Deborah Erskine
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, you did not mention the removal of the zero-detriment policy, which is a concern that I have. That is worrying for anybody who sits in the Chamber, and for the construction industry in particular.”
“I thank the Minister for his comments about the Western Trust's chair. I, too, pass on my sympathies to his family. <BR /> <BR />Minister, we had the pause to the emergency general surgery consultation process last July. You asked the trust to provide a vision plan.”
“Quality assurance is really important when looking at roads. A number of us in the Chamber could take you to potholes that we have raised with the Department that have been fixed but have then reopened within a matter of days, meaning that we have had to go back into the portal to raise it with DFI staff again.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement and hope that she enjoyed her visit to Enniskillen. The statement mentions moorings. I want to focus on the Fermanagh end of the Ulster canal. I have received communication about accessible jetties and ensuring that jetties and moorings are up to standard.”
“<BR /> <BR />That was laid bare last Wednesday when representatives from the ICRIR said that they had written to the Irish Government 11 or 12 times without receiving any form of reply from them. That is shameful.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is interesting that, for years, Sinn Féin has called on the UK Government to provide information, yet its silence on the Irish Government is deafening. There are people who sit in the Chamber who know exactly the truth about what happened, yet they are prepared to lie about their involvement in the IRA.”
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“It is clear that we need someone to oversee this, so that we are not looking at the same situation in another two years. <BR /> <BR />The reviewer's main role, as I understand it, is to oversee the autism strategy, but, throughout the autism strategy, as it was published, there are repeated references to its being an advocacy role. I want to make it clear that that is not what the role was intended to be. We already have lots of fantastic autism advocates throughout Northern Ireland, who are very clear on what is needed to support autistic people. This role is very different. It concentrates on monitoring, evaluating and ensuring that the autism strategy is delivered properly this time. I ask the Minister to confirm when the autism reviewer role will begin.”
“In addition, we still do not have an autism reviewer in post. It has been more than two years since the legislation was passed, and the autism reviewer role was a key requirement. Why are we dragging our heels when it comes to that vital role? Minimal funding is needed for the post, and given that the post requires only 10 days per month, I am at a loss as to why an autism reviewer is not in place at this time, particularly as the role should be seen as a key component for the strategy's overall success. The legislation lists the many important functions that the autism reviewer will perform, some of which are:”
“<BR /> <BR />For me, however, the biggest failure and most obvious omission is that there are few to no measurable targets throughout the entire strategy. To put it simply, if we do not have measurable targets, how will we know whether we are turning the curve on any commitments that are listed in the strategy? Various commitments in the strategy have targets set against them with a baseline against which to measure. This is more than just common sense. The need for measurable targets is very clearly stated in the Autism (Amendment) Act. Section 3 states:”
“An autism strategy has been developed in consultation with the autism community, which is a prerequisite in the legislation, and a number of commitments are outlined in it. However, when I read through the new autism strategy, which was released in December 2023, I was frustrated, because it is clear that it does not truly reflect the Autism (Amendment) Act 2022. In fact, some areas seem to have been completely disregarded. For example, there are no plans in the strategy to address the mental and emotional well-being of autistic adults or to reduce waiting times for autism assessment and treatment services for children. I am sure that we all agree that those are vital services for autistic people and their families.”
“It focused on specific areas of support, such as early intervention, training, employment, education and social opportunities, but it seems that, in the past couple of years since the legislation was passed, very little has been done to progress that vital legislation.”
“It should therefore be acknowledged that the legislation must take precedence over any strategies or initiatives that Departments are developing. For example, autistic people should never be shoehorned into strategies that will not be able to offer them the tailored supports that they need. For example, the i-THRIVE programme seems to be a general emotional well-being programme, rather than one that develops proper mental health supports for autistic children. <BR /> <BR />The Autism (Amendment) Act was to provide the basis for a robust autism strategy that would provide lifelong services for autistic people.”
“As the proposer of the motion, as well as vice chair of the all-party group (APG) on autism, I express my disappointment at the lack of progress being made on the implementation of the Autism (Amendment) Act 2022. So much work and energy went into ensuring that the legislation had the right content, work done by my party colleague Pam Cameron, who sponsored the Bill, the Health Committee at the time, the all-party group on autism and, of course, Autism NI, which led the lobby for the Bill. <BR /> <BR />The Autism (Amendment) Act is legislation of which Northern Ireland should be really proud. Nowhere else in the United Kingdom, let alone the world, is there single disability legislation that is as comprehensive as this.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. What percentage of vehicles that require a test over the next 12 months do the 115,000 eligible vehicles represent? Is the Minister confident that capacity will have been increased sufficiently to manage when those vehicles re-enter the testing regime? Can he assure the House that the measures that are being taken will result in a sustainable long-term solution to the problem, so that we are not in the same position at the end of the mandate?”
“The Secretary of State pushed for a consultation on proposals to reduce the compensation by up to 25%. I warn of the consequences of introducing such a measure. It may seem alluring to some in the Chamber to save up to £9·3 million for the public purse. However, the contribution to GDP by NI cattle and sheep farmers is cited to be worth £2·8 billion. <BR /> <BR />Deal with the problem. That is my thinking and the thinking of farmers the length and breadth of Northern Ireland. I want the Minister to bring forward his assessment of the consultation and a plan to tackle bovine TB as soon as possible. We need to stand by our farming community.”
“<BR /> <BR />For those who are not aware of what that means for farmers, I suggest that you get out and visit some who have been hit. Farmers are left without an income or the ability to sell their animals at a time of rising costs, never mind the toll of seeing your livestock being loaded onto a trailer to be culled. I cannot imagine that feeling. <BR /> <BR />Bovine TB takes away any form of control on how you can operate your farm. There are those who see the figures paid out in compensation to farmers who lose a herd to TB and think that it is sufficient. Yes, animals are assessed at the market value by DAERA staff, but there is no allowance for the subsequent loss of milk production or progeny. That has a serious impact on farm finances.”
“Bovine TB is destroying farms across Northern Ireland. I am calling on the AERA Minister to move at pace to bring forward a plan on how he is going to deal with that scourge. <BR /> <BR />Farmers are under intense pressure, and bovine TB hits their farms through no fault of their own. The AERA Minister must meet the needs of farmers and defend their livelihoods. I know of family farms, especially in my constituency, that are at breaking point. In 2003, my area had some of the highest incidences of bovine TB in Northern Ireland, with a herd incidence rate of 12·6%. That was the second highest rate in Northern Ireland, behind only that in Newtownards. In my constituency, 96 herds were closed up in January and February of this year alone.”
“My party colleague Alan Robinson highlighted the fact that 2% of respondents to a Barnardo’s poll said that they would consider fostering. He questioned, very validly, why that might be. Mr Donnelly pointed out the differences in social care across the UK and, indeed, in Northern Ireland and said that more value needs to be placed on foster care. <BR /> <BR />The very clear message from the Chamber today is about the value of our foster carers and the need for implementation in order to provide more for people on the ground and to ensure that we enrich the lives of children and young people.”
“He noted the lack of government, but this issue has been on the cards for quite some time. As the motion states, the number of children and young people in care in Northern Ireland is at its highest level since 1995. It was an issue in 1995, as it is today. There are fewer people who are willing to foster. We need to deal with it. We need to implement the strategies that are in place. I remind Mr Chambers that the Department of Health has a budget of over £7 billion, so we need to be able to invest in this area appropriately and properly. Other Members pointed to that. <BR /> <BR />Mr McGrath, who was in those meetings alongside me, said that foster care is a vocation and that we need to ensure that the right children are placed with the right family. He pointed to the work of Professor Ray Jones and the implementation of his report.”
“I thank my constituency colleague Mr Elliott for pointing out the issue of social workers. Something that came out of those Zoom calls was the fact that social workers come and go quite a bit. That has an impact on stability for foster carers and their ability to support the children in their care. They feel that, sometimes, they have to go way back to the start when a new social worker comes into place. That was a huge frustration that came out in some of those conversations. Mr Baker pointed out the need to close the gap and ensure that each child reaches their full potential. That is exactly what we want to ensure that we do for the many children who need foster care. <BR /> <BR />Mr Chambers pointed out the lasting impact that foster carers can have.”
“Mrs Dodds outrightly said that this should be a call to action today. This should be about implementation. I think that it was Miss McAllister who rightly said that we have had review after review, time and time again. It is time for implementation. People are tired of hearing about reviews and one thing and another; they just want help and support in the community. We have the documents: let us implement them. The Minister will know. I know that we are working through the budgets, but there is bound to be modelling in relation to social workers and the need that is out there.”
“A highly trained and experienced family support foster carer can step up if a family needs additional support and then step down when things improve again, and that might give holistic help to families. <BR /> <BR />I want to touch briefly on some of the points that Members raised. My colleague Mrs Dodds pointed out rightly at the outset the care, love and attention that foster carers give to young people who are in the most difficult circumstances and are vulnerable. She also pointed out that Foster Care Fortnight will happen in May: I hope that Members will all try to promote that in the Chamber, as we need to encourage people in our constituencies to take up that important role of foster carer.”
“If nothing else comes out of the Chamber today, the value that we should place on the people who provide that in communities is certainly recognised. <BR /> <BR />In the debate, Members have pointed to the inconsistencies in the social care systems and processes across trusts that lead to inequality of provision. We must ensure that there is no postcode lottery. <BR /> <BR />One way in which to provide support is through the Step Up Step Down initiative. Linda Dillon mentioned it towards the end of her contribution. That initiative is being trialled by the South Eastern Trust. It could be expanded Province-wide. I understand that it is being introduced in Wales. The foster care role in the Step Up Step Down programme provides intensive work alongside birth families to build up skills, capacity and networks.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank my colleagues who tabled the motion. It is an important motion. As we have heard in the Chamber, the value that foster carers have in society must not be underestimated. When I came to the Assembly, the Health Committee looked at the Adoption and Children Bill, which was a huge piece of legislation. As a member of the Health Committee at that time — I am looking across the Chamber at other Members who were there during that time — we had informal meetings with foster carers and young people. I have to say that the Zoom calls with those people were some of the most enriching meetings that I had during my time on the Health Committee, because what they really showed in those Zoom calls was the love, care and attention that they give to young people in our community.”
“I welcome what the Minister said about warmer homes. That is important. What more can be done to retrofit existing housing stock with renewable energy solutions, taking into account what the Minister has already said?”
“That is why, today, representatives across the political spectrum and across parties are coming together across the UK jurisdictions to call on the Health Ministers to tackle the issues through systematic change and a comprehensive national brain tumour strategy that covers the whole patient pathway.”
“That is a staggering reality, yet there have been few clinical breakthroughs compared with other diseases, with treatment options still mostly limited to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, all of which are tough on patients. There are also difficulties in getting a diagnosis. The Brain Tumour Charity carried out a survey that indicated that 41% of respondents said that they had visited their GP three times or more before getting a diagnosis. There needs to be an improvement in our health service for patients with a brain tumour in diagnosis, care, treatment and research.”
“Today, across the UK devolved regions, there is a campaign by the Brain Tumour Charity to ask all locally devolved Health Ministers to introduce a national brain tumour strategy. In late February, the Brain Tumour Charity launched an open letter addressed to the four UK Ministers. Within just three weeks of that letter going live online, it had exceeded its target of obtaining 40,000 signatures and had reached over 52,000 before it closed on 15 April. Today, Members of the Assembly have jointly written to our Health Minister to ask him to work on and implement a national strategy. <BR /> <BR />Brain tumours remain the biggest cancer killer of those under 40.”
“One pollution incident within 10 years is pretty shocking. How effective does the Minister think his Department is at engaging with the NIEA and Northern Ireland Water to solve the pollution problem? NI Water causes overspills into our waterways, which is a damning indictment where our waterways in Northern Ireland are concerned. How effectively does the Minister's Department work with NIEA?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I look forward in earnest to hearing it. The new test centre at Hydebank has been hailed as one of the places that will ease some of the backlog, but I am not so sure about that. Will he give me a timeline for when that centre will open?”
“The Minister recently provided evidence about private investigators investigating certain incidents. What is the exact extent of the work of those private investigators? Is it in relation to personal injury or vehicle damage? When does his Department employ those people?”
“I thank him for all the laughs and joy that he has spread on social media about Northern Ireland, even in the glorious rain.”
“He has been to Belleek Pottery, and he has met the Archbishop of Armagh, Olga in the Derg Arms and our very own deputy First Minister. He has celebrated people the length and breadth of this place. He even showcased the work of Gerry from Northern Ireland Water, who was collecting samples from Lough Erne. <BR /> <BR />Northern Ireland is a place to visit. Who, 30 years ago, would have thought so? We have come a long way in opening our doors and showcasing ourselves to the world. We should support and encourage our tourism and hospitality sector in what are challenging circumstances. <BR /> <BR />Timmy has made me very proud of Northern Ireland over the past few weeks. He has showcased Northern Ireland in a way in which no tourism strategy ever could.”
“I take the opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland and the fabulous, unique tourism product that is its people. One man has shown that spirit of friendliness and hospitality as he weaves his way around on his circumnavigation of Northern Ireland: Timmy Mallett. <BR /> <BR />Timmy has a real zest for life. Over the past number of weeks, he has showcased Northern Ireland to his social media followers across the world in the most enthusiastic way. Going off the beaten track, he has spent his time acquainting himself with our history and way of life. He spent quite a bit of time in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Can you blame him? It really is one of the most beautiful parts of Northern Ireland. He has found a friend in John from 'The Impartial Reporter'.”
“They are squeezed by margin pressures and energy costs, to name but two issues, and the well-being of our farmers and their families cannot be ignored. I also pay tribute to Rural Support and other agencies that are doing what they can to support the mental health and well-being of families, but our rural community is in peril at this moment because of the pressures. It is, naturally, a critical part of food production and also of our economy. From the Chamber, I pay tribute to the members of the farming community, who are doing what they can in difficult circumstances. Specifically, I say this to farmers: if you are struggling, please do not feel alone. Please do not be afraid to reach out and seek help.”
“I will speak on a matter that affects a large proportion of the population of Northern Ireland and, indeed, the majority of my constituency: support for farmers. All of us are fed up with the rain and the weather, and none of us can control it, but it is a particular concern for our farming community. Crops have been destroyed in parts of Northern Ireland, and weather can also be a huge factor in relation to slurry. The stress and anxiety on the farming community are huge right now, and I pay tribute to the likes of the Ulster Farmers' Union, which has pushed the need for leniency from banks and for extra support for the farming community. <BR /> <BR />Farmers are caught in a perfect storm.”
“We must ensure that our public services are properly funded to carry out the work that the people of Northern Ireland rightly deserve.”
“Public transport is infrequent in many rural towns and villages and needs significant investment. Another of those aspects is the carrying out of health reform, for which we will set up regional centres of excellence and ask people to travel for their appointments. We must ensure that the aims and ideas for health transformation, as set out in the Bengoa report, are reflected in better transportation not only from a public transport point of view but from a road safety perspective. <BR /> <BR />There are, undoubtedly, challenges facing our overall Budget position. It is important that we get it right. Further to that, it is important that we are innovative in how we do business and that we take hard decisions.”
“Without adequate funding, it will be impossible to deliver on some of the essential things such as social and affordable homes, boosting our economy by providing more jobs in, for example, the construction industry and environmental improvements. In yesterday's debate about funding for Northern Ireland Water, we heard that Northern Ireland potentially has thousands of overspills that contribute to pollution in our waterways. There is a need, therefore, to look at the matter in the context of Lough Neagh and other areas; I raised that with the First Minister during Question Time, yesterday. <BR /> <BR />Not least of the essential aspects is decarbonisation: ensuring that we meet our net zero targets by getting people to switch to public transport. That is a significant challenge in my constituency and in rural areas.”
“If we want to realise the ambition of increasing uptake of public transport, future investment is an absolute priority. <BR /> <BR />The Committee is keen to work collaboratively with the Minister for Infrastructure and with the Department to identify ways to deliver the services that our communities need. I recognise that financial pressures will constrain ambitions, but I am confident that the Committee will endeavour to nurture a positive relationship in seeking to identify solutions to the challenges that we undoubtedly face. <BR /> <BR />I will make some brief remarks as DUP representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Infrastructure is the bedrock of Executive delivery on aspects of the Programme for Government and its projects.”
“<BR /> <BR />Turning to transport matters, I welcome the investment made to increase testing capacity. That increase arises from the new centre at Hydebank and the development of a new transport hub in Belfast. If the forecasts are accurate, we will see a significant increase in passenger numbers, which will assist in the transition from private vehicles to public transport. That is critical if we are to deliver on the commitments arising from the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. It is also critical, however, that sufficient consideration be given to projects that are not solely Belfast-centric. Naturally, I recognise that, as a capital city, Belfast needs the necessary infrastructure, but the need for investment in other regions should not be understated.”
“From the evidence that has been received, it is clear that the Department faces a number of very significant challenges, particularly in maintaining and updating our water and waste water network and in delivering timely MOT services for motorists and vehicle dealerships at the point of need. <BR /> <BR />Evidence to the Committee has highlighted the stark reality that much of our water infrastructure desperately requires substantial work to provide capacity in the system for communities and businesses. That work will, however, require significant capital investment to ensure that our infrastructure is fit for purpose, to deliver for existing users, to provide for the construction of new homes and businesses and to attract new investment to develop and grow our economy.”
“<BR /> <BR />I concur with the Minister for Infrastructure's assertion that our infrastructure plays an important role in the daily life of people, the community, the environment and the economy. I am confident that, over the coming weeks, the Committee will wish to review in detail the Department's financial performance for the 2023-24 financial year once the final out-turn figures have been published. <BR /> <BR />Turning to the current financial year, I will say that the Committee has received oral and written evidence from the Minister and departmental officials to get a sense of the resource requirements that are needed to deliver the services for transport, water and planning, which we often take for granted.”
“To that end, I welcome the Minister of Finance's previous assurance that this approach will not set a precedent for future financial scrutiny or Budget cycles. <BR /> <BR />Over recent weeks, the Committee has taken evidence covering all aspects of the Department's remit that relates to roads, water and transport. We are all aware that our road network has lacked the required funding to maintain it to the standard that, as road users, we rightly expect. Whilst the Committee welcomed the additional funding allocations to the Department in order to provide additional resource for remedial works to be undertaken, the totality of spending in 2023-24 is still way below the resource requirements that are needed to provide a fully funded road maintenance programme.”
“As already stated, the Assembly finds itself in the unique position of agreeing to the spring Supplementary Estimates for the previous financial year and to the Vote on Account for the current financial year, with a significantly truncated time frame. As a result, the Committee for Infrastructure has not been afforded the opportunity to fully understand and consider the financial position for 2023-2024 and future resource requirements for the Department for Infrastructure in 2024-25. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that Committees have sufficient time to explore, scrutinise and fully understand their respective Departments' financial positions so that they can fully exercise their advisory and scrutiny functions.”
“Those trophies are the product of hard work and dedication not just by the players on the pitch but by the coaches and the scores of volunteers who work tirelessly for the club and the community. <BR /> <BR />Today, from the Assembly Chamber, we say, "Congratulations" to them and "Well done".”
“<BR /> <BR />At the weekend, Clogher Valley rugby club's first men's team, which was only promoted to the all-Ireland league last year, did it again and secured promotion to play in the All-Ireland League 2B next season, which is a fantastic achievement. Whilst the Clogher Valley men were on the pitch at the Cran in Fivemiletown, the ladies were at the Kingspan Stadium playing in the Suzanne Fleming Cup. It was the first final for a team that has been going for only a few years, which was a brilliant achievement for them. Unfortunately, they narrowly lost to Banbridge, but I have no doubt that we have not seen the last of the ladies at a final match. <BR /> <BR />Those clubs do amazing work in our community and have embarked on ambitious community hub projects. They are to be congratulated for that.”
“I would like to say massive congratulations to and highlight sporting successes in my constituency, mainly those of Enniskillen Rugby Football Club and Clogher Valley Rugby Football Club. As a keen rugby fan who has watched many games, I am very pleased to see local teams doing so well in their respective leagues. <BR /> <BR />Enniskillen rugby was victorious on Easter Monday, as the men's first team lifted the Towns Cup in its game against Ballymena. I offer huge congratulations to Enniskillen Rugby Football Club; I know that there was quite a bit of celebration. The Enniskillen ladies' team also has a big match on the horizon, so I wish it well for success later in the month.”
“I thank the Member for raising Thames Water. He will remember that it was asked in Committee whether Northern Ireland Water and Northern Ireland were worse off than England as regards overspills. The answer was yes. That is particularly damning, is it not?”
“Millions are spent on cleaning the NI Water system, which is right, but it is effectively self-harming; it is not sustainable. We must turn the tide before even providing safe drinking water becomes harder. Therefore, I hope that the Assembly will endorse the amendment, which strengthens the argument for investment and change.”
“What discussions has the Minister had around the Executive table to highlight those concerns and fight for investment? <BR /> <BR />The DUP also acknowledges that, as a society and as ratepayers, we must play our role and ensure that we stop any potential impact on the system. Prevention is better than cure. It is right that we reduce the amount of pollutants entering our waterways. However, let us not forget that Northern Ireland Water is the largest landowner in Northern Ireland. Are the public really seeing those assets being used effectively, particularly given the huge sums of money paid to Northern Ireland Water from the public purse? <BR /> <BR />It is crucial that the Minister urgently takes forward the recommendations in recent reports to deal with the issues at hand. It is imperative that we move beyond doing the basics.”
“Addressing the crisis in capacity is a cross-departmental need. For the Department for Communities and the Department for the Economy, without drains, there can be no cranes. Every month that passes without a sustainable approach to meeting current demand for connection to the network leads to further missed opportunities for business expansion, boosting employment and construction and providing new housing for those in need or those wanting to get on to the property ladder. A letter on 6 March to the Infrastructure Committee told of the consequences if we do not invest: 19,000 proposed homes are unlikely to be built, and 55 commercial developments are unlikely to progress, with an estimated impact on 1,500 employees in the agri-food industry.”
“My party pointed out the need to explore the merits of granting NI Water borrowing powers and to ensure that spending on the water network is fair to all communities and regions. The DUP brought a motion to the Assembly in the previous mandate that called for a new strategy to enhance and expand Northern Ireland's water and sewerage infrastructure, with a particular focus on ending regional inequalities. We note with regret the lack of progress to date.”
“<BR /> <BR />The DUP manifesto that I stood on in 2022 called for greater investment but also the need to review how NI Water is funded.”
“It is extremely frustrating that, eight years after the start of major reform agreed between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and NI Water, revised waste water compliance assessment arrangements still have not been implemented. <BR /> <BR />I accept that providing clarity of funding each year would help to plan for the need and for the emergency. Northern Ireland Water does not have medium- or long-term clarity on funding, and the price control process places a heavy emphasis on determining the cost of delivering the various projects but is not linked to any long-term budgetary planning. The NI Audit Office report recommended that DFI and NI Water should complete a comprehensive review of alternative funding and governance arrangements.”
“Unfortunately, the Member is correct. Questions have certainly been raised about that, and I may point to it during my contribution. <BR /> <BR />Some Members may want to focus on the extent of sanctions levelled at farm businesses or to judge their contribution to water pollution incidents, but at least there are penalties. The same level of accountability should be apparent in NI Water, yet there is a perception, rightly or wrongly, that there is a double standard. Concerns around the corrosive impact of stop-start funding and budgets that simply are not big enough, whilst entirely justified, cannot be used as a convenient smokescreen for improving standards and oversight of current services.”