Sorcha Eastwood
Lagan Valley · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his response. I am really encouraged by it. I am sure that he is aware of the fantastic campaign that Alma White and her son, Caleb, have been undertaking over the past number of months to raise awareness of post-19 provision for young adults with SEN.”
“The Climate Change Committee has outlined just how difficult that is going to be. For example, by 2030, for homes that are off the gas grid, all new heating appliance installations should be zero carbon. For homes that are on the gas grid, it is 2033.”
“<BR /> <BR />I fully accept that achieving a transition to renewable energy and reaching net zero will take a huge amount of investment, but we simply cannot afford not to do it.”
“I echo what my colleague David Honeyford said so well and what many Members right across the House have said during the course of the debate: we find ourselves at a moment in time when the goal of net zero is, unfortunately, being undermined by some. However, I am proud to have put my name to this motion, especially now.”
“So many Members have mentioned their constituents who are struggling in homes that are inadequate at the moment. I am thinking of the people who are going in to the likes of B&M and constantly buying wee dehumidifiers and wee things to sit on their windowsill because they have water or condensation running through the inside of their home…”
“For example, we need to understand what reforms to our education sector will take place in light of the 14-19 strategy, the independent review of education and the research into our FE delivery, which, as Ms McLaughlin mentioned, plays a crucial role.”
The complete record
Every one of 152 lines we hold for Sorcha Eastwood, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 4.
“I thank the Minister for his response. What representations has he had with his colleague the Finance Minister on rates?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I am really encouraged by it. I am sure that he is aware of the fantastic campaign that Alma White and her son, Caleb, have been undertaking over the past number of months to raise awareness of post-19 provision for young adults with SEN. The Minister said in his initial response that he will consider collaborative working: I assume that that will be along the lines of working with the Minister of Education, for example.”
“The people training were of all different ages and backgrounds and were clearly incredibly capable and fully aware that the careers that they were undertaking would be of huge importance to our community. <BR /> <BR />The motion is about placing the focus of the Assembly back on one of the absolutely essential policy and legislative areas for the mandate. If we are to achieve our targets, now is the time to start. I encourage everybody to fully get behind this.”
“For example, we need to understand what reforms to our education sector will take place in light of the 14-19 strategy, the independent review of education and the research into our FE delivery, which, as Ms McLaughlin mentioned, plays a crucial role. I am glad to see that the green energy skills industry reference group is in place and am delighted that it will deliver an action plan, but that should be brought forward and fully costed. We need much greater ambition in the promotion of apprenticeships, something that I am very passionate about, and the number of people choosing that training route. Indeed, I was delighted to recently visit Northern Ireland Electricity Networks' training facility in Lurgan and get an overview of its training.”
“I will focus on something that is not explicitly mentioned in the motion but is fundamental to all that we are discussing — people and skills. My colleagues on the Economy Committee know that I sound like a broken record on that issue, but improving our skills policy is key because we can have all the plans that we want, but unless we make sure that there are people to do the jobs, they will not happen. <BR /> <BR />Now is the time for a complete step change and an urgency that is currently lacking. Whilst I acknowledge that the Minister has outlined some plans, much greater clarity on actions and timelines is needed, as that is how we can all measure success and hold the responsible Departments to account.”
“The Climate Change Committee has outlined just how difficult that is going to be. For example, by 2030, for homes that are off the gas grid, all new heating appliance installations should be zero carbon. For homes that are on the gas grid, it is 2033. As we know, that will have huge implications for our electricity networks, and we have spoken about the importance of planning in that area. Industry will also need to reduce fossil fuel use by 45% by 2030, which will require huge efforts to switch to low-carbon energy. <BR /> <BR />Underpinning the actions that we need to take are policy decisions. Our motion touches on a number of the key ones, which my colleagues will focus on, such as planning reform, which others have mentioned; cross-departmental working; and the role of the Utility Regulator, which has been mentioned by most people.”
“<BR /> <BR />I fully accept that achieving a transition to renewable energy and reaching net zero will take a huge amount of investment, but we simply cannot afford not to do it. In the midst of the incredibly difficult financial position that we find ourselves in, and with all the challenges that we face, from healthcare to education, what the public want most from us is to know that things will get better. A key element of that is doubling down on our ambitions to transform our energy sources. That can offer new and secure jobs, opportunities to gain new skills, warmer homes, lower bills and cleaner air. <BR /> <BR />Achieving those ambitious goals means front-loading as much work as possible. We need to give ourselves the best chance of reaching net zero by 2050, and the next five to 10 years will be crucial in achieving that.”
“So many Members have mentioned their constituents who are struggling in homes that are inadequate at the moment. I am thinking of the people who are going in to the likes of B&M and constantly buying wee dehumidifiers and wee things to sit on their windowsill because they have water or condensation running through the inside of their homes, and it is making their clothes smell and their children ill. However, we have an opportunity before us today. We are talking about job opportunities, cleaner air and, of course, climate change. However, we cannot allow people, businesses and organisations to, again, be exposed to the price increases that we have suffered because of conflict or crises. Indeed, Mr Aiken referred to the many and varied geopolitical crises that are having an impact on prices.”
“I echo what my colleague David Honeyford said so well and what many Members right across the House have said during the course of the debate: we find ourselves at a moment in time when the goal of net zero is, unfortunately, being undermined by some. However, I am proud to have put my name to this motion, especially now. <BR /> <BR />I understand that terms such as "green energy", "net zero" and "just transition" can, at times, be wide-ranging, and that people find it difficult to feel that they resonate with them. Therefore, it is essential that, as we push for the transition to renewable sources of energy, including the retrofitting of our housing, we discuss more openly why we are doing it. What we are really talking about is lower energy bills, ending fuel poverty, and making homes warmer and more comfortable for people.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Does she agree that junior doctors, especially those working in such speciality areas as haematology and oncology, are the backbone, frankly, of some our services and deserve our support and value at this time?”
“Absolutely. I concur entirely with the Member's remarks; indeed, I was about to move on to the reform of the apprenticeship levy. I hope that the Economy and Finance Ministers continue to make the case on it to Treasury. <BR /> <BR />While improving on what we do on a skills policy, we need to keep our skilled graduates and workforce here. That is as much about opportunity as it is about our health service and general standard of living. We also have a significant job to do to consider how we can attract more highly skilled people from the rest of the UK and Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Finally, while the motion focuses on defence, key points are raised that need to be applied across all our key industries. Most significant are the industries that will enable us to reach our climate targets. I would like to see greater focus on those.”
“We need to ensure that our skills policies enable training providers to be flexible and to meet the needs of industry and society now and in the future. That is not just an issue in the aerospace and defence industries: I make that point clear. It means greater investment in further education (FE), completing the review of FE delivery and implementing the recommendations, and empowering and supporting small businesses to enable workers to undertake upskilling. It means a clear delineation of the roles played by schools, FE and higher education (HE). It means finally making some progress on improving careers advice in schools, having a dedicated skills fund, the expansion of the apprenticeship programmes, a review of vocational —.”
“First, evidence has been given to the NI Affairs Committee on the social value aspect of defence contracts for local companies. The social value scoring of contracts should, when done well, incentivise and build our wider industrial base across Northern Ireland. It has to be the case that, when any significant contract is won, smaller suppliers feel the benefits as well. If a more strategic partnership approach is taken, the smaller suppliers will have greater confidence to expand and invest, and we will see our SMEs develop and win contracts in their own right. Social value scoring happens already, but the evidence made it clear that more needs to be done by the UK to ensure that social value is not just a part of the tendering process but a key part that is truly impactful. <BR /> <BR />The other area that I will focus on is skills.”
“Domestic and international law requires the UK Government to prevent the transfer of military equipment, where there is a clear risk that exports might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law or international human rights law. We are clear that the UK Government must urgently ensure that they meet those standards and should cease the transfer of military arms to Israel. While the UK Government have signalled an increase in defence spending and a reconsideration of supply chains, there is a lack of clarity about how that is being paid for by the current Government. First and foremost, there needs to be an honest conversation about that to give clarity. <BR /> <BR />I will draw out key aspects of the motion and speak to them specifically.”
“We know that the defence industry in Northern Ireland is significant, employing and training thousands of people and enabling a wide range of supplier businesses to develop and expand. Defence spending should be about protecting citizens from attacks by others, not furthering wars abroad. It is in that space that we want to ensure that the high-skill sectors of aerospace and defence in Northern Ireland are given a fair share of UK spending. <BR /> <BR />From the outset, let me say that the ethical questions about whom the UK trades arms with are a separate but critical issue.”
“Evaluating the current landscape and economic potential of precision oncology and digital health on the island of Ireland was indeed commissioned by the All-Ireland Cancer Research Institute, with support from InterTradeIreland's synergy initiative, which is referenced in the ministerial statement. The All-Ireland Cancer Research Institute also recommended the creation of an all-island oncology innovation cluster. Will the Minister support that recommendation and make this a priority area of North/South economic and health partnership working?”
“I thank the Minister for the update. I wish her well in her new role and take the opportunity to extend my good wishes to Conor Murphy. <BR /> <BR />The statement references the achievements and current position of the US-Ireland R&D partnership, which is worth over $100 million in funding. I welcome that. An excellent example of North/South economic working is the all-island oncology industry report.”
“I thank the Member who tabled the motion and hope that others support our helpful amendment.”
“As I said, our hospitality businesses look at others with envy, but such a review is something that is in our power to undertake now. We simply have too much to lose if things carry on in the same way. Hospitality and tourism are crucial to the vibrancy of local areas and the wider economy. It is about place-making and place-shaping. We have a proud tradition on this island, and in Northern Ireland, of who we are and our localities. Someone mentioned parochialism. Sure, is that not what we have bottled and sold on the international stage? Fair play to us for doing so. <BR /> <BR />Many enter the sector, find their passion and create jobs and livelihoods for others. The choice before us today is to get behind those people and put our shoulder to the wheel to help them. I sincerely hope that we all take the opportunity to listen to them.”
“<BR /> <BR />As my colleagues outlined, businesses here are grappling with one of the highest VAT rates for hospitality in Western Europe and limited targeted rate relief. Businesses are looking across the water with envy at the support from which others have been able to benefit while they have not. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment notes specifically the need for:”
“and creating that experience for people who come to this island. <BR /> <BR />Many businesses that have had to close their doors in recent months were long-established, successful businesses. They had loyal customers, yet the costs for them were simply too much to bear. I am talking about places such as Clenaghans in Aghalee, in my and David's constituency of Lagan Valley, and, indeed, the Owl and Pussycat Café in Hillsborough. Importantly, the motion refers to the Minister for the Economy and the Minister of Finance working together. That is exactly what we need: collaborative working. We have heard so much about no more working in silos. This is where the rubber hits the road, because we cannot look to support hospitality, tourism and skills in one Department. Collaboration really will be key.”
“I thank the Member who tabled the motion in order that we can have this conversation. I know that those who work in our hospitality and tourism industries are on their knees. What they will want to hear this evening is people in this Building giving them the solutions and the tools that they need to help make their lives better. <BR /> <BR />Here is a synopsis of where we are at. This is the land of 100,000 welcomes: céad míle fáilte. We are people who love people. We sell stories. That is what this island is about. Can you imagine Timmy Mallett cycling around yet having nowhere to go? That, however, is the real prospect that we face if we do not listen to the people who are out there selling the stories, having the craic agus ceol”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I am glad to hear that there has been that collaborative working. We have talked about that over the past few weeks. Is there an intention to agree a joint action plan? If that is the case, is there a timeline to go with it?”
“<BR /> <BR />While GB has passed legislation for unpaid carers' leave, we in Northern Ireland have a special opportunity to take a step ahead, do what is right and bring forward legislation to introduce paid carers' leave. Thirty trade union leaders, economists, carer charities and women's sector groups have all backed the Carers NI campaign, and so do we. That is why I urge the Economy Minister to include provision for paid carers' leave in the employment Bill that, I hope, he will bring forward very soon. I trust that that will have the support of the House.”
“We also need to remember, however, when reading through the report, that behind those people are stories with unique circumstances. <BR /> <BR />Another person whom I have met is a constituent of mine called Alison. She is desperate to work and loves her job, but she has been forced out of work because she does not have the supports in place to allow her to work. She has had to leave her job due to the pressure of caring and now feels that she is taking a step backwards in her career and her life. Indeed, in her own words, she says that she feels as though she is starting off back at the start, where she was 10 or 15 years ago, losing everything that she fought so hard to build up for her and her son.”
“Last week, I met three incredible young carers — Nikita, Paul and Ella — all of whom have cared for a parent or a sibling or, indeed, a combination of the two since they were able to do so. That has included their giving care to those people whilst in primary school. <BR /> <BR />Incredibly, all those young people want to work: indeed, they love working and love that aspect of having something outside of themselves and having a different identity. As I am only just starting to learn personally, being a carer is all-consuming and often engulfing. We want to give those people an opportunity, and we think that getting behind the Carers NI proposal for paid carers' leave is a way to do that. <BR /> <BR />Indeed, as the Carers NI report notes, we need to remember that a huge number of those people will, indeed, love their careers, as I said.”
“I speak in support of the Carers NI campaign for paid carers' leave. At first glance, such a policy could support 1,000 unpaid carers. People want to work, but we keep putting barriers in their way. We know that around 220,000 people in Northern Ireland are providing unpaid care for family members and friends. The people whom they care for need them, and we as a society depend on them. <BR /> <BR />Carers are having to juggle jobs, family life, bills, home life and other responsibilities, all whilst caring for loved ones. It is easy to talk about carers and not put faces to names, so I want to take you through some people whom I have come across in the past few weeks and months as I listened to people's stories on this matter.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. As we are going through the roll of honour, it would be remiss of me not to mention that my grandad Tom also served at RAF Long Kesh, as it was then, with 23 Maintenance Unit (MU) before they moved to Aldergrove. The site used to have a lineage or heritage of local industry, commerce and engineering or whatever you want to call it. I thought it would be remiss not to mention my wee grandad Tom. That was a huge thing for so many people back then who served their time.”
“I want our First Minister and deputy First Minister to deliver on the potential of the site so that we can start to realise its full potential and move towards the better future that we all deserve.”
“I look forward to the response to the debate from the First Minister and deputy First Minister, but I really do not want to hear the obvious response. Indeed, I looked back over years of questions for written answer about plans for the site, and the response from the First Minister and deputy First Minister has always been roughly the same: "We recognise the great value and potential of the site and look forward to working towards its regeneration". I truly hope that there is more to say in today's debate, because everyone knows the value and potential of the site. That is not what is missing. <BR /> <BR />The people of Lagan Valley and across Northern Ireland deserve better than drift, year after year. I want to hear clear ambition and detail today, because I have that ambition for us all. I want plans and timelines.”
“Its role has, effectively, been reduced to that of caretakers; yet we have appointed a new board and chairman, at significant expense. We need to do much better. <BR /> <BR />In its annual report for 2022-23, the MLK Development Corporation noted that there was the potential to create six hubs on the site, including for health and life sciences, agri-food, community living and health and well-being. Indeed, I am sure that Invest NI and Enterprise NI would be willing to lend their expertise when it comes to bringing the site to life. There was also talk of Northern Ireland becoming a green investment zone. I would welcome that and argue that this site could play a major role in it. <BR /> <BR />There is a clear vision, and there are ideas for the site, but the political leadership to help bring them forward is missing.”
“However, as there is no ministerial agreement on a way forward, the corporation is constrained in what it can do. <BR /> <BR />In an answer to my question for written answer, the First Minister and deputy First Minister said:”
“This is deeply personal to me as I grew up just a short distance from the Maze/Long Kesh site, and I know what it could be for the people of the area and beyond. We know that brilliant work is being done at the site with the Ulster Aviation Society and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and that it now houses the Balmoral show. However, we are where we are, and where we are today with Maze/Long Kesh is nothing short of a scandal. <BR /> <BR />The Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation became operational in 2012. It had a remit to secure the regeneration of Maze/Long Kesh by bringing land and buildings into effective use; encouraging public and private investment and the development of industry and commerce; creating an attractive environment; and ensuring that social, recreational, cultural and community facilities were available.”
“The Maze/Long Kesh Development Corporation noted that it has the potential to deliver £800 million of investment and up to 14,000 jobs, yet Ministers refuse time and time again to be decisive and choose a positive way forward. <BR /> <BR />Ahead of the debate, I looked at previous plans for the site. Of course, we know about the potential for a multisport stadium that could have seen us hosting multiple international events, but the previous master plan also had provision for housing, leisure facilities, innovation zones, parks and community areas. While the headlines always talk about the lost opportunity with the sports stadium, I talk about the loss for our constituents in Lagan Valley of all the things that could have made our area so much better: housing, jobs and green space.”
“Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I declare an interest as a former councillor on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to have this debate. I want it to be solution-focused and forward-looking. However, we need to acknowledge where we are with the Maze/Long Kesh site and how we got here. <BR /> <BR />The Maze/Long Kesh site perfectly encapsulates a level of political failure: something full of such promise that has stalled. It is a site of huge economic and social value, not to just Lagan Valley but the whole of Northern Ireland. It sits on the Belfast to Dublin corridor, which is, I think, the only European transport corridor on the whole island, and is close to major airports and ports.”
“Sorry about that, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. It is one of those weeks, and it is only Tuesday. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for his response. How would the implementation of the social housing decarbonisation fund help to achieve net zero targets?”
“I would like to ask the Minister whether he has any intentions to —.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. I welcome the work that he has done to tackle the issue of afforestation. In Lagan Valley and Lisburn and Castlereagh, we have one of the least-wooded areas in the North. Will he outline what additional steps the planting of trees contributes in nature recovery?”
“When will the Minister bring forward a review of public procurement, following the publication of the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) report in April last year? I note that, in response to an Assembly question for written answer from me, you indicated that your Department was finalising the terms of reference: are we to believe that that is imminent?”
“I thank the First Minister for her response. I am anxious and keen to ensure that the inquiry includes protection for burial sites. Does she agree that that protection is especially urgent given the concerns around the ongoing work at Milltown Cemetery, which may be causing damage to the resting place of thousands, including, according to Amnesty International, potentially hundreds of babies from mother-and-baby homes?”
“I look forward to working with every Member in the House to make sure that we never miss those targets again and that we move forward. <BR /> <BR />We must put more money into funding the treatment of childhood cancers, which are one of the least funded and researched areas of cancer.”
“I also want to draw attention to the work of the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition, which is doing really important and fantastic work that gives coherence and articulation to that sector. <BR /> <BR />Only 89% of cancer patients started treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, when the target is 98%. Only 40% of patients who were urgently referred for breast cancer were seen by a specialist within 14 days, which is nowhere near the target. <BR /> <BR />No one will disagree with the idea that we should prioritise cancer services and cancer patients. That is just not going to happen; we all know how terrible a disease it is. We must now put that sentiment and those words into action. Health and cancer are completely non-political, and every one of us can agree on that.”
“I thank Mr Dunne for tabling the Matter of the Day. He is absolutely right: only a few short weeks ago, we were in the Chamber having the exact same conversation about the King. I remember where I was on the Friday that the news broke that the Princess had cancer, and it took my breath away because we do not associate such announcements with those people. They seem, somehow, above it all in a way. We seem to think that those whom we put in those positions will never be impacted by life, but, of course, that is not cancer. Cancer impacts us all. <BR /> <BR />In the short time available, I want to look at the fact that one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. At the minute, we cannot say that our services reflect that demand, and that must change.”
“I agree with Jonny. One of the great things that we have done early doors in the Committee — Mr Brett is not here at the moment, but he has been supportive of this — is the fact that we are going to have a joint session with the Education Minister and the Economy Minister. I know that all members were in agreement with that. I would love for us to maybe have another debate in the House off the back of that meeting at the end of the year. I get the feeling that there is consensus from Education and Economy to drive that forward, and it is up to us, as the scrutineers, to push that.”
“Will the Member give way, before my voice gives way?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. The point that I was simply trying to make was that it is not right that we have educational inequality to the extent that it impinges on life chances and that is what we need to get right. Yes, there is a regional imbalance, but I am sure that the Member will agree that we need to make sure that, wherever you are, your postcode does not dictate your quality of life or your educational or job prospects.”
“I agree entirely with the Member and thank him for his intervention. We have the 14-19 strategy, the 16-19 framework, the 2022 independent review of careers advice and now the independent review of education. We know what they are saying, but we need to get on and do it now. I, for one, and Alliance will stand with the Minister and, indeed, all other relevant Ministers to try to make that happen, but we must move to that place of action now and not just have words.”
“I go on about that all the time and will continue to do so. It has been on the table since 2013, and now we are hearing about a portal. The portal was talked about at least 10 years ago. I urge —.”
“However, we cannot lose sight of the fact that, when we talk about tech, we also need to talk about people and our society, because every one of our family members and our constituents will need to rely on health and social care workers in the days and months ahead. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the remarks from Sinn Féin on green skills. We had an amendment on that, but it was not selected. Green skills are incredibly important, because we need to move ahead at speed. We had the Utility Regulator and people from Renewables NI at the Committee last week. We know that we are in a race against time when it comes to meeting climate targets. Unless we start educating and transforming our education system and economy, we will never get there. <BR /> <BR />We need to look at careers advice in schools.”
“The main reason for that is this: what is the indicator or metric behind a good job? One time at the Committee, there was a bit of a conversation about wages and the median wage. A lot of people will never be able to earn that, and that is not what I want for them either. If we start bandying about the claim that a job with such a wage is a good job, we should look at health and social care. Look at the number of debates that we have already had in this short time and will continue to have about health and social care and other critical social and economic infrastructure. Those workers will never make that wage in a month of Sundays, and that is not right.”