Aisling Reilly
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As well as thanking every one of the victims and survivors who have contributed, I take the opportunity to also thank the Members of the House past and present and, in particular, the Committee Chair and Committee members, who worked so diligently and carefully to study and examine the Bill, to listen to victims and survivors and to bring…”
“Dealing with that injustice was core to the approach of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Before concluding deliberations on the Bill, I will bring our focus back to the women and children — now adults — their families and all survivors whose experiences have brought us to this point.”
“It is only by addressing the truths hidden in dark shadows that we can begin to properly shine a light on a society that continues to violate and oppress too many women and girls and to make sure that it never happens again and that, together, we commit to breaking the cycle of harm and violence against women and girls.”
“I hope that it now respects and fulfils the wishes of the women and girls who, for many decades, have suffered and been silenced. <BR /> <BR />It is a large, complex and sensitive piece of legislation. It is, no doubt, much more complex legislation than it first appeared, and there were many factors to balance.”
“<BR /> <BR />For some, the prospect of engaging with the inquiry may feel daunting. For that reason, we listened to victims and survivors when they told us that they wanted us to create a dual investigation, so that individuals had the option to engage with an expert independent panel and provide testimony in a different and more informal…”
“I say to the people who are still considering whether to come forward that your testimony matters. To those who have spent years searching for answers, I say that the inquiry will seek those answers.”
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“Despite its not meeting the sustainable enrolment criteria at the gateway stage, the Minister could have used her statutory duty to ensure that Gaelcholáiste Dhoire was placed in the capital announcement plan. Why has the Minister ignored her statutory duty to Irish-medium education and the needs of the Irish-medium sector?”
“You have had your time. I do not think that you need to be given the stage for any more. <BR /> <BR />In a few days from now, the clocks go forward. Hopefully, the two Jims will take that on board and reset their clocks from 1690, 1921 or whatever unionist heyday in which they still bizarrely want us all to live. The days of Gaeilgeoirs and others being treated as second-class citizens are gone forever. There will be no return to the failures, disrespect and abuses of the past. Society is moving on. Try to keep up.”
“I was raised with Irish, the native language of this country, as my first language. I was educated entirely through Irish-medium education. I and other Irish speakers are fully entitled to use our language and to equality of treatment in doing just that. <BR /> <BR />In a few days from now —”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an deis labhairt inniu, ach caithfidh mé a rá gur mór an náire go gcaithfidh mé seasamh anseo sa bhliain 2022 le labhairt ar chearta teanga agus go háirithe ar chearta teanga Gaeilgeoirí. I welcome the opportunity to speak today, but I have to say that it is an absolute disgrace that I must stand in this Assembly in 2022 to defend basic rights for Irish language speakers against the type of prejudice, intolerance and disrespect that is an unfortunate feature of the contributions from a small and unrepresentative number of Members. <BR /> <BR />In a week when the entire world is celebrating the rich Irish culture, language and heritage for Lá Fhéile Pádraig — St Patrick's Day — here we are witnessing the backward, uninformed and disgraceful anti-Irish attitudes of some Members. I am an Irish speaker and proud of it.”
“Does the Minister have an update on the independent review of education? Will the panel undertaking that work draw on 'A Fair Start' during its review?”
“Minister, do you agree that the subregional stadium programme, similar to much-needed investment in the health service, was effectively abandoned when the DUP walked out of the Executive to put their own electoral interests above those of their constituents and wider society?”
“I also acknowledge the House for agreeing collectively to extend the mitigations. As we all know, it will really make a difference to people. Finally, I thank everyone who campaigned on the issue and, in particular, the Cliff Edge Coalition. I support the Final Stage of the Bill.”
“Ní labharfaidh mé ró-fhada. I will not speak too long or go on too much of a politicking speech. This is my first opportunity to speak on the Bill, and I welcome it. I am delighted that we are at the Final Stage of the Welfare Supplementary Payments (Amendment) Bill. It is important legislation that not only extends the existing mitigations scheme for the bedroom tax but removes the end date completely. <BR /> <BR />Binning the bedroom tax will give reassurance and protect people, particularly now as the cost of living continues to climb and energy costs soar. The Bill will give certainty and relief to people in my constituency of West Belfast, as it will across the North. I thank the Minister for setting out her position and for her commitment throughout in supporting those who need it most, where it was possible for her to do so.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a ráitis. I thank the Minister for her statement this afternoon. Minister, given that British Government policies, such as Brexit and years of austerity cuts, have contributed massively to the cost-of-living crisis, which, we know, will not go away any time soon, do you agree that the British Government need to step up to the plate and act to take pressure off struggling families and workers on low incomes?”
“A huge amount of engagement with young people on this issue in particular is carried out by groups such as the Belfast Hills Partnership, which launched its Wild Youth programme early last month. What engagement does the Department have with groups such as the Belfast Hills Partnership when it comes to supporting campaigns for young people?”
“As you said, Minister, you have repeatedly stated your intention to complete the review of the vagrancy legislation by the end of the mandate, and now you say that it may happen in the next mandate. You have also stated that no one should be criminalised for being homeless. We really should be supporting those people and not punishing them. Although you think that the review will be in the next mandate, when do you expect that that may be?”
“<BR /> <BR />I support the amendments tabled by the Minister and by Ms Ferguson.”
“Its subsequent publication showed that 72% of respondents agreed that the notice to quit period should vary depending on the length of the tenancy. Several respondents suggested the adoption of a staged approach whereby the notice to quit reflects the length of the tenancy. That, ultimately, is what is proposed in the amendment, as Ciara outlined. <BR /> <BR />The staged approach in the amendment will ensure that tenants are better protected from eviction. Groups such as Renters' Voice and others raised the issue of the importance of lengthier notice periods. If such periods are not in place, people have to scramble to find a roof over their head, whether it suits them or their family's needs and regardless of whether the contract is reasonable. People deserve more security to stay in their homes.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Minister has added a new clause that allows the Department for Communities to make provision by regulation for tenants to be informed and given options about the method of payment of rent. Such regulations may impose a duty on prospective landlords to give specified information before the terms of the tenancy are agreed. <BR /> <BR />I also support Ms Ferguson's amendments on the notice to quit period. We in Sinn Féin, as Ciara stated, have been vocal about the need for the notice to quit to be longer to strengthen the existing safety net by giving increased protection from eviction. As was mentioned, the Committee reserved its judgement on clause 11, as the consultation was still open.”
“Minister Hargey has made clear, as did her predecessor, Carál Ní Chuilín, in her November 2020 housing statement, which has gone on to be defined as the biggest shake-up of our housing system in over 50 years, that it is about making sure that housing is not only affordable and accessible but safe and secure, allowing people to have a safe roof over their head and to live in dignity. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the Minister's amendments, which have been tabled to strengthen the Bill and add clarity on rent receipts and electrical safety standards. Alongside other aspects, those areas were of particular concern to Committee members during their deliberations. I thank the Minister for that clarity and for addressing those concerns.”
“In our Committee's deliberations, we heard significant evidence, and I thank all those who came to the Committee and those from the Department who worked closely with us to progress the Bill to this stage.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the Consideration Stage debate on the Private Tenancies Bill. The Bill will make the private rented sector safer and more secure for tenants. Delivering the legislation is of huge importance to those living in the private rented sector here. It is much needed and long overdue.”
“Thanks for that answer. Minister, students are frustrated that their lecturers have had to take strike action, especially as they continue to pay fees and cannot get access to lectures or teaching. Do you intend to raise the issue with the universities and encourage a solution so that this dispute does not lead to further disruption?”
“One of the complaints from smaller organisations is that the application process for funding can be difficult and a bit of a barrier, so it is great news that the process for the environmental challenge competition has been made more user-friendly. Could you outline, a little bit more, the changes that have been made to make it more accessible?”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Aire, as an fhreagra sin. Thank you for that answer and for your clear and ongoing commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our society. Given the uncertainty that now hangs over these institutions, will the Minister agree that compassionate measures such as these stand in complete contrast to the actions of the DUP, which has prioritised its own election concerns over the need to protect workers, families and individuals here?”
“Minister, is the reckless decision by the DUP First Minister to walk away from his responsibilities and the inability of the Executive to meet because of that, likely to impact on the subregional stadia programme for soccer? If so, how?”
“The idea of a mental health court was first recommended over a decade ago, so we need to see a wee bit of progress on that. Have you committed any staff or funding resources to carrying out a scoping review?”
“and that the "psychological and physical consequences" are "severe and often irreparable". I note that the Minister said that she has engaged with the Department and Minister of Health. Is it appropriate for prisoners with severe mental health disorders to be in prisons in the first place, or should they be in healthcare settings?”
“Nils Melzer, the UN commentator on torture — he succeeded Juan Méndez — said about the prolonged use of solitary confinement:”
“They deal with tough situations and know at first-hand the importance of this legislation. It is important that, where possible, improvements continue to be made to ensure that people get the help they need as quickly as possible, and I commend the Minister on her commitment to keep these provisions under review. I support the Bill.”
“I will keep my remarks extremely brief, as Members have already touched on some of the points. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Final Stage of the Bill, which was brought forward by Minister Deirdre Hargey. I commend her for doing that quickly through accelerated passage. This is important legislation that will help many people and give those with a terminal diagnosis access to financial support quickly and compassionately, and it will ensure that they do not have to undergo assessments or experience any unnecessary delays, stress or anxiety in the process. <BR /> <BR />This has been said throughout each stage of the Bill, but I want to reiterate the remarks commending Marie Curie and the Motor Neurone Disease Association for their input into the legislation and for their ongoing campaigning.”
“Go raibh maith agat as an eolas sin. Thank you for that update. Thank you also for your leadership in tackling the cost of living crisis that thousands of families face this winter. Your intervention is hugely welcomed and is as different as night is from day from the indifference of the Tory millionaires in London. Given that Westminster policies such as Brexit and years of austerity cuts have contributed to the crisis, do you agree that the British Government must also act to take the pressure off hard-pressed families and workers on low incomes?”
“Minister, the redevelopment of Casement Park will be a significant investment and will provide a much-needed economic and cultural boost to west Belfast. Do you agree that that is exactly the type of tangible and transformative investment that people want to see the Executive delivering?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas. I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, the Belfast black taxis in my constituency are an invaluable asset to my community, but they have been hit badly by the pandemic. What provision is in the Budget for black taxis?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chomhalta as a freagra. I thank the Member for her answer. Has the Commission spoken to the Department of Finance to ensure the safe return and continuation of sporting events in the grounds of Parliament Buildings?”
“Minister, do you agree that the lesson from the Welsh language revival and from other areas that have taken strategic statutory measures to protect and encourage native languages is that it is a culturally and economically enriching experience, when it is done properly?”
“You touched on this issue already. It concerns the importance of early years provision in relation to the acquisition of indigenous, minority and lesser-used languages. Can you confirm whether the summit included any consideration of the success of the legislative protections that already exist on these islands for indigenous languages?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire teacht anseo inniu leis an ráiteas a thabhairt. I thank the Minister for his statement today. The new COVID variant shows just how quickly the virus can mutate and spread across the globe, and it is important that we act fast and coordinate responses. The Minister mentioned the Scottish and Welsh Ministers. Did he speak directly with Minister Donnelly in the South over the weekend? What coordination is being carried out on an all-island basis?”
“<BR /> <BR />Our health and social care workers, who stood on the front line day after day during the pandemic and make enormous sacrifices for us all every day, deserve the best that we can possibly do for them. The Bill is an acknowledgement of their dedication to us all.”
“I thank the Member for that intervention. I will take that away. We can look at that issue further and scrutinise it as the Bill progresses, but I really do not know anybody who would park in the hospital car park and go about their shopping and have a coffee, but that is not to say that it could not happen. You are right: it needs to be looked at. <BR /> <BR />I mentioned that I will not keep you much longer, so, just to wrap up, we are still very much in the midst of a pandemic, and now we are facing a global energy crisis that is causing prices to soar and is adding hardship to many families who really are facing financial hardship.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am conscious that I do not want to keep you much longer.”
“It is not for workers to pay an additional tax simply to go to work. It was touched on several times that Members do not pay to park here, so I do not think that it is fair that health and social care staff should pay to park to go to work. <BR /> <BR />Patients who are ill and receiving treatment or are in the process of receiving a diagnosis should not pay. Families who visit, care and are with their loved ones day after day should not pay. Sometimes, that can be day after day — five, six, seven days a week — for weeks upon weeks. <BR /> <BR />The Executive have been prioritising Health in their Budget. I want to iron out the issues that were raised and work with other Members and the Department of Health so that we can ensure that the money that is needed is set aside.”
“The possibility of increased environmental congestion and climate concerns was touched on a few times. I stress again that the Bill is not enticing or encouraging any more people to go to hospital than those who already have to go to hospital. People travel to hospital out of necessity, and they are being unfairly charged for that necessity. We absolutely should encourage people who are able to to walk, cycle, use public transport and be more environmentally conscious when they go about their daily lives, but we cannot penalise those who simply have no option but to drive due to the poor public transport services that they endure. That is especially true for our rural constituents. <BR /> <BR />The loss of revenue and the potential to take away from front-line patient care was also raised.”
“We can also look at how Scotland and Wales regulate their free car parking. It was mentioned that they use automated car registration technology, which is one avenue that could be explored. I have been looking for evidence that car parking abuse is a problem in Scotland and Wales, but I have not found any to date, which is remarkable considering that their cities are much larger than ours.”
“We need to remember that workers, patients and families are going to the hospital because they have to and need to, whether it is to go to work for a gruelling shift, to access emergency care, to attend a follow-up appointment or to visit a loved one. As Carál touched on, it is very unlikely that people are heading to hospital for a day out, to meet friends, to have a coffee or to read the paper. I certainly do not know any constituents of mine who do that. Their main objective is to get into work or to get in and out as fast as they can, either for treatment or an appointment. <BR /> <BR />During my engagement with Unite, I was informed that staff have passes to get in and out of departments and to access wards, so with political will and some creativity, car parking can maybe be accessed in a similar way.”
“I thank all my Assembly colleagues for their contributions and remarks on my Bill. I extend a comhghairdeas mór to Gerry, who became a daddy in the past couple of weeks. I also welcome Deborah. I know that we spoke at the Health Committee, but I want to welcome you. <BR /> <BR />The debate has created great dialogue, and issues were raised that I will certainly take away and look into, because we want to make the Bill work. I have an extensive list here, and I want to touch on some of the concerns that people raised. If there is anything that people need further information on, I am happy to iron any issues out in the coming days and weeks. <BR /> <BR />Most Members raised the possibility of the abuse of free car parking.”
“Scotland abolished hospital car parking charges in 2008 and finally settled the remaining PFI schemes in 2021. In Wales, parking at all NHS hospitals is free. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, I reiterate that my private Member's Bill to make hospital parking free will take a weight off the shoulders of workers, patients and families, put money back into the pockets of workers and incentivise the recruitment and retainment of our Health and Social Care workforce at a time when it faces an unprecedented shortage. Creating better work conditions for workers and showing them that they are valued and easing the burden for patients and their families should be a priority for all of us in the Assembly.”
“He ensured that hospital car parking charges were suspended for periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through that action, Minister Swann recognised the sacrifices that our Health and Social Care workers made for us during the pandemic. We know that it can be done, and, with that political will and creativity, we can abolish hospital car parking charges, as has been done in other jurisdictions. <BR /> <BR />Scotland and Wales have abolished public car parking charges at their hospitals. They have been able to accomplish that in cities that have much larger populations than ours, with larger hospitals and more traffic. We can learn from the systems that those countries have in place and how they regulate parking. Our public hospital car parks are operated under PFI contracts, just as they were in Scotland and Wales.”
“If you let me finish, you can come in at the end. <BR /> <BR />We are aware that some exemptions from hospital car parking charges exist for patients who are receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy or renal dialysis and their families. Partners and relatives can also avail themselves of free car parking if they are transporting a patient who is receiving any of those treatments. However, those exemptions do not cover all the areas of treatment. For example, according to Macmillan, going to the hospital for associated blood works does not entitle you to free parking. It is also true that members of the same household who travel separately to visit or attend appointments have to pay for car parking, which means that the household does not benefit from free car parking. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister of Health for being in the Chamber.”
“<BR /> <BR />The main theme throughout our engagements so far has been that the charges are causing real financial hardship for patients, their families and workers. We are aware that there are some —”
“<BR /> <BR />The Royal College of Nursing fully agrees that valuing workers should be a priority and that the charges are causing real financial hardship for some of its members. The Rural Women's Network also fully supports the Bill. It agrees that rural workers, patients and families are disproportionately affected by hospital car parking charges. Unite the Union members in the Royal Victoria Hospital have previously campaigned for free hospital car parking. They cited an example of health and social care workers floating between hospitals to care for their patients being faced with multiple charges to park as they go about their job. Our health and social care workers are among the lowest-paid workers in our society. They do some of the most important and necessary work, but they are paying to park their cars in hospital car parks.”
“The disparity in those charges reveals that nurses in one trust pay more than nurses in other trusts, and also that nurses in the same trust are charged differently. <BR /> <BR />I have engaged with unions, health groups and rural networks on the Bill. Macmillan Cancer Support has called for the end of hospital car parking charges; it called them morally wrong and unfair for those who must attend hospital for treatment, especially time-sensitive treatments. Macmillan reported that four out of every five cancer patients whom it surveyed were worse off because of the charges. Some reported spending up to £500 monthly. Whether you are a visitor to someone who is unwell, or you are working tirelessly to care for patients, free car parking would mean one less thing for you to worry about. It would ease an unnecessary financial burden.”
“Out of 677 who responded on free parking for all, only 16 respondents answered no, meaning that over 97% of respondents think that hospital car parking should be free for all users. <BR /> <BR />Our research has highlighted inconsistencies in car parking charges across hospitals and trusts. There are differences in hospital car parking charges across the trusts, but there are also differences within health and social care trusts, which, in themselves, create inequality and pay parity issues for workers, patients and their families. For example, the Royal Victoria Hospital has an all-day fee of £5, the Mater Hospital charges £1 per day, Belfast City Hospital charges £11 a day, and Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex charges £1 for up to one hour — four hospitals; four different charges.”
“For many of our rural constituents, public transport connectivity to hospitals is simply not sufficient as a means of getting to work for certain shifts or for accessing treatment at specific appointment times. Similarly, the option of active travel to work, such as walking or cycling, is not practical for people in rural communities, given the longer distances to travel. <BR /> <BR />We conducted a consultation on free hospital car parking charges via the SurveyMonkey site. It ran for eight weeks, starting on 8 January 2021 and finishing on 8 March 2021. There were 842 responses in total. The outcome of the consultation was that a clear majority of the respondents agree that public hospital car parking should be free for all users.”
“Some workers are paying £60-plus a week in hospital car parking charges. Whether to pay the bills, provide heat, put food on the table or go to work should never be a decision that any worker has to make, especially when those workers make such a huge contribution to our society. We talk about valuing our healthcare workers. Let us show that by putting that money back into their pocket and putting an end to public hospital car parking charges. <BR /> <BR />Patients and their families who are already stressed because they are sick should be focused on their health and recovery as a priority. They should not be further burdened by hefty hospital car parking charges. Car parking charges disproportionately impact those from our rural constituencies, who are, largely, reliant on a car for transport.”