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.”
The complete record
Every one of 955 lines we hold for Deborah Erskine, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 20.
“<BR /> <BR />For weeks in the Chamber, I have heard a lot of fine words about addressing the regional imbalance in Northern Ireland. However, for some, when the fight was over for their council area, they were content. I am not content when parts of Northern Ireland do not get their equal, fair share. Northern Ireland will truly succeed only if all parts are on a level footing. <BR /> <BR />The DUP secured city and growth deals as part of the confidence-and-supply agreement, and we will continue to fight to ensure that Northern Ireland and each part of it gets its level, fair share of funding. I thank my DUP colleagues for continually raising the case at Westminster. My council area was to sign its heads of terms last week, and there was an event in Dungannon with the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Finance Minister.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I want to draw attention to an event happening tomorrow at Westminster that will highlight the importance of two paused growth deals for which we are still awaiting confirmation on funding. As we all know, the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West growth deals are the only two deals in Northern Ireland that are paused by the Labour Government, and it is shameful. The Mid South West growth deal, which is in my area, represents three council areas and had the highest level of investment outside the Belfast region. The Government's decision to pause the deals highlights a compete disregard for those areas. Without a decision to proceed, inequality and regional imbalance will be further widened.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I have dealt with families whose family members have very individual needs. There can be an anxiousness for families when they put their children into facilities. Does the Member agree that there are anxieties about not just the family member but the attached needs and making sure that they are listened to?”
“— on ending the siloed approach in trusts.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is a massive issue, and it will not be easily solved, but I trust that those in the House this evening will support our amendment, which would bring greater focus —”
“<BR /> <BR />Respite and short breaks provision can, at times, be so finely balanced, and, in my constituency, I have seen too many times short breaks pulled at the last minute because of staff shortages and sickness. Furthermore, short-break beds should be ring-fenced for exactly that purpose. How have we got to a scenario where short-break beds are being repurposed? Can the Minister indicate how many have been repurposed in the last year? <BR /> <BR />Commissioning of services must be forward-thinking and not done on an ad hoc basis, which it often feels like. There should not be a postcode lottery in the service provision for families, which, again, I see all too often. If you need treatment or healthcare provision, you deserve to get it no matter where you live.”
“<BR /> <BR />We need effective reporting in trust areas around capacity and activity. We know that because the all-party group on carers tried to find some evidence in relation to capacity and activity reporting. I believe that there is also an attitudinal problem. In my trust area, I have tried for some time to have individual meetings on the issue, and it took some time to get information and for those meetings to happen. <BR /> <BR />There is an unspoken truth that carers will continue to bear the brunt of burnout and caring responsibilities because it is a loved one that they care for. That is true to a certain extent, but, in the many circumstances that I deal with, carers are becoming patients themselves, and they need help fast.”
“Furthermore, can he outline what the learning disability service model will plan to do to achieve more help and support for the families, children and adults whom we are discussing today? <BR /> <BR />Recently, we saw the challenges that exist when caring for a loved one. As has been referred to in the Chamber today, the 'Spotlight' programme, 'I Am Not Okay' was a difficult, brave and challenging watch. It highlighted the situations that families face. The toll that it takes physically and psychologically is immense. If the people who represent the £5·8 billion that is saved in care across Northern Ireland were to stop with immediate effect, the difficulties that are cited by every trust and Department today would be much greater. That is why we owe it to them to do something here and now.”
“There is, naturally, a great love for the people whom they care for, but, some days, it is all too much. <BR /> <BR />We owe our carers such a great deal of gratitude. They save our health service £5·8 billion a year. In my constituency, as has already been referenced, £8 million is saved because unpaid but compassionate people work 24/7 and sacrifice everything to care for the person they love. <BR /> <BR />It does not negate the fact that there are massive challenges in our system. Demand is outstripping supply, and the number of complex cases has increased. Therefore, it is important that strategies such as the children with disability framework and the work stream are finalised soon and the findings implemented as soon as possible. Perhaps the Minister can provide an overview of where that is at the moment.”
“The importance of adequate short-break provision for families and the most vulnerable cannot be stressed enough by those in the Chamber today. It should not be treated as an added extra. <BR /> <BR />I thank those who tabled the motion. For our part, we have included an issue that, sadly, we see too many times as constituency MLAs, which is the removal of services from one trust to another. <BR /> <BR />With the motion, we must recognise and be honest about the situation for carers. Sadly, many of us in the Chamber have dealt with parents in tears who are barely coping, as they have no respite for their children. It is difficult. The children are in their twenties, thirties and forties, yet their parents and carers are completely broken. Unfortunately, we have to be honest that our system has done that to those parents.”
“Developers are saying that they already contribute. We have a number of unadopted sites in Northern Ireland, yet developers say that they have contributed in some way. Is the Minister working on anything to try to combat that?”
“The First Minister rightly said that institutional abuse is a source of shame and that the inquiry focused on the need for truth. She mentioned listening to victims and survivors. It is also a source of shame that, last week in the House, the First Minister refused to say that she believed Máiría Cahill. Will she answer the question this week rather than dodge it: does she believe Máiría Cahill when it comes to the abuse that she endured?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. He mentioned reform of area planning. What does he envisage will be involved in that reform? Will there be a rural needs assessment, with the engagement of the community?”
“That legal challenge will cost the Department millions of pounds. What knock-on impact will that have on the budget and, indeed, the ability to deliver projects? We could see projects being cut in order to pay for litigation. <BR /> <BR />It is clear that the MOT saga continues. The public will, rightly, want to know how and why that has come to be.”
“Many in the Chamber will have heard it said in the past that those test centres would give a major boost to DVA work streams and deal with MOT backlogs. Instead, the delays in getting those test centres up and going caused the Minister to implement temporary exemption certificates from June. While we can see that that has eased some of the backlog issues, this fresh crisis in MOT testing raises many questions for the Minister. When will we see these new test centres open for MOTs? What impact will this have on other test centres. Could we see an impact on contracts for other test centres? What measures will have to be put in place should the legal challenge take longer than the duration of the temporary exemption certificates? Now, more than ever, the Assembly is conscious of budgetary pressures.”
“I bring the attention of the House to something that has been bubbling under the surface for quite some time and will have a major impact on drivers in Northern Ireland: the news that the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has terminated its contract with Worldwide Environmental Products Inc, which was to service the new test centres at Hydebank and Mallusk. It now seems clear that a legal challenge will ensue between the Department for Infrastructure and the company. As we all know, legal challenges do not resolve themselves quickly. It is wishful thinking to believe that the legal issues will be resolved within the four-month period of the new procurement process, which seeks to employ a new company to resolve the equipment issues. <BR /> <BR />The new test centres were to take a capacity of over 200,000 vehicles per year.”
“I know that the Minister has addressed meetings by video message in recent days, but can you indicate whether you have been informed that the Minister is available today or when she plans to offer reassurance in person to women and girls in Northern Ireland?”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Donaghadee. Should that become a murder investigation, she will be the fifth woman murdered in Northern Ireland in six weeks. <BR /> <BR />The Justice Minister was unavailable to come to the House yesterday to address Members on that very issue. Mr Speaker, have you had any indication that she plans to make a statement today? There is a need for leadership and to reassure women and girls that the Executive, particularly the Department of Justice, are listening and will respond to those concerns quickly.”
“<BR /> <BR />The PSNI is asking the community to be vigilant and to ensure that they secure their property on rural farms. Recently, I met the PSNI locally. We discussed the recent spate of agricultural thefts. Yesterday morning, I spoke to the police about incidents over the weekend. Police have urged the public to take up the offer of policing and community safety partnership (PCSP) trailer marking to act as a deterrent, ensure that CCTV is in working order, keep machinery stored safely away at night and, most importantly, report any suspicious activity or incidents of theft. They appeal to anybody with information — I appeal to them from the Chamber today — to bring that information to the police. If you see suspicious activity, please report it, because it may be crucial in helping to catch those responsible.”
“In recent weeks, there has been a marked increase in rural crime, including agricultural machinery theft, in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. The effect of that on farmers and the rural community is devastating. As I have said many times in the Chamber, many in our farming communities are at breaking point. Costs have risen, and poor weather has contributed to a perfect storm in farming communities. Then, the actions of a few thieves who come along and destroy a farm operation causes added stress to farming families. That is deplorable. This weekend saw a number of separate thefts of agricultural machinery. Between September and October, a high volume and value of machinery has been stolen, including tractors, quad bikes, power tools, a topsoil screening machine and strimmers. Damage was also caused to an excavator.”
“Thank you. A key concern of landowners who live along the A5 that has come up time and again is the purchase of land for developmental versus agricultural reasons. Will that be a consideration of her Department for other road infrastructure projects?”
“I declare an interest in that my husband's family lives along the A5.”
“I thank the Minister and the Executive for what they have been doing on the Mid South West growth deal and, indeed, the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deal. They are an economic game changer and catalyst. I appreciate that the Minister will have some vested interest in the issue for her area. What is her assessment of the NIO's willingness and ability to lobby effectively on the issue to ensure that the money is drawn down and the pause is lifted? It is vital for the two affected council areas. We have a situation in which two council areas are missing out. What is her assessment of the NIO's —”
“However, it must be recognised that significant work is required to get us to 100% zero-emissions vehicles by 2035, including developing our charging infrastructure and increasing the connectivity of our public transport network. <BR /> <BR />To conclude my remarks as Chairperson, I can advise that, having considered the evidence received, the Committee agreed at its meeting on 2 October to recommend that the statutory instrument be approved by the Assembly.”
“It is fair to say that members felt some reassurance about the legislation after hearing from departmental officials on 2 October, and it would be interesting to know whether officials were similarly able to provide the NFDA with clarity regarding its concerns. <BR /> <BR />All Members will be aware that the commitments contained within the Climate Change Act are statutory obligations that will require decisive and timely decisions to afford the Executive the best opportunity to meet them. Whilst this order may be only one of a number of steps needed to help us achieve these goals, it is nonetheless a significant step.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee notes from the evidence that it has received that Northern Ireland represents 2% of the total of new vehicle sales in the UK. Therefore I am not persuaded that Northern Ireland not joining the scheme would, in itself, be the determining factor for manufacturers to consider withdrawing from Northern Ireland or, indeed, the wider UK market. In their evidence to the Committee, DFI officials advised that no other body has raised concerns similar to those of the NFDA. They indicated that they were due to meet NFDA representatives at some point after their attendance at Committee. It would be helpful if the Minister was able to provide an update of any meeting that may have taken place between his officials and the NFDA.”
“<BR /> <BR />The statutory instrument will ensure that the four UK jurisdictions operate under one scheme. The Committee questioned officials to understand the impact of diverging from the requirements of the scheme, as suggested by the NFDA. In response, officials said that, if the statutory instrument was not approved here, simultaneous consideration of the amendment to include Northern Ireland in the scheme could not be progressed in England, Scotland or Wales, as is required, and different legislation would have to be drafted for the other jurisdictions, leaving Northern Ireland out. Importantly, it would also mean that DFI would have to assume the administrative duties for the CO2 regulations that are currently undertaken by the Department for Transport. The cost for that would be around £500,000 per year.”
“For example, manufacturers can use CO2 emissions credits to offset zero emission vehicle targets. They can also borrow from future years to meet their targets; trade with other manufacturers by buying or selling targets; or bank excess credits to use in future years. <BR /> <BR />In its written and oral evidence, the Department indicated that manufacturers are highly supportive of Northern Ireland being included in the scheme, as it will simplify their operations and mean that they will not have to adhere to different regimes across the jurisdictions. Officials highlighted the fact that manufacturers participate in the vehicle emissions trading schemes operational user group and are overwhelmingly keen for our inclusion to allow a more seamless flow of vehicles in the UK market.”
“EVANI also noted that the aim of achieving 100% electric new vehicle sales by 2035 would remain and argued that a two-to-three-year delay at the start would likely have the effect of creating a much steeper and more challenging path towards the end of the mandate to catch up with the rest of the United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />On 2 October, departmental officials attended the Committee and responded to the NFDA's concerns. They highlighted the fact that the target for manufacturers applies across the UK as a whole and that no one location or dealer will specifically be required to reach 28% in 2025. It could therefore be the case that lower sales in one region will balance higher sales in another, with the overall target still being met. The officials also highlighted flexibilities in the scheme by which manufacturers can meet their targets.”
“entirely. <BR /> <BR />The NFDA also highlighted concerns on type approval. Without diminishing the seriousness of that issue to the industry, we note that it sits outside the fundamental purpose of the statutory instrument that we are discussing. Whilst it merits wider discussion between the industry and the UK Government, it is outside the remits of the Committee, the Assembly and the Executive. <BR /> <BR />The Committee received further written evidence from EVANI in response to the NFDA's evidence. Among other things, it questioned how a grace period would align with the proposal to introduce gentler targets for Northern Ireland.”
“EVs. <BR /> <BR />The NFDA also proposed what it referred to as "a gentler profile of targets", although 2035 would remain as the target for the achievement of 100% electric new vehicles. The targets in the intervening years would be realigned: for example, instead of the 28% electric vehicle target for new car sales in 2025, in line with the rest of the UK, the Northern Ireland target could be 18%. The NFDA advised that there is serious concern amongst the dealer network that the automotive industry in Northern Ireland could collapse. More widely, it advised:”
“The NFDA highlighted the fact that it wishes to see a grace period for the introduction of VETS in Northern Ireland to allow dealerships time to increase supply and stock. When asked how much of a grace period NFDA wanted to see, the representatives stated that their preference was "as long as possible" but that two to three years would allow the charging infrastructure to be developed to:”
“It is clear that we need more investment in this area, particularly when we are introducing targets for manufacturers that will impact on our local dealerships and the driving population here. Better charging infrastructure will encourage more motorists to switch to EVs and will help with meeting the targets. I welcome the investment made to date by private charging operators, which has seen an increase in the number of fast chargers available to our motorists, but Northern Ireland's inclusion in VETS would provide certainty and will be a catalyst to attracting and promoting further private investment in our charging infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />As mentioned, the Committee also heard from representatives of the NFDA.”
“<BR /> <BR />The vehicle emissions trading scheme that is being considered today introduces graduated targets that require manufacturers to increase the percentage of new electric car or van sales each year, setting out a pathway to full net zero emissions by 2035. Targets for zero-emission vehicle sales will be set at 28% for 2025 and increase yearly until 2035, at which point it will be 100%. <BR /> <BR />The move to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales will not be straightforward. We know, for example, that there are concerns about the availability of public charging infrastructure, and that impacts on consumer confidence. In oral evidence to the Committee on 18 September, EVANI highlighted that Northern Ireland's public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles lags well behind that in England, Scotland and Wales.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Minister outlined, VETS has been in place in the rest of the UK since 3 January this year. A joint consultation for what was then known as the zero-emission vehicle mandate scheme was undertaken by other legislatures in Great Britain and the Department for Infrastructure in the absence of an Executive in 2023. The Department advised the Committee that manufacturers stated clearly that they wanted to see Northern Ireland included in the scheme. However, the absence of an Assembly meant that the legislation could not have been implemented here at that time in line with other jurisdictions. Northern Ireland is, therefore, under a different regime for CO2 emissions targets. The Department states that those targets are set to become significantly tougher to meet in 2025.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Committee for Infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />The Committee was first briefed by the Department for Infrastructure's transport and decarbonisation officials on 22 May on the proposal to lay legislation that will bring Northern Ireland into the vehicle emissions trading schemes. At the outset, I place on record the Committee's appreciation to the departmental officials, who appeared before the Committee at particularly short notice on one occasion and provided timely responses to the issues in the course of our consideration of the legislation. I also place on record the Committee's thanks to the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and the Electric Vehicle Association Northern Ireland (EVANI) for their evidence on the issue.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. This is a starting opportunity. I appreciate what the Member across the Chamber has just said: I feel strongly about Fermanagh and South Tyrone, as well. I have mentioned the loss of the 300 BT jobs to the Minister. It is important that we have investment and employment opportunities. Will he consider and ensure that there will be further opportunities for Fermanagh and South Tyrone? What barriers do we need to work on removing to alleviate any problems and help him attract jobs to Fermanagh and South Tyrone?”
“Minister, I asked this: will you directly apologise to the British Heart Foundation?”
“In response to my colleague Mrs Dodds, the Minister listed a raft of things. This matter should be taken very seriously, and, as has been mentioned in the Chamber today, public confidence is key. I do not feel that the question has really been answered today, so I will ask it again. How can the public have confidence that the oversight of health professionals is any better today than it was in 2016?”
“Safeguarding is vital. In light of the HR manager still being a party member, will the First Minister give an assurance to the House that anyone who is engaged in or has assisted in the cover-up of sexual abuse or anyone who has shielded or shields a perpetrator by not passing on details of abuse will be suspended from the membership of Sinn Féin?”
“I welcome the fact that the Minister said that the scheme will not be limited to any one part of Northern Ireland, so I put in my bid now for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Where will intermediate rent homes be delivered? To where does he hope to have them allocated?”
“The investment strategy is important in order to ensure that capital projects can drive investment to Northern Ireland. FDI in Northern Ireland has been a success story. What more can we do to work with the Government to showcase Northern Ireland and maximise opportunities in order to attract more investment to Northern Ireland? How can that be tied into the investment strategy?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement on this flagship Executive project. I also thank him for taking the time this morning to brief me, as Chair of the Infrastructure Committee. That was much appreciated. <BR /> <BR />The Minister has helpfully set out the next steps, and, as stated, those will be considered by the Committee. I am sure that we will play our part in examining the enabling orders as required. The cost of the project is expected to be in the region of £1·2 billion and will provide a much-needed boost to the construction sector, but what assurance can the Minister give that the required funding across the life of the project will be secure to ensure road safety and provide certainty to the construction sector? I note that the Ballygawley to Aughnacloy and the Newbuildings sections could take some time to come to fruition.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. He will be aware that one of the key challenges here in providing affordable and social housing is the difficulties in our planning system and our waste water treatment capacity. Areas at capacity include the likes of Enniskillen in my constituency, and there is an ever-growing housing need there. What discussions is the Minister undertaking to solve those matters so that the Department can push forward on any housing strategy?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. He will be well aware that, as we go out of the Chamber, there will be misinformation about what goes on underneath hospital roofs. I welcome that he has confirmed that no acute hospital will close. Can he confirm, as, I am sure, he will, that the plan will stabilise services and attract workforce to rural hospitals such as the SWAH, where it can be difficult to attract a workforce? Will he reassure the public that transport links, which I have raised with him before, will be developed as part of the programme of work? Missed appointments cost the health service as well.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. How can we ensure that investment in such areas will be for the long term rather than a white elephant? As has been mentioned, better infrastructure, not just incentives, is required in order to attract businesses. Does he have evidence from other places where regional balance has been a government policy for overall economic growth?”
“— due to a road traffic collision. We need to ensure that we send the programme's strong message to Share the Road to Zero.”
“It is disgraceful that people disregard the regulations of our roads. Everything can change in an instant — in a split second. <BR /> <BR />We must make sure that no families have to suffer the pain and loss of a death —”
“I cannot say strongly enough from the Chamber that, as road users, we all have a duty to make sure that there is safety on the roads. Our choices on the roads can make the difference between whether you or someone else gets home safely to their family. Improving roads in order to ensure that they are safer can go only so far: it is down to each of us and our own decision-making. <BR /> <BR />I travel quite a bit on the roads — on the Westlink, the M1 and roads across Fermanagh and South Tyrone. It is astonishing to see people putting on their make-up, eating their breakfast and using their mobile phone while driving. Recently, somebody told me that they had seen somebody reading a book while driving. As an MLA, each week, I get a number of queries from constituents highlighting the speed of drivers on the roads.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. <BR /> <BR />Sadly, people in many homes across Northern Ireland are grieving today due to the tragic loss of a loved one on our roads. The shock of that never leaves you. There is an empty seat at the table and missed family events. Those people cannot be replaced. In my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, there have been three fatalities in the space of approximately 10 days. Communities and families have been plunged into heartbreak and grief. I publicly send my condolences to those families and to all those across Northern Ireland who are in that position. <BR /> <BR />Recently, the Executive launched their road safety programme. It is important that we take that seriously and implement it. Unfortunately, the level of fatalities on the roads brings it into sharp focus.”