Northern Ireland Assembly, 13 January 2014

441 contributions from 75 members. The official report.

Matters of the Day

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Dr Alasdair McDonnell has been given leave to make a statement, which fulfils the criteria set out in Standing Order 24, on the death of Paul Goggins MP. If other Members wish to be called to speak, they should rise in their places continually. All Members will have up to three minutes to speak on the subject matter. I remind Members again that no points of order or any other items of business will be taken until we finish this item. If that is clear, I will call Dr Alasdair McDonnell.

Alasdair McDonnell (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

It is with sadness that I rise this afternoon before the House. It is extremely appropriate that I offer my sympathy and deepest condolences, and those of my party, to the family of our friend Paul Goggins.

Paul came here some years ago as a junior Minister. Many of us met him as a stranger, but he very quickly became a trusted Minister and, in time, a valued friend to all of us.

Paul was humble. He never sought benefit, glory or publicity for himself. He constantly sought progress on issues that would bring the greatest benefit to those in greatest need; those around him on the margins of society. Perhaps that was driven by the fact that he represented Wythenshawe, one of the biggest housing developments in Britain. He was very aware of poverty and how people struggled on the margins of society.

Paul was a very valued and good Minister here. Beyond that, I was very lucky that, following my election to the House of Commons in May 2005, I got to know Paul even better. Unlike many of those who served here as Ministers, Paul never forgot us as individuals or parties, and he never forgot the interests of the people of Northern Ireland. As I got to know him better, I came to depend on him as a trusted confidant, adviser and reliable friend. We did not agree on everything — that would be exceptional — but differences were always honourably dealt with and respected.

For me, Paul's standing was recognised last week in the House of Commons when political opponents from all parties, from all corners and of all hues, as well as his colleagues in the Labour Party, queued to sing his praises and pay tribute to him and his many outstanding human qualities, of which there were too many for me to go into in detail.

Paul had a deep Christian faith. I say that because he was Christianity in action as he pursued his political career. At the time of his death, he was attempting to arrange a memorial service for my good friend and colleague Eddie McGrady. We will remember Paul in his standing for a long time. I think of not just his wife and sons and daughter but his elderly father, and of the deep sadness that they are experiencing. I hope that that sadness will be eased somewhat by the recognition and tributes in the House of Commons and our tribute today.

It is my earnest wish that almighty God, in His mercy, will show ultimate mercy to Paul and reward him for his selflessness and tremendous generosity in life. May God bless him.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

It is with a deep sense of sadness that I stand on behalf of my party to join the honourable Member for South Belfast Mr McDonnell in passing our condolences and sympathy to the family and wife of Paul Goggins MP.

I, as did many others in the House, got to know Paul when he came to Northern Ireland. Many former Northern Ireland Office Ministers will just periodically refer to their time in Northern Ireland. It was not the same with Paul. He had a deep sense of companionship and humanitarianism, and he loved the people of Northern Ireland.

I remember when I met him over the Magilligan prison issue that he made it clear to me that the civil servants with whom he was dealing would prefer to move the prison away from Magilligan, but he said to me, "If you can make a case to retain the prison at Magilligan, you will have me on your side". As I said in the House of Commons last week, he was a man of his word, because we made the case and he took that decision.

He was a humanitarian and a man who always had time to speak to you. I always found the distinction between politics in Northern Ireland and in London to be that many in London do not pass you the time of day, whereas in Northern Ireland we do. However, Paul Goggins was a Northern Ireland man even though he represented Wythenshawe in Manchester, because he would always speak to you. He always had the time of day to stand and talk and ask about Northern Ireland.

We pass on our condolences to his wife and family. He will be deeply and sadly missed.

Michael McGimpsey (UUP, Belfast South)

On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I join Members in expressing our sincere sympathy and condolences to Paul's wife and family.

I first got to know Paul in 2007 when I took over the health brief from him. I found him to be very supportive. In a world used to cynicism, I also found him to be a sincere, genuine and committed politician. There is no doubt that his strong Christian faith and values informed his politics. In that respect, his will be a sad loss for not just the Labour Party in Manchester but the House of Commons and politics in general.

I took over a number of the health policies that he laid down. There was the Protect Life policy, which was the anti-suicide policy; the smoking ban in public places, which again was Paul's initiative; and the negotiations with him to ensure that the Fire and Rescue Service formed part of the new police training college at Cookstown, allowing him to proceed to that announcement as well. So, in those respects, Paul touched the lives of everybody in Northern Ireland, and his loss is a sad one. On a personal level, I extend our sincere sympathies to his wife and his family.

Alex Maskey (Sinn Féin, Belfast South)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I rise on behalf of Sinn Féin to express our deepest sympathies to Paul Goggins's family and very close friends.

Like all those who contributed, I met Paul Goggins when he was appointed as a Minister here. I had occasion to work with him at meetings and engagements over a number of years, and I always found him to be very affable and amenable. Obviously, he was a good and skilled political representative, and testimony to that are the universal declarations of support and sympathy that have been expressed across the wider political spectrum. They are testimony to the impartial way in which he did his work and to the way that he treated people with fairness and respect.

My party colleague Martin McGuinness has placed on record our party's sympathy to Paul's family and expressed the fact that it was a great pleasure to work with him. Like others said, we may not have agreed on everything, but we had great respect for him when working with him when he was a Minister. Very often, we were looking at challenging issues, and, as he did with everyone, he gave us the respect that we believed our mandate entitled us to.

My colleague Francie Molloy, on behalf of our group of MPs, made it clear that, as recently as December, he and other colleagues met Paul Goggins and discussed with him issues of common concern, including justice matters, which would have been close to his portfolio when he was here.

Again, a Cheann Comhairle, I place on record our deepest sympathy for Paul's family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed deeply from the wider political arena.

David Ford (Alliance, South Antrim)

On behalf of my colleagues, I add our sympathy to the wife, family and colleagues of Paul Goggins MP.

He was described almost universally in tributes in the House of Commons last week as "a gentleman". However, that does not convey everything that there was about Paul, because he cared deeply about his constituents and about those who were suffering in difficult economic circumstances. Indeed, his previous work as a social worker and as director of Church Action on Poverty showed where his heart was and where his faith led him to.

He carried that through when he came to be a Minister in Northern Ireland and showed the care that others talked about for the people of this Province, just as he showed it for his own constituents and colleagues. The universal tributes that have been paid to him — in the Commons, by politicians here, in the media, by the two Governments or all those he came across — show that he was a very special person and a very special Minister.

I got to know him particularly well, because he was my ministerial predecessor as Minister of Justice, just as he was to Michael McGimpsey. In the difficult days leading up to that very significant devolution of powers almost four years ago, he went out of his way to ensure that the Department of Justice and its agencies were ready for devolution. He showed very significant personal kindness to me by informing me of issues that were coming up in the time immediately preceding the devolution of the powers being passed. I am extraordinarily grateful at a personal level for what he did.

Last week, those who are my civil servants and who were also his were deeply shocked. Other Ministers have come and gone, but Paul Goggins is one of the few who will be remembered warmly for what he did not just by those he worked immediately with but by staff across the Department and all the agencies of the justice system. He demonstrated his care for the people of Northern Ireland, even in the period after he left office. I had regular phone calls and text messages from him in which he encouraged me. He spoke regularly to Naomi Long and passed on good messages via her of warmth for the work that was being done in the DOJ, and he gave his encouragement for keeping that work going. So, I am extraordinarily grateful for that level of encouragement from a deeply caring person, and I extend my sympathies to his wife, his children and his family circle.

Steven Agnew (Green, North Down)

The Green Party NI extends it deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Paul Goggins after his sudden death at the age of just 60. It is clear from today's tributes that he was well respected by politicians across all parties. He was renowned for his work with children, and I know from my work with people in the children's sector in Northern Ireland that they highly regarded him and his commitment to children. Poverty was another key issue for him, which I share. As has been mentioned, he saw poverty in his constituency, and that informed his work in the House of Commons.

Paul Goggins had a very personal style and a genuine approach to politics, which probably contrasted in a lot of ways with what was expected of new Labour politicians. He seemed to offer a warmth that was genuine, honest and in no way orchestrated. As has been mentioned, he was very much a man of faith, and his strong values came through in the work that he did not just as a politician but before that as a social worker, when he experienced at first hand the significant disadvantage faced by many in society.

Paul Goggins was Minister of State for Northern Ireland, and it is often the case that the NIO and its Ministers are accused by one side or the other of being partisan. It is a testament to him that, to the best of my knowledge, that criticism was never levelled at him. Indeed, the warm tributes from all sides of the House show that he worked in Northern Ireland as a fair and honest broker for the common good of the people. Clearly, he was not divisive among politicians or the people, and we should welcome that in Northern Ireland because it is something that we need to focus on.

On behalf of the Green Party NI, I would like to pay a warm tribute to Mr Goggins. I wish his family and friends all the best at this difficult time. Today, I congratulate him on and celebrate his efforts.

David McNarry (UKIP, Strangford)

UKIP wishes to be associated with the kind remarks and tributes that have been genuinely made in the House about the late Paul Goggins. On a personal note, it does not seem all that long ago since I talked to him, and it reminds you of how time passes by. It only remains to say that our thoughts and prayers, as always, are with those who are left behind, and I express genuine thanks for the contribution that Paul Goggins made to the country of Northern Ireland.

Sammy Wilson (DUP, East Antrim)

Gregory Campbell spoke on behalf of our party about Paul Goggins and the role that he played here. Nevertheless, personally, I would like to add to the tributes that have been made and to pass on my condolences to his family.

As has been said, for lots of politicians who come here, it is either a climb up or down the ladder, but the degree of interest that is shown does not sometimes even last during the period when they are here, let alone afterwards. In Paul Goggins, we saw someone who came here, got a genuine love for Northern Ireland and showed it even when he was out of office. I can hardly think of a month that went past in the House of Commons when he did not ask what was happening back home here, and he showed a knowledge of what was happening through the questions that he asked, indicating that he kept up that interest.

It has also been said that a lot of Paul's politics were driven by his faith. He never hid that, although he did not preach it. He took the view that his faith was best shown by his works and by the things that he drove in his political life. Indeed, only last week, I had the opportunity to speak on a Bill in the House of Commons dealing with people who had been affected by exposure to asbestos. Many in his constituency had been affected by that, and, after many long years, a Bill was finally going through the House of Commons. Many of those who spoke were on the Committee and indicated the amount of work that Paul had put into it because it was obviously a big issue for many disadvantaged people in his constituency — those from low-income backgrounds who had been impacted as a result of exposure to asbestos. So, I pay tribute to someone who showed his deep commitment, driven by a personal faith. It was not shallow, as was seen and evidenced by his genuine interest in Northern Ireland.

Sometimes people such as that can, of course, be driven and divisive, as has been said. The Speaker in the House of Commons summed it up when he said that Paul Goggins was Labour to the core but never tribal. That indicates the kind of man he was.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Miss Michele McIlveen has been given leave to make a statement that fulfils the criteria set out in Standing Order 24. Other Members who wish to be called should indicate that that is so by rising in their places continually. Members will have up to three minutes in which to speak on the subject. I again warn that no points of order or any other item of business will be brought before the House until this item is dealt with.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

Some coastal parts of Northern Ireland are in recovery mode following last weekend's tidal surge, which was caused by a combination of high tides, low pressure and strong winds. To provide some context, those weather conditions are incredibly rare and were last seen in 1903.

East Belfast was in a particularly precarious position, with many homes there situated below river level. At pre-planning on Thursday, potentially 6,000 homes might have had to be evacuated. In Newtownards, an evacuation of homes around the canal began on Friday, but that was ultimately abandoned as the tide receded. At that stage, it was possible that several hundred homes would have to be abandoned.

Although the impact in Northern Ireland was thankfully not as bad as had first been feared, we did not escape being affected. While we should be thankful that there were no serious injuries or loss of life, we should remember the families in the rest of the United Kingdom who were not so fortunate.

Several homes and businesses at Portaferry in the Strangford constituency were flooded, as was the Saltwater Brig, just outside the village. I am told that one house was flooded twice — on both Friday and Monday. It was devastating for residents and businesses to be faced with such unstoppable forces of nature. The Whitechurch Road, which is the main coastal route between Millisle and Ballywalter, collapsed and I am informed that it could take up to three months to reopen that route. Parts of Portavogie promenade were destroyed. The promenade was reopened last year following significant investment by DARD and Ards Borough Council. Along the Ards peninsula, caravan parks that bring a huge proportion of tourists into the area suffered significant damage as a result of the tidal surge.

I am sure that other Members will give accounts of what happened in their constituencies. While media outlets focused on what might have happened in Belfast, other areas of Northern Ireland were bearing the brunt of a weekend of tidal damage. Some may say that there was an overreaction, but we can never be complacent in these sorts of circumstances. In many places, the difference between catastrophe and not was measured in millimetres and centimetres. I express my party's gratitude for the huge efforts made across Northern Ireland by local councils, Roads Service, the Rivers Agency, the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. A number of months ago, the relevant Departments came together to discuss plans for events such as this. The coordination of resource information and delivery last weekend showed the benefit of that planning. Whether it was the delivery of sandbags, the release of information to media outlets or even the phone service, I can only commend all the agencies involved.

In addition, I recognise the selfless efforts of voluntary, community and church organisations that helped in the provision of facilities and other assistance. It showed just how well the people of Northern Ireland can work together in the face of adversity. That said, it also shows the need for a coordinated civil response programme throughout Northern Ireland like the Belfast model, Belfast Resilience.

In conclusion, I ask for Northern Ireland's coastal defences to be looked at in light of what did happen, and could have happened, to assess whether investment is needed for Northern Ireland to remain as safe as it can be.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I remind Members of the three-minute rule in matters of the day. Members will know that I am very reluctant to intervene, especially in matters of the day, which are sometimes very sensitive. They need to understand that, while there may be some latitude, it certainly does not extend to four minutes.

Oliver McMullan (Sinn Féin, East Antrim)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I would like to remind Members of the damage that was done in my area: Cushendun, Cushendall and Waterfoot in the glens area and Carnlough in the east Antrim area. Devastation is not the word for it. It is only because of the quick and prompt action of the emergency services that we were not left with a bigger catastrophe than what we had. I want to congratulate the Roads Service — and the Minister for Regional Development is here today — the Fire and Rescue Service, the PSNI, the councils of Moyle and Larne, and the volunteers who were there to distribute sandbags etc.

The one thing that came out of all of this is that there is a lack of information coming from the coordinated meetings. The information is not getting out to MLAs. We are usually the last ones to find out. I would have been lost, only for the people on the ground telling me what was going on.

We now need to look at our coastal defences, which are hundreds of years old. The sea defence wall in Carnlough, for example, gave way completely. Waves battered down the wall on the coast road. Only for the quick action to shore up that wall again, the coast road would have been closed. At one stage, the village of Carnlough was completely closed because of surging water. In Cushendall, the sea wall has been breached in six places at the beach, and there are cracks in several other places. It is going to cost quite a lot of money to repair that.

An interdepartmental approach is needed. Councils need help to correct the damage that was done. Everyone needs to take a look at our coastal defences because, as I said, they are hundreds of years old. They have stood the test of time up to now, but they are now starting to wilt and crack. We are looking at more disasters in Carnlough especially, as it is right on the sea. The sea wall there was breached and is still lying open today. It has still not been built up again. We need help and guidance on how that wall should be put back up. I ask the Minister, as one of the relevant Ministers, to look at this.

Again, I say a big thanks to all the emergency services and statutory bodies for the help that they gave. Their quick and prompt action averted a disaster. Now that it is all over, we need help, and MLAs must be included.

Seán Rogers (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak about the flooding in the South Down constituency. At the outset, I must commend the work of Down District Council and Newry and Mourne District Council and the good coordination of the agencies, under the guidance of the PSNI, that were out there working for the benefit of everyone.

Flooding happened right around the coast from Strangford to Newry and in places such as Minerstown Road, the Annalong coastal path and the Greencastle Pier Road. Indeed, the Rostrevor Road in Warrenpoint was closed at one stage. It is no consolation for the people who were flooded, but the saving grace for us in south Down was that there had not been two or three days' torrential rain and the rivers were not in flood. That must be remembered.

I agree with the Members who spoke earlier, and, to move on, two or three things need to happen. Repairs need to be carried out as a matter of urgency. A study needs to be carried out on how we can improve our coastal defences. The various agencies, particularly with many of our rivers being environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), need to review how we can improve our flood defences to ensure that, when this happens again, we are as well, if not better, prepared.

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I begin by thanking those who rolled up their sleeves in the face of the storm and did what they could to mitigate the anticipated damage two weekends ago. I also give our thanks to those who are currently working to repair the damage that was done, not least in my constituency of Strangford. I am reliably informed that Portavogie witnessed some of the worst weather in a generation. My colleague Councillor Angus Carson, a resident of Portavogie and a former captain in the fishing fleet, said that he had not seen anything like it at the Harbour Road corner of Portavogie in 50 years. Boats rose to the height of the Harbour Road, and that is how close we came to an extremely serious situation there.

Coastal defences are an issue. Civil contingencies and emergency plans have been mentioned. I want to reassure the House that the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has been looking at the issue and has spoken to some who are involved in that area, and, as we stand here this afternoon, we await news on when the Department will come to the Committee for a briefing and a discussion on how we take these matters forward in the coordinated manner that some Members have called for.

(Mr Deputy Speaker [Mr Beggs] in the Chair)

It is clear from inspecting the damage on the coast in the lower Ards that rock armour is an essential defence, but even at that, it was obvious to me, when visiting the promenade at Portavogie, which one Member has mentioned, that, in those very unusual weather conditions, huge slabs of rock had been lifted right across the promenade and through the wooden fencing. So, they were exceptional circumstances. Where the rock armour was not present, such as at the Portavogie side of Ballyhalbert, the debris on the road was shocking. Indeed, where new defences have been put in — I lobbied the Minister for new defences on the north side of Ballyhalbert — they withstood the high tide and the weather conditions rather well.

As has been mentioned, we have a major problem with the Whitechurch Road to the north of Ballywalter. I congratulate DRD and Roads Service on being on the ground early the next morning clearing the debris. I understand that it will take many weeks to repair that road. It was not just the damage on the Friday; more damage was done on the Monday. There was also the issue of BT cables, including a fibre-optic cable, which is a very expensive bit of kit. So, care has to be taken to coordinate the repair effort on those 40-odd yards of road.

Roy Beggs (UUP, East Antrim)

Will the Member bring his remarks to a close, please?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I pay tribute once again to all who helped to mitigate and repair the damage, and I am sure that the House will not be found wanting in putting things right.

Kieran McCarthy (Alliance, Strangford)

The Alliance Party fully supports the comments made by my Strangford constituency colleague Michelle McIlveen on the very vexing problems that we have experienced recently with flooding and, indeed, the fear of flooding in many areas throughout Northern Ireland. I pay tribute to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for leading all the services at the onset of the gales, storms and excessive rainfall to get help to homeowners in all the districts to prevent distress and disaster. We are very grateful to the Met Office for forecasting the storms, even though they were not as bad as was forecast. Nevertheless, all the agencies, including the councils, pulled out all the stops to serve the community in many ways, particularly in delivering sandbags to those who were in danger at the time.

I am so privileged to live in the Ards peninsula, with water all around us. It is a fantastic area in which to live, but at times, when there are storms and excessive rain, we have real problems. Coastal erosion and land drains being unable to cater for the excessive rainfall is and has been a problem that must be tackled with more investment made before the next storm.

Both sides of the peninsula suffered. The main roads were undermined, and homes and businesses suffered as sea defences were breached. One area along the lough wall was breached by water that entered homes and an old church. The Saltwater Brig — one of the main watering holes in the area — was nearly washed away, which was a disaster. I hope that, in the near future, we can debate my motion, which is down on the list for debate, on coastal erosion and more investment in flood prevention.

John McCallister (UUP, South Down)

As colleagues said, we probably witnessed some very difficult weather conditions in many parts of Northern Ireland over the entire Christmas period, including very strong winds and stormy weather that caused a tidal surge along our coast and resulted in huge problems. As my colleague Mr Rogers rightly pointed out, it could have been worse, had there been a combination of very heavy rain and the tidal surge. We were maybe spared the worst of that.

There were difficult issues in places such as Greencastle, which sustained significant damage, as well as the coastal path at Annalong. We have to look at how we can restore and improve those areas. Over the past number of years of severe weather events, we have started a process of learning some of the lessons. This time, the response from the district councils, Roads Service and other government agencies and Departments seemed to be more coordinated, which made a difference to response times, and that is to be commended.

I agree with the comments that this is always going to be a learning experience. We should always evaluate how we respond and see whether we can improve, because these things, sadly, will be a regular occurrence at various times of the year when we get heavy rainfall, winds and tidal surges. When those things combine, they can cause serious problems, serious damage to our infrastructure and serious danger to the citizens whom we serve.

I encourage the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Committee to look at the response and study the evidence on how the response was carried out. Where it has been carried out swiftly and well, we need to build on that and congratulate those involved. Where systems need to be changed, we should not be afraid to question them, look at that and see how we can improve for future events.

Steven Agnew (Green, North Down)

On behalf of Green Party NI, I thank Michelle McIlveen for bringing this forward today. It is important that we should mark these events to acknowledge to our constituents not just that we are aware of what is going on and the difficulties they face when flooding events happen but that we realise that these freak weather events, as we sometimes call them, or extreme weather events are not freak any more. This is becoming a pattern, and it is clear to anyone who experiences these events — people are aware that they are happening more often — that climate change is happening. Although some in the Chamber would like to bury their head in the sandbags and, indeed, continue to bury their constituents in sandbags, we have to be proactive.

I add to the tributes paid to the emergency services and council workers, who have stepped up their game and are learning from flooding experiences, but we need to help them in the Chamber and at Executive level by taking proactive measures to prevent such weather events causing flooding in people's homes. We must introduce climate adaptation strategies. Every piece of evidence suggests that we will face more extreme weather, so we need to improve our coastal defences and reinforce our river banks. We need a climate Bill to ensure that we do that strategically and coherently.

I pay tribute to all those who braved the storms to serve our constituents, but they sometimes do so in spite of the work that we do in the Assembly rather than with the help of it. It is now time for us to work together to produce a climate mitigation and adaptation strategy.

Sammy Douglas (DUP, Belfast East)

I thank my colleague Michelle McIlveen for raising this important issue. In east Belfast, we had the potential for major flooding. In fact, some people said that it was a potential disaster, a view with which I concur. Some have said that maybe there was a bit of an over-reaction. I was there with the First Minister, Councillor Gavin Robinson and my colleague Robin Newton at the height of the surge, when it was millimetres from spilling over into possibly thousands of homes in east Belfast.

I concur with what has been said already about the statutory agencies and the emergency services and the excellent job that they did, spearheaded by the PSNI, which was excellent and was on the ground literally 24 hours a day over the period. I also pay tribute to Belfast City Council for the work that its officials did. However, it was much more than just the agencies involved. I was very proud of the community response in east Belfast. People came together. I remember seeing my colleague Robin Newton hawking sandbags up and down the street. I think that his back has not been too good since then. Seriously, however, the community response was so encouraging. We have had our difficulties in east Belfast over the years, but it was good to see so many community organisations, local residents, churches and other organisations come together to avert the crisis, and it definitely was a crisis.

I am also encouraged by the fact that schemes are now under way in east Belfast to alleviate flooding. We have the Connswater Community Greenway scheme — a £40 million scheme — working in tandem with the Rivers Agency on a flood alleviation scheme in Sydenham, the area that had the potential for major flooding. Hopefully, that will be implemented within the next year. The other day, I was at Orangefield Park, where we have had major problems with flooding causing major difficulties for local residents. There is a major scheme there that is diverting the river away from the homes of local residents. Some of them have had to move out, never to move back in again. I pay tribute to the various agencies and the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their co-ordination.

Robin Newton (DUP, Belfast East)

I echo in many ways the words of my party colleagues Michelle McIlveen and, from my constituency, Sammy Douglas. I pay tribute to Belfast City Council for its role in the work leading up to what might have been the largest disaster that east Belfast had ever witnessed — at one stage, there was talk of 6,000 homes potentially being flooded — for the work that it did in bringing together all the emergency response teams and, indeed, for the further step that it has taken to form an emergency and severe weather working group that will be in place permanently and hopefully do constructive work over the coming years.

I agree with Sammy about the response from the community and the statutory bodies. In particular, I pay tribute to the Lagan rescue team, which, in the most atrocious conditions, particularly on the Saturday, was out in the cold and wet. They were there all day in Inverary Community Centre, where they unloaded sandbags from the vehicles arriving and, indeed, loaded sandbags into the cars of individual members. Indeed, I pay tribute to the other statutory agencies that toured the area depositing sandbags for people who felt under threat and putting them at their door. There was a tremendous feeling of a community coming together with the statutory bodies to address a potentially major crisis in the area.

To finish, I pay tribute to the Connswater greenway project and to the fact that a flood alleviation scheme is built into it. However, it is critical that nothing happens that in any way impedes that scheme going forward. People who are sitting on the riverbank facing potential flooding will demand that this be at least one measure —

Roy Beggs (UUP, East Antrim)

Will the Member draw his remarks to a close?

Robin Newton (DUP, Belfast East)

— that is put in place. I call on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure that the work is completed satisfactorily and to a high standard.

Sammy Wilson (DUP, East Antrim)

I also pay tribute to those who worked in very hazardous conditions during the weather conditions that we experienced over the period of the recess. I thought that we might have got through this discussion without any mention of global warming, especially given that America, which we were told about five years ago would see no snow ever again, is now gripped in arctic conditions. Those who went to see the polar cap melting in Antarctica got trapped in the encroaching ice, so I thought that we might have escaped any reference to global warming, but I think that the Green Party maybe cannot leave this alone.

The one thing that we do know is that, because of the patterns that we have, people now live in areas that are more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. They live in floodplains, and we have more industry etc close to the coast. That means that, whenever there is freak weather, more people are affected, so it becomes a bigger issue. We have seen some of the very vulnerable areas during the conditions that we have experienced over the past couple of weeks. Those areas have been vulnerable now for some years, and the likes of Cushendall and Carnlough have experienced flooding over the past number of years. I hope that, having identified the vulnerable areas, the Minister for Regional Development will make bids to get short-term measures in place, as capital moneys may well be available in the monitoring round coming up soon. I hope that a longer-term capital strategy will look at where those vulnerable areas are to ensure that more permanent work is carried out so that the fears that people have had to live with and, indeed, the experiences that they had to live with in the past number of years will be alleviated.

Assembly Business

Ministerial Statements

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

Today, I am announcing my proposals for the future of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. I believe that they have the potential to radically reform and improve our skills and training landscape. Last year, I launched major reviews of apprenticeships and youth training. Today marks the publication of the interim report on the review of apprenticeships and the launch of a public consultation on its proposals. Shortly, we will announce the interim outcome of the review of youth training, and I will make a similar statement to the Assembly in that regard.

There is very clear necessity for the reviews. Rebalancing and rebuilding the economy is the Executive's top priority. In achieving those goals, we must recognise that our main asset is our people. It is on the basis of their talents and skills that we will transform the economy, increase employment and social mobility, raise productivity and compete globally. It is my job to ensure that we have a pipeline of appropriately skilled people so that our economy can operate at maximum efficiency. That involves making sure that current and potential employers have access to the skilled employees that they require and providing people, particularly young people, with the opportunity to secure and sustain meaningful employment. Arising from that is an ongoing imperative to closely match supply and demand for skills, bring people closer to the labour market and increase economic participation.

Our skills strategy, 'Success through Skills – Transforming Futures', demonstrates clearly that the economy will require a significant increase in higher skills. For example, by 2020, around half of our workforce will need to be trained to level 4 or above. Although we have an overarching requirement to deliver a greater volume of higher-level skills, including in STEM areas, it is clear that there is a range of pathways to secure that outcome, including the traditional university route and, increasingly, through apprenticeships at higher levels. It is clear to me that some of the most successful economies in the world, judged by both productivity and employment, have well-developed professional and technical training systems with highly respected apprenticeship programmes. In order to compete, it is vital that Northern Ireland also has in place a strong and efficient route for the delivery of high-level professional and technical skills.

The concept of an apprenticeship remains reasonably familiar in Northern Ireland. However, it is overly associated either with a long-lost age or, in today's terms, with a narrow range of occupations. Shortly, I will set out how we propose to transform the concept of apprenticeships locally to capture the opportunities of the modern, knowledge-based economy. First, it is important to understand in greater detail the rationale for change.

Although the current model for apprenticeships in Northern Ireland — ApprenticeshipsNI — has served us well, it needs to be transformed to meet the needs of the economy now and in the future. The current model is limited in a number of ways. Firstly, current provision is almost entirely focused on levels 2 and 3, with two thirds of apprenticeships at level 2, which is around GCSE level. In the past couple of years, we have begun to pilot some apprenticeships at higher levels. The present offering is, therefore, increasingly out of step with the needs of the modern economy. In addition, there is almost no provision in the public sector, and many of the growth and professional sectors do not engage in or offer apprenticeship opportunities. Furthermore, there are few progression routes available to apprentices. As a consequence, the training offer is not able to compete with higher education alternatives.

Secondly, in many cases, the main relationship is between the apprentice and the provider of off-the-job training. Therefore, the employer becomes a passive partner who takes on an apprentice but is not engaged sufficiently in training or in the outcome of the programme. That results in the off-the-job training being less valuable to the employer and the apprentice losing out because there is insufficient integration of what he or she learns off the job and the skills that they use in work. In addition, the qualifications landscape is complicated, and changes are slow to take effect.

Thirdly, access to information regarding the benefits and opportunities of apprenticeships from the perspective of the employer and the potential apprentice is, at best, imperfect. That leads to low participation rates by businesses and individuals.

Over the past year, much work has taken place, leading to the findings set out in the interim report. My team has engaged in significant analysis of our economy and the practices, experiences and outcomes in other jurisdictions. It is an evidence-based report.

At the outset of the review, I established an expert panel, and the work has benefited from its views. I am very grateful for the advice provided by its members, which is reflected in the report’s proposals. I am grateful also for the advice provided by a wide range of other key stakeholders, which has helped to inform the findings of the review. It was obtained through a series of stakeholder forums and a call for submissions.

I also thank the Committee for Employment and Learning and other Members of the Assembly for their comments and views over the past number of months; those have further shaped our thinking. The Committee will have further opportunities to provide comment on the formal proposals.

In our vision for the future of Northern Ireland’s apprenticeship system, it will deliver highly skilled apprentices in areas of economic importance for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Apprenticeships will be highly sought after by young people and recognised as a key route into many professional and technical occupations. They will be held in the same high esteem as the traditional format of higher education. In essence, quality, breadth, progression and portability will form the blueprint of Northern Ireland’s apprenticeships of the future, delivering skills excellence and recognised nationally and internationally as the gold standard.

In total, the review is making 32 proposals for the future of apprenticeships. They can be grouped into four categories: the components of an apprenticeship; increasing participation; the roles of the key players; and ensuring quality. First of all, an apprenticeship will be defined as a system of learning, irrespective of branding. It is accepted that different sectors may wish to use different terminology to describe their on-the-job-training. Instead, an apprenticeship will be recognised by government if it contains a number of key components.

An apprenticeship will be for a new employee or, in the case of an existing employee, a new job role. Perhaps most significantly, an apprenticeship will commence at professional and technical level 3 or higher. This represents a major shift in the balance of focus towards intermediate and higher-level skills. The rationale for the change is strong and reflects the evolving skills needs in our economy and the need to make an apprenticeship something that people can aspire to. The proposal also needs to be read in conjunction with the review of youth training, which will provide revamped provision at level 2. I want to emphasise that we envisage that there will be an increasing number of apprenticeships offered beyond the current cap at level 3. Indeed, under our new plans, apprenticeships will be possible at any level up to and including level 8, which is PhD level. An apprenticeship will be for a minimum duration of two years. That will ensure a degree of rigour to training and will distinguish it from other forms of in-work training. An apprenticeship will involve a breadth of training beyond the specific needs of a job. When compared to other work-based learning systems, it is the combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training through a programme of learning, formal assessment and recognised certification that differentiates apprenticeships. An apprenticeship will be designed to enable individuals to progress into higher professional or technical training or on to a more traditional academic pathway. It is important that apprenticeships are framed with those progression routes in mind. I will return to that aspect shortly. Collectively, these commitments will constitute the core components of an apprenticeship in Northern Ireland.

A number of underpinning elements will support the core components. Apprenticeships will have a single award or qualification for each occupation at each level. The need for simplification of the qualifications was a consistent message that we received, in particular from employers. Apprenticeships will be open to everyone irrespective of age but with a primary focus on young people aged between 16 and 24. This is something that my team and I have reflected on.

Given levels of youth unemployment, there is a particularly strong rationale to focus exclusively on young people, but, after consideration, we believe that we should provide flexibility in the system to reflect the realities of career changes and the growth in lifelong learning.

Apprenticeships will support progression beyond the initial apprenticeship through a variety of pathways, including to higher-level apprenticeships and to further and higher education. It should be understood that apprenticeships do not exist in isolation from the wider training and education system, and, indeed, that they should facilitate access to higher-level technical or professional training and to more traditional academic pathways.

Apprenticeship awards and qualifications will facilitate portability within a sector and mobility within the wider economy. Apprenticeships are not about training for a specific job. The training should involve a breadth of skills that should service an entire sector and assist with an appropriately trained individual having transferable skills relevant across the economy.

Measures will be put in place to support individuals to make the transition into apprenticeships at level 3. While apprenticeships will be readily accessible for those with GCSEs, A levels and, potentially, degrees, we will work to ensure that additional support is provided for others to achieve the required level 2 entry requirements so that they can access apprenticeships. Furthermore, in recognition of the shift of apprenticeships to level 3, the review of youth training will examine current provision at level 2, including simplifying the offer and providing clear progression pathways to an apprenticeship, employment or further and higher education.

International opportunities for placements and exchanges will also be important for our future apprentices. That will give apprenticeships enhanced status. We are working with the European Commission in relation to the European alliance for apprenticeships and the new ERASMUS+ programme to facilitate that.

Although we can design a gold standard system of apprenticeships, it will be effective only if employers create opportunities and, in turn, people — particularly our young people — take up those opportunities. For the first time in Northern Ireland, a central service will be introduced to market, promote and support apprenticeship provision by engaging with employers and potential participants. The central service will provide advice and guidance for employers and potential apprentices on the range of support and training available.

An online service will be introduced to advertise apprenticeship vacancies across all sectors. This will make information matching much more efficient.

Applications for apprenticeship places will be supported via a UCAS-style portal to inform young people of the range of opportunities available. This offers the potential to create a better parity of esteem between alternative pathways.

Apprenticeships will be offered in a wide range of professional and technical areas, reflecting the needs of the Northern Ireland economy. In particular, it is worth stressing the potential to expand the apprenticeship system into the professions, noting my earlier point around flexibility on branding. That could see apprenticeships being applied to positions that have recently been filled almost exclusively by graduates. Higher-level apprenticeships may, therefore, exist alongside graduate entry, providing an alternative pathway and perhaps, at times, a more efficient and effective pathway to the same destination.

Furthermore, apprenticeships will be expanded to include professional and technical occupations in the public sector. With our public sector likely to constitute a major source of employment for the foreseeable future, it is only right that it offers such opportunities. In turn, I am confident that the on-the-job training offered in apprenticeships will be very appropriate for aspects of the public sector, and I am pleased that there have been preliminary expressions of interest in that regard.

A range of incentives will be considered to support employers, particularly SMEs and microbusinesses, to participate in apprenticeships. There are a number of models to be explored, including an upfront payment on apprentice start-up and achievement; collective group arrangements; larger employers overtraining for their sectors; and public-private partnerships.

The Careers Service will provide impartial pre-entry advice to all young people considering the apprenticeship pathway. It will intervene at key transition points for young people to provide impartial advice and guidance. The forthcoming joint review of careers between my Department and the Department of Education will be instrumental.

We also need to encourage our young people, their parents and other key influencers and schools to see apprenticeships as a really valuable way of securing an excellent career, getting qualifications while gaining experience and progressing through a route that has equal value and prestige to the university pathway. To secure that, we must be bold, innovative and creative to break new ground.

Apprenticeships will include a range of measures to support participation by both genders across occupations. Although the participation levels in the current ApprenticeshipsNI programme are reasonably even at present, there is significant gender segmentation. Female participation in some of the key growth sectors is particularly low. That was the subject of a general statement that I made on gender issues in June 2013. We will put in place a range of measures to encourage balanced gender participation.

The most successful apprenticeship systems are based on a partnership between the key stakeholders. Partnership and an economy-driven approach will become a key feature of the apprenticeship model. An advisory group based around a partnership comprising employers, trade unions and the providers of off-the-job training will be established to advise government at a strategic level on apprenticeship provision, including oversight, consideration of supply and demand issues, devising new support mechanisms and balancing the specific training needed for a role against the broader, more transferable skills required for an apprenticeship. That partnership approach will better ensure an economy-led approach. It is important that employer participation is facilitated in every respect of the design and delivery of apprenticeships.

At a sectoral level, partnership groupings, including representatives from employers, sector skills councils or equivalent bodies and providers of off-the-job training and government, will be established to design and agree apprenticeship provision, including the content of qualifications that will be taken, and to advise on any exceptions to the standard model. That sectoral-focused partnership is essential to create a model that is flexible and responsive to the needs of the economy. Recognising that the economy and demand can often be unpredictable, resulting in skills and job mismatches, I will also put in place a system to estimate demand and inform supply. That annual skills barometer approach will facilitate the development of any interventions to increase participation levels.

Quality, achievement and progression will be key measures of success for apprenticeship provision. Employers and industry specialists, in partnership with other key stakeholders, will inform the content, duration and assessment of each apprenticeship, including tests at the end of the training period. That will provide for employers and apprentices a guarantee of the quality of the training and education they have received. Apprenticeship training will be subject to rigorous assurance by inspectors who have up-to-date experience in the professional and technical areas, supported by industry experts to ensure that each apprenticeship meets the needs of employers and apprentices.

To support the quality of teaching and learning, criteria will be set for all teaching staff that will establish minimum qualification requirements in the subject area and related pedagogy, as well as significant and up-to-date experience in industry. Stringent conditions will be established for continuous professional development to ensure that those delivering training remain experts in their field. Only the providers that meet the minimum quality standards, as determined by the Department, will be funded to deliver apprenticeship training.

From today, the proposals will be subject to a 12-week consultation period. Feedback received through the process will be used to inform our final policy for apprenticeships, which will be published in the early summer of 2014. In parallel with that consultation, some further exploratory work will be taken forward by my Department. First, we will seek to develop a financial model to determine how best to resource the new model of apprenticeships and support employers. There is an existing budget for ApprenticeshipsNI, which can be reallocated. In the past, the European social fund has been used to support apprenticeships locally. It is my intention that the fund will provide greater support over the 2014-2020 period. Furthermore, we will examine how best to engage with the HMRC model announced by the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer on 5 December 2013.

Secondly, we will seek to pilot a central service to market, promote and support apprenticeships for employers and individuals. I have already outlined the purpose of such a service. It will bring a degree of cohesion to apprenticeships locally that hitherto has been lacking. Thirdly, we will develop a demand estimation model. That will assist us to better plan for future provision. Fourthly, we will seek to support SMEs, with the aim of encouraging them to participate in apprenticeships. I have already set out some of the options in that regard, and we will now proceed to explore them with employers and to develop and test their effectiveness. Finally, we will proceed to open up the public sector to apprenticeships and to work further on opening up higher-level apprenticeships.

The review articulates a blueprint for the future of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. I believe that it will transform the supply of skills, particularly at higher levels for employers and, at the same time, inspire all who participate in an apprenticeship programme. This will be a system that works in the interests of the individual, the employer and the economy. It will be driven by strategic partnership, put employers at its very heart, better match supply with demand, afford opportunities in a much wider range of occupations and offer flexible progression pathways across vocational and professional education and training. These proposals will help to develop a modern, knowledge-based economy and will play a huge role in transforming our economic fortunes.

I commend the proposals to the Assembly.

Robin Swann (UUP, North Antrim)

I thank the Minister for his timely statement on tackling apprenticeships. It is timely when it is taken into consideration that the number of young people entering apprenticeships through ApprenticeshipsNI has fallen from 8,948 in 2010-11 to 6,345 in 2011-12; a drop of 30%. Will the Minister explain how he will set about changing parents' mindsets about apprenticeships? That is where we need to change the perception.

I am glad that he has taken on a number of recommendations from the Employment and Learning Committee's inquiry into careers; they are smattered throughout the statement, and I welcome that. Will the Minister expand on the detail of the incentives and what funding or support will be available to SMEs? They are the backbone of our economy. How will he encourage them to take on an apprentice? Could the model being put forward by HMRC threaten the work that he intends to do?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Chair of the Committee for his comments. I will address his points in the order in which he made them. First, he is right to identify that we are seeing a dip in the number of apprentices in recent years. That tells me that the current model is not working. It is not being pitched at the right level of skills pressures that employers are seeing. There may well be other issues that we need to consider. However, as we look to the future, it is important that we do not simply focus on numbers progressing through the apprenticeship frameworks. Ultimately, this has to be judged on the impact on the economy and whether employers are satisfied that they are getting the skilled young people, in particular, that they require to fill their job vacancies and to drive their businesses forward. It will also be judged on whether, as a result, productivity is increasing in our economy and whether individuals are finding and sustaining secure employment. Obviously, numbers are a secondary issue in that regard, and it is important that we maximise the number of people who are availing themselves of that training. We do look to other countries around Europe that have a much bigger footprint in apprenticeships than we have in Northern Ireland.

The Chair is right to stress the fact that parents are a key influencer in decision-making in this regard as in others. That leads neatly into the review of careers. I recognise and thank the Committee for its efforts on the report that it published just before Christmas. Efforts are being made between my Department and the Department of Education to finalise the terms of reference for the formal review of careers, and I want to discuss those with the Committee before they are formally launched. That will be an incredibly important piece of work that will inform the future needs of our economy. It is a much broader issue than simply apprentices, although there is considerable overlap in that area.

Finally, the Chair is also right to make reference to the need for incentives, particularly for SMEs. It is important to recognise that our economy is disproportionately made up of SMEs and microbusinesses in Northern Ireland. Around the world, SMEs are, generally speaking, less willing to engage in apprenticeships than larger businesses. That is a reality for all of us. That said, we must do as much as we can to encourage them to participate in apprenticeships. We are looking at a number of different schemes. We will explore and study those in greater detail and, indeed, pilot some of them. Those would involve some sort of group training systems. We can also look to see whether there are some financial incentives that we could give directly to those employers and how we phase the payments and also whether larger employers could be encouraged to over-train for sectors, particularly those in their own supply chains.

It is important that we go out and sell apprenticeships to SMEs in particular. There is the notion that taking on an apprentice is a burden; that it is something that you may wish to do for the common good but is of little benefit to businesses. However, it is important to stress that taking on an apprentice is good for the productivity of a business directly. There will be a cost to business for perhaps the first year, but, over the lifespan of an apprenticeship — bear in mind that we are stressing a minimum duration of two years — an apprenticeship will pay for itself through the benefits accrued by the business. There are international studies that prove that.

Tom Buchanan (DUP, West Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his statement. It is quite lengthy and very appropriate for today. In it, he said:

"Apprenticeship training will be subject to rigorous assurance by inspectors who have up-to-date experience in the professional and technical areas".

Will he elaborate a little on how those inspectors will maintain that up-to-date technical experience, given that that was a problem in past training programmes?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his comments. It is important that we stress the importance of quality throughout all of this, for the employers, who will know that they are getting a product that will work for them, and for the individuals who go through the training, who will know that they have the skills that are relevant not just to their employer but the wider sector.

We will attain the outcome that the Member referred to through a smooth transition of people into and out of industry. It is important that those who engage in the assessments and the quality assurance of apprenticeships have direct, current experience of the industries in which they operate. It is also important that we take on board the views of employers, use employers where we can for the benefit of the wider sectors and create opportunities for placements for those who are involved in that work so that they can spend time in industry. That is something that we have begun to do over the past 12 months in the Careers Service, where careers advisers now spend some time, perhaps a week at a time, in different industries to get a feel for how they operate. I wish to see that type of approach expanded as we take forward our new beginning for apprenticeships.

Pat Ramsey (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I welcome the very detailed statement to the House. I wish the Department well in bringing forward the proposals and look forward to engagement in Committee.

Minister, as we move towards a more intermediate and higher-level form of apprenticeships, are you not concerned that we will leave behind marginalised and vulnerable groups, particularly disabled young people? You recently spoke to an all-party group on disability. It is of concern to the parents of disabled young people that their children could be left further behind by the new strategy.

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his comments and appreciate fully the point that he makes. Let me make a number of comments in response. First, it is important that my Department, the Executive and the Assembly realise that we have a full spectrum of interventions to deal with people and their different aptitudes and skill levels across the board.

As far as the review is concerned, we need to develop apprenticeships with skills at intermediate and higher levels. It is about trying to ensure that we address the real pressure points in industry. It is also about ensuring that the apprenticeship brand is something that people can aspire to and that is viewed as being of real value and something that people want to do, for which they see a real sense of achievement in getting there. I should make the point that higher-level and intermediate-level apprenticeships can be offered to those with disabilities. People with disabilities can operate at every skill level across our economy and particular support will be made available to those with disabilities who wish to engage in an apprenticeship, as it is to those who are in work.

There are other interventions at different skill levels that we need to be conscious of. We are conducting a parallel review of youth training, which, in particular, will look at the level 2 provision for those who have the potential to move on to an apprenticeship, into work or into further and higher education. I will come back to the Assembly to report further on that in the coming months. Beyond that, we have the Pathways to Success strategy, which deals with those who are not in education, employment or training and, in particular, those who face barriers. That strategy is working well. I appreciate that that is a major problem in this society, as it is in other societies, and that there is always more that we can do. Looking to the future, I can say that the United Youth programme will offer opportunities for us to reassess and better corral many of the existing interventions, bring new interventions to the table and provide a more cohesive approach to how we deal with our young people.

Roy Beggs (UUP, East Antrim)

I call Bronwyn McGahan. Thank you for your understanding.

Bronwyn McGahan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat. I welcome the Minister's statement. As he is aware, I have raised through correspondence the fact that, due to differences in funding, young people above the age of 18 face greater difficulties in finding employment as apprentices compared with 16- and 17-year-olds. How does the Minister propose to change that anomaly through the review?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for her comments. As I indicated, we will be doing some more detailed work on a funding model. The key point is that we want to eradicate the anomalies in the present system that sometimes work against the interests of employers and young people entering into apprenticeships. We want to ensure that it is a properly demand-led system where employers are in the driving seat.

We stress that, hopefully, this is primarily for young people, because there is a strong rationale for addressing youth unemployment. If you look around Europe, you will see that it is often those societies that invest most in vocational training and apprenticeships that have the lowest levels of youth unemployment. That is no coincidence. Equally, we are making the point that we are not going to wrap it up in bureaucracy or make it so inflexible that it makes it more difficult for older apprentices. As we move to level 3 and above, we should bear in mind that it is likely that we are going to get entry at higher levels from people who are looking to change careers or who are engaging in lifelong learning. People will enter into apprenticeships at different stages. It will no longer be simply something that is entered into by people who are 16 or 18. So, it is important that, as we design the very particular funding rules for this, we respect that flexibility.

Chris Lyttle (Alliance, Belfast East)

I welcome the action that the Minister has taken to radically reform and improve apprenticeships for trainees and employees across Northern Ireland. Will he give some examples of how he will judge the success of the new system of apprenticeships?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question. He is right to stress that this is a radical change to apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. It is perhaps the most radical change for several decades. It has been very clear to me over the past number of years that there is a need to refresh apprenticeships and to have radical innovation. We have seen frustration expressed both by employers and young people who have not had the progression routes in vocational training as was the case in the past.

The ultimate judge of this is whether we can improve our economy and whether a revised system of apprenticeships will make a major contribution to that transformation. It is about increasing productivity and about increasing employment levels. Through a better and more efficient matching of the supply of and demand for skills, we will achieve that type of outcome. It is not as simple a process as a headcount of those going through apprenticeships. Nonetheless, that is important, and we want to radically upscale the number of people who are going through apprenticeships. However, ultimately you have to judge it on the impact that it has on turning our economy around. We want to be noted around the world as an exemplar of how people are trained to engage in the modern knowledge-based economy.

David Hilditch (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Minister and welcome his statement. I look forward to further opportunities through the Committee to discuss the detail.

Minister, you stated that there is currently almost no provision in the public sector and that many of the growth and professional sectors do not engage with or offer apprenticeship opportunities. I think that you indicated later that there may be some provisional interest. Do you have any more detail on how that is going to change?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question. He is right to identify some of the new areas where this can be of relevance. In addition to branching into the public sector, we are keen to see the model advance into the traditional professions. This model of apprenticeships will be highly relevant, particularly to the new innovative areas in our economy — for example, the creative industries and information technology — as well as to developing the areas that are perhaps more associated with apprenticeships, such as engineering and construction.

The Member will be aware that, when it comes to the public sector, my Department, alongside the Department of Finance and Personnel, will pilot a level 3 ICT apprenticeship. It is probably premature to give precise examples of where that can go in other areas, as those discussions are still at a very early stage. However, there have been some indications, particularly in some of the more technical areas in the public sector, that the model of on-the-job training would be highly relevant and appropriate.

Phil Flanagan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his statement. We will be making a detailed submission to the consultation, and we encourage any other interested groups to do so. It is good to see that the Minister is colour-coordinated; I have never seen brighter yellow paper in my life. It must be election paper or something.

Will the Minister outline the potential economic benefits to society of making higher-level apprenticeships more accessible and available to people across community?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I am glad to respond to that. I hope that my yellow tie is not too bright for Mr Flanagan. He is right to identify that the new form of apprenticeship, particularly higher-level apprenticeships, will be an enabler of growth and transformation of our economy.

Apprenticeships will be good for raising productivity. There will be a real productivity gain for individual businesses and organisations, and the economy as a whole. It should also lead to better outcomes in employment and sustaining employment because we will see better matching of supply and demand, and better addressing of required skills in our economy. It is a source of huge frustration when we have ongoing problems with unemployment but, at the same time, hear stories of employers saying that they have vacancies that they cannot fill and for which they cannot find the people. That tells us that something is not quite right in our education and training system. Often, we may well be educating people to a very high standard but not in the right areas. Sometimes, we educate people to a very good level of competence in their areas but they lack the necessary skills for employability. By having a form of apprenticeship in place, particularly at higher levels, we will address those problems with a combination of the on- and off-the-job training.

It is also worth stressing that apprenticeships will provide very good outcomes in social mobility and breaking down traditional structures. They are a way for people who perhaps come from more difficult backgrounds to get a foot on the ladder and progress through an organisation or a particular sector. In the past, there have been many examples of people who had their first opportunity as apprentices progressing and becoming leaders in society. We have tended to lose that over the past number of decades but I hope that, through this revised approach, we can begin to recapture that.

Alastair Ross (DUP, East Antrim)

The Minister talked about the establishment of a new central service. I wonder whether he can give the House a little more information on the role of such a service. How much will it cost the public purse? Will it be created within his Department or sit outside it? Will that body be responsible for offering financial incentives to employers who are willing to take on apprentices?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question. This is a consultation and we are open to responses, particularly on how best the proposals can be taken forward. At this stage, we envisage a service provided within the scope of my Department. It would provide a range of functions, including managing the financial incentives that are available. The rationale is that, at the moment, we have a very fragmented system for the matching of opportunities with those who are interested in taking them up. It is somewhat haphazard. We need to overcome that and have a much more efficient form of information exchange. That is why the central service is such an important aspect.

Where exactly the service would fit within the Department and what other synergies we can make with employer interfaces is a wider debate that we also wish to take forward. The Member may wish to look at the National Apprenticeship Service in England as an example of how that type of brokerage service can make a difference. However, it is not a case of us seeking to replicate that. We want to do something bespoke in Northern Ireland that opens up new opportunities. It is worth highlighting one area in particular: the development of a portal for young people. We describe that in the document as a "UCAS style portal". It does not necessarily need to be a part of UCAS itself; it may well be free-standing. However, we think it important that young people have almost a parity of pathway when they are at the stage of choosing options for future careers, rather than a situation where university entry is the primary goal to which they aspire in school and then, if they are not successful, they look around for other options, perhaps including apprenticeships.

The opportunities for apprentices sit alongside opportunities to go to university at the age of 18. Young people can make a balanced choice and there is genuine parity of esteem between those pathways, both leading potentially to lucrative, well-paid careers and sustainable jobs.

Fra McCann (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his statement and answers. I broadly welcome the potential of the initiative to enhance the status of apprenticeships and increase opportunities for social mobility. Will the Minister agree that additional support to enable the most marginalised and disadvantaged young people to achieve the required entry level is fundamental to its success?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question and concur with his points. We are building what will be, hopefully, a very new and effective model from level 3 and beyond, but we need to ensure that we can facilitate a pathway for young people who are accessing apprenticeships. For some, this will become a natural choice as they progress successfully through school, after GCSEs or A levels.

There will also be young people who maybe have come across barriers in their development and have not succeeded in their academic abilities so far regarding the basic entry requirements for apprenticeships. We need to put support in place for them. The review of youth training will put a new system of traineeship at level 2 in place. We are developing that model as we speak, and I hope to make announcements on that in the near future.

There will be stakeholder events later this month when we will engage with the community and voluntary sector and young people, to get a feel for how we can best shape that future provision. We also have to bear in mind the more fundamental interventions that we have to make to deal with people who fall into the NEET category to get them on to the first rung of the ladder. That is why the Pathways to Success strategy and whatever successors come along through United Youth are so important.

Seán Rogers (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Today's apprenticeships and, indeed, tomorrow's apprenticeships will need a high level of skills and knowledge. Minister, can you assure me that young people entering an apprenticeship will have a sufficient level of STEM knowledge? If there is a shortfall, what has been put in place to ensure that they get the STEM qualification as well?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question. It will be for the individual sectors, as part of the sectoral partnership, to set the precise entry qualifications for particular apprenticeship frameworks that may be offered. He is right to stress that this will be about higher standards across the board and that apprenticeships will be highly relevant to sectors that require a strong knowledge of STEM.

Knowledge of STEM subjects can be gained in a number of ways. There is the more academic route, in which people will achieve qualifications through school, further education college or university. Indeed, graduates can go on to become apprentices under the new scheme that we are setting out today. The on-the-job and off-the-job training that accompanies that will also be about giving people real knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The off-the-job training will be rigorous. It is not there simply for the particular job but to provide people with the portability and breadth of training that will allow them to function across an entire sector and have skills that are transferable to other parts of the economy.

John McCallister (UUP, South Down)

I welcome the Minister's statement. He briefly mentioned the European Alliance for Apprenticeships. Will he go into more detail on that and the discussions he has had with EU counterparts on that, particularly about learning from countries that are much more advanced in the level and uptake of apprenticeships?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question and comments. Learning from Europe was a core component of the work that we conducted over the past year. We have made a number of visits — to Switzerland and Germany, to name but two — and much closer to home in other parts of these islands. The Germanic countries in particular have very successful forms of apprenticeships, and, while we have sought to learn as much as we can from them, we have to be realistic about our ability to replicate what are often deep cultural attitudes towards vocational training that have built up in those societies over decades. Nonetheless, they have very heavily influenced our thinking, and, as he goes through the formal report, the Member will see that being referenced on a consistent basis.

In terms of what the European Union can directly assist us with, there are two components. The first is the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, which has come in over the past 12 months. That is something that local employers or sectors — for example, the sector skills councils — can sign up to, and we will encourage them to do so. That will provide opportunities for exchanges of information and best practice. There are also potential opportunities under ERASMUS+. Members may well be familiar with ERASMUS, which facilitates exchanges for university students in the context of Europe. ERASMUS+ will be much more flexible and will allow for potential apprentices to go on placements and learn from best practice in other jurisdictions, which they can bring back to Northern Ireland and enrich the companies and organisations in which they get their main training. I have had discussions with the European Commission and expressed our keen interest in using ERASMUS in that manner, and hopefully that will develop.

It is also worth stressing that the OECD, which is not strictly part of the European Union but is another international organisation, has commented favourably on the need for the review to take place in Northern Ireland. The OECD can also offer a wealth of information on best practice, and we will take further soundings from them on the details that we have announced today.

Sammy Douglas (DUP, Belfast East)

I thank the Minister for his statement, which I welcome. In light of the high levels of unemployment across Europe, particularly among the young people whom we describe as "hard to reach", has he come across any models through which countries have been successful in targeting those young people, who very often leave school without any qualifications?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I am grateful for the Member's comments. He is right to make the general comment that we have issues with youth unemployment across Europe. As we drill down beneath that, we will see a correlation between the countries with the lowest youth unemployment, particularly the Germanic and Nordic countries, and the areas where vocational training is most developed. Those societies engage with young people across a range of skill levels and aptitudes, so there are lessons to be learned. As we take forward the review of youth training over the coming months, we will go back to Europe. We are taking advice on the best exemplars for engaging with marginalised young people and bringing them into training opportunities. I will be glad to report back in more detail on our findings in that regard over the coming months.

Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

If someone was looking for a straightforward and streamlined apprenticeship scheme, the verbosity and complexity of the Minister's statement might not give much encouragement. The point that struck me most about his statement was the distinct absence of any thread of coordination with our education system. Is it not the case that, where apprenticeships in other countries are a huge success, there is a very distinct sync between education preparing the kids and streaming them into apprenticeships? The statement seems to have very little to say about how we should shape our education system.

Roy Beggs (UUP, East Antrim)

The Member has asked his question.

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

It is easy to engage in cheap shots around what is a fairly detailed statement in which we set out and explain in considerable detail a substantial change in practice on apprenticeships. Like a number of other Members, Mr Allister has been in touch with me to complain about the complexities of the current system, so I would have thought that, like others, he would be keen to welcome a change that would lead to a simpler approach both for individuals who want to be apprentices and employers who want to avail themselves of opportunities.

This statement relates to my responsibilities as Minister for Employment and Learning as regards the apprenticeship offer. As the statement makes clear, this is very much a level 3-and-above commitment that we are making today, and it will be subject to consultation.

Of course, we have issues with regard to our education system. Those are well known to Members and have been the subject of numerous debates in the past and, no doubt, will be in the future. I hope that what we have announced today and what will be confirmed in due course after the public consultation will help to inform and influence wider discussions on the future of our education system. It is important that we consider alternative pathways for our young people and recognise that there is a range of academic and vocational pathways available. We can move away from labelling people as successes or failures as a result of things that have happened to them in the early days of their education. It is important that all young people understand that there is a range of opportunities out there for them, and it is important that the education system, in turn, orientates itself, as, I believe, it is beginning to do, to ensure that that takes place.

Minister O'Dowd and I have a joint responsibility for a strategy for 14- to 19-year-olds, and, no doubt, what I am doing in respect of apprenticeships and what he is doing in respect of his reforms of the education system will come together, and we will look to see how we can best coordinate and ensure that we have a seamless transition pathway for young people.

Patsy McGlone (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Mid Ulster)

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Mo bhuíochas leis an Aire as an ráiteas go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his statement. He announced that an online service would be introduced to advertise apprenticeship vacancies. I cannot understand why that was not being done. Nevertheless, recently, I met a business, and its major concern was that it had to go to places such as Poland to find welders. So, there seems to be an incredible mismatch between vacancies and apprenticeships. That does not surprise me. Will the Minister indicate what practical measures will be taken to match up vacancies in businesses with apprenticeships to make sure that locals who are unemployed get those opportunities?

Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for his question. It raises a number of issues. First of all, we want to see the most efficient system of matching vacancies to those who wish to avail themselves of opportunities. We also need to ensure that more employers offer apprenticeship opportunities and that young people are encouraged to think about becoming an apprentice. At times, however, businesses will need other forms of support for their training. They will need training for people who are in their companies already who need to refresh some of their skills. Also, at times, they will need support to recruit individuals, perhaps sometimes for more short-term-type contracts.

There is a particular issue with welding, which came to the fore around a very recent contract that Harland and Wolff secured. That was a victim of the very short-term nature of the work and the timescales involved with that, which, sometimes, does not lend itself readily to the longer- or medium-term planning that is involved with apprenticeships. So, it is important that we invest in a range of interventions. Not everything will go into our apprenticeship system in the future. We will continue with other forms of support for employers and training, and, hopefully, through that, we will capture all the diverse needs of employers to ensure that they capture as many of those skill opportunities and pressures that they have.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a statement regarding the EU CAP funds available to the North of Ireland for pillar 1 to fund direct payments to farmers and for pillar 2 to fund rural development.

The recent CAP agreement allows each European member state to transfer up to 15% of its direct payment allocation to rural development or, alternatively, up to 25% of its rural development allocation to direct payments. Under EU rules, member states were required to notify the European Commission of their decision by 31 December 2013. The next and only opportunity for review of this decision will be by 1 August 2017 for the 2018 and 2019 years.

Members will be aware that, on 20 December 2013, I made a written ministerial statement to advise of my decision to transfer 7% of the direct payment allocation to the rural development allocation. I intended that this transfer rate of 7% for the years 2014 to 2019 would provide an additional €137·5 million approximately to the overall rural development programme (RDP) budget to help support investment in our agrifood industry, protection of the environment and the economic and social development of our rural areas.

The reform of the CAP and the development and delivery of the RDP are absolute core elements of my remit as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. These are key policy and operational roles for my Department. The question of whether there should be a transfer between the pillars of the CAP was part of my Department’s consultation about proposals for the 2014-2020 rural development programme. There was considerable interest in the consultation, with 175 responses received and over 400 people attending my Department’s public events.

The responses to the public consultation reflected a number of differing views on the issue, which was not unexpected and, in many ways, no different from the conflicting stakeholder views that Ministers deal with daily. Almost 50% of the respondents to the consultation question supported a transfer of funds to rural development. Half of those in favour supported a transfer of the maximum of 15%. Approximately one third of the respondents were opposed to any transfer. Subsequently, on 18 December, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) stated that it expected that there should be a transfer to fund certain farming-related measures and that it should be less than 9%, which was the rate that had been applied in 2011 and 2012.

In making my decision about a transfer, I considered very carefully the range of opinions received from stakeholders during the public consultation. As an important element of the consultation, I also sought views from my Executive colleagues and their respective Departments on the specific issue of the pillar 1 to pillar 2 transfer. I looked closely at how any transfer would affect the budget available to both direct payments and rural development and the sources of funding — EU and Executive — that could be available to fund a future rural development programme. I considered the impact that any funding decision would have on our agrifood sector, our environment and our wider rural communities. I believe that the rate of 7% represents a good balance between the many different priorities that I, as Minister, have to consider.

The EU allocation available to the North of Ireland from the 2014-2020 EU budget for direct payments is €2·3 billion. The EU allocation available for rural development over the same period is €227·4 million, which is approximately 10% of the direct payments budget. At member state level, that is the lowest EU rural development allocation per hectare of all 28 states and represents a reduction of 14% in current terms when compared with the 2013 level extrapolated over the seven years of the new programme. So, it is disappointing that, once again, we have the lowest EU allocation for rural development in Europe. Furthermore, as I have just highlighted, our EU rural development allocation has been reduced significantly as a result of the cuts to the CAP budget arising from the EU budget negotiations. This means that it was even more important for us to identify additional sources of funding to provide strategic support to our farming, environmental and rural sectors.

I believe that I am best placed to balance the numerous and often very complex issues that play into decisions on funding. Taking account of legal advice, I believe that I had the authority to take the decision to transfer 7% of the direct payment funds. I had taken previous similar decisions — in particular, the decision in 2012 not to apply an additional year of voluntary modulation — without any of those decisions being challenged. Indeed, my predecessor’s decisions on the transfer of funds from direct payments to rural development were not challenged. All such transferred funds were used to benefit only farmers and farm families.

As Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, I have dealt with all aspects of CAP reform over two and a half years, as did my predecessor during her tenure as Minister. Evidently, a view has emerged over the past few weeks from some Ministers that my decision to set a transfer rate of 7% should be challenged. It is disappointing that this view was not communicated through the interdepartmental consultation, which specifically sought views from Ministers on whether funds should be transferred. The Finance Minister made no comments on any aspect of my proposals for the future rural development programme, including on the funding issues that were clearly set out in the consultation document.

Following my decision, which I advised of on 20 December, the Finance Minister instigated legal action on the basis that the issue should have been referred to the Executive. The court held that the issue met the criterion of being significant or controversial and outside the Programme for Government. In fact, the judgement was that the issue was significant and controversial. Following the court judgement, I immediately proposed a transfer of 7% of the direct payments funds to the Executive by urgent procedure. That required the approval of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. I clearly explained the pressing timescale for a decision and that the decision was required no later than 30 December. I did not receive approval for my decision by that deadline, and, consequently, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) was advised that Executive agreement had not been reached. The result was the notification of a zero rate of transfer for the North of Ireland to the EU Commission by DEFRA. In comparison, Wales has notified a transfer rate of 15%, which is worth €288 million; England a rate of 12%, which is worth €1·68 billion; and Scotland a rate of 9·5%, which is worth €332 million. That represents a total additional investment of approximately €2·3 billion in strategically important farming, environmental and rural schemes.

It is extremely disappointing that, as a result of the intervention by the Finance Minister, the North of Ireland will be the only part of the member state where additional investment may not now be available. That risks depriving our farmers, our rural communities and the protection of our environment of much-needed investment.

I have followed with interest the various press statements and interviews from political representatives and stakeholders on this issue and the implementation of the current rural development programme. I would like to take this opportunity to provide Members with factual information on the likely impact of the decision. The current programme is worth in the region of £530 million. Approximately 80% of the programme funds schemes that are aimed directly at farms and farm families, with some 20% directed at broader rural investment.

To supplement the rural development budget allocation in the 2007-2013 period, my predecessor set an average rate of 6%, which provided additional funding for rural development of €118 million. Those funds, known as voluntary modulation, have been used to help fund the less-favoured areas (LFAs) and the agrienvironment schemes. In addition, the transferred funds have fully funded the farm modernisation programme and the farm family options measures, including training, mentoring and Focus Farms. The funds have also been used to assist farm diversification projects.

I will provide Members with some examples of the important beneficial impacts that the modulated funds have had in the current rural development programme. To date, all modulated funds have been directed only to projects that benefit farms and farm families. That includes supporting 58 Focus Farms across the North of Ireland, with, to date, 1,000 visits attended by over 15,000 farmers; training 7,500 farmers in environment management; and training over 4,500 farm family members in information and communication technology (ICT), bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) awareness and farm safety. Some 1,900 farmers have attended BVD training, and that has contributed to 1,734 herd owners joining the eradication scheme and ordering 108,000 tissue tags.

Under the farm modernisation programme, modulated funds totalling over £12·5 million have supported 4,600 farm businesses. When the additional 60% contribution from farmers is taken into account, that funding has resulted in a total investment of over £30 million in the local economy.

Specifically on the farm diversification measures of axis 3, we have committed funding to some 619 projects, worth £15·8 million. To date, 429 projects have drawn down funding of £10 million. They, in turn, have levered in additional match funding investment of £12 million. That means that, to date, a total of £22 million has been invested in farm diversification, helping to sustain over 400 farm families and provide them with additional income. So far, that investment has seen the creation of new farm diversification businesses such as Harrison's farm shop and restaurant in Greyabbey, which has created more than 10 jobs, and Todd's Leap in Ballygawley, which has created up to 30 jobs. All of that has been achieved through the transfer of modulated funds from pillar 1.

EU policy for rural development is not just about supporting the agriculture and food industry and protecting and enhancing the environment but about promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas. That benefits all rural dwellers, including farmers and their families. That vital support is provided through axis 3 in the current rural development programme.

We continue to make good progress in providing much-needed investment in our rural areas. Axis 3 has committed all its funds across all its measures. Almost 1,800 projects have been completed across all parts of the North, with funding of some £47 million already paid out. When match funding is included, it represents an overall investment of £79 million. That investment has helped to sustain many hard-pressed rural businesses, and, indeed, it has helped to create some new businesses and to expand others, creating over 450 rural jobs, despite the difficult economic climate. For example, Sinton's restaurant in Scarva has, with a small grant, created 18 jobs, and Antrim Hills water has created five jobs with a similar grant.

Axis 3 has also helped 370 community and social economy projects to improve the quality of life for rural dwellers, providing rural communities with shared spaces in which to meet, childcare facilities, employment opportunities and the means to improve their health and fitness. The funding has opened up the rural North to greater numbers of tourists, with axis 3 projects accounting for 121,000 additional tourist visits to our rural areas. The availability of accommodation in rural areas for tourists has increased with the provision of funding for self-catering, camping barns and coaching inns. One hundred projects have been funded. It has allowed rural heritage projects, such as the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and the Caledon beam engine, to be developed using our rural heritage to provide interesting additions to the rural tourism offering and, at the same time, preserve the local heritage. The Caledon beam engine is the only such engine left in Ireland. Other unique projects, such as the bird sanctuary in Broughshane, have contributed to the increase in tourist visits to rural areas.

Over 198 rural villages across the seven local action group areas in the North have now developed integrated and comprehensive village plans. Indeed, many have initiated some of the capital works associated with the plans. Additionally, through my Department’s investment in the next generation broadband project, almost 14,500 rural dwellers and businesses now have a connection to broadband as a result of the axis 3 funding.

(Mr Principal Deputy Speaker [Mr Mitchel McLaughlin] in the Chair)

Those impacts are all very significant, with direct benefits for the farming industry and secondary benefits for the wider rural economy. In comparison, the benefit to farmers of the funds remaining in pillar 1 in the CAP 2014-2020 will depend on individual circumstances and will be affected by the changes brought about by the pillar 1 reforms. On the basis of the current distribution of support, about half of all claimants will each get less than €260 additional a year by not making the transfer.

It is important to develop a rural development programme that balances the needs of all rural sectors and allocates funds accordingly. The EU Commission will base its approval for the next RDP on a robust assessment that sets out clear needs for each sector, what we intend to do to address those needs and the likely impact of funding. The clear outcome of a zero transfer rate is that fewer funds will be available to address those needs.

I am very disappointed with the funding outcome for the North of Ireland. With no transfer of funds being made in the North from pillar 1 to pillar 2, funding in the rural development programme here will potentially be reduced for agrifood competitiveness, the environment and rural development. It is bad news for rural communities, the environment and the agrifood industry in the North of Ireland. It is critical that we review the zero transfer rate at the first opportunity, which will be in August 2017, with a view to increasing the rate and bringing additional investment into the programme for 2018 and 2019. In the absence of any transfer of funds from pillar 1 to pillar 2, I believe that the Executive funding will now have a greater role to play.

As 2017 will be the first chance to make any change to the transfer rate, I will press the Executive to make available funds to bridge the deficit and to support the farming sector, enhance the environment and meet the needs of rural communities. I am also looking at the scope to seek further funding from the Executive to help my Department to deliver on the objectives that have been set out in the Going for Growth strategy for the agrifood industry. A positive response on that from the Executive is now more vital than ever.

My main objective in putting together a balanced package of funding for the next rural development programme is to ensure that we have enough money to further improve the competitiveness of our farm and agrifood businesses, to protect and enhance our environment and countryside and to improve the quality of life in our rural communities. It will be important to look at the funds available and all the priorities for funding. I will consider all that carefully as we finalise the new programme, because I want to ensure a targeted and balanced RDP for the farming sector and rural dwellers.

The business stood suspended.

Oral Answers to Questions

Michael Copeland (UUP, Belfast East)

1. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the collaboration between Executive Departments and their agencies during the recent flood warnings. (AQO 5249/11-15)

Kieran McCarthy (Alliance, Strangford)

3. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the emergency planning in place for flooding. (AQO 5251/11-15)

Sammy Douglas (DUP, Belfast East)

9. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the Executive’s response to the recent flooding crisis. (AQO 5257/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

With your permission, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I will answer questions 1, 3 and 9 together. The coastal flooding of recent days and the risks associated with it presented an extremely challenging situation for us all, the public and emergency responders alike. It was a great relief that the flooding was not as severe as initial assessments indicated in some areas.

The Executive met on Friday 3 January to assess the risk from coastal flooding and agreed that our Departments and agencies would cooperate fully in the emergency response, which was led by the PSNI. We urged the public not to risk their own safety and to continue to cooperate fully with responders. The PSNI led the multiagency response, involving 40 organisations, which responded quickly to minimise the risk and impact of the flooding. In all, some 45,000 sandbags were used to protect homes and key infrastructure. That highly effective response reflects the level of preparedness that was in place to deal with a whole range of emergencies, including flooding. Indeed, an exercise to test the multiagency response to widespread coastal flooding took place as recently as last November.

We will not be complacent but will continue to improve our emergency preparedness through the work of the Civil Contingencies Group (Northern Ireland), led by OFMDFM and that of other groups of key responders. In line with good practice, the PSNI, as the coordinators of the response to the emergency, will conduct a multiagency debrief to identify learning points, which will be applied to further strengthen our ability to respond to future emergencies.

Michael Copeland (UUP, Belfast East)

I thank the First Minister for his fulsome answer. I join him in paying tribute to those who were involved in preparing for what could have become a very dangerous and nasty situation. What role was considered for the Civil Contingencies Group? What factors were considered, and what information coloured the eventual outcome and the way in which the response was structured?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

First, I join the Member and extend the thanks because, obviously, although a number of Departments and agencies were involved, there was a very considerable effort at a community level to give assistance. Those involved should be praised for the way in which they rallied round in severe circumstances.

We discussed the triggering of the Civil Contingencies Group (Northern Ireland) when I met the head of the Civil Service, who chairs that group, along with the PSNI. I think that was on the Saturday evening; maybe it was on the Friday evening. We considered at that stage that we would leave it to the call of the police as to whether they felt the risk was sufficiently broadly based around the Province to require that to be done. At that stage, it was determined that most of the requirement would be in the Belfast area, particularly east Belfast, but that there could be patches outside Belfast. As it transpired, some places outside Belfast were hit much more strongly than had been anticipated, but the group was ready to be called. The head of the Civil Service was ready to bring people together and had put them on notice that, should the PSNI require it, the Civil Contingencies Group would be brought together.

Kieran McCarthy (Alliance, Strangford)

I thank the First Minister for his response. I am glad that he recognised that there are places outside east Belfast because, when I was looking for sandbags, I was originally told to go to Inverary Community Centre. Eventually, however, sandbags were sent down to the Ards peninsula, which deserved to have them.

Last week, the Prime Minister informed us that he is spending over £1 billion on coastal erosion, sea defences and flooding. Will the First Minister now commit the Executive to spending whatever it takes to ensure that coastal erosion and flooding will things of the past and will not happen again?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

The Executive, of course, are the only body that can commit themselves. I can say that the deputy First Minister and I had a conversation with the head of the Civil Service about how we can make an assessment, because the assessment carried out by the PSNI is on the basis of how the responders acted in relation to the emergency. We need a response regarding what the level of danger of coastal erosion was at various points. That is something that several of our Departments probably need to liaise on, particularly Roads Service, to give us an indicator of what steps are necessary.

We were told that we were dealing with the sort of event that happens once every 200 years; but over the past number of years I seem to have come to the Dispatch Box all too often about events that were supposed to happen only once in every 100 or 200 years. It is very clear, although there might be some people who deny climate change, that there are factors at play that indicate that these will be much more regular events. That being the case, I think we need to look at some more permanent answers to those questions. To me, sandbags are very much of the last century. They did the job and they did it well, but, for people's homes, there are potential ways of looking at whether you can get domestic mechanisms that can seal the doors and stop water coming in, which are much better and quicker to put in place. There is also the issue of whether walls need to be fortified. I hope that that is the kind of response that the deputy First Minister and I will get from the two Departments concerned.

Sammy Douglas (DUP, Belfast East)

I thank the First Minister for his answers so far. I know that he saw the level of flood preparedness in east Belfast at first hand, but will he outline his view on the local resilience shown throughout the Province?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I think that the responders acted well across the Province. I enter a caveat, because, although I think that very few people will complain about the way the civil contingencies organisations responded in this case, it was a case that we had notice of. We had several weeks of knowledge of it coming about and there was therefore an opportunity for us to be at a better stage of preparedness, unlike when a heavy deluge of rain strikes you overnight and you have to respond immediately and without the immediate preparation.

We need to look at how we can step up the preparation for other kinds of emergency. Belfast, of course, is very well placed, because it has a civil contingency organisation in place that has been running well and has its own structure already set in place. That is not the case in all parts of Northern Ireland. We have an official's report indicating that legislation should be passed in the Assembly to require and place a duty on councils to have that kind of civil contingency planning done. I support that and think that we are going to have to look at it. That should be a lot easier to do with 11 larger councils than with the 26 councils, some of which are very small.

George Robinson (DUP, East Londonderry)

2. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on any inward investment from Asia resulting from their recent visit to the area. (AQO 5250/11-15)

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

14. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on their recent visit to Japan. (AQO 5262/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

With your permission, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I will answer questions 2 and 14 together.

Our international engagement during the past year has created a number of potential investment opportunities. I make no apology for our continuing commitment to meet all influencers and business representatives in an effort to promote trade, tourism and inward investment in Northern Ireland and to establish university and government links. Visits to Asia last year included China and, more recently, Japan.

We continue to engage with officials from the Chinese Government on a number of projects, including the opening of an office in Beijing later this year. That will be a big step in strengthening the relations between Northern Ireland and China. Once that is established there will be an opportunity to further explore relationships in other parts of China.

When we visited Japan in December, the deputy First Minister and I met Prime Minister Abe and a Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. Our programme also included meetings with the British and Irish ambassadors to Japan and their trade and investment representatives and a number of Japanese companies that are already established in Northern Ireland. It was particularly rewarding for us to meet again prospective Japanese investors who attended the hugely successful investment conference last October in Belfast. We also hosted a Northern Irish Connections event, where we met a number of diaspora and Japanese people with an interest in helping the Executive promote their objectives in Japan.

We are confident that this series of meetings will help to strengthen links with the Japanese Government and business sector and increase the potential for new and sustainable sources of foreign direct investment in Northern Ireland. Tangible and very welcome evidence of this was the announcement on 10 December of a new 192-job project at Fujitsu in Londonderry. Northern Ireland has a longstanding and active business relationship with Japan. Major Japanese investors include Fujitsu, Terumo BCT, Japan Tobacco, Ryobi and Canon. Collectively, they employ some 3,000 people across Northern Ireland. The growth and longevity of Japanese investment is testament to the culture and commitment of its companies to sustainable overseas collaboration.

George Robinson (DUP, East Londonderry)

I thank the First Minister for his very detailed answer. What plans do you have to encourage investment and trade over the next year that could benefit areas such as the north-west? I know that you mentioned new jobs that are coming to the north-west, but there are other areas, such as my own, Limavady, that could benefit greatly from new jobs.

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I know that Fujitsu is already employing people, so I hope that some people from Limavady can stretch themselves to go to Londonderry to take up some of the jobs that are available as a result of that initiative. The deputy First Minister and I very much operate at the behest of Invest Northern Ireland and the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster. We are there to give them support where they think that our presence can give them access to companies and where we can persuade them to look at Northern Ireland more seriously. We have done that consistently over the past number of years, with very positive impact.

I indicated in the immediate answer to the question that we were intending to open an office in Beijing. I hope that not only the deputy First Minister and I but other Ministers will attempt to create links with China, using the base of that office to do so. We of course remain active in the United States and Canada and in the Middle East. We are pushing hard in India and Brazil. The deputy First Minister and I will take any steps that we can to give support.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. The Minister more or less answered my question in his final comments. In the short term, what further trips are planned in search of jobs and investment?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

As I indicated, we have nothing scheduled beyond going to the United States in March, although I suspect that we will be required to go to Beijing to open the new office. In March, we are being asked by Invest Northern Ireland to extend the St Patrick's Day visit. I think that, this time, we actually get back in time for St Patrick's Day because of the way that the White House has arranged its events. Invest wants us to go to the west coast of the United States and to speak to a number of potential clients there, so that will be the first investment trip that we are likely to have this year.

Fearghal McKinney (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

In discussing the October investment conference, the First Minister talked about many of the building blocks in place to take our economy to a higher level. Will the First Minister encourage his party to ensure that it signs up to one of those major building blocks, the Haass paper?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

We will have a very full debate on this issue later on, and I look forward to that. We all recognise that there is a responsibility on the political parties, especially those that are in the Northern Ireland Executive, to fulfil the requirements that are set down in the terms of reference to the panel of parties as they did their work. They were asked to come forward with a report indicating the level of agreement that there was, and I hope that his party will join others in doing that.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Mr Givan is not in his place to ask question no 4.

Danny Kinahan (UUP, South Antrim)

5. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many freedom of information requests to their Department were not answered within the initial 20 working day time limit, in each of the past three years. (AQO 5253/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I am pleased to say that things are moving in the right direction. Some might say that they are moving too slowly. Three years ago, 58% of freedom of information requests were answered outside the 20-day time limit. That improved to 56% in 2012 and 35% in 2013. Although that is not satisfactory, it is clear that progress has been made.

Danny Kinahan (UUP, South Antrim)

I thank the First Minister for his answer. Many of us see that progress as being so slow that it is actually a disgrace. It needs to move as quickly as possible. Freedom of information is a vital part of our democratic system. How many of those freedom of information (FOI) requests were over a year old?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

My understanding is that, of those that we have at present, six have not yet been answered. The oldest request goes back to July. It is less than one year old. I do not think that anybody suggests that we should be satisfied with the process. I have to say that it is much more difficult in a Department that has two Ministers because both are required to be satisfied with the response. Indeed, I think that we have probably responded to requests to which we could, quite easily, have refused to respond because of the excessive cost of providing an answer. However, we have sought, where possible, to respond. We have, indeed, put in place improvements to the procedures for and the processing and tracking of FOI requests, which should see that steady progress continuing.

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

Does the First Minister agree that, in addition to answering FOI requests, there is a need to respond to motions that are agreed in the House? I am thinking in particular of two motions which encouraged the recall of the Civic Forum.

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I recognise that that is a bit of a stretch of the question on freedom of information. However, I congratulate the Member on being able to stretch it that far and get off with it. The reality is, of course, that the deputy First Minister and I deal with many important issues. We are often out and about in the community, hearing people's real concerns. I have to say that, in all of these years, I have yet to meet anybody who has pressed me to sort out the Civic Forum.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Before I call the next Member, I want to point out that the Minister always has the option of not answering a question if he feels that it is completely outside the original question.

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I would not do that to the Member.

Anna Lo (Alliance, Belfast South)

6. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in light of the commitment in Together: Building a United Community, when they will publish a sexual orientation strategy. (AQO 5254/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, with your permission, I will ask junior Minister Jonathan Bell to answer the question.

Jonathan Bell (DUP, Strangford)

As outlined in Together: Building a United Community, we are committed to publishing a sexual orientation strategy. A draft consultation document to inform public consultation on the strategy is currently under consideration in the Department. It will be published when the consultation process has been completed.

Anna Lo (Alliance, Belfast South)

I thank the junior Minister for his brief response. I want to put my question to the First Minister, who is the head of the Department. Is he away? He is not here. Oh, he is here. Sorry. [Laughter.] Mr Bell is obstructing my view of the First Minister.

Given the DUP's opposition to the recent motion that called for the strategy to be published as a priority, I ask the Minister directly whether he supports the publication of that strategy. If so, what has he done to speed up the process?

Jonathan Bell (DUP, Strangford)

I thank the honourable lady for her question. I did not realise that I was so big that I would shield other Members. Perhaps, the new year diet will have to kick in.

The sexual orientation strategy was the commitment of the Executive, not just of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Although we led on it, it is the Executive's commitment, under Together: Building a United Community, to publish it. I have met a range of groups in connection with that, as have my officials, and we have listened to the concerns. We have led on other areas: against violence, verbal abuse and attacks on property and homes. We have led on a number of issues that were raised with us during the process. We have also spoken with the groups concerned about what are the best methods for them in the consultation process, what will enable them to give the most fulsome answers and what means of communication, including the use of information technology, will allow for the fullest and most comprehensive level of responses to be brought back with us.

The feedback that I received just a couple of days ago last week from officials directly engaged with a number of groups is that they are very pleased with the way that the communication is going and with where the strategy is at. Under Together: Building a United Community, we are committed to publishing a sexual orientation strategy.

Paula Bradley (DUP, Belfast North)

Junior Minister, how will the intended sexual orientation strategy fit within the overall equality context?

Jonathan Bell (DUP, Strangford)

I thank the honourable lady for her question; it is an important one within the overall equality context. OFMDFM has a track record of engaging with and proactively seeking to protect vulnerable groups in our society. We have, through numerous strategies, sought to ensure protection for the whole ambit of section 75 groups, including the age sector, the gender sector, race, disability etc. The sexual orientation strategy will form part of the overall equality suite of services.

Seán Rogers (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

Minister, what discussions have you had with the Department of Education about addressing the issue of homophobic bullying in schools?

Jonathan Bell (DUP, Strangford)

The initiative in Together: Building a United Community addresses all those matters. We are aware of the situation. We are very clear, in all the discussions that the Executive have had about Together: Building a United Community, that nobody should experience verbal abuse or bullying. There are a range of resources that Mr O'Dowd as Minister of Education can more comprehensively outline in respect of what has happened under his remit and with the anti-bullying strategy, which has been endorsed.

I do not think that any young person should have to experience verbal or physical abuse or damage to their property or possessions. As you know being a distinguished former headmaster, schools have very robust policies in place. We have very clear reporting mechanisms in place, and a number of charities, including Barnardo's and NSPCC, have measures in place. I know that schools in my constituency such as Regent House — I am a governor — have dedicated school counsellors in place, in situ, where young people can report any incident of bullying.

The encouragement that goes out to young people is not to suffer in silence. There are mechanisms in place so that young people will be listened to. There are very robust child protection procedures in place in schools, with dedicated pastoral care teachers, and in social services, should it get to that level, in conjunction with the police to address serious incidents of bullying. The message that goes out to young people is this: talk to somebody in your family, your friends or somebody in authority whom you trust and your concerns will be addressed. There are measures in place to redress any acts of bullying, which should not have occurred in the first place.

Phil Flanagan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

7. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on their commitment in the economy and jobs initiative document to bring forward proposals to boost economic activity through the retrofitting of energy efficiency measures into homes. (AQO 5255/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

The Executive's economy and jobs initiative has identified a commitment that OFMDFM should bring forward proposals to boost economic activity through the retrofitting of energy efficient measures in homes. A project team is working with stakeholders and recognised industry experts to identify options that will enable householders to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and help to address the prevalence of fuel poverty. A market survey is due to begin at the end of January. That will help to determine demand for a range of energy retrofit options and to refine programme design ahead of any proposed programme delivery. Following the market survey, proposals will be prepared for our consideration. It is important that any proposals complement and supplement existing fuel poverty and energy-efficiency initiatives.

Phil Flanagan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his answer, but I am concerned about the range of experts that has been appointed, given the previous bad advice that was provided to the Social Development Minister on the issue. However, we will wait and see.

How will the retrofit programme tackle the ongoing issue of fuel poverty, which is getting worse instead of improving, as was supposed to be the case?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

It is very clear that if measures can be brought forward that will reduce the cost of keeping a home warm, they will help to reduce fuel poverty. I should say that I recognise some scepticism from the earlier part of the Member's supplementary question. In speaking to officials about the issue, I was pleased to hear that real progress is being made on this occasion under the tutelage of the deputy First Minister and me. We are fairly confident that proposals will come out in a very short time.

Jimmy Spratt (DUP, Belfast South)

This type of initiative has the potential to be a significant boost to the Northern Ireland economy. Can the First Minister ensure that small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) across Northern Ireland will be able to draw down work from the initiative when it is eventually rolled out?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

The Member is absolutely right. Not only will the initiative have an impact on homes that will ensure that there is greater efficiency in energy usage but it will provide much-needed work and therefore expand the number of jobs in the construction industry. Of course, we have to wait until the proposals are brought before us, but I would be very surprised if, as we are dealing with the whole of Northern Ireland, the initiative did not involve a range of companies right across Northern Ireland.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I call Mrs Dolores Kelly for a quick supplementary question.

Dolores Kelly (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Upper Bann)

Thank you, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. How many jobs have been created in socially disadvantaged and excluded communities as a result of the initiative from the First Minister's Department?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

We are waiting for the initiative to work its way through. At times, there is a tendency on the part of Members to look at these things through the negative end of the telescope. There is massive potential in the set of proposals to save energy in the Province, thereby reducing the household costs of many people and bringing people out of fuel poverty, and, at the same time, to provide much-needed jobs in the construction sector, where they are most required at present. I ask Members to be supportive of what we are doing. We will, I hope, be able to bring encouraging news before the Assembly within a few months, and I also hope that we will, at that stage, be able to see the outworking of the proposals in a way that will cheer even the Member for Upper Bann.

Patsy McGlone (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Mid Ulster)

8. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the conclusion of the Haass talks. (AQO 5256/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

The panel of parties in the Northern Ireland Executive concluded its discussions on parades, select commemorations and related protests, flags and emblems, and contending with the past on 31 December 2013 without an overall agreement. A draft document was forwarded to the deputy First Minister and me by the chair of the panel, Dr Richard Haass, and the deputy chair, Meghan O'Sullivan. On the same day, we placed it on the Executive's website for wider consideration.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Members, that is the end of the period for listed questions. We will now move to 15 minutes of topical questions. Mr Easton is not in his place, so I call Mr David — oh there he is. Excuse me, Alex.

Alex Easton (DUP, North Down)

Thank you.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

He is not in his usual place.

Alex Easton (DUP, North Down)

1. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister how the process will move forward following the recent Haass talks. (AQT 521/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

What is required, if we are to move forward in Northern Ireland, is reaching agreement on outstanding issues. The unfortunate element of the Haass process has been that, although we now know what Dr Haass and Professor O'Sullivan believed would gain widespread support from the parties, we do not have itemised the level of agreement that there might be in any of the hundreds of elements of that overall proposal. So, I think that it is necessary for a working group to sit down and to work out where there had been agreement and to identify areas where further work is required. I hope that all the parties are up for that. I know that the Ulster Unionists and the Alliance Party have indicated that they are willing to be part of such a process. I was pleased to see in the House of Commons Dr Alasdair McDonnell indicating that he was willing to be part of that; indeed, he was urging the Secretary of State to be involved in a process that would do precisely that. My party is certainly up for it. So, I hope that, when the party leaders meet tomorrow, they can reach that kind of agreement.

Alex Easton (DUP, North Down)

I thank the First Minister for his answer. Who should chair the next step of the process? Does he envisage Mr Haass returning?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I do not know; there are laws against inhumane treatment, so I am not sure that we would want to push Dr Haass to return. I would certainly be very happy if he were to return, but I suspect that, when he indicated that he was leaving on 31 December, he was not going to go beyond that and that that is his fixed position. I note that the Secretary of State has offered herself as chair for the next phase of the process. Again, I would be quite content with that, but the choice of who chairs it has been left with the five parties collectively. That was how Dr Haass was appointed. So, I suspect that, if the parties are agreeable to a further phase, they will determine an appropriate chair.

David Hilditch (DUP, East Antrim)

2. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they are aware of and would like to comment on the statement made by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to criticise the Minister of Finance and Personnel for taking court action over her failure to bring her decision on the reform of the common agricultural policy to the Executive. (AQT 522/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I was not in for that part of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development's statement. I came in at the tail end of it, so, clearly, she made the remarks before I entered. I am not sure that it is altogether appropriate for the Minister to make comments if they were made in the fashion suggested. I would have thought that the person who breached the ministerial code and who was found to have acted unlawfully is not in a strong position to censure the person who drew attention to such a breach.

David Hilditch (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the First Minister for his answer. What implications do you believe the decision could have for the operation of the Executive?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

This is not the first time that we have been faced with these kinds of judgements. A series of rulings from the High Court — remember that this one was from the Lord Chief Justice — have indicated the necessity to bring any matter that is significant, controversial or cross-cutting to the Executive. That remains the position. I think that it requires each Minister to reflect more closely on the decisions that they are taking and on whether they fall within those categories.

Of course, we have not yet seen the Lord Chief Justice's written judgement on the matter. That might be helpful to us. However, I really think that the Executive need to sit down and decide how they operate when taking decisions. We do not want to grind an Executive to a standstill, but if there are decisions to be taken that other Ministers point up as controversial, significant or cross-cutting, a Minister should not try to avoid the requirement that is laid down in the ministerial code to bring them to the Executive.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

3. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they agree that one positive from the Haass talks was a proposal agreed by all parties that the Victims’ Commissioner should assess better ways to meet the financial needs of those seriously injured as a result of the past and whether they are prepared to add direction to the Victims’ Commissioner’s terms of reference to deal with this matter now. (AQT 523/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I am sometimes overcome by the enthusiasm of some parties in the Chamber to get the deputy First Minister and I to do various things, although those same parties talk about a DUP/Sinn Féin carve-up or tag team. If the five parties sat down as part of a panel and reached agreements, they should bring those agreements, as required by the terms of reference, to the deputy First Minister and me. They have yet to do that.

We have heard Dr Haass's view of the matter but we have not had any paper from the panel, as required under the terms of reference, indicating areas where there is agreement. We are prepared to look at all the areas on which there is agreement, if they can be moved forward on their own. That can be brought to the Executive. However, the first job of that panel, I believe, is to sit down and go through the 340 elements of agreement in the Haass proposals so that each party can determine whether it agrees those. We will then be able to see where agreement on how many of those elements is shared by all five parties and can, therefore, be acted on.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

I thank the First Minister for his comments. A proposal has been made with regard to provision of a pension for those with serious conflict-related injuries. What actions do you propose or what comment do you have to make on that proposal?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

The comment I make is the same as the one I made earlier. For us to look at any set of proposals, it is necessary for the panel to bring them forward. The panel has not yet done that, and I really do suggest that the requirement that we set down in our terms of reference for the panel — not for Dr Haass, but the panel — to bring forward the areas of agreement, means that it should meet to carry out the obligation that has been placed on it so that we can look at each of the individual proposals that are agreed by all.

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

4. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they are aware that today one of the most courageous clergymen to emerge from the Troubles, the Rev David Armstrong, called on the former First Minister to apologise for deeds or words of the past and whether the First Minister agrees that the ability to say sorry for the past is an essential element of permanent peace and reconciliation here. (AQT 524/11-15)

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

I am sure that the First Minister is pleased that my question moves us away from the Haass talks and onto another topical issue.

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I am not sure that the Member has moved away from the Haass proposals, which, of course, contain an issue relating to acknowledgement of the past. I do not want to equate those who operated within the democratic process with those who went out and quite deliberately killed and maimed individuals in our society. I think that, when we make mistakes — there is not one of us in this Chamber who has not done so — we should all be prepared to indicate that we have made those mistakes. That is a lesson not just for party leaders but for party members, and not just for DUP party leaders but for members of the SDLP.

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

I welcome the First Minister's response. If I have said something in the past that was wrong, I apologise publicly for it. Will he now encourage his former party leader to do likewise?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I imagine that that is a public apology from the Member for the SDLP's support of a play park in County Down being named after a terrorist, and we will all note that. He is shaking his head, so he clearly does not apologise for the past.

Let me say this about the programme that seems to have stirred up interest: Ian Paisley has been a major figure in public life in Northern Ireland for many generations. He was active while most of us in this Chamber were either not born or were in short trousers or plaid skirts. The fact remains that he made an enormous contribution to the life of Northern Ireland. He has a fantastic legacy. It saddens me that the programme appears to have portrayed it in that way. However, it does not take away from the very significant role that he played. I honestly believe that, if we are to have interviews about the past, it is far better to have them when the events are fresher in people's memories.

Maurice (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

5. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the position of the social investment fund. (AQT 525/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

Here, again, real progress is being made. As I understand it, officials have been working on approving projects that have gone through the economic appraisal process. I believe that, literally within the next two or three weeks, we will be in a position to move forward with the first tranche of projects, which amounts to over £30 million.

Maurice (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the First Minister for his response. Will he tell us how many projects are in a position to have letters of offer issued?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

As I understand it, 22 schemes have been approved and have gone through the system. I also understand that 14 schemes are virtually ready. Of course, those are schemes that will be on the ground across the Province and will benefit local communities.

Sydney Anderson (DUP, Upper Bann)

6. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what implications the decision in the DFP/DARD court case, which took place over the Christmas period, will have for the Dickson plan for education in the Craigavon/Tandragee area. (AQT 526/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

All politics is local. I have always held the view that the decisions in relation to the Dickson plan in Craigavon and the surrounding area are such that the matter would have to come to the Executive. The matter would certainly be regarded as significant and controversial and, if finances are involved, it would also be cross-cutting. The recent decision is just a confirmation of what we already knew: such matters have to be brought to the Executive.

Sydney Anderson (DUP, Upper Bann)

I thank the First Minister for that response. Will he indicate what steps would be taken if the Education Minister decided not to bring the decision to the Executive?

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

It is a hypothetical question and I have no reason to believe that the Education Minister would not bring it to the Executive. Indeed, on reflection, he might take a different position to that adopted heretofore and it would not be necessary to bring it to the Executive.

Clearly, there are mechanisms in place in the Assembly. If 30 or more Members sign a petition of concern, the matter can be referred to the Executive; three Executive Ministers can require that the matter is brought to the Executive, or the deputy First Minister and I acting jointly can bring it to the Executive. There are a number of ways that it can be brought to the Executive. However, I repeat that I do not have any reason to believe that the Education Minister will not bring the matter to the Executive if it requires a decision.

Seán Rogers (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

7. asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline their short-term goals for an implementation plan for the Haass proposals, given that, when Richard Haass and Meghan O’Sullivan were leaving, they said that the proposals were not self-implementing. (AQT 527/11-15)

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I think that the Member is confused. He needs to look at the terms of reference again. We do not simply throw a number of people into a room and tell them to get on with it. We give them terms of reference and they act on those terms of reference. The terms of reference place a responsibility on the panel of the parties to bring forward proposals for the areas on which they have reached agreement. The panel has not yet done that.

I now know very clearly what Dr Haass and Professor O'Sullivan's view was of what might have gained widespread acceptance. It clearly did not do so. Therefore, it is up to the parties to identify the elements in the proposals that they can all agree on, or where there is sufficient consensus for agreement, and bring those forward so that the deputy First Minister and I can decide what the appropriate next steps should be.

Michael Copeland (UUP, Belfast East)

1. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of Rivers Agency’s performance during recent flood warnings in East Belfast. (AQO 5263/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Rivers Agency’s preparation for and response to the recent flood warnings in east Belfast was excellent. In November 2013, the agency organised and ran a real-time simulated emergency planning exercise focusing on coastal flooding. The exercise involved 70 organisations, including all the flood response agencies, the PSNI, Belfast City Council and other key stakeholders. As a result, when the events of last week began to unfold, there was clarity on roles and responsibilities from the outset and, I should say, excellent cooperation between all the organisations involved. During the emergency response, Rivers Agency had a critical role in providing professional advice on the technical aspects of coastal flood risk. That included close liaison throughout the holiday period with the coastal monitoring and forecasting service and the Met Office throughout the holiday period to use the data available to forecast the level of flood risk; decide when to instigate an emergency response; identify those areas at greatest risk, which included east Belfast; and inform an appropriate level of response. The input from the Rivers Agency in the coordinated multi-agency response led by the PSNI was critical in informing key decisions about vulnerable areas and infrastructure. The agency’s timely engagement with the PSNI and other organisations, and the technical support that it provided, facilitated the pre-deployment of resources and the strengthening of existing flood defences at Sydenham and elsewhere to successfully avert the threat of serious flooding. The agency was also directly involved in the provision and placing of sandbags in and around the areas under threat.

Michael Copeland (UUP, Belfast East)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Through her, I pass on my sincere thanks to those in Rivers Agency for the actions they carried out over that time. It is true to say that we were "lucky" as much as anything else.

My understanding is that, when it is in Belfast lough, water is the responsibility of DCAL; when it enters the Connswater river, it is the responsibility of Rivers Agency; if it overflows onto the ground, it is the responsibility of the DOE; and if it goes onto the roads, it is the responsibility of DRD. Can the Minister explain why she continues to believe that Rivers Agency, for example, with all the responsibilities that it has, particularly at times of flooding, should continue to be in her Department? Can she see the logic of it being included in another Department, perhaps the Department for Regional Development?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I thank the Member for his complimentary comments about Rivers Agency staff. I concur with that. Staff actually came in off their leave to make sure that they were there to do all that they could, so thanks for that.

There was a multi-agency response to the incident because of the significant nature of what potentially could have happened. As I said, Rivers Agency was very much to the fore in providing technical advice for the entire group on weather developments and what could potentially have occurred. It was a multi-agency approach because of the various responsibilities. It comes back to the point raised on the back of the performance and efficiency delivery unit (PEDU) report some time ago, which looked at whether there should be a strategic role for one responsible Department for overarching flooding issues. That is all in the mix, but it is something that needs to be considered further down the line under the wider review of what responsibilities are within each Department.

Robin Newton (DUP, Belfast East)

I thank the Minister for the response from the Rivers Agency, particularly in east Belfast, where it was a river problem. Its role was crucial. There are a number of stakeholders, and you have mentioned some of them. Primarily, the stakeholders in this situation are the residents of Sydenham, Orangefield and Clarawood. A flood alleviation scheme is in place, and I know that you are aware of it, along the Connswater greenway. It is absolutely crucial that the investment that is there for that is implemented and that it is done as quickly as possible, with urgency, to produce safety aspects for the residents along the route of that river, whom I have already mentioned, so that they enjoy at least some remit from any potential future flooding.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

In the wider project, I am pleased that there has been progress to date, particularly in the Orangefield and Victoria Park area. The work is ongoing and is now almost complete in those two areas. Obviously, we look forward to construction on the final phase of the greenway project starting in the summer, and we are all very committed to making sure that that happens within the time frame that we have set out. We are looking at early 2016 for the completion of the whole project. The Member is aware that there have been delays because of the failure of the tender between Belfast City Council and the company. So, there have been delays, but I am pleased with the progress to date and that we are on target to deliver the full flood alleviation project in the whole area by early 2016.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Before I call the next Member to speak, I would like to give Members two indications. Questions should be short and to the point. This question relates specifically to east Belfast and anyone who wants to ask a supplementary question must address the question, otherwise they should indicate whether they want to withdraw. [Interruption.] I am going to move on unless I get an indication. [Laughter.] OK, I call Mr Fearghal McKinney to do his best. [Laughter.]

Fearghal McKinney (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

Is the Minister giving serious consideration to the allocation of more money for capital schemes to deal with the increasing difficulty of flooding in a number of locations across the North, as well as in the east of the city?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I would be very foolish to stand here as a Minister and say that I do not want more money. We always want more money, and, after recent events, Rivers Agency will do a follow-up exercise to look at the resources that we have in place. There will be inspections of areas that were impacted upon. Based on that, Rivers Agency will be able to bring forward recommendations as to whether we need additional resources or need to bring forward additional work. That work is ongoing, and options will come from Rivers Agency if it feels it needs additional resource to bring forward additional projects.

Oliver McMullan (Sinn Féin, East Antrim)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Why did the PSNI lead on the preparations in response to the flooding? They are neither engineers nor experts in flooding.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Flood risk in coastal areas has a significant risk to life associated with it, so it is classed as a category 1 emergency. In such situations, the lead role in coordinating and directing preparations and response sits with the PSNI. The fact that we held a simulation exercise back in November was very helpful. It meant that when we were faced with this situation, which was potentially very dangerous, agencies were clear as to their roles, and it was clear from the start that, given the risk to life, the PSNI needed to take the lead.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Mr Sammy Wilson is not in his place to ask Question 2.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

3. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many farmers have yet to receive their 2013 single farm payment. (AQO 5265/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

To date, approximately 3,000 single farm payment claims remain to be finalised. My officials are working to finalise them as quickly as possible. In November 2013, I announced that 95% of claims, including the majority of businesses subject to inspection, will be finalised by the end of February 2014. Some 92% of single farm payment claims have been finalised since 1 December 2013. More farmers received their single farm payment in December 2013 than ever before.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

I thank the Minister for her answer. I welcome the fact that 92% of farmers are in receipt of their payment, Minister, but I am sure that you, coming, like me, from a rural constituency, are disappointed that your Department has not got that number much higher. Given the economic climate, what will your Department do to address the plight of the 3,000 farmers who are still waiting for receipt of their payment? Can she assure those farmers that they will get that payment speedily?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I can assure the Member that it is my intention to have as many people paid as possible. As I said, we have made a great improvement in that we paid more farmers in December than in previous years, so there has been progress. However, we obviously have more to do to get to a position where we can pay everybody as early as possible.

Claims remain outstanding for a variety of reasons, including probate or people not providing their bank details. It is hard to believe but, in this day and age, some people still do not provide their bank details. As I say, there is a variety of reasons why those people have not been paid, but we are working our way through it, and I intend to meet the target that I have set out for February 2014.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Is it possible to review and speed up the process whereby decisions are reviewed?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Yes. The single farm payment review and decisions procedure is a two-stage process. Stage 1 involves a review of the decision by an officer in the Department not previously involved in the case. Stage 2 involves a review by an external panel. The panel considers the Department's decision against the EU regulations and agreed policy and makes a recommendation. The panel's recommendation is not binding on the Department. The final decision rests with the head of the paying agency of the Department and the Department's statutory responsibility cannot be delegated to the panel.

We are working to reduce the backlog of cases at stages 1 and 2 and to reduce the time taken to process some cases. We met our target in over 400 stage 1 cases, and 80 stage 2 cases were finalised by the end of 2013. The current stage 1 backlog has reduced to 132 cases. However, the clearing of stage 1 cases has had a knock-on effect at stage 2, and 101 cases are now sitting at various stages in the process. Of those, work on 62 cases is not started.

In June 2013, two additional case officers were seconded to the stage 1 team to assist with clearing the backlog of reviews. Since then, we have been able to halve the number of outstanding cases and are continuing to bear down on this. Additional resources have been made available to the stage 2 process. However, because of the level of knowledge required to deal with the complex issues, and the time necessary to become competent in this work, the benefits of increased resources is being fully realised only now.

The workload and resourcing levels of the team are continually monitored to make sure that we can speed everything up and get as many cases dealt with as quickly as possible.

Tom Elliott (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for that update. A remote inspections system appears to have been introduced this year where two areas were inspected. I think that the Bann valley and Clogher valley were the areas. There appears to be no payments made to any of the people involved in those. Could the Minister explain why?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Yes. The Member will be aware that we are in the process of trying to speed up payments. Part of that is being able to ramp up the number of inspections that we do by remote sensing. The two geographical regions selected for the 2013 scheme encompass the towns of Portglenone, Maghera, Magherafelt and Garvagh in the east and Fivemiletown, Augher, Clogher, Tempo and Fintona in the west. The majority of those inspected cases will be paid by the end of February 2014. I can give the Member that assurance. That is earlier than would have been the situation last year.

We are working our way through all those cases. Being able to speed up the number of people inspected by remote sensing is key to us being able to move forward and improving the payment rate as early as possible in December.

Alban Maginness (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast North)

I do not come from a farming background, but I do come from a self-employed background, and one of the worst aspects that any self-employed person has to suffer is delays in payments from public authorities, and this is one such delay. I ask the Minister to radically look at the system of review so that this endless delay in payments is eradicated or kept to a basic minimum. Eight per cent is still high and should not be repeated.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I am very aware of how important the single farm payment is to individual farmers. Those who have not received their payment are obviously anxious, which is natural and totally acceptable. With the targets that we set, we have improved. We are in a better position, and there is a better picture. However, my aim is to make sure that we deal with those remaining cases as quickly as possible.

As I said, by February 2014, we have a target of 95% and are in line to achieve that. We have done better than the targets that we set, but I want to be in a position where we pay all farmers their maximum amount of money in as short a time frame as possible. We have made massive improvements to be able to do that and will continue to drive forward that agenda for change. In my answer to Declan McAleer I mentioned the review process that we want to sort out as quickly as possible.

Anna Lo (Alliance, Belfast South)

4. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in light of the recent decision not to transfer any money from pillar 1 to pillar 2 of the new common agricultural policy, how many meetings she has had with the Minister of the Environment concerning meeting the obligations under the habitats and birds directives to manage designated sites under targetted agrienvironment schemes. (AQO 5266/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I am scheduled to meet the Minister of the Environment tomorrow to discuss the next rural development programme, including agrienvironment schemes. My officials have been working closely with officials in the Department of the Environment on the design of the agrienvironment scheme for the next rural development programme.

It is proposed that land designated under the EU habitats and birds directive will be a priority for entry into the new scheme. This will support specific management plans for designated sites to help meet obligations under the habitats and birds directive.

The existing agrienvironment scheme under the current rural development programme has been prioritised towards designated sites. At 30 November 2013, over 25,000 hectares of designated land was being managed under agrienvironment scheme agreements. The budget available for the new agrienvironment scheme has yet to be finalised. However, the protection of designated land will be one of the priorities of the next scheme, and funding will be targeted to achieve the best effect.

Anna Lo (Alliance, Belfast South)

I thank the Minister for her reply. Given the zero-rate transfer from pillar 1 to pillar 2 and the much reduced funding for pillar 2 and therefore for the agrienvironment schemes, are we at risk, now or in the near future, of infraction fines from the EU for missing targets?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I am keen to assure the Member that I am as committed to environmental schemes going forward in the new programme. Because of the court ruling and the decision by DEFRA to go to Europe with a 0% transfer, we have a reduced budget. That will have an impact on the environmental side of things, the rural dwellers and farmers, because the money that I would have transferred was to help get a balanced approach to supporting all the different elements of rural communities. You have to take a holistic view of the rural community.

I assure the Member that I am as committed as I was to taking forward the schemes. There are farmers who will be anxious about the schemes, looking to the future, and I want to give an assurance that I will bring forward schemes. I can give that commitment to farmers.

As I said, my officials are talking to DOE officials and are already very focused on ensuring that the new scheme is designed to best meet the needs of the environment and our requirements under the birds and habitats directive.

Joe Byrne (Social Democratic and Labour Party, West Tyrone)

What level of formal or informal discussions did the Minister have with ministerial colleagues, particularly the Minister of Finance and Personnel, before her announcement on 20 December?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I am happy to inform the House. I started to deliver a statement before Question Time, and we will come back to that.

As part of the normal process of Executive business, I wrote to all Ministers, seeking their views on the very issue of my pillar transfer and the potential for transfer. The Minister of Finance and Personnel made no response on both occasions, yet further down the line he thought it appropriate to take a court case without going through the Executive and the normal procedure. That is the correspondence that I had with Ministers prior to taking the decision.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

The Minister has been alluding to the processes regarding her discussions with the Finance Minister. In the wider context, does she realise and accept the substantial difference between before 2007 and since 2007, which is that such issues now need to be brought before the Executive for approval rather than have a Minister proceed on a stand-alone basis?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Over the past number of years, I have been very much committed to taking forward the CAP discussions. I have been in Europe regularly to debate the issues and fight the corner for our local farmers.

I took this decision on the basis that it is the core business of my Department. I did not see any reason to bring the decision to the Executive. My Department's core remit is very much to improve the social and economic infrastructure of rural communities. The decision was taken on the basis of a very balanced approach, on the back of a consultation and engagement with stakeholders, and looked towards the needs of farmers, the environment, rural dwellers and rural businesses. For me, the 7% transfer rate was a very logical, fair and balanced approach to take forward. The Finance Minister, as I said, had no issue with the transfer rate when he was written to and made no response to it, yet he failed to have an Executive discussion and wanted to go to court. Perhaps we need to question the motivation behind that decision and ask whether it was politically motivated.

Dolores Kelly (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Upper Bann)

5. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether the proposed transfer of common agricultural policy monies from pillar 1 to pillar 2 is going ahead. (AQO 5267/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

As I advised in the statement that I made today, the 0% rate of transfer for the North of Ireland from pillar 1 to pillar 2 has been notified to the European Commission by DEFRA for the scheme years 2014 to 2019. That means that there will be no transfer of moneys to rural development at this time. It is critical that we review that decision at the first opportunity. It will need to be done by 1 August 2017, as permitted by the European regulations. The regulations allow for the transfer rates for scheme years 2018 and 2019 to be increased, which will bring additional investment into the programme in those years.

Dolores Kelly (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Upper Bann)

In view of the Minister's earlier comments and the very public, political slapping about that the DUP Finance Minister seemed to employ against her and her Department, does she have any comment to make on the failure of political leadership, which were words that, I believe, were used in the judgement as a result of the case taken by her ministerial colleague?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I think that it is unfortunate, to say the least, that the Minister of Finance and Personnel saw fit to go to the courts, as opposed to coming to the Executive to have a very reasoned and logical discussion. Again, I question the motives for that. I am not going to be sidetracked. However, the decision has now been taken, and we are sitting with no transfer rate. We have an opportunity to review that in 2017, and, obviously, we look towards that.

We have to be serious about supporting rural communities in the whole. I think that some people are attempting to portray this as being the farmers versus the environment. Farmers are the natural custodians of the countryside, and they are very mindful of and dependent on the environment around them. It is very much not about that; it is about a balanced approach. As I said, I am not going to be distracted. I will get on. There are big decisions to be taken, and I will take those in the time ahead on the basis of corresponding with stakeholders. We have had over 400 responses to the consultation, and we have an ongoing consultation that runs up to 17 January. So, any decisions that I take will be in the best interests of a fair and balanced rural economy and will look after the needs of farmers, the environment, rural dwellers and rural businesses. That is the only thing that you can be guided by when you make a decision. This is of major importance to rural dwellers and farmers. It will be in place and will run up to 2020, so we need to get it right. I will carry on with my business, and I believe that this is my core business.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Does the Minister think that the Executive need to provide funding for Going for Growth?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Yes. Obviously, the eventual shape and size of the programme will depend on the resources that are available to it. We have been forced into a position where we are unable to transfer funds to support the agrifood industry, which is very much what this was about. The 7% transfer would have allowed support for capital grant schemes for sheds and fencing. Those are the things that farmers are asking for whenever I am out and about.

The Executive will now have to step up to the mark to support rural communities and the agrifood industry. You have to remember that, throughout the past number of years of recession and economic decline, agrifood has continued to do well. We have worked very hard to bring it to the forefront and to put it at centre stage in any economic recovery. What we have now is a vision in the Going for Growth document, and the Executive need to support that in going forward. When I go to the Executive in the next number of weeks with the Going for Growth strategy, I expect to get that support.

Jo-Anne Dobson (UUP, Upper Bann)

Does the Minister agree that the Executive, not the High Court, is surely the best forum to debate and make decisions such as this? Does she feel that this puts future funding for farm safety at risk? That is such a vital issue, and our Agriculture Committee will focus on it yet again tomorrow.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Yes, it certainly makes things more challenging. If you look at the current programme and the things that the modulated money has been paying for, you will see that they have all been farm-related or farm family-related, particularly in BVD training, Focus Farms and family mentoring and support. So, there is obviously a danger in moving forward on what we can afford to do with the range of measures that are in the current programme and are funded through modulated money.

I agree with you totally that this is a discussion that should have been held in the Executive, not through the courts. That said, we are where we are, and we have to deal with it. As I said, I will not be sidetracked. I will have to take key decisions in the time ahead that are based on the needs of stakeholders and the entire rural communities. As the consultation comes to a close on 17 January, we will have to take decisions on the way forward that best meet the needs of rural communities.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

Does the Minister agree with me that the best and most direct way to get financial assistance to the farming community is through single farm payments, and does she agree that it was left to the DUP to fight for that payment and restore it to the farming community?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

No is the simple answer. The DUP may want to look after just one section of our rural community; I very much want to look after everybody in the rural community. You have to take a balanced approach, so you should not play one off against the other. You need to support the farming community, rural dwellers and businesses, and the rural development programme is a fantastic vehicle for doing that. The DUP may want to look after just one section of the rural community; I will look after it in its entirety.

Sydney Anderson (DUP, Upper Bann)

6. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much money has been committed to strategic projects within the rural development programme under axis 3. (AQO 5268/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

My Department has now issued 32 letters of offer worth over £17·5 million to strategic projects across all seven cluster areas. These projects are already contributing to spend, with £4·7 million in claims paid to date and a further £3 million to be claimed this financial year. Indeed, several of the projects are now complete and are bringing in much-needed income to rural areas.

When I originally announced the refocus of axis 3, it was to increase investment in rural areas at a time when the economy was in decline and to ensure that no funds were returned to Europe. I am pleased to say that my actions have been effective. In December, we saw our highest value of quarterly claims processed so far, at £3·5 million, bringing our total spend to date to just over £58 million. We now have over 1,800 projects on the ground, and, despite the difficult economic climate, the programme has created over 450 rural jobs to date, with more to come. Rural tourism projects funded by axis 3 have accounted for 121,000 visitors, and this will rise as more projects come on stream. An additional 14,500 rural businesses and dwellers now have broadband thanks to the DARD investment in the next generation broadband project. Over 300 community and social economy projects have benefited from axis 3 funding. So, I am happy to report that axis 3 is making a real difference to rural dwellers and communities and is helping to sustain and grow rural businesses, which form an important part of our rural economy.

Sydney Anderson (DUP, Upper Bann)

I thank the Minister for that detailed response. However, in the wider context of the reform of the common agricultural policy, will she outline what steps she intends to take to support young entrants into farming?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I think that that is vital in moving forward. It is one of the decisions that we will have to take as a result of the consultation on CAP reform. A look at the age profile of farmers shows that it is important that we help young people to stay in the industry. It will be vital to look at a scheme that will support our young farmers and new entrants. That is one of the things that we are consulting on at the minute, and we will take decisions on that in the very near future.

Sandra Overend (UUP, Mid Ulster)

Will the Minister explain to the House why the priorities were not agreed beforehand, which would have avoided the High Court farce over Christmas?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I was in the High Court over Christmas because the Finance Minister disagreed with my decision. When the court made its ruling, I brought a paper to the Executive and it was not agreed. I took decisions because, as I said, I believe that it is my core business to take such decisions. In the past, I was able to take decisions not to move money under modulation without any challenge. It is strange that the Finance Minister decided to make that challenge this time, but only he can answer why.

Mickey Brady (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. My question to the Minister is whether she thinks that the strategic projects had the impact that she hoped for, but I think that you answered it to some degree in your first answer.

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I think that I did. I outlined some of what I think are fantastic elements of the projects that are going forward. They have brought fantastic benefits to rural communities. Increased spend at a time of recession is to be very much welcomed. I think that they have been very successful over the past year or year and a half.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Mr Dominic Bradley is not in his place, so I call Mr Seán Lynch. Mr Seán Lynch is not in his place [Interruption.] Oh, there he is. I call Mr Seán Lynch for a topical question. I am busy looking for Members. That is the end of the listed questions, and we are now moving to topical questions. You are the next Member who is available.

Sean Lynch (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

3. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the potential for tourism on the Forest Service estate. (AQT 533/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Forest Service already delivers significant recreational and tourism benefits. The potential exists for further development, particularly through working with other recreational and tourism providers. Forest Service is continuing its work in developing partnership arrangements with local authorities and other recreational providers to ensure that opportunities for progress are fully realised. This approach has led to the development of improved facilities in many areas, including the major mountain bike projects completed in Castlewellan Forest Park, Rostrevor park and Davagh forest in partnership with the local councils. We have seen a multipurpose trails network completed in Castle Ward, a regional play park opened in Slieve Gullion and biodiversity trails launched in Learmount forest in partnership with Derry City Council. There has been a whole suite of partnership working to the benefit of tourism in our forests. Forest Service is also using funding from the Executive's economy and jobs initiative to improve recreation and tourist facilities on Forest Service property under the theme of supporting infrastructural investment.

Sean Lynch (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an fhreagra sin. As the Minister is aware, there is a tree disease. Does she believe that it will impact on potential tourism?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

We want to limit any impact that tree disease will have ont the potential of our forests. My Department continues to put significant resources into tackling the disease. I think that the Member is referring to P ramorum. We have had follow-up inspections on sites identified through aerial surveillance in June and September and have confirmed an increased area of infected larch compared with 2012 and outbreaks in new areas, notably westwards as far as County Fermanagh.

Felling is under way at 12 forests, including an area of 164 hectares. Further action will be taken forward on a prioritised basis. We continue to engage with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) on research to help our understanding of the disease. We are also working closely with plant health colleagues in the South and across in Britain. Since the disease was first diagnosed in larch in 2010, over 900 hectares of larch plantation have been felled to control it.

These things have an impact on access to our forests. We very much seek the cooperation of landowners and the general public who visit our forests in observing the biodiversity features and taking precautions by, for example, washing the wheels of bikes and prams when using our forests. We want to be able to limit the damage that disease can do to our forests' tourism potential.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

4. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what lessons her departmental officials learnt from last year’s winter weather and what provisions they have in place, given that she will remember that, last year, my constituency of East Antrim was affected by some of the worst of the winter conditions, particularly the snow, with rural and very isolated farms in the glens of Antrim suffering the most. (AQT 534/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

The scenes that we witnessed last year were shocking. The extreme weather was something that had not been seen for quite a number of years. On the back of that, we set up the fodder task force to look at preparedness for winter. We continue to do that. A number of farmers have taken part in our College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) feed management courses. That is in preparation for the potential for this to occur again.

We worked with all the stakeholders — the farming unions, the banks and the feed providers — to make sure that we put everything in place that could be put in place in the event of something like this happening again. The task force met on numerous occasions and has agreed to meet again as and when required if we were to find ourselves in that position again. I believe that we are in a better state of preparedness. I believe that lessons were learned by all agencies, because it was a multiagency response to that snow. Hopefully, we will not find ourselves in that position again, but I believe that, if we do, we will be in a better state of preparedness.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

I thank the Minister for her assessment thus far. The recent experience of flooding, particularly in places such as Carnlough, Carrickfergus and further up the coast, should have demonstrated to us the value of one lead agency, which is clearly the PSNI. Does she agree with me that, should we have further severe winter conditions, it would be appropriate that the PSNI should be the lead agency coordinating district councils and others?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

It will be dependent on the circumstances of the incident at the time. Because of the flooding and the risk to life, it was decided that the PSNI was the natural lead. If that is needed in the future, I will be open to doing whatever is best for the situation at that time.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

5. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether she is aware of last week’s news when my constituency colleague highlighted rural crime and whether she will tell us what she is doing in conjunction with the PSNI to try to tackle this problem, which has been going on for some time now. (AQT 535/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I agree with you: it is a serious problem. I have ongoing engagement with DOJ and the Chief Constable. We meet on a regular basis to discuss the issues, emerging trends and themes that everybody is picking up on. We have a very efficient enforcement team in place and now have a representative on the rural steering group. So, all the agencies are working together on the best approach. I will continue to carry out my role in addressing the very real concerns of rural dwellers about crime. You will be aware that, in some areas, we have issues with cattle theft and, in other areas, it could be around equipment. So, we need to look at everything and make sure that all agencies play their role, and I will not be shy in taking my issues to the PSNI and DOJ.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I call Trevor Clarke for a supplementary.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

Sorry about that; I was daydreaming.

Can the Minister outline exactly what her Department has been doing to date? I am sure that you will accept that the figures show an increase, and, whilst I accept, as the Minister said, that there have been various agency meetings and agencies are working together, will she accept that not enough has been done and give us an insight into what she will do and what has been happening?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

It is a positive that we now have a rural crime steering group. It is good that all the agencies are sitting around the table and working together on how we can combat rural crime. The Member is aware that responsibility for combating rural crime falls primarily to the Department of Justice and the PSNI, but DARD continues to play its role, particularly through our CAFRE advisers giving advice on keeping equipment safe and keeping all your individual things safe. The colleges have had workshops on rural crime awareness. So, quite a number of things are being taken forward in conjunction with the other agencies. In looking to the future and towards support for, for example, the farm modernisation programme, we may want to consider including criteria such as having identification tags on your things. There are initiatives that we can take forward that will hopefully be of benefit to rural people.

David McNarry (UKIP, Strangford)

6. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to join me in recommending to our young farmers that they follow the example of the future king, Prince William, by enhancing their agricultural qualifications. (AQT 536/11-15)

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

It is encouraging in itself that our agriculture colleges are oversubscribed. So, young people already see a future in either farming or food. We have an opportunity now with CAP reform to tailor financial supports for young farmers. That will hopefully create a bit of an incentive to support those young people to stay in the industry. As I said earlier, the age profile of the farming community is a concern. We need to sustain that for the future, and the only way we can do that is if new people and young people come into the industry. So, I will do whatever I can to support those young people to come into the industry and to encourage them, and we are doing that through our colleges and hopefully through CAP reform with some financial incentive.

David McNarry (UKIP, Strangford)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Given that she identified the potential difficulties with the new CAP schemes for young farmers in particular, is she able to give some kind of direction to those young farmers about what level of qualifications they should pursue to help them with their future?