Ciara Ferguson
Foyle · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“<BR /> <BR />The Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill instructs the commissioner's office to prepare a strategic plan as soon as reasonably practicable after their appointment to review the effectiveness of the Victim Charter and the Witness Charter at least every three years and to provide annual business plans and reports.”
“Sinn Féin very much welcomes the fact that the Bill is the continued evolution of that work to strengthen the rights of victims and witnesses of crime, including the right of complainants to an opportunity to make oral or written representations to the court about any application, to be present at any hearing of the application and to be…”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will strengthen protections for complainants in serious sexual offence cases in which pretrial applications for a witness summons are made.”
“It is important because being a victim or a witness of crime is often a traumatic experience that requires dedicated support to recover from. It is important because all victims and witnesses of crime should be subject to a fair and supportive legal system that fully engages with them.”
“Victims and witnesses of crime are entitled to be treated fairly, professionally and with respect in all their interactions with the justice system; to be kept regularly updated, including being provided with relevant information in a timely fashion; and to have their needs considered.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak at Second Stage of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill. I will begin by acknowledging the importance of the Bill in placing the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime and that office and its functions on a permanent statutory footing.”
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“As we all agree, people facing a terminal illness, and their families, should not have to be worried about undergoing assessments or experiencing delays to receiving their benefits. At this time, receiving an automatic entitlement to financial support is just and right. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for bringing the Bill to the House. I acknowledge and commend the work of Marie Curie and the Motor Neurone Disease Association for their ongoing commitment to supporting people who have a terminal illness and their families, as well as for their campaign to reform the rules governing fast-track access to social security benefits for people with a terminal illness. <BR /> <BR />That we continue to look at ways in which the welfare benefits process can be improved to support our most vulnerable people and their families is important.”
“Like other Members, I very much welcome the fact that the Social Security (Terminal Illness) Bill is at Final Stage. The welfare system must safeguard and protect the most vulnerable. Across all our constituencies, those people who are affected by terminal illness, and their families, quite rightly deserve a welfare system that treats them with dignity and respect and that can deliver financial support in a compassionate and kindly way. <BR /> <BR />The six-month life expectancy criteria, made under special rules set some 30 years ago by Britain's Department for Work and Pensions, being extended to 12 months in the North is significant progress. The Bill will most certainly enable many more people who face such devastating news to be supported here.”
“Minister, last year your predecessor promised all-age apprenticeships. I know from working in this sector in the city that it is critical that our young people get access to apprenticeships at level 2 and 3, see a future and create a career. Has the loss of EU funding scuppered the delivery of such an important programme as this?”
“First, I thank the Minister for his ongoing commitment to local services and the support provided to our councils. In the time ahead, will his Department continue to engage with the Department for Communities, our councils and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) to ensure that councils enjoy increased financial stability?”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the Minister's commitment to closing the loopholes in both the bedroom tax and the benefit cap and to bringing forward the necessary regulations that will extend the remaining mitigations. I look forward to the next stage, and I support the Bill.”
“I acknowledge that Executive support was required, and I accept that, with the limited time available, it is important to ensure that people do not face another cliff edge this March. I recognise the positive impact that this mitigation has in contrast to the Tory welfare cuts, and it is important that the mitigation continues. <BR />. <BR />It is important to acknowledge, as the Chair has just done, the work of the Cliff Edge Coalition, which is a network of 100-plus organisations from across the community, voluntary and third sectors, and other organisations, all of which have tirelessly campaigned for the extension of the mitigations.”
“I welcome the provision in the Bill which extends the bedroom tax mitigation scheme. I thank the Minister and the Committee Chair for outlining the detail of the Bill. I acknowledge the need to use accelerated passage in this case, particularly given the limited time available before the end of the mandate and the importance of ensuring that all those in receipt of the welfare supplementary payment will continue to receive it beyond March 2022. <BR /> <BR />It is important to commend the Minister for her efforts since February 2020 to progress this legislation. Like many others, I must express my disappointment that the Minister was left with no alternative but to include an end date. Since she came into post, the Minister has been clear about her intention to abolish the bedroom tax once and for all, and I fully support that position.”
“I support the motion that the Welfare Supplementary Payments (Amendment) Bill proceed under the accelerated passage procedure. <BR /> <BR />The welfare mitigation package has been instrumental in protecting thousands of low-paid workers, families and vulnerable people across our communities from the bedroom tax. I recognise the positive impact that that mitigation has had in contrast with the Tory cuts. It is important that the mitigation continues, and it is vital that the legislation passes as a matter of urgency so that we can provide certainty for our people, our working families and our most vulnerable. I support the motion, and I welcome the opportunity to speak at the next stage.”
“Minister, it is very clear that we need protective cycle lanes separate from other traffic to increase safety and to encourage people to take up cycling. I understand, however, that there are no segregated cycle lanes in Derry city and that, although Belfast has a cycling network plan, Derry does not. That is an inequality. Surely the people of Derry deserve proper cycling infrastructure. Will the Minister therefore commit to working with the local council to produce a Derry cycling network plan?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your statement. The report on mother-and-baby institutions and Magdalene laundries and the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes have highlighted the importance of ensuring that there is record retention and transparency. Did you and Minister Donnelly discuss the need to work on an all-Ireland basis to preserve and protect those records?”
“We understand that COVID has impacted on the considerations of the Commission, as it did on so many people in other aspects of life, but will the Commission commit to pursuing that additional work as quickly as possible?”
“Will you also consider an early allocation to NI Water, given how it is impacted by rising costs?”
“It is good to hear that you are acting in advance of the January monitoring round. You have proposed an increased allocation to the Department for Communities for fuel support payments, which will be fantastic.”
“Given the clear consensus among the various Administrations on the cognitive benefits of language in early years, will the Minister outline what provision is in place to encourage language acquisition in early years here?”
“Thank you, Minister. I welcome the fact that there is some plan in place and that you are trying to exhaust a range of measures. Hopefully, that will turn the situation around. At the heart of the issue is the needs of children and young people who have to experience yet another term of unsettledness and disrupted learning. Given that some will have exams, too, it will probably be a difficult time. How does the Minister intend to support exam candidates in the context of the huge disruption that they have experienced to date?”
“Later today, at the Homeless Connect event, schoolchildren will speak to us about their views on homelessness. It undoubtedly takes a society to combat homelessness, but, together with a shared political will and commitment, it can be done. It must be done to ensure everyone in the North has a place to call home.”
“However, we know that it is a first step. We must not drive homeless people into the places that we find suitable but help them to find the places that they find suitable.”
“They have all shown throughout the pandemic what can be done with the collective will.”
“<BR /> <BR />The homeless sector continues to play a vital role in society. Its incredible work and commitment has been particularly evident during the ongoing pandemic as it worked daily to protect homeless individuals, who are among the most vulnerable groups that are impacted by COVID-19. I am also immensely grateful to statutory partners, who, along with Minister Deirdre Hargey, have fully funded the homelessness reset plan and offered all people who were sleeping rough on the streets forms of emergency accommodation. I very much welcome the collaboration that was shown to work during the pandemic. That is a model of good practice going forward. It prioritises the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness and focuses on protecting high-risk groups.”
“From listening to the voices of those who are affected by homelessness, it is clear that the line between having a home and not can change quite quickly for a person or family and that the paths in and out of homelessness are never straightforward. The personal stories were all unique, but, collectively, they highlighted the negative impact that homelessness can have on your physical and mental health, family relationships, educational opportunities and life chances. We must all act to improve outcomes for people who are experiencing homelessness in each of our communities. We must all work together to ensure that everyone has a home. That is a universal human right; a safe, permanent and affordable place to live, where one can settle down, feel part of their community and build a good life.”
“Today marks the beginning of Homelessness Awareness Week, a day for all in Irish society to recommit our efforts to collaborate and work together with housing and homelessness organisations and charities, Departments and local councils to make housing delivery a priority and, subsequently, end homelessness for good. This year, the theme of the week is Start the Conversation. A host of organisations across the homeless sector, such as the Simon Community, Extern and the Welcome Organisation, will deliver a range of social, educational and awareness-raising events throughout our constituencies and encourage conversation in the workplace, schools and communities. <BR /> <BR />Four individuals kindly came together to the all-party group on homelessness in November.”
“Minister, many families are facing a difficult time this winter with the cost of living spiralling due to issues such as Brexit, the pandemic and the cumulative effects of years of brutal Tory austerity cuts. Thousands of households are looking anxiously towards the future. Although we appreciate that these institutions can only do so much in the face of events that are largely outside our control, the Minister has consistently demonstrated her determination to protect the most vulnerable. <BR /> <BR />Can I ask for an overall update on your proposals for supporting, along with other Departments, people who are facing fuel poverty this winter as a result of the rising cost of living?”
“Minister, thank you for your statement. It brings home the reality that the fight against COVID is complex and ever-changing. Last year, the House called for an updated Health-led strategy based on find, test, trace, isolate and support principles. Is the Minister working on that strategy to take account of international travel, the booster roll-out and COVID-19 certificates?”
“You will be aware that the blasphemy laws have been repealed in the South, and likewise in England and Wales and Scotland. Would you agree, as you have previously, that, although the laws are still on the statute here, they are outdated, do not represent the modern Ireland that we live in today, and should be removed as soon as possible?”
“Thank you for that update. The rail line in the north-west needs to be improved to tackle regional inequalities and, obviously, to cut transport emissions. The Minister previously stated that a review would be completed this month, but delivery is key. Will the Minister detail what action will be taken to deliver improved rail services for the people of Derry?”
“Thank you, Minister, for your answer. You will be aware of the invaluable role that our domiciliary care workers have played in supporting our most vulnerable people and our elderly people, particularly during COVID. Despite that, they are often paid the minimum wage. Will the living wage policy apply to them?”
“<BR /> <BR />The purpose of this short Bill, as explained by the Minister and the Chair of the Committee, to change the legal charge on properties to a statutory charge where necessary and, as I understand it, to introduce the statutory charge as a standard practice for new loans will enable us to ensure that all loans are treated the same. I accept that there is a requirement for legal certainty in this area, and, on that basis, I support the Second Stage of the Bill and look forward to giving it further scrutiny in the Committee.”
“Both those issues mean that a legal charge could not be put on those properties, and, whilst that does not mean that the loan cannot be recovered, it makes the process slow and complex and reduces the likelihood of success for the Department. We appreciate the reassurance given that those who avail themselves of the loan will not experience any change as a result of the Bill and that it remains the case that the Department will seek to recover the loan only where equity is available at the time of sale or transfer.”
“After that date, support with mortgage interest became a loan that would have to be repaid with interest when the house was sold or transferred. <BR /> <BR />We acknowledge that the change of the support for mortgage interest from a benefit to a loan has been challenging for the Department, particularly in having to maintain parity, despite the fact that there is a difference between land law here and in Britain. Here, it has been compulsory to register a property only since 2003, which means that the regulations drafted in Britain did not provide the necessary legal certainty for the loan on unregistered properties here. Additionally, of course, some properties will have joint owners or a number of owners, all or many of whom are not in the social security system.”
“I thank the Minister for outlining the rationale for bringing the Bill before the House and for the briefing that she provided to the Committee on 4 November. As the Minister and the Chair of the Committee have noted, the Tory Government made the decision at Westminster to end the support for mortgage interest as a benefit in April 2018, and, in line with the parity principle, it was introduced in the North at the same time.”
“is crucial to the impartial nature of the role and should always be at the centre of the decision-making process. The code of practice acts as the guiding principles for the Local Government Auditor, and, as such, it is important that it be robust and stand up to scrutiny. I thank the Minister for bringing the code before the House, and I assure her of my support.”
“The Local Government Auditor has an important role to play in overseeing council financial statements and the dissemination of information contained in yearly financial reports, as well as statutory obligations and some key governance responsibilities. It is therefore important to review regularly the code of practice and to update it where necessary if the situation changes. <BR /> <BR />The independence of the office is critical to reaching an opinion on local institutions and their use of resources. It is welcome that the code of practice is being reviewed in line with regulations to do so every five years. The principle in the code of practice that auditors must carry out their roles:”
“As an MLA for Foyle, I wish the ABC council all the best in its City of Culture bid. Derry's year as the City of Culture in 2013 is still fondly remembered. Minister, what is your assessment of the legacy stemming from Derry's time as the City of Culture?”
“I thank the Minister for the update. We welcome the extension. Other MLAs have mentioned reports that the high street voucher is being used to purchase Amazon and other cards for online spending, which obviously goes against the principle of the card and the boost that it should give to the high street and local economy. Has the Department any way of recording how many online cards have been purchased using the high street voucher scheme?”
“<BR /> <BR />The importance of constructive cross-collaboration in this area cannot be overemphasised, and the all-party group on homelessness, which was established this year and which I was delighted to be able to attend, showcases the importance of developing policy in the area with the lived experience of individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties and homelessness. That should be at the heart of everything that we do. <BR /> <BR />Tackling our housing crisis and ending homelessness for our most vulnerable citizens and for all must be a priority for every Member of the Assembly. Equality in housing cannot wait. It is a moral imperative and is fundamental to delivering a more equitable society post COVID.”
“The status quo is not an option, and Sinn Féin has been vocal in its support for a stand-alone, specific outcome on housing in the Programme for Government, supplemented with indicators to provide a continuous, specific focus on ensuring that every household has access to good, affordable and sustainable homes that are appropriate to their needs. That remains our position. That was a commitment in New Decade, New Approach (NDNA), and that remains the ask of our housing bodies, which work day and daily in the area, including Homeless Connect, Housing Rights and the Federation of Housing Associations.”
“The strategy will provide the long-term basis for sustainable improvements for the entire housing market, with a focus on equality, sustainability and increasing housing supply and housing options for those in greatest need. <BR /> <BR />Over almost the past two decades, the number of people in housing stress has risen by over 1,000 a year. The lack of social and affordable homes has had an impact on students, on young professionals, on workers unable to afford repairs to their homes, on families and on older, more-vulnerable groups and is driving more and more people into insecure, unsuitable accommodation.”
“Our Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has allocated £162 million — the biggest housing budget in a decade — to the Housing Executive to build even more homes. Work has started on over 2,400 homes, smashing the building target by 30%. There has been increased support for co-ownership over the past year, and that has enabled the organisation to help an additional 400 families between last May and this coming March. <BR /> <BR />We currently have the Department for Communities' consultation on intermediate rents, which is looking at alternative avenues to home ownership that are genuinely accessible to and affordable for workers and families. In addition, the Department is leading on the development of the housing supply strategy, which our Minister is bringing to the Executive.”
“<BR /> <BR />At the beginning of the pandemic, it was Deirdre Hargey who not only stepped up to protect renters from eviction but introduced the first of many proposed pieces of legislation, in the form of the Private Tenancies Bill, which proposes not only to ban rent increases in annual contracts but to extend the notice-to-quit period for tenants, to reduce the cost of heating homes for families and workers, to prevent deposits being in excess of one month's rent, and to provide for electrical fire and carbon safety standards in the social and private rented sector. All of those are firm starting points on which we can all expand. <BR /> <BR />We will see the Housing Executive with the power to begin building homes again.”
“I support today's motion, which is fitting, given that it will be a year tomorrow that our Minister outlined in the Assembly the most ambitious and biggest shake-up of housing in the North since 1971, which is the biggest in my lifetime and, I think, in the lifetime of everybody present this afternoon. <BR /> <BR />Our Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey, has not only laid the strong foundation for a much-needed revival of the housing sector but has made sure that we are all together, planning strategically for the future to ensure that every household has access to a good-quality, affordable and sustainable home appropriate to its needs.”
“Those acts are absolutely despicable, and I really hope that those who have been affected receive the love and support that they need at this traumatic time. <BR /> <BR />Collectively, we must do all that we can to ensure that those predatory and abusive individuals in our communities, who are determined to act in such a violent way, particularly towards women, are caught. Women should not feel unsafe when they are out and about in their villages, towns or cities and socialising with their families and friends. It is a worrying trend, and we must all work collectively to ensure that the individuals responsible are caught.”
“I am gravely concerned and disturbed by the reports of drinks spiking in Derry over the last week. A young woman who was socialising in the city was taken to hospital due to her drink being spiked. Over the same weekend, Ulster University received three reports from students who believed that their drinks had been spiked. The PSNI has confirmed that, as a result of social media claims, it was aware that up to five people had had their drinks tampered with in a bar in one night. That may be the tip of the iceberg. It is really difficult to know the true extent of those heinous crimes across our villages, towns and cities. It is extremely worrying and very sad that, in today's society, we must all still be conscious of the potential danger of drink spiking.”
“Does the Minister agree that we must do all that we can to keep the pressures off our health service and health staff over the autumn and winter period?”
“Minister, did the Chief Secretary to the Treasury give any indication about what to expect from the spending review?”
“OK. The financial demands of travelling to the site four days a week is a barrier to the young people who are looking to avail themselves of the opportunity. Will the Minister look at the situation and put in place the necessary support so that those young people can access the opportunities that they deserve?”
“I thank the Minister for her response on extracurricular activities. St Columb's College, in my constituency, was delighted to partner with the Steven Gerrard Academy to add a new innovative course to its post-16 curriculum. It is a full-time BTEC level 3 extended diploma in sport. The course is to be run at a satellite site in Greysteel, where the necessary facilities are available.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. How do the Minister and his Department intend to respond to the rising costs of fossil fuels, including oil, which many people here rely on to heat their homes, and the impact of the costs, which are passed on to people in their homes and/or businesses?”
“— important that we work together to secure equality of opportunity. <BR /> <BR />Finally, it is imperative that we have multi-year funding for the Arts Council, so that organisations are not existing on a year-to-year basis but can engage and sustain strategies —”
“That community learning centre develops skills and development programmes for teachers, youth workers and young people through the use of creative digital technologies. <BR /> <BR />In May, as other Members have mentioned, the Minister established the culture, arts and heritage recovery task force, the role of which was to consider measures to support reopening and recovery and to pave the way for a long-term strategy for our culture, arts and heritage sector. That task force is crucial to ensuring that our arts and creative industries can survive, thrive and flourish. It is —”
“Over the years, those fantastic organisations have done much to nurture and develop talent and inspire others, and they have worked closely within and across neighbourhoods throughout the city to assist in the social, economic and physical renewal of our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. <BR /> <BR />Minister Deirdre Hargey was able to visit one of our fantastic creative learning centres — the Nerve Centre — in July of this year. It provides first-class support to our young people, schools and community groups that wish to access learning opportunities and utilise cutting-edge technology that can boost the creative skills, digital literacy and career prospects of our young people.”