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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“Once more, I suspect that the figure could be higher, given that, in Infrastructure Committee evidence sessions, it was pointed out that we are not sure exactly where all the overflows in the system are, because we failed to provide much-needed investment for camera infrastructure.”
“That is damning. We have failed in how our infrastructure meets the needs and demands of Northern Ireland. The motion is therefore timely. It comes in the wake of fresh Northern Ireland Audit Office reports, one of which is entitled 'Water Quality in Northern Ireland's Lakes and Rivers' and the other, 'Funding water infrastructure in Northern Ireland'. <BR /> <BR />First, on water quality, I want to make the point that, whilst agriculture and businesses contribute to some of the pollution, we cannot escape the fact that one in eight pollution episodes can be linked to Northern Ireland Water, a body that should be intrinsically linked to ensuring best procedure and upholding government policies on protecting the environment.”
“Evidence from Northern Ireland Water was particularly damning in relation to the crisis facing our systems without investment. My sense is that, at the moment, Northern Ireland Water simply carries out the basics. Clean drinking water is provided but, thereafter, challenges remain. As a recent Northern Ireland Audit Office report pointed out, projects related to safe water delivery have tended to be prioritised over investment in infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />I must be truthful: I am not sure that many have fully grasped the level of emergency that we have reached in Northern Ireland Water. We are not hearing alarm bells ringing every day on our air waves, but we should be. On 21 February this year, the CEO of Northern Ireland Water told the Committee:”
“There needs to be a fundamental rethink on how we continue to address the failures that have continued for years. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment seeks to strengthen the motion by pointing out our belief in the need for that additional investment in water and sewerage infrastructure, which is critical to driving the economy and economic growth, ending regional inequalities in provision and protecting the environment. As well as that, we call on the Minister to provide a detailed options paper on restructuring Northern Ireland Water and to consider mutualisation. <BR /> <BR />Recently, the Infrastructure Committee had briefings from Northern Ireland Water and a finance briefing from the Department, and the Minister was at the Committee.”
“I move the amendment to this important motion in my capacity as a DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and not as the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee. <BR /> <BR />Getting our water infrastructure right is essential for development and growing our economy, to ensure that there are social and affordable homes across Northern Ireland and, not least, environmentally, in preventing overspills into our waterways. Furthermore, let us not take for granted the fact that we have clean drinking water. However, we do have a crisis in the here and now. Without the serious and long-term sustainable funding that we need for Northern Ireland Water, we are going to destroy our construction industry, wreck our economy, add to homelessness and continue the pollution of our waterways.”
“The Minister mentioned parental contributions. Obviously, we have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is difficult for families at the minute. Where does the Minister stand on some schools asking for voluntary contributions from parents?”
“The protection of our waterways is, obviously, key to Lough Neagh. However, overspills are an issue in waterways across Northern Ireland, for example, in Lough Erne and the River Blackwater. Will the First Minister ensure that the protection of our waterways will be key in a Programme for Government?”
“I hope that, today, we all take that message on board for the sake of my constituents in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.”
“An independent evaluation of the service completed by Professor Roy McConkey from Ulster University not only evidenced the positive impact of the service but recommended that it should be rolled out across Northern Ireland. We talk of invest-to-save when it comes to our health service: here is a prime example of that, but, without the willingness in Departments to realise this, such services are lost. Today, we are at the end of World Autism Acceptance Week, and it saddens me that we have failed those people. We need to take a reality check. <BR /> <BR />Speaking recently about the service to a local newspaper, one parent said that nothing was impossible because Brighter Futures always looked for the possible in everything.”
“However, fortunately, further money was found by Positive Futures to keep it running for a further two years. That funding stream, like many others in the community and voluntary sector, has dried up. Where does that leave families? It leaves them at breaking point, unable to access in any way the same support through our broken NHS system. Scores of families who have children with autism, ASD and ADHD again have no social worker in place to give them support going forward. It raises the question of how we are in this situation in 2024, because we should support the most vulnerable in society. <BR /> <BR />The crux of the matter is that Brighter Futures provided a service that was cost-effective and able to provide better outcomes.”
“Today, I want to bring the Assembly's attention to the loss of a vital autism service, Brighter Futures, in my constituency. It supported children aged 0-12 years presenting with autism. Upwards of 30 families were supported by the project, which was run by the charity Positive Futures. Before Easter, I met a group of parents, along with the CEO of Positive Futures and staff from Brighter Futures. The need for the service was evident, as was the impact that its loss would have on families and, importantly, children. The stories of the impact that the service had in Fermanagh were incredible. <BR /> <BR />Brighter Futures was originally a five-year project funded by the National Lottery and some Western Health and Social Care Trust funding. The programme finished the five-year cycle in 2022, and I attended the winding-up event.”
“I thank the Commission member for the answer. Last week, we had International Women's Day, and we debated women in politics and increasing the number of them. Has the Commission ever reached out to women MLAs who have had children — quite a few are having children — to see what facilities they may need and what may be needed in the future?”
“Conflicting information constantly comes out in relation to BT. As I said, that is to the detriment of employees. In Enniskillen, we are seeing some jobs being re-advertised already. Again, that creates confusion. I urge the Minister to ensure that he does everything that is in his power to keep those jobs in Enniskillen. The Communication Workers Union has found that the jobs create £9 million for our economy in Fermanagh.”
“Does the Member not recognise that there are also people in Northern Ireland who want to ensure that we have democratic scrutiny of what comes before the Assembly and that it is therefore important that we have input into that as an integral part of the UK?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. When I was at school in Fermanagh, I was involved in shared education-type models, which totally enriched my educational experience. We will have the Brookeborough and Strule campuses in rural areas. They will enrich good relationships and bonding in those areas. It is regrettable that Alliance has failed to recognise that in its motion today. I thank the Minister for his comments, because shared education is enriching the areas that I represent.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Will he recognise that Brookeborough — I thank him for mentioning it — is in a rural border constituency, so the campus would have been important for fostering good relations in my constituency?”
“I thank the Minister for giving way. The point is that we are telling people to travel on roads to access an MOT appointment when their car may be unroadworthy, and that they may be doing that unwittingly. I will just say that there is nothing wrong with travelling to Enniskillen for a test appointment.”
“On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I came to hear the Minister respond to our motion in the Chamber. As I am sitting here, before the debate has even finished, news is breaking online of the proposals that the Minister is going to bring forward. It is really disappointing that it is the case that the media have sight of the proposals that were to be announced today before the House has had an opportunity to hear them from the Minister directly.”
“I thank the Member for letting me intervene. We know that there are issues elsewhere with some of those things, so has the Member thought about what we could do from a Northern Ireland perspective to circumnavigate some of those? We cannot stick our head in the sand and pretend that there are not issues in places such as England, where the MOT is privatised.”
“We must grasp this issue here and now, before the situation gets any worse. I commend the motion to the House.”
“I recognise that there were some 50,000 no-shows, and that is a problem as well. From this Chamber, we have to say, "If you have a MOT appointment, please turn up." We should be drilling down into those figures to find out why such huge numbers of people were not turning up for their MOT appointment. Was it that they got earlier appointments and the system did not correct the cancellations, or were there genuine no-shows? If so, what can we do to lower that number? Not least, do we need a public messaging campaign in relation to the matter? <BR /> <BR />I want to see improvements happen, and I am in solution mode. I want to see an ambitious, costed plan coming forward, whether measures need to be introduced temporarily or whether we need to see measures — we do need to see measures — implemented for the long term.”
“The survey also found that 42% of drivers in Northern Ireland had to wait for a cancellation just to book an MOT slot. When it was possible to book a slot, 43% had to wait more than three months for their appointment. Those figures point to a critical situation. <BR /> <BR />Some drivers also stated that they have to visit their local repair garage for safety checks and other measures. That is right, and we welcome the fact that they are doing that to keep their cars roadworthy. That effectively, however, amounts to having to pay in lieu as well, as another cost added on to a valid MOT. <BR /> <BR />Simply stating that Mallusk and Hydebank will be open and all our problems will disappear is, in some respects, wishful thinking. First, we need staffing capacity in the system, and, secondly, we need the plan going forward.”
“Interestingly, overall, the outcome in relation to private cars and motorcycles was clear, with some 88% and 77% of respondents respectively believing that MOT testing for those vehicle categories should be done on a biennial basis. Yet, at the Infrastructure Committee last week, it was interesting that officials stated that they are not looking into biennial testing at the moment. So, what is the Department doing to tackle this issue? <BR /> <BR />A survey by Northern Ireland's largest price comparison site, CompareNI.com, found that over half of Northern Ireland drivers — 58% — admitted that they were driving on roads past their MOT date as a result of booking issues. That means that more than half of vehicles here could be unroadworthy.”
“I recognise that there is a challenge in that suggestion for the DVA and DFI. They must, however, be in a position to respond to that criticism and demonstrate why services ought to be managed and regulated in the way in which they are. I know that the Minister ruled private testing out yesterday in the media. We need to understand why, because there is an awful lot of public commentary today about privatisation and what that could look like. <BR /> <BR />Although I welcome what the SDLP amendment says, I wonder why we need another call for evidence on biennial testing. The SDLP's former Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, brought forward a call for evidence on the matter in August 2021, the results of which were published in February 2022.”
“<BR /> <BR />Furthermore, where is the regional balance? MOT test centres in the west have not had much investment in the past 10 years. There is genuine concern about regional inequalities, given that public transport routes are often less well developed in those communities. The implications of not being able to secure a test are therefore more profound. The role and value of that public service has been undermined by a failure to show the right leadership to tackle the issue. I place on record my thanks to DVA testing staff for the work that they do. They are carrying out tests seven days a week, and we appreciate that, but something has to change. <BR /> <BR />Many have asked whether a framework based on private vehicle testing would provide better and fairer outcomes.”
“<BR /> <BR />Let us be honest with ourselves: the crisis in MOT testing was brewing before the pandemic. Long-term neglect of the DVA estate initially led to the suspension of testing services in December 2019 and January 2020, owing to problems with lifts. In February 2022, I spoke in the Chamber about the effects of the problems in getting an MOT test, and I am still raising those issues in the Chamber today, particularly those that affect rural drivers and drivers who have to go further to access an appointment. How has the system got to the stage at which drivers may or may not be driving a car that is not roadworthy but may, unknowingly, find themselves on the wrong side of the law, through no fault of their own, because they have to travel such distances for a test? It is, frankly, appalling.”
“We await further testing on those lifts, but that issue raises a number of questions. Again, how have we managed to get to that situation? A crack in testing equipment is a crack, and that is not good enough, no matter what gloss people try to paint over it. The DVA chief executive came out and said that a 72-day wait for an MOT test is now the norm. It should not be, however, and we should not accept that. When we compare the number of full tests conducted at each of the DVA's testing centres in January 2024 with the situation in January 2019, we see that 10 out of the 15 test centre sites were operating at a reduced capacity compared with capacity five years ago. Last week, we were told by the DVA that 1·15 million tests have been carried out — the highest number on record — yet still we have an issue with our MOT testing service.”
“I like to think of myself as someone who is fairly on the ball when it comes to my affairs, but, to be honest, remembering when my MOT test was due was not something that I ever thought about until very recently, when a letter dropped through my door. For months — indeed, years now — I have been dealing with constituents who have been unable to get their MOT test on time. I duly went online to book a test for myself, and none was available anywhere at that stage. We have to ask why we have we got to that situation. That is not to mention the fact that drivers in Northern Ireland have seen an increase in pricing yet are not seeing any bang for their buck, so to speak, when it comes to accessing a test. <BR /> <BR />Last week, we found out that cracks have now appeared in MOT lifts.”
“I declare an interest as someone waiting for an MOT test appointment and in that my husband's has relations who work in the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) system. I make my comments as a Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA and not as Chair of the Infrastructure Committee. <BR /> <BR />The motion is of extreme importance to thousands of people in Northern Ireland. Fairness and timely access to vehicle testing across Northern Ireland is a simple ask. How we ensure that that happens needs to be dealt with. We can no longer hide the fact that our MOT system, as it is, is not fit for purpose. Change and overhaul is due.”
“Lastly, Claire Sugden stressed the need for investment in women in all aspects of civic society. That is a very important point. I will also just say that I saw a lovely photograph of Claire and Indy at the weekend. <BR /> <BR />We, as a Chamber, want to put on record our thanks to the many women in our daily lives who have helped and supported us and got us to this point. I thank Members for their contributions and for the motion.”
“It is really important that we use our voice to speak out for women who do not have a voice.”
“She has been a powerful advocate on it in the Chamber for quite some time.”
“I thank her for pointing out the challenges that some women have overcome in her area. <BR /> <BR />Declan Kearney referred to the situation in Gaza and Israel. I hope that he will join me in condemning Hamas and the torture and rape of women that it carried out. <BR /> <BR />Mike Nesbitt highlighted how difficult it was for women in the TV industry. It actually still is. Particularly when women are commentating on sport, there can be commentary on social media. He also raised an important point about gender budgeting, which, I thought, was interesting. It is something that we could look at in different Departments. <BR /> <BR />Mrs Dillon pointed out historical and institutional abuse. I thank her for her powerful contribution on that. I know that she feels strongly about that issue.”
“<BR /> <BR />The junior Minister Mrs Cameron pointed out that she was the first female mayor in her council area. She also raised the issue of how some people still believe that a woman's place is in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I have also had those comments made to me. When I became an MLA, I was asked how my husband copes without me. My husband copes very well. <BR /> <BR />Diane Dodds made a poignant and valid point in her intervention. Whilst we are talking about the issues that we face here in Northern Ireland, there is a wide world out there, and we have to recognise that we must also work on ensuring that women and girls elsewhere have the same rights and opportunities that we do. I thank her for that. <BR /> <BR />Connie Egan referred to events in her constituency.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention, because he is absolutely right. It helps with education when it comes to tackling issues such as violence against women and girls. I also thank him for pointing out the contribution that Baroness May Blood made to life in Northern Ireland, and that of some of his colleagues in the Chamber, whom he mentioned. <BR /> <BR />Sinéad Ennis highlighted sport. I thank her for bringing that into the debate, because we have all been there. I enjoyed sports as a teenage girl, but, after that, it did not really go anywhere. As you can see by the look of me, I do not go running as much as I ought to. She laid down the gauntlet for us to turn up and support women's teams. That is an important challenge for us all to take on.”
“She also made a valid point about women of faith, who, sometimes, feel that they are on the margins of some women's movements. She mentioned the Ulster Women's Unionist Council. Some of my family members were part of it as well, which also helped to shape my political life. <BR /> <BR />Kellie Armstrong highlighted issues around carers, childcare and poverty, and the need to tackle stereotypes. I welcome Mr Butler's contribution as well. We welcome it and should actually recognise that, whilst it is important that we, as women, tap ourselves on the back, we also need to stand up and say thank you to the men who encourage inclusion and support women.”
“She pointed to the open discussions that we now have about women's health, particularly on topics that were once taboo, and that is brilliant to see. That is really important. Emma Sheerin pointed to the theme of International Women's Day, which is to inspire inclusion. She also pointed to the change that there has been in society, the fact that there is still more work to be done and, of course, the strategies that are coming forward to support and help women. <BR /> <BR />The deputy First Minister pointed out the fact that we are celebrating and marking International Women's Day in so many different ways. It is OK to be feisty and strong as a woman and to put forward your point. I am probably in that category as well.”
“It is about women looking out for women, and I hope that that continues to grow, but not only in the Chamber. It is important that we foster a legacy of mutual understanding and a willingness to work together, and I hope that that will feed out of the Chamber into the rest of society. I also hope that we deal with issues such as childcare, which is an important issue outside and inside the Chamber. We need to deal with that, and I hope that we can do that for all families. <BR /> <BR />I will move on to the contributions that were made during the debate. I thank Cara Hunter, who moved the motion. She pointed to the barriers that have been broken down and the need to do more in society. She also talked about period poverty, which is a huge issue that still needs to be tackled.”
“I do not want to be just a tick box because I am a woman; I want my merits to shine through. It is important to recognise that. Last week, it was very positive to see the photograph of all the female MLAs. In 1998, just 14% of MLAs were women. Today, it is 38%, and we also have the first all-female Executive Office. That is a very powerful statement. <BR /> <BR />I could not stand in the Chamber today without recognising two women who were very influential in my life and who shaped my life in the home and politically. The first is my Granny Armstrong, who taught me the value of fighting for my place in the world and of never giving up in the face of barriers. The second is the first female First Minister of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster, who recognised something in me that I did not. Without her encouragement, I would not be here today.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />On Friday, we celebrated International Women's Day, and, yesterday, we celebrated Mother's Day. This morning, I woke up to a Spice Girls song on the radio. That shows what I listen to in the morning, but it certainly was apt given the motion in the Chamber today. It takes me back to that 1990s movement of girl power. It might seem a bit frivolous to talk about that, but there is something in realising your true potential as a girl and a woman and the positive force for nature that that can be. It is important that we make sure that we have aspiring role models in our society for young girls and women, and it is on all of us in the Chamber, male and female, to ensure that that is the case. <BR /> <BR />I want to ensure that there is true and genuine equality.”
“Recently, Northern Ireland Water came to the Infrastructure Committee, and, during that evidence session, the chief executive said that we are overspilling into our waterways at a significant amount; in fact, she could not detail how many overspills there are in the NI Water system. That is hugely concerning. What is the Minister's Department doing to speak with the Department for Infrastructure, and what is NIEA doing to tackle and deal with that issue urgently?”
“I thank the Minister, and I congratulate her on taking up her post. I have not had the opportunity to formally do that. <BR /> <BR />Antisocial behaviour is a scourge on communities, and that has not been not helped by either the reduction in the numbers of neighbourhood policing teams or the pressures on policing. Can the Minister detail what she is doing to ensure that neighbourhood teams are retained in areas? I welcome the fact that she is working cross-departmentally on that. Can she detail any specific work being done with the likes of the Housing Executive or, indeed, any community and voluntary agencies to deal with antisocial behaviour?”
“It should not be for anyone who drives on that road to be concerned for their safety. It should not be that we worry about near misses happening. Parts of that road are extremely dangerous to drive on. I thank the Member again for securing the Adjournment debate. The A5 is a vital part of the infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Although the new dual carriageway will provide better connectivity, most importantly, I hope that it will deliver a safer way in which to travel for the people who drive on it.”
“It is not just the responsibility of the Republic of Ireland's Government to provide financial support for provision of the public services; it is incumbent on our Executive to work with the UK Government to ensure that we have proper money for infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />Whilst, as I have pointed out, the costs of the project have been increasing, with any new road infrastructure, it is critical that we ensure that there is a high degree of collaboration. We look forward to seeing the report and to reading the views of local landowners, communities and businesses that were fed into the public consultation. <BR /> <BR />That having been said, I hope that we can move forward, because, when I drive on that road, I am literally praying behind the steering wheel. That should not be the case.”
“<BR /> <BR />Whilst we cannot put a price on someone's life, we have to consider the cost of the project. That is a matter of discussion. Money that came recently from the Irish Government was very welcome. The funding announcement was a promise that was first made in June 2007 to the Northern Ireland Executive, which was then led by Dr Ian Paisley. Whilst the overall cost of the cross-border project has significantly increased over the years, I welcome the decision taken by the Irish Government to restore their funding commitment, which they could not honour until now due to the financial crash in the Republic of Ireland. Whilst we welcome that support for genuine cross-border projects, we must demonstrate the mutual benefit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”
“I recognise that we need to ensure that some people, particularly farmers, are properly compensated for the land they own. It is important to recognise that. However, it is equally important that we collectively sympathise with and pay tribute to all those who have lost their life. I cannot begin to imagine the grief of the families who are suffering. <BR /> <BR />I drive the road. Aughnacloy to Ballygawley is a well-known part of the road for me. It is situated in my constituency, and it is an extremely dangerous part of the road. We have to acknowledge that there are drivers who take chances. I was glad that the Infrastructure Minister, during Question Time today, referred to the need to ensure road safety. People take chances, and that is not acceptable. We have to tackle the ignorant driving that happens on our roads.”
“I thank the Member for West Tyrone Nicola Brogan for bringing this Adjournment debate on the A5 to the House. <BR /> <BR />We can all agree that the construction of the A5 is much needed. It is not just about a road for better connectivity; it is about safety for people who travel on that road. We are all cognisant of that fact in the Chamber. Sadly, across the nearly 60 miles of the A5, there have been many fatalities, countless people severely injured and so many more near misses. Homes have been broken and shattered with grief. <BR /> <BR />In July 2007, the Executive agreed to move forward with a plan for the A5. Since then, there have been a number of consultations, legal challenges and reports. I understand the right to challenge proposals.”
“I really welcome the A4, and I hope that progress will now ensue. My question is about the Northern Ireland Audit Office report and the issues that it raised around procurement and the delivery of key infrastructure projects. Can the Minister ensure that the A4 southern bypass will be delivered on time so that there will be no further delay to the scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Of course, the issue is not just about attacks on people: in rural areas such as my constituency, we have seen attacks on livestock, which destroy farmers' livelihoods. Those attacks do not solely involve XL bully dogs. Will the Minister commit to dealing with the issue overall? Will he create more powers for councils to deal with it and protect farmers' livelihoods?”
“Unlike urban centres, we do not have the luxury of global competitors coming in like a knight on a white horse to provide employment for those workers, so today I repeat my call for everybody in this Chamber and the Executive, including the Economy Minister, to prioritise this issue and work together to apply pressure and ensure that these jobs are saved and kept in Enniskillen.”