Áine Murphy
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />To those who are following today's debate, I say this: the wounds left by rejection, secrecy and institutional mistreatment run too deep for any statute to fully heal. What we can do, however, is to confront that history honestly.”
“As is the case with so many families across Ireland, the legacy of those institutions has echoed through our family history. I am delighted that she is in the Public Gallery to see the legislation reach its Final Stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />During Committee Stage, we worked constructively across party lines, because we recognised that survivors deserved legislation that reflected their experiences. When survivors highlighted ways in which the Bill could be strengthened, we took those seriously.”
“Many had experienced rape, abuse or exploitation even before arriving at those institutions, yet, too often, they were treated as though they were the ones who should carry shame. <BR /> <BR />Throughout Committee Stage, we listened to testimony that was difficult to hear but impossible to ignore.”
“For decades, many victims and survivors believed that nobody wanted to hear their story, and they often carried shame that was never theirs to bear, grief that society expected them to live with and secrets that were forced upon them by institutions that were supposed to care for and protect them with compassion.”
“<BR /> <BR />We heard the frustration of many survivors who spent years trying to obtain the most basic information about their lives. As one group said to the Committee, survivors were told that their records could re-traumatise them. It is worse not to know such vital information.”
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“I take this opportunity to call on the Minister to bring forward such a plan — one that includes collaboration with community organisations, healthcare providers, educators and employers. Reducing stigma is about more than awareness. It is about creating a culture of understanding and action; it is about recognising the humanity of every individual and ensuring that those who face mental health challenges feel valued, supported and seen. Let the Assembly stand united in its commitment to reducing stigma, supporting mental health and ensuring that no one in the North feels shame or isolation due to mental ill health.”
“We must also recognise the needs of vulnerable groups, including victims of historical institutional abuse and people working in the health and social care system. The legacy of that abuse leaves deep psychological scars that cannot be ignored, and health and social care workers who have given so much to support others often face burnout and trauma. Those individuals deserve focused, tailored supports through the framework of the mental health strategy. <BR /> <BR />The stigma surrounding mental health cannot be eradicated through words alone. The mental health strategy provides us with a road map, especially through its first theme on stigma and discrimination. Public awareness and education campaigns are an absolutely essential tool to fight that. We also need a tangible, measurable work plan to tackle stigma head-on.”
“<BR /> <BR />I want to draw attention to the unique challenges faced by rural communities in particular and especially by my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Rural isolation compounds mental health struggles. Limiting access to services, the stigma is tied to close-knit communities, and cultural pressures to keep going can make it far harder for people in those areas to seek the help that they desperately need. We must address those disparities through targeted interventions and by ensuring that mental health services are accessible to everyone regardless of where they live.”
“This issue transcends all political divisions, touches every corner of society and affects individuals and families across the North. Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They impact on people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no person facing mental ill health feels shame or isolation because of their condition. <BR /> <BR />Mental illness remains one of the most significant public health concerns in the North; yet the stigma continues to be a barrier that prevents too many people from seeking help. Stigma isolates and silences and, tragically, can cost lives. Behind every statistic is a human story: a mother juggling work and depression; a farmer in a rural area facing financial hardship; or a young person afraid to speak up about their anxiety.”
“Let us come together to deliver the changes that are needed to save lives and restore dignity to our health and social care service.”
“We must also rethink where care is delivered. Many patients do not need emergency department care. Expanding alternatives such as acute care and Hospital at Home, urgent care centres and community paramedic schemes will ease the burden on hospitals whilst providing that patient-centred care. For others, new pathways such as telemedicine and integrated care models can ensure that they receive the right treatment at the right time in the right place. <BR /> <BR />This is a matter of life and death. Delays in ambulance response times and patient admissions are not mere inconveniences; they are failures of a system that is meant to protect and care for our communities. We must invest in solutions, improve patient flow and support our dedicated health and social care workers.”
“By improving discharge processes and expanding social care supports, we can free up critical bed capacity in our hospitals and enable emergency departments to function more effectively. As we know, timely discharge results in better outcomes for patients.”
“Recruiting, training and retaining paramedics and support staff is not just an operational necessity; it is an investment in saving lives. Our Health and Social Care (HSC) workers have shown extraordinary dedication under extraordinary pressures. It is time that we showed the same dedication to them. <BR /> <BR />Hospital capacity, which has already been mentioned, must be addressed. Too often, patients who are medically fit to leave remain in hospital beds because the social care that they need is unavailable.”
“Dr Nigel Ruddell, medical director of the Ambulance Service, has made it clear that those delays have a direct and devastating impact. The longer patients wait outside EDs, the more their conditions deteriorate, and, tragically, lives are being lost as a result. That is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. <BR /> <BR />The causes of the issues are complex, but we must confront them as a matter of urgency. Our Ambulance Service is stretched thin, with workforce shortages making it increasingly difficult to meet rising demand. Ambulance staff are under enormous pressure, and handovers at EDs are delayed by bottlenecks in hospitals. There is an over-reliance on EDs as the default option for care. Those are systemic problems that we can and must solve. We need a robust plan to support our Ambulance Service workforce.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. The strain on our Ambulance Service is undeniable. Every missed response target means that a patient is left waiting in pain, distress or potentially life-threatening circumstances. Those are not just numbers; they are people. They are parents, grandparents, neighbours or friends who deserve timely, compassionate and effective care. The evidence is staggering and heartbreaking. As we heard, 19 ambulance crews were left outside EDs, patients were held in corridors for hours and delays stretched beyond 12 hours for far too many individuals. Behind every one of those cases is a person whose health outcomes and well-being have been compromised by a system that is under relentless pressure.”
“Has the Minister assessed whether councils have sufficient funding to deal with the increase in complex animal abuse and cruelty cases?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. Does the First Minister agree that the decision made by the British Government totally fails to reflect the unique circumstances and challenges faced by many farm families in the North?”
“The Minister answered my question so well that she also answered my supplementary.”
“As the Minister will know, I come from a constituency that relies heavily on the hospitality sector. Can he outline the impact of the British Government's Budget on the hospitality sector?”
“From 2022 to 2023, total income from farming in the North fell by 44%. Sheep farming alone contributed £109 million to the economy and involved nearly 40% of farm businesses. Without dedicated support, many sheep farmers could collapse, which would have devastating economic, environmental and community consequences. <BR /> <BR />The Member opposite summarised in his winding-up speech a lot of the points made by Members. <BR /> <BR />I call on the Minister to act urgently, listen to the concerns of the sheep industry task force and introduce targeted support in future agricultural policy. Let us ensure that sheep farming remains viable, balancing sustainability with economic stability, for the good of our farmers and rural communities.”
“Those schemes incentivise best practice and offer financial assistance for measures such as parasite control, flock management and nutritional improvements. Building on that model, the sheep sector in the North could benefit from similar schemes that incentivise farmers to provide performance data. That data could play a crucial role in shaping future support measures by identifying productivity trends as well as sustainability gaps. Furthermore, engaging farmers in a ruminant genetics programme would enhance flock performance, resilience and environmental efficiency, ensuring the sector's long-term viability whilst aligning with broader agriculture and climate goals. <BR /> <BR />Economic data further underscores the urgency, as some Members touched on in their contributions.”
“Many sheep farmers, particularly those on severely disadvantaged land, cannot benefit from existing schemes like the beef carbon reduction scheme or the suckler cow scheme, which leaves them vulnerable. <BR /> <BR />The environmental contributions of upland sheep farmers must be acknowledged. As we have heard, ewes in upland areas have an 8% lower carbon footprint than those on lowland farms, demonstrating the sector's potential to be environmentally efficient. Farmers are ready to adopt efficient and sustainable practices, but they need targeted support to do so. <BR /> <BR />In the South of Ireland, the sheep improvement scheme and the sheep welfare scheme provide vital support to sheep farmers, focusing on animal health, welfare and sustainability.”
“I thank everyone who contributed to the debate on what is a critical issue for our rural communities and the wider agri-food industry: the future of sheep farming in the North. That sector is not just an economic cornerstone for our rural communities but a lifeline for farmers in less-favoured areas. It sustains livelihoods, preserves traditions and manages our landscapes. Sheep farming faces immense challenges. Under the future agricultural policy, farmers will be confronted by a 17% reduction in their basic payment scheme with no alternative scheme to offset the losses. Those cuts come as input costs soar, markets remain volatile and economic pressures mount.”
“As the Minister is aware, a recent investigation by Victoria Johnston of 'The Impartial Reporter' highlighted a number of loopholes in the current dog-breeding establishment legislation. Will the Minister consider undertaking a fundamental review of existing legislation on dog-breeding establishments?”
“<BR /> <BR />Farmers need a long-term, ring-fenced Budget commitment in order to support agriculture in the North. Our farmers deserve ring-fenced financial packages in these uncertain times. Let us honour their work, support their well-being and protect the future of farming in the North.”
“The success of farms in the North impacts on the entire agriculture ecosystem on the island, from trade in livestock and produce to collaboration on stability and animal health. However, the absence of a ring-fenced Agriculture budget in the North undermines that vital sector, placing our farmers at a significant disadvantage compared with those in the South, where substantial, secured funding supports rural development and innovation. Without stable and predictable investment, farmers in the North face uncertainty, which limits their ability to plan, innovate and compete effectively. That threatens not only local livelihoods but the resilience of the all-island agri-food sector, thus weakening our shared capacity to address food security, climate change and rural sustainability.”
“That lack of commitment sends a message that farming and farm families are not a priority, and those pressures take a toll on mental health. Farmers work day and night with no certainty that their hard work will lead to them breaking even, and they face long hours, isolation, financial instability and an unpredictable future. We are already seeing the impact of that stress playing out in our rural communities, with rising levels of mental health concerns. We cannot stand by as our farmers bear those pressures alone. The mental health crisis in rural areas is real and will only worsen if we do not act. <BR /> <BR />Agriculture is an all-island industry that is deeply interconnected across borders and through shared markets, supply chains and environmental challenges.”
“We heard powerful testimonies and concerns from farmers who are worried about their children and grandchildren's futures. Farmers ensure our food security, contribute to our economy and steward our natural environment, yet they are under relentless pressure, which is hard to quantify. Amidst all the challenges that farm families face, the British Government have decided not to ring-fence farm support in the Budget, nor have they raised funding to account for inflation. <BR /> <BR />Our farmers are expected to meet increasing costs for feed, fuel and equipment without knowing whether they will have the support that they need. Without a secure, ring-fenced budget, there is no assurance that our farmers will have the necessary stability to invest in their futures, their farms or even their families.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion tabled by the Members opposite, which draws urgent attention to a crisis that is growing with each passing day. Our farmers are facing pressures that threaten not only their livelihoods but their well-being and mental health. As we discuss the implications of the British Government's autumn Budget, or rather the lack of priority that it places on farming families and the rural economy, let us remember that we are not just talking about numbers on a balance sheet; we are talking about people who are carrying an immense burden with little support. <BR /> <BR />Farmers are the backbone of the North, and, as has already been mentioned, many of us joined the farmers last night at the UFU rally to oppose the inheritance tax measures.”
“The data includes the category of unique herd breakdowns, which are defined as herds with at least one bTB reactor in a given year, regardless of past infections. Those key stats for bovine TB in the North, from 2021 to June 2024, show notable variations in herd breakdowns across the regions. Locally, Enniskillen had the second highest incidence and Newry the highest. <BR /> <BR />Our farmers and farm families are the backbone of rural life and play an essential role in providing food security and sustaining our economy. Yet, year after year, they have to bear the brunt of this persistent disease at huge emotional and financial cost.”
“<BR /> <BR />In other countries, as has been mentioned, targeted wildlife intervention has proven successful in controlling bTB. The Republic, England, New Zealand and Australia have all successfully driven their infection rates down. The examples laid out by my colleague earlier demonstrate that controlling wildlife reservoirs is crucial to breaking the cycle of infection and ensuring long-term bovine TB controls in livestock. <BR /> <BR />Bovine TB is a cross-border issue that affects North and South, which underscores the necessity for a united approach to combat the disease across the entire island. Bovine TB data for the North is organised according to the boundaries of the 10 divisional veterinary offices, not the boundaries of the 12 DAERA Direct regional offices.”
“I thank everyone for contributing to the debate this afternoon. It went a lot more smoothly than I initially thought it would, but it is great that we have consensus across the Floor. That demonstrates the nature of bovine TB, which is a disease that continues to weigh heavily on our agriculture sector and on the lives of countless farmers across the North. The Assembly recognises the severity of the threat posed by bTB, not only to animal health but to the stability and resilience of our farming communities. As we have heard throughout the debate, infected herds lead to lost livestock, lost income and mounting frustrations as farmers watch their hard work and, often, years of dedication in building up productive herds with excellent genetics being threatened by a disease that we have yet to control effectively.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, will you explain how the members of the independent panel were chosen? What exactly were the processes in the appointments or the applications?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Given the fact that Fermanagh and South Tyrone depends heavily on tourism, those statistics are quite encouraging. Does the Minister agree that those successes underline the need for the British Government to withdraw their ETA scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber to make his statement. Minister, can you provide any detail on the timeline for completing an equality and rural impact assessment of the final climate action plan to ensure that the needs of rural communities and farming families are addressed?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, given the vital role that rural development plays in our communities, why does rural affairs sit as the sixth ministerial priority in your 2024-25 business plan?”
“<BR /> <BR />A balanced approach should be explored to ensure effective enforcement and compliance with the law. Protecting animals is a priority, but we must ensure that the system is as robust and effective as possible. In addition, we need updated data on the number of individuals who reoffend after conviction to fully understand the scale of the issue and ensure that any measures that we implement are necessary and effective in preventing further abuse. <BR /> <BR />Our commitment to protecting animals must remain steadfast, and I am confident that, with the right actions, we will achieve even greater progress. We must continue to advance efforts here and across the island to ensure that legislation acts as a strong deterrent against who harm animals.”
“<BR /> <BR />In 2021, the former AERA Minister Edwin Poots, working with the then Justice Minister and other key stakeholders, took important steps to explore the creation of an all-island register of individuals convicted of animal abuse. That initiative was a recognition of the deep concerns of animal welfare charities regarding those convicted of such heinous and grotesque acts. However, the Minister cited legal and financial challenges, with concerns including compliance with data protection laws and the cost of establishing and maintaining a register. In March, the current AERA Minister stated that the creation of an all-island register was "untenable". It is crucial that we carefully examine the legal and financial issues involved in the establishment of the database.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion, which aims to prevent repeat offenders from harming animals and to enhance transparency and enforcement in protecting animal welfare. <BR /> <BR />Animal welfare is a shared priority across our island. It requires a unified approach to ensure high animal welfare standards and promote North/South cooperation to strengthen enforcement. Whilst we have made significant strides since the passage of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011, it is clear that more work lies ahead. We must continue to advance efforts to ensure that that legislation, along with the penalties that it imposes, acts as a strong deterrent to those who would harm animals.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, how soon do you intend to allocate those additional funds?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, how does the Budget sustainability plan address some of the issues that the Executive face?”
“Minister, are you able to outline how the new jobs will affect vacancy rates in your Department?”
“Minister, can you detail where exactly the digital skills courses will be rolled out and delivered?”
“<BR /> <BR />Agriculture is not just an industry; it is a way of life. The food on our plates comes from the hard work and dedication of our farmers. Clarity and long-term sustainable funding need to be delivered as a matter of urgency. The future of our food supply and rural economy depends on it.”
“I agree with the Minister. <BR /> <BR />Future policy decisions must consider those impacts, and the Minister must ensure that the well-being of our farming and rural communities is at the forefront of decision-making. I commend Rural Support in Cookstown for its tireless work in supporting farmers, and I call on the Department to provide greater backing to such organisations. <BR /> <BR />Supporting rural communities and farmers is essential to ensuring their continued contribution to our economy, culture and environment. As we face uncertain times with reduced public spending and unclear funding, it is vital that the Department and DEFRA prioritise fair and sustainable support for those areas. By doing so, we can ensure the prosperity of the rural businesses and agricultural businesses that are so deeply intertwined with our success.”
“Alongside those financial and environmental pressures, mental health issues are growing amongst farmers. That has been referenced by the Committee Chair and other Members.”
“Farmers make significant contributions to the economy, food security and environmental sustainability, while fostering strong social bonds and a sense of identity. Ensuring the vitality of those communities promotes regional development and benefits everyone. <BR /> <BR />We face a period of reduced public spending exacerbated by uncertainty about replacement EU funding. During the Brexit referendum, we were assured that the North of Ireland would not be financially disadvantaged. However, as we know, Brexit has led to a significant reduction in financial supports. A survey conducted by Rural Support in Cookstown found that nearly half of farmers cited rising costs, climate change, animal disease and changes to subsidies as their top concerns.”
“Our farmers, who are expected to compete in a subsidised global market, rely on these payments to sustain their livelihoods. <BR /> <BR />A report commissioned by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board recently highlighted the fact that farmers in the Red Tractor scheme comply with world-leading standards. Our farmers across the North and, indeed, the island of Ireland continue to produce food to the highest standards with exceptional animal welfare and environmental practices. We are immensely proud of that. Rural communities are the backbone of our society, playing a crucial role in supporting agricultural production, preserving cultural traditions and safeguarding natural landscapes.”
“I thank all those who contributed to this evening's debate on what is a very important issue for farmers and, indeed, rural communities. I also welcome Diana to the Chamber: I look forward to working with you over the coming months and years. <BR /> <BR />The success of rural communities is closely tied to the prosperity of farm businesses. The 'Key Rural Issues' report highlights the fact that, in areas over an hour away from Belfast, agriculture, forestry and fishing dominate, with nearly half of businesses being in those sectors and an additional 17% of businesses operating in construction. In my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, which is the largest recipient of farm subsidies, agriculture lies at the heart of our rural life.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I have spoken to a lot of community pharmacies in my local community over recent months. One thing that they constantly raise is drug tariffs. Has any progress been made on developing a tailored drug tariff for the North, given the difficulties that many pharmacies experience?”
“It is incumbent on all local councils to take stock of those concerns and, of course, work with all stakeholders to reach appropriate decisions.”
“<BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to mention the many factors that are at play in relation to mobile coverage. They have been touched on throughout the debate, and they include planning, commercial interests and maintenance, to name a few. Those issues have been articulated very well by Members who spoke previously, and, like many challenges facing rural communities, a one-size-fits-all approach will not address the lack of mobile coverage. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, cross-departmental working and sectoral inclusion will be key. I acknowledge the work that is being carried out by the Department for the Economy through the task force. Of course, there are issues that we need to be cognisant of, particularly those relating to planning and concerns that are raised throughout the planning processes.”
“<BR /> <BR />Rural communities have a proud history of entrepreneurship, from farmers to craft producers and from manufacturers to tourism operators. To expand, compete and thrive, rural businesses require access to high-quality mobile coverage. Expanding mobile coverage in our rural areas will bring local businesses into the global marketplace and ensure that rural businesses can continue to drive our local economies. Addressing that issue will also be a factor in addressing regional imbalance, and I welcome some of the steps that have taken place in relation to the roll-out of fibre-optic broadband and the commencement of Project Gigabit to capture those properties that are, unfortunately, not included in the initial roll-out.”
“As I make a winding-up speech on the amendment, I thank the Members opposite for bringing the motion to the Floor today. As we have heard throughout the debate, better connectivity in rural areas is absolutely vital. <BR /> <BR />I want to take the opportunity to highlight the importance of our rural communities, and many in the Chamber have heard me wax lyrical about rural communities over the past number of months. They are sewn into the very fabric of our society. Access to services is more difficult in those areas, and a perfect example of that is the lack of access to proper mobile coverage. There are huge pockets in my constituency and, indeed, in other rural constituencies where people cannot make a phone call from their home due to a poor signal. Entire towns have no ability to either make or take calls.”