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 thank the Minister for his answer. The outdated and at-capacity sewerage network is stalling the construction of new homes, businesses and public buildings in 23 towns across Northern Ireland. Given the impact of that currently and in the future, what action will the Minister take to address those challenges, particularly with the pressures on housing? Does he fully recognise the scale of the issue? Is he prepared to offer more than just words and take action?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I, too, welcome the progress on what is a dangerous road indeed. Given the scale of the costs, I was slightly surprised to hear no costings detailed in the considerable statement. Will the Minister provide more up-to-date costings for such a major scheme?”
“<BR /> <BR />Gina was also instrumental in her work through the Kilcooley Women's Centre in Bangor, where she was a tireless campaigner for the victims of violence and a champion for local women through the many educational and empowerment programmes and much more that she was involved with over the years. She was always an encouraging influence on everyone she met and always had a happy smile on her face. Gina also dedicated many years of her life to working with local scout and cub groups. She quickly became a greatly loved leader of many children, particularly in the Kilcooley and Clandeboye areas, over the years and, indeed, generations. <BR /> <BR />I take the opportunity to pay tribute to Gina and express our thoughts, prayers and condolences to Gary and the wider Murray family.”
“I rise to express my sincere condolences and pay tribute to Gina Murray, who sadly passed away on Thursday after a period of illness. Gina's daughter, Leanne, was cruelly murdered by the IRA in a cowardly bomb attack on the Shankill Road in 1993 when she was aged just 13. She was an innocent young girl whose life was callously taken from her as it was just beginning. <BR /> <BR />Although losing Leanne broke Gina's heart, it did not break her spirit. She showed immense courage and was a positive influence for good on everyone she met. Gina Murray bravely stood up for justice and truth throughout her life. Gina was an incredible lady who was compassionate, kind, resilient, gracious, caring and always interested in others.”
“<BR /> <BR />Overall, there is a lot more information to come. We all look forward to more detail coming to the Committee in the weeks and months ahead. I concur with my colleague Joanne Bunting, the Committee Chair, who spelt out clearly our party's position on these wide-ranging matters and the importance of focusing on the right way and best way and not just the way that is most convenient for the Minister or any other Member.”
“The role and remit of the commissioner will be another important consideration, building on the experience of Scotland in 2021 when their commissioner's work began. There are lessons to be learned from our neighbours in Scotland, and I am sure that that work will continue. <BR /> <BR />Part 4 covers the administration of justice. It is positive that clause 25 will cut off any route to serious charges related to the death of a child or vulnerable adult being dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence, without lesser charges of allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die having been determined. It is important to ensure that opportunities for prosecution are not lost if new evidence, in fact, comes to light in trial proceedings flowing from the new section 5 domestic offence.”
“<BR /> <BR />Clause 1 outlines distinct arrangements governing the retention of data that is held in connection with different persons' offences and the various lengths and types of sentence. We need to hear more on how confident the Minister is that the PSNI will be able to embed the proposed changes into the current software system, calculating biometric retention periods under different legislative frameworks. The proposed 75/50/25-year model will require much more scrutiny. That work started with officials last week, and it was helpful for all the Committee members who were present, particularly as that model is not in operation in any other part of the UK. That will be interesting, and there is a lot more work to be done on it.”
“We do not want to ever get into a situation where unidentified biometric data is deleted only for it to be later proven that emerging technology would, in fact, have been capable of connecting that data and persons to serious crimes against persons and property. That would be an abdication of the state's obligations to innocent victims. We are not satisfied either that data pertaining to those who have been arrested but are innocent and later acquitted of wrongdoing should be retained in perpetuity. We agree that material obtained by consent should be retained only until it is no longer needed and will not be added to a DNA or fingerprint database. It is undoubtedly a complex area, and we will need to see more detail on the Bill come forward in the weeks and months ahead at Committee Stage and the stages that will follow that.”
“As a party, we recognise the need to strike a fair balance between upholding the rights, freedoms and liberties of those who come into contact with the police as regards the retention of their DNA and data and, importantly, ensuring that the PSNI, legal authorities and agencies have the wherewithal, capacity and tools to keep the flame of truth and justice alive for victims of crime. <BR /> <BR />Biometric data, as has been mentioned, is a matter that is ever-evolving as technology advances, and it is important that legislation is agile enough to reflect those changes. As technology advances so quickly, it is important to have that flexibility built in to reflect the advances that there have been even since the work started.”
“That is an example of where there needs to be a lot more detail given and more exploration done in the weeks and months ahead. We all have a part to play in that and look forward to it and to listening to the various stakeholders, which has been emphasised by the Chair and the Deputy Chair, through engagement with the officials and taking evidence in the right time and in the right way. Everybody — the different cohorts — will be impacted differently, and it is important that we assess the framework and make sure that it is fair and workable. <BR /> <BR />I turn to Part 1 of the Bill, in particular the retention of biometric data.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is of some concern that the Minister intends to bring forward the reforms in this format, as has been widely covered, with several major and significant policy areas coming forward by way of six additional amendments. However, it is an opportunity for us all to play our part, and there must be full scrutiny at every stage, including the full exploration of any unintended consequences. The interest shown today around the House is a positive sign for engagement and scrutiny of the Bill both from Committee members and non-Committee Members, who have shown quite a bit of interest. That is a positive sign for everybody, including the Minister. <BR /> <BR />The explanatory and financial memorandum suggests that the Bill's provisions will primarily be delivered within existing resources.”
“I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak at Second Stage of the Justice Bill as a new member of the Justice Committee. We look forward to the work ahead of us on the Bill. Given the scale of the challenges facing the Police Service, courts, victims and witnesses of crime, it is imperative that every effort is made to improve and strengthen the operation and effectiveness of our justice system. That is something that we can all unite around in the House today. <BR /> <BR />We are cognisant of the well-known pressures facing the departmental budget. That has been mentioned by some Members already this afternoon.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I appreciate the challenges with outpatient waiting lists, but it goes beyond outpatient appointments. Last week, one of my constituents attended the Ulster Hospital's emergency department (ED) at 11 pm on Wednesday. It was nine hours before they were seen by a doctor at 8 am. Will the Minister agree that, in a brand new emergency department, something is not right with those waiting times, particularly alongside the demands on our GPs and pharmacies and in light of the trust's decision to close the Ards and Bangor minor injuries units (MIUs) in recent years?”
“I thank the Minister for the answer. It is widely recognised that the performance of the PAC is not where it needs to be, and I think that everybody will concur with that. What more can be done to improve its efficiency? I would also like an update on the Audit Office review, if that is possible.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I appreciate that progress has been made. In my local centre, in Newtownards, the waiting time is still over two months, which is over the Minister's target time. Is there any update on the Hydebank MOT test centre, which was due to be reopened over two years ago?”
“I thank the Minister for the answer. Will the Minister reiterate his commitment to improving road safety around our schools and provide a wee bit more on the time frame? When does he think he can move forward, and will he commit to increasing the number of 20 mph speed zones around our schools?”
“I warmly congratulate everyone involved in the New Irish Arts group, which is based in Bangor, as it celebrates 30 years and looks back proudly on its past. I wish the group very well for the next 30 years and pay tribute to Jonathan and all the dedicated volunteers who are involved.”
“Many years ago, Jonathan taught me how to play or not to play the recorder in Bangor Grammar School, with limited success, unfortunately. <BR /> <BR />The New Irish Arts group is made up of several hundred dedicated volunteers of all ages who make up the choir and orchestra. It also has a very vibrant and talented youth choir, youth orchestra and a committed audiovisual team. It provides wonderful opportunities for young people to develop and perform using their musical talent and skills. The group is always in great demand right across Northern Ireland and beyond, and it performs at many concerts, broadcasts and events throughout the year, with annual charity collections at its creative events. <BR /> <BR />New Irish Arts has had a very positive impact on church worship right across these islands for over 30 years.”
“I congratulate New Irish Arts on celebrating its 30th anniversary at the weekend with two very special performances at the Waterfront Hall. <BR /> <BR />For over three decades, the New Irish Arts group has been equipping and giving opportunities to musicians, churches and organisations right across the country and beyond. New Irish Arts was set up in 1994 by renowned local hymn writer and musician Keith Getty, who has gone on to achieve incredible success around the world and is a great ambassador for Northern Ireland. One year later, Jonathan Rea BEM got involved in New Irish Arts. Through his leadership, he has been instrumental in seeing the group grow from strength to strength: he has been creative director since 2005.”
“Peter McReynolds talked about the impact of 4G in rural areas and about the need to work together to improve our planning processes, which is something that we can all buy into. <BR /> <BR />Patsy McGlone talked about small businesses on the move and highlighted the deterioration in service in some areas over the past number of years. That is an important point, and we urge the Minister to continue to make representations to the industry about those areas where we have seen a reduction in service, because that is not something that we should be seeing happen. <BR /> <BR />We have had a useful debate. I welcome the Minister's commitments on this important issue, which is one that we should keep to the fore.”
“We would welcome that. He also talked about hybrid working and the importance of offering those with caring responsibilities or disabilities opportunities. That point can be lost: this is not just about businesses but about people struggling with caring responsibilities and disabilities. <BR /> <BR />Linda Dillon mentioned some areas of Mid Ulster and the need for a balance to be struck between building infrastructure and listening to residents' concerns. My colleague Keith Buchanan also mentioned Mid Ulster and highlighted the importance of being able to access GPs and hospitals and of site sharing, which is something that can be built on. <BR /> <BR />Justin McNulty talked about the subgroup and the need for better communication.”
“Andrew McMurray said that barriers to mobile coverage need to be removed for the agriculture and tourism sectors. He made the important point that, in many parts of Northern Ireland, there is still work to be done on local development plans. <BR /> <BR />John Stewart said that it is not just an issue for the west of the province and that he wants to see a streamlined planning process. Mark Durkan highlighted the fact that there are still many not spots, particularly in the north-west, and said that he does not like tit-for-tat motions. Given that that is his policy, we may now see fewer SDLP motions being tabled.”
“We think of the accidents on our rural roads, for example. The emergency services rely on having adequate and connected mobile coverage. <BR /> <BR />Cathal Boylan said that phone networks have work to do and highlighted that there are still gaps, including in broadband provision. He warmly welcomed our £150 million delivery on broadband — thank you for that, Mr Boylan — but yes, there are still areas that need investment. He highlighted the work that there is to do on the barrier busting task force.”
“As the Minister highlighted, the planning process is there for a reason — to take both views into account — and it is important that that continues as we seek to ensure that high-quality mobile coverage across Northern Ireland is improved. That is why we tabled the motion and why our party has focused on delivering change as a number-one priority in so many ways. <BR /> <BR />I will comment on Members' remarks. Opening the debate, my colleague Deborah Erskine highlighted the importance of planning issues and rightly pointed out that planning is a cross-departmental matter, with several Departments being responsible. She highlighted that it is important that Northern Ireland is not left behind. She also made a valid point, which was echoed by several Members, about emergency services relying on mobile technology.”
“I welcome the Minister's commitment to continue to work on that issue. I have recently seen an increase in applications for masts to be located in built-up residential areas. That causes concern, and many of the concerns are genuine. Anybody who engages with residents who have those concerns knows that they need to be listened to during that process. As my colleague Mr Buchanan mentioned, these wealthy companies seem to have a desire to install the masts on publicly owned footpaths as a cost-saving measure rather than invest in private land, which would traditionally have been the model. That causes concern for many residents. It is important to strike a balance.”
“The Craigantlet area has been continuously plagued by very poor signal for many years, with no 3G or 4G coverage at all in many parts, much to the frustration of commuters and residents alike. That has an impact on economic activity, because microbusinesses are simply unable to use mobile technology to do business and communicate in our world today. That highlights how the problems are not exclusive to the west of the Province. There are challenges in every corner of Northern Ireland. The Seahill area off the A2 between Holywood and Belfast is another notorious black spot, or not spot, despite being positioned on such a key link road between Bangor and Belfast with over 35,000 daily vehicle movements. <BR /> <BR />Operators have a responsibility to ensure that their network upgrades are located in appropriate areas.”
“Thank you, Mr McGlone. I certainly concur with that approach. It highlights again the real issues in our rural communities. The problem is not specific to the digital mobile coverage that we are talking about today. <BR /> <BR />It is crucial that we tackle the digital divide between urban and rural parts. We welcome the Shared Rural Network that is helping to transform communities across our United Kingdom. As a party, we are committed to ensuring that its benefits are harnessed to boost our economic competitiveness. <BR /> <BR />Exactly one mile behind the very Building in which we stand or sit is the rural townland of Craigantlet, in my constituency of North Down, which links Bangor to Holywood, Belfast, Newtownards and Dundonald.”
“Many microbusinesses, for example, rely on mobile coverage for their card machines to work. I was speaking to a colleague in the neighbouring constituency of Lagan Valley recently, and there is a village there that has been experiencing very poor signal over the past weeks. That colleague highlighted how a small butcher's shop simply cannot afford to have Wi-Fi. The shop depends on mobile coverage, which highlights the fact that we definitely need to do more on it. So many industries rely on mobile coverage to create opportunities for our rural communities to develop their business.”
“It shows that we are very much open for business, and digital connectivity is so crucial for the economic growth and prosperity that we all want to see. A modern society demands reliable and fast communication networks to drive economic activity but also for social purposes such as leisure and social media. There are so many modern means of communication, and affordable and secure digital infrastructure is essential for businesses and individuals. <BR /> <BR />The importance of small businesses has also been mentioned, and mobile coverage is essential for them as well. They should never be forgotten, given that they are the backbone of our economy right across our town, city and village centres. While broadband has been improved in so many places, paying for broadband can, in some cases, be a bill too far.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have seen real progress on the roll-out of ensuring that our country is more digitally connected, and, as has been mentioned, the £150 million investment through the delivery of Project Stratum has been a game changer for so many right across our country, in both business and residential terms. While there has been significant progress, we hear what everybody has said about how there is more to be done. However, that project has transformed Northern Ireland, and we now have the highest coverage of full fibre networks right across our United Kingdom, with nine in 10 residential properties — 91% — now able to access full fibre networks. We can be proud of that, and rightly so.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Along with my colleagues Deborah Erskine and Keith Buchanan, I welcome the opportunity to bring this important issue to the House today on expanding the provision of high-quality mobile coverage across rural areas and also across every corner of Northern Ireland. We have had a useful and productive debate, and there has been a clear recognition and a signal — pardon the pun — from across the House that we need to see further progress on improving access to high-quality mobile coverage. We thank the Minister for taking the time to be in the Chamber today.”
“Securing help for victims and survivors in a timely and sensitive manner is a priority, and it is right that it should be. Will the First Minister outline the measures that are being taken to ensure that that is the case? Does she agree that all families should be treated equally and be entitled to the same access to justice, rather than there being a hierarchy of victims, which many people feel that there has been in recent weeks?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and, indeed, for his ongoing efforts to secure the investment that education really needs right across our country. Will he update me on the new build at Crawfordsburn Primary School?”
“Will the Minister agree that, in fact, schools are best placed to determine how RSE is taught, rather than through a standard curriculum?”
“One prominent example in my constituency of North Down is the A2 dual carriageway between Bangor and Belfast, which carries over 35,0000 vehicles every day. That is an example of a road with the potential for accident black spots. The Minister for Infrastructure has committed to holding a road safety review of the A2, and I implore him to continue down that path and to ensure that action is taken. It is therefore important that we highlight the issue, and we all have a responsibility under the Share the Road to Zero programme.”
“The statistics show that, between 2018 and 2022, 377 people were killed or seriously injured on our roads as a result of drink or drugs having been taken. It is vital that the Department for Infrastructure, the Department of Justice and the PSNI take a collaborative approach to discouraging and punishing those very dangerous and destructive practices, given the severe impact that they are having on road safety. <BR /> <BR />Another key aspect of the road safety strategy centres on safe roads, which ties in well with what my colleague from South Down has already said about how our road network must be improved. Real investment in it is needed in order to promote road safety and prevent unnecessary collisions. Unfortunately, many roads across the country have been neglected by the Department for Infrastructure, particularly in recent years.”
“It is disappointing that a number of key targets from the previous action plan were not met, particularly those on mobile phone legislation and the important review of drink-driving legislation.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department for Infrastructure has launched its road safety strategy to 2030, alongside an action plan for 2024-25. The strategy sets ambitious targets to reduce those numbers by at least 50% by 2030. I very much welcome that strategy — we have talked about it a number of times at the Infrastructure Committee — and the action plan and the important targets contained in it for safer roads, safer vehicles and safer people. That is something that we can all get behind today. <BR /> <BR />We need much more than just another strategy. It is important that every effort is made to ensure that the targets are met.”
“I rise today to highlight the important issue of road safety and the tragedies unfolding on our roads all too often. A total of 71 people lost their lives on our roads last year — the highest annual number of deaths for eight years. That is truly shocking. Sadly, 41 people have already lost their lives on our roads this year. Meanwhile, PSNI figures also show that 880 people were seriously injured on our roads in the same year. What those stats do not begin to represent is the immense pain and suffering behind each number. Whether it be the loss of a dear friend or family member or the permanent mental or physical trauma from a serious road traffic collision, each death and serious injury on our roads causes incredible harm and heartbreak across our communities and every part of Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer and his commitment. I put on record my gratitude to our emergency services, which deal with such awful circumstances. Will the Minister commit to working alongside the Infrastructure Minister and the Justice Minister to ensure that every effort is made to meet the target of zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050, including looking, where possible, to improve emergency service response times to road traffic collisions?”
“I welcome the progress on the Department's road safety strategy and the interim targets of 50% by 2030 and zero by 2050. Does the Minister share my concerns about figures released just last week by the Department of Justice that drink- and drug-driving convictions are up by almost 20% in the last four years? A lot more needs to be done to tackle that serious problem. Maybe he can elaborate on what, he feels, could be done.”
“Will the Minister join me in commending the five schools in my constituency of North Down that have come forward to express an interest in establishing new or additional specialist provision classes? Will he outline what impact those additional classes would have on SEN pressures locally?”
“Will the deputy First Minister detail what support services are in place for the victims and survivors? I join others in welcoming the statement and the progress that has been made so far.”
“She has led an incredible life, becoming the first member of our royal family to compete in the Olympics, back in 1976. The princess remains passionate about horses and continues to ride on many state occasions, most recently, just a number of weeks ago, at the Trooping the Colour event in London. She also devotes much of her time to supporting many good causes and charities right across the globe. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that all Members will join me in wishing Her Royal Highness a full and swift recovery and return to public duties, where she continues to be a true inspiration to us all. May we also continue to remember His Majesty The King and Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales as they continue their treatment for cancer at this time. God bless our royal family.”
“I have had the privilege of meeting Her Royal Highness a number of times, including when she visited Bangor to unveil the city's official warrant back in 2022 and at a special event for the 80th anniversary of the sea cadets in Northern Ireland. The princess's remarkableness and dedication to service were evident to anybody in attendance. <BR /> <BR />The Princess Royal has rightly and truly followed in her mother's footsteps in a life that has been dedicated to unwavering service to our nation and Commonwealth. It is unfortunate that she has had to postpone a planned visit to Canada this week as a result of her injury. Renowned for her devotion to her family, the princess is one of the most recognisable and well-loved members of our royal family, both at home in the UK and across the world, where she is so highly respected and admired.”
“I rise to wish the Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Anne, a swift and full recovery after she was admitted to hospital with a minor head injury and concussion following an unfortunate incident at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire at the weekend. Princess Anne is a remarkable lady and has a well-earned reputation as an incredibly hard-working member of our royal family. In 2023, 'The Telegraph' reported that the princess had carried out a remarkable 457 engagements in the previous year alone. Over the years, the princess has made many visits to Northern Ireland, most recently in April this year, when she visited County Londonderry and County Fermanagh.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Will he outline any plans that he has to work with his Executive colleagues to facilitate more apprenticeships in Executive Departments? For example, the Department for Infrastructure is experiencing significant recruitment challenges, which is, ultimately, having an adverse impact on front-line services.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the Infrastructure Committee, we recently heard evidence from the PSNI, with Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson speaking in detail on its ongoing efforts to improve road safety. One of the interesting discussion points was that no country currently has the perfect solution for zero road deaths, which is a reminder that we all have a role to play. I urge the Infrastructure Minister to continue to work with his colleagues and to make every effort to make road safety a priority.”
“Men were responsible for 80% of those KSI collisions, and drivers in the 17-49 age group were responsible for 82% of those collisions. Most alarmingly, 55% — over half — of drink-driving KSI collisions occurred between 9.00 pm and 4.00 am compared with 14% of non-drink-driving KSI collisions. Those shocking statistics are a reminder of the need for action and intervention, and I welcome the Executive's recent approval of the DFI road safety strategy, which was recently released. The strategy rightly has ambitious targets to improve the safety of all road users and rightly highlights the need for joined-up working with other Departments and agencies, which all have a role to play.”
“To date — 17 June — 30 lives have already been lost this year, with a motorcyclist sadly passing away following a crash in Fermanagh last night. I express my sincere condolences to that gentleman's family. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error, careless or inattentive driving and inappropriate speed for the road or conditions, with drink-driving and drug-driving accounting for most deaths and serious injuries. The data released just last week by the analysis, statistics and research branch, which is based here, also showed alarming figures. From 2018 to 2022, 377 people were killed or seriously injured (KSI) on our roads as a result of taking drink or drugs, which is truly shocking and alarming.”