0:00:26 > 0:00:36it has been in the spotlight for weeks but today the final stage of
0:00:36 > 0:00:37
0:00:37 > 0:00:44the Special Advisers' Bill came before the house. I trust that in
0:00:44 > 0:00:54common language this will will become, if passed, known as an's
0:00:54 > 0:00:56
0:00:56 > 0:01:06law. The deputy first minister says the Executive is ranching out.
0:01:06 > 0:01:16
0:01:16 > 0:01:22extension to Beijing will be a Bill has cleared its final hurdle
0:01:22 > 0:01:27tonight. 56 voted in favour and 28 against. We will hear in detail what
0:01:27 > 0:01:35members had the same but first Gareth Gordon and Sam McBride. Two
0:01:35 > 0:01:45to one in favour. The drama was whether there would be a petition of
0:01:45 > 0:01:46
0:01:46 > 0:01:50concern. Dominik Bradley two weeks ago, it looked like there would be.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54That would have killed this bill stone dead. There was the whole
0:01:54 > 0:01:59drama of them changing their mind and once we learned they were going
0:01:59 > 0:02:04to abstain, which they have done, the result was inevitable. It is a
0:02:04 > 0:02:14question of when it would happen. It looked like it might go on until 3am
0:02:14 > 0:02:16
0:02:16 > 0:02:23and have -- and thankfully that has not happened. What was the tactic on
0:02:23 > 0:02:27the part of Sinn Fein? It looked like they were going to filibuster.
0:02:27 > 0:02:33Rumours started this morning that there would be an attempt to talk it
0:02:33 > 0:02:38out by Sinn Fein. It seems like the main speaker started down that
0:02:38 > 0:02:43track, lots of his speech was quite repetitive, he was taking quite a
0:02:43 > 0:02:49lot of interventions. Then he suddenly sat down and it seemed
0:02:49 > 0:02:52fairly normal debate, members speaking for or 15 minutes and the
0:02:53 > 0:02:58speaker said they would sit until 3am if necessary and it was clear
0:02:58 > 0:03:07that there would EA vote taken at some point and obviously we have a
0:03:07 > 0:03:14result. -- there would be a vote. The legislation demonstrates that
0:03:14 > 0:03:19private members bills can find their way onto the statute book. It is of
0:03:19 > 0:03:24enormous significance. Their run our record numbers of members bringing
0:03:24 > 0:03:29forward these bills. They have realised that with the absence of
0:03:29 > 0:03:36substantial legislation coming from the Executive they have the power to
0:03:36 > 0:03:40bypass civil servants and get things onto the statute book themselves.
0:03:40 > 0:03:49has been a tough few weeks for the S DLP, caught in the middle on this
0:03:49 > 0:03:59one. Colum Eastwood was sitting alongside the Sinn Fein Special
0:03:59 > 0:04:06
0:04:06 > 0:04:13Adviser Paul Kavanagh at a gay lick for all match. -- Gaelic. The SDLP
0:04:13 > 0:04:17have come out with the bloodiest nose and perhaps in a way that is
0:04:17 > 0:04:21their own fault. They were dammed if they did and if they didn't but they
0:04:21 > 0:04:31dithered and appeared to change their mind, there was talk of splits
0:04:31 > 0:04:36
0:04:36 > 0:04:43and even talk of certain MLA possibly signing a petition of
0:04:43 > 0:04:48concern. The pressure continued inside the chamber tonight and
0:04:49 > 0:04:57outside with competing victims groups focusing on the STL P so it
0:04:57 > 0:05:04has been a very difficult time for them. -- the S DLP.
0:05:04 > 0:05:13Thank you very much for now. Let's have a flavour of today's debate.
0:05:13 > 0:05:23Fundamentally, this bill is about writing a great wrong. Those who
0:05:23 > 0:05:24
0:05:24 > 0:05:31agree and those who disagree no that the appointment of Mary McCulloch in
0:05:31 > 0:05:392011 caused great public unease for many and great disquiet and great
0:05:39 > 0:05:47debate. But, above that, great hurt in particular for the family of her
0:05:47 > 0:05:54victim. This bill first and foremost is about writing that wrong and
0:05:54 > 0:06:04saying, never again should it happen to anyone else. The attempts by Mr
0:06:04 > 0:06:04
0:06:04 > 0:06:12Paul Kavanagh in his pity me interviews when he says this bill is
0:06:12 > 0:06:20vindictive, it will rob me of my job, this is a man who robbed at
0:06:20 > 0:06:24least three human beings of their lives. As officially this bill must
0:06:25 > 0:06:34officially be called the Special Advisers' Bill but I trust in common
0:06:35 > 0:06:35
0:06:35 > 0:06:43language it will become, if passed, to be known as Anne's Law. That
0:06:43 > 0:06:50would be a tribute to her and her family and the tremendous courage
0:06:50 > 0:06:58that has been shown. The S DLP needs to think carefully about what they
0:06:58 > 0:07:04are about to do today. Each of their MLAs has an opportunity, and I
0:07:04 > 0:07:12emphasise each of them, has an opportunity to stop discrimination
0:07:12 > 0:07:20being introduced in this house. This is Jim Allister trying to bring the
0:07:20 > 0:07:24old Stormont into the new Assembly, to reintroduce real discrimination.
0:07:24 > 0:07:30This bill, because it is reliant on the findings of a flawed legal
0:07:30 > 0:07:36system of the past, also ensures that those who fired the guns and
0:07:36 > 0:07:44killed 14 people on bloody Sunday are not banned from being Special
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Advisers. This bill protects those... People have not been
0:07:48 > 0:07:52tortured and had confessions beaten out of them. In accordance with all
0:07:52 > 0:08:00of the people alleged to be informers who were shot in the back
0:08:00 > 0:08:04of the skull, what mechanism did they have? I have been clear that
0:08:04 > 0:08:10this conflict involved many parties, the UVF, the British
0:08:10 > 0:08:17Army... Are you going to let me finish the point? Thereon many
0:08:18 > 0:08:27parties in this conflict, the IRA, the UVF, the British Army, the Royal
0:08:28 > 0:08:30
0:08:30 > 0:08:40Ulster Constabulary. They're rather those who served in the RUC, the
0:08:40 > 0:08:40
0:08:41 > 0:08:46British Army, who sit in this chamber. -- there are those.
0:08:46 > 0:08:52served in the RUC and I have never killed anybody. I believe the person
0:08:52 > 0:08:59who brought this whole thing about callously was there when Ms
0:08:59 > 0:09:05Travers' sister was murdered. She is guilty as sin. I as a serving
0:09:05 > 0:09:14officer was very proud to serve in the RUC and unlike some members of
0:09:14 > 0:09:19this house I say I served in the RUC, from 1977 until 2001. I feel
0:09:19 > 0:09:26that Unionism would be rubbing the face of those from a Republican
0:09:26 > 0:09:31background in the dirt if they had appointed somebody such as Johnny
0:09:31 > 0:09:36Adair to a position, not that we would ever think of doing that. If
0:09:36 > 0:09:40we had have, it would have created that issue. We have had quite a bit
0:09:40 > 0:09:45of what I would call filibustering going on this morning and this
0:09:45 > 0:09:48afternoon to try to drag this matter out. All of the talking has been
0:09:48 > 0:09:52done all of the evidence that we have heard has already been
0:09:52 > 0:09:58presented to the committee, and I stand to support the Bill as
0:09:58 > 0:10:02presented. I have heard a lot of speculation, scaremongering that
0:10:02 > 0:10:07this is the thin end of the wedge and we will move on to try to stop
0:10:07 > 0:10:11people with conflict related convictions from becoming teachers
0:10:12 > 0:10:18and the rest. Of course not. It seems to be a message being sent out
0:10:18 > 0:10:25by Sinn Fein to the faithful, don't worry, we may now be wearing suits
0:10:25 > 0:10:30but we haven't forgotten our roots. As others have already stated, this
0:10:30 > 0:10:33issue has become much broader than the words on the paper or the direct
0:10:33 > 0:10:42consequences of the legislation. It has become a vocal point for
0:10:42 > 0:10:47highlighting the frustrations at the lack of concern for the needs of
0:10:47 > 0:10:50victims 15 years after the Good Friday agreement. We are trying to
0:10:50 > 0:10:54get demands for enquiries when instead we need a conference of
0:10:54 > 0:10:58process for dealing with the past. Until we reach that point we will
0:10:58 > 0:11:03have to make calls on individual matters coming before us. The
0:11:03 > 0:11:07challenge is to make sure that what we do is not fundamentally against
0:11:07 > 0:11:16the spirit and letter of where this society has evolved and I don't
0:11:16 > 0:11:23believe that voting for this bill goes against this. Her position on
0:11:23 > 0:11:28victims have always been clear. All victims are entitled to justice. An
0:11:28 > 0:11:33equitable and fair treatment, regardless of circumstances. That is
0:11:33 > 0:11:39even regardless of their membership of a political party or employment
0:11:39 > 0:11:46by the political party, that doesn't increase the entitlement or their
0:11:46 > 0:11:52preference. It does mean that equally that employment does not
0:11:52 > 0:11:57entitle them to priority over other victim. I wonder, while you have set
0:11:57 > 0:12:03about that position, if you could explain how you construct of the
0:12:03 > 0:12:09pecking order. I assumed you are referring to some of you agents
0:12:09 > 0:12:12yesterday spending confusion, and they did quite a bit of it. I think
0:12:12 > 0:12:18that this is part of the Sinn Fein effort to deflect from the issue
0:12:18 > 0:12:22here, and if they want to get down to the bones of the issue then we
0:12:22 > 0:12:30will get down to the bones of the issue. I am capable of getting down
0:12:30 > 0:12:35and dirty with them. I will spell it out for Mr McLauchlan, who seems to
0:12:35 > 0:12:41be a bit of a slow learner sometimes. In Sinn Fein employee, or
0:12:41 > 0:12:45one of the elite, has no priority over any other victim, and the
0:12:45 > 0:12:51perpetrator has no priority over any other victim because he is a
0:12:51 > 0:12:59perpetrator. Is that simple? Is that clear? I am seeing he gets no
0:12:59 > 0:13:03pecking order. If you want the pecking order... Order! Order!Mr
0:13:04 > 0:13:09Speaker, I know what I said at I will have a class for slow learners
0:13:09 > 0:13:13at some stage if they need it. given the responsibility prior to
0:13:13 > 0:13:23the Good Friday negotiations by my party to be the Sinn Fein chief
0:13:23 > 0:13:23
0:13:23 > 0:13:31negotiator. Around me was gathered the very experienced team of
0:13:31 > 0:13:35ex-prisoners. They were also a very experienced team of negotiators.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40People who were absolutely, wholeheartedly, in favour of the
0:13:40 > 0:13:47peace process. Wholeheartedly in favour of inclusive negotiations.
0:13:47 > 0:13:53And wholeheartedly willing to accept the outcome of those negotiations.
0:13:53 > 0:13:59People should not underestimate the contribution made by people who were
0:13:59 > 0:14:06former political prisoners. The contribution that they have made has
0:14:06 > 0:14:11been absolutely immense. Paul Kavanagh as a friend of mine and I'm
0:14:11 > 0:14:17of that. Paul Kavanagh is an ex-prisoner, Paul Kavanagh is
0:14:17 > 0:14:24someone who has played his heart and soul into the peace process, who has
0:14:24 > 0:14:29enormous credibility in the city from which I come, widely admired
0:14:29 > 0:14:36within the community and voluntary sector for the work that he did
0:14:36 > 0:14:46indeed Brandy will box eight area. And now he finds himself at the coal
0:14:46 > 0:14:46
0:14:46 > 0:14:49face of this maelstrom around the issue of advisers. Let everyone in
0:14:49 > 0:14:55this house remember that he was not the first adviser who was an
0:14:55 > 0:15:05ex-prisoner. It goes back 14 years and there are people sitting here in
0:15:05 > 0:15:05
0:15:05 > 0:15:13this house no who are pontificating about this issue who knew that. So
0:15:13 > 0:15:18what's changed? I will tell you. The TUV got a member elected at the last
0:15:18 > 0:15:28assembly elections and as I said when I tweeted last week after I got
0:15:28 > 0:15:29
0:15:29 > 0:15:33back from China, we have the ludicrous situation where one and
0:15:33 > 0:15:41the agreement unionist has been able to pick the SDLP up by detail and
0:15:41 > 0:15:44swing them all around. Martin McGuinness speaking from the
0:15:44 > 0:15:49backbenches. There was other business at Stormont today and the
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Deputy first Minister was heavily involved. He told the assembly that
0:15:53 > 0:15:59the executive would like a permanent Northern Ireland office in Asian.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04Peter Robinson had just returned from a visit to China. We visited
0:16:04 > 0:16:12Beijing and this followed a successful visit from Beijing to
0:16:12 > 0:16:17Belfast last April. Since this visit, she has been promoted to the
0:16:17 > 0:16:21vice premier of the People's Chinese republic with overall responsibility
0:16:21 > 0:16:25for health and education and science and technology. We were delighted to
0:16:25 > 0:16:28be able to secure a meeting with her, and the fact that we read the
0:16:28 > 0:16:32first ministers from this part of the world to meet her since her
0:16:32 > 0:16:37promotion. We discussed the potential of opening a bugle
0:16:37 > 0:16:47representing our executive in Asian, and this will be someone we will
0:16:47 > 0:16:52
0:16:52 > 0:16:55explore with executive colleagues. -- executive in Beijing. I know
0:16:55 > 0:17:02that's everyone will appreciate the importance of having these
0:17:02 > 0:17:06facilities. It will build up very important contact in the United
0:17:06 > 0:17:10States and Brussels. Given that it is accepted that China as an
0:17:10 > 0:17:14economic powerhouse, probably in a few years time it will be the
0:17:15 > 0:17:19largest economy in the world, it would be absolutely remiss of us not
0:17:19 > 0:17:26to consider the opportunity of having a similar establishment, a
0:17:26 > 0:17:29bugle, in Beijing. It is an opportunity for all tourist
0:17:29 > 0:17:36organisations including those in Ireland to try and attract the
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Chinese to this part of the world. That is something we are very
0:17:40 > 0:17:46focused on an something we will discuss with relevant departments.
0:17:46 > 0:17:52We are agreed that we must do more. Things like the Titanic exhibit is
0:17:52 > 0:17:57huge in China, and not a lot of people in China will know that the
0:17:57 > 0:18:04Titanic was built in Belfast. 83 million Chinese people travel
0:18:04 > 0:18:08overseas eg, and in doing so they spent something like 1.3 LU dollars
0:18:08 > 0:18:15and obviously we would like to have some of that spent here. -- 1.3
0:18:15 > 0:18:21billion dollars. We believe that we need to be visiting these places and
0:18:21 > 0:18:28not leaving it to others to speak on our behalf or maybe not speak on her
0:18:28 > 0:18:32behalf as might be the case in some circumstances. In that regard, I
0:18:32 > 0:18:38think that we are playing catch up in terms of the Irish government
0:18:38 > 0:18:46operation and I think that the lessons we have learned in our
0:18:46 > 0:18:54recent visit. Those in good stead as we develop our relationship. This is
0:18:54 > 0:18:58why we think the establishment of a bureau would be a good thing.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03Martin McGuinness was also on duty during question time for the office
0:19:03 > 0:19:07of first and deputy first ministers. He praised the first Balmoral show
0:19:07 > 0:19:11and talk about the economic recovery and answered questions on Northern
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Ireland's libel laws. Does the dip in the first Minister agree with me
0:19:15 > 0:19:24that there must be greater clarity for members of the public and others
0:19:24 > 0:19:29to understand the impact of the defamation act? There has been some
0:19:29 > 0:19:34commentating on this Indymedia over the course of the past couple of
0:19:34 > 0:19:38weeks. -- in the media. It is fair to say that by this stage there is
0:19:38 > 0:19:44not a party in this house that is unaware of each of the other parties
0:19:44 > 0:19:49positions on this matter. All I can say is that I have not seen anything
0:19:49 > 0:19:56from the Department of Finance or personnel in relation to this matter
0:19:56 > 0:20:00arrive for the consideration of myself in the first Minister. It is
0:20:00 > 0:20:05important to say that the executive has not taken any decision in
0:20:05 > 0:20:10relation to the defamation Bill, it's never appeared on the agenda of
0:20:10 > 0:20:14any executive meeting. It certainly was never given to me as to the
0:20:14 > 0:20:20first Minister, as is normally the case prior to meeting the executive
0:20:20 > 0:20:23for agreement to be made between myself and the first Minister in
0:20:23 > 0:20:27relation to what goes on the agenda of an executive meeting. The reason
0:20:27 > 0:20:32for that is that I have not seen anything from the Department of
0:20:32 > 0:20:39Finance and personnel on this matter. This year's Royal Ulster
0:20:39 > 0:20:44agricultural Society's Shaw was a great success, the final visitors
0:20:44 > 0:20:46figures are not yet available but the chairman of the Corporation
0:20:46 > 0:20:51stated that attendance at significantly increased from
0:20:51 > 0:20:59previous years, estimating some 100,000 people attended the show
0:20:59 > 0:21:06over the three days. Given the shock lead in time and the lack of
0:21:06 > 0:21:10essential facilities, this is commendable and without doubt
0:21:10 > 0:21:14helping contribute to the success of the show. There were some
0:21:14 > 0:21:19frustrating traffic delays accessing the site, particularly in the first
0:21:19 > 0:21:28day of the event, but through the combined efforts of those involved,
0:21:28 > 0:21:34the RFU ESN the road service and the Corporation staff, this was just
0:21:34 > 0:21:38over the remaining days of the show. There is no doubt that our economy
0:21:38 > 0:21:43has come through a very difficult period of the past five years, we
0:21:43 > 0:21:49have seen some positive development from the labour market with
0:21:49 > 0:21:56announcements of the creation of more than 100,000 new jobs. Economic
0:21:56 > 0:21:57forecast also predict a bit time to growth for this year, but it is too
0:21:57 > 0:22:02early to predict significant improvement on our unemployment
0:22:02 > 0:22:06statistics. He first Minister and I will continue to put economic
0:22:06 > 0:22:09recovery at the centre of our efforts and we are working closely
0:22:09 > 0:22:14with the British prime minister and tragedy to ensure that they fulfil
0:22:14 > 0:22:19their financial commitments to stimulating our economy and we will
0:22:19 > 0:22:23remain tireless in our efforts to Chase investment and trade
0:22:23 > 0:22:30opportunities. The enterprise minister Arlene
0:22:30 > 0:22:34Foster also faced questions today as she robustly defended the work of
0:22:34 > 0:22:40SNI over the past few years. She was also questioned over the electricity
0:22:40 > 0:22:44price hike. My officials allegedly to the likelihood of a place in
0:22:44 > 0:22:50crease as a result of a tariff review, but this was subject to
0:22:50 > 0:22:57eight final analysis and I was advised of the final decision on the
0:22:57 > 0:23:0220th of May 2013. I thank the Minister, could she informed the
0:23:02 > 0:23:09house if she was, if her officials were content with the process and
0:23:09 > 0:23:13what the price rise, what the applications are for meeting the
0:23:14 > 0:23:19target of 40% renewables and the cost implications of that? It is not
0:23:19 > 0:23:26a question of whether my officials were content or not, the utility
0:23:26 > 0:23:33regulator is the office charged with setting the Pace Tallis and he has
0:23:33 > 0:23:43said that he is so intent with the increase. -- setting the price
0:23:43 > 0:23:44
0:23:44 > 0:23:52Tallis. We understand that the fuel costs have risen and this has given
0:23:52 > 0:23:55rise to the place rise, of course it does present many challenges for
0:23:55 > 0:24:00consumers, domestic and small business consumers, of course they
0:24:00 > 0:24:05large energy users are not in the same way regulated. Their price is
0:24:05 > 0:24:09dealt with through the electricity market in a competitive way. But it
0:24:09 > 0:24:13does present us with a huge amount of challenges and I have asked for
0:24:13 > 0:24:20some work to be carried out in relation to the whole energy market
0:24:20 > 0:24:24to find out exactly where the costs are coming from so we can be better
0:24:24 > 0:24:28informed. Hopefully my own department and the rest of this
0:24:28 > 0:24:32house. Could he Minister give me some indication as to what steps
0:24:32 > 0:24:37will be taken by her department and the wider executive to ensure that
0:24:37 > 0:24:43vulnerable groups are not forced into deeper debt by increased Delta
0:24:43 > 0:24:51city bills? Energy costs will be a significant burden not least for the
0:24:51 > 0:24:54most vulnerable, we do offer discounts for customers who opt for
0:24:54 > 0:24:59online billing and payment by direct debit and offer incentives for
0:24:59 > 0:25:03keypad customers. We will continue to work closely with colleagues in
0:25:03 > 0:25:07other departments, as he knows the Department of social development
0:25:07 > 0:25:10takes the lead in allusion to the fuel poverty area and we have been
0:25:10 > 0:25:16working with them in relation to a cross sector on fuel poverty
0:25:16 > 0:25:22partnership. Can the Minister give us an update on the performance of
0:25:22 > 0:25:28SNI over the past two years? I thank the member for his question. We have
0:25:28 > 0:25:31been pleased with the performance of investor Northern Ireland, they were
0:25:31 > 0:25:38set targets by the executive in the programme for government and then
0:25:38 > 0:25:44latterly in the economic strategy. In terms of the jobs promoted we
0:25:44 > 0:25:49have had 13,870 jobs promoted, secured total investment as I have
0:25:49 > 0:25:55indicated of 784 million, and that is against a 40 year target of 1
0:25:55 > 0:25:59billion, so we are well on our way to meeting that target. We have also
0:25:59 > 0:26:08secured total wages and salaries of 100 naked million, and created, and
0:26:08 > 0:26:16I think that is the key elements to the Joslin, we have created $2619.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20-- 109 million. The target for the jobs fund for the four years was
0:26:20 > 0:26:274000 so we are well on track. The previous events and indeed the
0:26:27 > 0:26:32precise route of the geode Italia will be set by the organisers of the
0:26:32 > 0:26:37race, the RCS, the organisation that is working with a Northern Irish to
0:26:37 > 0:26:42the sport and tours in Ireland. So it is very difficult to say at this
0:26:42 > 0:26:45precise moment where the event will be but what I can say is that
0:26:45 > 0:26:50Northern Ireland will be ace your pink during that time and I am
0:26:50 > 0:26:56expecting everyone in this assembly to don their pink lycra and do their
0:26:56 > 0:27:03bit for Ulster. The enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Back to John with his final thoughts. Let's talk about the Lord
0:27:07 > 0:27:10lead story which broke over the weekend. The Ulster Unionist peer
0:27:10 > 0:27:16being investigated by the authorities in the House of Lords.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20What is your take? It was quite unbelievable in some ways to see
0:27:20 > 0:27:30Lord Laird not just seemingly cotton one sting by one paper but by two
0:27:30 > 0:27:34papers, seemingly. There are all sorts of questions about this, and
0:27:34 > 0:27:38it is interesting how to make Nesbitt has handled this. He has had
0:27:39 > 0:27:41huge disciplinary problems and he has come in for understandable
0:27:41 > 0:27:46criticism. He seems to have learned from some of these and withheld his
0:27:46 > 0:27:51judgement initially and then on Sunday morning at the Saudi videos
0:27:51 > 0:27:55he said, I will remove the work pending the outcome of the
0:27:55 > 0:28:02investigation. -- E saw the videos. It shows that he is in some ways
0:28:02 > 0:28:09learning as a leader. We should point out that he denies wrongdoing.
0:28:09 > 0:28:14Belfast now has a new Lord Mayor. will be fascinating to see what that
0:28:14 > 0:28:20means for Gavin Robinson. This has generally been regarded as a
0:28:20 > 0:28:23successful Lord Mayor, has attracted support in terms of how he has
0:28:24 > 0:28:28handled this position from the likes of Sinn Fein. Just as we are talking
0:28:28 > 0:28:33about special advisers, there is some suggestion that the medical go
0:28:33 > 0:28:39back and has a special adviser. The flag protests have died down, they