Phillip Brett
North Belfast · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Paula has been a diligent Chair who has championed the interests of victims and survivors. I personally thank her for her work on the Bill. I pay tribute to Committee members, who also dedicated their time to the Bill, and to our Committee staff.”
“At the outset, I pay tribute to the Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone for her heartfelt and valuable contribution. As you rightly said, Mr Deputy Speaker, her family will be very proud of the contribution that she has just made. <BR /> <BR />Today marks a truly significant moment.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am therefore delighted to report to the House that a U-turn has been secured. This year, the Twelfth has been promoted through Discover Northern Ireland's social media channels.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill will establish a statutory public inquiry alongside a redress scheme, both of which are important. Their establishment recognises that there is a responsibility not only to uncover truth but to acknowledge the profound harm that was caused.”
“I warmly welcome the progress that has been achieved in the promotion of the Twelfth of July and our wider Orange and Ulster-Scots traditions by Tourism Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Today's debate is not about rewriting history but about confronting history honestly. It is about recognising that vulnerable women and children were failed by institutions, by society and by the state.”
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“I am sure that, like him, all Members are relieved that he decided to come back and offer political service here to the people of Northern Ireland. Where would the House be without the leader of the Opposition? <BR /> <BR />The Minister eloquently articulated the Executive's combined and clear desire to see a growth in student numbers at the Magee campus. My party is happy to support that, just as we are happy to support the growth of student numbers across our entire higher and further education sector. However, as the Minister rightly outlined, there is a clear gap in the motion in that, on occasion, we want to afford our people in Northern Ireland the hope that 75% of the students who decide to go into higher education stay here. That is the envy of other parts of these islands.”
“<BR /> <BR />Ms Mulholland, who is not in the Chamber, said that one of the biggest barriers to people returning to Northern Ireland is political instability and the nature of the political institutions here, though she did not quite get to articulate whether the reform of how we appoint our Justice Minister keeps people from returning to Northern Ireland. Perhaps when there is an election, Alliance wants only to highlight its view on political reform in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The leader of the Opposition, who is no longer in his place, spoke eloquently about having Queen's University in his constituency and about his experience of having to leave these shores for the glitz and glamour of working for Her Majesty's Government.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Honeyford summed up the SDLP motion as one of negativity and sound bites with no substance. He spoke articulately about the importance of apprenticeships, and I know that he and his colleagues continue to raise that issue in our Committee. As a House, we need to value the vital role that apprenticeships and our FE sector play. That leads me on to the points that the Member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Mr Elliott made. He said that each region and constituency has its unique needs and aspirations. He spoke of the need to continue to invest in the tourism and hospitality sectors and, indeed, the trade sector in Fermanagh, which, like him, has struggled in the past to get much-needed workers to carry out important skilled labour for households.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank all the contributors to the debate. Ms McLaughlin and Mr Delargy once again spoke articulately and passionately about their home city and the pressures that young people face in trying to secure a future there. Ms McLaughlin accused my party of being irresponsible and our amendment of being unnecessary whilst continuing to say how terrible Northern Ireland is and how there is no opportunity or hope. It is irresponsible to take every opportunity that you can to talk down Northern Ireland and undermine the great things that we, as a society, have to offer. Sometimes, as political leaders, it is our role and duty to instil hope in the next generation. By consistently saying that there is nothing to offer here or by talking down your home city, you sometimes predict your own downfall.”
“Therefore, the motion is somewhat contradictory. The whole House should focus on trying to increase student numbers here in Northern Ireland. Some may accuse the Opposition of wanting to have their cake and eat it, but I would never accuse Ms McLaughlin or the leader of the Opposition of such things. <BR /> <BR />As I said at the start, I think that our amendment more factually and more concisely articulates the situation that is facing us here in Northern Ireland, and I know that the Minister, when summing up, will outline his ongoing work and a commitment to grow student numbers across our university campuses here in Northern Ireland. With that, I encourage Members to support our amendment.”
“It is important to recognise the strengths that we have in our education system here in Northern Ireland. I know that some parties and individuals are more focused on talking Northern Ireland down and undermining the great work that our teachers, our support staff and our pupils do, but I will always highlight the great work that goes on in our schools and across our universities. <BR /> <BR />I struggle with trying to square the motion that Ms McLaughlin moved. She said that she does not want students to have to leave Northern Ireland but, in the same breath, said that she wants to encourage students to take up study in the Republic of Ireland. The SDLP either wants to have the student numbers in Magee or at other universities here in Northern Ireland, with pupils remaining in Northern Ireland, or it wants students to go to other places.”
“<BR /> <BR />I could quote several reports, but I will just read one into the record from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) and the Nuffield Foundation, which states:”
“<BR /> <BR />The current cap sits at between 6,000 and 7,000 across Northern Ireland's two universities, and the demand clearly outstrips the supply. Queen's University stated that, last year, it had 100 applicants from Northern Ireland for 60 places across all cohorts. That is why the Minister should look at how we increase the number of student places that are available here in Northern Ireland. It is also why we support the SDLP in its call to try to encourage additional student numbers here in Northern Ireland. I do not, however, agree with the negative economic consequences that the Member outlined in relation to Northern Ireland's poor educational attainment. Frankly, I do not think that that stands up to scrutiny.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I start by thanking the proposers of the motion for bringing the matter before the House today, though I have moved an amendment in my and my colleagues' names that I believe more accurately and concisely reflects the issues that the House is trying to focus on. <BR /> <BR />The vires for addressing the issue clearly lies with the Department for the Economy. The Department of Education's duties lie exclusively with education: early years provision; post-primary and special education; and the Youth Service. The Department for the Economy sets the current maximum student number (MaSN) cap each year, and I think that, across the House, we all recognise that that is one of the major reasons why students choose to leave Northern Ireland's shores.”
“Sorry. I do this every time. I beg to move the following amendment:”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. It is always a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship. I pay tribute —.”
“Hopefully, Members can find it in their hearts to support the DUP amendment and work together to achieve a collective position.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Beattie, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, rightly highlighted the commitment in the Command Paper to achieving pre-clearance and the need for us to do work on VAT to support our hospitality sector. <BR /> <BR />The Minister gave a useful update on the tourism partnership board, and the Committee looks forward to seeing its membership. I am sure that it reflects and is inclusive of all aspects of our tourism offering right across Northern Ireland. He did not get a chance to update the House on the air connectivity review that his Department commissioned, but I know that he will keep the House abreast of developments. <BR /> <BR />There is a consensus in the Chamber that we all value the role of Tourism NI's branding, but we want to see continued cooperation across this island and all the islands.”
“Mr Honeyford summed up the Alliance Party's position well. He said a lot of nice words but not what those words stood for. I am therefore not quite sure whether the Alliance Party is voting for the motion or the amendments, but he eloquently outlined the offering in Lagan Valley and his party's commitment to it. <BR /> <BR />Mr O'Toole rightly raised the issue of my mistake in amendment No 1. I simply embraced the giant, and perhaps I was writing my literature for the Westminster election in North Belfast rather than the amendment for today's debate. He also, as he consistently does, raised the issue of direct flights from the United States, and it is something on which we will all work together to try to deliver.”
“Mr McNulty gave a helicopter view — pardon the pun — of the great tourism offering in his constituency. I will meet him for some apple pie with Hilda at Dan Winter's cottage.”
“Thank you, Madam Deputy Principal Speaker. The collegiality that dominates our Economy Committee has transcended it and come into the Chamber, which is good to see. With that, I welcome the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party to our Committee. <BR /> <BR />Members made a number of important contributions. Miss Murphy and Mr McMurray spoke eloquently of the tourism offering of their constituencies and the need for them to be included.”
“Tourists from GB are the single biggest group of visitors who choose Northern Ireland as a destination. The motion does not recognise that. There is more to be done to build on that, so all Members should support the amendment.”
“I am sure that, in summing up, she will make it clear that the alternative to the ETA here in Northern Ireland is to not have one in the United Kingdom. <BR /> <BR />When the Minister responds to the debate, I would be keen for him to update the House on a number of issues. One relates to the air connectivity review that his Department commissioned. I think that findings have come back to his Department. Air connectivity into Northern Ireland's three airports will continue to be a major source of tourism. We need to continue to build on that. I think that the Minister is looking at the terms of reference of the partnership board and whom he wishes to appoint to it. I am sure that the House would welcome an update on that. <BR /> <BR />My party would highlight the vital role that tourism from GB plays here in Northern Ireland.”
“I understand the unique case that you make. However, the point that I will continue to make is that Northern Ireland has a great tourism brand and any attempt to dilute that would simply undermine tourism right across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />I will turn quickly to the ETA. I think that parties are united on the issue. However, an important thing to remember is that the European Union will introduce its own ETA scheme as well. I am sure that the Member will want to contact the European Union to tell it not to introduce that scheme. I know that her party leader continues to try to stop Brexit; maybe he could try to push this issue. What we need in this is a collaborative approach and the Executive and Assembly speaking with one voice.”
“I encourage those who want to oppose our amendment to read the responses of those involved in the tourism sector here in Northern Ireland, because they reflect —.”
“As the House will be aware, responsibility for the development of the tourism product here in Northern Ireland rests with Tourism Northern Ireland, and that needs to be the outworking of the Minister's approach. <BR /> <BR />Colleagues on the Economy Committee will have read the opinions of respondents, including those from Ms McLaughlin's home city, on the tourism strategy that went out to consultation before the Minister took up office. I made the point at the Committee that all the evidence showed that there was no overwhelming demand from the sector for an all-island approach. The sector, rightly, wanted to see Tourism Ireland focusing on the market within Northern Ireland rather than Northern Ireland's being an afterthought.”
“The motion does not recognise that and seeks to undermine the important role that we have as a stand-alone tourism offering on these islands. The Embrace a Giant Spirit campaign, which was launched by the Department in 2019, has been tested in the market, and the figures provided by the Department show that there was a 30% increase in the number of people showing an interest in visiting Northern Ireland due to our stand-alone and strong brand. <BR /> <BR />We fully support practical relationships and cooperation between both jurisdictions on this island on cross-border tourism, and that includes creating cohesive messaging on either side of the border. However, that needs to be taken forward through a partnership rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”
“Thank you. I was trying to squeeze in as much as Ms McLaughlin managed to get in during her five-minute contribution. <BR /> <BR />I am pleased to move the amendment in my name and the names of my colleagues. Like Ms McLaughlin, I recognise the vital role that tourism plays in the economy here in Northern Ireland. There can be no underplaying of the revolutionary role that tourism has played in all communities across Northern Ireland, but we have some concerns with the Opposition motion. <BR /> <BR />Central to the building of Northern Ireland's tourism brand has been the recognition that Northern Ireland has a unique offering. I think of Ms McLaughlin's home city and the Our Time Our Place and LegenDerry campaigns, both of which were unique to Northern Ireland.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the SDLP spokesperson —.”
“The Minister shares my commitment to ending harm against animals. Can the Minister outline the support he has given to local councils across Northern Ireland to ensure that enforcement action is in place to remove animals as quickly as possible from those who are endangering their welfare?”
“It eloquently articulates the aspirations and hopes of the community in north Belfast and shows that the marching-band scene plays a vital role. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to Green Shoot Productions, which managed to bring members of the local community and professional actors together to showcase the event; to the actors from north Belfast and across Northern Ireland who played a leading role in the play; and to the Pride of the Shore flute band, which continues to ensure that the cultural celebrations in north Belfast are to the fore of our community.”
“Hundreds of people freely give their time to improve the area that they call home, giving young people a positive outlet, instilling discipline and musical attributes, and ensuring that the mental health crisis that faces many of our communities is, rightly, tackled. <BR /> <BR />It was wonderful to see working-class communities taking their rightful place at the heart of the cultural setting of our city. The play, in the heart of the MAC theatre, showcased to people from across Northern Ireland who might have had prejudiced or uninformed views the vital role that our marching-band communities play. <BR /> <BR />The play runs until 23 June, and I encourage Members in the Chamber and those outside it to take advantage of the opportunity to see it.”
“On Friday evening, I had the great pleasure of joining hundreds of people at the MAC theatre to watch the premiere of the play 'Pride of the Shore', written by our own Gary Mitchell. The play eloquently articulates the struggles faced by working-class communities in inner parts of north Belfast and, more importantly, celebrates the determination and continuous work of people in our communities to improve the area in which they live. <BR /> <BR />The main focus of the play is the Pride of the Shore flute band, which, for almost 40 years, has been at the heart of the north Belfast community.”
“The retrofitting schemes that have taken place have made a huge difference to the most vulnerable and those on the lowest incomes. For me, the private rental sector still has a long way to go. We have families who are forced to pay huge rents but do not want to raise the issue of energy efficiency in case they are evicted by the landlord. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion and the amendment.”
“The Committee is ready to scrutinise and support the Minister constructively as he brings forward his legislation. <BR /> <BR />Speaking as an MLA for North Belfast, I am keen to hear more from the Minister about his ongoing work on green jobs. The Minister has, on a number of occasions, given a commitment to the House that the focus of the enhanced investment zone in Northern Ireland will be on that very factor. The Minister is working hard with his critical friends to progress those matters. I am keen to get an update on the issue, if the Minister has time. <BR /> <BR />I will follow up on some of the remarks made by Ms McLaughlin. The retrofitting of homes across my constituency of North Belfast is a major issue. Those of us who are privileged to represent North Belfast will know of the fuel poverty inflicted on our constituents.”
“<BR /> <BR />Finally, the Committee was briefed on the Utility Regulator (support for decarbonisation preparation) Bill, and members noted with some surprise that the Bill dealt only with interactions between the Economy Department and the Utility Regulator. The Committee was further surprised to learn that the Economy Department had no plans at that time to include provisions dealing with other Departments. The officials assured us that it was up to those Departments. I am sure that the Minister can give us an assurance that his Department will work with Executive colleagues to ensure that the Utility Regulator has the support that it needs from all Departments. The Utility Regulator is clearly critical to the delivery of a regulated and fair energy transition, and extra legal powers are certainly needed.”
“The then Minister said that the Department was not exploring that option, but perhaps Minister Murphy could clarify whether the Department intends to look at that matter. <BR /> <BR />In respect of heat networks, the CMA contends that Northern Ireland consumers should be given protection comparable to that of consumers of gas and electricity. The organisation has called for the sector regulator to be given formal powers to introduce regulation and to monitor and enforce compliance. It is therefore hoped that, when the Department launches its anticipated consultation on heat networks, it will include consideration of those matters.”
“<BR /> <BR />As the Minister will be aware, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has suggested that specific consideration be given to so-called off-grid consumers and household users of home heating oil in order to address the lack of consumer protection that those people face. The CMA argued to the Committee that there is a strong case that such consumers would benefit from similar regulatory protections to those covering on-grid households and that the Department could therefore bring some of those provisions within the scope of regulations in Northern Ireland. I submitted a question for written answer to Minister Hargey, when she was in post, on whether the Department had any plans to regulate that sector.”
“The Committee unanimously felt that, when compared with its equivalent organisation — Ofgem — our Utility Regulator appears to lack the essential vires to effectively support transition while ensuring consumer protection and protecting security of supply. I know that the Minister will introduce legislation on that matter. <BR /> <BR />Members clearly indicated that it was entirely reasonable for the Utility Regulator's legal powers to be enhanced in order to allow it to usefully regulate consumer redress and provide an alternative energy dispute resolution channel, as the Energy Ombudsman does in the rest of the United Kingdom. Legal powers could also be extended to include the regulation of local community benefits from renewable energy developments, hydrogen heat networks and, crucially, the home heating market.”
“I pay tribute to my Committee colleagues for tabling the motion and to Ms McLaughlin for proposing her amendment. We will support both. <BR /> <BR />The Committee has considered a number of the issues to be discussed this afternoon, and we are likely to discuss more of them as the Committee's attention turns to energy matters including climate change and our just transition. In that regard, the Committee strongly and unanimously felt that the most vulnerable consumers should be at the centre of consideration by the Minister and the House, as part of that important transition work. <BR /> <BR />The motion refers specifically to the role of the Utility Regulator, which the Committee has discussed on numerous occasions.”
“The deputy First Minister recently attended an event that I hosted here at Parliament Buildings celebrating the role of young people across North Belfast and Newtownabbey who took part in the CIT programme. Will the deputy First Minister join me in congratulating Northern Ireland Alternatives for the excellent work that it continues to do in delivering for the communities most in need in my constituency?”
“Mr Speaker, I apologise to the House for not being in my place for topical questions yesterday. <BR /> <BR />Minister, thank you for that response. In your response to my question for written answer, you stated that the previous Health Minister did not submit a bid to you for additional funding for the hospice. With new leadership in the Department for Health, will you commit to working with the new Minister to ensure that we deliver the funding for this vital service?”
“Delivering the new school at Seaview will be vital for the local community. Just as important as our school buildings, however, are those who work in them. I particularly think of our non-teaching support staff. I know that the Minister shares my commitment to ensuring that they receive the pay and grading review that they need. Will he provide an update on his work to secure those vital funds for the sector?”
“On behalf of myself and the Committee, I welcome you back to office, Minister. I welcome your commitment to the FE sector and highlight your point that it is important that the sector and its campuses serve the communities in which they are located. In his recent discussion with college principals, did the Minister raise the importance of the Castlereagh campus of Belfast Met, something that my East Belfast colleagues continue to champion?”
“I congratulate Mr Nesbitt on his appointment. I also congratulate him on his vision and positivity. Across Northern Ireland, people want to hear from our Ministers about what they can deliver and not constantly about what they cannot deliver. <BR /> <BR />With that in mind, the Member will be aware that the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice is particularly close to my heart and the hearts of my constituents across North Belfast. The previous Health Minister refused to put in a bid for additional funding for that amazing charity, despite requests from the Finance Minister. Can the Health Minister give a commitment in the Chamber that he will look at exhausting all options to give the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice the funding that it needs?”
“The time has come for those who engaged in that misinformation and baseless rumour to apologise for their actions. The now First Minister accused the officers of "Unjustified heavy handed tactics" and of damaging confidence in policing. The MP for South Down described the officers as "vindictive" and "cowardly". Those comments have been disproven, not only by the courts but by the Police Ombudsman. The time has come for the First Minister to set the record straight, apologise for those remarks and apologise to the police officers so that we can restore confidence in our Police Service, which serves all communities in Northern Ireland without fear or favour.”
“aimed at those brave PSNI officers. Mr Kelly stated:”
“I rise to formally welcome the clearing on Friday of the two PSNI officers who had faced disciplinary proceedings after investigating a potential breach of COVID regulations in February 2021. Belfast High Court deemed the decision to suspend one of the officers and reposition the other to be unlawful and a response to political interference in the Police Service by Sinn Féin. Bizarrely, despite that ruling, the PSNI pressed ahead with the misconduct charge against the suspended officer. The officer appealed that decision and received written notification on Friday that their appeal had been upheld. <BR /> <BR />The striking words of the Police Federation must be read into the record. Its chair, Liam Kelly, stated that "misinformation" and "irrational conjecture" had been circulated since the original incident took place. He said:”
“Together, the House can send a strong message that we will stand up for working families across Northern Ireland.”
“When the new Minister takes office, we need to see a strategic prioritisation for that spend. <BR /> <BR />I disagree with the UUP finance spokesperson, who indicated that no self-respecting MLA could vote for the Budget. I do not doubt the sincerity or commitment of any MLA in the Chamber. I believe that every Member wants to deliver the best possible services for those whom we are honoured to represent. The Budget is difficult, but we were elected by the people of Northern Ireland to make strategic decisions in their long-term interests and to deliver for them. <BR /> <BR />I commit myself and my party to continuing to fight for a better deal for the people of Northern Ireland. The Budget represents important progress in that regard.”
“I was going to say that I look forward to the leader of the Opposition's alternative Budget, but, in fairness to him, he continues to tell me each week about how we can save £2·5 million by removing long-haul air passenger duty (APD). I am sure that the rest of the Members from the SDLP who speak will outline their alternative Budget to the House this afternoon. <BR /> <BR />I agree with the Chair of the Health Committee: it is disappointing that, to date, no strategic plan or prioritisation has been set out by the Minister of Health. I and Members from all parties recognise the difficult role that Minister Swann has. We, as a party, supported the Minister's return to that office. I hope that he will continue to serve in that office long after the general election.”
“The Member will be aware that the House set a trajectory through the Vote on Account that the Executive want to follow. <BR /> <BR />I will respond — it happens rarely in the House — to some of the legitimate charges that have been levelled against other Executive parties by the official Opposition and, indeed, the unofficial Opposition in the Executive. I agree entirely with the leader of the Opposition about the need for strategic plans. Those have been articulated by our Minister for Communities in relation to tackling the housing waiting lists across Northern Ireland and by the Minister of Education as to how we tackle the crisis facing our special educational needs (SEN) sector.”
“<BR /> <BR />The alternative to supporting the Budget has been clearly articulated by the Minister of Finance. We would put in jeopardy day-to-day services; we would remove the £25 million support for childcare; and there would be no agreement to continue with the priority of getting a pay settlement for our Education Authority (EA) support staff. That is the reality of the situation that we face.”
“It was not this party that came out of the Hillsborough talks to say that the financial package secured would sort all of Northern Ireland's ills, and it was not this party, when calling for the restoration of Stormont, that said that there were millions of pounds in the Stormont bank account ready to be paid into people's pockets. <BR /> <BR />I welcome much of what is included in the Budget, however. I welcome the settlement of outstanding pay awards for our hard-working teachers, FE lecturers and other public servants; the introduction of much-needed support for our childcare sector to help families across Northern Ireland with soaring bills; and the progression of the subregional stadium funding, which will ensure that football clubs the length and breadth of Northern Ireland receive the facilities that they deserve.”
“Perhaps the Minister of Finance, when summing up, will inform the House where her Department's consideration of that business case sits. <BR /> <BR />I will now speak briefly in my role as a DUP MLA for North Belfast. There is no doubting that this is a difficult Budget, that every Minister in the Executive could have spent additional funding and that funding overall has been reduced as a result of the UK-wide reduction in public spending. Those are not new facts but facts that have been articulated for some time.”