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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“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“to my colleague for giving way. Does the Member agree that transformation can truly be achieved only in consultation with communities?”
“Thank you to the Minister for giving way. Are we liable to see diggers on the ground before the end of 2024?”
“, if you would indulge me, as I am aware that this is not Question Time, I should like to ask the Minister for an update on the long-awaited new build for the Lisnaskea health centre, because I have submitted questions over the past few months and years on that. Is the Minister willing to meet me to discuss specific issues around GP provision in south Fermanagh?”
“A plan to properly address the specific issues that rural practices face, such as the recruitment and retention of staff, as well as multidisciplinary team (MDT) roll-outs, can act as a foundation to relieve some pressure in the primary care sector. <BR /> <BR />Cheann Comhairle”
“The lack of appointments has led to patients and staff becoming increasingly frustrated. Patient and staff frustrations have only continued to grow, and a meaningful intervention to assist them with the difficulties that they experience is required without delay. The patients and staff of Lisnaskea medical centre deserve better than that, and so do patients in any rural practice. <BR /> <BR />Patients deserve a service that means that they can get a GP appointment when they need one. Staff deserve an adequate plan to stabilise GP services and, most importantly, to protect them into the long term. Primary care needs to be supported, and direct intervention is required. The over-reliance on locum doctors and temporary staff must change.”
“to the Minister for coming to the Chamber to take part in the debate. I raise an issue that has become one of the most important in my community in recent years and months. As we are all acutely aware, GP access in Fermanagh has become very difficult. Many practices in the North are at breaking point. However, the state of GP practice capacity, especially in rural Fermanagh, is at crisis point. <BR /> <BR />My GP practice, Lisnaskea medical centre, has approximately 14,000 patients, which makes it one of the largest practices in the North. The issues faced by the practice are well rehearsed and resulted in a contract hand-back in 2022. The lack of GP provision, coupled with increased patient lists, has resulted in demand outstripping supply in relation to GP appointments.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. The fact that the EU recognises the need for additional funding for this aspect indicates that it is not the purpose of the current agriculture budget, which currently goes to farmers: does the Minister agree?”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber this morning. Rural homes are often more expensive to heat due to poor insulation and a higher dependence on fossil fuels. Minister, will you look at a specific range of measures to help pensioners who live in rural areas to heat their homes?”
“After 14 years of a Tory Government who created and delivered austerity and Brexit, there will be a huge consequence for the community and voluntary sector, rural development and rural communities if the British Government do not replace EU funding in full. The community and voluntary sector needs certainty, clarity and stability. The current British Government must fulfil their promise to replace all EU funding in full.”
“That work has provided significant social and economic benefits, and it is imperative that EU replacement funding continues. We are in times of reduced public expenditure, worsened by the lack of clarity and certainty on EU replacement funds beyond 2025. <BR /> <BR />During the Brexit referendum campaign, the Tory Government said that the North of Ireland would not lose out — I think that the exact phrase was "pound-for-pound funding" — but, of course, Brexit has delivered a huge cut to funding. The British Government committed to replacing those funds with the Shared Prosperity Fund, but that falls far short of what was delivered through the European social fund and the European regional development fund.”
“My constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone is the largest recipient of farm subsidy payments and, I would argue, the most rural constituency in the North. Farmers go to the very heart of our rural communities. Without farm subsidies, how can they be expected to compete with their counterparts in the South, who benefit from a full range of EU supports? <BR /> <BR />The rural sector has been pointed in saying that, while the PEACE PLUS programme is cited a lot and the rural dimensions of that are welcome, it is not a replacement for the development programme. EU funding has provided significant benefits across a range of section 75 equality groups, including young people, people with disabilities, women and minority ethnic groups.”
“I highlight the excellent work that it does, working to support the recovery of adults experiencing mental ill health who are interested in progressing towards training and employment. <BR /> <BR />Rural communities have benefited from a ring-fenced budget and multi-annual funding package and fully embrace the bottom-up approach to engage local people in the decision-making process. However, the Shared Prosperity Fund is neither rural-proofed nor equality-proofed but delivered directly by Whitehall. <BR /> <BR />It is also worth highlighting that, as with EU replacement funds for the community and voluntary sector, there is no clarity on the future of farm support. Farmers have no clarity or certainty on whether farm support worth approximately £300 million per year will continue beyond 2024.”
“I thank all Members for their contributions. As Paul referenced, it is heartening to hear the Chamber speak with unity on such an important topic. <BR /> <BR />In my role as Sinn Féin spokesperson for rural affairs and as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, I take the opportunity to highlight how rural and border areas have greatly benefited from EU funding. For example, EU Pillar I and Pillar II programmes have provided financial support to farmers, businesses and communities. <BR /> <BR />The community and voluntary sector has played a pivotal role in providing services for our most vulnerable. One such recipient of European social funds in my constituency is Fermanagh New Horizons.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon. Given that blue-green algae is an all-island issue, what cooperation has he had with his colleagues in the South?”
“I welcome the Minister's recent announcement in relation to a much-needed extension for Saint Kevin's College, Lisnaskea. Can he give an approximate timescale for the commencement of that work?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement this morning. I note with interest that the Loughs Agency's climate action plan was also launched at the meeting. Has it been developed entirely independently by the agency, or has it been designed or co-designed with existing climate target plans and action plans North and South?”
“What is being done in the Department for the Economy to promote apprenticeships?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer and am happy to hear that the review to build on the great work of T:BUC is under way. I am especially pleased to note that engaging young people is a key area of focus. Can the Minister outline what T:BUC has delivered for young people during the course of the programme?”
“According to Fáilte Ireland, the strategy attracted 449,000 overseas visitors, generating €178 million. That money supports local economies, creates jobs and opportunities and makes rural towns and villages economically sustainable. As time moves on and the Hidden Heartlands strategy reaches a wider audience, I am confident that the number of visitors will continue to grow. It would be a huge missed opportunity if Fermanagh and Tyrone were not included. <BR /> <BR />I will conclude my remarks there. I look forward to listening to other Members' contributions on a sector that deserves a lot of praise and support into the future.”
“I am sure that most people will be familiar with our infamous Stairway to Heaven, Marble Arch Caves, Boatyard Distillery and Belleek Pottery, to name but a few of the attractions that we have on offer. Fermanagh has been aptly described as the "Lake District of the North", and for good reason: Lough Erne covers two thirds of the county. Every year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy all that the lough has to offer, from fishing to boating to water sports. It is also a popular destination for historians due to its rich Celtic history. The Shannon-Erne waterway connects Lough Erne to the River Shannon, creating a route into the inland waterways of Hidden Heartlands counties. <BR /> <BR />Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is the most recently established of the three strategies that were launched in 2018.”
“I propose amendment No 2 to make the case for the inclusion of counties Fermanagh and Tyrone in the motion and to outline my constituency's link to Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. As an MLA who represents Fermanagh and South Tyrone — in my biased opinion the most idyllic constituency — I am keen to see its inclusion in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. <BR /> <BR />The local tourism sector in Fermanagh has grown in recent years, not just because of the uniqueness of its offering but because the local community and hospitality sector have poured so much time, energy and, most importantly, investment into making our county the best possible tourist destination it can be.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Given that the Minister's top two priorities are climate change and the natural environment, I want some clarity on the budget that the Minister intends to allocate to technologies for farmers to improve the natural environment. Furthermore, the Department must acknowledge the transboundary nature of emissions, and the Minister must work as closely as possible with his counterparts in the rest of Ireland to tackle emissions across the island as a whole. The Minister must ensure that the approach to replacement buildings does not inadvertently introduce barriers to farmers who are trying to decarbonise old agricultural buildings.”
“Not at the minute. <BR /> <BR />A one-size-fits-all approach will not work, given the diversity of size, stock and designation of farms. DAERA must conduct a further public consultation in advance of any formal policy decision to inform the future operational protocol. The operational protocol must be subject to a full equality impact assessment and a rural needs assessment. The publication of impact assessments must happen sooner rather than later. The publication of the ammonia strategy needs to take place as well. <BR /> <BR />According to case studies presented in DAERA's call for evidence document, technology to mitigate ammonia emissions is more effective when applied to pig, poultry and dairy farms, as they are more intensive than smaller farm enterprises.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. My colleagues and I have engaged with grassroots farmers following the withdrawal of the ammonia standing advice last December. Farmers, understandably, expressed concern that they may not be able to replace their farm dwellings as a result. As we have heard, many farmers, particularly those who are my constituents, have had their planning applications stalled, with some applications sitting for four-plus years at huge cost.”
“. I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. Does she agree that it should be an inspiration for young people, especially girls and young women, to participate in sport?”
“How much additional funding will be available to the Executive following the signing of the interim fiscal framework?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, will you provide information on the group set up by the Department to develop the credit union movement?”
“I thank the First Minister for her answer. I take this opportunity to invite her and the deputy First Minister to Fermanagh and South Tyrone to see our wonderful tourism offering in the coming period.”
“<BR /> <BR />As we are aware, the greenhouse gas emissions from grass-fed systems are lower than those from indoor systems due to minimal inputs, so it is important that we make the best of the opportunities. Thriving rural communities with a growing population, jobs and housing are an essential part of the social fabric of the North. Agricultural businesses are most pronounced in those rural areas. Almost half of businesses in rural areas are engaged in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Agriculture plays a huge role in employment in those areas. Anything that impacts on the economic viability of our agri-food sector could have serious social and economic consequences. The crucial issue of veterinary medicines must be resolved between the British Government and the EU as soon as possible.”
“The grace period is due to end in December 2025, and Sinn Féin wants to see a prompt solution found by the EU-UK Joint Committee to ensure continued access to a full range of veterinary medicines. <BR /> <BR />Disease protection is vital to our food chain. The agri-food sector in the North is a major source of economic prosperity and is recognised for its quality, safety, knowledge-driven approach and transparency in its supply chain. The AERA Minister must also work with the Economy Minister to increase the opportunities for farmers and, indeed, food producers to maximise dual market access, particularly given the all-island protected geographical indication (PGI) status for grass-fed cattle.”
“It is vital that negotiations between the British Government and the EU continue at pace to resolve the matter of the restriction of veterinary medicines to the North. I welcome the work already done to reduce the risk of some veterinary medicines being discontinued. However, there remains real concern about the ability to import certain vaccines that are fundamental to controlling disease in the North. <BR /> <BR />We note the comments of the chief executive of the NI Pork and Bacon Forum, Deirdre McIvor, on how the pig sector has reduced the use of antibiotics by over 75% in the last eight years and how limiting access to veterinary medicine flies in the face of responsible use of antibiotics and the "One Health" approach that the sector has successfully adopted.”
“<BR /> <BR />The cost-of-living crisis and the rise of large online retailers make it difficult for rural businesses to turn a profit. ATMs are an essential driver for economic activity on our rural main streets and have a key role in rural regeneration. The statutory rule is an important step in protecting the rural ATMs that remain, and I hope that it will act as an incentive to rural businesses to provide ATM services in the near future.”
“Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult for rural dwellers to access cash, as towns and villages across the North lose their ATM provision. <BR /> <BR />In recent years, many of the major banks have closed their rural branches, abandoning communities and leaving them without face-to-face banking services. Lisnaskea lost its last bank branch in March, when Ulster Bank decided to withdraw from the town. That corporate decision was made in London with zero regard for the communities in south-east Fermanagh. Today, there is no 24-hour cash access in the town. The loss of that bank branch has been a huge blow not only to Lisnaskea but to the surrounding towns and villages that it has served for decades.”
“I support the motion, and I thank the Minister for proposing it. The statutory rule reinstates a small but significant scheme that grants a rates exemption to ATMs situated in rural wards. Owing to a change in valuation case law, the scheme now applies only to a small number of ATMs that are valued individually, such as those outside petrol stations or on main streets. <BR /> <BR />As an MLA for a rural constituency, I know all too well the essential service that ATMs provide in rural areas. Rural dwellers rely heavily on cash to access goods and services, and, in many towns and villages, ATMs are the only means of accessing cash. Many people prefer to use cash to pay for goods and services, and that personal choice must be respected.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, most importantly, when can we expect to see diggers on the ground for commencement?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I note that he will bring forward a new food strategy framework sooner rather than later, hopefully. Minister, will you outline how the draft food strategy will align with future agriculture policy?”
“I welcome the Minister's update, particularly where rural crime is concerned. Minister, can you provide some further detail on exactly what cooperation will continue on an all-island basis, specifically in tackling rural crime?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, in your opinion, how is social value making a difference to the lives of people here in the North?”
“A ban on petroleum licensing as a whole will reassure communities that fracking is not something that they will ever have to worry about again. <BR /> <BR />In closing, the people of Fermanagh have fought tooth and nail over the past number of years to prevent petroleum licences from being granted. The fresh leadership in the Department for the Economy provides us with an opportunity to finally deliver a ban on petroleum licensing. I welcome the Minister's commitment to introduce legislation in 2025. Therefore we do not support the amendment, but we will not be pushing for a Division.”
“Many countries around the world have already introduced legislative bans against fracking, and that is set to continue to grow in the future. In 2022, the Assembly passed the Climate Change Act, which sets ambitious targets for net zero emissions. If any form of petroleum extraction were allowed to take place, it would actively work against meeting our commitments under the Climate Change Act, making it less deliverable. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to leave the door open to fracking or other means of petroleum extraction whilst we are required by law to reduce our carbon emissions. A major concern in my constituency is that, due to the different types of definitions of fracking, it could be allowed to slip through a loophole.”
“It also has serious consequences for biodiversity, with many wildlife habitats and areas of conservation being impacted by industrialisation or destroyed by contamination. The threat of fracking still hangs over these communities because, as we debate this motion, fracking is still legal in the North. <BR /> <BR />Evidence has been mounting over recent years on the negative impact that fracking has on nearby communities. My county of Fermanagh is renowned for its beautiful countryside and abundance of fresh lakes, to which thousands of tourists and anglers flock every year. As a county, we rely on the income that is generated through tourism, and I have no doubt that our tourist offering would be damaged beyond repair if fracking was ever allowed to go ahead.”
“As a Fermanagh native, I am all too aware of the devastating impact that fracking would have on our environment. There is not a community anywhere in Ireland that wants petroleum exploration happening anywhere next or near it. The Hatch report lays out in great detail the risks that even conventional drilling poses to public health and water supplies for little or no economic benefit. Studies have also linked fracking to a host of health problems, including birth defects, asthma and cancer. The practice has been shown to cause groundwater contamination, soil corruption, earthquakes, noise pollution and significant increases in airborne radioactivity, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions.”
“I thank everyone who contributed to the debate. I am heartened that there has been a common thread of support throughout the debate for the motion. The importance of the motion cannot be overstated. As many Members may recall, I brought a private Member's Bill to the Floor, back in 2021, to ban the issuing of petroleum licences to companies that intended to use fracking as a method to extract shale gas. Unfortunately, due to time restraints before dissolution, I was unable to progress the Bill to its Final Stage. <BR /> <BR />To add context, the threat of fracking has hung over Fermanagh for more than a decade, especially in the west of the county. Ever since the threat of fracking first emerged, people have expressed their widespread opposition to the practice.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Minister, given that grid connection tends to be a lot more difficult to achieve in rural areas, do you agree that the socialisation of costs will promote regional balance?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I know that this is a deeply frustrating and, indeed, expensive time for farmers who have been hit by those restrictions. Minister, are you aware of any possible solutions that are being developed by DEFRA to allow for the resumption of livestock exports from GB to the North?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. Minister, how can we increase the number of banking hubs here?”