Martin McGuinness
Mid Ulster · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“It was noted that full sectoral audits had been carried out by Departments of the Executive and the Irish Government to identify impacts, risks, opportunities and contingencies that may arise following the UK's intended withdrawal from the EU.”
“<BR /> <BR />We welcome the establishment by Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister Chris Hazzard of an Ulster canal advisory forum, which met for the first time on 23 September 2016.”
“That is something that has never been previously asked. It is interesting that the Member has chosen to call for that. From our perspective, we will have a discussion.”
“We also have 220 people now employed at that centre. They are people of the highest specialisms imaginable in medicine. The dedication that they have to that centre is absolutely amazing.”
“The big decision that was taken by both Administrations at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting — by the Executive Office, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs — was to put a high-level working group of civil servants in place to deal with the challenges that clearly lie ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />The oversight board led by Dick Spring and the interdepartmental group set up in both jurisdictions have worked hard to get us to this stage, and I can give assurances that our Executive will continue to give their support to ensure that we deliver the best bid possible.”
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“I absolutely share that concern. It is obvious that we are not the only people concerned about that. I listened — I think that it was last weekend — to the First Minister of Scotland expressing her disagreement with such a referendum being held in such close proximity to their elections. It is an important matter, but even more important is what will be put to people in that referendum. Over the next, probably, two days, further important meetings will take place between David Cameron and senior representatives of the European Union, the outcome of which will probably decide what will be put to a referendum. It is no secret to anybody that I have huge concerns that the strategy that has been adopted by David Cameron is sleepwalking all of us into an exit from Europe.”
“People can heckle from the sidelines if they want, but I work on the basis that the people heckling really do not want to hear the answer, which is that huge progress is being made, with first-class schools being provided for the people of Derry and the north-west. <BR /> <BR />On skills, we need to do work in relation to Magee university, and great work is happening at the North West Regional College even as we speak. We need to ensure that people have the skills so that, when we are successful in bringing in foreign direct investment, we have people with the ability to take up those vital jobs.”
“The Member does a disservice to schools in the north-west and the city where he lives. I am proud that I was the Minister who took the decision to build the new St Mary's Primary School, the new St Cecilia's College and the new St Patrick's Primary School in Derry. They are first-class schools, as are all the other schools in the area. They provide first-class —”
“That is without mentioning the fact that hundreds of millions are being spent on turning Altnagelvin into a state-of-the-art hospital for the north-west. What disappointed me about the events of the latter part of last year was the fact that the SDLP voted against the Budget that allocated those funds for the north-west. The SDLP needs to explain that.”
“There have been, as the Member said, two meetings of the ministerial subgroup that came about as a result of a conversation between the previous First Minister and me. The present First Minister has clearly shown her intention to continue what is important work. Last year was very much taken up by negotiations, and that presented a huge difficulty. However, action has flowed from the conversations that took place, and that resulted in an allocation of £130 million in the recent Budget for improvements to the A6, which was a big demand in the north-west. Funds were also put aside for the first stage of the A5. There have been important conversations in recent times about how we can advance the situation in Magee university.”
“During that engagement, a man stepped forward and informed the audience that he is a former member of the Grenadier Guards. He was very generous in his remarks, and we shook hands. Encouragement comes from the fact that many people in our society were previously at odds with one another but recognise the need to be involved in this sort of work. The others, we can leave behind.”
“I absolutely agree with the Member about the importance of the strategy. I agree that the huge priority in all this is the future of our young people. In the Assembly today, we have had young people involved in politics from three schools: two in Enniskillen and one in Omagh. Some of them were here for the early stages of this session. The Member is absolutely right. All of us have a duty and a responsibility to recognise the importance of building a better future. Unfortunately, a tiny number of Members are only really interested in recrimination and are not interested in reconciliation. That is very sad. <BR /> <BR />I spoke about this at the weekend at the Kinsale Peace Project in County Cork in a hugely well-attended conversation between me and people who are interested in what is happening here, particularly in the peace process.”
“<BR /> <BR />As I indicated, the recent Fresh Start Agreement committed to the provision of £60 million over five years in support of the Executive's delivery of confidence- and relationship-building measures within and between communities contributing to the creation of a shared future. We are working with other Departments to identify their financial requirements, which will enable consideration in 2016-17 of proposed allocations of the £12 million available to us.”
“In my earlier answers, I clearly indicated that very substantial funds are available for the programme. Building a United Community represents a key building block of the Programme for Government. In recognition of this, £10 million revenue funding was made available in the 2015-16 Budget to aid implementation of the strategy, supplementing other good relations funding provided by OFMDFM. In addition, £1·27 million of capital funding was secured to enable Departments to progress work on the headline actions. Following ministerial approval of proposals, the subsequent allocations enabled officials to progress with the headline actions as well as various funding programmes.”
“Huge progress is being made on the Together: Building a United Community policy strategy. The very substantial funds that we have allocated over five years are a clear indicator of our absolute belief in the need to ensure that good relations is regarded as a priority for the Executive. On the particular strategy that the Member mentioned, the delivery mechanisms that are now in place under the auspices of the ministerial panel are about putting in place not just the pilot projects but the very proactive structures and strategies that are required to ensure the ongoing bringing together of our community. If there is a particular aspect of that that concerns the Member, we are quite willing to meet him and discuss it.”
“Sometimes, I think that this particular Member does not understand that he is asking a question of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. I am here to answer on behalf of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. I do not believe that his question is in any way appropriate.”
“Achieving our vision of a united community based on equality of opportunity, the desirability of good relations and reconciliation requires collective commitment and effort from everyone. Government must work alongside statutory, voluntary, community and private sector partners to achieve the shared vision and aims of the strategy. We acknowledge that continuing political leadership is crucial to the effective implementation of this strategy, and we will continue to give the leadership and drive forward this important agenda. Much wider than this, however, is the need to have a collaborative approach across society: everyone in society has a role in progressing this work, and everyone can make a contribution to achieving positive good relations outcomes and to building a united, shared and reconciled community.”
“It is about effective delivery against the backdrop of 'A Fresh Start', and I think that we are off to a good start in ensuring that we continue to deliver for citizens. We can do that as long as all parties in the Executive — there will be a new Executive after the election — recognise that the demand of the people is that we continue to work together for their benefit.”
“The decisions that have been made in relation to the reduction in the number of Departments and the transfer of various services to what will be, effectively, a new Department are part of a very natural process for us to be involved in. It is all about ensuring that we have proper delivery for the benefit of citizens. The First Minister and deputy First Minister, being in the lead in the Executive and representing the two largest parties, have a duty and responsibility for the work of the Executive, including coordination but also ensuring that all Departments in the Executive deliver in the context of the changes that have been made as a result of the decisions to reduce the number of Departments.”
“Obviously, we think that it will work. The decision has been made that these important agencies will transfer to the Department for Communities. The responsibility that the First Minister and I have is an overarching one for the work of the Executive. I do not think that there will be any difficulty whatsoever in us working with whoever is the new Minister in that Department to ensure that there is continuity of service to the public.”
“In putting forward this proposal, it was considered that the roles of the two bodies were a more natural fit within the Department for Communities, given its focus on issues affecting citizens here. However, while the proposal provided a better alignment of roles and responsibilities, it was also recognised that the postholders in these significant posts should have the confidence of both the First Minister and deputy First Minister. This will also help to ensure that the important work that these bodies carry out will receive the appropriate cross-party support to ensure that they deliver on behalf of the community. These public appointments are, of course, subject to open competition, with appointments based on merit, and the process is subject to regulation by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.”
“'A Fresh Start: The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan' confirms the reduction in the number of Departments from 12 to nine, from May 2016, along with detailed proposals for specific aspects of implementation for which the Executive are responsible. That will reduce the number of Ministers, special advisers, permanent secretaries and staff working in central support functions. <BR /> <BR />As part of the agreement, it was proposed that the Department for Communities should assume sponsorship responsibilities for the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Commissioner for Older People, with the exception of the appointment of the respective commissioners.”
“With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will ask junior Minister McCann to answer this question.”
“We have allocated £10 million for this financial year. We agreed, as I said in my earlier answer, to put aside £60 million over the next five years, and that is extra money that we have budgeted for. We believe that the programme is worthy of not just one year or two years but an extended period of something like five years, as it will have enormous benefits in bringing our community together. In short, the answer is that the £60 million is new money.”
“That it is why the negotiation of the Fresh Start Agreement prior to Christmas was so vital, as it showed the community that decisions can be made that will improve their lives. Of course, a whole range of decisions was made at that negotiation. <BR /> <BR />West Tyrone is a very important constituency, as are all the others. The programmes are being rolled out effectively, and we will write to you about what is happening in West Tyrone.”
“We are very focused on ensuring that the delivery of the Together: Building a United Community project is implemented successfully in every single constituency. The detail of your constituency is something that I will write to you about. <BR /> <BR />Obviously, it is a very exciting programme. It is one that we are prepared to put a tremendous amount of funding into because it is absolutely vital that we ensure that we bring our community together. It is also important to recognise the huge responsibility that politicians have, not just to deliver the programme but to lead by example. We must also ensure, however, that we are not just bringing people together at a grass-roots level. The people at grass-roots level have to be able to see that the politicians here in the Assembly are prepared to work together for the common good.”
“First and without hesitation, the First Minister and I would unreservedly condemn the actions of those who are involved in such criminality in or around any place of worship. There is obviously a huge responsibility whenever there is an outbreak for the local community, working in harmony with the Police Service, to ensure that it is combated as effectively as possible. Obviously, somebody out there knows that this is happening, and there are people with information. I encourage anybody with any information to pass it on to the police.”
“Quite obviously, the ministerial panel is consistently keeping under review how the programme is being delivered. Thus far, we have made good progress on it, not least in the allocation of £60 million through the Fresh Start Agreement over the next five years. If the Member has a concern about a particular area, my door is open and we are willing to have a conversation about it. I think that we are very focused on the need to ensure that all rural areas are included and that the programme is delivered in a very inclusive way.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is also considering the expansion of its cross-community youth sports programme into a rural area. As with all other Departments, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is represented on the ministerial panel and the good relations programme board. Under the strategy, DARD has committed to working with rural community organisations to encourage increasing openness and accessibility and to reduce the chill factors and fears that prevent open access. Contracts are in place with lead service providers for the delivery of a rural community development support service, which is promoting and supporting work in a number of areas, including community relations.”
“The actions and commitments within the Together: Building a United Community strategy will impact on all areas of our society, including rural areas. Under the United Youth programme, 13 pilot projects have commenced, providing around 360 places. Young people from all areas can avail themselves of those, and one of the pilots is being delivered by the Rural Development Council in Mid Ulster. Of the five shared neighbourhoods under construction, two are in rural areas — Crossgar Road, Saintfield, and Burn Road, Cookstown. The three shared education campuses announced to date are located in rural areas: Limavady, Moy and Ballycastle. One hundred and one summer camps have been delivered in 2015 involving around 4,200 children and young people, mainly from rural areas.”
“A Cheann Comhairle, with your permission I will ask junior Minister McCann to take the question.”
“What is the position of the Ulster Unionist Party on the Fresh Start Agreement? Are you for it or against it?”
“<BR /> <BR />The work that we have committed ourselves to through the Fresh Start Agreement commits us to tackling armed groups, tackling those who would attempt to plunge us back to the past and tackling those who are trying to feather their own nest. It also commits us to working in very strong cooperation with other parties in the Assembly, with the political parties in the South and with the Ministers charged with responsibility for security, as well as the PSNI and the gardaí. My determination to be part of that cannot be challenged by anyone and certainly not by the Member for North Antrim.”
“I know that there is always a temptation for the Member who has spoken to continually try to drag up the IRA as some sort of threat to the work that we are doing in the peace process: of course, the reality is that the IRA has left the stage. I think that the role that I have played and that my party leader Gerry Adams has played have been very important in ensuring not alone that we empower politicians to take decisions about the way forward but that we make it absolutely clear that we are totally opposed to the existence of any armed groups whatsoever and the activities that those armed groups may be involved in.”
“Our economic Ministers, Health Ministers, infrastructure Ministers and Agriculture Ministers are working closely to ensure that we get the best advantage from our connection with Europe and do so by continually improving relationships between Departments and people, North and South.”
“It is not unreasonable at all. We continually need to look at how we can improve our performance because, as the Member correctly said, it makes sense for all of us, North and South, to work for our mutual benefit. Our ability to do so without infringing on anybody's political allegiances is very important. Given that we are such a small island and that our fortunes are so inextricably linked, it is important that we continue to develop all-island approaches to get economic prosperity for all our people. <BR /> <BR />The Member is absolutely right: we need to look at performance consistently to see how we can improve it and empower different Ministers.”
“That would be unacceptable to the Scottish and Welsh Administrations, and the vast majority of people in the North of Ireland would be opposed to it. The new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party said yesterday that the party will consider all this in the time ahead and state its position as things become clear. We await the outcome of that. All parties are entitled to have their own positions on these matters, but we have benefited tremendously from the connection with Europe and do not want to miss out on future funding opportunities.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with the Member. My party is very strongly in favour of the continuation of the European Union and of our involvement in it. The consequences of withdrawal for the island of Ireland, North and South, would be very dramatic and damaging. <BR /> <BR />How this is taken forward is very much in the hands of the Conservative Government and David Cameron. David Cameron's latest remarks last Sunday on 'The Andrew Marr Show' indicated that he was seeking changes and that, if he got them, he would argue very forcibly to stay in Europe. The issue is fraught with all sorts of dangers and difficulties. I have said before that the danger is that the Conservative Administration are sleepwalking into a referendum that could lead to an exit from the European Union.”
“High-level targets have already been set in the terms of reference, and more detailed targets will set by the law enforcement groups. <BR /> <BR />A trilateral meeting at which the setting up of the task force was agreed took place on 21 December at Farmleigh in Dublin. The First Minister and I, along with the Justice Minister, attended that meeting. That clearly shows that there is high-level interest in tackling a serious problem for our society on an all-Ireland basis. We intend to continue to focus on ensuring that the PSNI and the gardaí have all the support that they need, including financial support. We are committed to tackling organised crime and have set aside £50 million to do so over the next five years.”
“When questions are being asked and reports are being given about the North/South Ministerial Council meetings, he has consistently been here, consistently recognised the importance of the institution and asked important questions. <BR /> <BR />His question today relates to the practical issue of what we are doing to tackle criminality. The Fresh Start Agreement and implementation plan announced the establishment of a joint agency cross-border task force to be led by senior law enforcement officers from North and South. The task force will target cross-border organised crime, including by armed groups. It consists of a strategic oversight group and an operations coordination group and will be jointly chaired by the PSNI and An Garda Síochána.”
“In my earlier remarks, I made it clear that I recognised that all parties in the Assembly were opposed to organised crime; but the reality is that the Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP came out against the Fresh Start process. I see the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party shaking his head, but he made the point yesterday in his contribution to the Assembly. I am quoting him, I hope, accurately. If I am wrong, no doubt it will be pointed out to me at a later stage. That was my interpretation of what was said yesterday. <BR /> <BR />I agree with the Member for North Belfast that the North/South Ministerial Council is a very important element of the Good Friday Agreement and, indeed, the St Andrew's Agreement. I want to pay tribute to him as an outgoing Member of the Assembly.”
“It is important to point out that the work of Waterways Ireland is nearing completion, including the dredging of the River Finn between Upper Lough Erne — that will be of interest to the Member — and Castle Saunderson as part of phase 1 of the restoration of the Ulster canal. Design plans for the new bridge at Derrykerrib are also at an advanced stage. I understand that there are some contractual issues with the site that, combined with high water levels, have led to delays. However, Waterways Ireland is working with local councils and other interested parties to secure EU funding under the INTERREG sustainable transport programme. The proposed greenway would run from Smithborough village to the Monaghan town greenway and on to Armagh. The point that the Member raised is important and will be considered by the Council.”
“Obviously, it does represent a serious challenge, given the fact that the euro has been very weak over recent times. I note that it has strengthened over recent days. Certainly, on foot of the Member highlighting this, we can give it further consideration.”
“The fluctuation of the euro was not discussed at the meeting.”
“I hope that, at some stage in the future, the Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP will see the wisdom of working with the rest of us to ensure that we are successful in what we are trying to do.”
“The issue that the Member mentioned was not discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council. Our responsibility was to deal with a combined approach. Fortunately for us, in tackling the issue of criminality, whilst we do not have the support of the Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP, the DUP and Sinn Féin, with the support of the Irish and the British Governments — it appears that we also have the support of the United States Administration and the European Union — still have a very strong hand to play in how we bear down on those who would try to use the current situation to feather their own nests. <BR /> <BR />My party, the DUP and, I presume, parties that did not sign up to the agreement are opposed to organised crime, and I think that the best way for all of us to proceed in how we deal with that is to take a united approach.”
“As the Member knows, we were involved in extensive discussions prior to Christmas to conclude the Fresh Start Agreement. We did that, and I noted that, yesterday in the Assembly, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party seemed to take great pride in the fact that not only had it and the SDLP not signed up for the Fresh Start approach but that they had rejected the Budget. Fortunately for us as a society, the DUP and Sinn Féin engaged in a very serious negotiation that was about tackling criminality and armed groups and those involved in them. We absolutely support the institutions that are charged with taking forward the work of tackling organised crime: the gardaí and the PSNI. <BR /> <BR />How that is done in individual matters is the responsibility of the courts and the police services, North and South.”
“I am totally unaware of telephone conversations that took place between colleagues. The position is that the Executive provide nominations for half the board members of the North/South bodies. The Ulster Unionist Party is no longer a part of the Executive and was not involved in the nomination process. The Executive, at their meeting on 10 December, agreed the process for allocation of appointments to maintain the nationalist/unionist balance on the boards of the North/South bodies.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Council then welcomed the commitment of the Irish Government to provide €2·5million to the north-west development fund to support the north-west gateway initiative. That will be complemented by matching funding from our Executive. The Council was advised that, despite the recent postponement, both Governments are committed to a meeting of Ministers from both jurisdictions to take place in the north-west. Ministers then noted the current position on a North/South consultative forum. <BR /> <BR />The meeting ended with the Council approving a schedule of NSMC meetings proposed by the joint secretariat, including the next plenary meeting in June 2016.”
“An update was then provided on the north-west gateway initiative. The Council noted the continued engagement between officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister with regional stakeholders regarding the direction and priorities for the north-west. Ministers also noted the work done by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council to produce a collaborative framework aimed at placing cross-border cooperation on a more formal basis within local government structures. The Council was advised that that framework allows for the development of priorities for the north-west in cooperation with central government, consistent with the aims of the north-west gateway initiative.”
“Ministers expressed their appreciation for the work of outgoing board members. <BR /> <BR />The Council then received an update on the work that is ongoing across the various NSMC sectors. Ministers noted that meetings had taken place in the language, inland waterways, aquaculture and marine, tourism, trade and business development and the Special EU Programmes Body sectors since they last met. The Council was advised that the process of finalising 2016 business plans and budgets for the North/South bodies is under way and that they would be presented to the North/South Ministerial Council at the earliest opportunity. <BR /> <BR />The next item on the agenda was sectoral priorities, and the Council noted the position on those and the ongoing review of work programmes at sectoral meetings.”
“Horizon 2020 provides a huge opportunity for both jurisdictions to work together to draw down funding, and it is good to see the work being done by InterTradelreland and others paying dividends. <BR /> <BR />The INTERREG and Peace programmes have been very important to us over the years, and the new programmes will be no exception. The Council welcomed that INTERREG VA has now opened for funding calls, and it noted that the Peace IV programme was recently adopted by the European Commission. The Council agreed that it will consider a further update on EU matters and funding opportunities at a future meeting. <BR /> <BR />The Council then approved the appointment of chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members of the boards of the North/South implementation bodies and directors of Tourism Ireland Limited.”
“The importance of tourism, trade and investment and of supporting companies accessing overseas markets was recognised. We are all pleased to see that economic recovery is under way, but we must not be complacent and we must ensure that the conditions are right to support growth. <BR /> <BR />We then moved on to talk about EU matters, in particular how we can work together to maximise the drawdown of EU funds. Discussions are continuing at the North/South Ministerial Council sectoral meetings on identifying opportunities for collaboration to draw down EU funding. Those discussions will continue throughout the next round of meetings. <BR /> <BR />The Council noted that, under the EU's Horizon 2020 programme, €19·36 million was secured in the first year for specific joint projects involving both jurisdictions.”
“At the start of the meeting, the Council discussed the tremendous achievement of Professor William Campbell, who had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine the previous day, and it extended its congratulations to him. <BR /> <BR />Ministers then went on to discuss the recent Fresh Start Agreement and the work to be undertaken by officials to review North/South infrastructure projects. In addition, the Council welcomed the commitment in Fresh Start to tackle paramilitarism, criminality and organised crime and to bring to justice those involved. <BR /> <BR />We then moved on to the main agenda, which opened with a discussion on the financial and economic challenges faced within each jurisdiction and the work being taken forward in each jurisdiction to promote economic growth and employment.”
“The following Irish Government Ministers were also in attendance: Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton; Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charles Flanagan; Minister Bruton; Minister Fitzgerald; Minister Reilly; Minister Donohoe; Minister Humphreys; Minister of State Hayes; and Minister of State McHugh.”