Roy Beggs
East Antrim · Ulster Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I declare an interest as owner of 25 acres of agricultural land; also, my parents run a small agricultural business. <BR /> <BR />There is a shortage of fertiliser, and the Minister has referred to the present difficulties in Ukraine that are contributing to that. That shortage exists even at the exorbitant cost of £1,000 per ton.”
“of public bodies in Northern Ireland. That is vital in order to reassure the public that money is being spent appropriately. That is to be done independently.”
“There has been a very close working relationship and a close partnership. Where issues needed highlighted and where the Assembly, through its scrutiny mechanisms, needed to dig deeper to get better value and better accountability, that occurred.”
“<BR /> <BR />I also want to reflect on the close working relationship that there has been between the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Northern Ireland Audit Office, which the C&AG oversees and manages, and the Assembly, particularly the Public Accounts Committee.”
“As we consider this motion to nominate a new Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland, it is important that we reflect on the importance that the role has in any democracy. The C&AG in Northern Ireland is the head of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.”
“P&O has brutally cast its workforce aside in a Dickensian fashion. There was no consultation or notice, and the company delivered a live message by video link. Will the Minister clarify whether the P&O redundancy announcement is covered by maritime law, Northern Ireland employment law or GB employment law?”
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“Clearly, there needs to be better information sharing to speed up the process. I am aware, from my previous experience as a councillor, that protocols and information can be shared to a limited degree. That needs to be looked at to see how it can be widened for, again, the benefit of the wider community. <BR /> <BR />I also welcome the concept of sharing information more widely. Some have mentioned the aspect of social housing landlords and how they are defined differently from the Housing Executive. The earlier transfer of relevant information can assist organisations to nip difficulties in the bud before they get out of hand, so I see benefits in widening the sharing of information.”
“Thankfully, through the community coming to me, we were able to share the information. Why should that information not be shared for the benefit of the community or rates collection? I strongly support the concept of the Bill and the sharing of information for the benefit of the wider community. <BR /> <BR />I think of another private home in Monkstown. Strangely, it has been lying unrented for at least a year. The window of the front door was broken, and young people were congregating, so there was concern from a neighbour about the safety of young people. There was even concern from the neighbour about the safety of everyone in the row. Because there is no automatic, fast sharing of information, it took some time to go through processes and for an environmental officer to eventually contact the owner.”
“Eventually, after information sharing — the community provided me with information, which I provided to the statutory services — the owner was traced, and his responsibility was highlighted to him. The overgrowth was cut back, and the property was sold. They found a garden shed and a boat below the undergrowth — it was a jungle. There was also concern about vermin infestation, so there needs to be better sharing of information. The interesting aspect of that case was that DFP knew who the owner was — he was listed with Land and Property Services — but did not know where he was. He was a social tenant of the Housing Executive, but it did not share the information.”
“It sat empty for a number of years, with the gardens not being cut and overgrowth taking over the place. Young people had started to congregate, and the police and environmental health officers were being called out. All that is a cost to public services, which could be avoided with earlier information sharing and owners addressing the issues concerned. I support anything that assists in earlier information sharing. <BR /> <BR />There is another property in the Whitehead area that blighted the neighbourhood for decades. Initially, I was called out by a pensioner who was concerned that an overgrown tree was damaging the adjoining wall; it had not been cut back and, in the wind, was hitting against the wall. The coping stone had already been damaged. As well as that, it was a jungle, with some 68 feet of overgrowth.”
“Like other Members, I support the Bill coming forward. As the Chairman said, we have discussed it in Committee and feel that there is some room for improvement. I am content that it should formally pass its Second Stage today. <BR /> <BR />The sharing of information can address problems from vacant properties that adversely affect neighbours. From my experience of constituents getting in touch with me, I am aware that vacant properties can cause great distress and concern to neighbours for a range of reasons. There may be antisocial activity around a property, or there could be vermin infestation, which, with no one living at the property and the owner perhaps being difficult to trace, may become difficult to address. <BR /> <BR />There is a bungalow in the Antiville area, which I managed to get some movement on in the past year or so.”
“The public could easily understand why it may not be appropriate for OFMDFM to have detailed briefings on this affair, given any role that it may have played, but can the Acting First Minister explain why the First Minister met potential bidders in a private meeting without departmental officials there to provide a degree of scrutiny and transparency?”
“The document speaks of improving efficiency and reducing the burden of administration. On 2 March, there was an oral statement in the Assembly in which the Executive agreed to draft a departmental Bill and a more detailed transfer of functions order. Given that we are now approaching a period where there will be a narrow window for new legislation in the life of the Assembly, can the Acting First Minister update us on the progress of those important matters and on when the Assembly will have an extensive opportunity to consider and debate these issues?”
“I beg to introduce the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill [NIA 65/11-16], which is a Bill to amend the law relating to scrap metal dealers; and for connected purposes.”
“If not, I ask Translink to say what it will do, how it will build the numbers and work with Ulsterbus feeder services to build those numbers and provide a public transport service so that more and more people will be able to travel earlier — and later for that matter — and get to their work or place of entertainment. I thank the Member for bringing the topic forward. It has been worthwhile.”
“Again, there needs to be a rethink on that. <BR /> <BR />As has been said already, some of the services are two-hourly, particularly at weekends. There is great risk with a two-hourly service: will passengers recognise it as a deliverable service? If you miss your train, how will you cope with waiting another two hours? That is a huge length of time. There are risks in going to such a service. <BR /> <BR />Whilst many would wish the retention of the timetable, given the costs, I am fearful that that may not be easily achievable.”
“There has to be a rethink of how those services can be reinstated so that those who need to get to work in Belfast earlier can do so. Of course, the Ulsterbus alternatives equally cannot get those people to Belfast particularly earlier. I think that you can get in about 7.15 am, but that will of course be to Glengall Street bus station. You have to travel on from there to your place of work, which may not be possible depending on where exactly you work. <BR /> <BR />With regard to the late-night service, similarly, if passengers want to return on the Larne line by train, they must depart from Belfast at 10.45 pm. Very few people who travel to Belfast for some form of entertainment would be able to get back to the station for 10.45 pm. Frequently, that is too early, and it is not a practical train.”
“If passengers turn up at the station and cannot get on a train and get to work, their jobs could be at risk. They cannot accept that. It is not acceptable. It is vital that it does not happen. I understand that it is no longer a problem. I hope that that is the case. It certainly should not have happened, but there are pressures nevertheless. <BR /> <BR />One of the changes brought in has been to cut the two early-morning train services from Larne to Belfast; both the 5.48 am and 6.25 am services. Now, the first train leaving Larne is the 6.50 am service, which does not get into Central Station until 7.45 am; it gets to the City Hospital at 7.55 am and Great Victoria Street at 7.58 am. That is much, much too late. Many people have to get to work in Belfast at an earlier time.”
“The sooner issues that are going wrong are addressed, the better it will be for the travelling public and, indeed, for Translink, which will be able to retain its travellers. <BR /> <BR />One of the issues highlighted recently is the lack of capacity on the 7.30 am train from Whitehead to Belfast. Frequently, passengers have had to force themselves onto trains, and occasionally the train has not even stopped at Whiteabbey station. I understand that that has largely occurred when a six-car set has not been dispatched. It is clear that, on that particular service, there is demand for a larger train. It is vital that Translink have the resources and the ability to ensure that it is dispatched reliably all the time, because you cannot provide a bad service and expect to retain passengers. It is vital that there is a reliable service.”
“We also have to recognise that public transport in Northern Ireland generally receives less funding per passenger mile than its counterparts in Great Britain and that the subsidy provided from the public purse has been cut. I have a certain sympathy for Translink in that it has had to ensure that it continues to provide a service and yet remain financially solvent. I welcome the fact that it is reducing the sizeable war chest that it had built up, which was much too high — it was over £50 million at one time — and that, as a result of those changes, public money will be put to better use. <BR /> <BR />I appreciate the efforts of the Larne Line Passengers' Group to improve the service; it has frequently highlighted difficulties and made suggestions for improvement.”
“I have engaged with Translink. I went to its consultation at Larne town station, but it struck me as being more of an information session and an opportunity to tell people about alternative trains than a true consultation. I certainly got a sense that the change was a fait accompli. The new timetable may even have been printed at that time. I think that indications were being given of the new timetable, which was about to start in a few days' time. <BR /> <BR />One issue raised with me by Translink officials was the cost of providing rail transport in Northern Ireland. The figure thrown at me was £18 a kilometre, so, if you want to run a train, you need a critical mass of paying passengers so that it can provide the service. That consideration has to be taken on board.”
“I agree entirely with the Member that it is vital that any new service works. If it does not, there will be many, many complaints. I hope that the message goes through to Translink and that it resolves any difficulties that have occurred. <BR /> <BR />The investment has supported the growth of the Larne line — a line in which there had been a dearth of investment for many, many decades. In fact, at one stage, it was clear that some officials wished to end the line at Whitehead. I am pleased that, even in recent times, that was not the case. <BR />The Glynn river railway bridge has been renewed with further investment. I perceive that as an indication of continuing recognition that this service should continue, and rightly so. <BR /> <BR />We have a new timetable, but there are some problems with it, and I will come to that later.”
“We need to look at where additional park-and-ride opportunities can be created. I recognise that there are difficulties in locating space close to stations. Nevertheless, that must be attempted. I note and support Mr Dickson's view that Ballycarry should be considered as a park-and-ride facility, given that Whitehead is at full capacity and there are few other options in the area. <BR /> <BR />We have to recognise that the other success has been the complete relaying of the rail track and the welded rail. That, together with the new trains, has transformed the rail service from something of the 1960s to something of the modern era. On top of that, we now have Wi-Fi, which is very popular. You can see many of those who travel by rail using their smartphones, reading their books and partaking in other activities.”
“It is disappointing only two of the six East Antrim MLAs are present to share their views on the subject. I welcome a third Member, Daithí McKay, who is with us. <BR /> <BR />The Larne line has received significant investment over the past decade. We have had highly successful park-and-ride facilities and must not underestimate their success. Carrickfergus now has over 300 car parking places and, frequently, they are full. That is a great success and has eased traffic congestion. It has also eased the travelling costs of those who had to park in Belfast and the frustration of people who had to queue to go to Belfast and then, ultimately, to come back home. <BR /> <BR />A successful park-and-ride facility at Whitehead is fully occupied, and there is another at Whiteabbey. There are also improved facilities at Greenisland.”
“I thank the Member for bringing the debate forward. It is healthy to have a debate about the Larne line, to highlight its successes and the improvements that there have been but also the difficulties that have arisen, particularly with the recent reduction in services.”
“In the discussions, will he and his party present achievable objectives? I understand that that has been one of the difficulties to date.”
“I note also that the Conservative leader in Scotland, Ruth Davidson, has rightly stated that more information is required. There are concerns even there. <BR /> <BR />Another Budget statement is due from the Chancellor later this year, so there is still an opportunity for refinement and changes to tax credit and other regulations. Changes could help protect the low paid, who may be affected adversely by these cumulative changes. I, for one, urge Members to support my amendment so that we do not just note, deplore and further note but go on and urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure that working households that rely on tax credits are not worse off as a result of the introduction of the Government changes to tax credits, the many other changes to the tax system and the cumulative effect that these changes would have on their lives.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Labour MP Frank Field, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee at Westminster, and a recognised expert on welfare, suggested to the Prime Minister that he should adjust the threshold and taper to protect those who would be adversely affected by the tax credits and other cumulative changes. He has suggested that this can be achieved without significant additional moneys being required. More information is required on that one. <BR /> <BR />Boris Johnson, the Conservative MP, Mayor of London and rival to George Osborne as a potential future leader of the Conservative Party, and who made the proposals, has indicated his concerns with the cumulative effects of the changes, which will adversely affect many households.”
“We will be working to gauge their effects and lobbying so that that is recognised and further changes are put in place before we reach the critical date of April 2016, when these changes are due to take effect. <BR /> <BR />Some very influential MPs appreciate the dangers of what is being proposed. David Willetts, the former Skills Minister in the Conservative Government, who was recently elevated to the House of Lords, was reported as stating that changes to tax credits in the Budget meant that the welfare system was no longer making work pay. What a damning statement from a Conservative grandee.”
“Even when it is added, I and my colleagues have concerns that, when you take the cumulative changes — the national living wage, increased tax thresholds and the reduction of tax credits — many working households will be worse off. <BR /> <BR />Such a situation should not be allowed. Potentially, many households on lower wages will be even worse off. Many of those families will have no cushion to fall back on. How will they survive with such reductions? As a society, we must ensure that work pays, and it must pay right from April 2016, not at some future date when the national living wage reaches a certain threshold. <BR /> <BR />Those in receipt of tax credits should not be worse off as a result of these changes.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Prime Minister told the 'Andrew Marr Show' on BBC One that we were moving to an economy where you got paid more and paid less tax. Rather than paying more in tax and getting money back in tax credits, that was a better system. He insisted that a family with someone earning the minimum wage would be better off overall as a result of the changes made by the Government to tax thresholds, benefits, tax credits and the minimum wage. <BR /> <BR />In the amendment, we largely retained the original motion but, for completeness, added the issue of increased tax thresholds. Changes to tax thresholds are part of the cumulative changes in the Prime Minister's argument, but I am adding it for completeness and, ultimately, to use it against him.”
“That means that tax credits are even more important here than in other regions. As was said by the proposer of the motion, that has been recognised in the statistics. We should not be surprised by that. Indeed, 'The impact of Summer Budget 2015', a paper by NISRA, the Social Security Agency and DSD highlights the scale of changes afoot in Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />Some 109,000 households earning above the £6,420 threshold for tapered or reduced tax credits and some 121,000 households in Northern Ireland in receipt of tax credits will exceed the £3,850 threshold. It has been estimated that for them the tax credit changes will result in average reductions of £17·60 per week or £918 per year. However, that may be much more severe in individual families or sections of that group.”
“We must seek change through striving for achievable goals. <BR /> <BR />The motion echoes Sinn Féin policy in their opposition to welfare reform to date. There are links between the Tax Credits Bill and welfare reform in how it will impact on some of those who are less well off. Sinn Féin opposed the Welfare Reform Bill at Stormont earlier this year. Even with the mitigation proposals emanating from Stormont House, to date they have failed to present achievable objectives. As such, they are grandstanding, and vulnerable citizens are at risk from the full implications of the unmitigated GB Welfare Reform Act, without any protections or additional support. Where is the art of the possible, the attainable and the next best? <BR /> <BR />For too many, Northern Ireland is a low-wage economy.”
“It seems rather pointless to have a motion of which the first section "notes" the reliance of many families on tax credits, the middle section "deplores" the changes that will adversely affect low-paid working families and the final section "further notes" that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has highlighted that the increase in the minimum wage will not fully compensate for the reduction in tax credits. There must be more that the Assembly does than noting, deploring and further noting. There was no call for action in the motion. <BR /> <BR />Otto von Bismarck is credited with having said:”
“Why did I think that an amendment was needed to this motion about tax credits? When I read the motion, I really was quite shocked. The motion "notes", then it "deplores" and then it "further notes". I do not think that it is the responsibility of an Assembly to note, deplore and note. The Sinn Féin motion does not seem to be trying to change the proposals; it is just whingeing, moaning and complaining from a distance, a bit like what they do by boycotting their Westminster seats. This note-and-deplore motion raises valid concerns, but it is not focused on seeking to make the Chancellor change the proposals or alleviate the problems, hence I have tabled the amendment.”
“Why does the Member defend, in a time of austerity, the significant increase in SpAd pay from the £80,000 cap to £93,000? Can the Member explain and justify that increase in pay to a level well above an average wage?”
“The Minister mentioned large capital projects and flood alleviation schemes, and it is right that they should occur. However, can the Minister assure me that all necessary maintenance is being carried out on gratings, culverts and open waterways to ensure that there will be no flooding from lack of maintenance? Maintenance is also essential to reduce the risk of flooding affecting homes and businesses.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. The Department of Agriculture is keen to ensure good farming practice and improved profitability and the Department of Health is keen to address the issue of rural isolation. Does the Minister acknowledge that the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster, and the limited funds that help it to coordinate the activities of the various groups and young farmers' clubs, provides good value in reducing the dangers of rural isolation and in allowing young people to experience good farming practice?”
“It is important that we move forward carefully. We do not want them simply to take those rental properties off the market and create even greater stress. Clearly, there needs to be movement going forward to address those who are failing tenants. <BR /> <BR />Landlords should complete repairs in a timely fashion and meet the needs of tenants. Assessments of whether they do so and some sort of accreditation for landlords would be appropriate. We should also consider other areas for regulation. Perhaps there is a need to have electrical surveys every so often. I believe that this is an area in which regulation is needed, but we must go forward carefully.”
“I agree that there are higher risks, and it is right that we do that. It is also interesting that about 60% of private landlords are paid from public funds, so there is clearly a public interest in ensuring that they deliver. Some 8% of tenants are dissatisfied with the services provided by their landlord, and 14% are dissatisfied with repairs. Improvement is needed. We also need to ensure that everyone has a tenancy agreement — only two thirds have one at present — and that an energy performance certificate is provided when a tenancy changes. Improvement in the system is clearly needed. <BR /> <BR />The survey also revealed that many landlords were temporary landlords. Perhaps they had wanted to sell their houses but were unable to do so following the property crash and became reluctant landlords.”
“As an Assembly, we do not have the funds to build sufficient public housing, so we must work with the private sector. There are a huge number of rentals out there; some 17% of homes are now in the private rental sector. There must be a balance between the rights of landlords and those of tenants. As others said, we have some very good landlords, who are to be commended, but we also have some very bad ones, who may fail to carry out necessary repairs. In my constituency, I can think of one person who had difficulty in getting a leaky roof fixed and someone else who had difficulty getting the landlord to prevent birds from entering the roof space, which was annoying the tenants and could have health implications. <BR /> <BR />I support the decision to move forward the legislation on houses in multiple occupation.”
“The Member should allow me to develop my thinking. <BR /> <BR />It is also right that we recognise the constructive role of the Housing Rights Service, which plays an essential role for tenants who have difficulty with their landlord. It is a vital service. Moving house is traumatic for all of us at the best of times, but, for people who have the roof over their head threatened, it is vital that they have good help and advice. I commend the Housing Rights Service for its knowledge and the advice that it has given to me and my constituents. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that the private rental sector provides an important option for many. For some, the private rental sector prevents homelessness due to the long Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list. We need to be careful what we do.”
“Given the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, annual gas safety checks are needed.”
“All landlords must register, and I agree that it is important that we take the community with us and minimise legislation and cost. We must regulate only when necessary and when it can make a difference. <BR /> <BR />I support the informative process that has commenced for landlords, which should benefit tenants. Landlords need to be aware of their responsibilities. It is better that tenants' needs are looked after by landlords than their having to resort to the law when there is failure and lack of understanding. It is good that good practice advice is passed out through news-sheets to the landlords who have registered, but many landlords still need to register. A basic tenancy statement is needed. The tenancy deposit scheme must run smoothly to make sure that tenants' deposits are protected.”
“Let me first declare an interest: I have a son and a daughter who are students and rent property. My eldest son, who has started employment, is also renting, and my dad lets a property. <BR /> <BR />The motion calls for a review of the private rented social housing sector. I find it strange that it calls for a review, when, I understand, one is already under way. The Minister announced it almost a year ago. I agree, however, that the review needs to come to a conclusion. Surveys and documents have been produced, but no decisions have been taken as yet on how to move forward. Those rest with the Minister, whose seat is vacant. However, I generally support the motion. <BR /> <BR />The landlord registration scheme has started the process of identifying landlords.”
“— and better outcomes, the long-term trend for cancer is upward.”
“<BR /> <BR />I looked at some of the statistics in my area. In the Northern Trust, only about two thirds of patients see a consultant for treatment within 62 days of having been referred for urgent treatment by a GP. It is one of the areas where there is particular need for improvement. The Belfast Trust has poor figures, and there are also poor figures for the Southern Trust. Generally, Northern Ireland is at about 72·3% against a target of 95%. That is way below the target, and, unfortunately, the trend in that area has not been good. Whilst there are increasingly better results for treatments —”
“I thank the Member for highlighting that issue. It is important that people are aware of the risks that exist, and I accept what he is saying. <BR /> <BR />In June, we heard that only 69·5% of patients were referred within 62 days, and that was down from an earlier figure of 81·4%. It is vital that patients get an early diagnosis and start on the path to treatment and recovery and to improving their chances and outcomes. <BR /> <BR />Other Members referred to breast cancer, and it is particularly important that these patients are seen earlier. We have to remember that individual patients and families are suffering while waiting for a final diagnosis or treatment. There has been a poor outcome there, too: frankly, in such instances, we would expect all patients to be referred within the 14-day time frame.”
“Some people are diagnosed later because they are so worried about it that they do not seek help as soon as they should. What happens when they do go? Regrettably, there are unacceptable delays when GPs refer patients for tests and treatment and further delays when a hospital appointment is required. Look at the statistics for those treated within 62 days of urgent referral — that is when a GP suspects cancer or there is significant evidence pointing to the need for a referral to a cancer specialist. In June, we found that only 69·5% —”
“I thank CLIC Sargent and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for their recent campaign of lighting up in gold Smiley Buildings in Larne, Carrick Castle and the Braid Museum and Arts Centre in Ballymena to highlight to the community the importance of early awareness of childhood cancer.”
“If diagnosed at a very late stage, the percentage is around 15% for breast cancer compared with 90% for those who are diagnosed earlier. For ovarian cancer, 90% of women diagnosed at the earliest stage survive their disease for at last five years compared with 5% for those diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Similarly, 70% of lung cancer patients who are diagnosed early will survive for at least a year, whilst only 15% of those diagnosed at a later stage will. The statistics clearly show that early diagnosis is vital. <BR /> <BR />Why is there late diagnosis? It can be that patients are not aware, and we need to increase knowledge throughout the community.”
“I also support the motion. I want to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, which is vital in improving outcomes for cancer patients. When I researched the issue, I had a look at Cancer Research UK's website, where there is a great explanation that shows that, if cancer is diagnosed at an early stage before it has a chance of getting too big or spreading, it is more likely to be treated successfully. If the cancer has spread, treatment becomes more difficult, and, generally, a person's chances of survival are much lower. <BR /> <BR />The hard statistics on a variety of cancers make it very apparent that that is the case. Nine in 10 bowel cancer patients will survive the disease for more than five years if diagnosed at the earliest stage.”
“I, too, welcome the Member's decision not to press amendment No 5 at this stage. If practical discussions are needed to further refine it, to try to bring about improvement and to enable it to cross the line, that is a wise decision. I hope that the time between this stage of the Bill and the next stage will not be too long and that it can be finalised and come into statute.”
“I agree that there is a need for close working between all the Departments and that this is an important method of direction. <BR /> <BR />Some of that engagement can bring about very dramatic improvements in the short term and in the long term. Through the Action for Children Choices programme, engagement with families in which children were seen to be at risk of offending brought about dramatic improvements in the family situation. Additional parenting skills were given, boundaries were given, consistent parenting became much better and children's attendance at school once again improved. It is important that that type of work continues in a coordinated fashion, not through multiple government officials but in an efficient way that brings about the best outcome. <BR /> <BR />I am generally content with the remainder of the amendments.”
“That crisis is sometimes shown by a child's behaviour and perhaps lack of attendance at school, but there can be involvement from social services, the Department of Health, the Education Welfare Service and the Department of Justice. <BR /> <BR />It is very important that you do not have a wide variety of engagements, because, potentially, you will not have a consistent message or may have several people engaging with an individual. This does not bring about the best results. Generally, in my experience, it is important that there is coordinated working between the range of officials who are trying to assist a family and that someone takes the lead and coordinates all the information required to bring about the best outcomes.”
“Originally, I got drawn into educational underachievement not through the Department of Education but, believe it or not, through the Northern Health and Social Services Board's children and young people's planning section, which was concerned with levels of exclusion, suspensions and, indeed, absenteeism in parts of my constituency. It was very surprising that the Department of Health was appreciating the long-term adverse effect that this could have on children and young people and the frequent need for a range of services and support, not just the school, to intervene, and the need for a wide variety of bodies to work in a coordinated fashion. <BR /> <BR />There are a range of interventions that public bodies can make when families get into crisis.”