Northern Ireland Assembly, 4 March 2025

324 contributions from 62 members. The official report.

Speaker's Business

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Before we move to Members' statements, I advise —.

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Yes, in a moment.

I advise Members that I will not be in the House next week, as I will be undertaking engagements in Canada and the United States.

Assembly Business

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. When answering a question last week during Question Time in relation to the management of poultry litter, I referred to Northern Ireland Water when I meant to refer to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. I just want to correct the record. Thank you.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I am very happy to facilitate you in that, Minister. I appreciate your doing that.

Members' Statements

Emma Sheerin (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Seo Seachtain na Gaeilge, am tábhactach dúinne uile go léir a bhfuil meas an-mhór againn ar ár dteanga dhúchais. Rinne Rialtas Shasana iarracht mhór ar dteanga a chur den tsaol, ach níor éirigh leo. Tá muid an-bhródúil go bhfuil ár dteanga anois ag gabháil ó neart go neart mar gheall ar an obair, agus ar an dul cun cinn atá á ndéanamh ag gníomhaithe Gaelige.

I mo cheantar féin, Doire theas, tá go leor ranganna le fáil ag gach léibheal. Tá mé féin ag baint an-sult as bheith ag freastal ar ranganna i nGlór na Speiríní i mBaile na Scrine. Gabhaim buíochas le Conchúr, le mo mhúinteoir Clare, agus leis an fhoireann uile.

Is é an dearcadh a bhíodh ann i bhfad ó shin in Éirinn go raibh ár sinsear bocht agus ainbhiosach mar gur labhair siad Gaeilge. Ach tá páistí go fóill ag caint Gaeilge. Tá cuid mhór le ceiliúradh againn. Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam.

[Translation: Seachtain na Gaeilge is a very important time for all of us who have great respect for our native language. The British Government strove strenuously to destroy our language, but they did not succeed. We are very proud that our language has gone from strength to strength because of the work and progress being made by Irish language activists. In my own area, south Derry, Irish language classes are available for learners of every level. I am immensely enjoying attending Glór na Speiríní’s Irish language classes in Ballynascreen. I thank Conchúr, my teacher Clare and the whole team. The thinking long ago in Ireland was that our ancestors were poor and ignorant because they spoke Irish. However, children are still speaking Irish. We have a lot to celebrate. A land without a language is a land without a soul.]

David Brooks (DUP, Belfast East)

I will address the comments made by the First Minister in the Chamber yesterday about the investment set out in the Prime Minister's statement that will see £1·6 billion spent on defence for Ukraine, with 5,000 missiles to be manufactured in my constituency, which will result in the recruitment of 200 additional staff and the securing of many other jobs.

In response to that, the First Minister said that she was incredulous that the Government would spend that money, and spend it in Northern Ireland, because she thought that it would be better spent on other things.

There is a lack of understanding from the First Minister. We have had many years of peace in this country and across Europe because of the defence that this country has provided, along with the United States and other NATO allies, in the wake of the Cold War. At the time of Brexit, there was a lot of talk about how the EU, in and of itself, having been formed after the world wars, had provided that peace across Europe. What we know is that peace was maintained largely by Europe in cooperation with the United States through NATO, which kept the Russian aggressor at bay.

The deal is about providing defence to a country that lies outside NATO, did not have those defences and has had to face a Russian aggressor in an illegal war. The Ukrainian people have had to fight that war with support largely from this country, Europe, the United States and other NATO allies — real freedom fighters, real soldiers, who stood face to face with the enemy. Last week, in the Chamber, we had talk of one of the heroes of those on the Benches opposite — a man who left a bomb outside a bar on the Shankill Road — yet they criticise the UK Government for wanting to provide munitions to those who are fighting a real aggressor in eastern Europe. The people of East Belfast are proud of the role that companies in our constituency have played and will continue to play. We are proud of the next-generation light anti-tank weapons (NLAW), which became so symbolic of Ukrainian defence in the early stages of the war.

I will say one thing for Sinn Féin: it is consistent. Its paper 'Defending Irish Neutrality' is really a critique of successive Irish Governments who wished to invest more in their defence. I encourage the Republic of Ireland to look again at that, because it has freeloaded on the backs of NATO and others for some time. This is what makes me incredulous: Sinn Féin, despite carrying out terrorist campaigns that bombed the heart out of our economy for 30 years, asking the Irish state to continue not to invest in its own defence and to freeload on the backs of others. That reinforces the fact that the only place that Sinn Féin supports US foreign policy has been in Northern Ireland. The paper speaks against it, yet, despite not going to the White House —

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

David Brooks (DUP, Belfast East)

— in Washington, Sinn Féin will go out, fundraise and tell Americans that they are on their side.

Nuala McAllister (Alliance, Belfast North)

As we move closer to the new financial year, there is growing concern among GP practices and dental practices about the hike in National Insurance contributions. Every one of us in the Chamber has heard from constituents about access to and availability of GP services in our areas. That frustration for many of our constituents is shared by GPs. Their services are under more pressure now than they ever have been. They and their staff not only share that frustration but see it every day. They are worried about outreach and reaching out to patients who desperately need primary care every day.

I visited my local GP practice to see first-hand the pressure that happens every morning. I arrived just before 8.00 am, when the phone lines open. At Grove Medical Practice, they have a system through which you can pre-book, and you can also phone up in the morning. I saw first-hand how the GPs' receptionists are straight onto the phones, as they are every day, yet the queues are still there. They simply cannot make their way through all of that. Despite that, GPs stay on after hours every day to make sure that they see as many patients as they can.

That is not unique to my constituency. As I said, it is across all our constituencies. The Public Accounts Committee is undertaking an inquiry into GP access to which the Royal College of General Practitioners has said that the National Insurance hike could be catastrophic and that we could see even more contract hand-backs among GPs across Northern Ireland.

If it is difficult in urban areas for GP practices, it will be even more so in rural areas. Last week, the British Medical Association's general practitioners committee (GPC) for England, following negotiations with the Government, announced a package of an extra £889 million a year. That is a 7·2% increase in contract value, yet the negotiations here between the BMA NI and the Department of Health have been described by our Minister as "toxic". The debate is not toxic. We need to go back to the drawing board to ensure that our GPs and their staff are valued by the Department, the strategic planning and performance group (SPPG) and all stakeholders across Northern Ireland. Coming into the new financial year, we do not want to see more contracts being handed back. We want to see leadership. We want to see our GP services be made secure. Most importantly, we want to see positive outcomes for our constituents.

Maolíosa McHugh (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Pléifidh mé an haemacrómatóis ghéiniteach. Tá níos mó eolais ag daoine ar an fhadhb sláinte sin de bharr feachtas teilifíse a rinneadh le deireannas. Lena chois sin, bhí imeacht san Áiléar Fhada le haird a tharraingt ar an cheist.

Déantar an haemacrómatóis ghéiniteach a rangú mar ghalar neamhchoitianta. Tá an galar sin ag caitheamh ar dhuine as gach deichniúr, ach, is léir nach galar neamhchoitianta é ar chor ar bith. Ós rud é go bhfuil an haemacrómatóis ghéiniteach chomh leitheadach sin i measc na gciníocha Ceilteacha — na hÉireannaigh, na hAlbanaigh agus na Breatnaigh — is minic a thugtar an "mhalacht Cheilteach" uirthi.

Tarlaíonn an haemacrómatóis ghéiniteach nuair a fhaigheann duine géin ar leith ón dá thuismitheoir, agus, mar thoradh air sin, coinníonn an corp an iomarca iarainn, rud a théann i bhfeidhm ar orgáin ríthábhachtacha amhail an croí, an t-ae agus an paincréas.

Dá mbeadh scagthástáil leitheadach ann i dTuaisceart na hÉireann le hiompróirí an ghalair sin a aithint, d’fhéadfaí cur chuige láidir a fhorbairt le gabháil i ngleic leis an iomad fadbhanna sláinte a bhaineann leis an ghalar sin. Ach, mo léan, níl an scagthástail leitheadach ar na bacáin go fóill.

Tá áthas orm a rá, áfach, gur furasta an galar sin a chóireáil, ar dea-scéala é do na daoine sin a bhfuil an galar ag cur orthu. Tá an galar ormsa fosta. Déantar féithligean, nó tarraingt fola, nuair is gá, a trí nó a ceathair de huaireanta sa bhliain de ghnáth, lena chinntiú go gcoinnítear leibhéil iarainn ar leibhéal sábháilte.

Is féidir an fhuil a bhailíonn Seirbhís Fuilaistriúcháin Thuaisceart na hÉireann a athúsáid. Ar an drochuair, ní féidir sin a dhéanamh i gcás na ndaoine a théann faoi fhéithligean san ospidéal, nó níl áit stórála ag na hospidéil ná níl an gléas acu leis an fhuil dheonaithe a dháileadh.

Meastar gur in iarthuaisceart na hÉireann — Tír Eoghain, Dún na nGall agus Doire — is mó agus is minice atá an haemacrómatóis ghéiniteach le fáil. Dá dheasca sin, tógadh fuil ó chuid mhór daoine in ospidéil nach raibh an cumas iontu an fhuil sin a choinneáil. Faoi láthair, déantar an fhuil sin a scriosadh i ndiaidh an fhéithligin.

Sin an cheist a chuirim faoi bhráid an Tí.

Le go mbíonn soláthar maith de tháirgí fola againn —.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Maolíosa McHugh (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat.

Maolíosa McHugh (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

[Translation: I will speak about genetic haemochromatosis, a condition of which the general population is more aware now as a result of a recent television campaign. An event was held recently in the Long Gallery to highlight the issue as well. Genetic haemochromatosis is classified as a rare disease. Since one in 10 of the population suffers from the condition, however, it is not so rare. Since genetic haemochromatosis is particularly prevalent in the Celtic races — the Irish, the Scots and the Welsh — it is often referred to as the “Celtic curse.” Genetic haemochromatosis occurs when one inherits a particular gene from both parents. As a result, the body retains too much iron, which, in turn, affects vital organs such as the heart, the liver and the pancreas. If widespread screening to identify the carriers of the disease existed in the North, a more robust approach could be developed to deal with the many health issues related to the disease. Alas, widespread screening is for another day. I am glad to say, however, that the condition is easily treated, which is good news for those who are affected by it. I myself have the disease. Venesection, or blood withdrawal is carried out at necessary intervals, usually three or four times a year, to ensure that iron levels are maintained at a safe level. Blood collected by the NI Blood Transfusion Service can be reused. Unfortunately, that cannot be done for those who attend venesection) in hospitals, as hospitals have neither the storage nor the facility for the distribution of the blood donated. The north-west of Ireland — Tyrone, Donegal and Derry — is deemed the epicentre of genetic haemochromatosis. As a result, many people have blood taken from them in hospitals that have no facility to retain it. At present, that blood is destroyed after venesection. That is the issue that I bring to the House. To maintain a healthy supply of blood products —.]

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Maolíosa McHugh (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat.

[Translation: Thank you very much.]

Tom Buchanan (DUP, West Tyrone)

Today, I want the House to remember the brutal murder of Thomas Loughlin, a part-time lance corporal in the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR). He was fatally injured on 2 March 1984 by an IRA booby trap bomb that was planted under his vehicle. Mr Loughlin, a Water Service employee from the Spamount area of Castlederg, had just got into his vehicle outside his home in Drumnabey Park and moved a short distance when the bomb exploded, fatally wounding him. His wife had been waving from the doorway of their home that morning, with their three-month-old baby in her arms, when the explosion happened, which blew him out of the vehicle and caused damage to the surrounding homes in the street. Neighbours took the child while she ran to comfort her husband as he lay dying on the road awaiting the ambulance to arrive.

Many people in the area who were leaving for work that morning spoke of the sheer horrific nature of the scenes that they faced, with young children who were getting ready to go to school having to be shielded from the devastation outside their homes. A young mother was left without a husband, and a three-month-old baby was robbed of a father, whom she was never to know. That is a family torn apart and a community left devastated by bloodthirsty murderers who had no thought or care for the anarchy that they created or the sorrow that they left behind.

Why was Thomas Loughlin murdered? Simply because he was a Protestant; there is no other explanation, and yet we are told that there was no alternative to that. In July 1984, four months after that brutal murder, Private Norman McKinley, who was the best man at Thomas Loughlin's wedding, and Private Heather Kerrigan, who was bridesmaid to and sister of the bride, were murdered in an IRA attack at the border near Castlederg while on patrol in the area. Three of the four people in the wedding photo that hangs in that home were brutally murdered in that short space of time, with the bride being the only one left. No one has been brought to justice for those callous and cold-blooded murders. In 1993, self-confessed IRA informer Declan "Beano" Casey from Strabane was mentioned in connection with Mr Loughlin's murder and linked, in newspaper reports, to other murders in the Castlederg area, yet he has never been brought to book for what was carried out.

On 4 August 2022, First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, said that there was "no alternative" to the IRA's armed campaign. That is a gross insult to the many innocent victims of IRA terrorism. To date, she has refused to withdraw that comment. We can therefore only assume that she still fully supports the murder by the IRA of those people in Castlederg and those throughout the rest of Northern Ireland. I challenge the First Minister, rather than continuing to commemorate and glorify IRA murderers —

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Tom Buchanan (DUP, West Tyrone)

— and therefore adding insult to those who are already grieving —

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Tom Buchanan (DUP, West Tyrone)

— to come to the House and do the honourable thing by retracting her callous statement and apologising —.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Tá go leor le ceiliúradh againn inniu le fás agus forbairt leanúnach na Gaeilge, agus is léir sin don té a dhearcann ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Tá an Ghaeilge ag borradh léi i bpobail áitiúla ar fud na Sé Chontae. Feicimid an méid sin, ní hé amháin san éileamh ollmhór atá ar an Ghaeloideachas, ach sa dóigh a bhfuil pobail ag titim isteach leis an Ghaeilge agus á foghlaim.

Mar sin féin, tá iomaire fada romhainn go fóill. Ní mór a chinntiú go bhfaighidh eagraíochtaí Gaeilge maoiniú cóir ceart ionas gur féidir leo leanúint ar aghaidh ag forbairt na teanga. Ba mhaith liom an deis seo a thapú ní hamháin le buíochas a gabháil leis na heagraíochtaí sin as an obair luachmhar a dhéanann siad, ach chomh maith leis sin, lenár dtacaíocht iomlán agus lenár ndlúthpháirtíocht iomlán a chur in iúl do na grúpaí a bhí ar stailc an tseachtain seo caite. Tá easpa maoinithe d’eagraíochtaí Gaeilge ina bac go fóill ar fhás na teanga, agus ní mór aghaidh a thabhairt ar an cheist sin.

Caithfear an straitéis Gaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm gan mhoill. Is minic a chuir mé an méid sin ina luí ar an Aire Pobal. Le cur i bhfeidhm na straitéise Gaeilge, déanfar an teanga a chosaint agus a chothú, agus beifear in ann riar ar ráchairt na nGaeilgeoirí, rachairt atá ag dul i méid i rith an ama. Is céim ríthábhachtach chun tosaigh í, agus ceann a mbeidh tionchar buan, dearfach aici ar thodhchaí na Gaeilge inár bpobail.

[Translation: We have much to celebrate today with the continued growth and development of the Irish language, and that is showcased during Seachtain na Gaeilge. The Irish language is thriving in local communities across the North. We see that not just in the immense demand for Irish-medium education but in communities, where people are embracing the language and learning it. However, we still have a long way to go. We have to ensure that Irish language organisations receive proper and fair funding to continue developing the language. I want to take a moment to thank those organisations for their invaluable work but also to extend our full support and solidarity to those who took strike action last week. The inadequate funding for Irish language organisations remains a barrier to growing the language further. Those issues must be addressed. The Irish language strategy must be implemented without delay. I have raised the need for this consistently with the Communities Minister. The implementation of an Irish language strategy will ensure that the language is protected, nurtured, and able to meet the growing demand of Gaeilgeoirí. It is a vital step forward, one that will have a lasting, positive impact on the future of the Irish language in our communities.]

Gary Middleton (DUP, Foyle)

In the previous Westminster mandate, the DUP successfully fought for £20 million of towns funding for Londonderry and £20 million of towns funding for Coleraine. It was deeply disappointing that that funding was paused by the Labour Government.

Today, however, we have received confirmation that that £40 million investment across Londonderry and Strabane over the next 10 years has been released once again. That is welcome news for my constituency. The investment, on top of the city deal money, the Inclusive Future Fund and, indeed, the Executive money towards addressing regional imbalance, represents over £300 million of investment in my constituency.

It is crucial that the UK Government continue to demonstrate their commitment to growing the north-west and all parts of the United Kingdom by taking practical steps. It is important that the mechanism used to deliver that £40 million of funding across our constituencies in the north-west is one that reaches those who are hardest to reach. In the grand scheme of things, the amount of money announced today may be small, but it has the potential to be a catalyst for further growth, further job opportunities and further investments in my constituency. This is a welcome, good news statement, and I look forward to seeing what the investment can do for my constituency.

Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit Alliance, Belfast West)

Dé Céadaoin seo caite bhí oibrithe Gaeilge ar stailc. Bhí bród mór orm seasamh leo. Bhí siad ar stailc mar gheall ar na ciorruithe atá ag teacht.

Tá pobal na Gaeilge ag déanamh obair mhór gach lá leis an teanga a chur chun cinn. I mo cheantar féin, in iarthar Bhéal Feirste, tá grúpaí Gaeilge ag déanamh sár-iarracht. Baineann mo chlann féin úsáid as neart de na seirbhísí iontacha sin. Ach tá maoiniú ceart de dhíth anois. Tá pá ceart de dhíth ar na hoibrithe. Agus tá airgead ceart de dhíth ar na seirbhísí. Ní raibh ardú ann ar mhaoiniú Fhoras na Gaeilge le 20 bliain anuas. Tá sin scanallach.

Aontaím le mana na n-oibrithe: réiteach anois, infheistíocht chothrom. Ba chóir don DUP deireadh a chur leis an bhac atá siad a chur os comhair na Gaeilge. Ach tá locht ar an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin iomlán fosta. Céad leathanach sa Chlár Rialtais — alt amháin faoin Ghaeilge. Tá gach páirtí ar bord leis an nualiobrálachas anois.

So, fair play don na hoibrithe ar stailc. Ní bheidh réiteach ann ó Stormont gan pobal na Gaeilge a bheith ar na sráideanna.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

Last Saturday, the kingdom of Mourne lost one of the most precious jewels in its crown: sadly, Evelyn Edgar passed away following a short illness. She was small in stature, but her smile and her heart and its reach were larger than life.

Evelyn was loved so much by everyone, especially her family, whom my thoughts and prayers are firmly with at this time: her parents, John and Ann; her dearly loved sister, Sarah, and brother, Newell, who were more than siblings — they were all best friends; her brother-in-law, Gordon; and her adored nephews, Paul and John. The entire family circle and wider community will so dearly miss Evelyn, but they are grateful to know that, through her faith, she is at home with her Lord and that they will all meet again.

Evelyn was firmly grounded in the Mourne Ulster-Scots heritage, and she took every opportunity to promote it. She gave her all to every organisation that she was in and did so in a quiet and unassuming manner, seeking no recognition. She would probably be completely scundered at the thought of my speaking about her in the Northern Ireland Assembly, but she deserves recognition for the huge impact that she had on so many lives in our community.

Evelyn was a dedicated and lifelong member of Orangefield flute band for 40 years and the band's secretary for 30 years. Evelyn, in spite of her illness, was attending band practice up to two weeks ago and was delighted at the band's success last week in the Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland contest.

Evelyn was a founding member of Orangefield Cultural Society and was hugely involved in doing the best for Ballinran Orange hall and the community, working hard behind the scenes and putting everyone else before herself. Evelyn was a stalwart, steadfast and loyal member of the Schomberg Society in Kilkeel, volunteering immeasurable time and energy to its Ulster-Scots work, which she loved. She was also a long-serving member of the Schomberg fife and drum band.

Evelyn founded the Ulster-Scots women's group, the Highland Heathers, which, as chairwoman, she put her heart and soul into. She was even ringing up from hospital last week to make sure that the ladies had everything in order. She cared so much for others.

Evelyn was a Christian woman of firm faith. Her testimony to the world was in how she was every day: loving, kind, unassuming, faithful, hard-working and a family woman. If only we were all more like Evelyn, the world would be a better place. On Friday night in hospital, among friends and family, Evelyn shared in the reading of Psalm 121, which is on the lectern of her own Ballinran Orange hall:

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help".

Evelyn will be dearly missed. She made a huge impact on so many lives in her too short a time on earth. My prayers are especially with John, Ann, Sarah, Newell, Gordon, Paul and John today as they gather in Mourne Presbyterian Church. I hope that they find comfort in knowing that Evelyn is safe in the arms of Jesus.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

I take the opportunity to mark Marie Curie's great daffodil appeal, which happens every March. Marie Curie is a great charity that seeks to raise awareness of needs and barriers in order to support people at the end of their life and their carers, loved ones and families across Northern Ireland. Marie Curie is a charity that has a special place in the hearts of many people across our country, including mine.

Marie Curie's 'Better End of Life Report 2024' found that one in three people were:

"severely or overwhelmingly affected by pain during the last week of life".

Alarmingly, every five minutes in our United Kingdom, someone dies without the end-of-life care that they so desperately need. Those statistics should alarm us all. In Northern Ireland, it is estimated that 90% of people would benefit from a palliative care approach before they pass away. Unfortunately, too many still face barriers and challenges in accessing support when they so greatly need it.

I have had the privilege of collecting for the charity on a number of occasions, and I look forward to doing so again. I have always been amazed by the kindness and generosity of people across the country for this great cause. I thank the public of Northern Ireland, who get behind Marie Curie every month of the year but particularly in March to support the cause. Behind every daffodil there is a story. I have always been heartened to hear the stories behind every donation and the various ways that Marie Curie has brought comfort, hope and compassionate end-of-life care and support to families during some of their darkest moments.

I hope that today will be a reminder that more could be done to support those at the end of their life and their loved ones. We as an Assembly should commit to working to remove any remaining barriers, and there should rightly be a focus on strategic outcomes and approaches to palliative end-of-life care. It is welcome to see death, dying and bereavement in the Programme for Government. That is important progress, given that almost 4,000 people still miss out on vital end-of-life care in Northern Ireland.

Finally, I pay tribute to the many hard-working staff — doctors, nurses and volunteers — who keep Marie Curie's work going all year round, including in the Marie Curie hospice facility. I make a special mention of Marie Curie's North Down fundraising group, which works tirelessly to raise funds across the year.

Pam Cameron (DUP, South Antrim)

I congratulate the Randalstown Ulster Scots Cultural Society on recently receiving the King's Award for voluntary service. The organisation has truly become a beacon of hope and unity, offering a welcoming environment for everyone in the local community. Each week, it hosts an average of 10 diverse programmes that cater for the interests and needs of residents from free musical tuition in a variety of instruments to engaging physical activities, Highland dance sessions and the cherished seniors' club.

Its impact goes far beyond those programmes. Throughout the year, the society embarks on numerous additional activities aimed at building the capacity of the local community, such as raising funds for worthy local charities and fostering a community-focused approach to reducing social isolation. The honour is a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of the volunteers, who collectively contribute nearly 13,000 voluntary hours of service each year. That is incredible. It is their unwavering commitment that makes all the activities possible.

Again, I congratulate Wendy Kerr and the amazing team of volunteers at the Randalstown Ulster Scots Cultural Society, and I wish them all the very best for the future.

Robbie Butler (UUP, Lagan Valley)

I welcome a survey that has been launched by Minister Muir, who has taken the time to seek the opinions and attitudes of farmers, who will be most directly affected by future net zero proposals in agriculture. It is vital that policy is shaped, I am sure that we all agree, by those who work the land to produce our food and who will bear the consequences of any regulatory changes. However, my purpose in speaking this morning is to issue my concern that the survey appears to be open to anyone to complete and submit, with the link being widely shared on social media.

Whilst engagement and hearing the voices of those who will be impacted most is important, there are, sadly, serious questions about the integrity of the data being gathered at the very start of the consultation. If non-target individuals are able to participate, how can we be assured that the results will accurately reflect the views of Northern Ireland's farmers and growers?

The farmers from Lagan Valley who contacted me this morning are genuinely concerned that their views will not be represented. It is vital for participation in targeted consultation that the process is not open to invalid involvement, but, sadly, this morning, the evidence is already appearing across social media that that is not the case.

I urge the Department to act speedily in this regard, because we know that our farmers are under incredible pressure not just because of draconian taxes and the onslaught of TB but, now, when they are being asked to contribute to the climate debate, which we all want to be part of, there is, unfortunately, already some nervousness that the consultation process developed by the Department is not fit for purpose. I do not raise that to be naughty; I raise it to get the message out that we need to act with haste.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

That concludes the contributions of all the Members who sought to make a statement.

Assembly Business

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is no attack on the Minister, but, yesterday, an indication was given by the Department of Finance that a statement would be made today. An email to all Members has just landed at 10.58 am with the contents of the statement. The statement relates to a significant amount of public funding. I am a member of the Finance Committee, so I got it 30 minutes ago, but other Members of the House have not received a copy. Members have been in the Chamber since 10.30 am, and that is not an appropriate way for such a major statement to be made.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I thank the Member for the point of order. The statement was put in the Library, so it meets the Standing Orders of the Assembly. However, it is not normally how things are done, and the Minister may wish to apologise for that. I have received notice from the Minister of Finance that he wishes to make a statement.

Colin McGrath (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I concur with the remarks that have just been made. It is only appropriate that we have a half-hour suspension to allow Members to fully read the document. There may be the method of putting it in the Library, but that is not the traditional method. It is emailed to Members or made available outside the door, and we received it at 10:58 am, which does not give us enough time to discuss such a major announcement on an Opposition day.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member has asked for a suspension, and I am prepared to grant that suspension. The Assembly is suspended for the next 30 minutes.

The sitting was suspended at 11.02 am and resumed at 11.32 am.

Ministerial Statement

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Order. I have received notice from the Minister of Finance that he wishes to make a statement. Before I call the Minister, I advise Members that they have had half an hour to look at the statement, so I expect their questions to be concise, relevant and probing.

Some Members

Hear, hear.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I call the Minister.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

First, I apologise to you, Mr Speaker, and to my Assembly colleagues for the administrative error that led to the delay in today's proceedings.

The Executive's Programme for Government, 'Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most', has made the reform and transformation of our public services one of our nine key priorities. As our society changes, we must ensure that our public services adapt and evolve to meet the new and changing needs of communities. As an Executive, we have been clear that we want to transform the delivery of public services and make life better for the people whom we serve. I am pleased to announce today £129 million of transformation programme funding for innovative projects that will support and drive the transformation of our public services. That funding will make a real difference in improving health outcomes for citizens, supporting children with special educational needs (SEN) and in funding initiatives in our justice system to make our communities safer. It will also support infrastructure projects to address pressure on our constrained drainage and waste water infrastructure and make improvements in the planning system, which is central to economic growth. All those are key priorities in our Programme for Government.

The final package for a restored Executive included £235 million in ring-fenced transformation funding over a five-year period commencing in 2024-25. On 9 May 2024, the Executive agreed to establish an interim board, chaired by the head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady, and the assessment criteria to consider transformation proposals from Departments. The criteria upon which proposals were sought included those that could increase the financial sustainability of public services; transform the model of delivery of public services to improve effectiveness and efficiency; and increase prevention, cost savings and early intervention. The interim board assessed 47 proposals from Departments, and proposals that were deemed to be transformative progressed to stage 2 assessment. It is the proposals that were successful in that assessment that I will allocate funding to today.

The interim board presented its recommendations to the previous Finance Minister, who put forward her recommendations to Executive colleagues. Those recommendations were approved on 28 January. As a result of that work and following my efforts to agree the terms of reference for the interim board with the Secretary of State and, separately, to secure release of the funding from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, I am now in a position to announce the proposals that have been successful in the first tranche of transformation funding.

Six successful proposals will benefit from funding across a five-year period. The successful proposals and funding amounts are as follows. There is £61 million for the Department of Health's primary care multidisciplinary team (MDT) proposal. MDTs are a partnership between GP federations and health and social care trusts that have introduced new early intervention, physiotherapy, social work and mental health roles in general practice to work alongside existing teams. The transformation funding will enable the completion of the model in seven existing MDT areas and the expansion to an additional five GP federation areas, with a combined population coverage of around 670,000 people. That will improve health outcomes for citizens as well as helping to address health inequalities across the North.

There is £27·5 million for the Department of Education's special educational needs proposal. That proposal aims to reform services to ensure that there are better outcomes for children. It will support a suite of pilot programmes that focus on early intervention and on building an appropriately skilled education workforce. It aims to help address the unsustainable financial trajectory of SEN provision and to improve the support that is provided to children and young people with special educational needs, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life, with greater emotional well-being, societal inclusion and life skills.

There is £20·45 million for the joint Department of Justice and Public Prosecution Service (PPS) proposal on speeding up and transforming the criminal justice system. That proposal aims to support the transformation of criminal justice to reduce delay and maximise efficiencies. That will happen through the promotion of more timely engagement between the PSNI and the prosecution and defence services. The proposal will also target alternative approaches to out-of-court disposals for lower-level crime, which will free up capacity in our courts for more serious cases.

There is £2·19 million for the Department of Justice's modernisation of electronic monitoring proposal. That proposal will allow DOJ to transform the way in which it monitors individuals who are released into the community. The funding will enable the creation of a multidisciplinary team to examine the technical and policy implications of implementing GPS location monitoring for those on bail or on licence who are fitted with an electronic tag.

There is £15 million for the Department for Infrastructure's urban drainage proposal. That proposal will fund a pilot project to make a robust case for how we can transform the way in which rainwater is managed in our towns and cities. The pilot will use nature-based drainage solutions to demonstrate the benefits of managing rainwater naturally on the surface to slow its flow into our rivers and piped drainage systems.

There is £3 million for the Department for Infrastructure's transforming planning proposal. That proposal will lead to the appointment of independent persons to deliver reports on planning and environmental considerations relating to major "hear and report" work. That will help the Planning Appeals Commission to address its resource issues and will drive economic delivery through our planning system.

In addition, £300,000 will be allocated to the Executive Office to undertake a digital maturity assessment. Eighteen of the original 47 proposals that are digital in nature will be assessed collectively as part of that digital maturity assessment to ensure a more strategic, system-wide approach to digital transformation. Funding was also allocated for the administration and operation of the public-sector transformation board, including for the provision of expert advice to support the delivery of Departments' proposals. The board's secretariat will monitor and report on the progress of funded projects as they are implemented to ensure that projects deliver their outcomes. I will formally notify Departments of their funding allocations, including the conditions of approvals, to enable spend to commence in 2024-25.

Following the allocation of the funds, approximately £102·5 million remains for distribution. That funding will be utilised through a combination of digital proposals, which are deemed to be transformational and agreed by the Executive, and proposals received following any subsequent call for transformation proposals. My expectation is that the second call for proposals will take place in late spring or summer of this year. I therefore place on record my thanks to the public-sector transformation board for all its work during that process and to all Departments for their engagement and active participation in the transformation programme. Having come from the Department for Infrastructure, I can say that the process that has been undertaken has been a positive one so far. Officials have reflected to me that the novel and innovative process has challenged them. led to the development of strong proposals and allowed Departments to demonstrate how they can accelerate the transformation of public services when given the opportunity.

While the £235 million in funding will in no way tackle the magnitude of the issues at hand, it will be significant in helping to develop and implement a model of delivery to stimulate the wider transformation of public services. Transformation will take time, and this is a step on that journey. It also demonstrates the Executive's commitment to the reform and transformation of our public services, as published in the Programme for Government this week.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

Minister, it is welcome that we have clarity on the public-sector transformation board after more than a year. The purpose of this ring-fenced money, however, which is a one-off, was to make interventions that are genuinely transformational and cost-saving. On reading the allocations, as legitimate and clearly welcome as many of them are, there is no clarity on exactly what the cost saving will be. Given the widespread agreement that Health is clearly the most crisis-hit part of our public services, would it have been better to simply ring-fence all or most of that money for the health service to say, "Let's make an intervention that is genuinely transformative to waiting lists, rather than divvying it out between Departments"?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

The purpose of setting up a board to look at those matters and to make recommendations to the Executive was that its members were believed to be best placed to do so from a transformation perspective across the entire Executive. The Member suggests that all of the £235 million should have been given to Health, and that is a proposal on its own. However, we currently give around 51% of our total Budget to Health. The question is this: how much more can we give to Health? Today's announcements, and the innovations and transformation that we are making today, will ensure that the general public will see genuine transformation across our public services. The funding for Health that I have announced is transformational. Where they are in operation, the multidisciplinary teams have made a hugely significant difference to the delivery of healthcare, and the further funding that we have announced today will continue that. The announcement that I have made today will ensure that approximately a third of the population is covered by multidisciplinary teams. That is a good start.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

I thank the Minister for this statement and announcement. People right across Northern Ireland recognise that we need transformation of our public services, and it is welcome that this £235 million was ring-fenced for that in the financial package. Minister, with the announcement of £129 million for transformation projects, starting immediately, how will you, as Minister of Finance, monitor centrally how each of those projects are delivering transformation? Ultimately, as Minister of Finance, you will have to report back on the package and whether transformation was delivered and how it was measured.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

As part of the terms and conditions of allocation of funding to each of the Departments, they will be asked to recommend experts in their field to be appointed to the transformation board, subject to its agreement to those appointments. Those experts will report back, through the transformation board, to me, and I in turn will report back to the Executive. There will be continuous monitoring of the projects to determine whether they are delivering the transformation that they said that they would deliver, and those appropriately qualified individuals will do that.

Linda Dillon (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I thank the Minister for the statement; it is much appreciated. It is interesting that Mr O'Toole thinks that transformation is about reducing waiting lists. Reducing waiting lists is what the Minister has said that he will do with the money that he has got to do exactly that. Transformation is about transforming how we deliver health, and multidisciplinary teams are one way to do that. That is about early intervention and ensuring that people get treatment where and when they need it. Can the Minister give us some more information about the primary care multidisciplinary teams, please?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

The primary care multidisciplinary team programme is a partnership with GP federations and trusts. The programme has introduced new early intervention physiotherapy, social work and mental health roles into general practice to work alongside existing teams in seven of the 17 GP federations. The MDTs help to stabilise primary care, transform access to services for patients, focus on prevention and management of conditions away from hospital settings, and can better utilise the skills of the community and voluntary sector.

MDTs will improve health outcomes for citizens as well as helping to address health inequalities across the region.

The £61 million across five years that we are announcing for Health today is about improving health outcomes for citizens and keeping people out of the hospital setting. Primary care has significant pressures as do hospital settings. I am not in any way stepping into the shoes of the Health Minister, but, if we can support the primary care sector, it means that fewer people end up in hospital.

Nuala McAllister (Alliance, Belfast North)

I thank the Minister for the statement; in particular, I welcome the £61 million for the multidisciplinary teams. It is known that GP practices that have MDTs are less likely to have contract hand-backs. Will the transformation board look at the knock-on effect of that funding, in particular on workforce planning? Where there are going to be more MDTs, there will be a shuffle in the whole system of physios and social workers, and we need to ensure that we have the workforce.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

The transformation board cannot take on the role of Departments or Ministers and nor should it. It carries the specific role of the implementation of the proposals that were brought forward by Departments to the transformation board. While experts will be appointed to monitor and report, the wider discussions in any Department and the wider implications, positive and negative, will have to be managed by the Minister and his or her team.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire.

[Translation: I welcome the Minister’s statement.]

Minister, who is making the decisions on the proposals?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

The interim transformation board made recommendations to my predecessor that were then brought to the Executive for a decision. The decisions are being made by the democratically appointed Executive here, so there is full accountability around the decisions and their implementation.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

I thank the Minister for his remarks. Minister, on page 10 of your statement, you state:

"I will formally notify departments of their funding allocations, including conditions of approval, to enable spend to commence in 2024-25."

Are the funds to be spent between now and the end of next month, or, in fact, are those items to be spread over a further period?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

We are all acutely aware that we are approaching the end of the financial year. The reprofiling of the spend is accepted, and we continue our discussions with the Treasury on that, but there is no issue in that regard. We are not expecting a full spend in this financial year, given that we are three weeks or whatever it may be from the end of the financial year. The reprofiling of the spend is needed and accepted and will be progressed.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

The Minister says in his statement:

"Transformation will take time and this is a step on that journey."

It is a step that has taken over a year. What we have today is scant detail in words on pages relating nothing but pilot schemes, examination and assessment boards. Funding, we find, is being allocated to the administration and operation of the public-sector transformation board itself, including the provision of expert advice. That begs this question, Minister: who made the decisions to exclude bids? Where is the expert advice on a board that is not even working with an agreed terms of reference, and how much assessment has the Minister put into the bids that were excluded?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

A discussion is going on in the Dáil as to whether the Opposition should sit on the Government Benches, and you often remind me of that discussion.

[Interruption.]

You always remind me of that discussion.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

That is praise, Paul.

[Laughter.]

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

I know.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

There are terms of reference. They were agreed by the Executive and the NIO. We appointed a board to do a job, which was to look at the proposals coming forward from Departments, and it is only right and proper that that board was allowed to do its job. If I or my predecessor interfered in the role of the board, I suspect, you would accuse me of interfering in the role of the board.

Let the board do its job. It brought forward the proposals to my predecessor. My predecessor brought them to the Executive. The Executive scrutinised those proposals, voted on them and accepted them. That is the process that has been in place.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Will Departments, once feedback is provided, be able to resubmit proposals that were not successful at the stage 2 assessment, given that many of them were a clear example of change in itself and of invest-to-save initiatives, such as the DAERA proposals on bovine TB?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

It is up to Departments and Ministers what they do when the next round of funding is announced. I suggest that they take on board the feedback from the transformation board as part of the stage 2 process. In my statement, I reflected on the fact that, when I was in the Department for Infrastructure, my officials found the process to be challenging but very useful. If Ministers are to resubmit proposals, my advice to them is that they fully take on board the feedback received from the transformation board.

Jemma Dolan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I welcome the Minister's statement. I may be asking him to step back in time, but will he outline how the transforming planning proposal will make a difference to planning?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I am definitely stepping back in time now. When I was first appointed Minister for Infrastructure, how we might reform planning was always front and centre of discussions in the Chamber, with interested parties and with a broader audience. Given the pressures on the Planning Appeals Commission, it was clear that we needed to take the step of appointing independent examiners. The transformation funding gave us the opportunity to do that. We made a bid, and I am thankful that the transformation board accepted it. That will take some of the pressure off planning, allowing decisions to be made much more quickly than they would have been without the funding, and thus we will support the economy moving forward.

Jonathan Buckley (DUP, Upper Bann)

I welcome the funding, but the statement fills me with no confidence about the speed of delivery. A transformation board that is chaired by the head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady, has taken 10 months to deliver a minuscule amount compared with what Departments deal with yearly. Is it any wonder that our public services are in the state that they are in? Where is the urgency? Does the Minister share the school of thought that the speed of delivery on transformation runs the risk of making snails look like greyhounds?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I know that the Member races pigeons

[Laughter.]

I do not know how much he knows about greyhounds, but I know that he races pigeons.

Would we all like to do things more quickly? Yes, we would. First of all, the board was appointed in May, and there was a call for proposals from Departments. Those proposals had to be drafted, detailed and submitted. The board then had to work its way through 47 proposals. I think that, in total, there was £750 million worth of bids. The board had to work its way through those. It then had to work with the NIO and the Treasury. I do not know whether the Member will ever have the opportunity to do that, but, at times, it is snail's pace.

We are an awful place for looking at the glass as half-empty. We have just announced £129 million worth of transformation funding for our Departments. From this point on, let us make sure that that £129 million is used effectively and efficiently to deliver the transformation that is needed.

Deirdre Hargey (Sinn Féin, Belfast South)

The Minister and I see today's announcement as a positive step, because, as the Minister said, we are allocating £129 million of additional money to our public services to transform them, which is important. In that context, what are the benefits of the new approach to the allocation of transformation funds, and how can it be developed?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

It has presented a challenge and an opportunity to Departments to think about what they could do should resources become available to them, and I am not talking only about external resources. As we move forward and have political and financial stability, Departments need to start looking at their budgets to see whether they can allocate even small amounts of money to transformation.

As we approach the spending review in June, and we move to a three-year resource budget and four-year capital budget, there is an opportunity for Departments to continue transformation, which is necessary and central to the Programme for Government, and to look at their own pots of money to see whether there is a small amount of money that they could use to continue the transformation work.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his statement. It is welcome to see the transforming planning bid moving forward, because planning is central to our economy and investors are turning away from Northern Ireland due to the delays in our planning system. The Minister mentioned that the £3 million for transforming planning will lead to the appointment of independent persons. Can he confirm whether those people will sit under any Department and, if so, he is confident that they will have the flexibility to deal with ongoing issues that arise about the length of time for and quality of responses from statutory consultees, which impinges on the time that applications remain in the system?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

As the Member will be aware, response times from statutory consultees are improving through measures that have been taken in the Department for Infrastructure. The independent inspectors will be appointed by the Department for Infrastructure, as they can be under planning legislation. They will be focused on delivering responses and findings to hearings and moving those hearings forward, rather than involving themselves in the minutiae of planning operations.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I welcome the announcement. I am really glad to see that the proposal for special educational needs has been included. The Minister of Education recently published his SEN reform agenda, which itself is a transformational programme, but the amount that has been allocated today is a fraction of what is needed for that. Minister, will you publish the full details of the original pitch or bid that was submitted to the transformation board, and provide an explanation of how the selected projects will deliver transformational change?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

It may be up to the individual Departments to publish their bids. I will take a look at who is responsible for that. In principle, I have no difficulty with publishing the bids, but it may be up to individual Departments to publish them.

Today, I have announced the funding allocations. It will be up to individual Departments to set out how they propose to deliver that funding in line with the letter of offer that will issue from my Department. As I said, experts will be appointed to oversee the delivery of those projects. I am not suggesting for one second that the funding that I have announced today will solve all the problems that Departments face, but it is a significant step forward with regard to transformation of services, how those services are delivered and the objective of delivering them. As I said to an earlier questioner, there are also opportunities now for Departments to look individually at how they deliver transformation within the budgets that are allocated to them.

Colin McGrath (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

This proposal will see over half of the population of Northern Ireland not having access to an MDT model. It means that you, Finance Minister, are presiding over a postcode lottery for access to MDTs. According to the sector, the GP federations that are yet to become MDTs struggle to attract staff, face longer waiting lists and are more at risk of collapse. In fact, at an event last week, one GP suggested that it may be time to move on from MDTs because it is taking so long for them to be rolled out. Minister, do you agree with the Executive's two-tier health system and postcode lottery? Do you think that it is acceptable?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I look forward to the day when I stand up in the Chamber and respond to a proposal from the "constructive Opposition". I really do look forward to that day, because the "constructive Opposition" have now had a year to bring forward their alternative proposals.

Colin McGrath (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

What has Mary Lou done? What are Mary Lou's proposals?

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Order.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Well, if you are interested, Mary Lou and her colleagues produce an alternative Budget and alternative Programme for Government each year. I am just looking forward to reading the same from the "constructive Opposition".

I will say this: if I had not stood up here —

[Interruption.]

It is difficult to respond, Mr Speaker.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Minister, I encourage you not to get distracted by the chuntering. We will hear you, Minister.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

He clearly does not want to hear the answer.

If I had not stood up here today as a member of a constructive Executive and announced £61 million of investment in Health, far fewer people would be able to access multidisciplinary teams, and the GP whom the Member refers to would be justified in his criticism of the slowness of delivery. We have just accelerated that delivery.

Pat Sheehan (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Will the Minister give more information on the special educational needs proposal?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Some £27·5 million from the transformation fund has been allocated to the Department of Education for the special educational needs proposal. The delivery is focused on two strands. The first is focused on providing the right support at the right time for children and young people with SEN: for example, it will incorporate a range of tests and trial initiatives over three academic years, including early childhood interventions, alternative models of support for children with SEN, the development of special schools as centres of expertise and the piloting of inclusive play and nurture approaches. The second strand will focus on building a skilled and confident education workforce and ensuring that it is equipped and empowered to build supportive learning environments for pupils.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

First, I welcome today's announcement. It is a positive step forward in delivering transformation. I am keen to try to understand the decision-making process slightly more. As humble Back-Benchers, it would be useful to understand whether it was the public-sector transformation board that made the recommendations on the funding awards. I see that the Department for Infrastructure bid for £9 million for planning reform, which was welcome, but the decision was to allocate only one third of that. I am keen to understand whether it was an Executive decision or a recommendation by the board to fund it only to that degree.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The breaking news today, Minister, is not your statement but that Back-Benchers are humble.

[Laughter.]

Go ahead.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

We will have a debate about that on another occasion.

[Laughter.]

The recommendations were made by the transformation board to the previous Finance Minister, who brought them to the Executive for ratification and agreement, or, if they so chose, disagreement. I should declare an interest as the former Infrastructure Minister. Of course, I would have liked to see the full £9 million given, but the board was dealing with bids of up to £750 million, so it had to make decisions or recommendations on the basis of the funding available to it. I think that the decisions and recommendations that have been made are good and will make a huge difference to the planning system and, therefore, to our economy.

Connie Egan (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Minister, for your statement. As a member of the Justice Committee, I welcome the investment in the Department of Justice. What is the Minister's assessment of the composition and effectiveness of the interim board, and do you envisage that it will be made permanent before the second round?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I plan to make the board permanent before the second round and to propose a number of appointments to it that reflect different skill sets. In fairness to the three people who have worked on the interim board, they have done an excellent job. They have carried out their remit and allowed me, as Finance Minister, and the Executive to make this announcement today to transform public services. I will propose that we appoint at least two new people to the board: one will be an expert in science and data; the other's expertise will be in value for money.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

Minister, you referred to your being the previous Infrastructure Minister. Is the £15 million that has been allocated to the DFI urban drainage proposal the total amount that was bid for? From your experience in that previous role, do you think that it will be sufficient to make an impact on the challenges faced in that Department?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I cannot recall whether it is the full amount that was bid for, but it is quite a substantial investment. It looks at one of the elements of how we tackle the huge challenge of waste water infrastructure moving forward. Although not the sole solution, sustainable urban drainage will give us another option for how we deal with that huge challenge and in a way that is friendly to the environment.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Minister, I presume that the £61 million earmarked for the Department of Health's primary care multidisciplinary teams is distinct from the £135 million to reduce waiting lists that was announced as part of the Programme for Government yesterday. Minister, will you confirm when the Health Minister was advised of that sum and whether, unlike the situation with the "up to £135 million" that was announced yesterday, you are sure that the entirety of that sum actually exists?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

It is not my role today to answer questions on the Programme for Government. I understand that there was a full debate in the Chamber yesterday on the Programme for Government. I can, however, assure Mr Gaston that I will work with the Health Minister, as I will with all other Ministers, to deliver the Programme for Government commitments.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

Gabh mo leithscéal, a Cheann Comhairle

[Translation: Excuse me, Mr Speaker]

, as I was not in the Chamber for the entirety of the Minister's statement. I thank the Minister for his statement and for the significant funds that he announced, particularly for Health and special educational needs.

Minister, maybe you can help me to understand something. As you said, you have come from the Department for Infrastructure, so you must surely recognise that major transformation is being stymied by the lack of waste water drainage or treatment capacity, with no drains and no cranes. It has been noted that funding has been committed to storm water management and that there are elements of combined sewerage separation that will benefit the waste water treatment system, but did the Department for which you were previously Minister not make a bid to the fund to deal with the lack of waste water treatment capacity? Why has that bid not been successful?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

The funding that is noted in front of you is successful and deals with part of the waste water treatment challenge that we face. I have previously said in the Chamber that, when we talk about waste water, we are often talking about hundreds of millions or hundreds of billions of pounds, but the reality is that a small injection of money at the right time and in the right place makes a difference. The £15 million will make a difference, and the £19 million that was announced in the October monitoring round made a difference. Let us look for finances where we can find them and at where we can do things differently on the transformation of waste water treatment. Let us also look for the significant funding that is required for waste water treatment works. As I said to Mr Gaston, I will continue to work with all Ministers on the delivery of the Programme for Government and on the change that is required to deliver public services.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

I welcome the allocations for the important matter of public-sector transformation. I also welcome the fact that the transformation board secretariat will have a role in monitoring and reporting on progress. Is the Minister confident that these will not be just five-year projects but will result in genuine savings and efficiencies so that the transformations will be financially sustainable?

(Mr Deputy Speaker [Dr Aiken] in the Chair)

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

The bids were agreed on the basis that they would not simply be five-year pilot programmes but would be integrated into Departments' delivery mechanisms. One of the board's roles will be to continue to monitor that. The board will report to me, and I, in turn, will report to the Executive. This is not a pilot scheme; it is about transforming public services in the long term.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes questions on the statement. Thank you, Minister.

Opposition Business

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I beg to move

That this Assembly recognises the significant economic opportunities available in the north-west in areas such as health and life sciences, renewable energy, regulated manufacturing and fintech; notes the significant potential benefits of dual market access for each of those sectors; further notes the potential of a Derry-Letterkenny economic corridor as a key driver of regional growth; calls on the Minister for the Economy to work with Executive colleagues and counterparts in the Irish Government to develop an economic task force for the north-west city region, ensuring coordinated investment, infrastructure improvements, skills development and sectoral growth initiatives on both sides of the border; and further calls on the Minister to work with Invest NI, InterTradeIreland, the north-west tertiary education cluster and the Industrial Development Agency Ireland (IDA Ireland) to produce, by September 2025, a joint strategy to attract inward investment, support local enterprise partnerships, and fully utilise the opportunities presented by dual market access.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

The Business Committee has agreed to allow up to one hour and 30 minutes for the debate. The proposer of the motion will have 10 minutes to propose and 10 minutes to make a winding-up speech. As an amendment has been selected and is published on the Marshalled List, the Business Committee has agreed that 15 minutes will be added to the total time for the debate.

Before I invite Sinéad McLaughlin to open the debate, I inform the Assembly that the Economy Minister is not able to be in the Chamber today and that junior Minister Reilly will respond on behalf of the Executive. Welcome, junior Minister, and thank you very much indeed. Sinéad, please open the debate.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The subject of the motion is close to my heart and part of the reason why I entered public life. The SDLP motion calls for a dedicated economic task force to drive investment, skills and sectoral growth across the north-west. Having grown up in and spent the majority of my professional life working and living in the north-west, I am all too familiar with the barriers that are ever-present for those who wish to provide a better life for themselves and their families.

I came into politics to stand up for a place that has, too often, been left behind. Derry is a great city. The north-west is a region that I love with my heart and soul. We have unrivalled potential, innovative businesses and creative people. The city that I see today has been transformed in many ways since I grew up. The people of my city know that change is rarely delivered by those in power in Belfast, so the change that we have seen so far is, in no small part, down to decades of Derry people campaigning, marching and advocating for more.

Some people have argued about why the north-west needs a specific, special lens or deserves a specific focus. I have become used to having that discussion throughout my time in public life, and I do understand it. There are great strengths in every region, town and city across the North. When I talk about positive discrimination for the north-west, some people ask, "What is so special about that region?". Many see a historical wrong to be righted. I, too, understand that instinct. The truth is that there is an economic case for the region that goes far beyond settling old scores.

Urban centres drive economic growth by concentrating capital, expertise and infrastructure. It is as simple as that. The north-west region, with Derry city as its urban capital, is a significant economic area of scale. It provides a counterbalance in our economy to make sure that we are not dominated by just one city. Focusing on ever more development in the capital simply does not make good economic sense. As Paul Mac Flynn of the Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) has pointed out, we can actually effect a leap in productivity by focusing on the north-west region. That can boost the economy across Northern Ireland.

It is also a region that already boasts cross-border structures and a focus from the Irish Government through the national development plan. Joined-up spatial planning has grown in momentum and importance in the region in recent years. We have an actual opportunity to exploit that for the benefit of everyone through increased government support for collaborative approaches. Special case intervention can then capitalise on that opportunity by directing our focus and investment towards the region. That is what we mean by positive discrimination: measures that can support the region by overinvesting, practically driving capital and opportunity towards the people there so that our economy is balanced everywhere, and everyone has a chance to succeed.

Those arguments for the north-west are now well established, yet we still have a long way to go. It is time for the Government to step up and meet the ambitions of our people. Despite recent progress, we still do not have the university of size that has been promised, and without the quality of jobs that are needed, we are still, far too often, at the top of all the wrong league tables.

As the motion indicates, the north-west has a significant economic potential that requires strategic focus and investment — potential that is largely driven by the region's unique ability to benefit from access to the UK and EU markets.

Dual market access is a privilege that no other region can claim, and it is about time we started to use it properly for the benefit of the north-west. It would be totally redundant to downplay something that would benefit businesses across Northern Ireland, not least in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

The north-west also has huge potential in a number of sectors, including renewable energy and manufacturing. If we are to reach our net zero goals, the region must play a critical role. Its unique ability to generate a large amount of offshore wind and support the development of hydrogen and battery storage will not only align with our net zero goals but support the Minister's desire to create good jobs. As I have mentioned, manufacturing remains a key strength in the region, with emerging potential for Derry to be seen as a fintech hub, and there are local start-ups and strong university links to support growth in financial technology services.

The benefits of the Derry-Letterkenny corridor are also something we cannot ignore. As the Irish Government's national planning framework indicated, the north-west metropolitan city region is a key enabler for regional growth. Every day, thousands of workers cross the border, which makes it a vital corridor for employment, retail, health, education, social, cultural and community services. Those opportunities have also been recognised by a number of cross-border bodies that operate in the north-west, yet, in the subregional area action plan, cross-border cooperation is mentioned in only three lines. We need much more ambition than that.

We can learn from the example set by other regions around the world, such as Basel and the Basque region. Research by Paul Gosling found that it has managed to develop strong cross-border links through greater investment in transport, the development of life sciences and culture and the shared political will to promote the area. If we draw on those examples, the case for developing a new economic task force for the north-west city region could not be clearer. Such a task force could examine and develop coordinated investment, infrastructure improvement, skills development and sectoral growth initiatives on both sides of the border.

Ultimately, the key responsibility for such development lies with the Economy Minister. I am sorry that she is not here today to hear the debate on our motion. We no longer want warm words and good intentions; we want a joint strategy that delivers for the people of Derry and beyond and addresses the decades of underinvestment. It should take a new and explicit approach to setting targets for population growth in the region and aim to increase earnings and disposable income per head of population above the Northern Ireland average. The strategy must set out how the Executive will use their levers to ensure that those in the north-west have equal access to the jobs, better healthcare and opportunities that many of those east of the Bann take as a given. The strategy should also lay the ground for specific legislation that mandates all Departments to tackle regional imbalances. I firmly believe that any strategy to address regional imbalance will be successful only if it is supported by proper legislation. That is why it is in the best interests of all in the House that such legislation is introduced, and that is what I seek to do.

The north-west has the talent, the location and the economic potential to be a major driver for prosperity, which will benefit everybody in the North. We must ensure that our businesses can fully utilise dual market access, and we need to finally see the Executive and the Irish Government working together to build a thriving economic region. Now is the time for action. I urge all Members to support the motion, which will improve not only the lives of those in the north-west, but the lives of all our people across Northern Ireland.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

I beg to move the following amendment

Leave out all after "fintech;" and insert: "notes that the Department for the Economy has been unable to present evidence of any significant benefits of dual market access for each of these sectors to date; further notes the potential of the Londonderry and Strabane city region city deal and inclusive future fund as a key driver of regional growth; calls on the Minister for the Economy to work with Executive colleagues and, where appropriate, counterparts in the Irish Government to coordinate investment, infrastructure improvements, skills development and sectoral growth initiatives for the north-west city region; and further calls on the Minister to work with Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and the north-west tertiary education cluster to produce plans to grow the skills, research and innovation capacity of the north-west city region, support local enterprise partnerships and fully utilise the opportunities presented by cross-border trade."

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Phillip, you have 10 minutes to propose the amendment and five minutes to make a winding-up speech. All other Members who speak will have five minutes.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

I thank the Opposition for tabling the motion for debate. It is a useful opportunity to discuss facts and not fiction.

Like the Member opposite, our party is committed to the growth of the north-west; indeed, the first visit that I undertook after being appointed as DUP economy spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee was to the city of Londonderry with my colleague Mr Middleton. That was because I recognised the vital role that Londonderry and the wider north-west play in the economic importance of Northern Ireland.

The motion is, though, somewhat bizarre. We have absolutely no mention of a city deal project that will be vital for the north-west, a project of £300 million of investment that my party proudly championed at Westminster. Indeed, it is a project that the party opposite rightly championed, but, today, there is absolutely no mention of that vital UK Government support. I did a bit of research on some of the projects that will be funded under that scheme, and that increased my surprise as to why the party opposite excluded it from the motion today. Funding has already been secured for the redevelopment of Strabane town centre. The Member opposite — Mr McCrossan — is a clear and unwavering advocate for his home town of Strabane, but there has not been a single mention in the motion or use of precious parliamentary time today to highlight the benefits that have already been secured for his town. The regeneration project for the Derry riverfront, Strand Road and Walled City areas in the heart of two SDLP Members' constituency of Foyle does not have a single mention in the motion.

I noticed that the motion includes the benefits of dual market access twice, but the Member who moved it, in the 10 minutes that she spent speaking, did not give one example of an investment secured as a benefit of dual market access. I am happy to give way to Ms McLaughlin, if she wants to put on record now an example of an investment secured in her city as a result of dual market access. That is because there has not been one. Not one has been secured. You would have thought that, if you were moving a motion that twice mentions the benefits of dual market access, you might have been able to name one. I am not asking for 10, but, given its prominence in the motion, I ask for one. Clearly, there is not one. I happily give way to Ms McLaughlin.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

We have mentioned that dual market access should be promoted. E&I Engineering is operating on both sides of the border, and it is operating in the North because of dual market access. We know the value of it well.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

So, not a single example. The company that she has referenced was in operation before the ridiculous implementation of the protocol. I salute that business. Despite the bureaucracy pushed for by her party — the rigorous implementation — that would cost jobs in her constituency, that firm is still able to thrive.

Do not take my words, but let us take the words of the chief executive of Invest Northern Ireland, who was before the Committee that Ms McLaughlin and I have the pleasure of serving on together. I asked him to give an example of the dual market access that is being talked up in the motion. How many examples was he able to give? The same number as the Member opposite: zero. It is important to read that into the record of the House for the avoidance of doubt. He said:

"The appeal of Northern Ireland's unique market access is limited by the extent to which goods and traders rely on the GB supply chain, where friction remains."

There is not a word in the motion about that.

My party will continue to champion the north-west region, and I encourage the Members opposite, on some occasion, to take the opportunity to speak proudly of the city that they represent. If I were a foreign investor and saw motion after motion telling us how terrible the city of Londonderry is and listened to political representatives —.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Will the Member take an intervention?

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

We had 10 minutes from you, Ms McLaughlin, and I have already given way once. I will make some progress on the remarks that I want to make.

If I am an investor and I continually hear from the city's political leadership, which, for many years at Westminster and for the majority of the time at the Assembly, has been the SDLP, that the city is such a bad place, at some stage I will think, "Why would I want to invest there, if the only remarks that I hear are negative?".

My colleague and I will take the opportunity to highlight some of the great aspects of the economy in the north-west: £300 million of investment as a result of a city deal for Londonderry and the wider region that will create jobs and investment for people across that region and £10 million each for Coleraine and Londonderry secured from the towns fund, which is a UK Government fund. Surprise, surprise: that does not make it into the motion tabled by the Opposition. You would almost think that they do not want to highlight those excellent —.

Daniel McCrossan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, West Tyrone)

We want more.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

I commend you for wanting more, Mr McCrossan, but it is important that you recognise at some stage the importance of the investment that has been secured and celebrate it.

[Interruption.]

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Gentlemen. Will you resume your seat, please, Mr Brett? I will give you an extra minute.

I enjoy robustness in a debate, but I detest chuntering from a sedentary position. I know that we all love to indulge in that, but, please, let us hear the Member who is speaking. You will all have ample opportunity to speak later if you so wish. Let us keep it civil, and let us keep it moving.

Mr Brett, you have an extra minute.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.

A dedicated task force for the growth of the Magee campus was rightly agreed by the Executive, because they recognise the importance of that to the wider region. Again, there is no mention of that in the motion.

We will hear from my able colleague, the Member for East Londonderry Mr Bradley, who continues to champion investment in his constituency and in Coleraine university — I am sure that he would love to have the opportunity to have a dedicated task force — but, again, that is not worthy of a mention in the SDLP motion.

A dedicated funding stream of £2·5 million that the Executive agreed as a priority will go to City of Derry Airport (CODA). No other airport in Northern Ireland will get that support. The Executive recognise the importance of CODA. How many mentions of that are there in the motion? Zero.

I encourage the Opposition, at some stage, to recognise the work that all parties and the Executive have rightly done to support Londonderry and the wider region. I encourage Members to read the Department's subregional economic plan, in which other parts of Northern Ireland rank much lower than the region named in the motion. There is no dedicated task force for those regions, no £300 million from a city deal and no £10 million from the towns fund. There is no Executive funding stream for their airport and no task force to grow their higher education centre.

Ms McLaughlin and her party are excellent representatives and champions of their constituents, but, at some stage, they should recognise the importance of the work that has been done. If I continually hear representatives talk down the city and say that it has received no attention, I may be confused by that, because the investment that the UK Government and the Executive have secured has been second to none for the people whom they represent.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Mr Delargy, you have five minutes.

Pádraig Delargy (Sinn Féin, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.]

As a party with representatives in both Derry and Donegal, Sinn Féin is acutely aware of the long-standing obstacles that the north-west has faced. The north-west is rich in opportunity. To realise its potential fully, however, we need strategic, coordinated and ambitious action.

The development of a Derry-Letterkenny economic corridor has the power to transform not just the north-west but the entire island, creating high-quality jobs, developing world-class infrastructure and delivering prosperity for workers, families and businesses.

I want to outline our commitment to key strategic projects in the north-west. In January this year, Conor Murphy allocated £5·15 million to Derry City and Strabane District Council, the largest funding of any region. Sinn Féin has played a key role in the expansion of the Magee campus, securing land for development. Just last week Caoimhe Archibald announced the acquisition of Timber Quay, Queen's Quay and the council car park. Together, that will allow us to get to 10,000 students and more.

Sinn Féin has consistently advocated, through word and action, balanced economic development of City of Derry Airport. The Department for the Economy is now a key partner in developing our connectivity, which lifts a significant financial burden off ratepayers in Derry. That agreement has allowed for the growth of our airport, with over 130 flights now leaving City of Derry Airport each month.

On another aspect of connectivity, Sinn Féin has led the campaign and ministerial commitment on the vital upgrade of the A5, connecting the north-west with the rest of Ireland. We are also advocating enhanced support for businesses that wish to operate on both sides of the border, ensuring that workers and entrepreneurs can fully avail themselves of the opportunities presented by dual market access.

In local development, the £290 million Derry and Strabane region city deal will deliver infrastructure and economic growth. Meanwhile, continued investment in the Ebrington site has led to the establishment of a maritime museum and EY's regional headquarters being situated there, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.

We are fully committed to an all-Ireland approach. We work in tandem with our Oireachtas team to deliver investment and growth across Ireland. Sinn Féin representatives in the Dáil have been pressing for increased funding for all-Ireland infrastructure and to ensure that the Irish Government prioritise investment in the north-west through the Shared Island Fund, particularly in the development of Magee.

The idea that investing in the north-west benefits only people in the north-west is fundamentally flawed. We know the old adage: a rising tide lifts all boats. A stronger economy in Derry and Donegal will benefit people right across Ireland. It is not only relevant to us all; it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to make it happen.

Ultimately, while we can work collectively to deliver change in the here and now, we know that the biggest change that the north-west needs is Irish unity. Ní bhainfidh geilleagar an Iarthuaiscirt barr a mhaitheasa amach fad is a bheidh Éire roinnte.

[Translation: The economy of the north-west will not achieve its full potential as long as Ireland is partitioned.]

Sinn Féin is committed to working on an all-Ireland basis to deliver for the north-west. That means working in the Assembly and in councils, and it also means working in Dublin. Let us seize this opportunity to work together to build prosperity for the people of the north-west and for our entire island.

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

I want to say lots of things, but my head is reeling from some of the comments that have been made. The Chair of the Economy Committee is excellent, and I very much enjoy being on the Committee with him, but it is totally bizarre to accuse Sinéad McLaughlin of not being proud of her city: it is all that she talks about.

We welcome the motion on job creation and cross-border cooperation in the north-west. We know the importance of utilising skills, resources and talent on a cross-border basis. We support all those ambitions and objectives. We need improvements to cross-border labour mobility and collaboration on skills development. It makes sense, and we are already seeing significant collaboration on a cross-border basis, which is important to note.

Sometimes the pace of delivery from this place is slow. I am often inspired by the cross-border collaboration and partnership that we see between regions, councils and business. That is to be embraced. Excellent work is being done already in the north-west, and it is important that we continue to develop that. We face a range of common challenges across the island, and we can augment our power if we work together.

One criticism that I have of the motion is that the north-west already has the north-west strategic growth partnership and the north-west regional development group, which are designed to do what the Opposition have called for in their motion, so it would be good to understand a bit more about what they expect any new economic task force to deliver and whether that is potentially duplication.

I was going to talk a bit more about clustering, economic niche and the importance of cross-border collaboration, not just in the north-west but right across the border. In the Economy Committee, when we had representatives from the north-west, we saw the advanced work that they were doing and how that has sparked conversations between councils in Fermanagh, Cavan and Monaghan. It is not just important for the region that we are looking at; it is about how it raises ambition across the island.

I really want to talk about dual market access and why we will not support the DUP amendment. Dual market access is not just a status. It is an advantage for Northern Ireland businesses, a launch pad for new or expanding businesses and an opportunity to take advantage of. People ask why there are not examples. My colleague will be able to reference some examples in his constituency where dual market access has been of benefit. The issue is that, when the Assembly is up, half of our Ministers will not sell it or talk about it; the other half of the time, the Assembly is down, so we are not able to promote it.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

Will the Member give way?

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

Go ahead.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

I wonder whether the Member has had time to read the Programme for Government, because there is absolutely zero mention of dual market access in that.

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

I have.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

The Member has an extra minute. I remind Members to keep the debate to the motion before us.

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

Thank you, Deputy Speaker. The amendment refers to dual market access, as does the motion, so it is important that we have that discussion.

Dual market access is not mentioned in the Programme for Government — I wonder why. I wonder whether it may be because DUP Ministers have an issue with it. We have to be pragmatic here and not fall into the trap of taking some sort of ideological position, "We cannot talk about it because it is siding a bit too much with the EU". This is an amazing opportunity for us. It is not just about seamless trading between GB and the 27 EU member states. It gives our businesses a competitive edge and an opportunity to optimise supply chains, and embracing dual market access does not just strengthen and boost our business in the north-west and beyond. If we really harness it, we could really strengthen Northern Ireland's reputation as a dynamic hub for trade and innovation. Job creation and economic stability are good things, and we should embrace any opportunity that we can in that regard. Dual market access is one such opportunity. It seems as though we are cutting off our nose to spite our face when dual market access is something that we could be really proud of and really utilise. I do not understand why we cannot do that.

I thank the Opposition for tabling the motion. It is really important that we look inward but also focus on how we can sell outwards to grow our economy. It is not just about getting investment in; we need to be outward-looking and think about what Northern Ireland and the north-west have to sell to the world.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

I remind Members that, when we are making our remarks, we are supposed to be talking about the north-west. I will more than happily listen to issues related to the north-west, but, if it stretches beyond that —.

Diana Armstrong (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I appreciate the fact that our Opposition colleagues have tabled the motion for debate today, and I thank the junior Minister for attending. If I stray into the realms of Fermanagh and South Tyrone, which I intend to do, I hope that it does not take us too far off course.

At the outset, I will say that I do not believe that any of us, for one moment, underestimates the economic opportunities available across Northern Ireland and the potential for transformation of the north-west. We all fully support that. We all recognise the economic importance of our business sectors and understand that more must be done to focus on regional growth across Northern Ireland. However, promoting the benefits of dual market access for specific and specialist sectors when that is, as yet, unproven is damaging to our economy, to business confidence and to finding a solution. We cannot work on the premise of unevidenced findings. Dual market access may seem to be appealing, but, in practice, as outlined by the Chair of the Economy Committee, it presents regulatory and trading challenges, especially with the Irish Sea border. Furthermore, in a time of global uncertainty and potential US tariffs on the UK and EU markets, Northern Ireland could face significant difficulties, given that it is part of both the single market and the UK market. That is evident from my discussions with businesses in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. The Opposition's disregard for that is surprising.

To ensure that the north-west succeeds, we must focus on proven initiatives that drive regional growth, including cross-border trade. The city deal in the north-west and the Mid South West growth deal in my constituency provide the tools to help unlock opportunities for businesses. That is why we campaigned for them. After the threat to the Mid South West deal, we fought collectively to reinstate it. However, as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, I feel that the continued focus on the north-west will be to the detriment of other regions in Northern Ireland, not least my own. The south-west in general feels a prevalence of indifference to escalating investment and job opportunities compared with that experienced by its counterparts east of the Bann. I want to see a balanced and comprehensive approach, as envisaged by the subregional economic plan, that will yield growth and success for everyone across Northern Ireland. I commend the north-west's business, arts, culture, hospitality and tertiary education sectors for their success and ambition to date and for their cross-border cooperation. I want to see that success mirrored in other regions of Northern Ireland, which are evolving at a different pace. The north-west has so much to offer, and with recent funding allocations of £300 million from the city and future fund deals, plus the additional £10 million that was announced this morning, the region is in an advantageous position to spearhead growth and job creation.

I thank the proposer for bringing the motion to the Chamber today. I will support the amendment, which my DUP colleagues put forward.

Maurice Bradley (DUP, East Londonderry)

Mr Deputy Speaker, you can rest assured that I will stick to the topic. I concur with my colleague Gary Middleton about the announcement this morning of the £40 million investment in Londonderry and Coleraine. I did not get a chance to speak earlier, but I feel that I should recognise that.

Job creation and cross-border cooperation in the north-west would have implications for my constituency of East Londonderry. The problems that the north-west has are exacerbated even more in the other north-west, which never received a mention in the previous Economy Minister's regional balance initiative. The motion emphasises economic growth, infrastructure development and cross-border collaboration in the north-west. If implemented effectively, it could also yield significant benefits to the Causeway Coast and Glens region, but there is no mention of that. The north-west and north coast have strong potential in health and life sciences, renewable energy, regulated manufacturing and fintech, all of which align with the evolving economic landscape of the Causeway Coast and Glens area. The expansion of medical research and biopharmaceutical industries at the Coleraine campus of Ulster University, which is home to the university's world-leading biomedical research facilities, should see increased investment and job creation, but no major investment in the Coleraine campus has been announced in the House.

The region's coastal geography offers opportunities in offshore wind, tidal energy and sustainable tourism, creating direct and indirect employment from the Foyle to Ballycastle and beyond. Manufacturing hubs in the north-west could benefit from shared cross-border expertise, creating supply chain opportunities for businesses in the Causeway Coast and Glens region as well. The proximity to Northern Ireland's growing fintech sector, coupled with digital infrastructure improvements, could support the development of financial technology start-ups in the area, utilising Coleraine's unique data centre, but there is no mention of that. The motion calls for coordinated investment in the north-west's infrastructure, which could directly impact on the Causeway Coast and Glens area through enhanced transport links between key economic corridors, indirectly benefiting connectivity in the region, but there is no mention of the other north-west. There is also the potential for sustainable tourism development, capitalising on existing attractions such as the Giant's Causeway and the walled city and enhancing visitor accessibility. A joint strategy involving Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and IDA Ireland aims to attract new businesses and support start-ups in the north-west by September 2025. Of course, the Causeway Coast and Glens area must be included, enhancing collaboration between local enterprises and cross-border trade initiatives.

I also encourage cluster development, particularly in emerging sectors such as green technology and advanced manufacturing.

If included, my constituency stands to gain from the motion through increased investment, job creation and cross-border trade opportunities. We would all acknowledge the opportunity to redress regional balance by leveraging the region's unique strengths in tourism, education and renewable energy. The region can play a crucial role in the broader north-west economic strategy. The development of an economic task force and a joint investment strategy will be essential in unlocking such benefits and ensuring long-term regional prosperity, but it must be across Northern Ireland.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I am happy to support the motion. As Kate said, some of the work is already happening. Last month, I clearly laid out Alliance's position on a shared island, which is about working practically to build and share reconciliation here and across the island. That is our focus. I stated that Alliance wanted to see a shared island approach on key issues that affect us, and our economy is one of those. As an Assembly, we need more detail to enable progress to be made.

I will talk through the motion. Sinéad's commitment to her area is absolutely commendable. She talks about regional balance as code for Derry at every Committee meeting. She champions her area, and I commend her for doing so, but we have called for the same collaborative approach to be taken across Northern Ireland. The SDLP is becoming more solely focused on the north-west and seems to be nowhere near as interested in its other Members' constituencies, never mind those of the rest of us. We need a joint task force approach across Northern Ireland and not exclusively for the north-west, but I agree that the north-west is an important part of the total. We all need to see the potential realised. That means working on a shared island basis, building reconciliation as part of a much wider remit.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank the Member for giving way. I apologise for sickening everybody about my city and region, which I love well. I do not talk negatively about it all the time, but I will say something negative: the poverty rate in Derry sits at 24%. The Member is lucky: he represents a constituency that has half the poverty rate of ours. That is why we need interventions. It is not that we have enough; we need more.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

The Member has an extra minute.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

Thank you, Deputy Speaker.

I am not saying that we do not need interventions; I am just saying that there are other areas. You have brought me on to that subject. Look at the deprivation rates of north Belfast or west Belfast. Those areas have some of the lowest incomes, as have the Causeway Coast and Glens area or Newry, Mourne and Down. All I am saying is that there are other areas. The problem is not specific to Derry.

My constituency of Lagan Valley has the highest house prices and the highest disposable income but the lowest job availability in the area, and Invest NI has no capability to bring employment to it. We are restricting jobs in my area for the people who live there. Everywhere has problems; I do not deny that. We sit on the Belfast-Dublin economic corridor: if Invest does not focus on my area, we will not see the benefit of that. The investment will go elsewhere, predominantly to the South. We cannot ignore the facts. Northern Ireland is such a small region. I totally agree that we should focus on the north-west and Derry, but we should focus equally on other places such as the Causeway coast.

Just as councils have a local development plan, we need a master plan from this place to map out and show where the regions are. The Member talked about fintech and renewables in Derry, and it is the same in Belfast. We also need a map for grid connections and strategic economic zones. We need to know what is happening in Fermanagh. We need a road map and a strategic plan from the Assembly or from the Department for the Economy to show that.

It is Opposition day, and the SDLP continually goes on about being a constructive Opposition. I completely agree that there are significant opportunities, and the Member named renewable energy as one. Unfortunately, there are two barriers to that. Neither is tackled, but we need to tackle them. One is grid development, which I have just referenced. We need a plan. There needs to be legislation North and South to allow the connection of wind farms or solar at the quickest and easiest point. The motion is words on a page, but, if EirGrid's grid stops at Sligo or south Donegal and cannot develop any further north without grid connection and we have a grid connection in Derry, surely we should be able to work together to connect and work as a partnership from which everybody will benefit.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

Will the Member give way?

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

No, because I have already given way, and I am running out of time.

That is one practical opportunity that could realise potential in the area. The other side of that — I commend the Member for moving the motion and talking about it — is that her party's councillors are opposing it on the council. On one hand, SDLP Assembly Members are bringing forward renewable energy as a campaign and wanting more — I want more — but, on the other hand, the party's councillors are sitting in the council chambers, where they are not the Opposition, and opposing more renewable energy in the area. You cannot talk out of both sides of your mouth. We need to start getting real, as political parties, to deliver change.

I cannot agree with the amendment that the Minister —

[Laughter.]

Not the Minister, the Chair. One day, though: I talk as a prophet. I cannot agree with it. I will give two examples. Coca-Cola has invested in my area. It has 450 jobs and, with dual market access, has just created another 90 jobs because Monster Energy has just brought its energy drinks to Lisburn. The whole factory would have gone South without dual market access. Monster Energy has just invested in Lisburn, and all of the drinks are manufactured there. PRM is another example of a company that is benefiting from dual market access and about to triple the size of its place in Lisburn. There are two examples of what you were asking for.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

I start by commending the DUP for tabling an amendment that correctly identifies the fact that there is no evidence of any benefits from the fantasy of dual market access. I heard Mr Honeyford give a couple of examples. I would like to hear more about those, just to make sure that it is dual market —.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Mr Gaston, we are talking about the north-west.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Yes, well, Mr Honeyford referred to Lagan Valley, and I could not let that go.

We have been told that Northern Ireland would have access to the UK market and the EU market and that everyone should be overwhelmed by the fantastic opportunity that that provides. How wrong that has turned out to be, for one simple reason: inward investment was supposed to flow into Northern Ireland because of dual market access, but it has not done so. Under questioning from the Committee Chair, Mr Brett, Invest NI had to admit that there had been no upturn. Why is that? It is because the price of access to the EU market was the fettering of trade from Great Britain. A manufacturer wishing to set up a business in Northern Ireland in order to have access to the EU market is bound to consider, "Where will I get my raw materials?" If they decide, as many do, that they must get them from GB, they will discover that they have a trade border to navigate.

Dual market access has always been a fairy tale and oversold. As a member of the EU single market, which, sadly, we are, we have to subjugate our sovereignty to that of the EU. That means that, to enjoy the so-called benefits of the single market, we have to subject ourselves to 300 areas of law that we do not make and cannot change. EU laws are foreign laws. The truth is that it is our services industry, not our manufacturing industry, that has expanded. The irony is that services are not covered by the protocol; they remain within the United Kingdom context.

The proof of the pudding is always in the eating. Being in the EU single market is not benefiting the economy of Northern Ireland or, indeed, the north-west; instead, it fetters our relationship with our biggest partner. It all comes back to this fundamental question: is it right that, as a people, we are governed by laws that we cannot make and cannot change? That can never be right.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

I appreciate the Member's giving way; he is always generous in giving way. If the protocol and the Windsor framework are so bad for the Northern Ireland economy, why have we generally outperformed the UK economy consistently since Brexit?

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

The Member has an extra minute.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker. I thank the Member for his intervention and for recognising that I am generous about letting other people in.

When we talk about the protocol, the answer lies with the EU and mutual enforcement. However, the Irish Government, in their political pursuit of unifying the island of Ireland through the protocol, rejected that which is the basis for international trade elsewhere: if you want to make goods that are destined for a foreign market, you make them to the standards of that foreign market —

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Mr Gaston.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

— and you will mutually enforce —

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Mr Gaston.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

— each other's laws.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Mr Gaston.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Yes, Mr Deputy Speaker?

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

I have given a lot of latitude during the debate, but it is about the north-west. Let us discuss the implications of whatever the issue happens to be for the north-west. Thank you.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker. I was just coming back to the north-west and how mutual enforcement would benefit the north-west as well as the rest of Northern Ireland.

I will go back to mutual enforcement. It is a fundamental element of international trade. We do not need the protocol, not in the north-west or in the rest of Northern Ireland.

I welcome the fact that the DUP has found reverse gear since its 'Safeguarding the Union' document, when it embraced the ideal of dual market access. I will join DUP Members in the Lobby to vote for their amendment.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

The Business Committee has arranged to meet at 1.00 pm. I propose therefore, by leave of the Assembly, to suspend the sitting until 2.00 pm. The debate will continue after Question Time, when the first Member to be called will be junior Minister Reilly, who will have up to 15 minutes to respond.

The debate stood suspended.

The sitting was suspended at 12.57 pm.

On resuming (Mr Speaker in the Chair) —

Oral Answers to Questions — Infrastructure

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Question 5 has been withdrawn.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

1. Mr McMurray asked the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the current funding model for Northern Ireland Water (NIW). (AQO 1660/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Under the current funding model, my Department fully funded NI Water for the first three years of the current price control (PC) period to the level that the Utility Regulator deemed necessary. We all recognise that there is a need for additional funding for all public services, and NI Water is not immune. Water and sewage infrastructure has suffered from years of historical underinvestment as a result of the austerity policies that the British Government implemented, and we are dealing with the legacy of those policies.

My Department has provided NI Water with a budget allocation of almost £0·5 billion in this financial year, which is just under 40% of the total non-ring-fenced budget that is available for the entire Department. Furthermore, my predecessor provided NI Water with an additional £32 million of public money in the recent October monitoring round, of which £19·5 million was to fund targeted action to release waste water constraints. In partnership with the Executive, I will be continuing my Department's three-pronged approach by working with colleagues to try to increase waste water investment, by reviewing the policy and legislation for developer contributions, with a view to launching a consultation later this month, and by securing Executive agreement for a water, flooding and sustainable drainage Bill to be introduced in the Assembly.

My Department has reviewed water utility company structures across Britain and Ireland for best practice, including the mutualisation model, in which I know the Member is interested. The privatisation and mutualisation models that are favoured in England and Wales require charges to be paid by domestic water customers, however, so they are essentially water charges by the back door. Furthermore, recent evidence has demonstrated that those governance models do not necessarily provide the better levels of services that people expect and can lead to higher levels of debt and to increasing costs.

I am keen to see the delivery of improvements to our waste water infrastructure in order to facilitate housing growth and economic development, as well as to help improve water quality. I will continue to work in partnership with NI Water to ensure that we make the most of the funding that we have available for essential public services. I will also continue to work with my Executive colleagues.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

I thank the Minister for her answer. She and I agree on some of the overarching themes, but she referenced mutualisation and privatisation together. Does she accept that, although mutualisation is about community ownership, privatisation is a different financial model?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

A mutualisation model would result in the relinquishing of Executive oversight, which in itself would be concerning. Given that we have seen examples across the water of where mutualisation has not worked well, achieving it here would require domestic water customers to pay charges. There is no ambiguity about that. NI Water would also be required to secure debt and financing on quite a significant scale. To do that, it would be required to borrow large amounts of money that would have to be financed in some way. For me, mutualisation is just another way of dressing up the introduction of water charges for domestic customers. I am committed to ensuring that we do not place an additional financial pressure on people who are already struggling with the cost of living and everything else that we hear about day and daily.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I welcome the Minister to her first Question Time. For clarity, because there seems to be some confusion, will she clearly explain why she believes that mutualisation leads to water charges?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said, I believe that mutualisation is essentially water charges by the back door. A mutualisation model would require the Executive to relinquish oversight, which is not the direction in which we want to go. We want to ensure that we have that level of governance over how water is treated and how the waste water system is working. I therefore do not think that mutualisation is a positive option. We have seen that it has not worked well across the water. I want to ensure that we can continue to provide the highest standards of waste water infrastructure while ensuring that we are not creating additional costs for domestic customers.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

The Minister for Communities has announced the building of 100,000 new houses by 2039, while the Programme for Government (PFG) commits to 5,850 new social houses being started by 2027.

The current waste water infrastructure could not support those developments. What conversations have you had with the Minister for Communities? Have you given him a commitment that you will support him, through funding Northern Ireland Water, to ensure that he can provide the houses that he outlined in those announcements?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for his question. It is important to outline that waste water infrastructure underpins quite a lot of the priorities in the Programme for Government. There is a commitment not just by me as the Minister but across the Executive to deliver on those priorities. As I said in previous answers today, I will continue to work on my three-pronged approach, which involves working closely with all Executive colleagues to deliver the funding needed. The reality, as the Member will know, is that the overall Executive Budget would not be enough to deliver the required waste water upgrades. However, that does not mean that we do nothing. I will continue to work to the best of my ability with all Executive colleagues to do as much as we can to deliver on our waste water infrastructure and ensure that the homes that we have committed to build are built at the earliest possible stage.

Andy Allen (UUP, Belfast East)

Minister, in a recent engagement with the Committee for Communities on housing, Northern Ireland Water highlighted a requirement of £1·8 billion, which has been highlighted repeatedly, but there is no funding for that. At what stage will the Department for Infrastructure accept that the current funding model really is not working?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I do not believe that the current funding model is not working. The problem is that we do not have enough funding. I have given answers today on options that Members put forward such as mutualisation and privatisation. There is a concerted effort to push us in the direction of implementing water charges: that will not happen; I am committed to not doing that. The Member is shaking his head. Just to be clear: I am not suggesting that that is what he was saying. What I am saying is that I am looking at all available options. Things have been done. In the October monitoring round, my predecessor, John O'Dowd, provided £19·5 million, which will help to unlock capacity that will build 2,300 homes. When we put our heads together, it can happen. I will continue to do that, working with all colleagues around the table.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

Given the severe impact of the water capacity crisis on domestic and commercial development, and our ever-growing housing waiting lists, what innovative engineering solutions are being considered? Is best practice across the world being fully explored to try to solve the crisis, which is not new?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for his question. The Finance Minister announced today a funding allocation through the transformation fund that includes £15 million for urban drainage. That is one way of looking at the innovation that is available to treat rain water, which, as NI Water has said, forms a large part of the water going through treatment systems. At Committee last week, we had a discussion about global practice. We are committed to looking at best practice not just across these islands but across Europe and globally. As I said at Committee, I rule nothing in and nothing out. It is important to recognise, however, that we have a good funding model. We have options that we are considering and working through in the three-pronged approach. We will continue to look at all options that can help to deliver on waste water.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

The Minister said that she is not ruling anything in or anything out, but has she, in effect, ruled out the expert-led review of the funding and governance of Northern Ireland Water, which was recommended by the Audit Office? She said that she does not believe that there is anything wrong with the funding model, and I share her concerns about some of the solutions that are being mooted by others. However, if there is nothing wrong with the funding model, is the Minister confident that the governance of Northern Ireland Water is everything that it should be?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

At Committee last week, we also talked about the NI Audit Office report, which was published last year. The Department has already undertaken six reviews of funding and the status of NI Water. After all that, we have come to the conclusion that it is best to continue with the existing funding model. The outcome of that work is for the Assembly to consider. It is for the Assembly to choose whether it wants to change NI Water's form or funding model, but that would require the introduction of domestic water charges. No matter how many times we talk about it, that would be the ultimate outcome if we were to change. What I am saying is that we will look at all the suggestions put forward. My priority is to ensure that we do not put an additional burden on hard-working families and people right across the North who are already struggling with the cost of living. We need to find sustainable solutions.

I take on board what the Member said, but it is important that any changes —. On the other point about changing the funding model or how we currently operate, that would require further delays to the progress on our waste water infrastructure. At this time, I am committed to doing as much as I can. That may require taking a phased approach to doing things and basing that on the funding that is available to me. I will make sure that I continue to work with all partners, including NI Water, to ensure that, when more money becomes available, we are ready to use it.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Mr Sheehan is not in his place.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

3. Mr McGuigan asked the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will take measures to increase her Department’s enforcement of unadopted developments. (AQO 1662/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

It is important to note that the majority of housing developments pass through the various processes of planning, consents, construction and adoption with relatively few issues. Departmental data indicates that over 92% of all housing developments are adopted without the need to engage in enforcement action or have the development added to the list of unadopted sites. However, I fully recognise that a significant number of developments are not completed to the correct standard and remain unadopted.

A number of measures have been put in place by my Department over recent years to increase the effectiveness of enforcement. Following approval by my predecessor, Minister O'Dowd, bond calculation rates were raised in 2023 to ensure that bonds would be sufficient to complete construction works should a developer default. That represented the first rise since 2008.

In addition, following the 2024 Assembly motion on tackling the high number of unadopted housing developments and roads, a commitment was given to develop more effective private streets enforcement guidance to reduce the risk of new developments being added to the backlog of unadopted sites. I am reviewing that guidance. I met officials in recent days to discuss the issue and consider our next steps, and I hope to be able to make an announcement very soon.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

I thank the Minister for that response. Further to that, will she outline what DFI's legislative responsibility is in the adoption of developments?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

That is an important point to clarify for the record. In my view, where the developer defaults, it is the developer's responsibility. They have been paid for the properties that have been built.

As for my Department's responsibility, the statutory basis for the adoption of private streets is provided for in the Private Streets (NI) Order 1980 and the Private Streets (Amendment) (NI) Order 1992. The Private Streets Order requires developers to take out a bond surety, which is a financial guarantee that the developer will meet their obligations. If the developer defaults, the authority may draw down the bond in order to have the works completed to the required standards. Where a developer has defaulted on their agreements by leaving a site incomplete or the company's ceasing to trade, my Department has a discretionary option to commence enforcement by issuing notices under the relevant legislation and using the bond moneys to complete the works necessary to bring the infrastructure to the required standard. If the value of the work necessary to bring a development to an adoptable standard exceeds the value of the bond held, my Department has no legal requirement to complete the work and no funding mechanism to bridge the gap. Unfortunately, unless alternative funding can be identified, a development will remain unadopted.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I welcome the Minister to her first Question Time today. I declare an interest as somebody who lives in an unadopted development. The Minister will be aware that I hope to introduce a private Member's Bill on the issue.

There does not seem to be any deterrent for developers who continually build homes but leave the infrastructure outside the homeowner's door in a very poor condition. Homeowners are left in a merry-go-round situation, with the issue going back and forth between DFI and the developer. Minister, has any enforcement action been taken, even in the past five years, against developers who have created that situation?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member. I completely appreciate her frustration. I know that the issue has come up in many areas. I reiterate the point that, essentially, the Department's hands are tied. It is the responsibility of the developers who sold the houses. People bought those in good faith and expected them to be finished. I appreciate that it is a very difficult situation, and I have a lot of empathy for all those impacted on by it.

Since 2021, enforcement action has been initiated by my Department on approximately 28 sites. The number of enforcement actions is restricted by several factors, including Department and contractor resource and a shortfall of funds remaining in the bond. As I have previously mentioned, I am considering new private streets enforcement guidance that may influence how and when enforcement action is taken in the future against developers. Hopefully, I will be able to update the House fairly soon.

John Stewart (UUP, East Antrim)

I welcome the Minister to her place. Minister, you talk about your legislative responsibility regarding bonds: one of my biggest frustrations in representing the hundreds of people in East Antrim who live on unadopted roads is the ability to call down those bonds. One development in my constituency was abandoned by the developer over 15 years ago. That bond has still not been accessed despite your Department having the legislative resources to do so. Why is it such a bureaucratic, long and drawn-out process for people to finally get the works done in those areas?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for that question. That demonstrates just how challenging the issue is, and I have committed to reviewing the guidance and, hopefully, updating it so that it is more streamlined and shows clearly what we can do within our remit to bring the issues to a resolution at the earliest possible stage. That has been recognised, and that is why we are where we are. I hope to be able to provide further information fairly soon.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I welcome the Minister to her place. We all have examples of this. In Lagan Valley, residents of the Ayrshire development have lived in their homes for years, yet DFI has reported recently that technical designs were not even done or submitted. Residents have been left frustrated and living with unfinished roads. Will any new guidance be applied retrospectively? If not, why not? Surely DFI has to be way stronger from the start, before houses are even occupied.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

At this point, it would be remiss of me to pre-empt what will come out of the current review. I hope to be able to provide the Member with further updates at the earliest possible stage.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

4. Mrs Guy asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on a feasibility study into the reopening of the Knockmore railway line. (AQO 1663/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I confirm that Translink received funding through the Department for Transport's Union connectivity fund to undertake a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the railway line between Lisburn and Antrim. As well as considering engineering requirements, demand forecasting and cost estimates, the study is considering reopening the three stations previously in operation on the line at Ballinderry, Glenavy and Crumlin. In addition, three locations for a new station at Belfast International Airport are being appraised to identify the preferred option. The report is due to be completed in spring 2025, so, hopefully, in the next few weeks. I look forward to reviewing its recommendations on how to improve connectivity across our island.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Has her Department made any budget bids to the fund for the delivery of the Knockmore line, which includes that link to Belfast International Airport?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Maybe I could come back to the Member on that in writing. I have not become aware of any since I have come into post. I can double-check that with the Department and come back to you in writing.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Comhghairdeas leat faoi do chéad Tráth na gCeist, a Aire, agus ádh mór ort.

[Translation: I congratulate you on your first Question Time, Minister, and good luck.]

Can you update the House on the development of projects proposed under the all-Ireland rail review, Minister?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cholm. My Department continues to work with our colleagues in the Department of Transport, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), to consider the recommendations in the review and identify the rail interventions that could be well advanced or delivered over the next decade to 2035. Rail services on the island are already being developed towards the report's vision. That includes an increase in the hourly train service between Dublin and Belfast, while procurement has also started on a new faster and more sustainable Enterprise train fleet for the Dublin to Belfast route. We hope to see that in place by 2029.

In addition to the reopening of the Knockmore line, Translink has other feasibility studies ongoing that are linked to recommendations in the rail review and are due to report by spring/summer this year. I will then need to consider which projects to prioritise as funding opportunities become available. The outcomes from the EIB work and the ongoing feasibility studies will help to inform that. Just last week, I attended my first North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting and was delighted to meet my counterpart in the South, Minister O'Brien. That issue was high on the agenda. I look forward to continuing that work with my colleagues in the South.

Jonathan Buckley (DUP, Upper Bann)

The Minister will know that there is a lot of excitement across Northern Ireland about the potential reopening of old lines. In particular, one that is well known to her, as it is to me, is the Portadown to Armagh railway line in our constituencies. Following on from her answer to the previous question, what engagement will there be with local communities when the Department decides whether to advance a line?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Yes, I am aware of that line in particular, given that it goes through my constituency as well. With all of the projects, engagement and consultation with communities are critical. While we await the outcome of the feasibility studies, we will consider, in the next steps, what that consultation will look like. I hope to see further progress on that in the very near future.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

The Minister's Department deserves huge credit for the hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin. It is a game changer for public transport, so well done. Will the Minister please give an update on the reopening of the Armagh to Portadown line?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for his comments. The Enterprise service that he alludes to has been highly successful. We have seen a 49% increase in passengers, which is a success story in itself for public transport.

The Portadown to Armagh line, with an onward connection to Mullingar, was identified as a medium-term intervention in the all-island strategic rail review in support of the recommendation to develop the railway to boost connectivity in the north midlands. The feasibility study builds on an initial study that was funded by the Department and carried out by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2022. Initial outcomes from the study suggest that there is sufficient forecast demand between Armagh and Belfast and in the local urban corridor of Portadown, Lurgan and Lisburn and that journey times will be competitive with the car. It is anticipated that the feasibility study report will be available in the coming weeks, and I will study its recommendations when I receive it.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Question No 5 has been withdrawn.

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

6. Ms Nicholl asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Stranmillis embankment pedestrian and cycling improvement scheme, Belfast. (AQO 1665/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Work to upgrade the eastern footway and cycle track on Stranmillis embankment commenced on 27 January this year and is expected to take approximately 15 weeks. It is a sizeable investment to upgrade our existing cycling infrastructure in Belfast, with investment from my Department of £580,000. I recognise the value of maintaining the route to a high standard to ensure that the facilities remain attractive to users. It is one of the most important cycling routes in Belfast, connecting the north and south of the city, through the Lagan towpath, the riverside path and the M2 foreshore. It is one of the first schemes to benefit from new intuitive red surfacing and splayed kerbs to increase safety and the usable width for cycling. The footway reconstruction will also significantly improve the pavement surface for pedestrians along the route.

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

I thank the Minister for her answer. I commend the officials who have been engaging with residents and the community on this. Without integrated infrastructure to make cycling safer and more efficient, people will not make that transition to active travel. As well as the Stranmillis embankment work, what schemes is her Department taking forward to improve cycling infrastructure in South Belfast, and how will they be connected up to make journeys safer? I notice that Methody students are just coming into the Public Gallery, and this directly impacts them.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The Lagmore Avenue scheme is programmed to start on site in the coming weeks. The west Belfast greenway phase 1A is also programmed to start very soon — sorry, I have lost my train of thought. The joys of technology.

It is dependent on land acquisition being finalised. There are other schemes for which the design is substantially complete, and officials are preparing traffic regulation orders for statutory consultation. Design work is ongoing for the majority of the other schemes on the short-term list in the Belfast cycling network delivery plan, and the public will be informed through upcoming engagement events as scheme designs progress.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

I welcome our year 11 students from Methody, as Kate said.

I welcome the upgrading of any cycle lane, and the one on the Stranmillis embankment is well used. However, it is an existing embankment that is well used, and we are spending scarce resources closing it down, when there are other active travel opportunities in South Belfast. I think about additional cycle lanes on the Ravenhill Road or the Carryduff greenway. Is it the best use of half a million pounds to update what is already a very well-used and popular cycle and running track when there could be other demands in the constituency?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The Member has potentially answered his own question, because, given that it is so well used, it is important. It has been surveyed, and it is important to those who use it to invest in maintaining our existing pedestrian and cycling facilities to ensure that infrastructure remains safe, effective and attractive to users as we continue to encourage that behavioural shift towards walking, wheeling and cycling.

As the Member alluded to, the cycle track at the Stranmillis embankment has been in place for over 25 years, and this is the first time that this level of investment has been required. The surface of the existing footway has deteriorated to the extent that sections may present difficulties to pedestrians, especially those using mobility aids or prams. Patching repairs have been carried out in the past, but the current investment will upgrade the facilities along the route for pedestrians and cyclists for many years to come. It is an important part of the work that we do, but it does not take away from the need for the further new schemes that we are committed to delivering across the North, not just in Belfast.

Nicola Brogan (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Does the Minister have a plan for reaching the commitment to spend 10% of our transport budget on active travel?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

[Pause.]

I am still here. Just give me a second.

Yes, I am committed to increasing investment in active travel. I have to do that, if we are to meet the requirements of the Climate Change Act 2022. In addition to the delivery of active travel projects, my Department routinely invests in existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, as we have discussed. Work is ongoing to analyse the overall transport budgets and identify all areas of departmental spend from which pedestrians and cyclists benefit. When that analysis is complete, it will allow my Department to report a comprehensive position of overall active travel spend against the requirements of the Climate Change Act.

Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit Alliance, Belfast West)

7. Mr Carroll asked the Minister for Infrastructure, in light of the withdrawal of bus services in the Colin area of West Belfast due to concerns over drivers’ safety, whether any funding is being set aside to assist with community outreach to address the problem. (AQO 1666/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Public transport connects and enhances our communities, providing a convenient, flexible and accessible way to travel. The safety of our public transport workers and passengers is vital. Indeed, our public transport workers deserve to feel safe doing their job and should not be subjected to attacks, whether verbal or physical. Translink initially withdrew services from the area in 2018 due to an antisocial behaviour incident. It engaged with the local community and elected representatives and reintroduced services up until 6.00 pm. That service was restored, as there was not deemed to be demand for a service after 6.00 pm. With additional housing development in the area, however, Translink is reviewing its service offering and will continue to work with local elected representatives to extend the service into the evening.

Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit Alliance, Belfast West)

I thank the Minister for her answer. It is crucial that communities have access to public transport. I think that there is a demand for services after 6.00 pm in the Lagmore area and beyond. I understand that there may have been a recent change to Translink's decision.

Does the Minister agree that worker safety and protection is paramount, and will she indicate what measures her Department has put in place to make sure that, while there is access to public transport, workers are protected and safe in their place of work?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I outlined initially that, when such incidents happen, we will continue to work with communities and elected representatives in the areas where they happen. Translink would be in a better position to answer the question about the safety of its workers and to talk about lone working policies and things like that. I am happy to get further clarity on the policies that are in place and get back to the Member in writing.

Danny Baker (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Does the Minister agree that it is important that that consultation happens with the community? I was a representative when that bus service was withdrawn in 2016 and when we got it back in 2018. It is important that youth workers, unions, bus drivers, Translink and community reps work hard. That delivers for everybody, and going forward beyond 6.00 pm will be another success.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Yes, that is critical. From the outset, we want to ensure that areas do not get a reputation that goes before them in a negative way. We all have a responsibility to play our part and ensure that, where such issues arise, we work together to resolve them. The most important thing is to put an end to such issues. No one should feel unsafe going to their daily work. That consultation — that piece of work — is critical to protect workers and ensure that the people of that area have access to the public transport services that they need and deserve.

Connie Egan (Alliance, North Down)

8. Ms Egan asked the Minister for Infrastructure to outline what steps her Department is taking to improve active travel in North Down. (AQO 1667/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

My Department has developed a draft active travel delivery plan including draft network maps for our larger towns and cities such as Bangor, Donaghadee and Holywood in the North Down area. Public consultation on the draft plan closed on 28 February, and I thank everyone who took the time to respond. My officials will now review the submissions received and make any necessary amendments to the plan before submitting it to me for final approval. When it is complete, the plan will complement the Belfast cycling network delivery plan to provide a firm basis for prioritising the delivery of improved active travel infrastructure in our towns and cities, providing enhanced sustainable connectivity for the next 10 years and beyond.

My Department also works closely with councils to support them in the delivery of their greenway and active travel priorities. In the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, funding of £6·4 million has been committed by my Department to deliver greenways connecting Comber and Bangor to Newtownards. I recently attended an event marking the commencement of the construction for the Newtownards to Bangor greenway. My officials continue to work with their counterparts in council to finalise the design for the Newtownards to Comber greenway.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

We move now to topical questions.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

T1. Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the upgrade of the Caw roundabout, having stated that it was not fair to try to trip her up with parochial concerns at her first topical Question Time but that, as he had written to her on the issue, it should not come out of the blue for him to ask about it. (AQT 1101/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for his cordial words. I recently met officials in relation to that scheme. The upgrade and signalisation of Caw roundabout is the responsibility of the developer, as included in the planning consent for the adjacent H30 development. The Department continues to work with the developer on the matter.

On 15 November and 12 December last year, the developer submitted further information on the traffic assumptions and modelling updates. Additional design information was received on 17 February this year. I met officials on receipt of that, and it is currently being reviewed in line with the Department's responsibility to protect road safety. I hope that we will be able to make further progress on that very soon.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank the Minister for her answer. This is a long-running issue, and I have started to feel like Andy Dufresne writing to ask for more books for Shawshank library.

Minister, I am unaware that it was ever the case that the upgrade of the roundabout was the entire responsibility of the developer. Yes, there was a responsibility on the developer to make a financial contribution. It is my understanding now that the developer is prepared to and has made an offer to pay for the works in their entirety and that that is awaiting sign-off from the Minister. Can the Minister assure us that she will deal with the issue in an urgent fashion?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Yes, without getting into the detail of the case, it is important that we recognise that. It is an important part of the scheme. However, I have a responsibility to ensure that anything that is approved by me or through the Department meets the criteria required. I understand that this is a very important scheme that will lead to the significant development of housing in that area, so I want to ensure that whatever is approved is fit for purpose and will not lead to further issues down the line in years to come. That is not to say that I foresee that. I want the Member to understand that I want to consider carefully the proposal that is put in front of me, so that I can be confident in whatever decision I take.

Danny Baker (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

T2. Mr Baker asked the Minister for Infrastructure which projects in the Belfast cycling network (BCN) will be taken forward this year. (AQT 1102/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for the question. Lagmore Avenue Belfast cycling network scheme is programmed to start on site on 10 March. West Belfast greenway phase 1A is also programmed to start this financial year but is dependent on the land agreement that is currently being finalised. Scheme designs are complete for Island Street and Sydenham greenway phase 1. My Department is preparing to commence statutory consultation on those schemes in the coming weeks.

Officials are working to resolve a number of objections received during the statutory consultation for the Montgomery Road BCN scheme. Design work is ongoing for the majority of the other short-term schemes, including Ravenhill Road; north Belfast city centre connections linking York Street train station to the Cathedral Quarter and Ulster University; Limestone Road/Cavehill Road; Durham Street linking to Belfast Grand Central station; and Dublin Road/Botanic Avenue linking the southern side of the city centre to Queen's University.

Danny Baker (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Thank you, Minister. Does the Minister agree that community engagement is vital to developing cycling infrastructure?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Absolutely. As I have said to other Members through the course of today's Question Time, the Department is committed to ensuring that we engage with the community at every opportunity. It is important that they have their input. We are committed to ensuring that we give people the choice to walk, wheel or cycle for many of their shorter, everyday journeys, regardless of their age or their ability. Local communities are best placed to tell us what they need to help make that a reality.

Stakeholder engagement is at the core of this scheme development, with the new design guidance for active travel infrastructure embedding meaningful stakeholder and community engagement throughout the design process. There has been early engagement on a number of schemes, including the Ravenhill Road BCN scheme and the Glenavy to Crumlin active travel improvements. The views received at those events have been extremely valuable in helping our teams to shape and develop detailed design proposals.

Maurice Bradley (DUP, East Londonderry)

T3. Mr Bradley asked the Minister for Infrastructure, after welcoming her to her place, when, as a matter of urgency, the delayed upgrade works at Strand Road and Waterside pumping stations will be completed, because work has been delayed on 80 houses at Laurel Hill that have planning permission from the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council planning committee, and, in light of today's financial statement, whether she can commit to the delayed works being carried out. (AQT 1103/22-27)