Cheryl Brownlee
East Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I want to recognise three outstanding East Antrim candidates for this year's BBC 'Make a Difference' awards. Their passion, dedication and commitment has made a lasting impact on East Antrim.”
“Individuals such as Iris often work quietly behind the scenes and give their time and energy without seeking any recognition. Iris has become the backbone of community life. Her nomination reflects the esteem in which she is held in Islandmagee, where everybody loves her.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. We have over 17,000 children and over 4,000 adults on the waiting list. They are waiting for up to six years for an assessment. <BR /> <BR />Minister, in the delivery plan, there are no measurable targets to reduce those waiting times.”
“It showcases everything that is best about Carrickfergus and beyond, from the magnificent historical re-enactment to the participation of over 40 marching bands, Orange lodges, children's entertainers, pipers, Highland dancers, Lambeg drummers, community groups, living history performers, volunteers and many more.”
“I recognise the outstanding success of the Royal Landing celebrations held in Carrickfergus on Saturday. Once again, thousands of people lined the streets of our historic town to witness what can only be described as a spectacular re-enactment of one of the most important moments in Ulster's history: the landing of King William III at Car…”
“They overlook the volunteer time, the hours that are taken to preserve our history, the young people who spend their evenings participating in bands and cultural organisations and the thousands who attend with pride and enthusiasm.”
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“However, due to my office's position in the conservation area directly across from the castle, the application resulted in more than six months of challenges, changes and stress before a final decision was made. That example is certainly not unique; plenty of other businesses have fallen foul of the stipulations. The requirement to hire a conservation architect, for example, is simply not financially viable for the vast majority of new businesses. In that regard, we need to create a space to preserve history and heritage whilst operating a common-sense approach. <BR /> <BR />A number of hospitality businesses have closed in Carrickfergus in recent times, with many others feeling the pinch and the pressure.”
“While the preservation of history and heritage is absolutely key, we must strike a balance, moving forward, between conservation, preservation and a town that is open, adaptable and able to utilise its unique heritage as a vehicle for success. Conservation areas have planning stipulations to ensure that areas are in keeping with the aesthetic appropriate to the time period. Unfortunately, that comes with its own challenges. I give Members the example of my constituency office, located in the heart of Carrickfergus town centre in a conservation area. Like every other Member, I applied for planning permission to erect a sign, a basic sign that would have caused no issue in almost any town or village across Northern Ireland.”
“We all know that a reduction in bed-nights results in a reduction in tourists staying and spending in the area. More and more, we see and hear that the lack of available facilities is directly impacting on hospitality businesses in the surrounding area, some of which have seen a reduction in footfall of over 30%. Footfall counters purchased to monitor trade in Carrickfergus have shown a constant discrepancy between the footfall in Carrickfergus town centre and the NI average. For example, in October 2023, the average footfall across Northern Ireland increased by 2% from the previous year, compared with a shocking 23% reduction in footfall in Carrickfergus. <BR /> <BR />The added difficulty for Carrickfergus town centre is its location in the conservation area.”
“We should market the seaside town as the gateway to the Causeway coast, whereas, at the minute, it is simply the toilet stop. The Department's failure to capitalise on Carrickfergus's unique position is having a detrimental impact on our tourism offering. Carrickfergus Castle, for example, is unique and is one of the most historically important castle garrisons in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Another significant factor that must be recognised is a major reduction in available bed-nights, following the recent closure of two prominent local hotels. Subsequent data from Tourism NI does not accurately reflect the downturn in bed-nights in East Antrim. While the mid and east Antrim area as a whole shows a positive trend in bed-nights, the reality for East Antrim is a dramatic reduction.”
“I am sure that we are all well aware of the struggles of the high street. They are well documented, and there have been positive measures from central and local government to try to address those challenges. Today, I want to raise the cocktail of challenges that I see in my constituency. That mixture has created an increasingly difficult environment for successful trade for our hospitality and tourism industry in East Antrim. <BR /> <BR />I will take a closer look at Carrickfergus, which is located 15 minutes outside our capital city of Belfast. You would think that that would be positive, but we find that tourist buses roll into Carrickfergus in the morning and take a quick stop at the castle for a photo opportunity before the tourists reboard and are off up the road to the north coast. Carrickfergus is not being treated as a priority.”
“I welcome the Minister to his new position. Minister, will you provide an update on funding for the commissioning of hybrid closed-loop technology for people with type 1 diabetes, especially in light of the positive announcement by the Scottish Government?”
“<BR /> <BR />The significance of the attack's timing is certainly not lost on me. I say this to those who waited until the cover of darkness to carry out such a callous act: just know that you do not represent the good people of Carnlough or East Antrim. We will remember them.”
“For his service, Paddy was awarded the Dicken Medal on 1 September 1944. That medal is the highest honour that an animal can receive in the UK. It is the equivalent of the Victoria Cross for humans. <BR /> <BR />After the war, Paddy returned to his home in Carnlough, where he lived until his death in 1954 and where a memorial plaque in his honour was erected by the Larne and District Historical Society in 2009. The plaque had remained in place without issue for the past 15 years. At the weekend, however, it was ripped from the wall and destroyed at a time at which the country paused to remember the bravery and sacrifice of all those who landed at Normandy on 6 June 1944, fighting for the freedom that we all enjoy today. That mindless act of thuggery has served only to anger the local community.”
“During World War II, the RAF used many pigeons, which were trained to carry secret coded messages between the Allies, providing vital communication links. Paddy was a locally trained bird, owned and bred by Captain Andrew Hughes and jointly trained by John McMullan of Carnlough. He played a crucial role for the Allied forces during the Normandy landings on D-Day. <BR /> <BR />On 12 June 1944, Paddy was released in Normandy, carrying coded information about the Allied forces' advance. Despite the challenges posed by bad weather and the German falcons that were trained to intercept messenger pigeons, Paddy made it back to his base in Hampshire, England, in the record time of four hours and 50 minutes. That was the fastest recorded time for any pigeon making that journey during the Normandy landings.”
“I rise to condemn the vandalism that led to the destruction of a memorial plaque to Paddy the Pigeon in Carnlough over the weekend.”
“As a Policing Board, we want to oversee that and ensure that everything is fair and balanced and that there is a proper investigation. For that reason, we support the amendment.”
“We can never let repressive regimes suppress our freedom of speech. <BR /> <BR />We support the investigatory powers tribunal in its work of uncovering the truth as regards these allegations, and we must point out that, at the moment, they are allegations. It should be noted, however, that, of course, there are times when issues of the United Kingdom's national security may override such journalistic freedoms. Examples of that, of course, include the identification of individuals spying or foreign powers. It should be said, however, that that should very much be the exception rather than the rule. We are content that the IPT should be allowed to finish its investigation, and the subsequent hearing is due to start in October of this year.”
“First, I declare that I am also a member of the Policing Board. Democracy is a value that has been fought for and won a number of times over the past century. Alongside democracy, of course, sits freedom of expression, and that includes freedom of the press. The Assembly must take a firm stand against repressive laws and procedures that stifle freedom of speech and freedom of expression. No journalist should ever be intimidated, harassed or subjected to any unwanted or unjustified surveillance. That is completely unacceptable, and, of course, we will stand against it. Often, in this very Chamber, we hear things that we disagree with or, sometimes, wholeheartedly oppose, but I concur with what a famous author Evelyn Beatrice Hall once said:”
“The stress of the process can be detrimental to mental and physical health, as well as being a significant financial cost, and, in some circumstances, it leads to people feeling trapped and causes further pain and hurt. The motion can help reduce potential conflict and the detrimental impact that that can have on those involved, of course, but also on their children and wider families.”
“No, thank you. <BR /> <BR />They can also help people to consider what a split would involve practically with regard to contact arrangements and finances and consider whether the option of staying together might be something that they could look at. They can also give a couple the tools to work through the problems, as they may not have had that sort of role model in their life before. Anything to help to improve and preserve a marriage, where possible, should, of course, be explored. <BR /> <BR />We all know someone who has had a divorce, be that a parent, a child, a friend or even someone in the Chamber. When someone makes that important vow, they never plan or want to be divorced.”
“Choosing whether to marry is a big decision, but choosing whether to divorce is an even bigger decision and not one that is ever made lightly. We should do everything that we can to rebuild the relationships before they become damaged beyond repair. More support should be allocated to counselling services to provide trained help for those in marriage difficulties and to prioritise saving a marriage. Counsellors help parties to understand the implications of what marriage means, the difficulties that will occur and what splitting up would mean for them, their families, their children and, of course, their wider families.”
“There is no reason why, in situations where there is no fault, two people should be forced into a hostile situation in which they have to assign blame, keeping them married for longer and preventing them from moving on with their lives, which causes further distress to them and their families.”
“Marriage is supposed to be a happy and special occasion, when two people come together in front of their loved ones and commit themselves to each other. They set up their life together, but we would be naive to think that all marriages will last for ever. While no one sets out thinking that their marriage will end and no one wants their marriage to break down, none of us is indifferent when a couple's lifelong commitment sadly deteriorates after all avenues have been exhausted. Sadly, people change and circumstances change, and, sometimes, a life that may once have seemed so perfect turns out not to be that way for ever. It is a sad circumstance, but the motion puts forward a solution that can help couples navigate an extremely traumatic and difficult time.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. It is great to hear that, in the coming days, we will, hopefully, have some very good news. Minister, do you believe that £36 million is enough? What will your Department do to ensure that football clubs in our constituency, such as Barn United, can be supported as much as possible in order to ensure that grassroots football is protected, preserved and promoted?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement, which is welcome. As the Minister knows, housing is a critical issue in our East Antrim constituency, so I am pleased that he has brought it to the House. Will the Minister detail what action his Department will take to increase social housing provision, and accessible properties in particular, in Northern Ireland?”
“Yes. To everyone who is here today, thank you very much for your support. This is a fundamental issue. It is about investing to save. It is critical that we act right now. Autistic children and adults are a vibrant part of our community today, as they will be in the future, and we are failing them. They are our friends, neighbours and colleagues. They deserve the same rights, support and opportunities as every other person in Northern Ireland.”
“The emotional struggle of doing a PIP form can have a significant impact on an autistic person, so we need to look at how we can make that process more supportive and accessible for people. I do PIP forms quite regularly, so I know about the stress caused to people when they have to go through that process, which may be followed by a mandatory reconsideration, an appeal and then a tribunal. The process for accessing basic support is far too drawn out.”
“He also touched on the voluntary and community sector, which is essential in doing the work when families cannot get access or are waiting for a diagnosis. The voluntary and community sector is a pillar, but, unfortunately, it often experiences significant cuts, which has a huge impact on the ground for all. He also mentioned lifelong learning, housing and employment, which, again, is critical. Colin talked about cross-departmental working, the autism reviewer and commissioning services. We have touched on the importance of the reviewer a few times. <BR /> <BR />PIP is also a huge issue. The forms are complex and wordy. It is hard for anybody to comprehend them and go through them.”
“<BR /> <BR />Danny Baker rightly touched on education. He talked about the impact of education provision on children with autism and about the right training for teachers, parents and support staff. Pam, who worked hard to deliver the Act, particularly in conjunction with Autism NI, talked about the training that is needed, the data, the budget, the reporting and, of course, the independent reviewer. There is disappointment that, despite the work that not only Pam but everybody has put in over a number of years, we are not seeing results on the ground. She also mentioned the fearful, worried and anxious families whom we often see in our constituency offices. <BR /> <BR />Maolíosa McHugh from West Tyrone talked about support groups.”
“He mentioned the 22% employment rate for autistic adults, which is absolutely horrendous. If the motion is passed today, the reviewer will have a huge impact on that. <BR /> <BR />Alan Chambers mentioned timely diagnosis, help, support and, in particular, the education system. Mark recognised the huge gaps in provision and detailed the failings that we are all very aware of. He talked about how critical mental health is and told us that an autistic adult is nine times more likely to commit suicide and an autistic child is 20 times more likely to self-harm. Those are horrendous statistics. We all know them and talk about them constantly, but what are we doing to address them? He also mentioned the i-THRIVE programme. It is a good programme, but it is very general and is not specific to the autistic community.”
“<BR /> <BR />My friend Cathal is Chair of the APG on autism. He has been around for 17 years. He has seen this before and is frustrated. He wants to see delivery again on the matter. He touched on the need for a review of capacity and demand, collaboration, monitoring, resources, delivering the strategy and the Act. <BR /> <BR />My colleague in East Antrim Danny Donnelly said that we know that we need to treat the matter as a priority. He detailed the cross-party support that we have had and mentioned all the Members who continue to fight to bring autism to the Floor as an issue. <BR />He also talked about training for staff, bodies and workplaces, which will be absolutely key. He referred to looking at best practice elsewhere, not just in Northern Ireland, at where is doing this well and how we can replicate that in Northern Ireland.”
“Some £36,000 or £37,000 is a drop in the ocean. It is very little, but it will have a huge impact, Minister, and I ask you to look at it again. Deborah also commented on measurable targets. We know from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) that the Department of Health lacks data. We see it in waiting lists and here today. There is a significant lack of data, which is critical for us to make important decisions and back them up. We could show that what we do and invest in makes a difference to people on the ground. Strategies are all very well and good -- I have heard the word "strategy" more in the past 12 weeks than ever in my whole life -- but we want to see delivery. We want to see the lives of people on the ground change for the better day and daily.”
“The associated stigma is a huge thing, Minister, not just for the children but for parents and siblings. It affects absolutely everybody. I know that this is difficult today and that you may feel that we are all targeting you, Minister, but this is a huge issue. I ask you to treat the matter as a priority. Autism spans across and hits every family in Northern Ireland in some shape or form. It will differ from family to family, but it has a huge effect on every family. <BR /> <BR />My colleague Deborah touched on the disappointment that is felt, and we are all extremely disappointed. We are all aware that there are budgetary pressures, but, if we prioritise everything, we deliver nothing. In my view and, I think, that of most Members, it would be so easy for us to achieve something with the autism reviewer.”
“However, for children, that seems to be ignored in the current autism strategy delivery plan. I ask the Minister this: what are his plans to address that requirement under the legislation? <BR /> <BR />I thank all Members for their comments on the motion. From a personal perspective, I deeply care about the subject. We touched in the debate on the stigma. A few months ago, I went into a cafe with my son, and he had a meltdown. He was on the floor, crying and going crazy. I looked across the room and could see people looking at me and eyes rolling. Sweat was pouring off me. I did not know what to do. A girl whom I know through work came up to me and just said, "Go away and sit down. I will bring over the coffee and your milk". I sat there in tears.”
“Whilst that is well intentioned, it does not address how we will reduce waiting times for families. The NI autism strategy says that there will be an investment in adult assessments, and I hope that that is progressed as soon as possible. Equally, I cannot see where the strategy addresses the long waiting list for children. The last financial investment in assessment was over eight years ago, in 2016, and we all know now that there are more children and adults coming forward than ever. It makes sense for us to invest urgently in this area. Section 3(4E) of the 2011 Act, as amended by the Autism (Amendment) Act 2022, states clearly that:”
“Some people and families are being forced into paying for a private diagnosis. That, in turn, causes a huge health inequality. There are those who can afford to shell out £1,400 and those who cannot and will have to wait years for the service.”
“The delay in diagnosis is undoubtedly affecting children's development or adults' mental health. <BR /> <BR />In the new strategy, there is very little mention of how the waiting lists will be addressed. We cannot have families and autistic adults waiting for years and years. It is not fair, and, quite frankly, it is dangerous, given the disproportionately poor mental health of those in the autistic community.”
“Before I begin my winding-up speech, I will touch on a huge issue, which is the waiting period for the parents and children who need an autism diagnosis. <BR /> <BR />As an MLA for East Antrim, I know only too well the importance of the new autism strategy and how it can improve the lives of autistic people in Northern Ireland and their families. Like many Members, I am inundated with requests for support. Many families do not know what to do or where to go after a diagnosis, and it is often left to the voluntary sector to help support those families. Even before diagnosis, there is an arguably more stressful time, which is the waiting period. The waiting list for diagnosis for children and adults can top up to five years in some health trusts. We all know that early intervention is key, and it is often discussed on the Floor.”
“Will the Minister outline the costs in relation to SEN transport and taxi provision?”
“I thank the Minister for his commitment and delivery. This is a phenomenal challenge for government, and the statement is welcome. For every family concerned, this is not just a statement: it will be life-changing for every child who will now get the education that they deserve and will be treated as a priority. <BR /> <BR />Minister, Roddensvale School is a fantastic special school in my constituency that is included among the announcements in your statement. Can you provide some further detail on what its inclusion in the special enhancement programme will mean for the school? You also mentioned that the cap on spend in relation to the school enhancement programme will be removed for special schools: will you detail what that will mean for project delivery?”
“That achievement is testament to Madison's character and the time that she has dedicated to supporting the NI Children's Hospice. She is a shining example of how young people have a positive and vital role to play in our society today. Well done, Madison.”
“Madison is the well-deserved winner of the Rotary Young Citizen of the Year award, and she was presented with her prestigious award at a ceremony in Birmingham.”
“I congratulate an inspiring young Carrickfergus woman who has been recognised as the Rotary Young Citizen of the Year 2024. At only 16, Madison is the only youth ambassador for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, and she has raised more than £100,000 through a series of fundraising events. She has organised coffee mornings, bag packs, walks, non-uniform days and even leg and chest waxing events, with the flagship event, a gala ball at Titanic Belfast, raising over £60,000. <BR /> <BR />Madison first got involved with fundraising after learning that her childhood friends Noah and Gracie Coates had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. That life-changing event is where Madison found her inspiration not only for charitable causes but for raising awareness of cancer.”
“I give a huge "Well done and congratulations" to the Amber Army for its season of many firsts and solid performance. East Antrim is leading the way in football, much to the dissatisfaction of my colleagues.”
“I congratulate Larne FC on being crowned Irish Premiership champions for the second year in a row. Larne has been on an incredible journey, not only with its football club but as a town and a community. The area has been literally transformed and is now thriving with community passion along with great football. I say, "Huge congratulations" to Larne FC for its well-deserved first-place finish. However, it would be remiss of me, as a Carrickfergus girl, not to also acknowledge Carrick Rangers Football Club for its campaign this season. It has finished in its highest-ever position — seventh — with its highest-ever points total — 50 — with its most wins in a Premiership season —15 — and with a cheeky European play-off qualification.”
“Will the Member agree that the current system of deciding on fees needs an urgent review, particularly in the case of complex foster payments? Fees have not been increased for some families for over four years in some of the most complex cases, leaving foster carers feeling forgotten by the system and without support.”
“I thank the Minister for his positive responses. Will he detail the practical support that will be provided for those athletes?”
“If the PSNI is in a situation where it cannot recruit, we have to make sure that we look after the officers we already have. Far too often, we focus on the human rights of those who break the law. We have to make sure that we focus on those who uphold it. It is long overdue that Members had an opportunity to promote the safety and well-being of our officers.”
“Thank you to the Member for his point. I know that the point was made earlier. We have not shied away from the Government's package. We know that we need more resources in Northern Ireland to deliver vital public services, and we have not shied away from that.”
“We already have the lowest police numbers in the PSNI's history. I am sure that every Member here will be aware of how stretched our police resources are in their areas. Attacks like these can be devastating for local policing provision, with officers injured or unavailable for duty, vehicles spending time out of service and the significant costs of getting vehicles fixed or their having to be scrapped altogether. That adds a further burden to resources that are already stretched beyond breaking point.”
“<BR /> <BR />There is an onus on the leadership of the PSNI and, indeed, the Minister of Justice to ensure that the issue is taken seriously. During Question Time back in March, I asked the Minister to detail what her Department will do to address the shocking number of attacks on PSNI officers and other front-line emergency service personnel. While, of course, I was pleased to get confirmation that it will be a key element in the new sentencing Bill, we all need to see action, and I trust the Minister to do everything in her power to action that at pace. <BR /> <BR />While the financial implications of the attacks pale into insignificance compared to the safety and well-being of our officers, it is important to note the significant impact that they have on our public finances.”
“<BR /> <BR />We have already heard some of the figures today, but a 32% rise in the deliberate ramming of police vehicles in 2023 should alarm every one of us. Aside from the obvious financial burden that that places on the public purse, the more pressing and important issue is, of course, the impact that it has on the officers who are involved in those incidents. The policing world takes over both the professional and personal lives of officers. Police officers have suffered whiplash and neck and back injuries, with the most recent only a matter of weeks ago when two officers required hospital treatment. Let us be clear: those who deliberately ram police vehicles in an attempt to flee arrest are weaponising their vehicle and must be treated as severely as those who bring firearms or bombs on to our streets.”
“I declare an interest as a member of the Policing Board. <BR /> <BR />Those serving in the Police Service of Northern Ireland are at the very forefront of public protection, putting their lives on the line to maintain public safety and to hold accountable those who break the law. They are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers, sisters and friends; they are just like you and I. We get up every morning and go to work safe in the knowledge that we have those dedicated men and women working 24/7 to ensure that we can go about our daily lives safely. Our police officers, however, do not enjoy the same luxury. They know that, when they put on that uniform, they are putting themselves in harm's way. They take a huge risk when they patrol, on our behalf, each and every day operating under consistent terrorist threat.”
“The simple fact is that those who are going through or have been through the loss of a baby need their voices to be heard, and they need specialist support. <BR /> <BR />Your grief is your own to share or store for whenever you are ready, but the introduction of the new scheme will, hopefully, offer formal recognition of the tiniest of lives lost. Delivering this important service will highlight our continued commitment to deliver on the women's health strategy and will be an important step in supporting parents by providing that recognition.”
“I recall at the time writing to the Minister of Health on behalf of my predecessor, David Hilditch, in order to highlight that case. The service was moved, but I am still totally shocked that that was even considered to be acceptable. <BR /> <BR />More recently, I was contacted again by a constituent who experienced the devastating loss of her baby. She was understandably upset that she could not access the baby loss certificate scheme, as it applied only in England. Whether you live in London, Lisburn, Carlisle or Carrickfergus, the loss of a baby will have the same devastating impact. Parents who live in Northern Ireland should be afforded the same rights as those who live in England. Parents are not getting the support that they need, and staff are unable to provide the care that they want to.”