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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“Those personal stories are powerful and moving, and they reinforce the need for a strong structure, through legislation, to tackle this very serious and growing problem. <BR /> <BR />Money for research, education and treatment for gambling harm is needed more urgently in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK because of our high levels of gambling-related harm. The multibillion-pound gambling and gaming industry needs to step up to support those affected by problem gambling and addiction, and rigorous mandatory levies should be used to tackle the problems that it has created. The Minister needs to highlight that issue. <BR /> <BR />Players should not be able to use their credit card as a direct form of payment for gaming machines or for any form of gambling.”
“Several well-known, local sports stars have had the courage to speak up and talk openly in recent years about the battles that they have faced with very serious gambling addictions. That is to be welcomed. Sports stars will relate to people that many of us will never relate to, and we should encourage them to do that. It has certainly been very positive to see that happening right across the community — in football, rugby, Gaelic and other sports. I salute them for their bravery and commend them on it. They have often talked about their financial and personal breakdowns and highlighted the importance of necessary support structures and the need for people to talk openly about their battles, as well as highlighting the prevalence of gambling in sport locally and right across the globe.”
“I, personally, know some who lost thousands of pounds, with not a penny paid out to date following its collapse. The UK Government's independent report, published just last week, into the Football Index scheme identified significant lessons to be learnt and provided recommendations for the Gambling Commission and the Financial Conduct Authority. It leaves both those bodies with significant questions to answer. That story highlights the need for tougher regulation to tackle this problem. Users have said to me that it should never have got the licence, and that is the key point that the Minister really needs to get a grip of. This is an opportunity to do that, but I do not think that the Bill, in its current format, is thorough or robust enough.”
“No player had to go over the door of a betting outlet to play. It attracted even more novice gamblers, people who would never have darkened the door of a bookmaker's or gambling outlet. Many individuals lost thousands and thousands of pounds on the scheme.”
“That highlights the need for a cross-departmental approach, given that it is very much a public health issue. People can bet in their kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. People do not even know if someone likes to bet. In the past, people had to visit the local bookmaker's shop, and some may not have liked to be seen going in or out of that shop. Things have certainly been transformed. <BR /> <BR />Another example of online gambling was the popular Football Index scheme, with which I am sure some Members are familiar. It collapsed in March this year, leaving £90 million worth of stakes trapped across the UK. That was an example of an online betting scheme that attracted many people as it operated under the guise of being a football stock market, where people bought shares in footballers. All that was done by apps on smartphones.”
“Schools can play a role in raising awareness and the public health messaging on the dangers of problem gambling. We also need to focus on school curriculums to get that message to the very young, even those of primary school age. <BR /> <BR />The digital revolution has 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. The betting shop is in their pockets day and night, 24/7. Online gambling has brought gambling from the high street to our homes, and easy accessibility can be the biggest issue for problem gamblers and those with addictions. It is an addiction, as was mentioned.”
“The COVID pandemic has resulted in people spending much more time at home over the past 18 months, which has led to an increase in the number of people gambling from home, including those perhaps laid off from work due to the pandemic or on furlough, who may have more time to spend at home. <BR /> <BR />It is also a major public health issue. That has not been talked about enough, particularly in the Bill. It impacts mental health, causes depression and, tragically, has even led to suicide. I am sure that everybody in the Chamber has seen somebody touched by suicide, which can often result from gambling. More needs to be done to highlight the key dangers and the real risks associated with gambling. Never has it been as accessible, particularly to children and young people.”
“It is four times higher than any other region in the UK and around three times higher than the Republic of Ireland. Problem gambling can impact people from all backgrounds — the wealthy and the less well-off. All can be equally impacted by gambling, and it can bring devastation into homes, families and the lives of children and young people. It not only impacts gamblers but impacts their families, friends and loved ones with its domino effect. The most vulnerable in society are adversely impacted by gambling. They can easily fall into a vicious circle of problem gambling, even leading to crime to feed their addiction, something my colleague touched on.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Second Stage of the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill, which would be the first significant change to gambling laws since 1985. <BR /> <BR />Over the past 36 years, there has been considerable change to life in Northern Ireland. It is vital that gambling regulation keeps up with digital technology and the industry changes that have transformed the gambling industry and made it much more accessible. I share the concerns of colleagues that this is an opportunity missed — that is certainly how it appears at this point — and that the Minister has not gone far enough with the Bill. <BR /> <BR />As has been said, Northern Ireland has a gambling problem. A total of 40,000 people here are believed to have a gambling problem — the highest incidence rate in the UK.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. The multi-schools scheme that she mentioned, involving Holywood Primary School, Holywood Nursery School and Priory Integrated College, has been in the system for a considerable number of years. I welcome that commitment. All three are crying out for investment. Can the Minister provide a detailed timeline for further progress, particularly in relation to Priory Integrated College?”
“However, we must be clear that redirecting the full burden of new taxation to successful businesses and entrepreneurs would be totally counterproductive and could only result in greater costs ultimately being passed on to consumers and pose a real risk to low-paid jobs. We need to encourage business, innovation and entrepreneurs at a time when growth is so greatly needed on our road to recovery so that we can create employment and prosperity. I look forward to the work ahead.”
“This health and social care levy applies a flat-rate increase to everyone regardless of circumstances, and it will disproportionately hit our younger people, as state and private pensions will not be counted when calculating the levy. It will also target our working pensioners in lower-paid jobs, many of whom have made significant sacrifices to make ends meet over such a difficult time. <BR /> <BR />We recognise that there is a cost in having a modern, fit for purpose health and social care system and that there is a need for significant investment that is focused ultimately on improved health outcomes.”
“Taken together with the end of the furlough scheme next month, the removal of the uplift in universal credit, rising energy costs and changes to TV licensing, there is a real risk that this recent levy on National Insurance contributions will create a perfect storm that leaves older people, vulnerable households, young people and working families really struggling to survive and having to make very difficult decisions. That is of great regret. <BR /> <BR />The decision by the Government to remove the triple-lock guarantee on state pensions also sets a very dangerous precedent that further policies that sideline the interests and needs of our older people can be introduced at such a critical and challenging time.”
“It is also designed to positively impact behavioural change and get people to spend and shop locally in person, once again supporting employment and greater economic activity on our road to economic recovery, which is mentioned in the motion. <BR /> <BR />Every sector has faced a very challenging time over the past 18 months, and our excellent health and social care sector continues to face many challenges in dealing with the health impacts of the pandemic along with the additional demands that the incoming autumn/winter period will undoubtedly present to our health service.”
“As in every other constituency, there are many challenges and needs locally, and I know from being a councillor over the last eight years that there is much work to do for the people whom we are so privileged to represent. <BR /> <BR />As my colleagues have stated, today's motion rightly highlights the need for a key focus on our economic recovery as we try to emerge from the global pandemic, which has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone across Northern Ireland. The news today from our Economy Minister, in launching the £100 Spend Local card, is an example of a positive, proactive measure that can bring a much-needed economic stimulus directly to local businesses.”
“I know that many from across the House and beyond built up a respectful and trusted relationship with him during his years in the House, particularly those he got to know best, often in Committees. I take this opportunity to express my thanks to all the people from across the House, across the local community and right across Northern Ireland who expressed condolences and sent genuine and heartfelt messages of support to our family in recent months and weeks. <BR /> <BR />North Down is a wonderful constituency, and I intend to build on the work and legacy that has been laid down over many years by those who have gone before me. I will do my very best to provide service and deliver for local people across my constituency — in Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee, Millisle and everywhere in between.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I count it a great honour to stand here today as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for North Down following the very sad and untimely passing of my late father, Gordon Dunne MBE, in June this year. <BR /> <BR />Gordon served in this House for 10 years, having been first elected in May 2011, and I know that he counted it a great privilege to serve the people of North Down in this place. Since he first entered elected politics as a councillor in 1981, he always sought to represent his constituents diligently and with the utmost dedication to improving their lives and, ultimately, trying to make a positive difference.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and for her welcome. I certainly welcome those actions. It is very frustrating, particularly for young people who are trying to get a test. In late April, over 22,000 people who held a valid theory test were waiting to take their practical driving test. What are the latest figures?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and for his welcome. There has been some discussion around a booster jab across Northern Ireland. Will that third jab be offered to everyone in Northern Ireland, and what role does he envisage GPs having in administering it? Will they have a central role, rather than the regional centres? Will the offer of a booster be determined by age or vulnerability?”