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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“I too welcome the opportunity to speak at Consideration Stage of this important Bill. Although largely retrospective in its rationale, the Bill presents an important opportunity to strengthen the regulatory framework for our charities and to protect our people and communities. Whilst the Bill was formally introduced before my time as a Member, a considerable body of work has been done over the last six months in considering the Bill. I too thank the Committee staff, the officials and the various stakeholders who made valuable representations on the Bill to our Committee. <BR /> <BR />We are very fortunate to have such a vast range of charities across Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. It is important that lessons continue to be learned from the Holocaust, including among our young people. Unfortunately, antisemitism continues to be a reality here, and we saw a number of instances, earlier this year, of Jewish graves being attacked. What more can her office do to ensure that we do not see a repeat of such attacks? Will she commit to assisting the Jewish community, which cannot get kosher meat into Northern Ireland due to the protocol?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he share the concerns of the hospitality sector about, for example, the safety of lone workers in small licensed premises, where they are being asked to enforce the COVID certifications and when face covering enforcement is not in place in other settings, such as public transport?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does the Minister recognise the unacceptable delay and that, four months into the autumn/winter period, with households, businesses and many working families really struggling with energy bills this month, there is a need for a dedicated financial support scheme and a real timeline for delivery?”
“They do very valuable work. Again, I know from personal experience just how important that work is at such a difficult time. <BR /> <BR />The benefits of the extension must not be underestimated. I am happy to support the legislation, which incorporates a more just and fair definition of a terminal illness. I share the views of others that it is certainly a step forward in the right direction. We look forward to more progress and better support for those who suffer from terminal illness and their families.”
“It was a very useful review and took on board the views of a great range of stakeholders, so it is good to see its recommendation in the Bill. The reforms are vital to thousands of people across Northern Ireland, in every area, town and city, who are living with a terminal illness. They will give those who find themselves in the most devastating circumstances, and their families, the much-needed dignity, reassurance and freedom from financial hardship that will allow them to spend the time that they have left with their precious loved ones. <BR /> <BR />I commend the charities involved that have been working alongside Members, such as Marie Curie and MNDA, and the many other charities that do excellent work right across Northern Ireland, including the health staff who are directly employed and those volunteers and charities.”
“We also need to ask ourselves this: what about those who are left behind? COPD alone consistently accounts for over 800 deaths a year here, but, in 2020, the condition accounted for only 10 special rules PIP awards. Granting the extension will extend the life expectancy criterion from six to 12 months, is much more in thinking with the current clinical evidence, will benefit all welfare payments simultaneously and will bring much-needed alignment between welfare and health systems and the views and experience of claimants, charities and clinicians. <BR /> <BR />I very much welcome the independent review of PIP led by Walter Rader, on which my colleagues worked a number of years ago. One of its key recommendations was to amend the life expectancy criterion.”
“Furthermore, many sufferers who are not deemed eligible to qualify for special rules payments because their doctor cannot reasonably guarantee their life expectancy to within six months may die within a much shorter time due to a sudden decline in their condition. Quantitative evidence has shown how difficult it is to give an accurate prediction of life expectancy. One study of over 8,000 palliative patients showed that accuracy varied between 23% and 78%. <BR /> <BR />More alarming, however, is the exclusive nature of the special rules for terminal illness here. Historically, between 85% and 95% of special rules PIP awards have been for those who are terminally ill with cancer. There is no doubt that such a provision is much needed for those living with that cruel condition.”
“Those diagnosed with a terminal illness are living longer. The precious time afforded to them by medical advancements, however, which should be spent with family and loved ones, is often stripped away and replaced by stress, anxiety, fear and depression brought about by endless form filling and delays in payments, leading, in some case, to real financial hardship for the patient and the family of those impacted.”
“<BR /> <BR />For the vast number of welfare claimants who are locked out by the six-month life expectancy criterion, the welfare benefits process is long and arduous. For example, those waiting for PIP must still go through the stress and anxiety of face-to-face assessments, and those applying for universal credit might still endure the indignity of a work capability assessment and must face the hardship of what can often be a six-month qualifying period to receive attendance allowance. The reality is that life expectancy can never be accurately predicted, even with the advances in treatment and diagnosis.”
“That restrictive, exclusive and little short of inhumane reality means that those who are terminally ill are not afforded the grim luxury of such a devastating timeline. They may have years left of mental, physical, emotional and financial struggles ahead of them as they deal with never-ending assessments, bureaucracy, red tape and lengthy delays to the most vital welfare payments. <BR /> <BR />Members have mentioned the experiences of others, and we have seen the testimonials. We also know from our experience in our constituency offices of the heartbreaking stories of people passing away while waiting for welfare support papers coming through the door from the postman. Anybody who read the briefing papers will know that there are heartbreaking stories. That confirms the need for action.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue. Unfortunately, I have had recent personal experience of just how devastating, traumatic and stressful a terminal illness diagnosis can be for a family. I am certainly happy to support the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Under current arrangements, the special rules for terminal illness in Northern Ireland allow applicants to gain fast-track access to vital welfare payments, including PIP, disability living allowance (DLA) and universal credit. However, as has been said, that benefit to those living with terminal illness is based unfairly on the proviso that a clinician can state that the person's death can reasonably be expected within six months.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. Ulster-Scots Language Week took place some two weeks ago, between 22 and 27 November. Will the Minister advise what she and her Department did to mark that occasion and to support that week? Will she also advise how her Department has marked the centenary of Northern Ireland this year?”
“Does the Minister believe that the scheme is delivering on its twin objectives of providing an economic stimulus for our high streets and reorienting people away from clicks to bricks?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. He is right to raise the real potential financial risk to the Executive. Has he engaged with the Finance Minister or the Treasury on those issues?”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst the Committee's amendments raise important issues and the need for improved support around miscarriage, I do not believe that it is best to support them at this stage, and I do not believe that they can be achieved as quickly as they are needed. I am glad that the Department recognises the need for a full and comprehensive review around a full assessment of employment law and our framework across Northern Ireland. However, the reality is that that work around employment law will not be completed in the relatively short window of time that we have left in the mandate. All will be better looked at collectively by the Department with full consultation, engagement and focused outcomes delivering the best for those who have to contend with such devastating circumstances.”
“No, you will have plenty of time. That is of great concern, and every effort must be made to ensure that it can be delivered on time, as the Minister has already warned. <BR /> <BR />Miscarriage is an extremely sensitive and complex matter, and there can be many stages to it. Miscarriage can bring such devastation to so many families, and, unfortunately, some families can suffer multiple miscarriages, which multiplies the long-lasting grief. I know from speaking to close friends that the pain and devastation that it can bring is real and traumatic and can last for many years. As has been mentioned in the debate, it is estimated that it can affect between one in four and one in eight pregnancies, which, again, highlights its seriousness.”
“It would be responsible for us all to take serious stock of that and to fully consider all the consequences. <BR /> <BR />We do not want to see further delays in working parents getting the support that they deserve. Bereaved parents have already suffered so much trauma, and having to wait even longer would be regrettable and totally unacceptable. If the Committee amendments were passed and the Bill was not able to deliver in the time frame, as the Minister has warned numerous times today and in correspondence with the Committee, it would be a regrettable step. The reality that the benefits of the Bill may not be delivered until April 2023 or, indeed, April 2024 —.”
“That was brought home to those of us on the Economy Committee when we received a written briefing in response to engagement between Department of Finance officials and HM Treasury, just yesterday, on 29 November. The Department stated:”
“Each of those represents a wide network of family, friends and carers who are equally affected. During Committee Stage, we learned that child deaths affect approximately 450 working parents here every year. The sad and tragic statistics confirm the need for the Bill, for our being here today and for our having introduced the Bill in the first place. I am glad and grateful that former Minister Dodds did that. <BR /> <BR />The facts and figures also reaffirm the need for any legislation to be carefully considered and fully and extensively consulted on. Some of my colleagues have also touched on that point. We cannot ignore the real and stark financial risks that exist and the fact that there would be a cost to breaking parity on such an important issue.”
“<BR /> <BR />The purpose of the Bill was always to ensure that employees who suffered the loss of a child under the age of 18 or a stillbirth would have a statutory entitlement to two weeks' leave and that, in most cases, working parents would also be entitled to a statutory payment, bringing much-needed clarity, certainty and support to employers and employees and a statutory safety net for working parents who suffered such a profound loss. It would also Northern Ireland into line with Great Britain in providing parental leave, pay and employment protections and affording the same employment rights for workers. <BR /> <BR />In 2020, according to Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) statistics, 69 stillbirths and 93 infant deaths were registered here.”
“I acknowledge the input and work of the Minister and his officials in ensuring that bereaved parents get the support that they deserve, the engagement that the Department has had with the Committee and the work of our Committee staff, whom I thank. <BR /> <BR />The loss of a child is truly devastating for any family. It not only impacts on the parents; family members, carers and relatives can also be significantly affected by such a tragedy. It is completely understandable that working parents who experience such a bereavement will need the compassion and support of a caring employer. We are fortunate that many employers act responsibly and make provision for paid compassionate leave. Such leave has no statutory protection, however, and may cover only a few days. Moreover, not all employees will be in that fortunate position.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the outset, I join others in thanking all the organisations and bodies that engaged with the Economy Committee on this important matter through the Department's public consultation on the Bill, which ran between June and August 2020, including those who shared personal, moving and traumatic stories of their loss. Throughout the consultation and engagement process, there was strong support across Northern Ireland for the Bill. That highlights the importance of getting it right and ensuring that we see no further delays in delivering this most important legislation and support where it is needed. <BR /> <BR />I commend the many charities that support bereaved parents daily across our country, as well as the support workers in our health trusts.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue at the Consideration Stage of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill. I was not a Member when the Bill went through its Second Stage, but the Committee and the Department have done a considerable amount of work, and, in that time, I have certainly recognised the Bill's importance. This Bill follows the introduction of parental bereavement leave and pay legislation by our UK Parliament in April 2020 through the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018. It would create a statutory entitlement to leave and pay for working parents who suffer the death or stillbirth of a child.”
“I certainly support the Bill at this stage, and I look forward to working alongside colleagues and the Bill sponsor to see it progress further.”
“Targeted support and working in partnership with employees can often be the best way of resolving issues and addressing domestic abuse, which must be done in a sensitive and confidential way, as other Members have said in the debate. <BR /> <BR />It is important that we see further clarity in the definition of a victim. My colleague Mr Buchanan touched on that. We definitely need to see some more meat on the bones in relation to the definition of a victim. Victims are not just those who are directly impacted by the abuse; they can include family members, friends and work colleagues, who can be equally impacted indirectly by such violence. That raises more issues that it would be better for the Department to look at collectively going forward, with full consultation, engagement and focused outcomes.”
“Many of those businesses have faced an incredibly challenging 18 months, with restrictions, lockdowns and uncertainty that, unfortunately, continues to this day. There are gaps at this stage, and I am keen to see more progress and work, particularly through consultation and engagement with key stakeholders on the issue, in order to ensure that the Bill does not have a disproportionate impact on those businesses as employers and to mitigate any unintended consequences that the Bill may have. <BR /> <BR />Many employers are responsible, compassionate and understanding of employees and their needs and circumstances. Whilst that is not always the case, it is a point worth making.”
“In some situations, work can be one of the few places where people feel safe and, if they have the confidence to speak to colleagues or employers, can often be one of their main sources of help. It affords them the opportunity to reach out, speak up and speak out. <BR /> <BR />There are cost issues associated with the Bill that have to be considered. Whilst not taking away from the seriousness of the issue in hand, I have some concerns about the significant financial responsibility that some outworkings of the Bill could put onto employers, particularly given the context of Northern Ireland, where we have such a strong group of small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. We are blessed to have many micro, small and medium-sized businesses, with our SMEs accounting for 75% of employment here.”
“That is greatly needed, given the reality of the statistics, which show that such abuse occurs in all 18 constituencies. It can occur in anybody's home, regardless of background, wealth or any other measure. <BR /> <BR />We can, no doubt, all agree with the general principles of the Bill to support victims of abuse. A sad reality that we must face up to is that, unfortunately, home is not always the safest place to be. Sometimes, it is not the haven that it should be, and that is particularly pertinent to victims of domestic abuse. The workplace can, unfortunately, be a place where abuse can take place, but work can be a welcome distraction for those who may suffer abuse at home.”
“Figures highlight that there have been 179 more crimes in the Ards and north Down policing district in the past year. That confirms a worrying rise in that type of crime. <BR /> <BR />I fully support any measures to support victims of domestic abuse in people's homes, in their community and in the workplace. Whilst, alarmingly, the statistics point to higher incidence rates across Northern Ireland, there is, undoubtedly, greater awareness of this type of abuse. We can all welcome that. It has helped people to have the confidence to speak up, speak out and get the vital support that they need. I commend the victim support groups who work across the country — in rural and urban areas and across our constituencies. I thank them for the work that they do, particularly on awareness and support.”
“<BR /> <BR />The pandemic, the challenges of which we continue to face, has brought about lockdowns and restrictions that have left many people spending more time at home, often feeling more isolated and vulnerable — even to being a victim of domestic abuse. According to PSNI statistics, there has been an alarming increase in recorded domestic abuse incidents and crimes since 2004. Incident levels in 2020-21 were one and a half times higher than those in 2004-05, and crime levels were nearly twice as high. Regrettably, there are also many incidents that will never be reported or recorded, due to fear and coercion. I have spoken regularly to the PSNI in my constituency. They often talk about the considerable time taken to deal with issues around domestic abuse and the serious, complex and sensitive nature of that.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue — the Second Stage of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill — and I am happy to support it at this stage. <BR /> <BR />Domestic abuse is a scourge on our society, and, unfortunately, it has been on the rise in recent years. It impacts on women, men and children, regardless of colour, class or creed, and it can take many forms, including physical, emotional, verbal and digital, to name but a few. As has been said, a lot of good work was achieved over the past year or year and a half through the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Bill, which completed its journey through the House earlier this year to help tackle this most heinous and cruel of crimes.”
“I thank the First Minister for his answer. If the numbers have been stabilising, why was there such a rush to implement mandatory COVID vaccine passports?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Given the range of concerns about the outworkings of the legislation from community groups, sporting bodies and others since it took effect over four years ago, does she recognise that many small community organisations are simply put off organising those events owing to the red tape and prohibitive cost involved, particularly for advertisements and traffic-management signage? Will costs be looked at for anything that is taken forward?”
“<BR /> <BR />I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend the work of the Somme Association, which has worked so hard to maintain the Ulster Tower and Thiepval Wood for so many visitors every year and for future generations, as well as maintaining the excellent Somme Museum in Conlig. Having had the privilege of visiting the Ulster Tower — I know that many colleagues here have also had the honour — it is right and proper to commend Carol Walker, MBE, director of the Somme Association, for all her efforts, along with her parents, Teddy and Phoebe, and the whole team, whilst also acknowledging the work of the late Dr Ian Adamson, who was a former Member of this House, for his work over many years in ensuring that that very important and special memorial remains for generations to come. On the centenary, we say thank you.”
“For many of the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, the distinctive sight of Helen's Tower rising above the surrounding countryside was one of their last abiding memories of home before their departure for England and the subsequent Western Front. Many of those who gave their lives were drilled and trained in the shadow of Helen's Tower, which is some 10 miles from this Building. Much has changed over the last 100 years in Northern Ireland, but we must never forget the service and sacrifice of those who gave up their lives for the freedom that we enjoy today.”
“Friday 19 November 2021 marked the centenary of the opening and dedication of the Ulster Tower in the northern fields of France, close to Thiepval Wood. Standing 70 feet tall, the Ulster Tower is a replica of a well-known local landmark, Helen's Tower, which was built in 1867 and is situated in the heart of the Clandeboye estate in the North Down constituency. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster Tower is a lasting and very poignant tribute to the men of Ulster who gave their lives during the First World War and is a permanent reminder of their heroic charge at the Battle of the Somme, with an estimated 5,000 casualties on the first day alone.”
“I appreciate the answer that the Minister gave me in correspondence about Clifton School in Bangor. We appreciate the very real challenges that the special schools sector is facing at this time. What other avenues are the Department and the EA exploring to address the staffing challenges throughout the system?”
“Skills are indeed a vital part of growing our economy. I ask the Minister how important the skills academies that his Department is rolling out are, particularly at addressing the short-term needs of the economy, given that many employers are struggling to find suitable employees. For example, I met the owner of a tile business in my constituency last week, and he highlighted to me the current lack of tilers.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. Can she provide an update on the review of the compensation process, as announced in July this year, to try to speed up the application process for survivors of such abuse and their families?”
“I call on the Minister to continue to work towards improving water quality and safety right across our country and, indeed, in our North Down coastal bathing areas.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also welcome recent initiatives from Ards and North Down Borough Council, with marine safety training schemes being rolled out for sea users, including cold-sea swimmers. That initiative, along with others, looks at recreational areas for shared usage in order to create better separation for swimming and motorised use of the sea. It is important that such measures are carried out in consultation with user groups. There is great potential to develop it, and it is important that we support those who enjoy cold-sea swimming, which is becoming a popular pastime. Indeed, there are risks with it, and, unfortunately, we have seen a number of local tragedies over the past number of years. That is a reminder of the danger of water and the need to provide better protection. All in all, I welcome this debate.”
“Across the entire coastline of the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, the Department monitors the water quality at only six locations. Although I understand that that is the most monitoring in a council area, there is the capacity to do better. <BR /> <BR />There are also capacity issues affecting our water and waste water network, which, I appreciate, is not under the remit of the Minister in attendance or DAERA but which lies with the Infrastructure Minister. There are certainly issues that need to be addressed that affect parts of our constituency. We have seen a number of overflow issues, with raw sewage impacted by blockages, which is a concern and for which we need medium- to long-term and, indeed, short-term solutions.”
“I also welcome the recent commitment by the AERA Minister that his Department will continue to work with NI Water to improve the water environment through targeted investment in improved sewage treatment and with the agriculture sector to administer a number of agri-environment incentive schemes. <BR /> <BR />There is room for more regular and increased water-quality testing, particularly at those key hotspot areas. Areas that are very popular with swimmers are not being tested, as they are currently not classified as beaches. Those can be harbours, slipways or other unclassified areas of natural beauty. While the bathing season normally runs from 1 June to mid-September, many keen and, some would say, brave swimmers are out daily all year round.”
“The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns undoubtedly led to an increase in people engaging in cold-sea swimming. There were periods of gym closures, some parks were closed and people were spending long periods of time at home. That all led to a great increase in interest in exercising in our seas and waters. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the '2021 Bathing Water Compliance' report that was announced by the AERA Minister two weeks ago. It confirmed that almost three quarters of our bathing waters met excellent standards and continue to improve. While that is welcome news, as with many issues, there is always room for improvement. Helen's Bay, Crawfordsburn, Groomsport and Millisle, which are all in our constituency, achieved the excellent standard, and that was a step in the right direction and an improvement on past years.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the Member for securing the debate on this important issue and the Minister for coming this evening. Sea swimming has become an incredibly popular activity for people of all ages, and North Down has some of the best and most beautiful areas of Northern Ireland for open-sea swimming. Areas like Helen's Bay, Ballyholme, Brompton Bay, Crawfordsburn, Orlock, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Seapark are among some of the most popular and spectacular areas in which to enjoy such activities. Those areas are all accessible from our spectacular north Down coastal path, which is such a wonderful attraction right on our doorstep. It is great to see the levels of interest in open-sea swimming, and it has many benefits, particularly for people's physical and mental health and well-being, which is crucial now more than ever.”
“I thank the Minister for his welcome statement on the extension. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge his enthusiasm in delivering the scheme. The retailers in my constituency are delighted with the scheme and have already seen a positive difference. That is certainly the feedback that I have received. In my experience, the vast majority of people have bought into the "spend local" messaging. Is the Minister confident that everyone who is eligible for a card has applied? To resolve any outstanding issues, can the Minister also touch on the issue of the phone-line service?”
“Yes. Longer-term solutions are needed, and we need action.”
“We need to see real investment that also provides key economic opportunities, not just in the construction sector but across many other sectors. Our housing crisis is not just the result of COVID-19. We are in this desperate state because of a lack of investment or strategic planning from the Minister and a lack of provision of adequate social housing over many years.”
“Add to this the current trend of landlords selling on properties from under the feet of private tenants to cash in on the property boom, and we have a real recipe for disaster, leading to many families having serious mental health issues and even breakdowns. As I mentioned, improving the energy efficiency of homes and tackling fuel poverty must be a key priority for the Minister, and we need to see action on that, not simply words. <BR /> <BR />The pandemic has hit hard, and its effects on jobs and livelihoods will be long lasting. A more permanent remedy must be sought to protect our most vulnerable. We need to look at improving existing stock and at acquiring existing residential and non-residential properties to add to that stock.”