and during COVID-19. One such service is the community crisis intervention service (CCIS) provided by Extern in the north-west, which provides a safe space for those in that area who suffer from mental ill health and, often, suicidal ideation. It operates an out-of-hours service on Thursday evenings right through to Sunday mornings, and I welcome the debate later today about CCIS.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this topic. I thank the Members for tabling this important motion. As our party's mental health spokesperson, I can say that it is definitely needed and I wholeheartedly support it. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that Members right across the House can agree that it is extremely distressing when a constituent approaches our office about waiting lists or lack of counselling support and there is so little that we can do. I recognise the value of the multi-agency triage team. Its work reinforces the need for on-the-spot mental health support and shows the importance of collaborative work and policies in the delivery of mental health care.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. On the topic of university admissions, I spoke at length with several Coleraine students recently. This year is a little different for them. Predominantly, this semester, they will use the internet to work from home, not in a lecture hall. In the Minister's opinion, because of the educational "new normal", should there be a reduction in university fees at this time?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answers so far. We welcome all and any progress in victims receiving payments. The First Minister said previously that the Executive are in conversations with other aspects of the Christian belief. Has any money been secured in addition to that from the Catholic Church, or is that still at the conversational stage?”
“Will the new regulations mentioned include additional mitigation for families affected by the benefit cap and the two-child tax credit rule?”
“Does the Member agree that the last week has caused significant stress and anxiety for our students across Northern Ireland that will, undoubtedly, have a detrimental impact on their well-being? Does he also agree that it is vital that we give them extra resources during this challenging time?”
“Accepting and addressing the causes of the climate crisis is critical to avoid irreversible damage to ecosystems and economies. <BR /> <BR />The SDLP believes that protecting the environment is not an expensive political hobby horse. It is a moral, economic and health imperative that, if planned and implemented correctly, can benefit us all: people, communities and businesses. The future is in our hands. We owe it to our children and future generations, and we must act now.”
“The expressions of this crisis through protests in European capitals and school strikes on the streets across the North have their roots in social, economic, ecological and political upheaval. We know that this crisis will disproportionately affect those least able to bear the burden. Interventions designed to tackle the climate emergency must be robust, equitable and contribute to social justice more broadly. We cannot create a society that offers tax cuts to the wealthy while introducing new levies that disproportionately target the poor. We cannot decarbonise our economy without ensuring that clean energy is more affordable. We cannot deliver income equality without a green economy that creates high-quality jobs. We know that the ecological transition and economic equality must go hand in hand.”
“Failure to take action now will result in significant changes to our global climate and weather patterns. That will devastate developed and developing economies right across the world, leaving millions destitute and poverty-stricken. Global warming is happening at a much faster rate than anticipated. Extraordinary action is required now to keep global temperature increases below 1·5°C and to avert irreversible damage to our climate. <BR /> <BR />Over the past few years, millions of citizens right across Europe and the world have called on governments and the political establishment to take action on the climate emergency, for this generation and the next.”
“They will be here long after us, and they have a real opportunity to do something that no other generation in history has done, which is to leave the world in a better condition than that in which they got it. Having spoken with young activists directly, it is evident that our education on environmentalism must change to reflect the crisis that we are in. Climate education must be included more often in our curriculum. Given the right leadership and supported by the right legislation, we, too, can deliver change in a manner that will not just help to address the environmental challenges but that has the potential to bring about significant economic and societal benefit for all. <BR /> <BR />Climate breakdown is the seismic global challenge facing this generation.”
“The overwhelming scientific consensus is that the impacts of climate change are accelerating and are largely driven by greenhouse gas emissions as a result of human activity. If we are to combat the devastating environmental, health, economic and societal impact of climate change, we have a responsibility to act responsibly as individuals. From beach clean-ups to climate strikes, we have seen the peace, positivity and passion shown by young people right across this island, who have taught us that it is time to listen, stand up and be the change. We can no longer go on with business as usual. We must act now. <BR /> <BR />Climate change is no longer a theory but an irrefutable fact. Young people across the world are leading the fight for action, and I stand with them.”
“I am delighted to speak here today on a very important topic. Climate change is a real and unprecedented challenge for us all. We hold in our hands the responsibility for the future of the planet. The culture of how we view and care for our land must change. The SDLP will support the motion, and I welcome that the Committee tabled it. Unfortunately, we will not support the amendment because although we have no doubt that it is well-intentioned, we feel that it removes the urgency of the motion. We cannot wait any longer. We must act now. <BR /> <BR />Climate change is the biggest threat that we face not only to the environment but to our health, economic prosperity and global security.”
“Given the complexity of COVID-19 and the rural barriers to access, does the Minister have any strategies for tackling elderly loneliness specifically?”
“Is it fair that her daughter should be held accountable for an academic decline through no fault of her own? I feel strongly, and agree with other parties, that no child should be left behind. I hope the Minister can provide us with more clarity on health and safety within the schools. A catch-up programme is necessary. We want no child to be left behind. I support the motion and the amendment.”
“I think that that shows great compassion and consideration of young people's mental health. At times, when students have been faced with so many difficulties over the past few months, academic achievement bears so much weight to young people. Speaking to young people, it is evident that academic achievement is a huge factor from which they derive their sense of self-worth. Sadly, some schools decided to continue with academic selection, despite the undeniable, unfair education deficits that have occurred as a result of the pandemic. <BR /> <BR />I have spoken with a young family in my constituency, a single mother who is a front-line worker. She is a carer. Her child gets less homeschooling than other children, due to the fact that, as a mother, she had to continue to work over the past few months.”
“<BR /> <BR />We are happy to learn that the Department has received new IT devices for distribution to children who are experiencing difficulty accessing digital learning. Over the past few weeks, other MLAs and I have been contacted by families that are struggling to attain access to broadband, as mentioned earlier, and to the other technological tools needed for remote learning. This is a welcome announcement as we fear that some students, especially those from low-income families, have been left in the dark, and no child should suffer academically as a result of that. <BR /> <BR />In the light of these difficulties, we welcome the news that an increasing number of selective schools have decided that they will not use academic selection for 2020-21 and 2021-22.”
“I echo Ms Armstrong's comments and sentiment about working together, which will be highly beneficial for us all. The SDLP recognises the sheer level of pressure and uncertainty that has arisen for teachers and pupils right across the North as a result of COVID-19. Today, our concern pertains to ensuring the physical health of pupils in the coming months with the slow reopening of schools and reintroduction of classes. <BR /> <BR />My concerns derive from the different school sizes. Some schools, often the new builds, have capacity for more pupils due to being more spacious. Others, often the rural schools, may have to compensate through more pupils staying off, which could further impact on their education. I hope that the Minister can provide clearer guidance on that today.”
“<BR /> <BR />Lastly, in striving to achieve the aims of the motion and the amendments, it is imperative that collaboration continues between private and public-sector organisations, academics, professional bodies, service users and community agencies. Many of my constituents have voiced their fear of returning to normal because "normal" was not working: now is our opportunity to change that.”
“<BR /> <BR />Earlier this year, I wrote to the Minister of Health to ask that bereavement support services are well supported throughout and post COVID-19. Given the traumatic nature of recent deaths and the denial of regular burial ceremonies throughout the pandemic, I am deeply concerned about the mental health of those who have lost a loved one during the pandemic. The usual support of friends, family and community has been denied to those who have recently lost a family member. The past few months of restrictions have caused great distress for those who grieve. With the loss of so many lives, it is paramount that bereavement support organisations and charities across the North are well supported.”
“<BR /> <BR />We feel, of course, that there is also a rural dynamic to the conversation. Rural isolation causes barriers to accessing services. In Protect Life 2, the primary health and social care need of rural citizens is identified as availability and provision of timely and high-quality suicide prevention and self-harm services. Before COVID-19, many in rural areas were already experiencing mass changes, especially depopulation and migration in some areas, and such issues are having an impact with the sense of loss of community. Rural barriers to mental health support can also include more conservative approaches to help-seeking and heightened stigma around mental illness, and we must consider that, moving forward. Access and support require a collaborative and coordinated response.”
“After talking with representatives of the voluntary sector in my constituency, I discovered that many were subject to increasing demand throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, especially groups that work with domestic violence victims. The pressures put on those services throughout the pandemic highlight and prove how crucial it is that voluntary groups and charities are well protected and funded correctly. <BR /> <BR />The conversation about addiction diagnoses and treatment is important. Recent figures announced by Addiction NI show that the number of men dying from drug-related causes has increased by 98% in the past 10 years. The emphasis in amendment No 1 further highlights how addiction and issues with alcohol dependency can be born of a lack of access to mental health support, leaving many to feel even more vulnerable.”
“The SDLP supports the motion and both amendments. I thank the Members who tabled the important motion and amendments. I also welcome the Minister's ongoing proven commitment to mental health. <BR /> <BR />COVID-19 has undoubtedly reshaped how we function as a society. It has shifted our coping mechanisms, our family dynamics, work practices, parenting methods and so much more. We agree fundamentally with Members that the period post-COVID-19 is a moment of opportunity to set priorities and define key action points to improve and enhance our mental health provision and address its gaps and implement improvements where necessary. New challenges require new solutions.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and note its timely nature, given that temperatures in the Arctic Circle reached a record high of 38° at the weekend. <BR /> <BR />Would the Minister agree that, to protect our natural capital for generations, we need to take action now, but we also need to ensure that we raise a generation of young people who are environmentally aware? To that end, would he agree that green growth and climate awareness should form part of the curriculum?”
“I hope that we can work together to find a resolution that supports all our citizens facing mental ill health in Northern Ireland.”
“Historically, stress and psychological disorders have consistently been the main cause of long-term sickness absence in the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Statistics reveal that, in the past three years, there has been an increase in prison officers taking time off work because of stress, anxiety and depression. Of course, that reflects the extremely difficult environment in which they work. With Magilligan prison being in my constituency, I know that prison officers face many challenges. We must strive to support them and their emotional well-being. Today, we support the spirit of the motion and the good intent behind it. We have serious reservations, however, about the mechanism proposed to be deployed, as it could raise serious unintended inequalities for employees across the system.”
“<BR /> <BR />Like many, I believe that your story is your power. I would not be standing here today if I were not one of many who have lost a dear friend to suicide. Like so many in Northern Ireland, I feel that mental health is an issue that rises above politics, for, as we all know, mental illness recognises not race, colour or creed. It is blind to income and deaf to religion. Growing up, I looked at the Assembly with everything ranging from disappointment to dire disillusionment. It was only when I lost my best friend at the start of its collapse in 2017 that I realised that I had to do something, and that is why I am here today. <BR /> <BR />I now move to the motion in hand and thank the Members who brought it forward. As the new MLA, I look forward to working with colleagues right across the House on mental health support.”
“We must work diligently to stop the exodus of our talented young people to other shores. We need investment in skills and education. We need apprenticeship opportunities, faster rural broadband and stronger transport links. Rural areas can no longer go isolated and underfunded. The forgotten communities in the north-west have been neglected for too long. Many feel that there is an undeniable regional imbalance, a postcode lottery. A child from Park or Drumsurn will not always have the same opportunities as a child from Belfast, owing to the continued lack of investment in the north-west. That must change. It is my obligation, along with everyone else in the Chamber, to build a place that our people can not only survive in but thrive in, a place of opportunity, of understanding and of growth.”
“As Brexit looms ever closer, we live in a time of great economic, social and political uncertainty. Every day, I am contacted by concerned constituents regarding the impact that Brexit will have on their farms and our local tourism. To add to that, we are in the middle of a global pandemic. COVID-19 has added greatly to that economic uncertainty. We must do everything in our power to ensure that our communities remain protected. I know the depths of East Derry's issues and worries and the obstacles facing its youth, but I also know of its hopes and its kind and welcoming people, its best qualities and the ambition of its youth for a better future. <BR /> <BR />Many have lost faith in all of us in Stormont. There are many challenges, but what I see is a generation of young people crying out for opportunity.”
“In a time of great political upheaval and distress, when it was far from easy to be an SDLP representative, John served with bravery, tenacity, dignity and diligence. I can only hope that I too might serve East Derry with the courage and conviction that guided him. We shall never see his like again. <BR /> <BR />I stand here as a proud Irish nationalist, and I am extremely proud to be an member of the SDLP, a party with a legacy of fighting for civil rights and built by peacemakers such as John Hume and Seamus Mallon. I was three years old when the Good Friday Agreement was signed. Therefore, it would be untrue to suggest that I recall the sense of hope that it created. However, I know that that sense of hope has begun to fade for the ceasefire generation: my generation.”
“Before I speak on the motion, I first acknowledge the loss of a giant in our party and to the people of East Derry. I speak, of course, of my predecessor, the honourable John Dallat. John was a man who steadfastly served the constituency of East Derry for over 40 years. Living in East Derry, you know that John's legacy is as evident as it is poignant. He left an indelible mark on his constituency. We remember him, and, though we are grieved by his loss, we take comfort in his immense achievements. He was always the champion of the underdog. From becoming the first nationalist mayor of Coleraine to his unwavering commitment to the heartbreaking Inga Maria Hauser case, John always demonstrated the depth of his conviction and care.”