Northern Ireland Assembly, 13 October 2014

341 contributions from 72 members. The official report.

Assembly Business

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I take this opportunity to extend my personal best wishes to Mr Hay. With the House's indulgence, I would like to say a few words. Members will note that our friend has written to all Members, and I know we share his regret that medical advice does not permit him to be with us today to allow us to pay tribute to him in person. It is probable that most Members will have difficulty remembering the precise circumstances in which he took the Chair and all he had to deal with throughout that period, and he deserves credit for leaving seven years later having retained warm respect throughout the political spectrum represented in the House and beyond.

Hailing from the same city, although he came from Londonderry, William Hay and I were friends for years before we came to the House. All who know him would say that he brought the same natural, pragmatic approach to seek agreement and avoid confrontation, which he used to great effect in Derry, particularly through his essential role in the discussions that delivered the highly successful parades agreement in our native city. He also brought those qualities to the Chamber, and it was absolutely the style that was required at that time.

If some Members think that it is daunting preparing to face the other side of the House during difficult debates, they should consider how it feels to be in the Speaker's Chair on those occasions.

In preparing for predictably difficult debates, he would have had a wise reflection on how best to handle the situation or, in his words, to keep the House between the hedges. For example, if a debate was going to be difficult and he had to take procedural decisions, he personally felt that he should see that through. Even if it meant a marathon session in this Chair, he thought that it would be unfair to ask the Deputy Speakers to carry that particular burden.

William Hay, as we have all found out, is a very difficult man to fall out with, but there were things that clearly vexed him. He would frequently be annoyed if he felt that disrespect was being shown in the House. He would also be annoyed if his efforts to reach agreement to resolve issues were not reciprocated, or if someone clearly was seeking confrontation. Most of all, his sense of fair play would be offended when Members would seek to draw him into party political rows or involve him in issues in which they knew that he either had no responsibility or could not respond to.

We should also mark today the work that William did to have the Assembly reach out and to engage with the wider community. Many of his personal initiatives brought thousands of people through the doors of this Building, and Members know that meeting them was one of the parts of the jobs that he enjoyed best. Every year, he themed his St Patrick's Day dinners, not for Members or the great and the good but for community and voluntary causes. I know that many who came to them had never been here before and deeply appreciated the recognition of their work. Members will know that, in 2012, William hosted an open day to mark 80 years of this Building. Over 5,000 people visited on that one Saturday alone.

Finally, Willie would often sit in this Chair and call for good temper, courtesy and moderation; on occasions, until he was hoarse. These words, ultimately, sum him up as a man: he has served this House magnificently. We wish him a speedy recovery from his illness and a very happy retirement and best wishes for the future.

The Business Committee has allowed up to one hour for the debate, and each Member will have three minutes to speak.

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

I beg to move

That this Assembly records its appreciation of the great distinction with which Mr William Hay has occupied the office of Speaker; congratulates him on the skilful manner in which he has upheld the dignity of this House; appreciates the wisdom, good humour and patience with which he has presided over its affairs; and expresses its warmest thanks to Mr Hay for his many services to this House; and unites in wishing him a long and happy retirement from the House.

Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I beg to move the motion in my name and that of other leaders of the House. I want to pay tribute to the work of former Speaker William Hay. I think that all of us will appreciate your comments, as someone who came from a very different background to William. Indeed, I have known William literally for decades, and I was convinced when the late Lord Bannside — Dr Paisley as he then was — appointed William to be our nominee for the post of Speaker that he would do an outstanding job. I also knew that doing that outstanding job, because he would regard it as essential to have an air of neutrality, would take him out of the normal party politics. That, in many ways, was a loss for the DUP but a gain for the Assembly.

He was the first Speaker elected by the Assembly. I think that all the others who sat in that Chair were appointed by the Government. William steered the Assembly through what has been a new era of politics in Northern Ireland, and he did so with skill, with good humour and, at times when it was necessary, with firmness. His door was always open to anyone, and, no matter what political party they supported, he dealt with them on an equal basis. Assembly Members placed their confidence in William the day he was elected as Speaker, and I believe that he repaid that confidence every day he was in office since then. As some of my colleagues have discovered to their cost, William has been scrupulously fair and impartial in his role.

The role of Speaker, of course, goes beyond work in this Chamber. You have pointed out, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, the enormous workload that the occupant of the Chair has outside the sittings of the House, and William's work, I believe, is a service to the community in Northern Ireland and was carried out in an exemplary way.

Indeed, William proved to be a superb ambassador for the Assembly at home and abroad. He has played an essential part in the history of the Assembly. I am certain that everyone in the House wishes him well as he battles to return to full health. We have much to be grateful for, given the manner in which he presided over the House, and we give him our thanks for that role, which is best summed up in the words of the motion, which refers to "the great distinction with which" he carried out that role.

Martin McGuinness (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I, too, rise on behalf of my party to express our deepest thanks and appreciation for the tremendous leadership shown by William in the role of Ceann Comhairle, or Speaker, of the House. I had the privilege of nominating William as Speaker and have never regretted that decision for one minute. He never did anything that would make me regret such a decision, and I think that he has served the House with tremendous distinction, great fairness and incredible impartiality. I think that all of us recall those occasions when he was called on to effectively rebuke members of the party to which he had an allegiance. He was always very approachable, very friendly, very courteous and very civilised, and it was a real honour to do business with him.

Like the Principal Deputy Speaker, I come from the same city as William, and although we had different political allegiances, we always understood that, coming from where we came from, whether we called it Londonderry or Derry, that was our home and the place where we lived. Great efforts were always made by all of us to try to work in the best interests of the city and, generally, when we came to a House like this, in the interests of everybody in the North of Ireland.

Not many people know this, but William worked with my late father in Brown's foundry, an ironworks in Foyle Street in Derry, and the humble beginnings that both he and I came from have stood us in good stead in how we absolutely need to be civilised, courteous and very respectful of everybody in the House. He performed his duties in the House in an exemplary fashion. The way he represented the House outside the workings of the institutions in the Assembly was also exemplary. His contributions to foreign situations, whether in eastern Europe or travelling to represent us in the United States of America, were always done with great distinction. So, I am very proud, on behalf of my party, to say that we have no difficulty whatsoever in endorsing the message of thanks and appreciation to William and to wish him a very speedy recovery from the illness that he is presently battling.

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

It is without reservation that I, too, on behalf of myself and the SDLP, endorse the motion before us today. I have to admit that it is with some sense of loss that we all approach today's circumstances and feel how unfortunate it is that, due to illness, our beloved Speaker was not able to announce his retirement here in person. We all wish Willie well. We hope and pray that his health improves and that, in due course, his recovery is complete. We want to thank him sincerely for the tremendous job that he did here.

Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I echo your comments that Willie was a very difficult man to fall out with. He worked with all of us, and, even at times when we were disagreeing, he found civil ways of handling disagreement; perhaps civil ways that the rest of us would not have the patience to pursue.

He was always courteous and helpful. Others have referred to his exemplary chairing of the Assembly and to his efforts to bring consensus and stability, as well as to his carrying out the plethora of other duties that attach themselves to the role of Speaker.

I will leave that and endorse what the two Members who spoke previously said, and, indeed, what you said, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, and make a few personal comments. To me, Willie Hay was an honest and honourable man in everything that he did and said in his dealings with all of us. He did an outstanding job as Speaker, in every aspect of the job's responsibilities. He was open, honest and fair to all, and, I hasten to add, he was open, honest and fair even to those who were awkward and, at times, unhelpful and uncooperative. I was amazed continuously at how tolerant he was, and it is important to put that on the record. I certainly would not have had the patience.

He was a listener, and his door was always open to give and take advice. Frequently when I bumped into him in the corridor, he would say, "Why don't you come in and have a cup of tea with me? There are a few things that I want to run past you". That was a unique and very useful characteristic. It meant that, in his running and chairing of the Assembly in his job as Speaker, his antenna was sensitive. He was fully aware of the feelings and needs of everybody. In my conversations with Willie, he had a very clear vision of the Assembly's full potential and the potential of devolution to bring about significant progress and prosperity to all our people, particularly the people of a city called Derry.

He worked to develop a North/South parliamentary assembly —

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I remind the Member of the three-minute rule.

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

— against the odds, and he overcame many obstacles. He hosted so many outreach events here to make the Assembly inclusive. His work in Kosovo and the Balkans has already been mentioned. Bringing the experience of the Assembly to that troubled region was very valuable and worthwhile. I wish him a very rapid recovery and a long and peaceful retirement.

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I rise on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party to give thanks to Speaker Hay for his years in the Chair and to express some sadness that those years have come to a premature close.

To some extent, the big challenge of the Speaker is to be the embodiment of the Chamber and to hold up a mirror to the other 107 MLAs and have them, to some extent, say, "Yes, you are a proper and true reflection of what I aspire to as a Member of this legislative Assembly", as well as to be an interface between the Chamber and civic society, and a very public face at that.

That is a measure of the gargantuan challenge of being a successful Speaker. Mr Hay rose to that challenge through maintaining the integrity of the Chair and also through an endless pursuit to establish and cement good relations with all Members. He allowed considerable scope on occasion, but he was equally unafraid to make a stand when a stand were necessary. Those who know Willie Hay will not be overly surprised at that position, because we are talking about a man who does deals — sometimes very difficult deals — honestly and in a manner that allows all the people whom he represents to reap the rewards. I think beyond the Chamber to his key role in the negotiations that made parades disputes a thing of the past in the city that he represented for no fewer than 33 years in council and here at Assembly level.

I had the pleasure of a professional relationship with Mr Hay for many of those years in my former role as a broadcast journalist. He was always an interesting and welcome contributor to television political debates, because he would always try to shift the focus, with the aim of a positive outcome. With the currency of the Chamber at a low, we all have good reason to thank Willie Hay for the dignity that he brought to the position of Speaker. We wish him well. We particularly hope that he recovers sufficiently to be able to take his seat in the House of Lords. I hope that that is a motivator for him as he returns to good health.

At this point, I also want to mention another Member who is resigning through ill health, Sue Ramsey. Ms Ramsey was nothing if not courteous and welcoming when I joined this Chamber in 2011. We both sat on the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, and, in the early years, you could not get a paper between us on what we thought about the importance of the social economy. I know that my colleague Sam Gardiner felt the same about her work on the Health Committee.

The Ulster Unionist Party would like to wish both Sue Ramsey and Willie Hay future good health.

David Ford (Alliance, South Antrim)

Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues, I endorse the remarks made, including most particularly those remarks that you have made from the Chair, of good wishes and thanks to your predecessor in the sense of his once occupying that Chair.

There is no doubt that Willie Hay took on a very difficult task when he became the third Speaker of this Assembly. He was our first elected Speaker, but he proved that being elected to office did not stop him carrying out his duties impartially and fairly. He served this House well in the variety of roles that you have talked about. We all saw him in the Chamber as he sought to control us at times when we needed control. He did so generally with good humour and in a way that defused tension when, otherwise, it was quite possible that debates could have become very difficult.

When people had meetings in his office, he was always keen to ensure that things ran smoothly and everybody was treated well. It is perhaps a measure of the success in the period since 2007 that I think that I was in the office less to see Mr Speaker Hay than to see his immediate predecessor during those difficult times of suspension, but it did not mean that there was any less courteous a reception or any less understanding for the points that I wished to raise. Whether it was, "A quick word with David", or a, "Can I have a chat, Minister?", he was always a model of courtesy and of complete propriety in the way that he conducted his office.

He was also an exceptionally good representative of this Chamber. You mentioned the way in which he opened up this Building and ensured that it was seen as welcoming to many people, not just to the great and the good who normally come to events, but he opened it up as widely as he could to the people of Northern Ireland.

He was always courteous in this Chamber, probably courteous to some who did not deserve it. He was always generous of his time, and he was always a man of integrity. Probably, once or twice, he got things wrong, but we knew that he was doing his best to ensure that this Chamber functioned and could be representative. Sadly, 107 of us probably need to learn lessons from him in the way that we conduct ourselves over the coming months.

There is no doubt that his own roots in Donegal and the work that he did in Derry were very significant in the part that he played in producing a better Northern Ireland, because there is no doubt that, as the man who represented Londonderry in talks about parading in Derry, he had a very significant role. Indeed, not that long ago, someone said to me, "What North Belfast needs is a Willie Hay". Sadly, there is only one Willie Hay. He did his job in his city, and he did it to great effect.

Let us remember him and thank him, not just for what he did as Speaker here, but what he also did for the wider community in Northern Ireland; wish him a good recovery; and trust that, at some early stage, the voice of Derry and Londonderry will be heard in the House of Lords.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

I am very conscious that this is not an obituary piece, because people keep talking in the past tense. I have probably known William Hay personally for longer than anybody in this Chamber. He was my election agent on a number of occasions, and he and I were both elected to the City Council in Londonderry in 1981. In fact, his mother was also a councillor at that stage and, within a year of our being elected, on the weekend before I was to propose his mother for Mayor of Londonderry, she passed away suddenly. Politics may well have been different otherwise, as, a short time after that, Mrs Hay may well have been proposed as a Member in the 1982 Assembly. As it turned out, I was proposed because of her unforeseen death.

William Hay and I were close colleagues for a very long time and continue to be so.

I was with him in hospital a few weeks ago, and, of course, he was his own self. He was still cracking jokes at anybody who crossed his path, and there was a joke to be had at the expense of anybody who came into the ward, who passed him or who said anything.

On his taking the role of Speaker, I knew that he would set aside whatever distinctions he may have had and that he would adopt and adapt to the role with relish. He did that, as many found to their cost. He adopted his position as the Speaker, and, as we have heard in the tributes thus far and as, I am sure, the concluding tributes will attest, he was and is a remarkable man.

We look forward to him making further progress with his health. We also look forward to the progress that he will make into the House of Lords, hopefully in the next few months. We hope that he will continue to make significant and substantial contributions there. This House will be at a loss with his departure, but another House will gain.

Caitriona Ruane (Sinn Féin, South Down)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas le William Hay, mar rinne sé obair an-tábhachtach mar Cheann Comhairle an Tionóil seo. I thank and join others in the House in paying tribute to the work that Willie Hay — William Hay; I think of him as Willie — did during his time as Speaker.

I was trying to remember the first time that I met William Hay. I think that it was in 1989, when he was the Mayor of Derry. I had a trade union activist from Nicaragua over at the time, and William Hay met him and very courteous. The next time that I had dealings with William Hay was when I was Minister of Education. He always chaired what were at times very fraught debates fairly and well. I would like to put that on record.

In more recent years, I have worked very closely with him in my position as Whip of my party and as a member of the Assembly Commission, the Business Committee and the North/South Inter-Parliamentary Association, meetings of which have taken place in Dublin and here in Stormont. I enjoyed very much the robust debates in all those organisations. Obviously, we have very different political viewpoints, but the debates were always very courteous and there was a respect for listening to the views of others.

I remember travelling with him to a meeting with the Scottish Parliament's assembly commission with other members of the Commission. That was when I really got to see the William Hay with the dry wit. He was really looking forward to getting home after a busy few days. I really enjoyed his company during those few days and I know that others did as well.

I join others in wishing him a very speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing him again in these institutions.

Peter Weir (DUP, North Down)

When a colleague of mine in North Down Borough Council stepped down, I described the occasion as being the closest he would ever get to being at his own funeral and hearing the tributes without actually being dead. There is a bit of an air to this and, to slightly misquote Shakespeare, I come to praise William Hay, not to bury him.

As others have mentioned, William came here with a wealth of experience. I cannot claim to have the same length of knowledge of him as either of the first two Members from our party who have spoken. I have known William since 1998 and served with him, first, as a Back-Bencher for nine years. His unique background has been mentioned. He is a Donegal Protestant whose political life, particularly as a councillor, was that of serving as a unionist in a city with a majority of nationalists. He brought his wealth of experience to the Chair when he took up the role of Speaker.

Mention has been made of the good humour that he brought to the role and the gravitas and the good order that he sought in the Chamber. At times, we have seen other institutions become bear gardens, and, given our past and the fractious nature of some of the issues that confront us, there was always going to be a danger of the Northern Ireland Assembly descending into one. William Hay has very much been the glue that has held us together to ensure that debates were held in good order. As was mentioned, that meant, from time to time, being tough on particular Members. Many of my colleagues behind me at times experienced frustration with the Speaker. In many ways, that is a sign of the strength of the man: he was prepared to be fair and impartial even if it meant annoying those who had been his colleagues.

The role of Speaker is a little like that of a minister of religion. Some people think that the only role a minister performs is on a Sunday morning with the sermon and the service, but a lot of William's work was behind the scenes in the Speaker's office, where he smoothed over issues that arose. That has led to the smooth running of this place.

I have had the honour of serving with William on the Business Committee and the Assembly Commission, on which he gave sterling service in representing the Assembly to the outside world, encouraging people in Northern Ireland to engage with the Assembly and, on a range of difficult issues, always trying to show patience to different political viewpoints and parties and, when possible, trying to reach a situation in which there is consensus.

This is not the burial of William Hay but an au revoir, because he will move from this place to the House of Lords, where he will be able to bring that wealth of experience and make a solid contribution.

Pat Ramsey (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank you, Principal Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to acknowledge Willie Hay's contribution.

As the SDLP Whip and as a colleague and friend from his constituency, Willie's contribution has been obvious to me. Only for his help, guidance and cooperation, we could not do our job as Whips. As Members said, "honesty" and "honourability" are the key words that the Speaker brings to the table. He brought passion, integrity, dedication and impartiality. As Caitríona Ruane said, he worked tirelessly at times when it was difficult, not only by working at the Assembly Commission and the Business Committee but by helping to bring to the table a working North/South Parliamentary Forum. His relationship with the Ceann Comhairle in Dublin was exceptionally good, and if we did not have that relationship, we would not have the forum. That forum is meeting soon.

There is also no doubt of Willie Hay's immense contribution to his constituency. The last violence in the centre of Derry was in 1999 and caused almost £2 million of damage. At that time, Willie Hay accelerated the process when others were challenging him for what he was doing, namely his engagement with the Apprentice Boys, the loyal orders, other political parties and the community and voluntary sector in the city. That brought reconciliation, resolve and compromise to the parades issue in the city. There is no doubt that Willie Hay will go down in the annals as the one person who inspired and brought people along with him.

I visited Willie at home recently, as other Members have done, and he is not at himself. However, as Gregory said, he still holds the same charm and dry wit. As a good friend, I say to him and Doris, his wife, that I wish him every health and happiness in his retirement. Lord Hay of Ramelton, as he will hopefully be known, will be a champion and advocate for the Derry and north-west areas as he takes up his seat in the House of Lords. On behalf of the SDLP, I wish Willie and his wife, Doris, the very best in the future.

Roy Beggs (UUP, East Antrim)

I also support the motion. I add my appreciation of the work of Willie Hay not only in the Chamber but, as others said, in the other roles that are outside the administrative aspects of the duties of the Speaker's office. As an Assembly Member and as a Deputy Speaker, I have seen Willie perform those duties, and I have seen things from the other side. We all owe him our gratitude for the work that he carried out when he was in the position of Speaker.

"Due courtesy and moderation" was almost a catchphrase that Willie used frequently and encouraged the Deputy Speakers to use.

They were important because they had a calming role in the Assembly, trying to de-escalate situations for the betterment of the Assembly but also for the rest of the community, because there can be ramifications in the wider community from how we behave in this Chamber.

Willie Hay always tried to resolve issues amicably. Frequently he was successful, but we can be an awkward bunch and it is an impossible task always to do so. But he made every effort to try to do that for the benefit of the Assembly.

As Deputy Speaker, I saw some of the challenges that he faced in the decisions that he had to make. He carried out his duty honourably and wisely. Some Speakers from other devolved Chambers were interested in the different style he used — and, I would argue, the success that that style brought for the benefit of this Assembly. His good humour, as others mentioned, was a key factor. He skilfully managed things and defused situations, avoiding conflict.

I wish Willie Hay a speedy return to good health so that he will be able to enjoy a quality of life and more time with his family, and to contribute elsewhere.

George Robinson (DUP, East Londonderry)

I have had the pleasure of knowing William Hay for over 30 years. Today is a sad day for Northern Ireland politics as William takes a less prominent role in everyday politics. His honesty, integrity, impartiality and humour will be missed by all in this House.

Since I first got to know William, he has never changed from the affable character whose word was his bond and who loved helping others, whether in this Chamber or further afield. Neither he nor I envisaged him taking such a prominent role in Northern Ireland politics, but the challenge came and he successfully stepped up to it.

We are all aware of his reasons for stepping down. I join the chorus of good wishes that follow William into retirement, if we can call it that, as I am sure he will take his seat in the Lords and be an active Member of that place. That does not, however, make up for the loss that this Assembly will suffer as William retires. No offence to whoever will be his successor, but William Hay will be a hard act to follow.

The people of the Foyle constituency have lost a strong and dedicated advocate, but we all acknowledge William's wish to have a slower pace of life. To William, I can honestly say "You will be missed", but I hope his retirement is long as he more than deserves it.

Judith Cochrane (Alliance, Belfast East)

I echo the comments of those who spoke in acknowledging Willie's role as Speaker. In the Chamber, I always welcomed his fair and balanced approach. Indeed, I had direct of experience of him being politically impartial and dealing firmly with a member of his own party when behaviour had been somewhat unparliamentary.

As a member of the Commission, I had direct experience of the work he did as an ambassador for the Northern Ireland Assembly not just in Northern Ireland but further afield. I travelled with him to Kosovo, along with the late David McClarty, a year or so ago. Once I managed to tune into their particular sense of humour, I had a good relationship on a personal level with them, too. We had a positive trip, and the manner in which he conducted meetings with senior members of the Kosovan Assembly and their Prime Minister could not be faulted.

I take this opportunity to wish him well and a return to good health as soon as possible.

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, with the greatest respect to you and your Deputy Speakers, I will miss William Hay in this place. William and I had a very good friendship. We represented constituencies from the west of the Province and always worked closely. Very recently, I was in the city at his request to open a flower festival at Clooney Church of Ireland. He used to call on me to come along to a number of things in the city, and I was more than happy to do so.

He represented his constituents tirelessly. Whether it was the Memorial Hall, St Columb's Cathedral or some small issue up in Irish Street, Willie was there, always making sure that his constituents' voices were heard.

As a Minister, I will, of course, miss William's friendship and guidance. He was, as we heard, a fixer of problems who looked for solutions, and that should not be underestimated. The House will miss that.

As we heard, he had international standing. He went to Kosovo, chaired the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, had many events here and many people visited this House of ours. Indeed, he opened it in a way that had never been achieved before. A lot of people have been through the doors of Parliament Buildings who would not have been here had it not been for William Hay's insistence that this was to be a place for everybody in Northern Ireland and, indeed, for all our visitors from overseas.

I join colleagues in wishing William, Doris and their family every success. I hope that he has a speedy return to good health, and I am sure that I will still be lobbied effectively, albeit from the House of Lords.

Danny Kennedy (UUP, Newry and Armagh)

It is an honour and privilege to join others in paying tribute to Speaker Hay. William Hay has had a long and distinguished political career, especially in the north-west, in local government and in the House. I have no doubt that it will continue, hopefully, in the House of Lords.

It would be unwise for anyone to underestimate Willie Hay's political shrewdness and abilities as a political operator. It can honestly and fairly be said that he made a very positive contribution to public life in Northern Ireland, not least as Speaker. We heard about his outreach work. As a Member and a Minister, I found him to be fair, impartial and open-minded. He tried to encourage common sense in the Chamber, which is no mean feat.

He has also been a great ambassador for the Assembly and Northern Ireland, but he was canny. I remember being at a St Patrick's Day White House reception, and Willie and I had sort of manoeuvred into a position close to the podium from which President Obama would address the gathering. Indeed, Willie engaged me as his personal photographer, in the hope that we might get a snap. In the end, we got close enough, and I managed to take a reasonable photograph— I tell the House that it is always advisable to have an alternative career — which Willie, I think, still hangs in his office or home. So, there was that side to him of being politically aware and able to use the situation to not only his advantage but to the advantage of the Assembly.

I thank him for his contribution, wish him well for a speedy recovery and a happy retirement, but I also hope that he makes a positive contribution in the House of Lords.

Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

My relationship with Speaker Hay had its moments. It was not entirely uneventful, and I do not think for one minute that I was always right and he was always wrong. He had a job to do that was not easy. I, too, had a message to deliver in a cold house for opposition, but I readily acknowledge that William Hay performed the role of Speaker with great sincerity and absolutely to the best of his ability.

I wish to record that, at all times outside the House, whatever had passed within the House, he was courteous and cordial in his dealings with me. That was something of the mark of him.

It is with regret that I learn that ill health has overcome him at this point. I trust that he will make a full recovery and be able to enjoy participation in the House of Lords. I was thinking that it was just over three years ago, on one of those days when Speaker Hay had heard enough from me — you have all been there — that I dared to suggest to him that his peerage was safe, and so it turned out to be. I trust that he will make a worthwhile contribution there.

Given the bizarre governmental arrangements in the House, the role of Speaker in protecting the primacy of and accountability to the House is very important. There were many occasions when, on prompting, Speaker Hay had to remind Ministers that they should make important statements to the House, not to the media, and that they should answer questions within the time limits of Standing Orders, not months, or even years, later. Sadly, the arrogant disrespect from some Ministers continued in spite of those exhortations. A Speaker needs perhaps to show less deference to Ministers and to remind them that the House is the primary elected forum to which statements of importance should be made and that the rules of the House require questions to be answered when tabled. I trust that the markers —

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

The Member's time is now up.

Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

— that Speaker Hay put down in that regard will be heeded. I wish him well into the future.

Steven Agnew (Green, North Down)

I always found William Hay to be a very likeable man. I think that that comes across today in the Chamber. It was not his job to be likeable; he was there to tell us off when need be, but the fact is that he was able to do so and still maintain a good personal relationship with Members here. As has been mentioned, whatever went on in the Chamber was set aside when personal contact was made outside it.

I give my particular gratitude to William Hay because I saw him as a friend to the non-Executive parties. He did all he could, within the rules of Standing Orders and legislation, to make sure that our voice was heard. Whatever frustrations many of us may have about the structures of the Assembly and the voice that it gives to opposition and non-Executive Members, he tried to facilitate them where possible. As we are all well aware, he is not responsible for the structures in which we act.

He brought a dignity to the office, which is important because the Speaker is a figurehead for the Assembly, and what he projects to the outside world is a reflection of the Assembly. Much has been made of the many public events that he hosted and the efforts that he made to make this a much more public Building. I particularly respect that, given that I grew up two miles from this place and had never set foot inside it until I worked here. I am delighted that people in the same situation who are growing up now will find this a much more welcoming and hospitable place than perhaps it was in the past. I thank Mr Hay for his role in facilitating that.

Much tribute has been paid to his manner and his way of seeking to bring agreement. That is why it is regrettable that perhaps the Speaker's office will be muddied when we debate the election of a new Speaker. It is important that it is a dignified role, particularly at a time when there is much loss of faith in these institutions. Bringing the Speaker's office into the remit of party political squabbles would be regrettable. I sincerely hope that will not be the case.

If we wish to pay tribute to William Hay and the role that he played here, we should do so by maintaining the dignity of his office. On behalf of the Green Party in Northern Ireland, I wish William Hay happiness and health in his retirement from this place and success in the House of Lords when he takes his seat.

David McNarry (UKIP, Strangford)

On behalf of UKIP, not only do I say thanks to our former Speaker, I wish him a speedy recovery and time to enjoy his retirement from this place and secondment to another place. I also add my compliments to his staff, who served him well and were part of the service that we received from the Speaker's office.

One of the many compliments that one can give Willie Hay is that he will be missed; he was our behaviour controller in an effective and impartial manner. As a referee, I recall him making only one serious mistake, when he red-carded me and ejected me from this place. The fact that he did so in ruling on a Shinner's complaint still irks me, but I bear no lasting grudge against him.

He was ever the diplomat. He perfected that knack of listening to your beef and leaving you knowing fine well that you were going nowhere, but you really did feel better having had the conversation. As a Chief Whip, I found Willie to be wily, in that, on occasions when a Member sailed close to the wind, he would make it clear to me that the offending Member was treading a reprimand. That was a great trick, which meant that the Member in question inevitably fell out with me, the messenger, and thought that the Speaker was a great fellow all round.

He was, we must say, our elected and official Speaker of the Assembly: a real gentleman, a nice guy. He was nobody's fool; he was shrewd and a blooming good negotiator. He will be a very hard act to follow. He carried out his duties with dignity and with pride taken in the high office that he held, an office that we, in this House, elected him to fulfil. He leaves with our full confidence and genuine thanks for representing all our views when he called us to order. So I say good luck to him, and thanks.

Basil McCrea (NI21, Lagan Valley)

I share with Willie a background as a Donegal Protestant. His family and mine came from Manorcunningham, and we occasionally crossed on those paths.

However, my real memory of him comes more from his open-door policy to this place, which has been touched on by a number of Members. However, I am not really sure that people realise what a profound change it was to make this Building open to the public and to invite in people from all quarters — all parts of Northern Ireland — to come and see the Building for themselves. As a newly elected MLA, I just took that more or less for granted and embraced, with some passion, his wish to bring more people into the Buildings.

I remember that one of the first things that I tried to do was to have a gathering for young people that would end up with a fireworks display. It was something that, I thought, would be quite a reasonable thing to do, only to discover that there was something about Parliament Buildings, fireworks and some guy called Guy Fawkes that meant that such a thing was not really possible, never mind legal. The Speaker himself intervened to help to smooth out those issues, get things sorted out, and a good time was had by all. It was a testament to him; it was typical of the man that he would take such an interest.

I also think that part of his contribution, which has been mentioned by others, is that he did a really excellent job in the city of Derry or Londonderry, depending on what you want to call it. He helped to engender things for the Apprentice Boys and to get cultural recognition for all sides. It is a testament to him as a politician that he was able to do that.

I close by saying that there are a number of us who end up speaking last. It is maybe something about those of us who speak last that, from time to time, we have been in what is known as "the naughty corner", and the Speaker has had occasion to remonstrate with all of us. I was struck by Mr McNarry saying that he had been shown the red card. That is something that I never actually achieved myself.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

There is time yet.

Basil McCrea (NI21, Lagan Valley)

There may well be time yet, but it is testament to the Speaker's good humour that he would occasionally have a word with me and explain that we might do things in a different way. Of course, you would take that guidance and try to work with him for the benefit of the entire Assembly. For that, I am really grateful.

It is a difficult job, and we want to try to give more representation to those who are not from the main parties. Willie did a very good job in very difficult circumstances. I wish him all the best, a speedy return to health and, of course, congratulations on his elevation to the House of Lords.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved:

That this Assembly records its appreciation of the great distinction with which Mr William Hay has occupied the office of Speaker; congratulates him on the skilful manner in which he has upheld the dignity of this House; appreciates the wisdom, good humour and patience with which he has presided over its affairs; and expresses its warmest thanks to Mr Hay for his many services to this House; and unites in wishing him a long and happy retirement from the House.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

The House will take its ease while we change the top Table.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

I know that many Members have had the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr William Hay, but I would like to take this opportunity to pay personal tribute to the retiring Speaker. Speaker Hay has set an excellent example for all future Speakers to follow. His unfailing courtesy, his wisdom in difficult situations and his fairness characterised his Speakership. He will be missed by us all, and I will miss him on a personal level. I wish him a full recovery, good health and happy times in the House of Lords. I am sure that the House will echo my sentiments.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Before we commence, I remind Members that the election of the Speaker will be conducted using the procedures set out in Standing Order 4. In accordance with Standing Order 4(2), I have taken the Chair as Acting Speaker and will preside over the election. I will begin by asking for nominations. Any Member may rise to propose that another Member be elected as Speaker. I will then ask for the proposal to be seconded by another Member, as required by Standing Order 14. If that occurs, I will then verify that the Member nominated is willing to accept the nomination. There will not be an opportunity for speeches at that stage.

I will then ask for further proposals and follow the same procedure for each. When it appears that there are no further proposals, I will make it clear that the time for proposals has passed. If Members indicate that they wish to speak, a debate relevant to the election may take place in which no Member may speak more than once.

At the conclusion of the debate, or at the conclusion of nominations if there are no requests to speak, I will put the Question that the Member first proposed be Speaker of the Assembly. The vote can be carried only on a cross-community basis. If the proposal is not carried, I will put the Question in respect of the next nominee, and so on, until all nominations are exhausted. Once a Speaker is elected, all other nominations will fall automatically. If that is clear, we will proceed.

Do I have any proposals for the office of Speaker of this Assembly?

Martin McGuinness (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

With your permission, I would like to nominate Mitchel McLaughlin as the new Speaker of the Assembly.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Do I have a seconder?

Caitriona Ruane (Sinn Féin, South Down)

Aontaím leis. I second it.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Mitchel McLaughlin has been proposed and seconded. Is the candidate prepared to accept the nomination?

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I accept the nomination.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Are there any other nominations?

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

I propose John Dallat, Mr Acting Speaker.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Do I have a seconder?

Pat Ramsey (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I formally second that proposal.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Is Mr Dallat prepared to accept the nomination?

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

I accept.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Thank you. Are there any other nominations?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

It is my pleasure to nominate Roy Beggs MLA.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Thank you. Do I have a seconder?

Danny Kennedy (UUP, Newry and Armagh)

Seconded.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Is Mr Beggs prepared to accept the nomination?

Roy Beggs (UUP, East Antrim)

I accept the nomination.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Thank you. Do we have any other proposals, Members? A number of Members have indicated that they may wish to speak. I remind them that they may speak only once in the debate. The Business Committee has agreed to allow each Member wishing to speak up to three minutes.

The time for proposals has expired.

Martin McGuinness (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Go raibh maith agat. Thank you for this opportunity to speak on the nomination of Mitchel McLaughlin as the new Speaker of the Assembly. I do so on the basis that this is consistent with the agreement that was made by my party and the then leader of the DUP and First Minister the late Dr Ian Paisley.

I also note that my nomination of William Hay at the beginning of this term of the Assembly was by agreement between my party and the Democratic Unionist Party that William would be the Speaker. In fact, that was an agreement that saw me nominate William as the Speaker, which was seconded by the First Minister.

Mitchel McLaughlin is well qualified to do this job. In the recording of a vote of thanks and appreciation to William Hay, a number of contributors said that he would be a hard act to follow. Indeed, that is absolutely correct, but if anybody can follow William, I believe that Mitchel McLaughlin is certainly well qualified to do so. He is a man of very high intellect. He is always civil and courteous. He is someone who I think has gained a huge level of acceptance right across the House. I think that he is well qualified to do this job.

I know that the eyes of the world — well, maybe not the eyes of the world, but the eyes of the world that we live in — are watching this House today to see whether we will be able to agree on who will be the Speaker of the Assembly going forward to the next Assembly election. I hope that people will honour their word. I hope that the expressed desire of all of us to recognise that the time has come for there to be someone from the republican tradition in the Chair will see the endorsement of this House in the next few short minutes.

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

I am privileged to be able to speak on the nomination of John Dallat. I have no doubt that, in the interests of inclusiveness and building trust and confidence, the time has come for a nationalist Member of the House to become Speaker. For too long, the Assembly has not been reflective of the population it serves. But, Mr Acting Speaker, it is unfortunate that, whatever agreements were made, they were made to exclude many of us and did not involve myself or my colleagues in the SDLP.

Colleagues should remember that the three principal roles of the Speaker of the House are representational, corporate and procedural. As a representative of the Assembly, the Speaker will receive visitors on our behalf, promote our work, host events for us and open up the Assembly and its activities to members of the public, just as the recently retired Speaker did. Yet, in all the time that the Assembly has operated, we have been represented by only one community — the unionist community — which is not representative enough of the wider community that we all serve. While I do not think, and would not imply, that anyone in the House would dispute the absolute professionalism of our recently retired and beloved Speaker, Willie Hay, it is evident to me and my colleagues in the SDLP that the time has come for a nationalist Speaker in the Assembly.

When considering who would be best placed to represent the Assembly overall as Speaker, as leader of the SDLP, I am very clear that the outstanding choice is our nominee, John Dallat, MLA for East Derry. As a Deputy Speaker, John has served the Assembly and its Members well over the past seven years, showing leadership, integrity, impartiality and good judgement in all that time, and displaying the ability and capacity to take on the role of Speaker, as and when required. His long and dedicated service to the Assembly has given John Dallat wide and comprehensive experience of all the procedural and corporate functions of the office, which he would now fulfil with ease.

At a time when the Assembly and Executive are in crisis, as we head into talks to determine our future, it is even more crucial to have someone of the calibre of John Dallat as Speaker of the Assembly; someone who is not only eminently qualified for the role but who, as a nationalist representative, would ensure that both traditions in Northern Ireland —

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

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

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

— are respected and reflected.

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I recommend to the House Mr Roy Beggs, MLA for East Antrim. In doing so, I have listened carefully and attentively to the powerful arguments made by Members who spoke previously on behalf of their nominees. I hope that, during the debate, all parties will be equally open in presenting their case to the House before inevitably, it would appear, we put matters to the vote.

Roy Beggs is the right man at the right time for the role. The Beggs family, as Members will be aware, have been engaged in public service for a number of decades. Following his father, Roy became an elected representative of the House in the first election in 1998, successfully defending his seat in East Antrim at every election since then. Since the last election, Roy has served as a Deputy Speaker with great distinction. I believe that he has the values and attributes that the House requires at this time, not least an attention to detail and the right temperament; the sort of temperament that we heard described when we were paying tribute to William Hay. That sort of temperament is important. As I said in my previous remarks, we look to a Speaker as somebody who will hold up a mirror in which we will see something of the values that we wish to see expressed by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

We talked about William Hay and his role of interfacing with civic society. In that respect, I remind Members of Roy's work, not least as Chair of the all-party group on the community and voluntary sector. He has that engagement already in his DNA, having represented the House in its engagement with broader society. He also has experience of chairing a number of challenging organisations. While a member of Carrickfergus council, he was also chair of the local district policing partnership.

In conclusion, Roy Beggs has the attributes, experience and commitment to take the House through to the end of the term as its principal Speaker.

David Ford (Alliance, South Antrim)

We have just paid tribute to our outgoing Speaker, and a key issue that was highlighted is the need for the Speaker to be seen as politically neutral and to distance himself from his previous party connections. There is no doubt that William Hay succeeded in doing that very well. There is also no doubt that, in recent weeks, Mitchel McLaughlin has clearly prepared himself for the role and has sought similarly to distance himself.

I believe that the deal that was struck at the start of this Assembly's mandate should be adhered to because it is the best way to depoliticise the role of the Speaker to ensure a smooth transition from the outgoing independent DUP Speaker to the current, effectively independent Sinn Féin Principal Deputy Speaker. Regardless of what I say to Sinn Féin on issues like welfare reform or the National Crime Agency, I believe that there is a fundamental issue that the House needs to allow people from all parts of the House to take senior responsibilities.

I must say that I was slightly surprised when Dr McDonnell suggested that Speakers had come only from one section of the community. I am not sure whether my colleagues John Alderdice or Eileen Bell would have seen themselves categorised as unionists in quite that way. When we met after the last Assembly election, there was a clear understanding that the post was to move in this Assembly term. Regardless of William Hay's illness, it appeared that he was determined to be a man of principle and honour and to live up to that. I believe that it is incumbent on those of us who remain to follow through and ensure that that deal is carried through.

I have to say to unionists that we are about to go into a series of talks. One of the issues on the agenda is the structural arrangements and whether the precise architecture of the Good Friday Agreement, whether or not modified by the St Andrews Agreement, is what we need going into the future. One issue that concerns me greatly is the blocking mechanism in the House for so-called cross-community votes, which stops movement forward on so many occasions. If I am saying that, and unionists are using very similar language, they need to realise what blocking Mitchel McLaughlin would do today. It would be a clear reinforcement of why nationalism will wish to retain that blocking mechanism. If we are to move forward, to depoliticise the Speaker and to ensure that we get more workable structures for the future, we should accept that the deal made after the last election should stand.

Alex Attwood (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast West)

I wish former Speaker William Hay the best. At times, I had differences with the former Speaker, one of which was of a fundamental nature, but I wish him a full recovery and hope that he has a full role in the House of Lords in the fullness of time.

The election of the Speaker today can be a watershed moment. We should measure the next 10 minutes against whether or not it is a watershed moment for the Assembly and for politics. A number of candidates have been nominated, all of whom have their particular values and virtues, but, in the view of the SDLP, more than any other candidate, the election of John Dallat as Speaker would represent that watershed moment. The election of John Dallat would be a renewal of integrity and a recognition of a good public servant.

John Dallat has been a political representative for 37 years. There are people in the Chamber who have not been on this earth for 37 years. Over that time, he has shown insight, wisdom, intellect and judgement. We again say to people before they cast their vote in the next matter of minutes, think again about what John Dallat would represent for politics and for the Assembly.

The SDLP also recognises that there will be a watershed moment in the event that Mitchel McLaughlin is elected Speaker. We will first vote for Mitchel McLaughlin, but we believe that, if that does not prevail, the election of John Dallat should prevail. For too long, issue after issue in the Assembly and in Northern Ireland has been reduced to narrow deals. It has been about the division of spoils rather than the full public interest. John Dallat as Speaker would represent something and someone different.

Trevor Lunn (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I support the comments of my party leader and the nomination of Mitchel McLaughlin to the post of Speaker. In doing so, I mean absolutely no disrespect to Mr Dallat or Mr Beggs. I am sure that both would make excellent Speakers, but it seems logical that the new Speaker should come from the largest nationalist party at this time.

I have been listening for quite some time, and I wonder what advice William Hay would give the House. We talked about his sense of fair play and negotiating skills. I am absolutely certain that William Hay would endorse the nomination of Mitchel McLaughlin, not because they both come from Derry or Londonderry but because it is the right thing to do. I hope that the House will follow that argument. I hope that we will confirm a nationalist, hopefully Mr McLaughlin, in the post. As I said, I mean no disrespect whatsoever to the other candidates. They have both been excellent Deputy Speakers, and I am sure that they will continue to be so, but I think that it is the right thing to do.

Peter Robinson (DUP, Belfast East)

Last week, I asked the two colleagues who represent my party on the Business Committee, Lord Morrow and Chief Whip, Peter Weir, to seek support to deal with this issue at a later sitting, but, unfortunately, the Committee determined to proceed today.

For me, the issue is easily defined. After a long period, the DUP and Sinn Féin completed negotiations on welfare reform with a package that respected all our interests. It allowed us to give support to the most vulnerable, who depend on welfare payments, while doing no irreparable damage to our public services by paying unnecessary penalties and operational costs. The deputy First Minister and I were both satisfied with that outcome.

The topic of welfare reform has now been put into the talks process that the Secretary of State is convening. Equally, the arrangements and modalities of devolution are on the talks agenda. The election of Speaker and of Ministers will be part of that negotiation as well. The talks are to begin very shortly, so both of these matters can be dealt with together. As we have already completed negotiations and reached conclusions on both subjects, we can ask the Secretary of State to front-load the talks agenda with these items. We are prepared to honour our existing agreements on both matters. So, hopefully, we can have some early success and come back here, perhaps in a week or two, and go through the Lobbies together on both of these matters.

Caitriona Ruane (Sinn Féin, South Down)

Go raibh maith agat. I have to say that it is very disappointing to hear what is being said here today. First, there was never an agreement in relation to the matters outlined by the First Minister and leader of the DUP today. We had an agreement in relation to welfare reform, we had an agreement in relation — Martin McGuinness had an agreement, and it was publicly stated, in relation to Mitchel McLaughlin being elected Speaker.

Trevor Lunn nailed it: what would William Hay think about what is happening here today? The wrong message is being sent out. Even at this stage, I urge the House to think very carefully about what it is doing and what message is being sent out. These are power-sharing institutions and it is very important that we support the power-sharing arrangements. If people vote against Mitchel McLaughlin and against an agreement publicly stated by the leader of the DUP, that will send out the wrong message to the nationalist/republican community. I have to say that it is very disappointing for this side of the House.

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Thank you very much, Acting Speaker. I listened carefully to the two proposers of the nationalist candidates here today. I am sure that they did not mean this, but what they said was that it was time for a republican or a nationalist Speaker. Of course, the Speaker should not have any affiliations. The Speaker may come from a republican or nationalist background, but, like William Hay, they should leave that at the door of the Speaker's office. However, maybe it portrays more of what they wanted from their candidates today.

Of course, the Member who has just spoken was not at the welfare reform negotiations, so I do not know how she knows what was agreed between the First Minister and deputy First Minister. A clear understanding was reached in those negotiations.

The proposal put this morning, first to the party officers of the Democratic Unionist Party and then to the Assembly team of the DUP, was passed unanimously by all present. I think that the DUP has again shown that our strength and confidence in what we are doing for this country remains very strong. Sinn Féin appears upset that it is not immediately gaining a Speaker in the British devolved Administration, but the leader and First Minister has made it clear that this party will stand by its agreement when the agreements have come to fruition, but that we cannot allow Sinn Féin to break agreements that have been made without sanction or, indeed, to engage in unacceptable behaviour. Every action or inaction will have an opposite reaction or inaction.

People are struggling to understand the morass that Sinn Féin finds itself in in relation to welfare reform, and this morning was another very good example of that. It can be summed up in a simple phrase, "We don't know how much welfare reform costs, and we don't care." That was basically the sum total of a 40-minute interview this morning from Sinn Féin.

Mr Acting Speaker, Northern Ireland deserves better, the House deserves better and the vulnerable people, whom the party opposite says it wants to protect, deserve so much better. So, let us get these issues dealt with. My party, under the leadership of Peter Robinson, will not be found wanting. It is up to others to see whether they will.

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

Thank you, Mr Acting Speaker. I had not intended to speak, but, as this afternoon starts to disintegrate, I am left with little choice but to express my dismay and that of my party at what we see as those cobbled-together back-room deals between Sinn Féin and the DUP fall apart so publicly. As we go into talks, there is a warning for anyone in any party who thinks that the two main parties will honour whatever agreements they have made behind doors at the exclusion of all of the parties. However, we can stand, support and hope for a better future. Today, we know that health workers, nurses, midwives and others are on the streets looking to have fulfilled the promises that were made to them in relation to their 1% pay rise, and here we are in the Assembly failing to agree on the appointment of a Speaker.

This is another historic day for Northern Ireland, in the context that so many define it, as a day when we see that the real fault at the heart of the Executive is fractured relationships and back-room and back-door deals. I hope, as we in the SDLP attempt to move society forward to do what is right and best for all the people of the North, that we see an end to the back-room and back-door deals. Let us have some honest engagement and inclusive politics as set out in the spirit and letter of the Good Friday Agreement.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Thank you, Mr Presiding Officer. I think the party leader has set out very clearly the position and Sinn Féin should look at what is being offered to it as an olive branch. We are in a situation where relationships are not as good as they should be, and that is something for us all to take cognisance of because this House needs to give real and true leadership to Northern Ireland.

We look at others who wish to see this place not working because they would like to fill the void, and therefore Sinn Féin in particular, as we seek to move this issue forward, needs to reflect on its behaviour over the course of the last three years since an agreement was made. It needs to reflect on situations like Castlederg and on situations like Flax Street, where it glorifies those who planted the Shankill bomb. It needs to reflect on its management of situations around welfare reform and other circumstances. That is hitting people hard in Northern Ireland today and leading to redundancies, lay offs and massive cuts.

This is not the way to do government, and we need people to step up to the plate. We are going into negotiations; let us go into negotiations in good faith. Let us hope that we can resolve this issue quickly, that we can resolve the issues around welfare quickly, and that we can look at how we deal with sensitive issues in our communities and which are causing hurt, hardship and misery to innocent victims of the Troubles. Let us see that we can provide real and true leadership in this Assembly as we move things forward.

Raymond McCartney (Sinn Féin, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, Acting Speaker. First, I also send my best wishes to William Hay. I hope that he has a speedy recovery and that he will in the future provide good representation for the people of Derry, which he has done for a long number of years.

I add my words of support for Mitchel McLaughlin. Martin McGuinness outlined very clearly why and how Mitchel McLaughlin would make an excellent Speaker for this Assembly. Of course, I share the disappointment that the Democratic Unionist Party will not honour the public commitment that its party leader made on its behalf. I think that it is very noticeable this morning that not one of the people who was speaking on its behalf in any way suggested that there was not a public commitment. I think that people out there will well remember that commitment, and I think that all that we have heard this afternoon from the Members who have spoken so far was excuse after excuse for a reason for not fulfilling what was a very public commitment.

It is easy to list issues that people feel perhaps should have been delivered that were not. I could mention Long Kesh, which was a Programme for Government commitment, and we could talk about the letter from America. We can all make excuses, but we cannot ignore, nor should we forget, that there was a very public commitment made by the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, recorded and broadcast to those who wished to hear it, in which he said very, very clearly that he would honour the commitment made by Ian Paisley, the then First Minister and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, that Mitchel McLaughlin or a Sinn Féin nominee would be the person who would sit in your seat. Therefore, when people leave here today, they should be in no doubt that this was a commitment made and a commitment broken.

Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Yesterday marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Brighton bomb, the attempt by the IRA to remove the very top layer of government of this United Kingdom. Today, we have a proposition that a member of a party, Sinn Féin, that, to this day, has not repudiated or condemned but rather has venerated that bombing and that bomber should take the top office in this devolved Assembly within the United Kingdom. Not in my name. That would be utterly offensive and utterly wrong. It would be wrong not just today or next week or the week after that or as some quid pro quo on welfare reform, but wrong per se.

Someone from that ilk, justifying and refusing to condemn that bombing, to name but one, should not hold the post of Speaker in the House. Of course, more than that, the very candidate is someone who notoriously, on an RTÉ programme, when challenged by Michael McDowell, protested that the murder of Jean McConville was not a crime. To think that someone who held the view that the murder of Jean McConville, a lady torn from the bosom of her family to be tortured and butchered and buried in an unmarked grave for years, was not a crime should be elevated to the post of Speaker of the House. I trust that the House will never stoop that low.

Steven Agnew (Green, North Down)

Sadly, it appears that today will be another marker in the disintegration of these institutions that we have witnessed over recent weeks and months. This should be a formality. When I was first elected and we elected Mr William Hay, it was a formality; instead, we have seen it being thrown in as another negotiating point between two parties in disagreement. It is making the office of Speaker political and does, in my view, bring it into disrepute to do so.

Further, we have heard the idea that this would be the first nationalist Speaker, and I think that the point was made that William Hay was not a unionist Speaker but an independent Speaker from a unionist background. For as long as we continue to insist on putting so much weight on symbols in this society, we will be forever dogged by squabbles over which symbols and whose symbols take precedence. We need to move on from those petty squabbles; we need to give a dignity to the House and to the Speaker's office. It is right that positions such as that of Speaker are rotated among parties, and perhaps we need to formalise it. There has been talk of the negotiations that are to take place on the future of these institutions, but we cannot put a hold on the responsibilities that we have here until those negotiations take place.

We must ensure that we make these institutions work as best we can in the meantime, because we have a responsibility to the people who elected us to do so. In the negotiations that are taking place, we need to learn the lessons, and the lesson here is clearly that deals done behind closed doors are dodgy deals that cannot be enforced and cannot be open to public scrutiny. My call for transparent dialogue and public engagement to decide the future of these institutions, building on what we did in the Good Friday Agreement, has fallen on deaf ears. Again, we enter a process of negotiations behind closed doors exclusive to parties in the Assembly but, more importantly, excluding members of the public. That is a mistake, and I think that today is regrettable. We should be agreeing a Speaker without this level of debate. It should be a non-political post. Nobody has anything to win —

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

Time is up.

Steven Agnew (Green, North Down)

— other than a symbolic win in a war.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

There is no doubt whatever that the House and the Assembly as a whole have made considerable efforts in recent years in terms of job creation and a whole raft of issues that it has not got the credit for achieving.

What it has got is criticism for the growing deadlock that has emerged. Does anybody here think that the election of a Speaker today will do anything to unlock that deadlock? No one believes that; no one is of that opinion. Unfortunately, the deadlock has grown and is growing.

That is why my party believes that the issues as a whole, including agreements reached between my party and Sinn Féin, whether on welfare reform or the election of a Speaker, should be resolved in the discussions that are about to be held. That would give a greater signal to the wider community that we are determined not to allow the deadlock to continue, because, let us be absolutely clear, there are many in our wider community who congratulated the republican movement when it was forced to cease its violence. There are some in our community who refused to recognise that it did it. We acknowledged that it did it. It does not get congratulated for doing it, but neither is it continuing to do it. We acknowledged that they had moved, but we need to have a consensus on how we move on from here.

The issue can, should and must be resolved in the context of the discussions that are about to be held. It is only in that context that we believe that the impasse and deadlock can be broken.

John McCallister (UUP, South Down)

The basis of all Western democracies tends to be the separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches, yet the role of the Assembly as a legislature is to hold our executive branch of government to account. When looking for a Speaker, that is the role that we should be looking at. We should not be questioning whether the person is unionist or nationalist or what party he or she comes from. We should be looking for someone who robustly defends the House as an institution and robustly wants the House to hold the executive branch of government to the fullest scrutiny. That is something that we lose when we debate these points and almost throw the issue into the mix of the wider political problems that we face.

There is no doubt that I want to see reform here, and I want to see the structures change to provide for an opposition. I want to make sure that this is the last time that we elect a Speaker in this manner. The DUP probably should follow through on its deal and arrangements on electing the Speaker, but, if Sinn Féin had arranged a deal on welfare reform or the Maze, should those commitments also not have been honoured? I am totally opposed to Sinn Féin's position on welfare reform. It is entirely inconsistent with being in government and with the responsibilities that a Government face, but that should not be part of the scramble to get elected to the Speaker's office.

The Speaker should and must be a gift of the Members of the House. It should not be a gift of the executive arm of government. The Speaker should be a gift, and the individual should be elected in a secret ballot by Members of the Assembly, not given out by the Executive Ministers or in a deal made through the talks process to get over the line on welfare and all the other issues that we face, including problems with the Budget. This is not doing the House any good; it is not building confidence in the community out there, which looks to the House and the Executive to provide leadership; and it is not good for representative democracy.

We need to get a Speaker who has the support of all the House. We need to move away from the language of asking whether he or she is a unionist Speaker or a nationalist Speaker. The Speaker should be a Speaker for the House. The Speaker represents the House on occasions and is the highest office holder in the Assembly. That should reflect the position.

Sammy Wilson (DUP, East Antrim)

Thank you, Mr Presiding Officer or Mr Acting Speaker or whatever your position is.

It is a bit unfortunate that this debate today will probably be presented as another example of the inability of the Assembly to get on with its business. However, I dare say that the decision today not to deal with this particular issue is essential if we want this Assembly to get back on track and do the things that are necessary, because we are at an impasse. We are not doing the business that we should be doing, because we are tied up with a Budget that has now been frozen and is being diminished as a result of inaction by this Assembly.

I want to make some things very clear: first, despite what one Member of Sinn Féin said, we have not pretended that there was no deal on the Speakership. That was admitted and accepted by the First Minister in his speech. Secondly, we have made it quite clear that we will honour any deals that we have made, but that requires all parties in this Assembly to do exactly the same. It is not a case of "You give us one thing and we give you the other". There is no point in our having a Speaker if we cannot resolve the impasse that this Assembly is presently facing. That does not require rewarding Sinn Féin for its intransigence, because this is the unfortunate thing: since this whole process started, Sinn Féin thinks that it can do things without consequence. That may have been the case when it was dealing with the Irish Government, the British Government and the American Government, but it cannot do that here. The real politics of this place is that, unless we work and, when we come to agreements, deliver on them, then this place will not work.

Let me make it quite clear: we will honour whatever deals we have, but that is dependent upon Sinn Féin being prepared to honour the deal that it had — a deal that, in its breaking, has damaged ordinary people in Northern Ireland. The only damage done by our refusal to implement this today is to Mitchel McLaughlin and Sinn Féin's pride. Its breach of agreements is hurting people right across Northern Ireland, and therefore it is essential that we get that sorted out. I trust that we will do that in the talks process.

Question put, That Mr Mitchel McLaughlin be Speaker of this Assembly.

The Assembly divided:

Ayes 47; Noes 12.

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

A new Speaker has not been elected, so it will be necessary to return to the matter at a future sitting. The date on which we will return to the matter will be considered by the Business Committee. In the interim, plenary business will continue and will be chaired by the Deputy Speakers in accordance with Standing Order 4(7). The House will take its ease while we change the Table.

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

Oral Answers to Questions

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

We will start with listed questions.

Fra McCann (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

1. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment why she did not respond to the Assembly debate on 29 September 2014 calling for her to raise the issue of cross-border postal services at a forthcoming meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council. (AQO 6820/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Postal services are reserved to Westminster under paragraph 7 of schedule 3 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and are not therefore the responsibility of my Department. The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to represent consumers on postal issues in Northern Ireland.

Fra McCann (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she accept that the unacceptably high cost of posting items across the border presents an unwarranted and unwanted tax on cross-border economic development?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

This is a matter that has been taken up by the Consumer Council. As I understand, it is carrying out work in the context of the fact that it has been given these powers by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Of course, it will respond to its sponsor Department when it has carried out that work. I have no doubt that it will also share its work with me and indeed with the Committee.

Gordon Dunne (DUP, North Down)

Can the Minister clarify the new role that the Consumer Council has in relation to postal services in Northern Ireland?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I have indicated that, since 1 April 2014, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland has responsibility for consumer representation on postal services in Northern Ireland. Before that, Consumer Futures was responsible. The Consumer Council has taken on this role. As it is a reserved matter, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is providing funding of £255,000 to the Consumer Council for 2014-15 to undertake its consumer representation role in respect of postal services in Northern Ireland. As I understand it, its work plan for this year broadly covers three main areas: the launch of the council's new role and responsibilities for postal services; the post office network, which is a very important part of rural life in Northern Ireland; and mail and parcels.

David McNarry (UKIP, Strangford)

2. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps have been taken to increase the number of English families visiting Northern Ireland. (AQO 6821/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Whilst I do not have details of English visitors, there were almost 1·2 million visitors from Great Britain in 2013, which was an increase of 13% on 2012. Great British visitors make up 56% of our total external visitors and are therefore a very important market for us.

Tourism Ireland has been highlighting visitor experiences that appeal to families, such as Titanic Belfast, the Giant's Causeway and Causeway coastal route, as well as our unique National Trust properties. It is using a wide variety of marketing tools to get its message through to GB families, including advertising on television, radio, outdoors, in cinemas, and in national and regional newspapers and lifestyle magazines.

It is important that Tourism Ireland, in my opinion, increases its activity, including in England, for us to see further growth in visitor numbers from Great Britain.

David McNarry (UKIP, Strangford)

I thank the Minister for a very comprehensive and useful answer and speak well of her for the success that she has had in her own particular office and the contribution that she has made to tourism.

I had hoped that she might mention ferry services. In the light of that, would she consider undertaking a review of ferry services between England and Northern Ireland in tandem with a review of how we are attracting that potentially lucrative market in England, as that may give her the figures that I have been looking for?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

We undertake cooperative marketing with the airlines and the ferry services. We work very closely with the ferry services that are in Larne and Belfast. I am quite happy to share those details with the Member, if those would be useful to him.

William Humphrey (DUP, Belfast North)

I thank the Minister for her answer so far. What will be the impact on the Tourism Ireland budget, given the cutbacks in the Department's overall budget?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

As you can imagine, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I have been looking very closely at the overall budget. As you are aware, we have come to some resolution on the in-year monitoring position. However, we still have to have a draft Budget for 2015-16. Once that happens, I will have more clarity on the issue. Tourism Ireland will face savings and, let us be honest about it, cuts, the same as any other part of my Department. That is done with regret, but it is something that I have to do across the Department.

Jo-Anne Dobson (UUP, Upper Bann)

I thank the Minister for her reply. I am sure she will agree that the key to attracting more visitors from England, or anywhere else, is to promote a positive image of Northern Ireland. In the light of disappointing visitor numbers, does she agree that we need to review the current arrangements, where Tourism Ireland does not treat us as a distinct tourist destination to be marketed in Great Britain?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I am aware that there is some unease around the marketing of Northern Ireland in the Great Britain market by Tourism Ireland. I assure the Member that I am looking into that. Over the coming weeks, I hope to meet the chairman of Tourism Ireland to discuss some of the claims that have been made. With regard to tourism figures, we had a good year in 2013 in relation to visitors from Great Britain. The figures were up and, importantly, the spend was up as well. Not only do we have targets for the number of visitors, we have a very stretching target for spend by those visitors who come to Northern Ireland. It is important that we continue to work with Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and other partners to ensure that we get the maximum coverage. Our biggest market is GB, and we should not forget that.

Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Did the Minister see a recent press article by the much-respected Kate Hoey on Tourism Ireland's efforts, if we could call them that, in GB on behalf of Northern Ireland? The article was particularly critical as to its inactivity. Does she agree that, unless and until we get the promotion of Northern Ireland within the rest of the United Kingdom into the hands of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, we will continue to be plagued with this problem?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

As I indicated to Ms Dobson, I am very aware not only of the claims made by Ms Hoey — I intend to follow up on that article with Ms Hoey and to talk to her about those claims — but of other claims. The Member will not be surprised to know that Tourism Ireland marketing Northern Ireland in Great Britain is not of my choosing. It is something that I inherited from the Belfast Agreement. Certainly, it is something that, I think, needs very close scrutiny. It is something that I will be looking at.

Trevor Lunn (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

3. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the estimated number of jobs that will be created through foreign direct investment during the current financial year. (AQO 6822/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Invest Northern Ireland offers assistance to new investors to support the creation of new jobs, often over a period of three to five years, sometimes longer. It is the responsibility of the company to create the jobs at a schedule that supports their development and growth. Therefore, Invest NI is not able to meaningfully forecast the likely number of jobs to be created in any year. As of 31 March 2014, Invest NI has promoted 9,108 jobs from inward investors since the start of its current corporate plan in 2011.

Trevor Lunn (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Minister for that answer. I understand that the rules in respect of state assistance are going to change. Will the Minister comment on what complexities or challenges that might bring about?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The rules for selective financial assistance and the amount of funding that we can give have already changed. We are still an assisted area in the European Union, but we are now curtailed as to how much repeat assistance we can give to those companies. As the Member will know, companies often came with 20 or 30 people, realised that we had a very good offering here and decided to expand further. If it is a large company, we will not be able to give that selective financial assistance in the future, but there are other ways in which we can support companies. We can look at skills and training in conjunction with the Department for Employment and Learning. We will look at how we can support people with research, development, innovation and tax credits, depending on the sector that we are talking about. So there are other ways in which we can help, but, if corporation tax were devolved to Northern Ireland, we would automatically have a step change as to what we could do.

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

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a freagraí go dtí seo. The Minister took the question in the direction in which I was going to take it: corporation tax. If and, hopefully, when corporation tax enabling powers come to the local Executive, what assessment has the Minister's Department done on the impact that a 12·5% corporation tax level will have on potential foreign direct investment that could come in its wake?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

A number of studies have been carried out, not least by the Department and by the Department for Employment and Learning. If we are to have a huge spike in the number of companies that will be looking to Northern Ireland, we will want to ensure that the appropriate skills are available to those companies when they come. The economic advisory group, led by Kate Barker, has been doing some work in that area. We will be able to achieve some 50,000 jobs over a relatively short time, all things being equal. We will be able to provide the appropriate young people and skills that those companies will need. There is no doubt that it would be a huge boost to the private sector in Northern Ireland. We want to rebalance and rebuild.

Sydney Anderson (DUP, Upper Bann)

I thank the Minister for her responses so far. What jobs have arrived through foreign direct investment since the beginning of August?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

We have had a particularly good period. Over the past six months, we have had 1,200 new jobs by just 10 new inward investors. We are not talking about indigenous companies that have decided to expand or companies that are already here. They are new inward investors, and those jobs have come from Puppet Labs; Baker and McKenzie; Proofpoint; Alexander Mann Solutions; and Convergys. Those have all been very good announcements for right across Northern Ireland. We are pleased that those new companies continue to look to Northern Ireland for growth and expansion, many of them for the first time, into the European area.

Phil Flanagan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagraí. The Minister may be aware of a recently published DEL report looking into labour mobility. One of the challenges that it identifies is the lack of employment opportunities in rural areas and the move towards jobs in Belfast. How does the Minister intend to reverse that trend and ensure that an adequate number of jobs are created in places like Fermanagh and other rural areas, given the Programme for Government commitment to tackle regional imbalance?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I have been very pleased to make a number of job announcements in Fermanagh, most recently in G R White and Son in Tempo and Webtech in Enniskillen just a couple of weeks ago. I hope to make further announcements in the near future. It is about working proactively with those companies in the region to ensure that we portray a positive view of the region so that we are attractive to inward investors when they come to look at the area and to have a good product and available people who are willing to be positive about their areas. All that shows that we are moving forward, in particular in the south-west. I look forward to working with the Member to make sure that Fermanagh and the whole of the south-west is promoted in a very positive way.

Claire Sugden (Independent, East Londonderry)

Minister, how effective has the enterprise zone been in encouraging foreign direct investment in my constituency?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The enterprise zone in Coleraine has not yet been confirmed by Her Majesty's Treasury. It has been put forward by the Executive to Treasury for designation as an enterprise zone. So, it is too early to determine its impact in the area, but I am sure that those who have been working for the enterprise zone will want to ensure that it is in place as soon as possible.

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

4. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on the progress of the North/South working group examining the key issues surrounding the hosting of the Rugby World Cup on a cross-border basis in 2023. (AQO 6823/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The working group has prepared a report based on its analysis of the feasibility study meetings with key rugby union officials and other relevant organisations. The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure and I have received copies of the report and are considering it. In agreeing to bid jointly for the 2023 tournament, I will wish to ensure value for money and be convinced of the economic benefits for Northern Ireland.

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

I thank the Minister for her answer. Given that rugby is a fantastic field sport played on an all-Ireland basis and that Kingspan/Ravenhill in Ulster, Thomond Park in Limerick, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and the Sportsground in Galway are all dedicated to rugby, does the Minister accept that Ireland now has the infrastructure to make a real bid for the World Cup? What can she do with her counterpart in the Republic to try to advance that case with the rugby authorities?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

It is on record that I am a supporter of Ulster Rugby. I very much want the Rugby World Cup to come to the island of Ireland in 2023. However, as I am sure that the Member would want me to do, I need to ensure that Northern Ireland gets as much out of this event as it possibly can. I will look at the report given to me in the context of making sure that a number of teams are located and based in Northern Ireland for the Rugby World Cup. We recognise that there are more stadiums available in the Republic of Ireland, but that does not mean that we cannot be creative about what we can do in Northern Ireland. If we are to assist in funding the bid, I certainly want to ensure that we get good value for money.

Sammy Douglas (DUP, Belfast East)

I thank the Minister for her answers so far. I am sure that the Minister will agree with me that Kyle Lafferty from Tamlaght in County Fermanagh is a great tourist attraction for Northern Ireland.

I want to ask the Minister about tourist attractions for Northern Ireland in light of recent debate about the tourism events fund. I recently attended Culture Night, which was a fabulous night for Belfast, and the Minister has been to the C S Lewis festival in east Belfast and is a big supporter of EastSide Arts, as is her friend Van Morrison. Will the Minister please give a progress report or an update on the tourism events fund?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Member. If Kyle Lafferty is listening to Question Time, I am sure that he is saying, "I have been called many things in my time but never a tourist attraction". Anyway, I congratulate the Northern Ireland football team on being top of their group. It is a very nice place to be, and we look forward to them continuing that success in tomorrow's match in Greece.

Events funding, of course, has caused a lot of angst, and I am the first to acknowledge that. We are facing a very difficult financial time right across government. Given the current budgetary climate and the knowledge that future years will be very difficult, it was necessary to review the position right across the Department. We need to take account of all the circumstances.

Ordinarily, people would be applying for funding at this time. I have heard some of the arts groups say that their funding has been cut. This application had to be made every year, so, in any year, there was no guarantee that these groups would be able to access funding. On every occasion, they had to apply in a competitive process.

At the moment, we do not have an events fund open call for next year. However, let us see what happens in the 2015-16 budgetary discussions over the next period. I would certainly like some sort of an events fund, but we will have to see whether the money is available for it.

Leslie Cree (UUP, North Down)

I would welcome the 2023 Rugby World Cup coming to Ireland, North and South. Does the Minister recognise that, with Northern Ireland now having a voice on the working group, there is an opportunity to emphasise that the Irish rugby team represents both jurisdictions and is not the Republic of Ireland's rugby team. That should be reflected in the Irish Rugby Football Union's attention to things such as anthems and flags.

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I concur with the Member's view on those matters. It is my hope that the Irish Rugby Football Union will acknowledge the contribution that Ulster makes to rugby, because we make an incredible contribution to the Irish rugby scene. I hope that that is acknowledged in Dublin, as it is in Ravenhill, or the Kingspan stadium, which I have difficulty getting used to calling it, but I will have to get used to. It is a rugby team for both jurisdictions. Therefore, I was keen to ensure that we had proper representation on the working group. I am satisfied that we have that now. Once we have had the chance to consider the report, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure and I will come together to decide if the current way forward is the best way forward.

Paula Bradley (DUP, Belfast North)

5. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for her assessment of the contribution of advanced engineering to the local economy. (AQO 6824/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Advanced, or high-value, manufacturing makes a major contribution to the success of the Northern Ireland economy. My Department encourages and supports businesses that are capable of investing in knowledge-based, innovative technologies and developing capabilities that can ensure they remain internationally competitive and successful, supporting jobs and creating wealth in the economy.

We have many excellent examples of businesses that are investing in world-class facilities to sustain and build on Northern Ireland's strong international reputation and manufacturing heritage. Examples include Bombardier, Schrader Electronics, Magellan Aerospace and Wrightbus.

Paula Bradley (DUP, Belfast North)

I thank the Minister for her answer. The Minister mentioned Bombardier. We know that Bombardier announced significant job losses in September. Many of those workers are my neighbours in my community in Newtownabbey. Can the Minister comment on Bombardier and its importance in Northern Ireland?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I can indeed. On 10 September, Bombardier announced that it intended to make up to 90 permanent posts and 300 agency-employed staff redundant. That was a huge blow. I do not think that a lot of people realise that the company has six manufacturing sites in Northern Ireland: Airport Road and Airport Road West in Belfast; Dunmurry; Newtownards; Newtownabbey; and Monkstown. Currently, it has a workforce of around 6,300 people, making it the biggest private sector employer in Northern Ireland. It is planned that the redundancies will be implemented by the end of the year.

Despite the impending job losses, it remains encouraging to note that, in the past four years, Bombardier has increased the total workforce by over 1,200 people in Northern Ireland. So, whilst I accept that the announcement that has been made in relation to the restructuring of Bombardier globally is regrettable, Bombardier has a very strong presence in Belfast and continues to play a major role in virtually all the aircraft programmes across the world. I think that that diversity is part of its strength.

Sandra Overend (UUP, Mid Ulster)

Has the Minister made any assessment as to how those changes in Bombardier will affect other businesses across Northern Ireland who support Bombardier in the aerospace industry?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The Member is absolutely right to reference the supply chain to Bombardier, because Bombardier has 6,300 direct employees, but many, many hundreds of other people are reliant on Bombardier in Belfast. We have a very strong working relationship with Bombardier. Invest Northern Ireland has a client executive embedded with Bombardier, so any changes in relation to Bombardier are fed directly into the system, and we will work with any companies that have difficulties.

I think that around 80 companies, particularly in precision engineering, rely on Bombardier. That is not taking into account the services that are provided to Bombardier; these are just supply chain people. So, yes, any time that there is a reduction in manpower in Bombardier, we look at the wider picture around the supply chain.

Sydney Anderson (DUP, Upper Bann)

6. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an update on the steps she is taking to relax visa restrictions to make it easier for tourists to visit Northern Ireland. (AQO 6825/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

A new British-Irish visa scheme was launched by the Secretary of State for the Home Office, Theresa May MP, in conjunction with the Republic of Ireland's Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, on 6 October. This positive development was an action in the G8 economic pact and enables, for the first time, Chinese and Indian visitors to come to Northern Ireland through the Irish Republic on an Irish visa, as well as through Great Britain on a UK visa. This is very welcome news, and Tourism Ireland and Visit Britain will be working very hard to promote the scheme.

Sydney Anderson (DUP, Upper Bann)

I thank the Minister for that response. It is certainly welcome news. Minister, can you give an update on what assistance your Department is giving to the international airport to help to encourage the introduction of new routes?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

As the Member will be aware, direct connectivity into Northern Ireland is one of the priorities for how we grow our tourism numbers, and I am very much committed to increasing Northern Ireland's air connectivity. I have met and continue to meet Northern Ireland airports, and, indeed, I recently met the new managing director of the international airport, Graham Keddie, regarding the airport's route development plans. My officials are also in regular dialogue with our airports and, indeed, last month, we took a Northern Ireland stand at the World Routes conference in Chicago. So, we are out there and looking for new routes. We are trying to be innovative in how we attract those new routes to the international airport and, indeed, routes to the other airports. International connectivity is very much at the top of my agenda.

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

Minister, will you join me in welcoming the establishment of a new consul for the Republic of China in Belfast and also in welcoming the fact that the availability and accessibility for visas for travel will be much enhanced for visitors going both ways and, indeed, for the students at our universities?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Absolutely. I was unaware that we had a newly appointed consul, so I look forward to meeting him or her in the near future to talk about this because we know that people from China who travel far afield stay for longer and spend a lot of money. Therefore, we want to encourage them to come to Northern Ireland. In the past, there was confusion over whether they could come to Northern Ireland on an Irish visa and what would happen if they had an accident or whatever in Northern Ireland. I think that this clarity is a very strong piece for Tourism Ireland to take forward. If the Member has some knowledge of the consul, I very much look forward to meeting them.

Danny Kinahan (UUP, South Antrim)

Have studies been done to ensure that, from these visa changes, we will benefit here in the North, especially Belfast International Airport and the city airport, to ensure that we lure people here rather than them always coming via Dublin?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I think that it is probably a mixture of both, if you do not mind me saying so, until we get the increased connectivity. Nobody is suggesting at the moment that we will be getting a direct flight from China into the international airport, so we need to work principally with Visit Britain to ensure that we get people to come across and they understand that the visa that they have for the UK covers Northern Ireland or, if they are coming in through Dublin, that they understand that they can come up to Northern Ireland. I think that that is the work that Tourism Ireland has to take forward because, as I said, the Chinese visitors are very important visitors. We want to welcome more of them and hope that they do visit Northern Ireland on their itinerary.

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

7. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what recent discussions she has had with the British and Irish Governments on the future extent and level of tax incentives for the film and TV industry on the island of Ireland. (AQO 6826/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Following the successful implementation of new tax incentives under the creative industry tax reliefs, the local film and TV industry can benefit from a group of corporation tax reliefs. These include the film tax relief, introduced in 2007; the high-end television tax relief; the animation tax relief, introduced in April 2013; and the video games tax relief, introduced from 1 April this year. My Department, working closely with Northern Ireland Screen and Invest Northern Ireland, was instrumental in securing these new credits, and I believe that the impetus now exists for a truly export-focused screen industry for Northern Ireland.

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

I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. Clearly, this is an area for future development with massive potential. Is there any way in which the industry here could benefit from cooperation with counterparts in the Irish Republic? I think that, in the field of creativity, we have to use all the talents and skills that abound on the island of Ireland.

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Member for his supplementary. Indeed, we will want to work with all countries, wherever the people are, so that we can increase our output. As the Member will know, I have increased the budget for NI Screen substantially so that it can take advantage of what is there at the moment. I had a very useful meeting with the director general of the BBC last week when he was over in Northern Ireland to try to encourage him to do more in relation to national output so that we can see more Northern Ireland productions right across the network, because I think that that is very important, too. Indeed, some colleagues from the Republic of Ireland are investing in Northern Ireland. I am thinking particularly of JAM Media in Murray's Exchange in Sandy Row. It came to do some work there to perhaps take advantage of the very good tax relief schemes that we now have in place for making productions.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

That brings us to the end of the period for listed questions, and we now move on to 15 minutes of topical questions. Ms Caitríona Ruane is not in her place.

David Hilditch (DUP, East Antrim)

T2. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether the recent proposed job losses at JTI Gallaher will impact much further afield than the immediate Ballymena area, given that she is very aware of workers in his constituency with the BT38, BT39 and BT40 postcodes of Newtownabbey, Carrick and Larne. (AQT 1582/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I recognise that that is the case. One of those interviewed on BBC Radio Ulster on the day of the announcement was from Carrickfergus, as I recall, and he very clearly said that this is not just an issue for Ballymena but for further afield. The travel-to-work distance means that quite a lot of people will be impacted in a circle, if you like, right across the north-east of Northern Ireland. So, I understand that that is the case.

I further understand, having talked about supply chains earlier during the substantive questions, that many companies rely on JTI Gallaher for their businesses. Those companies will also be impacted. So, I have asked Invest Northern Ireland to do some work in and around that to ensure that we know which companies will be impacted by the closure of JTI.

David Hilditch (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she, along with the Minister for Employment and Learning, do everything to ensure that the skills at JTI are not lost to the Northern Ireland economy?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Absolutely. The Member and the House will be aware that the Employment and Learning Minister and I have been asked by the Executive to engage with JTI. We hoped that we would be able to go up early this week. However, the company — we have to respect its processes — has others to consult before it speaks to us, and, therefore, it will be later on in the week. We will certainly go to Ballymena. I think that we very much need to engage in a skills audit as the first piece of work and see what we can do to help those affected.

Chris Lyttle (Alliance, Belfast East)

T3. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how she can justify her recently announced 100% cut to and complete cessation of the tourism events fund for 2015-16, which threatens around 65 organisations across Northern Ireland that contribute to important events and festivals and do much for our tourism, society and economy. (AQT 1583/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

It is not a question of justifying a 100% cut to the fund. I wanted to give clarity to people in the sector that we were in a position where we could not find the funding to give an events fund for 2015-16. If that changes in the near future — I very much hope that it does — we will put out a call. However, this is a time of the year when applications would not ordinarily be forthcoming and, therefore, I wanted to give them clarity in relation to the issue.

Chris Lyttle (Alliance, Belfast East)

I thank the Minister for her response. However, she will be aware that this threatens organisations, festivals and events that, for every £1 of funding that they receive, return £3 to our local economy. Can the Minister reassure those organisations that she values and understands the importance of that work to our society and economy and say what specific work she is undertaking to ensure a reinstatement of the fund?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The budget discussions will be ongoing from now until the end of October, and, if I can count on the support of my colleagues to put in place, as a priority, the reinstatement of the events funding, then the events funding will be reinstated.

This is about priorities and about making sure that we have the right priorities in place. I will be forwarding the priorities for my Department. I have heard some people say that the international funds should basically be robbed to try to assist the events funding. The first thing to say about that is that the international funds have a letter of offer and contractual commitments, and I am not in the business of breaking contractual commitments. The second thing to say about annual sponsorship is that people apply every year. They apply to the fund, and there is no guarantee of receiving funding every year. Everybody has to apply every year and be assessed alongside all the other applications that come in. So it is a competitive process and while people may say that their funds have been cut, they do not have any funds any year until they apply to the fund.

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

T4. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what reprofiling she is doing in her Department to assist businesses during this time of uncertainty, given that she may be aware of reports of a slowdown in the recovery of the economy. (AQT 1584/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I read the Ulster Bank monitoring paper this morning as I was coming up in the car. It said that, for the fifteenth month in a row, we are facing into growth, so I am not sure from where the Member is obtaining her information. I cannot say that Richard Ramsey is ordinarily the person who gives good news, but he continues to give good news from the Ulster Bank. Therefore, I can only take it as an objective analysis.

For the record — it is important to say this — the number of people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen by 12,600 over the last 20 months. That is a good-news story. As well as that, for the ninth consecutive month, we have had a rise in the number of jobs being created, so there is good news out there. Sometimes, I wish that people would try to give confidence, because confidence is the important thing to give to our economy so that people will spend to go forward and create more new jobs.

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

I assure the Minister that I did not pluck this out of the air, and there was an acknowledgement in the articles that I read that there has been recent growth. However, this is against the backdrop of public sector cuts and the redundancy schemes that are being discussed and the fact that we are still, by and large, a low-wage economy. My question is this: how is the Minister reprofiling the programme of work for the next six months and the next financial year in the light of the cuts that are threatening her Department and others?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Nobody can say that I have not been creating jobs in this economy over this last period. We had an Executive meeting on Thursday night to agree a loan from Her Majesty's Government to try to get us out of difficulties so that we can bring some sort of stability to the economy in Northern Ireland and avert crisis, and the SDLP did not support that. The SDLP felt it better that we should go into crisis rather than try to get stability into the Northern Ireland economy. I would rather have stability in the Northern Ireland economy than crisis at any time.

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

Answer the question.

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I did answer the question.

Peter Weir (DUP, North Down)

T5. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what level of difficulty she believes high energy costs are causing, particularly for large companies in Northern Ireland. (AQT 1585/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

This is a real issue, and one that I know Members from North Antrim are particularly concerned about, given the news from Gallaher over the past week. I have been working with the Utility Regulator to do some work on energy costs. There is a very net area that I can look at. I cannot look at wholesale costs, and I cannot look at a whole range of other issues. However, in the area that I can look at with the Utility Regulator, we are looking at that at present, and I hope to be able to say something on that in the very near future.

Peter Weir (DUP, North Down)

I thank the Minister for her response. Obviously, we will be coming back to Gallaher with the question for urgent oral answer. What contributory factor did the energy costs have on the Gallaher decision?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The Gallaher decision was more about two huge issues: first, the illegal trade in tobacco items; and secondly, the implementation of the European directive, which has had a huge impact. I will return to that during the Urgent Oral Question, because I think that it is important that Members not currently in the House and the wider community outside understand why JTI Gallaher has taken that decision. Of course, it is up to us to try to work through the consultation process to see whether there is anything that we can do about that decision, but those were the two big impacts.

Sammy Wilson (DUP, East Antrim)

T6. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment when is she expecting the report from BT that will indicate exactly where £15 million of investment in improving access to fibre broadband networks across east Antrim will be made, given that many people in that area, which has some of the worst provision, welcomed the Minister’s news of that investment. (AQT 1586/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

In relation to that fund, we have already received indication that that work will take place in eight phases. I do not have the information in front of me about when east Antrim comes on line, but I am happy to share that with the Member. He is right to say that we have invested hugely in telecoms interventions in the past, and we continue to do so, but, as he will recognise, it becomes more and more difficult to get to those at the edge, if you like, who need help with their broadband.

Sammy Wilson (DUP, East Antrim)

I accept that it is difficult, especially in rural areas, but I trust that investment will be made. Is the Minister aware that there are eight industrial estates across Northern Ireland, two of them in east Antrim, which currently do not have access to fibre-optic broadband? Those are not even being considered in this BT review. Does the Minister think that that is a wise decision in light of her industrial policy?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

As the Member knows, I can only cajole and try to influence BT on its commercial applications, but he is right to raise the issue of industrial parks. If we are to look at new ways of having inward investors look at industrial parks, then we must have a good offering for them to look at, and that includes having connectivity and broadband accessibility. It is something that I am looking at with Invest Northern Ireland to see whether there are any interventions that we can take.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

T7. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to comment on the current difficulties and challenges facing the Ulster Orchestra, given that she will be aware of the substantial contribution that the orchestra makes to Northern Ireland. (AQT 1587/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Like the Member, I had the great pleasure of listening to the Ulster Orchestra last Wednesday evening at a BBC concert. They make a substantial investment in Northern Ireland through their cultural grasp. They engage in a wide range of activities. Actually, when I was looking at JTI Gallaher, it did not escape me that it has been the orchestra's principal corporate sponsor in recent years, so, not only is it facing difficulties with its Government funding, it is also unfortunately now facing difficulties in its corporate funding. I am a great supporter of the Ulster Orchestra, and I very much want to see them survive.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

I welcome the Minister's comments. I am aware that the funding of the Ulster Orchestra falls outside DETI's remit, but the Minister will agree that the brand of the Ulster Orchestra is important to the marketing of Northern Ireland. Is the Minister in a position to give any assistance to the orchestra at this stage or in the absence of any help coming from DCAL?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I am happy to work collaboratively with the Member and with DCAL in looking at some imaginative ways to help, but the principal funding, as she will understand, will still have to reside with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. I hope that its Minister realises the importance of the Ulster Orchestra to Northern Ireland.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

There may not be time for a supplementary, but I call Mr Joe Byrne.

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

T8. asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress is being made in attracting inward investment to the north-west, particularly to Strabane, which has suffered greatly from unemployment over the years, and to Derry city, given that there is great concern about having balanced regional development across Northern Ireland. (AQT 1588/11-15)

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

There is, but, as the Member will know, Convergys has announced 333 new jobs for Londonderry, and I was very pleased to be present for that announcement. We are also engaging with others who are currently assessing the city and region for new inward investment. I hope that a good, positive message comes forward from all the representatives in that area to ensure that we can land that proposition and do not blow it away through negativity.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I call Joe Byrne for a quick supplementary question.

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

I thank the Minister for her answer. Does she accept that it is very important that Invest Northern Ireland gives every encouragement to any would-be investor that may be attracted to Strabane or Derry? Does she also accept that the necessary support and the financial backup is vital for potential job creation projects?

Arlene Foster (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I could give a very short answer and say yes. However, I will also say that Invest Northern Ireland offers very attractive figures for those who want to invest outside Belfast. If the Member looks at the figures that we have offered to some of the inward investors, he will see that.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

For Members' information, questions 1 and 12 have been withdrawn.

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

2. asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to address the number of fatalities on roads. (AQO 6836/11-15)

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I am extremely concerned by the number of road deaths this year. My sincere sympathy is with all the families and communities affected by those tragedies.

My Department continues to take a range of actions to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads. We focus on the principal collision causation factors and the groups that are over-represented in the casualty figures. Those are a key focus of the road safety strategy to 2020. Over 100 of the 224 action measures in the strategy have been completed, and they address issues including changes to road engineering, changes to the driving test, and the setting up of a PSNI collision investigation unit.

My Department has also completed analysis of the reasons for the fall in road casualties in the period 2009-2012. That work concluded that the effects of the recession played some part, directly or indirectly, in the reductions in NI road fatalities in the period. However, based on the available evidence set out in the paper, the economic situation could not be said to be singly responsible.

The effects of the recession appear to have included more fuel-economic driving, which would have seen a reduction in speeding and an overall reduction in distances travelled. The recession may also have led to a reduction in drink-driving. Economic factors could also account for the reduction in young male drivers. In those indirect ways, the recession may have reduced road fatalities, despite counter-factors such as an increase in the age of the vehicle fleet. Previous recessions in Britain have also seen reductions in road fatalities.

I launched two new road safety campaigns this year, which address cyclist safety and inappropriate speed. We are also developing a strategy to improve motorcyclist safety and are taking forward a fitness-to-drive review to consider the factors that increase risks for older road users. I believe that those measures, along with others that are carried out by my Department and our partners, will help to save lives on our roads.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I remind the Minister about the two-minute rule.

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

I thank the Minister of his fulsome answer. My supplementary question touches on the recession, but in another way. What implications would cuts in departmental budgets have for measures to improve road safety?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank Mr McKinney for his question and his supplementary question.

As a Budget for 2015-16 has not yet been agreed, I cannot provide a full assessment of how resource pressures will impact on any area of my Department or on my road safety partners. However, I remain fully committed to working with stakeholders to improve road safety and to reduce casualties and, particularly, of course, fatalities.

Reductions in funding will make a number of activities more challenging, including the creating and airing of road safety advertising by DOE, roads maintenance and improvement by DRD and on-the-ground enforcement by the PSNI and the Driver and Vehicle Agency. The financial situation will require us to continue to work in a joined-up way across government and, indeed, society to do things that make us all, as road users, improve our behaviours. That is a challenge to which my officials and their colleagues in other government and community organisations are already rising, with, for instance, extensive engagement on cycling, motorcycling and enforcement.

Anna Lo (Alliance, Belfast South)

There was a recent cut to the road safety grants programme for the voluntary and community sector, even though letters of offer had been sent out to recipients. That grant has been stopped. Does the Minister recognise that his party's position on welfare reform is leading to cuts in vital services such as road safety?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank Ms Lo for her question, but it is somewhat misdirected. I recognise the value of the work that organisations carry out through the grant to which she refers. However, I fail to see any correlation between welfare reform, and the current impasse around it, and budgetary positions. It has been well publicised — Ms Lo's ministerial colleagues may have shared this with her — that the decision taken by the Executive just last week on the loan has kicked the welfare reform issue down the road. The cuts associated with the impasse on welfare reform have not been seen yet.

We are all seeing cuts, and I am sure that we all regret that we are seeing them. All Ministers regret any cuts that they have to make in their Department, and I particularly regret any cut that might have a detrimental impact on road safety and put people's lives at risk. However, the cuts are the outworkings of a flawed Budget that was voted for in the Assembly almost three and a half years ago. It was a four-year Budget that was not fit for purpose: it is never possible to vote for a four-year Budget that will still be fit for purpose four years later. However, that has nothing to do with welfare reform and my party's position on it.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank Mrs Cameron for her question. She correctly referred to the high number of deaths this year, which stands at 62. We must bear in mind that, five years ago, we had 115 deaths in one year. Improvements have been made, and we have reduced the number of lives being lost on our roads, although, sadly, that figure seems to be on the way up again this year. One death on the road is one too many.

The reduction that I spoke about — we have gone from being one of the countries in Europe with the most dangerous roads and the highest rates of fatalities, collisions and casualties to being one of the safer countries — is without doubt attributable in some part to the DOE advertising campaigns. I do not claim that DOE road safety advertising should get sole credit for the reductions, but education, enforcement and engineering have all had a role to play in improving road safety.

Our campaigns have played and will continue to play a significant part in our aspiration to work towards zero road deaths. We have extensive evidence that people watch, are aware of and are influenced by our advertising campaigns. I certainly would not sanction expenditure on something if I was not provided with evidence or was not convinced that it represented value for money. Numerous studies have been done over the years that have shown how many lives have been saved through advertising.

As regards the upset that may be caused to families of victims, that is obviously not the intention behind any advert. However, it is important that the ads are hard-hitting, and the evidence suggests that the more hard-hitting they are, the more impact and influence they have on drivers' behaviour.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

That was an important answer, but I ask the Minister to respect the two-minute rule.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his previous answers. Will he outline the extent of the working partnership between his Department and the Road Safety Authority in the South? If there have been any discussions, what were the thematic priorities in addressing road fatalities that arose?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Uasal Ó Baoighealláin as an cheist. I thank Mr Boylan for that question.

There exists a very good working relationship between my officials dealing with road safety and their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland. We share the same roads. Daily, many of our drivers use roads in the Republic, and many drivers from the Republic use our roads, so it is only right and sensible that we work closely on issues of road safety.

At North/South Ministerial Council meetings with the Environment Minister from the South, I raise regularly the need to work closely on issues of road safety. Of particular interest to the Member might be the work ongoing, albeit more slowly than we would like, on the mutual recognition of penalty points in both jurisdictions. That will be a vital cog in closing the gaps in the system for bad and irresponsible drivers who float between jurisdictions, putting people's lives, including their own, at risk in doing so.

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill is progressing — well, I hope that it is progressing — through Committee Stage, and the Member will be very familiar with that. Through the Bill, we hope to change the drink-drive limits here to bring them into correlation with those in the Republic. That will reduce or eradicate the grey area that some people exploit wittingly or, in many cases, unwittingly.

Sandra Overend (UUP, Mid Ulster)

I note the good intentions behind the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, especially to cut the number of young fatalities, but does the Minister accept that what works well in urban areas may not work as well in rural areas? Will the Minister give a commitment that he will listen to the concerns of rural communities about the Bill?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank Mrs Overend for that question and welcome the fact that she recognises the merits of the Bill as it stands. No doubt, it will retain many merits and, hopefully, contain improvements once it has got through Committee Stage and the other stages that it must go through before it becomes law.

At First Reading, concerns were raised by some representatives about some sort of disproportionate impact that the legislation might have on people living and driving in the countryside. I assure the Member that I will take account of all points raised at any stage throughout this process. However, I must make the point that people from rural areas, particularly young males, are over-represented in the casualty figures — not so much as fatalities but as the cause of fatalities, collisions and casualties. There is a historical over-representation of people from and in rural communities.

It is important, of course, that we listen to the concerns raised. It is important that whatever we end up or come out with is workable and enforceable, and it has to be effective. That is my aim.

Barry McElduff (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

3. asked the Minister of the Environment how his Department is engaging with rural communities regarding the right of non-farming rural dwellers to build and live in the countryside. (AQO 6837/11-15)

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Le do chead, a PhríomhLeas-Cheann Comhairle, glacfaidh mé bomaite sa bhreis leis an cheist seo a fhreagairt. With your permission, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, I would like a wee bit of extra time for this answer.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

You have already taken it. [Laughter.]

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I cannot speed.

The Member will be well aware of the background to this issue and that this matter has been subject to considerable examination in the past. As part of the development of planning policy statement (PPS) 21, an independent working group (IWG) was established to consider the issue of non-farming rural dwellers. The group was chaired by Jim Mackinnon, the then chief planner for the Scottish Government, and involved experts from the fields of planning, the environment, rural development and the legal profession, who each brought their individual expertise to the project.

At the time, the IWG reached a number of conclusions, including:

"Planning policy should not create a special category for the non-farming rural dweller. Planning decisions for single houses should not be determined on the basis of kinship, connection or occupation".

The previous Minister of the Environment again considered this issue as part of his review into the operation of PPS 21. That review reported in July 2013. As part of the review, he met former members of the IWG to hear, at first hand, their expert perspectives on the matter. The advice was reiterated that the term "non-farming rural dweller" is difficult to interpret and define and should not, therefore, be used to create a special category of planning policy.

Notwithstanding the above, Members will be aware that my Department recently consulted upon a draft strategic planning policy statement (SPPS) for Northern Ireland. The SPPS consolidates and, where necessary, updates existing policy provisions set out within the current suite of planning policy statements, including those in PPS 21, 'Sustainable Development in the Countryside'. As part of this process, I gave an undertaking to this Chamber that the SPPS should adequately meet the needs of current and future generations of farming and non-farming rural dwellers seeking permission to build in the countryside.

My officials are analysing all the responses, which will be carefully considered, and a synopsis will be made available to the Environment Committee. Once this exercise is complete, I will decide on the final policy direction in respect of non-farming rural dwellers and the SPPS overall.

Barry McElduff (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Can I have an additional minute for my supplementary? OK. [Laughter.] I thank the Minister for his answer and for his agreeing to meet me and a number of architects and planning advisers from County Tyrone in the near future to discuss this. Ahead of that meeting, can I seek a commitment from the Minister that he will approach with an open mind any new ideas, proposed amendments and proposed improvements to PPS 21, especially if they improve the life chances of rural people who want to live and build in the countryside?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank the Member for the supplementary question. Indeed, I look forward to our meeting on 28 October. I assure the Member that I will approach that meeting, as I do any and every meeting, with an open mind. I am always willing to hear constructive input and ideas from other Members of the Assembly and from experts in their fields, be they architects or planning agents, and, indeed, from members of the public.

Gordon Dunne (DUP, North Down)

I, too, thank the Minister for his contribution in relation to PPS 21. Does he fully recognise the need to amend PPS 21 to allow for some flexibility, so that people brought up in the countryside are included in applications under a measured scheme, but one that gives a chance to families to remain in areas where they were brought up?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank Mr Dunne for his supplementary question. I recognise the needs and desires that people brought up in a particular area have to remain there. Where possible, provision should and could be made in a policy to accommodate the needs of such people. However, it is worth bearing in mind that PPS 21, as it stands, does offer considerable development opportunities for non-farming rural people wishing to live in the countryside and not just to farmers. I expect a couple of supplementaries to say "not even" to farmers.

Those opportunities include replacement dwellings; the conversion and reuse of non-residential buildings as dwellings; new dwellings within an existing cluster or ribbon of buildings; social and affordable housing schemes; development within designated dispersed rural communities; and a dwelling to meet compelling personal or domestic circumstances. There is certainly no moratorium on building in the countryside for non-farming dwellers. Opportunities exist, but evidently, from the contributions of Members not just today — we had a debate a few months ago on this subject — it seems that sufficient ones do not.

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

Minister, we talk about farmers; what discussions has your Department had with DARD with respect to the idea of an active farmer? How will that inform future planning policy?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank the Member for his supplementary question. My officials work constantly with their counterparts in DARD on many issues. This is certainly one. In particular, representatives from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and DARD have a lot of overlap as regards farms and the designation of areas. The Member will be well aware of that; he speaks to me often enough about it.

The definition of a working farm has caused some consternation and confusion when it comes to the interpretation and application of planning policy. Of late, subsequent to a few decisions by the Planning Appeals Commission, it seems that planners have been assessing applications under PPS 21 CTY10 more strictly. They are looking for more evidence of what constitutes a working farm — sorry, it is not that they are looking for more evidence but that the sources of evidence that they are looking for have been reduced. Now, in all bar the most extreme cases, they will require the DARD active farm user number.

Tom Elliott (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his answers. Given the recent judicial review (JR) decision on a rural planning application in, I think, the Lisburn council area, will that mean that there will be changes from the Department to Planning Service officers on the ground in relation to dwelling applications, whether for farmers or non-farmers?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank Mr Elliott for his supplementary question. I indicated in my previous answer that the outcome of JRs or Planning Appeals Commission hearings inevitably has a knock-on impact on the interpretation and analysis or assessment of planning applications. Since a recent ruling, I have seen a tightening of PPS 21. It seems to have become somewhat more rigid. That is evidenced by the number of Members here who have brought constituents to me who, six or eight months ago, might have received permission, but, with the new reading of the rules, unfortunately have not. It is worth bearing in mind that there is a balance to be struck. I do not think that anyone would dispute that PPS 21 is much more permissive than its predecessor, PPS 14. However, it is there for a reason. There have to be rules. Any development anywhere, let alone in the countryside, must be sustainable. It is important that, whatever we arrive at through the SPPS, it recognises that. We have a job to protect the countryside as well.

John McCallister (UUP, South Down)

Does the Minister accept that there are inconsistencies in the application of the policy throughout Northern Ireland? Does he also accept that some families who get permission to build on a farm location then struggle to raise finance simply because mortgage providers are nervous about the location if ever repossession became an issue?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank Mr McCallister for his question. I have no doubt that there have been inconsistencies across the North, not only in the implementation of this planning policy but of many others. However, the issue of perceived inconsistencies with PPS 21 has been addressed to some extent by the establishment by my predecessor of a peer review group, which will look at the more contentious or complex PPS 21 applications. That group consists of senior planners from each of the planning divisions. I think that it is a very useful tool for hearing what is going on in different areas and what views planners from those areas bring to the table. It is vital as well that there is consistency right across the board when it comes to the implementation and application of any planning policy.

I have also become aware of difficulties around mortgage applications. Unfortunately, it is not something new. Historically, mortgage lenders have been cautious about things such as occupancy conditions, which are unique, almost, to countryside applications. However, they seem to have got a lot more cautious of late. I have instructed planning officials to intervene or assist applicants, where possible, be it through a letter of comfort or a letter of support to the lending company.

Gerry Kelly (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

4. asked the Minister of the Environment whether there will be an appeals mechanism for councillors in the new councils following an adjudication from the Commissioner for Complaints. (AQO 6838/11-15)

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Part 9 of the Local Government Act 2014 introduced a new ethical standards framework for councillors. That framework consists of a mandatory code of conduct for councillors, with supporting arrangements for investigation, adjudication and appeals.

Members may recall that, as a result of amendments agreed by the Assembly at the Bill’s Consideration Stage and Further Consideration Stage, provisions for a High Court appeal mechanism were introduced into the Local Government Bill. That would provide for any person who is subject to further action by the commissioner as a result of their failure to comply with the code of conduct to appeal against the decision of the commissioner to the High Court if the High Court gives the person leave to do so. The ethical standards framework was brought fully into operation on 2 June this year by commencement order.

Members may recall that, in response to concerns raised by the commissioner about the effect that the introduction of a High Court appeal mechanism could have on his constitutional position, I indicated that I was considering bringing forward a further Bill to separate the investigation and adjudication functions of the ethical standards framework. During the debate on the draft code of conduct on 27 May, I informed the Assembly that I was seeking legal advice to assist in determining whether a new adjudication model would be needed. Following my consideration of that legal advice, I take this opportunity to confirm to Members that I am satisfied that the current ethical standards framework can operate without further amendments and — you will be relieved to hear — there is no requirement to bring forward a further Bill. Therefore, the supporting mechanisms of investigation, adjudication and appeals, as currently provided in the 2014 Act, will not be subject to further change.

Gerry Kelly (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a fhreagra go dtí seo. I thank the Minister for his answer up to now. After that explanation, maybe he will tell us how the post of commissioner will be funded. How will the funding be dealt with?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank Mr Kelly for that supplementary question. There has been considerable debate, not only about the functions or role of the commissioner but about how the office will be funded from across the councils. Should it be done on a case-by-case basis, according to the number of cases coming to the commissioner from each council and should councils have to pay on that basis? However, it is my opinion that the money should be top-sliced to pay for it before it goes out and becomes a function.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

That ends the period for listed questions. We now move on to topical questions.

Pat Ramsey (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

T1. asked the Minister of the Environment, in light of a high-profile campaign by residents in the Dunfield Terrace area of Derry, what the rationale was behind the planners approving that application for housing. (AQT 1591/11-15)

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Member for his question — lots. It is not an approval that was reached lightly by the planners in Derry, particularly given the high volume of objections and, indeed, high level of media interest in the application. I took a personal look at it and toiled with it for some time. However, despite the numerous objections and grounds for objection, the planners have arrived at their decision to approve. In reaching that decision, the Department has taken into account the views of statutory consultees, Derry City Council, objectors and supporters and — the key to this — the planning history on-site. From a planning perspective, the Department considers that the principle of housing development on the site has been long established. Detailed design and roads matters, which historically have been the main impediment to some previous applications on the site, were by and large addressed in the application.

I have received regular correspondence from objectors, both in advance of the decision and subsequent to it. I have to say that I am heartened by the maturity that they have shown and with which they have received the decision. They accept that we were bound by policy and by planning history and that any outcome other than approval was extremely unlikely.

Pat Ramsey (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank the Minister for his response. There is clear evidence that it has been one of the most controversial sites, given that it is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. Is the Minister aware of proposals tabled via the council or via the residents' group for a land swap that might broker a deal that would enable housing to be built elsewhere so that that land would be retained as the beauty spot that it is?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Mr Ramsey quite rightly refers to the importance of the site in the city of Derry and its position as a strategic viewpoint for the city as a whole. As I said, I have been in regular correspondence with objectors to the scheme and have therefore been made aware of negotiations between them, the landowner and statutory agencies such as the council. I am not privy to the full detail of those discussions. However, I am aware that the residents remain hopeful of a positive outcome, and I have offered them my support to achieve one.

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

I call Mr Gregory Campbell.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

Thank you, Principal Speaker — Deputy Speaker. That was nearly a Freudian slip there.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

T2. asked the Minister of the Environment — sticking with County Londonderry rather than the city — whether he has anything to report on the planning application at Portstewart’s Strandview, given that he kindly took up my invitation to visit that area, and, in the eight months since he visited the site, there has been no outcome or response from the planners. (AQT 1592/11-15)

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank Mr Campbell for that question. I do indeed remember the site visit. I still have the scars.

Subsequent to the meeting that we held with objectors to that development, an approach was made by planning officials back to the developer. It is worth bearing it in mind that the scheme was recommended for approval. However, planners have gone back to the developer to ask him to revisit the scheme, taking into consideration some of the concerns that were raised by objectors. Some of the concerns that they raised were extremely pertinent; some were less so. Bearing it in mind that there are over 6,500 planning applications in the system at a time, as far as I am aware, revised drawings have been submitted. We looked at them and deemed that they were not perhaps sufficiently revised. We are now awaiting or have been in receipt of further revised drawings that will go some way to satisfying residents' concerns.

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

I thank the Minister for his response and his visit on that occasion. It is a picturesque beauty spot, as the Minister knows, given that he has visited the site. Will he ensure that, even with the amended drawings, the capacity for whatever number of dwellings the revised drawings indicate will be looked at in the context of the existing properties that are there and will not run counter to them?

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank the Member for his supplementary question. What I can assure him of — I hope that I already have — is that the concerns of residents were heard that day. As I said, some of the concerns or objections that they raised were more pertinent and had more weight in planning terms than others. Attempts have been made by my Department to, I suppose, get an improved deal for the residents who object to the scheme, but I cannot, at this stage, give the Member any assurances as to how improved that might be.

Phil Flanagan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

T3. asked the Minister of the Environment to give an assurance that the former MoD site at Grosvenor barracks in Enniskillen, which is a 17·2 acre site, with plans for 200 houses, and will transfer to the new Fermanagh and Omagh District Council from 1 April, will be used for social housing and will not be sold off to the highest bidder. (AQT 1593/11-15)