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.”
The complete record
Every one of 419 lines we hold for Áine Murphy, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 8 of 9.
“Those of us who live in rural areas are no less deserving of access to first-class healthcare. We need a bespoke scheme to attract GPs to rural areas and to ensure that the people of counties like Fermanagh are not at a constant disadvantage when it comes to primary care provision. Most people have built up a rapport with their local GPs over many years, sometimes decades, and trust them to provide healthcare for their needs.”
“As representatives of our community, it is our job to make their voices heard. It is clear that healthcare is one of the main issues on people's lips throughout County Fermanagh and in south Tyrone.”
“The people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone deserve a world-class healthcare system, and the disparity in GP provision between the Western Trust and other areas is stark.”
“In August of last year, I met GPs in a local practice who raised many of those concerns — most notably the lack of GPs applying for posts in rural areas, no multidisciplinary team roll-out in Fermanagh and patients who present with increasingly complex needs. <BR /> <BR />The Minister of Health told us previously that the road map for MDT roll-out would be published in a number of weeks, yet we are still waiting. A doctor remarked to me that rural GP services are at a breaking point. The Department needs to take rural primary care services into consideration. There needs to be a tailored approach and a plan for the future that puts GP services at the forefront. <BR /> <BR />The Department for Health has overlooked and underestimated primary care services in my constituency.”
“Whilst many patients have experienced issues with GP appointments, it is fair to say that most understand that GP workloads have increased massively over the past two years in particular. <BR /> <BR />One of the most fundamental issues is the scarcity of GPs, particularly in rural GP practices. I welcome the 70 new medical places at the Magee campus in Derry, although, in order to fully reap the benefits from that school, we need to incentivise students to remain and work in the North after they graduate, otherwise there will be a huge brain drain and the potential to further exacerbate the already poor provision of GP access in rural areas.”
“I very much welcome the Adjournment debate this evening. I grew up in and represent a largely rural, dispersed constituency, where we have a serious issue with not only our out-of-hours GP services but our in-hours GP services. Many of the pressures that GP services are experiencing have existed for some years and are not a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there is no doubt that the pandemic has put additional strain on GP practices, many issues, such as vacancies not being filled and retired GPs not being replaced, are historical. <BR /> <BR />GPs have put their shoulders to the wheel during the pandemic. They have been instrumental in the roll-out of the vaccination programme whilst also adapting to the new ways of working that have been forced on them by the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The Minister's answer leads me, wonderfully, into my supplementary. Possible improvements to the uniform grant are one measure, but many families do not qualify for that support and are, therefore, forced to pay out hundreds of pounds per child on uniforms. Does the Minister agree that an effective way in which to support all families with spiralling uniform costs is to bring forward statutory guidance on the supply and sale of school uniforms that is based on affordability?”
“The legislation is more compassionate and has people at its core, and it gives recipients dignity in their time of need. Going forward, it is important that we all continue to look at examples of best practice, as well as what works best for the North, in order to ensure that those who are most in need get the help that they require. The legislation is really positive. However, we have some way to go. I fully support the Bill.”
“I will keep my contribution concise, as the Bill has overwhelming and unanimous support in the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the Final Stage of this important Bill. The Social Security (Terminal Illness) Bill will improve the support that is provided to those who are terminally ill by extending the current six-month criteria to 12 months. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the monumental efforts that Marie Curie and the Motor Neurone Disease Association have made in their tireless campaign to reform these outdated and archaic rules. <BR /> <BR />The legislation will have a significant impact on those who most need it. It will take away a lot of bureaucratic red tape for anyone who is terminally ill. It is vital that people can access financial support promptly and compassionately and without experiencing any delays.”
“I will keep my comments brief on amendment Nos 3 and 4 to clause 2 and the delegation of powers to commission staff. Sinn Féin believes that including orders made under section 37 of the Act in clause 2, which would ensure that certain powers can never be delegated to staff, will restore confidence and trust. Amendment No 4 would ensure that the public have a greater voice through a public consultation on the first scheme, if agreed, by a future Minister, when required. We believe that passing amendment No 4 and including a public consultation on the first scheme will put safeguards in place. It is also our opinion that the public should have a say in how the commission makes decisions. We believe that the amendments would provide more clarity for those charities. Sinn Féin supports the amendments.”
“The Minister is already working with the Minister of Justice to explore that matter further and introduce potential future amendments to the tribunal rules.”
“Committee members suggested recommendations, and the Minister agreed to take those forward. A huge amount of hard work was carried out by the Committee during Committee Stage. <BR /> <BR />In the first grouping, amendment No 1 from the Minister, which relates to the potential breach of an individual's convention rights, is important. That was picked up at Committee Stage. From the start, the Minister outlined that neither the Bill nor anything in it should impinge on the rights of individuals. The amendment will therefore add additional protections to individuals in respect of the ECHR, and Sinn Féin supports it. <BR /> <BR />As was stated previously, Sinn Féin will also support amendment No 2. It looks at appeal rights and, in particular, at increasing the time frame given to appeal from 42 days to 91 days.”
“<BR /> <BR />As we heard from the Members who spoke throughout the stages, along with the contributions from various organisations, it is clear that many in the Chamber understand the importance of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />As a member of the Communities Committee, which discussed the Bill over several months, I gained many insights. It was important to hear the evidence given by groups and organisations. During Committee Stage, 12 oral witness sessions were held, and 19 written submissions were received from a diverse range of organisations. Many of the issues that came up have already been touched on by the Minister and the Committee Chair, so I will not go into them all now. <BR /> <BR />The Committee worked closely with the Department and the Minister during Committee Stage to ensure a fluid and transparent process.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on behalf of Sinn Féin on the Bill. We welcome the fact that the Communities Minister has introduced this legislation, which has been long called for by the charity sector. The Charities Bill came about off the back of the McBride judgement in 2019 and the Court of Appeal judgement in 2020, and it addresses the impacts that arose from them. <BR /> <BR />The purpose of the Bill is to make past decisions taken by staff of the Charity Commission lawful but to do so only where it will not impinge on the rights of individuals under the European Convention on Human Rights. It will also put in place mechanisms that will ensure greater public trust and confidence.”
“Minister, since becoming an MLA, my priority has been to deliver first-class services for my constituents in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Therefore, I was delighted that the business case for the Lisnaskea health centre was signed off last week. Minister, can you tell us when we should expect that long-awaited project to begin?”
“They see a lot of cases and hear a lot of the stories. They are at the coalface, and I again take the opportunity to commend them for campaigning for the Bill. <BR /> <BR />It is no secret that all of us in the House recognise the need for a change to the legislation, which, at almost 30 years old, is now outdated. The Minister has introduced legislation that will hopefully put us out in front of England, Scotland and Wales. As I stated, there is consensus among us in the Chamber, clinicians, academics and the general public. The Bill is broadly welcomed by absolutely everyone. It is important that we continue to look at examples of best practice and at what will work better so that we can ensure that those who are most in need receive the support and help that they require. I fully support the Bill.”
“I commend the Minister for bringing the Bill to the House. I will add a few comments to my lengthy analysis during the debate on the accelerated passage motion. As my colleague from the Communities Committee stated, the Social Security (Terminal Illness) Bill will improve the support provided to those who are terminally ill, changing the current six-month criterion to 12 months. I know of people who, unfortunately, are terminally ill. They will be helped by the Bill. Many constituents whom I deal with day-to-day, whether about PIP, attendance allowance, universal credit or employment and support allowance (ESA), will also benefit from it. <BR /> <BR />Following on from the Deputy Chair's comments, I commend Marie Curie and the Motor Neurone Disease Association for their input into the legislation.”
“There is wide consensus across the sector among clinicians, academics and politicians that the rules determining fast-track access to benefits for terminally ill people are not fit for purpose. Despite the coordinated approach by many, DWP has been slow to act. My colleague Deirdre Hargey has stepped up to the plate to move ahead and make improvements in the legislation where she can. It is important that we all continue to look at examples of best practice, as well as at what works best for the North, in order to ensure that those who are most in need get the help that they require. <BR /> <BR />I fully support the Bill.”
“The special rules apply to personal independence payment (PIP), attendance allowance, universal credit (UC) and employment and support allowance (ESA). They not only ensure that the application is fast-tracked but remove the requirement to attend a work capability assessment, carry out work-related activity, the three-month qualifying period for PIP and the six-month qualifying period for attendance allowance, as well as the face-to-face assessment. It is vitally important that people can access financial support quickly, compassionately and without experiencing unnecessary delay, additional stress or anxiety during the process. <BR /> <BR />The special rules criteria are set out by Britain's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and they are outdated as they are over 30 years old.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the Bill forward. I support the use of accelerated passage for the Bill due to the obvious time-sensitive nature of terminal illness. <BR /> <BR />The Social Security (Terminal Illness) Bill will improve the support that is provided to those who are terminally ill by extending the current six-month criterion to 12 months. I commend Marie Curie and the Motor Neurone Disease Association for their ongoing campaign to reform the rules governing fast-track access to social security benefits for people with terminal illnesses. Those organisations know all too well how important the legislation is. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin recognises that those who suffer from terminal illness and who access their entitlement to social security under the special rules have a different experience to those who do not.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers so far. Will she give an update on the performance of the central translation hub that was established in line with the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) agreement?”
“Thank you, Minister. We are now six months on from the completion of the Hatch report and its contents have still not been publicly released. What is the reason for the delay in the public release of the Hatch report?”
“My question has already been touched on. I think that most Members will agree that it is very difficult for many young people and families who are struggling to secure a decent, fit-for-purpose home to see premises lying dormant. Will the Minister detail what action she is taking to increase the provision of social housing and deal with empty homes?”
“I thank the Minister for her answers thus far. The Ulster canal project can provide vital regeneration for rural border towns in south Fermanagh by boosting tourism and the local economy. Can I get an update on the plans to restore the section of the Ulster canal from Clones to Lough Neagh via Lough Erne, as well as an approximate time frame for the completion of phase 3, which the Minister mentioned?”
“I beg to introduce the Onshore Fracking (Prohibition) Bill [NIA 48/17-22], which is a Bill to prohibit onshore hydraulic fracturing.”
“That puts many people out of pocket, as well as forcing many parents to take time off work to transport their son or daughter. <BR /> <BR />County Fermanagh depends heavily on the need for driving licences being met, owing to its rural nature. A test centre in Fermanagh would alleviate the backlog and waiting times and would mean that many would be able to sit their theory test without having to depend on others for transport. It is a glaring example of regional imbalance, with the Department showing little understanding of the needs of the people in rural Fermanagh. I call on Nichola Mallon, the Minister for Infrastructure, to introduce a theory test centre in County Fermanagh immediately.”
“I will address the lack of driving theory test centres in County Fermanagh. Fermanagh is the only county in the Province that does not have a theory test centre. Many of my constituents have to make a round trip of approximately 68 miles to Omagh, County Tyrone, to sit a driving theory test. Let me put that into perspective for many Members in the Chamber: it is the equivalent of driving from Stormont to Dundalk in County Louth. <BR /> <BR />In past months, I have been contacted by countless constituents who have been unable to book a test at the Omagh centre, which leaves them only with options that are further away, such as Portadown, Ballymena or Belfast. With the lack of public transport, many have to organise their own transport to and from the centres.”
“This morning, I was delighted to hear that the Executive has secured accreditation as a living wage employer. Will that extend to procurement policy?”
“Minister, thank you for your answer. Schools continue to report a number of COVID-related absences, which obviously adds to the disruption caused by the pandemic. Will you outline what support your Department can make available to schools to assist young people in keeping up with the demands of their courses despite that ongoing disruption?”
“Minister, as a result of COP26, there is now an increased global focus on the need to combat the climate crisis. With that in mind, will you commit to supporting my private Member's Bill to ban fracking, so that we can all play our part in the greatest challenge facing humanity?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. One of the key areas in the battle against climate change will be to address the subject of ammonia. The Minister just touched on that in his answer to Mr Frew. When will we finally see the long-awaited ammonia strategy from the Department?”
“Minister, will you clarify whether any potential recommendations arising from the independent strategic review of our agri-food sector will be considered in the draft food strategy for the North?”
“<BR /> <BR />This body of work requires cooperation and support from all of us. Sinn Féin is on record as supporting a stand-alone, specific housing outcome in the Programme for Government, to be accompanied by indicators that provide a specific focus on ensuring that each household has the ability to access good, affordable and sustainable housing that is appropriate to its needs. We will not be found wanting when it comes to that being included in the Programme for Government, and I therefore conclude by offering my support for the motion.”
“In November 2020, in order to tackle that problem, Carál Ní Chuilín, as interim Minister for Communities, outlined a sweeping transformation plan to overhaul the North's housing system. That was the first radical and robust approach taken in relation to housing in 50 years. That project was required due to outdated housing stock, poorly maintained existing stock, increase in demand and lack of new builds. <BR /> <BR />Last year, Minister Hargey oversaw the commencement of 2,400 new homes, smashing the current house-building target by 30%. That is a prime example of the Minister's commitment and steadfastness in relation to this project. The Minister also recognises that tweaking around the edges will just not cut it. She is to be commended for her ambition and leadership.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. I am in no doubt that there is consensus in the Chamber that we need to address the housing crisis, which has worsened year-on-year. <BR /> <BR />The cost of rent and property has skyrocketed over the past number of years, putting low-income families, young people and workers under serious pressure when trying to secure a home. Those individuals cannot depend solely on the Housing Executive. In many situations, they will be placed on waiting lists until a home becomes available. As a result, many can be plunged further into debt as they pay extortionate rent just to have a roof over their head. There is also a risk, unfortunately, that some may become homeless.”
“The Job Start scheme is a welcome initiative to support young people into employment. Is the Minister confident that young people on the scheme receive quality experience and real opportunities?”
“Minister, do you agree that the PEACE PLUS funding is a lifeline for many border communities given that Brexit has had such an impact on those communities, and, indeed, on rural areas, and it is important that that funding is made sustainable?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I have received calls from deeply frustrated constituents whose premises will, unfortunately, miss out on the Project Stratum roll-out. In total, 572 eligible premises in Fermanagh and South Tyrone will miss out. That is the highest figure across all constituencies. When will the premises that have been left behind by the project have their broadband connection improved?”
“The Executive have provided £13 million to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic, and, in May 2021, Minister Hargey established a culture, arts and heritage recovery task force, the role of which is to consider measures to support the reopening and recovery of the culture, arts and heritage sector and to pave the way for a long-term strategy for that sector. We believe that that task force is crucial in ensuring that our arts and creative industries sectors can begin to thrive and flourish once more. <BR /> <BR />One of the key points that must be addressed is multi-year budgeting for the Arts Council. That will allow for greater security for organisations and individuals to plan without second-guessing whether they will receive their funding.”
“Since March 2020, over £10 million has been allocated to the individuals emergency resilience programme, a fund that was established to help support local artists in the creative industries, such as DJs and freelancers. In addition, in September 2021, Minister Hargey launched a £5 million fund to retain skills in the creative sector. That will provide a grant of up to £2,000 per individual who has been impacted on by COVID-19. That will hopefully prevent the loss of the talent and expertise of individuals and freelancers who work in the sector. <BR /> <BR />The culture, languages, arts and heritage sector has been disproportionately impacted on in the 2021-22 Budget.”
“First, there was £1·5 million for individuals and small to medium-sized organisations. A further £4 million was then announced to boost the recovery for musicians, performers, freelancers, and arts and culture venues. That funding was crucial to allowing freelancers and the creative sector to continue to prepare and to adapt to new ways in which to work during the crisis. <BR /> <BR />The first round of funding from the organisations emergency programme provided support for over 150 organisations. From 2020, the Minister and her Department allocated an additional £38 million to support those sectors and individuals detrimentally impacted on.”
“If we try to put ourselves in those people's shoes, we can imagine the stress and uncertainty that that would have caused to many people's lives, yet it was those same artists who kept people's spirits high during the tough and difficult times through performing gigs online that were streamed in many households across the North. <BR /> <BR />As interim Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín was able to secure £29 million of the £33 million arts and heritage funding that came our way from the Barnett consequentials from Britain for the arts, culture, language and heritage. Carál was then able to deliver £5·5 million for the arts and culture sector through the creative support fund, which consisted of vital funds, such as the organisations emergency programme and the individuals emergency resilience programme. That was done in two tranches.”
“Unfortunately, COVID-19 shut down our economy, which resulted in many artists losing work. Arguably, the arts and creative industries sector was one of the hardest hit. Many of the people employed in the sector are self-employed and rely on the hospitality sector to ensure their income. Cultural venues and events were among the first to close in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and among the last to reopen. In my constituency, on 18 August, the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen put on its first show since the outbreak of the pandemic, albeit to a reduced capacity. <BR /> <BR />The Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre (EPC) estimated that, of the 39,000 jobs in the arts, culture and heritage sector, 12,000 to 16,000 were vulnerable as a result of the pandemic, which equated to around 60% of jobs at risk.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the motion. The arts and creative industries sector is an integral part of society in the North of Ireland, both socially and economically. The sector is the heartbeat of many of our communities. The North is home to a wide range of creative arts and industries. Throughout the past number of years, some worldwide TV series have been recorded here. Shows such as 'The Fall' have also highlighted the top-class actors that we have in the North. <BR /> <BR />When the COVID-19 outbreak came about in March 2020, the Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey, instructed the Arts Council to ensure that 50% of the £12·9 million in annual core grants that it had received from the Department was paid up front to support roughly 100 key organisations in the sector.”
“Therefore, in the circumstances and time frame that we have left, it is imperative that we all come together to further the case for maintaining the uplift at every opportunity.”
“I commend the Minister for Communities for her support in jointly calling with the Ministers in Scotland and Wales on the Tory Government to reverse their decision. I also want to acknowledge the Executive for putting their collective focus on this matter, joining with the First Ministers in Scotland and Wales to maintain the pressure on Boris Johnson. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion, but I want to be unequivocally clear that its purpose needs to be aimed solely at the British Government in order to keep the pressure on maintaining the UC uplift. As well as that, it should go further. The motion calls for the uplift to be kept until March 2022, thus creating a cliff edge. I would like to see the uplift made permanent.”
“We were told repeatedly by one party in particular that it could deliver at Westminster. Now, on this issue, it would seem that it is openly conceding that it cannot, in fact, deliver, nor can it have any influence on decisions that are made in London. Ironically, the Tory party conference kicks off today. I suspect that, unfortunately, the £20 universal credit uplift will be at the bottom of the conference's priority list. <BR /> <BR />As they try to deal with damage limitation in relation to the protocol, the British Government are under pressure from every other devolved Government to keep the UC uplift. We need to maintain that pressure, and that should be the one and only message that comes from this Chamber today.”
“The cut to UC and tax credits along with the increase in National Insurance contributions, a rise in energy and food costs and the end of furlough will be a devastating combination for those who are already on the poverty line. Many people also undertake caring responsibilities parallel to their work. To simply tell them to accept a few more hours' work is not a realistic situation, nor is it a long-term solution. <BR /> <BR />To be absolutely clear on this matter: the decision has not come from the Executive. It has been made by the British Tories — the same party that enforced Brexit on the North as well as a litany of other poorly thought-out policies. This cut to UC is further evidence of what many of us here already know, which is that the interests of the people in the North are not best served at Westminster.”
“I welcome this opportunity to speak on the motion. As elected representatives, we all know the positive impact that the £20 uplift has had on many families. For many people, £20 is the difference between having food on the table or going hungry. That is the cold, hard reality of this attempt to cut the uplift payment. Boris Johnson has argued that higher paid jobs are the best alternative to UC. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, has also stated that UC claimants would have to work only a couple of extra hours a week to make up the rest. Both of those MPs are completely out of touch with the everyday struggles that people face. <BR /> <BR />As UC is withdrawn, for every additional pound that is earned, it is likely that more than nine extra hours of work would be needed.”
“Similarly, climate change presents an absolute threat to the planet, and we must address it. Net zero should be the minimum that any climate legislation aims for.”