Stephen Dunne
North Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does the Minister recognise that the delays are causing a lot of stress to current officers and those who have served in the past and are impacting on the morale of current officers? What level of engagement has she had on the issue in the past, and what are her plans, in that regard, for the future?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. With approximately 15% of the entire Waterways Ireland estate located in Northern Ireland, I am keen to establish any detail that you may have on the scale of immediate safety risks, with regard to diseased trees in Northern Ireland specifically, that are linked to the tree management strategy, whic…”
“All the trust ports support the legislation, as was reflected in the responses to the consultation carried out last year on this important issue. It is also worth noting that trust ports in the rest of the United Kingdom — in Scotland, England and Wales — have been reclassified with no issues.”
“I am pleased to speak in the Second Stage debate on the Harbours Bill. As a member of the Committee for Infrastructure, I support the Bill's general intention, which, ultimately, is to provide all the trust ports in Northern Ireland with greater commercial flexibility. The trust ports are a key part of our local economy.”
“More than 20,000 people are employed in the harbour estates alone, and the harbours support over 15% of our country's total annual output. We can see the developments taking place at the D3 cruise terminal at Belfast harbour through the work that is going on there.”
“That should be the focus for all of us, and something that we can support and get behind. There is no doubt that all our trust ports already deliver significant economic and social benefits, but they are telling us that they can do more, want to do more and are willing to do more.”
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“<BR /> <BR />It is important to point out this fact, which should not be lost in the debate: many employers are sympathetic to sensitive issues such as domestic abuse, and it is hoped that safe leave will not have to be used. Unfortunately, however, given the problems with and the prevalence of domestic abuse, it is important that that tool is there for when it is required. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 18 builds in important employee rights regarding industrial tribunals, and I think that we can all support that. Over the past two years, throughout the pandemic, we have seen the need for flexibility. I believe that amendment No 20 allows the Department to be flexible by allowing it to modify regulations, as circumstances may change over time.”
“Some work on the basis of financial years, others work on calendar years, and there are other systems. Therefore, it is important that that is clarified, and amendment No 6 also helps with that. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 13 helps to spell out the terms and conditions for remuneration and contracts of employment. Again, that is important for the Department and employers. Here in Northern Ireland, we are fortunate to have a vast range of small businesses and microbusinesses. It is therefore essential that the legislation works for them so that they can work with their employees. That highlights the importance of getting the amendments into place. Many of those businesses have limited resources, and it is vital that the legislation is manageable for them.”
“My colleague from Mid Ulster, Mr Buchanan, took a keen interest in that during a number of the evidence sessions. The amendment will ultimately help to deal with the implementation of and eligibility for safe leave. <BR /> <BR />Amendment No 6 gives the important clarity that safe leave does not have to be taken as a block of 10 continuous days. That builds in flexibility, which is important for victims of domestic abuse, many of whom are vulnerable. Nobody can predict when exactly they will need the leave. It ties in with what we talked about earlier in relation to professional services and so on. It is important that that agility and flexibility are available. Different companies, organisations, businesses and employers have different leave years.”
“which are detailed in the clause. That could include things like resolving legal issues and dealing with housing matters, financial help, welfare advice and other important issues. It is worth highlighting the fact that many of those things need to be done during daytime office hours. That is the principle of safe leave, and I think that the amendment is clear that it does not just entitle the employee to be absent from work, which is how the Bill as introduced read, but it is primarily for getting targeted support. That is what I think everybody in the House ultimately wants to get from the Bill. <BR /> <BR />All employees are, rightly, entitled to leave. That should always be respected by employees and employers. Amendment No 2 deals with an issue that came up in our Committee meetings and at Second Stage on the definition of a victim.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Minister outlined, amendment No 1 provides clarity about the purpose of safe leave. It is important that the leave is:”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Consideration Stage of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill. During the Committee Stage, we heard from a number of key stakeholders and organisations that are at the front line of supporting those who are impacted by domestic abuse. Those sessions served as very timely reminders to us all about the negative impact that domestic abuse can have across our society, regardless of a person's age, gender or background, and, indeed, about the scourge that domestic abuse is. <BR /> <BR />I am happy to support the various detailed amendments, which have been tabled by the Minister for the Economy and of which most are centred around clause 1. The amendments build upon the Bill and provide important clarity, flexibility and certainty for employees and employers.”
“The payment date is 10 March, which is 10 days before the official start of spring. It is disappointing that winter will almost have passed before payments will be in bank accounts. What more will the Minister do to support working families to meet the rising costs of energy? What engagement has she had with the Housing Executive to improve energy-efficiency measures?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Pharmacists want a properly commissioned, funded and resourced service. As the Minister said, patients, particularly the elderly, vulnerable and carers, rely on it. Is the Minister committed to resolving the issue and providing that much-needed support?”
“Given the growing population in Bangor and the surrounding areas and the pressures on our local emergency department in the Ulster Hospital, is the Minister committed to delivering this multidisciplinary health centre under one roof? Does he believe that that is the best model to improve patient outcomes?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement and his work in delivering Project Stratum across Northern Ireland. How important is connectivity when Invest NI sells Northern Ireland to investors abroad?”
“I welcome the statement. The scheme has had a positive impact across my North Down constituency. One of its key aims was to change longer-term shopping behaviour and to encourage people back into our shops. Is the Minister confident that it has achieved that aim?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What potential hydrogen and biomethane opportunities exist in Northern Ireland?”
“Clearly, events between Russia and Ukraine, including the German Chancellor's decision to pull the plug on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, could have an impact on the energy markets. How concerned is the Minister that those events could cause further pain to local energy users?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Through this important review, how can we ensure that Invest NI's work is aligned to the 10X strategy and that the projects that are selected ultimately help to deliver its aims?”
“<BR /> <BR />The amendments, while not providing the remedy that the Bill should contain, provide some teeth to the disappointingly benign draft code of practice that the Department placed before the Committee. I urge Members to support the amendments.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill does not provide legal sanction for a breach of the code of practice. Amendment No 5 does not remedy that defect, but it allows anyone who has identified multiple or significant breaches of the code to apply to the court to have a licence or permit revoked. The Bill allows the code of practice and adherence to the code to be used in court proceedings only when a licence or permit is being renewed. Amendment No 5 will give a power to the Department, the PSNI, a person affected by gambling harm or any other concerned member of the public to apply to the court to have a licence or permit revoked in the case of multiple or serious breaches of the code.”
“The article is a real eye-opener, and it describes how the gambling industry ensures that people become addicted and addicts keep coming back to gamble. It is an industry that ensures that people become addicted to its product, but, more than that, it designs its product to ensure that punters lose. Amendment No 4 is potentially groundbreaking for the United Kingdom, as it seeks to ensure that the gambling industry cannot be cavalier with people who are in the grip of gambling harm. By imposing a duty of care on the industry, it places a legal liability on gambling licence holders. If the licence holder fails to uphold the code of conduct, that could be a breach of the duty of care they owe to a customer and give rise to potential civil proceedings and an award of damages.”
“Yes. That was an example where individuals lost thousands and thousands of pounds with not a penny in return. <BR /> <BR />I turn to amendment Nos 4 and 5, which stand in my name and those of and my party colleagues. The amendments have been tabled in an attempt to deal with a glaring omission in the current code of practice: the Bill makes no provision for the code to be enforced. The draft code contains no civil or criminal sanction for any breaches of the code. The draft code reads more like a best practice manual than a serious code of practice. Just this past weekend, 'The Guardian' published an article entitled:”
“That is an example of a betting scheme that attracted many people as it operated under the guise of being a football stock market where people could buy shares in footballers.”
“The betting shops are in people's pockets day and night, 24/7. Online gambling has brought gambling from the high street to our homes. Easy accessibility can be the biggest issue for problem gamblers and those with addictions. <BR /> <BR />Another example is the popular Football Index gambling scheme, which collapsed in March 2021, leaving over £90 million of stakes trapped right across the United Kingdom.”
“<BR /> <BR />In evidence to our Committee, the Department gave the rationale that Sunday opening is all about sport. The Committee was told that sports happen on Sundays — football, GAA, American sports and golf — and people place bets, but betting on sport is not the only gambling that occurs in a betting shop. Does the Assembly really want to increase the risk of gambling harm by opening up bookmakers for an extra day a week with no protections in place? <BR /> <BR />I will oppose clauses 2 and 6 and urge other Members to do so as well. <BR /> <BR />As was mentioned, the digital revolution has undoubtedly transformed the gambling industry. Almost every mobile phone has the ability to have a gambling app installed. Those apps have no set opening or closing times and no doormen to monitor age restrictions and policies.”
“I want to register my concerns around that as we try our best to support those with gambling addictions and, ultimately, reduce gambling harm. <BR /> <BR />Gambling addiction is not like other addictions. Sadly, people with a gambling addiction are 15 times more likely to take their own life. Some 20% of problem gamblers have considered taking their own life over the past year alone. The harms of gambling are devastating. That is why the tone that we set in the House today with the Bill is very important. <BR /> <BR />There is often only one winner, and it is not the individual placing the bet. The reality is that it is very difficult for people in the grips of gambling harm to escape. The gambling industry knows that, and it is often relentless in how it exploits it.”
“Awareness has really been raised over the last number of years through the work of that group and other important groups. That group was very clear in its concerns around the longer opening hours contained in the two clauses. During the COVID pandemic, we have seen the central emphasis correctly placed on following public health advice. However, that does not appear to be the case on this issue. <BR /> <BR />An employee of a local bookmaker spoke to me recently in my constituency office. He expressed serious concerns around longer opening hours, purely on the basis of wanting to spend valuable time off with his family at the weekend. People do not believe that there is a lack of available opening hours, and they do not sense that there is a real appetite out there for longer opening hours.”
“<BR /> <BR />It has been left to individual Members of the House to work with charities and other organisations to try to amend the Bill to at least put some clauses in the legislation that directly address gambling harm. It is disappointing that some of the amendments that would have helped to address the problems were not selected for debate this evening. <BR /> <BR />What we have is a Bill that seeks to give people more opportunity to gamble. If clauses 2 and 6 stand, people will be afforded a 17% increase in shop opening hours in which to gamble. The written evidence submitted to our Committee was very interesting, with submissions from the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and charities such as Gambling with Lives, which does excellent work right across the UK. I just want to put that on record.”
“If the first substantive clause is one that helps the bookie and not the person who needs our help, I believe that the wrong tone has been set. <BR /> <BR />If, after clauses 2 and 6, the Bill had gone on to outline provisions for a regulator, a robust strategy to address gambling harm, provisions to ensure that the Health Department had the tools to address public health concerns, a means to help people exclude themselves from gambling, a code of practice with teeth or even a levy that would fully pay for the harm caused, then perhaps clauses 2 and 6 would be uncontroversial, but, unfortunately, the Bill contains none of those things.”
“The Minister and her Department made the choice that the first substantive clause of the Bill would not be a clause to help those in gambling harm. That is very regrettable. Rather, the very first substantive clause of the Bill increases the hours that bookmakers are open across Northern Ireland. What signal does that send out? I do not believe that it shows that we are facing a public health crisis. <BR /> <BR />Many Members will legitimately echo the words of the Turf Guardians' Association when it gave evidence to the Committee. It was pointed out that people can gamble by phone, over the internet and at a race track, and they can even travel across the border to bet, so there is no logical reason to keep shops shut here. However, tone is important. What tone is being set by the Bill?”
“That will be too late for many of the 200,000 to 400,000 people who need help today. The Minister is asking us to move forward with the first piece of major legislative change in respect of gambling in 37 years, since 1985, against the backdrop of a gambling harm crisis.”
“I also acknowledge the work of the all-party group on reducing harm related to gambling. <BR /> <BR />Whilst I acknowledge that the Bill is the first step in gambling reform within the mandate, I am disappointed that the Minister has not gone further. The number of people who find themselves in the grip of gambling harm is truly shocking. Gambling can lead to debt, depression, job loss, family breakdown and major financial issues, to name but a few such harms. Around one in six people here are directly or indirectly impacted by gambling-related harm. That is a public health crisis. The painful truth in this debate is the fact that the Bill does very little to help those people who are most impacted. We are told: "Do not worry. Wait for the next mandate. Another Bill is coming that will solve the problem".”
“At every stage when the Bill has been debated, either in the House or in the Committee for Communities, almost every person who has spoken has raised the important and central issue of the high prevalence of gambling harm throughout our country. We all know people who have been adversely impacted by problem gambling. I commend the work of the support groups and of well-known personalities, including local sports stars, who influence people and have certainly helped to highlight the risks that are associated with gambling harm by bravely coming forward to speak up and speak out on their gambling addictions. I also thank all the organisations and bodies who made various submissions to the Committee on this important Bill, the departmental officials and the Committee team.”
“I acknowledge the work done by departmental officials over many years. Will the Minister commit to working with her colleague the Infrastructure Minister to get delivery of the project, which has been running on for over 30 years?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. She will know about the injustice that is felt by some caravan owners in caravan parks right across Northern Ireland due to their having few to no rights, excessive pitch fee rises and threats of eviction looming over them. Will the Minister step up to the plate and ensure that there is a fairer deal for our caravan owners?”
“I welcome the Minister's work on the ammonia strategy. Also important to the agri-food sector and our economy is the impact of the Climate Change Bill, which was sponsored by a private Member. Will the Minister provide an update on how concerned farmers are about their future?”
“<BR /> <BR />We are fortunate in Northern Ireland to have a rich blend of many small and medium-sized businesses, which are such an important part of the economy; indeed, the backbone of it. Any change in employment law needs to be measured and effective, taking account of the unique circumstances in our country. We need to properly consider issues like zero-hours contracts, exclusivity clauses and other aspects of technical employment law. I would be much more content to see this coming forward in a much more substantial, wider and complete review than in any rushed, piecemeal approach as we move closer and closer to the end of the mandate.”
“Again, it strikes me that more work is needed on such an important matter. <BR /> <BR />As mentioned, some employees like being on a zero-hours contract as it gives them a degree of flexibility to fit work in with other responsibilities and commitments in their life. They may not get that with the banded-hours contracts that the Member proposes. Zero-hours contracts also, on occasion, provide a level of protection for employers, often in demand-driven sectors. Some of those sectors have gone through the most uncertain of periods over the last number of years through lockdowns and restrictions — the hospitality, entertainment and events sectors, to name but a few.”
“When the Bill sponsor briefed the Committee on the Bill in early December, as was mentioned by my colleague, to me, there was simply not enough consultation done and engagement carried out at that time with the wide range of stakeholders, businesses, employees and business bodies that would be directly impacted by the outworkings of the Bill. It seemed more like just a few hand-picked, sympathetic consultees, which is simply not enough for such a significant change in the complex field of employment law. <BR /> <BR />The explanatory and financial memorandum to the Bill states that neither the Department for the Economy nor the Labour Relations Agency were:”
“The complexities, time and work involved in getting that employment legislation in place — that Bill was introduced on 1 June last year — demonstrated to me, as a relatively new MLA, the significant time and effort that it takes to get legislation in place that is workable, strengthens and improves existing legislation and, importantly, does not lead to counterproductive unintended consequences. <BR /> <BR />While the intentions of the Bill have merit, a greater level of detailed consultation is required.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Second Stage of the Bill that has been introduced by Ms Dolan. It is vital that there are fair and equitable employment relations in every workplace across Northern Ireland. Flexibility and certainty are two essential requirements for the employee and the employer. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, the focus must be on economic recovery, supporting businesses to grow, expand and develop. <BR /> <BR />We had welcome progress on an important employment issue with the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill in the House just last week, delivered by the Minister. That was a positive development for employment relations.”
“I appreciate the update on this important matter. The UK Government's plan to end the red diesel rebate is adversely impacting a number of sectors here, including the construction sector and even things like charity tractor runs. Has the Minister made representations on this important matter?”
“<BR /> <BR />Those plans will not only benefit football clubs on the pitch, but will transform our local clubs into vibrant community hubs with better facilities, increasing participation for all ages and improving physical and mental health. Many are, rightly, asking, "What is the problem? Why the delay? What is going on with this Minister to deliver that funding?" <BR /> <BR />Now is the time for kick-off for the Minister. Clubs deserve delivery, and the Minister has failed for far too long. Now is the time to get on with delivery.”
“Some 24 weeks have passed since that date and that commitment, and there is still not a penny from the Minister for this long-overdue funding for local football clubs. <BR /> <BR />In September 2021, the Minister reiterated publicly her commitment that the programme would be rolled out in the short time ahead and within this mandate. That was followed up by a commitment from senior DFC officials, who reiterated it at a meeting of the Communities Committee in early December. Many football clubs have already invested significantly in drawing up innovative plans and designs to improve their facilities. Many clubs have received planning permission, and others have live applications in the system, all while materials and building costs continue to increase because of the Minister's delay.”
“It is time for the Communities Minister to finally deliver the long-awaited subregional football stadia funding programme. Football across Northern Ireland is on the up, with record crowds, investment and excitement surrounding our local game week in, week out at all levels, from the grassroots to the Irish Premiership, and including our international men and women's senior teams. Local football clubs in my constituency and right across our country have been crying out for the release of this long-awaited funding and have now lost patience with the Minister. <BR /> <BR />In a response to an Assembly question in August 2021, Minister Hargey advised me that she would update her Executive colleagues on proposals for a way forward for the programme in the coming weeks.”
“<BR /> <BR />That is why I will support the amendments that have been tabled by the Minister, as well as Nos 19 and 20, tabled by Dr Archibald. I believe that they will ensure, importantly, that the Bill can proceed. They will also ensure that fathers, husbands and partners can also, rightly, be entitled to parental bereavement pay. I welcome the amendments, including Nos 15 and 16, that will ensure that employees who are on zero-hours contracts or do not have fixed contracts are not disadvantaged by the legislation and will be eligible for parental bereavement leave and pay. I look forward to further progress being made in the days ahead.”
“<BR /> <BR />I join others in acknowledging the significant amount of work that has been undertaken by the Minister and his departmental officials to get us to this advanced stage and to deal with the technical complexities of the various amendments to the legislation. It is important that we get it right. It is, as others have said, a welcome step forward. It is important that we keep the focus on what was the original intention of the Bill when it was first introduced: that parental bereavement leave and pay are in place for April 2022, which, of course, is now only a matter of weeks away. We do not want to see any further delays in working parents getting the support that they rightly deserve. For bereaved parents, who have already suffered so much trauma, to have to wait any longer would be regrettable and totally unacceptable.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Further Consideration Stage of this important Bill. Indeed, a considerable amount of work has been undertaken throughout its legislative journey, including since the Consideration Stage at the end of November last year. The tabling of the Bill in the first place follows the introduction of parental bereavement leave and pay legislation by the UK Parliament in April 2020, through the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018, which, as has already been said, creates a statutory entitlement to leave and pay for working parents who suffer the traumatic experience of the death or stillbirth of a child. What a traumatic experience that must be for any individual or family to have to go through.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The creative industries have made a valuable contribution across our country. What further opportunities exist for supply chain jobs in that important industry?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Which will have the greater impact on the Minister's budget: the loss of EU funds or the huge cuts that are a direct result of Conor Murphy's draft Budget?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer on this important subject that impacts many farmers right across Northern Ireland. Given the consultation responses, what does the Department plan to do about compensation for farmers?”
“The thresholds included in the legislation will support many smaller charities that do not have the resources that larger and better-funded charities have to meet all of the various requirements. <BR /> <BR />As has been mentioned, although it is disappointing that the recommendations of the review panel have not been published, it is appreciated that that work is ongoing and that there is a job of work to do to proceed with that. I look forward to the next steps on this important piece of work. Thank you.”
“Clause 1 will also ensure that those charities do not have to go through the charity registration process yet again. Clause 2 will ensure that charities receive decisions in a timely way through delegation, which is crucial for allowing forward planning and providing much-needed clarity. <BR /> <BR />There must be confidence and certainty for charities and for the general public, which is why the Bill has presented a timely opportunity to improve the regulations for all stakeholders. A balance must be sought for charities and small charities. The progress and growth of small charities must not be crippled or stifled by complex requirements and red tape. However, there must be accountability to ensure good governance and transparency and to encourage good practice, including a recognition of the importance of appeal rights.”
“In every town, city and village, many charities make a very valuable contribution, from those that are health based to those concerned with welfare, education, animals and veteran, to name but a few. Many of those charities could not function without the dedicated work of volunteers, and we have seen the incredible value of them over the last two years in particular. <BR /> <BR />Given the court judgements in 2019 and 2020, it was important to progress the legislation to amend the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 in order to validate the thousands of charities that are on the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's register. The provisions in clauses 1 and 2 will end some of the confusion that many charities have experienced over the last number of years.”