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 rise to highlight the very important issue of road safety. The sad reality that 71 people lost their life on our roads in 2023 is truly shocking. Sadly, 55 people died in 2022, and 50 lives were tragically lost in 2021. Whilst those are numbers, they are much, much more: they are human lives that have been lost, with families torn apart, causing grief and devastation in many homes across Northern Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Over the past year, the sheer number and scale of potholes in the North Down constituency has been truly shocking and a cause of great concern for the community that I represent. One example is the busy Castle Park Road in Bangor, which has a surface more akin to the surface of the moon. It has, so far, not been resurfaced as the potholes are millimetres short of the 50 mm. When will the Minister take proper action to address our roads crisis and restore the depth to 50 mm, as it was in 2015-16?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and for that welcome initiative to support our businesses. What more can be done to support retailers and small businesses in our town and city centres as they try to compete with online shopping and face the challenge of ever-rising costs of rent, rates, wages and utility bills?”
“I thank the Minister for his commitment to tackling bullying. Is there best practice in other jurisdictions that we can learn from, particularly on the ever-increasing rise of cyberbullying, which impacts on children and young people so much more, given that it can take place beyond school opening hours?”
“I have no doubt that Michael Dunlop will go on to break even more records this week and create even more history for Northern Ireland. We can be very proud of that, and he will gain more wins and records in the years ahead. I wish all the competitors very safe races in those that are ahead of them this week on the Isle of Man.”
“Michael was set to win his twenty-seventh TT as recently as yesterday, only for a very unfortunate technical issue occurring with his helmet whilst he was leading the race. He still managed to finish an incredible fourth, despite having to pull in to fix his helmet.”
“The Dunlop family name in motorcycle road racing is truly world-famous and iconic through the success of Joey; Michael's late dad, Robert; and his late brother, William, all of whom are sadly no longer with us but have left an incredible legacy of success, humility and, importantly, triumph through adversity. Despite many personal trials and tragedy, Michael continues to excel, and to win 26 races at the Isle of Man TT, which is, no doubt, one of the most iconic, dangerous and competitive motor sport competitions in the world, is truly a phenomenal achievement.”
“I congratulate our very own road racing legend, Mr Michael Dunlop, on winning his twenty-sixth TT race on the Isle of Man on Saturday, equalling the long-held record of his iconic uncle, the late, great Joey Dunlop. Joey, who was voted Northern Ireland's greatest-ever sports star, won his last TT in 2000. It is so very fitting that, 24 years later, it is his nephew Michael who equals that magnificent record of success. It is an incredible achievement, one worthy of celebration and proper recognition for a local sporting hero from our wee country. <BR /> <BR />We have a proud legacy and heritage in Northern Ireland of punching well above our weight in so many sports, something that we can all be so proud of. That success continues to this day.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I recognise the significant challenges that GPs face across the country, and I welcome progress on that funding. What more can be done, however, to improve GP services, given that many sick and elderly people, including in my constituency, continue to have to queue, often early in the morning, just to get a telephone appointment with their GP?”
“I thank the Minister for her welcome answer. Does she recognise the frustration and vulnerability — it is true to say — felt particularly by the retail sector due to the lack of action to date and the fact that we are now the only part of the UK where assault on shopworkers is not a specific criminal offence?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he recognise the real road safety concerns that exist and the need for a proper balanced approach between road safety and our environment, particularly when sight lines are restricted, as is the case today, not just in North Down but across Northern Ireland, including along the A2 dual carriageway, the Bangor ring road and the Bangor to Ards dual carriageway? It makes manoeuvres across those busy carriageways and junctions very dangerous for all road users. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of road safety, particularly when we see the very frightening and startling road deaths across the country.”
“Will the Minister provide more information on the further roll-out of the 20 mph school speed limit programme, given that the most recent one was in November 2022? Recently, at Grange Park Primary School in my constituency, a young child was, sadly, knocked down and injured as they left the school. Will he commit to rolling that out, given that the clock has been ticking since it was last done?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Hopefully, he is aware of just how important the scheme is to rural communities. It may be the only option that is available to them. It is usually released every October. Can the Minister be more definitive on the timescale for opening the scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she agree that there is a real need for the scheme to be delivered at pace in order to avoid any additional unnecessary pain for parents who have lost a baby? Is there a timescale for the roll-out of the scheme? When will it be in place?”
“It reminds us that sports clubs like those make such a valuable contribution week in, week out, day and daily to promoting health and well-being and so much more across many generations and the grassroots in every corner of Northern Ireland. They really deserve our support.”
“It has many active youth teams of all ages, and I wish them well for the season ahead in the premier division. Well done indeed. <BR /> <BR />I also congratulate Holywood Football Club, who play at Spafield Park, on winning division 1B of the Northern Amateur Football League, securing promotion to division 1A. Holywood FC was founded in 1983. It has had an excellent season this year and very much deserves that promotion. I wish it every success for the year ahead in division 1A. It is a fantastic achievement to have two football clubs from North Down winning their league and securing promotion at the top end of the very competitive amateur league that we have across Northern Ireland.”
“I want to record the wonderful success of Abbey Villa Football Club (FC) from Millisle in winning the league title this season. Abbey Villa secured the division 1A title on Saturday in the Northern Amateur Football League, winning promotion back to the premier division. Abbey Villa last won division 1A in the 2008-09 season, so its success this year is all the more special and worthy of being commended. I formally congratulate the chairman, Mr Gary Pitman, the management, coaches, players and the many dedicated volunteers who have all played a very important part in that magnificent success this season. Abbey Villa Football Club, like many local clubs, is a very active club. It has a great history and is right at the heart of the community in Millisle and the surrounding areas.”
“Those GPs continue to face challenges. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for coming to the House, and I ask him to do all that he can to improve service provision for the people across Ards and North Down.”
“As detailed in the public consultation, the decision was not taken to make financial savings but rather to reshape and sustain urgent and emergency care services in the Ards and North Down area. However, I emphasise that there is a genuine feeling that there has been a reduction in the service since those valuable MIUs closed their doors. <BR /> <BR />As we all know, there is significant pressure on our GPs as well.”
“<BR /> <BR />I appreciate that valuable services continue at the Bangor and Ards sites. Perhaps the Minister could spell out some of the services that are available at those sites. I visited Bangor Community Hospital around a year ago — I think that some colleagues were there as well — and it was very valuable to hear directly from the services that are still there. The message must go out that there are still services available there, including dentistry and some optician work, which are very valuable for local people of all ages. <BR /> <BR />The South Eastern Trust confirmed recently that no savings were made as a result of the decision to close the Bangor and Ards MIUs. However, there is no doubt that people in my constituency feel short-changed by the Health Department and the trust.”
“I know, from speaking to staff and even from personal experience, of the genuine concerns about the size and scale of the emergency department and about the external pressures on the site, such as the car parking capacity and the road infrastructure around the hospital estate. That road is very busy, as are the various networks in and out of the hospital. I am sure that everybody here will be familiar with the hospital. There are real issues with closing sites in the surrounding areas that we represent. <BR /> <BR />The population of Ards and North Down was over 163,000 at the time of the 2021 census, which made it the fourth-largest local government district. That was an increase of 4·5% since the 2011 census, and, with people living longer, there is even greater pressure across all our health services.”
“I put on record our thanks to those dedicated staff who continue, no matter where they are, to give that commitment and dedication. That must be saluted. <BR /> <BR />The commitment, promised for 2025, to open, as a second phase, a new urgent care centre, co-located with the new ED, was a key part of the transition process and, I suppose, a way to justify closing the two well-used and valued services. We have been writing regularly to the Minister on that matter, and I trust that plans for the urgent care centre will remain on target, as it is greatly needed. I welcome the fact that work is ongoing to ensure that it opens ASAP, and I hope that that will mean very early in 2025. <BR /> <BR />There are genuine concerns across our areas about the size and capacity of the new emergency department at the Ulster.”
“<BR /> <BR />When the decision was taken in August 2023, there was already significant pressure on the Ulster's emergency department (ED), with official figures stating that the Ulster's emergency department was seeing 9,000 more patients than it had done five years previously. That was prior to the decision to close the Newtownards unit and not reopen the Bangor unit. It has been eight months since the closure of the Ards MIU, and, today, the Ulster's emergency department is under extreme pressure. <BR /> <BR />I commend and pay tribute to the hard-working staff across our local health service in what are very challenging circumstances indeed. Those staff go well above and beyond the call of duty, in high-pressure environments, to provide excellent care 24/7, 365 days a year.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on this matter, and I thank the Member for securing the debate. I thank the Minister for his attendance. I know, Minister, that you have had a busy day, so thank you for staying with us this evening. <BR /> <BR />I firmly believe that the decision to close the Bangor minor injury unit in 2020 and, subsequently, the Newtownards minor injury unit at the end of August 2023 was the wrong choice by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the Department. The strength of feeling about the decision has been evident over the past number of years, including throughout the trust's consultation period, when over 80% of respondents spelled out their concerns loud and clear in writing, at the various public consultation events and through petitions.”
“I thank the Minister for his welcome statement and his commitment to supporting this very important sector. Can the Minister provide an update on some of the challenges facing the education estate, particularly the special education estate, including Clifton School in my constituency of North Down, which opened on its present site in 2004 and now has over 200 students and ever-increasing enrolment demands?”
“I thank the Minister for his welcome statement. I am glad that he listened to my contribution in the debate in early March on our DUP motion calling for MOT action, when I suggested five years. Is the Minister confident that this measure will reduce the unacceptable waiting times, which continue to extend to many months, and that 72 days will not be the new normal? Also, will you clarify the situation for six-year-old cars? Is that due to the TECs that were issued during COVID?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. The Hart report ultimately found that abuse was widespread and recommended an apology and compensation, amongst other things. I share the welcome for the financial commitment from Barnardo's and the Good Shepherd Sisters. Does the First Minister agree that the remaining institutions need to do the right thing, step up and make a contribution?”
“Does the Minister agree that there needs to be some form of penalty or sanction for the statutory bodies that do not meet the targets for planning consultation responses, given the adverse impact that such delays have on new developments and investment in Northern Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. What advice can he give to the many parents in my constituency of North Down who are simply unable to register their child with an NHS dental practice, especially considering the importance of dental health in early years?”
“I urge the Chief Constable to reconsider this move and ensure that north Down gets the policing service that it rightly expects and deserves.”
“That will undoubtedly be a real inconvenience to many, including those who want to use the public-facing enquiry facility to report a crime or incident in person, present with legal documentation, organise street or charity collections, or fulfil bail requirements. <BR /> <BR />Bangor and the wider north Down area has a growing population and many new housing developments. This closure really sends out the wrong message from the Police Service of Northern Ireland about their engagement and accessibility within and across our local communities. A visible police presence across our local area is essential to deter criminals and, importantly, to reassure the law-abiding public that the police are there when we need them most.”
“There is real concern now that north Down is a soft target for policing cutbacks. I have written to the Chief Constable urging him to urgently reconsider this plan, which sends out the wrong message to our local community. <BR /> <BR />Whilst I appreciate the significant financial challenges facing the Police Service of Northern Ireland, I do not believe that cutting this service to the public is the most effective and efficient way of making savings. It does not improve or increase confidence in our Police Service. Whilst no final date has been announced, it is expected that the closure will take place in the next few months.”
“I rise to express my real disappointment and anger at the decision of the PSNI to close the public enquiry office in Bangor police station. The decision is a backward step for the police and will, unfortunately, mean a real reduction in the service to our local community. It will leave the entire North Down constituency, which has a population of over 90,000, without a publicly accessible police station. The decision gives cause for concern and alarm regarding accessibility to the station and, consequently, to the local policing team. <BR /> <BR />It is important that the police do all in their power to ensure that they are visible and accessible to everyone across the north Down area. We saw the closure of Donaghadee police station in 2012 and the closure to the public of Holywood police station a few years later.”
“The Minister urgently needs to complete a comprehensive review and action plan of reform to secure appropriate finance and to invest in our water infrastructure, rather than simply repeating the mistakes and excuses of his predecessors in kicking the can down the road in the hope of avoiding difficult decisions.”
“The chief executive of NI Water, Sara Venning, recently told the Infrastructure Committee that we have more overflows, per head of population and kilometre of pipe, than the rest of the United Kingdom. From an environmental, socioeconomic and health perspective, that is a damning indictment that must be grappled with and action taken on. <BR /> <BR />The Audit Office report goes on to talk critically about the outdated oversight arrangements. It is extremely frustrating that, eight years after the start of major reform between the NIEA and NI Water, revised waste water compliance assessment arrangements have still not been implemented.”
“<BR /> <BR />Over the past 10 years, I have seen very welcome central investment by NI Water in the Kinnegar waste water treatment works in my constituency. I welcome the planned extensive upgrade of Kinnegar waste water treatment works that was recently announced — the Minister commented on that — and the planned construction of a new waste water pumping station in Sydenham, which is quite close to the boundary of my constituency. <BR /> <BR />The Audit Office report spells out very clearly that ongoing leakage from water pipes and sewers is contributing to pollution in our rivers and lakes. A number of other Members have also commented on that.”
“Opportunities are also being missed to provide new housing for those in great need of it. Indeed, just last month, a report highlighted that there are more than 46,000 households on the waiting list for a permanent home. That is a stark reminder of the need for action as we seek to develop new homes right across Northern Ireland and address our housing shortage. Even very modest domestic extensions or small-business and microbusiness adaptations can face very lengthy and costly delays or even refusals, stifling economic growth, investment and prosperity. That extends to major housing developments and the commercial sector, including new hotel builds, which are crucial to growing and developing our tourism sector.”
“accurately summarise the situation that we find ourselves in. <BR /> <BR />There is no doubt that the running failure to address the underinvestment is severely hampering economic development and housebuilding in every corner of Northern Ireland. It is alarming that development in 100 areas, including 25 cities and towns, has been restricted due to the insufficient capacity to connect sewerage and waste water, something that we are all very aware of. Indeed, every month that passes without a sustainable approach to meeting the current demand for connection to the network leads to further missed opportunities for the future, including opportunities to support business expansion, grow our economy and boost employment. That boost is greatly needed today, more than ever, and includes employment in our construction and aggregate sectors.”
“<BR /> <BR />The recent Audit Office report on water infrastructure in Northern Ireland, which was published at the end of last month, highlights a number of key, important, stark and timely warnings for us all. The comments from the Comptroller and Auditor General on the report, in which she states that:”
“As a member of the Infrastructure Committee and an MLA, I, like many others, am all too well aware of the serious issues and challenges that face the water infrastructure network in every part of our country. Economic growth and prosperity depends on us having a water and sewerage network that is fit for purpose for today and for the future. As has been mentioned, it is important to highlight at the outset that this is not a new issue; I think that most people here know that. Indeed, towards the end of the previous mandate, my party colleagues tabled a motion calling for a new strategy to enhance and expand our water and sewerage infrastructure network.”
“Can the Minister give an assurance that he will continue to press the UK Government on the need for increased funding, including for schools such as Bangor Central Integrated Primary School and Priory Integrated College in Holywood, both of which are in my constituency?”
“Prior to the announcement from the Princess of Wales, there had been intense and often cruel speculation from some media outlets across the world and on social media. It is imperative that Her Royal Highness is given the space and privacy to recover with her closest family at such a time of trial in her personal life. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of the people of North Down and the Democratic Unionist Party, I extend my very best wishes to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales and the entire royal family at this very difficult time. They will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead, as will all those who continue to fight this terrible disease and illness.”
“I also want to place on record my very best wishes to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, William, and to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they support Kate through this time of great trial. <BR /> <BR />The news came as even greater shock as it was just over six weeks from the announcement that King Charles III was also undergoing cancer treatment. It has been a stark reminder to us all of the devastating impact that cancer can have on families. It is encouraging to see how those recent announcements have led to a very significant increase in the number of people coming forward to have their health checked and increasing public awareness of the importance of early detection and diagnosis through cancer support services and our NHS.”
“I have tabled this Matter of the Day to send our very best wishes to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales following her recent cancer diagnosis, which came as a great shock to our nation and right across the world. Since our last sitting, the Princess of Wales, Kate, spoke out incredibly courageously, in a video released on 22 March, to share with the world that she is undergoing cancer treatment after her surgery in January this year. That shook our nation, and we offer our very best wishes to Her Royal Highness for a full and swift recovery. <BR /> <BR />While it caused great alarm across the nation, we must always remember that there is a very personal side for their young, loving family, who are dealing with the news.”
“<BR /> <BR />I know from personal experience with my late father, Gordon Dunne, who was a Member of this House for more than 10 years, just how impactful the support of Marie Curie can be through the most difficult days, with end-of-life care, and also, importantly, I want to highlight the support that Marie Curie provided to our family through such devastation.”
“Behind every daffodil there is a story, and I have always been heartened and humbled to hear the different stories behind every donation. When you are collecting, people come up to you, and so many of them talk of their personal experiences with very close relatives and friends and how they have been impacted by terminal illness. They highlight the ways in which Marie Curie has brought comfort, and hope as well, to families in some of their darkest moments. <BR /> <BR />I hope that today will also be a reminder to everybody that support is available for those who are facing the end of their life with a terminal diagnosis and for their families. It is important that we, as an Assembly and Executive, should be working to remove any remaining barriers to people getting that vital end-of-life care and support through such difficult times.”
“It is certainly very humbling and heartening to see how generous people can be. I encourage everybody in the Chamber and beyond to lend an hour of their time to this very worthy cause. It is a humbling and heartening experience. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to thank the thousands of volunteers who collect for Marie Curie all year round, especially during the great daffodil appeal every March. I commend the dedicated team of staff, including management and administrative staff, in the Marie Curie hospice in Belfast. I also commend the Marie Curie North Down fundraising group, with which I have worked on a number of projects, for its tireless work all year round to support vital services for those who are in need of end-of-life care and support.”
“Mr Speaker, it is good to see you back in your Chair this morning. I rise to support the incredible work of Marie Curie and its great daffodil appeal. Each year, March marks Marie Curie's great daffodil appeal, through which the charity seeks to raise awareness of the need to support better end-of-life care for carers, families and loved ones across Northern Ireland, and the barriers that exist. Marie Curie is a charity that has a very special place in the hearts of many people in every corner of our country. I have had the honour and privilege over the years of collecting for the charity on a number of occasions across North Down, on the streets and in a number of shopping centres. It is always amazing to see the kindness and generosity of the public through their donations, despite the cost-of-living crisis that we are in.”
“Overall, most will agree that we have had a constructive debate this evening. We now need to see action to improve our MOT system. It is important to acknowledge that there is room for improvement. Hopefully, we can improve our testing facilities and, ultimately, our test results. I trust that the Minister will take on board our motion. I commend the motion to the House.”
“David Honeyford pointed out that the Infrastructure Minister has considerable experience, and I think that that is an important point. Minister, you are not one of the newest Ministers, in that you served as Infrastructure Minister after the May 2022 election, I believe, for a number of months. I think that that is an important point that Mr Honeyford made. We are watching you even more closely. It is important to say that. You served for a number of months as Infrastructure Minister fairly recently. Mr Honeyford also highlighted the rise in car ownership. <BR /> <BR />Alex Easton highlighted that the system is broken and the need for action.”