Diana Armstrong
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“Minister, thank you for your comments on the passing of Tom Frawley, which were befitting of a man of his stature. I, too, send my sympathy to his family.”
“Much is said about working towards regional balance in our economy. What assessment has been made of the geographical spread of PEACE PLUS funding? Can you provide assurances that rural communities are not being left behind in favour of urban centres, which have much more capacity to apply for that funding?”
“I mark a truly remarkable milestone in my home town of Enniskillen: the 350th anniversary of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest Presbyterian communities in Ireland, with roots stretching back to the 1640s and the arrival of the Scottish settlers in Fermanagh during the plantation of Ulster.”
“The uproar that followed shook the General Assembly for a generation. The congregation was reproved, petitioned and visited by commission after commission, but they refused to move. It took until 1896 for the matter to be settled, and, now, music is accepted in all churches.”
“Nessie's warmth, shown towards a young teacher who had arrived knowing nobody, made all the difference. That is what community means. It is a story of continuity for generations of families, whose generosity and faith have shaped the church that we see today. It has always been my church.”
“It is a reminder that the roots of global stories can often be traced right back to a small community in Fermanagh. <BR /> <BR />Three hundred-and-fifty years is a long time, but what endures is not bricks and mortar: it is the warmth, the welcome and the service to others that has defined that congregation across the centuries.”
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“I welcome the chance to talk about one of the most important issues facing Northern Ireland: the future of social care. There is no doubt that the system that we have is far from perfect. In fact, with still rapidly growing demand being increased by a rapidly ageing population, it is imperative that we take action now to get ahead of that while we can. Thankfully, when looking at the 48 proposals for reform that were revealed as part of the 2022 public consultation, I was glad to see the emphasis that is being placed on increasing not only the quantity of social care but the quality. <BR /> <BR />Without our social care workers, we simply would not have any provision. That is why our social care workforce is and remains one of the most important groups of all. That workforce allows our older people to remain at home.”
“Now they face repayments with high interest rates, soaring input costs and uncertainty about the future funding that would make farming a viable profession, as well as the ongoing regulatory restrictions of the Windsor framework. Farmers are resilient, but their ability to plan and grow is being tested by external pressures such as fluctuating markets and global instability.”
“Farming is Northern Ireland's largest sector, employing around 51,000 people and utilising 75% of our land, and ring-fenced and future-proofed funding is critical to its survival. Farm incomes have already dropped by as much as 44% in 2023, creating serious challenges for producers. <BR /> <BR />Local farmers whom I have spoken to are concerned about the uncertainty surrounding what will follow the basic payment scheme, particularly with rising costs and interest rates threatening the viability of their businesses. The lack of a funding road map for the long term is leading farmers to question the viability of continuing in the profession. That uncertainty is taking its toll on farmers' mental health and well-being. Many farmers were encouraged to develop their businesses and have invested heavily in expansion.”
“I want to see those success stories continue with added support such as is in the motion that we are debating this afternoon. <BR /> <BR />I will move to the motion at hand. I thank Members for tabling the motion and the amendments. Following the contributions we have heard from other Members, I too acknowledge the vital role that the single farm payment scheme and its successor, the basic payment scheme, have played in supporting agriculture in Northern Ireland. Those schemes have been essential in sustaining farm incomes and ensuring the viability of the industry. Agriculture is a significant factor in the local economy and plays a key role in the social fabric of society.”
“My message to Fermanagh and South Tyrone is simple: I want to be a voice for all, and it is my pledge to represent every one of you, regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum. We may not always agree, but I believe that, through dialogue, respect and understanding, we can deliver and build a better future for everyone in our community. <BR /> <BR />Naturally, coming from a farming family, my heart is in the countryside. I value very much the land beneath my feet. It is rich and productive, and, in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, there are many successful agri-food businesses and companies that supply national and international markets. Many of those enterprises have grown from the micro scale to command superiority in the marketplace.”
“My father tirelessly advocated for rural communities and farmers, whose livelihoods form the backbone of our economy. Standing in the Chamber today, I am motivated by the values that he held dear and am determined to continue his legacy of service to those people. <BR /> <BR />My politics have been shaped by the people in the community in which I work. I believe that politics is a tool for delivering positive outcomes and that the well-being, aspirations and voices of the community should be at the centre of every decision we make. Throughout my career, whether in the European Commission, in advertising and merchandising or as an elected representative, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to prioritising the needs of the people whom I serve.”
“I intend to build on the strong foundations that he laid. Lord Elliott's leadership and integrity set a high standard, and his presence at Stormont will be missed by many. He will, however, continue to make a valuable contribution to Northern Ireland and unionism through his work in the House of Lords, and I wish him well in that role. <BR /> <BR />Representing Fermanagh and South Tyrone is not just a political role for me; it is a deeply personal one. As I drove up to Parliament Buildings on my first day as an MLA, I felt a great sense of pride in my family. I was following in the footsteps of my late father, Harry West, a former MP, Agriculture Minister, leader of unionism and representative of the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I am pleased that speaking on this motion affords me the opportunity to deliver my maiden speech. It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I rise as the Ulster Unionist MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, a place that I have always called "home" and where I raised my family. It is a truly humbling moment. I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the opportunity to serve the people of my constituency, a region that is steeped in history, resilience and community spirit. <BR /> <BR />I pay tribute to my predecessor, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard. His service to Fermanagh and South Tyrone has been marked by dedication, dignity and an unwavering commitment to his constituents. His work on behalf of our community will not be forgotten.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Over the weekend, I met farmers who will be affected by the A5 road scheme. Top of their concerns is the vesting process. Will the Minister assure me that he will work tirelessly with farmers to ensure that none of them are impacted negatively by the scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement today. I look forward to working with him for the benefit of patients and staff from right across Fermanagh and South Tyrone. As he will recall, I recently joined him on a visit to the South West Acute Hospital. I was glad that he was able to see at first hand the potential that it has. Following on from the comments from the Member who spoke previously, will the Minister give a commitment that today's framework will help to better utilise the capacity that exists in SWAH?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement on the subregional action plan. It is a plan that I support, coming, as I do, from an area that requires further regeneration and growth. I welcome the 40% increase in the number of Invest NI regional office staff. Will that mean redeployment of staff from Belfast to regional offices, or will it be a further opportunity for job increases in regional areas?”