Diane Forsythe
South Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“The Schomberg Society and the staff and pupils of Kilkeel Primary School worked hard alongside the team from Blue Eagle Productions, especially director Rosie McClelland, to deliver a fantastic performance. We saw Northern Ireland's history, heritage and the pupils' great talent shining through.”
“<BR /> <BR />The production was an excellent way to mark that important historic event and for those P7 pupils to bring their time in primary school to a close. It was bittersweet for the year group, as one of their dear classmates was notably missing.”
“As we come to the end of another school term, I pay tribute to some excellent work at Kilkeel Primary School in my constituency, especially by the P7s. I declare an interest, as my son is one of them.”
“Mrs McCabe, the school principal, shared with the children the words of Proverbs chapter 17, verse 17 on how true friends love at all times — through the good times and the hardships of life. I thank Mrs McCabe for her leadership.”
“The Minister will not be surprised by my question on the delay of the accounts certification on SEUPB, as we are in June 2026, 18 months after the end of financial year 2024. Those accounts have still not been certified in both jurisdictions, and a full further financial year has since passed.”
“Minister, you say that you want to avoid unintended consequences for businesses and property owners, but those measures do nothing for existing long-term businesses that are struggling on, already occupy premises and cannot afford to invest in their properties, and there will be consequences for them.”
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“Last night, my constituency of South Down was severely affected by a council decision. The majority of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council voted that Newry city and our district should become a city and council of sanctuary. Out of 41 councillors, the five DUP councillors have stood firm throughout in their opposition to that, alongside the single UUP councillor. However, they are hugely in the minority. <BR /> <BR />The process by which we have arrived here is shameful. Time and again, we have seen the legitimate concerns of local people on issues surrounding immigration being disregarded, ignored and, in fact, openly mocked in council last night, which was another episode in an unfortunate series. The council decided to progress on that path. It did not provide answers or clear information to local councillors with concerns.”
“I thank the Minister for introducing the scheme. There has been criticism from others, but I like his focus on real-life examples and the people who are at the heart of the matter. It is not just about putting in money and about the numbers but about real-life examples and improving lives. I will speak specifically about the example of a new mother. Feedback from working mothers often relates to the barriers around childcare. Working mothers who are on benefits and are coming off benefits are trying to access childcare schemes. Will the Minister liaise on the anti-poverty strategy and the development of the early years and childcare strategy to ensure that working mothers get the best from the scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Can he advise why the disability unemployment rate is so high in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the United Kingdom and what this strategy will do to address that?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. At a recent briefing by your permanent secretary, he detailed that well over 70% of our public spending is administered through our arm's-length bodies. Is it time for a widespread financial review of our arm's-length bodies in terms of how many there are, the administrative cost and whether there is a real opportunity for public-sector transformation?”
“<BR /> <BR />We are also supportive of examining the potential for a greater use of firebreaks to limit future damage. Under-grazing can lead to gorse drying off and posing a risk of wildfires that would stretch across a far wider area than the two metres that would be removed to create a firebreak. <BR /> <BR />Again, I thank the Member for tabling this important debate in the House. In representing rural constituencies with specific issues, it is an incredibly important issue to bring to the Floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and I look forward to hearing from the Minister on it.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is important that we rededicate our attention here to continuing the work that was ongoing prior to this fire to maintain the environment and biodiversity in the area. Therefore, it will be critical to measure the full extent of the impact on our environment in order to scope an appropriate response and restoration interventions. DAERA and the NIEA must work proactively to assess the damage fully. However, tragically, it is likely to take decades to recover from the loss incurred in biodiversity and the environment. <BR /> <BR />Stopping the fires should also be a key driver in the response. Enforcement and legislation must be strengthened to deal with the problem. We cannot afford to take our environment for granted, particularly given its importance to tourism and our local communities.”
“The trust plans to trial large agricultural spraying drones that could dampen fires before they spread. That technology is very much in the experimental phase, but we should collectively support any innovation that could combat the problem and look at how it might be rolled out across Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />We support a multi-agency approach to tackling wildfires, and we have seen our emergency services in action this year. Once ignited, the fires spread rapidly, putting life, property and wildlife at risk. As someone who lives close to the foot of the Mournes, I see the rate at which some of those significant fires descend on people's homes, and it is, frankly, terrifying.”
“With over 25 firefighters and five pumping appliances deployed, the fire still managed to damage one third of Sliabh Beagh significantly. As has been said, peat fires differ from other wildfires, because the peat can burn underground for days or even weeks. They are harder to extinguish and cause more destruction. <BR /> <BR />I have heard about the work of the River Blackwater Catchment Trust, which Diana mentioned. I have read about some of its work on turning to drone technology as a potential solution for monitoring and protecting the area. It has trialled thermal-imaging surveillance drones. Once a fire is detected, those drones can transmit real-time high-resolution images. The early warning system is designed to accelerate response times.”
“I thank the Member for bringing the Adjournment debate to the House. In May, the peatland at Sliabh Beagh suffered major damage from a wildfire that had been set deliberately. Although I am not a representative for the area, I know all too well the damage that wildfires can cause. Recently, following significant fires in the Mournes, I met the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service and a local search and rescue charity, Sky Watch NI. I had the deputy First Minister out in the wake of those fires. <BR /> <BR />Recent fires have caused untold damage to biodiversity, wildlife and natural habitats in the Sliabh Beagh area. Without dedicated and professional efforts, the devastation could have been much worse. I pay tribute to all our emergency services.”
“Minister, thank you for that update. The centre is the only one of its kind on this island, and we are very privileged to have it in Northern Ireland and in my constituency. Does the Minister agree that having the opportunity to do activities such as rock climbing, hillwalking, canoeing and kayaking in the heart of the Mourne Mountains is unique and that it would be great to see the centre being sustained?”
“— the rate at which they come out in future?”
“I agree with the comment made by my colleague Diane Dodds on the catastrophic element of the outage. As we move to digitisation of public services, things suffer difficulties. This is not just being unable to book your MOT; this is life and death and access to healthcare systems. When the incident happened, the communications from the constituents who contacted me showed a lot of stress. The Minister has addressed some of that in the Chamber today by saying, "It was not a cyberattack; your data has not been compromised". However, on reflection, will the communications that went out to the public be part of the review and —”
“I thank the Minister for making the statement to the House today. I welcome her comments on engagement and its importance. It is important to remember that many people who are at the heart of the matter entered the scheme in good faith. Can the Minister give more detail about the level of engagement that there has been with those involved in the scheme and directly impacted on financially?”
“— who are doing their best to pay their rates bills.”
“As we continue to support the hard-pressed middle who are trying their best to pay their rates, it is unfair that the Finance Minister seems to think that the only way in which the financial pressures can be met is by continuing to increase rates whilst turning a blind eye to those who are not paying the rates that are billed to them. It is time that we saw a change of attitude from the Finance Minister. It is time that he stepped up and recognised the hard-pressed working families —”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Finances underpin public service delivery in Northern Ireland, and, more and more, we see the pressures on the Budget. It is time that the Finance Minister stepped up and took accountability for some of the issues with our rates system. Just last week, he replied to my question for written answer to say that £18 million of unpaid rates had been written off in the previous financial year. That brings the total of unpaid rates that have been written off in the past six years up to £82 million, while rolling arrears are in the region of £100 million. <BR /> <BR />The DUP is committed to delivering for hard-pressed working families in Northern Ireland and has demonstrated that time and time again.”
“I thank the Minister for her answers and for her work in the area. As someone who was a victim of a deepfake some three and a half years ago, I welcome the opportunity to work with the Minister on a number of round-table discussions to take things forward on that. As I said, that happened three and a half years ago. It is hard to believe that it is so long ago, but it opened my eyes to how much the PSNI's hands are tied by the limitations in the law on making prosecutions on electronic offences, and it made me particularly concerned for my children and other children when thinking about the safeguards that will be in place when fake images go into mass circulation. What is the Minister's view on how we can keep the law up to date in the digital age?”
“Minister, the Olympic legacy fund is very welcome. I was at the SSE Arena with you, and it was brilliant to join in the celebration of our local sports heroes. This fund is the first time that we are able to support all the smaller sports clubs that so often miss out on the ability to avail themselves of public money. Minister, what protections are in place to make sure that one sport does not dominate the fund and that the smaller clubs and organisations get a fair chance to participate?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Is there anything built in to ensure that areas such as my constituency of South Down that do not have rail links or solid, reliable, regular public transport on higher-quality buses, get more priority when it comes to road maintenance, given that we have lower-quality roads that are our only way in and out of the constituency?”
“Belief is not just about religion: it is about hope and strength, the promise that goodness has the final word, as, in death, those who are saved live forever with God. <BR /> <BR />Since Charlie Kirk was murdered, over seven million people have newly followed his social media platforms. His message is stronger from beyond his death — from heaven. His name "Kirk" is the Ulster-Scots word for "church". Members, nothing happens by chance: it is all part of God's plan. Let us remember Charlie by taking up the challenge, honouring his beliefs and values of faith, family and country, and keeping his family firmly in our prayers.”
“Erika, I have certainly heard your cry. I will speak up here, in Northern Ireland, for what is right and share that message. <BR /> <BR />Charlie Kirk stood firmly for a common-sense approach. His convictions were rooted in his faith, as mine are. He spoke more broadly, though, to anyone who values truth and fairness, love of their country and the foundations of a stable society. Charlie Kirk never shied away from the challenging issues. He spoke truth with conviction and compassion, and so must we. We, in the DUP, will not bow to those who sneer at the values of ordinary people. We must stand up against the woke agenda. The older I get, the more I see people turning to Jesus. In a world where evil seems to grow louder every day, faith is a refuge; a light that refuses to be swallowed by the darkness.”
“<BR /> <BR />The battles that are being fought in America are not confined to the United States: they are being fought here, too, in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. On Friday night, we saw Erika Kirk, Charlie's wife, speak publicly with grace and incredible strength. She spoke to the evildoers and told them:”
“On Wednesday evening, the world watched in horror as Charlie Kirk, aged just 31, was assassinated in the United States of America. It was shocking and heartbreaking, especially for his wife and two young children, who I keep in my prayers. Charlie was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a political activist and commentator, who, at just 31, had built a strong platform, giving a voice to millions of people who felt silenced by the left. Charlie's politics were shaped by his Christian faith, common sense and his conviction that the truth should be spoken plainly, even when it is unpopular. For that, he was hated by people who could not bear to see their ideology challenged.”
“There has been an outrageous abuse of the term "misogyny", and, as a woman sitting in the House, I am appalled at the manner in which the Chair has been addressed. I ask that the Speaker's Office provide advice to all Members on how the Chair should be respected and addressed.”
“We know the pressure that the Executive are under in the current financial climate, especially with the health budget. The choice to fund the gender identity services is a choice over something else. In the interest of full transparency, what is the £806,000 that has been awarded for? Is it for the set-up? Is it the full cost for 2025-26? What are his plans and foresight for what the annual cost of running the service will be?”
“We will continue our scrutiny of the detail as the Bill progresses.”
“Before setting out to recover the administration costs of delivering the scheme, can the Department for Infrastructure demonstrate that it has made an effort to reduce those costs? Has it reviewed the requirement for senior citizens to apply in person or considered introducing automatic renewals? Given that the personal circumstances of SmartPass holders may change as they get older, it is notable that there is often currently a need to migrate between various categories of pass. Is there not a concern that stand-alone applications will be required to access various discounts, as that will result in additional costs? <BR /> <BR />I have made some points on a number of the clauses, but the Bill is essential in order to progress financial provisions across Northern Ireland's public services.”
“<BR /> <BR />Clause 16 will give DAERA the scope to change marine licensing fees, and it is crucial that we see more detail from the Minister on the direction that he proposes to take on that front. Although we agree that Ministers need to have flexibility to ensure that fee structures are sustainable, proper safeguards are needed in order to ensure fairness and accountability. That may not be a matter for this debate, but it should not be overlooked. <BR /> <BR />On clause 17, it has been our stated position that imposing SmartPass replacement fees will generally place scheme users at a disadvantage to their counterparts elsewhere in the United Kingdom and in the Irish Republic.”
“Rather, they simply enable the investigation of tenancy fraud to be more consistent across the social housing sector and more complex cases to be fully investigated. Our Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, has taken a strong stance in his attempts to reduce fraud, and clause 12 is in line with that stance. Tackling tenancy fraud is vital if we are to ensure that the best value for money is to be achieved from our investment in social housing. If social homes are occupied fraudulently, those in the greatest housing need are not being prioritised. <BR /> <BR />We note in clause 13 that the responsibility for setting councillors' allowances is to be taken away from councils, thus removing the conflicted position of councillors being asked to vote on their own pay, which has led to inequalities across Northern Ireland.”
“The clause will provide the Northern Ireland Housing Executive with the power to undertake tenancy fraud investigations on behalf of registered housing associations and to charge RHAs for that service. It will also provide for a two-way exchange of information between RHAs and the Housing Executive for the purpose of investigating tenancy fraud. As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, I am pleased to see that those proposals stem from recommendations in reports on tenancy fraud in social housing by the Audit Office in 2013 and the Public Accounts Committee in 2014. Those reports recommended establishing a single tenancy fraud team to provide investigative services to the Housing Executive and the housing association sector. The provisions do not create new tenancy fraud offences.”
“Moreover, we should not allow ourselves to be put in a situation in which the Executive, through TEO, are offsetting the failure of the Home Office to address the impacts of immigration on communities, both financially and practically. As the chair of the all-party group (APG) on domestic and sexual violence, I welcome clause 9, in which we see the allocation of financial powers under the ending violence against women and girls framework. As with any framework or strategy, it needs to be underpinned with funding. With the devastating news over the weekend, we are now up to 27 women who have been murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020. It is therefore welcome to see powers and funding underpinning that clause. <BR /> <BR />Clause 12 deals with Department for Communities tenancy fraud.”
“Given the concerns about the regulation of short-stay holiday lets, impacts on local communities and an apparent void in governance and oversight, we have some unease with the suggestion that Tourism NI should be expanded without it first grappling with those live issues. That, hand in hand with the Department for the Economy's accounts receiving a disclaimed opinion and some concerns raised in the statement of internal control in Tourism NI, adds to our concern in that area. <BR /> <BR />Clauses 7 and 9 respectively afford TEO greater powers to integrate asylum seekers and to implement strategies for tackling violence against women and girls. It is right that the proposals are accompanied by strong safeguards so as not to duplicate the role of other Departments or undermine the need for agreement in cross-cutting areas.”
“If the Department believes that that provision, along with a power to form limited companies, would be of benefit, we would welcome further clarification of the rationale for the latter. We would particularly welcome an assessment of the implications for the role of Invest NI. Invest NI has made a considerable contribution to economic growth over recent years, and we do not want to see that role being undermined. <BR /> <BR />Clause 5 envisages granting Tourism NI powers to grade or classify tourist amenities, such as museums, tours, art venues, wildlife experiences, gardens and visitor attractions and activities. That is in addition to accommodation.”
“Sure. <BR /> <BR />We recognise that there is a need for the Bill, not least to rectify a number of anomalies relating to the absence and location of certain powers that are vital to Departments' decision-making and the delivery of support for public services. There are some 16 provisions in the Bill, with three that relate to the Department of Finance and others that cover a range of issues across a number of Departments, including AERA, Communities, Economy, Education and Infrastructure. We will work through the details of those in Committee, but I will highlight some points and put them on the record. <BR /> <BR />Clause 2 details how the Department for the Economy will be able to provide economic assistance, such as loans.”
“In the interest of transparency, I declare that I sit on the Audit Committee, the Public Accounts Committee and the Finance Committee, which are all referenced here.”
“In addition, it will seek to ensure that the drafting of clause 20 is sound insofar as it will achieve the intended outcome of the transfer. That will include, for example, whether the clause sufficiently reflects the practical outworkings of the transfer of power in relation to the award of contracts. <BR /> <BR />The Department did not engage with the Committee on the legislation until after the Bill was introduced. Having done so might have been helpful in ironing out any potential issues in advance. That said, the Audit Committee looks forward to engaging with the Department of Finance at the earliest opportunity after summer recess. <BR /> <BR />I will now add some remarks as a DUP MLA.”
“It therefore recommended in its report that the appointment of an external auditor for the NIAO should become the responsibility of the Audit Committee to bring it into line with its peers and that the Department of Finance should legislate to effect the change. <BR /> <BR />While the Committee for Finance will undertake the Bill's Committee Stage, it has requested that the Audit Committee scrutinise clause 20 and report back on its findings. The Committee agreed to undertake that scrutiny role on 25 June 2025, and it will commence that work in September. During that scrutiny, the Committee will wish to consider whether it agrees with the recommendation of its predecessor Committee that the power be transferred.”
“Members of the former Committee noted that, in England, Scotland and Wales, the Comptrollers and Auditors General do not appoint external auditors and that that duty falls to the relevant Committee in the legislature that makes the appointment on the recommendation of the relevant board. In correspondence dated 6 May 2021, the Minister of Finance acknowledged the anomaly that relates to the appointment of the external auditor for the NIAO and proposed that the Department of Finance take forward work to make that change. The former Audit Committee agreed with the C&AG and the Department of Finance.”
“At present, the Audit Office's external auditor certifies the accounts of the Northern Ireland Audit Office, which are then reviewed by the Audit Committee and laid before the Assembly by the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance does not have any role in agreeing or approving the accounts, and its role in the process is purely administrative. <BR /> <BR />When giving evidence on 7 July 2021, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) for Northern Ireland expressed a view that the responsibility for the appointment of auditors for the NIAO should rest with the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />Clause 20 proposes to transfer the power to appoint an external auditor for the Northern Ireland Audit Office from the Department of Finance to the Audit Committee. That reflects a recommendation of the previous Audit Committee in its review of the governance and accountability arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman. The Committee's report was noted by the Assembly on 14 February 2022. <BR /> <BR />The Audit (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 currently requires the Department of Finance to appoint an external auditor for the Audit Office. In accordance with an extra-statutory arrangement, the appointment is made by the Department of Finance, acting on advice from the Audit Committee.”
“I will speak on behalf of the Audit Committee and then make some remarks as a DUP MLA. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of the Audit Committee, I will speak on clause 20 of the Bill. The main role of the Audit Committee is to scrutinise and agree the budgets and Estimates of the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) and lay the Estimates before the Assembly. The Audit Committee fulfils that role in place of the Department of Finance in recognition of the independence of those non-ministerial bodies. However, in carrying out that role, the Committee has regard to the advice of the Department of Finance and the Public Accounts Committee in respect of the NIAO.”
“Thank you, Minister. I welcome your commitment. I have been a bit frustrated with our local council, which has repeatedly diminished tourism in the Mourne Mountains and the Mournes area and has removed the name of the area from its tourism branding. The £30 million allocation through the Belfast region city deal was for a world-class tourist destination that promoted the Mourne Mountains. Since the failure of the initial project, the council has been keen to realign the £30 million elsewhere in the district. Will you, as Minister, and the Department for the Economy, as a key partner, commit to keeping the £30 million city deal money for a tourist attraction in the Mourne Mountains?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Much is said about regional balance for the north-west, but, in representing South Down, I am concerned that the south-east does not feature so highly on the agenda. I am keen to make sure that the money is drawn down and drawn down fast and that it hits the rural communities. Does the Minister have any specific targets or engagement for the south-east of the Province?”
“We welcome the Bill underpinning the Fiscal Council's work on a statutory basis and will work through the details of the issues highlighted to ensure that safeguards are in place and that the council achieves the status that it should. Public-sector finances underpin all that we do here. Independence and scrutiny are critical, and I thank the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council for its professionalism and its work to date. I look forward to progressing the Bill.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Fiscal Council reports that Northern Ireland's finances could be on a cliff edge in the near future. With that in mind, it is vital that the council is given the scope that it needs to drill down into our public finance and highlight the areas in which efficiencies could be made by doing things differently. <BR /> <BR />We have all spoken at length in the Chamber on multiple occasions about the huge financial pressures in delivering public services in Northern Ireland. We need to ensure that effective financial scrutiny occurs at every level. The role that the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council plays in all that is so important.”
“That is particularly relevant to the flawed arguments put forward by the Opposition and others on fiscal devolution. <BR /> <BR />The Bill mentions that there may be additional funding requirements for the operation of the council, once it is placed on a statutory footing. It will be important that the Assembly is consulted on any additional funding that the council will need and the benefits that that will bring to our public purse in return. We need to maintain scrutiny and ensure governance over all of our funded public bodies. We must never write a blank cheque for any part of our public services without approved proposals or business cases that define what will be achieved by the additional funding. We must always work to ensure that the best value for money is achieved for taxpayers in Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />The critical value of the Fiscal Council is its independence. Financial reviews, opinions, presentations or bids that come from within government are shaped by a particular perspective. If the Department of Finance presents a position, it can be perceived as its view, its Minister's view or even a party political view. That is why we need to ensure that the independence of the Fiscal Council is paramount. On clause 5 and the ability of the Department to amend the scope and functions of the council, we will seek clarity and assurance that the independence of the Fiscal Council will be maintained and strengthened as an outworking of the Bill. There can be no prospect of the body being used as a vehicle for pushing particular political agendas.”
“Its range of reports far exceeds what it is required to do, as the Minister outlined. Just last week, the Fiscal Council reported that Northern Ireland Water's funding model is neither fit for purpose nor sustainable. That shows the ability of the council to scrutinise across departmental remits and address the uncomfortable truths that hamper our collective ability to deliver for households, communities and the economy. Its challenge function is vital. The Fiscal Council has helped us to gain a better understanding of our public finances, as well as establishing an independent and credible evidence base to inform our discussions with the Government, wherein we champion the case for Northern Ireland being funded according to need and our finances being put on a sustainable footing.”
“Those all serve a purpose, but they have different perspectives, whereas the Fiscal Council offers independence that is needed and invaluable. The statutory grounding of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council will further bolster its ability to carry out independent scrutiny of our financial situation. At a time of economic uncertainty and unprecedented pressures facing our public service delivery, having a legally binding oversight body should help in our efforts to place our finances on a steady footing and spearhead reform and transformation. <BR /> <BR />There is nothing more important to taxpayers than transparency and accountability when it comes to our public money. To date, the Fiscal Council has demonstrated its positive impact in improving transparency, scrutiny and understanding of our public finances.”
“We welcome the Bill to underpin the Fiscal Council's work on a statutory basis. The DUP has been a consistent voice when it comes to the need to transform Northern Ireland's public finances. In particular, we continue to lead calls for a fairer fiscal framework underpinned by Treasury funding that meets the objective need of our vital front-line services. <BR /> <BR />As I am an accountant, my trained thinking takes me straight into the analysis of finances. As well as getting stuck into the detail of the numbers, I really value truly independent analysis, critique and evaluation of financial processes and systems. In Northern Ireland, where do you go for that? It has to be the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council. We have a range of sources, including university analysts, think tanks, departmental reviews and audits.”