16/04/2013 Stormont Today

Local an welcome to Stormont Today. Coming up on the programme. MLAs pay

tribute to the victims of the Boston bombings.

And the agricultural committee grills officials about their

handling of the snow crisis. We will hear from the chair of the committee

and the journalist Steven McCaffery will be here with his analysis of

the events on the hill. Today's proceedings at Stormont

began with the Assembly members paying respects to the victims of

yesterday's bomb attacks in Boston. Three people were killed, including

an eight-year-old boy and at least 140 were injured in the blasts at

the finish line of the city's marathon. The Assembly tributes were

led by the SDLP's Alex Attwood behalf of the intped icon vase

sympathy and condolences to the Boston mayor, the Governor of

Massachusetts, to the people of Boston, to the marathon participants

and their families, I think Mr Speaker, there has been a particular

relationship not just between Ireland and Boston, but between

Derry and Boston, between Belfast and Boston, and with the people of

Northern Ireland, and the people of Boston. And, all of us who have been

to Boston will know that the city is at once American, European and

Irish. I think many of us Mr Speaker, will have heard the

interview with the Boston journalist who is very well-known to

politicians and the people of Ireland, and of the north, and his

interview, where he told the story, of the young boy, greeting his

father, as he passed the marathon finishing spot, returning to his

mother, and sister, only then to be caught up in the bombing, with the

young child losing his life. I think that Kevin captured the awfulness

and the loss, what happened on the streets of Boston yesterday.

Mr Speaker, when I was a little younger I had the great opportunity

to run the Boston Marathon on two occasion, and there is nothing like

it. To come down that finishing stretch, with the sense of some

achievement, fun, and for many people, having contribute

contributed to chartable cause, and all of that is in sharp and chilling

contrast to the images of what we saw in Boston yesterday. But I think

we should also remember, Mr Speaker, that the scenes and means of terror

in Boston yesterday, had previously been visited upon us in our own

experience, bombs in a crowded street, in refuse bin, leading to

the death of a child. I think we should, in remembering the people of

Boston today, also remember that there will be others who the pain

and poignancy of what happened yesterday, is very relevant to their

own lives. Thank you Mr Speakerer, may I on

behalf of my party extend our sincere sympathy to the people of

Boston, and indeed the people of the United States, on this tragedy,

which unfolded yesterday. I know that in term terms, listening to the

journalist this morning, and it was a poignant story he told in relation

to the 8-year-old boy, and his sister, injured mother injured, and

the father had just -- father had just run the marathon. Always as Mr

At wood says many times terror has struck our streets and similarly,

innocent people have paid the price. Alex Attwood. Terrorism is wrong,

from no matter what quarter it comes from and cannot be condoned, in any

circumstances, or in any situation. There is no doubt the people that

carried out this particular evil, were terrorist, you cannot describe

them as anything else, their intention was to Serb tries and they

have succeeded. -- John Terry rice. I heard the

reports on Radio Ulster as I was driving up, and it started off by

actually playing the bombs going off. And that terror, will be

revisited on people who live in Northern Ireland.

I almost froze as I was driving up the road. Because I immediately

thought of Omagh. On 15th August 1998, when my town was visited by

evil people. And that fear came back in to me, that we could be seeing

this revisited on us again. On the 15th June 1988, in Lisburn, six

soldiers were murdered, at a similar event by terrorists.

No excuse can be made for this type of activity. I listened to the story

of the father crossing the line, and his eight-year-old son running into

his arms. I am not a father, but if I were and I could hold my

eight-year-old son and share that moment with him, it would be a

moment you would never forget. But then, some evil people decide

they were going to detonate a bomb. And how can any human being do that

to another? My thoughts will be with the pupil of Boston over the coming

days. -- people. But my thoughts will be with those who have lost

relatives in similar circumstance, and particular willy the families of

the soldiers who were murdered on the -- particularly the families of

the soldiers who were murdered. Who needlessly lost their lives in a

similar situation. Terrorists copy each other. . In the first instance

can I on behalf of Sinn Fein, send our couldn't lentses to the family

-- condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones yesterday

in Boston. Alex Attwood, when he was speaking alluded to the great

connection between Derry and Boston, and many people will remember Derry

and Boston vents, the recent initiatives between the people of

our city and Boston, indeed many, many former mayor, etch some who

severed in this House have visited Boston on behalf of the city, and I

know the current mayor this morning has been in contact with his counter

part in Boston, to send condolences on behalf of the people of Derry and

Ireland. This wasn't just an attack on the people of Boston, this was an

attack on the international community. This was the Boston

Marathon, one of those prestigious, if not the most prestigious marathon

race round the world, attracting participants from a whole range of

country, including from here in Northern Ireland, and elsewhere, in

these islands. Mr Hussy is right when he remined us that not only --

minded us, that not only in the generality of the great swathe of

terrorism, to which Northern Ireland was subjected, but within that we

have had specific incidents, like the Lisburn attack, where again,

advantage was taken by wicked terrorists, of the gathering of

people, on a fun occasion, to wreak havoc and leave a trail of death,

and destruction. I like all colleagues here, would

have been appalled and shocked, when we learned of the event, in Boston.

I too, like other colleagues listened to that very moving

interview, this morning, on Radio Ulster. Sort of brings it home, as

both as individuals or as parents, the pain and agony that random acts

of terror can visit. People from my own constituency, and from probably

neighbouring Newry and Armagh that were over reign raiding money nor

the southern area hospice, those type of event events that go to to

raise money, to bring out the very best, in human nature, to help and

support others, that it should end in such horror, I think it is truly

shocking and it has appalled each and every one of us, I do hope that

those responsible are brought to justice speedily. That was John

McCallister -- John McCallister. Thank you for joining us, it was

obvious watching that report, that last night's attack on Boston did

strike a chord with members here. Yes, absolutely. It was the most

emotional striking element of today's proceedings by far, and

there was genuine concern and genuine emotion in the room, it was

clear that the account of events in Boston given by the journalist Kevin

Cullen, somebody who is familiar to people in this area, it has a

powerful effect and then it caused people to reflect on some of the

similar scenes we have seen, and it struck the Assembly member, they

weren't just going through the emotion, there was genuine upset

there for the disturbing images we have seen. It is not the first time

we have been sitting in this studio talking about another rather

truncated day in the chamber. It would have been a busy day with the

Welfare Bill due to be discussed, but it was withdrawn, as we know,

remind us of what is happening with that, and why it has not been

debated. . Well, not only is it going to have a huge impact on the

lives of a lot of people, more so than much of what is discussed in

the Assembly, it is something that has become a hugely divisive issue

twine the DUP and Sinn Fein. Sinn Fein have made it clear they are

prepared to use petition of concern, even on a multiple basis to block

the element they are most exercised about. The reason it was held, it

has to be fully explained, it may be it is feeding into the discussion

the BBC has reported, of the two parties brokering an agreement

political editor has been reporting this big clear the air meeting

between the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, where

everything was on the table, the Welfare Bill, and other matters, to

try to get them back on track again? Well, I mean, dependling on who you

speak to, on the face of it the arguments we saw at the start of

this week were visceral, there seemed to be genuine discord between

the party, some of their political opponent claim there is a sham fight

about this, but regardless of that, from a public point of view, there

was a big bust up and there was an attempt to draw a line under that

and move forward. But that will be measured on delivery and what comes

out of it. Now, there are a number of factor, once being the

politicians faced the choice of them setting the agenda in terms of

breaking the deadlock or vents taking over outside. With the G8

coming they might be the ones to change thing, but what can they

deliver? We have had the Welfare Bill, a mennion of -- just a mention

of the Special Advisers Bill. What is happening with that? It is only

two stage stages away, so it was surprising it wasn't put forward.

The listen is one aspect refers to the Civil Service commissioner, now

taking a role but it seems that will have to be rubber-stamped by the

Secretary of State. We will hear more from you later. There is

concern in rural communities according to one MLA about the

possibility of local primary schools closing their doors. It follows the

publication of plans in March outlining scores of schools at risk

of closure. Today, the Education Minister was asked for more details.

From the outset of this area planning process, I have said this

is not a budget driven process. I could continue with the budget I

have and keep all the schools open we have. Across the board, but I do

not believe it would be a proper use of resources.

It wouldn't be beneficial to the education of our young people

either. So when it comes to a decision round any school, and in

this instance you refer to rural school, through the development

proposal and before I make any decision, all the criteria will be

taken into account, and the educational wellbeing of the child

will be first and foremost. We have taken into consideration what

alternative school will the pupils The information which was published

within the area plans a lot of the concerns arise from the fact as to

how the media published the information and that they published

lists of schools particularly in rural communities under the

criteria of 105. I'm on record, I put it on record again, this is not

a numbers game. It's not an economic equation. It is an

education equation I'm involving myself in. There is rural

communities out there that require and will continue to have very

small schools within their vicinity because they are required and what

is right for that community. I have listened carefully to the Minister.

I know he is awash with reports and all sorts of things. Could he tell

the House how does he measure the likely impact the closure of a

rural school will have on a community? If we knew that we might

better understand the other issues that he is discussed with us today?

I measure through the development proposal process, which is a

statutory process in which involves two stages. Firstly, pre-

consultation process. With the managing authority of the school

will engage with the Board of Governors of the school to discuss

the future of the school and other interested parties. If the managing

authority decides the best way forward is to publish a development

proposal for closure it moves into a two month consultation process

where I take written and verbal recipations. There are two measures

I need to take into account. Those young people who through no fault

of their own were allowed to attend unsustainable schools throughout

their education career because no- one had the courage to make the

decision to close it. The South Down MLA, Jim Wells, has

described the low number of visually impaired people in full-

time employment as a "disgrace." During Employment and Learning

Questions, Mr Wells pressed the Minister, Stephen Farry, on what he

can do to mitigate the difficulties Through the additional support fund

my department provides �3.5 million each year to further education

colleges for support and assistance to students with learning

difficulties or disabilities. Students with learning difficulty

or disability are assessed to determine the level of support they

require. For visually impaired impaired students there may be

technical aids, learning material in alternative format and personal

support. We provided funding for an information hub for learners to

improve access about college provision, services and the support

available. The department provides funding for the development of

online guides for disabled students. These guides were developed by

disabled GO, the UK's leading provider of disabled access

information. They provide information on campus lay out,

signage. They help people to access college premises and make the best

use of facilities. Visually impaired are offered orientation

visits tie Lou them become familiar of the lay out of the buildings,

assistance is there to ensure safety between going between

classes. They can make use of a budding engagement. Especially in

the event of an emergency. Will he accept from me that those who pass

through further education in Northern Ireland, who are visually

impaired, the outcomes, in terms of employment are extremely bleak?

Indeed, the RNIB in a recent survey showed that 25% of blind and

visually impaired adults in Northern Ireland are in full-time

paid employment. That is a dreadful indictment of the system that

allows so many capable people to end up with no form of paid

employment? I thank him for his question and highlighting that

issue. The first thing to say, anyone who comes through, whether

it is the further education system or the higher education system with

a qualification is a peer and of equal standing to anyone else with

the same level of attainment. We still have issues and barriers

within the wider employer network in this regard, but I do believe

that there are many employers who now recognise that either blind or

visually impaired people have a lot to offer to their workforce. My

department has the disability employment service and have

programmes there to assist people with a range of disabilities in the

workplace. I think it's important that we continue to highlight that

those are available. More than 20,000 sheep were lost in

the recent snow storms and it may be next month before all the dead

animals are found and counted. The news emerged as the Stormont

Agriculture Committee quizzed departmental officials on their

handling of the crisis. The so-called 'spring blizzard'

last month was one of the worst on record and has left farmers,

particularly those with livestock on hills, counting huge costs.

The Chair of the Agriculture Committee, Paul Frew, is with me

now. Thank you for joining us. It was a huge challenge for farmers

and for the Department. You have got concerns and you expressed them

today in the committee meeting that departmental officials didn't quite

measure up to the challenge? believe they react toad late to

this crisis. I think, as the emergency evolved over that weekend,

I think the Minister and the department were slow to react. I

believe they should have had people on the ground. I had called for the

deployment of TA. She had asked for air support. I believe then when

she got that air support she let it go too soon. I believe if we had

retained the air support and the Chinook helicopters, the two of

them, we have saved thousands upon thousands of livestock. You think

that. Do you have evidence for that? The officials today suggested

they did everything they were asked to do. That food was dropped to

sheep where sheep were seen. Short of dropping individuals in to dig

sheep out there wasn't anything else that could be done?

Chinook helicopters can carry tonnes and tonnes of cargo, feed,

but they can carry personnel. I believe personnel could have been

dropped in and helped farmers find and locate livestock and it would

have saved them. I have evidence to suggest there are sheep being

pulled out even yesterday alive from the snowdrifts. I believe that

whilst the Minister made the decision to withdraw the air

support, the likes of the Mountain Rescue team were pulling livestock

out and they could have helped produced more... Better results

with regard to this livestock being saved. Are you satisfied the

Department was not motivated by cost, do you accept that?

concerned. Thiss with a question that was raised at the last

committee meeting we had discussions on this. The question

was put, you know, the cost of the Chinooks. I wouldn't like to think

there was cost involved in the decision-making process. The full

cost son the farming community. They said it was for technical

reasons, not because of cost? asked the question. I fut down on a

written question to the minister with regard cost and if this was

part of the decision-making process. I'm not convinced as yet. I don't

believe the technical advice they would have received would have

suggested that they did not need the air support. I believe at that

point it was about speed and the Chinooks would have produced speed.

You are a lone voice in respect in the committee today. There were

sheep farmers there. They had an opportunity to criticise the

department. They choose not to take that opportunity. It sounds like

they are a lot happier with what was done for them than you are?

When you are a farmer and you are in dire straits will you accept any

help. I must stress, the Chinook helicopters were a God send. The

farming community realised that. They did produce results and get

feed to the hillsides. The farming community are thankful for the help

and support that they did receive. I, as Chairman of Agriculture

Committee must scrutinise this and scrutinise the actions of the

Minister and the Department. I feel they let the farmers down. Are you

satisfied that the compensation scheme or hardship scheme put in

place for farmers will be fair? needs to be fair and drawn down

quickly. The reports we are hearing, the talks we are having in the

farming community, we need the money now. We need to get something

that is balanced, that is fair, it something that can be produced

within a matter of weeks. We heard today it could be a couple of

months. That is unacceptable. rather than months? It has to be

weeks. Thank you very much. A "hugely excellent choice", that's

how one MLA described the Prime Minister's decision to locate the

G8 Summit in Fermanagh. But while the world's leaders and

entourages will be getting a look at the lakeland county, there are

also concerns about policing, protesters and price - who will be

footing the bill for the June gathering?

It all came out in the final debate of the day. The budget of the

entire security situation is, obviously, another aspect. Who is

going to meet that budget? I'd like to hear if that is going to be met

by the United Kingdom Government, how much is come from the Northern

Ireland Executive and how much of it is coming from the other nations

that will be involved in the G8 Summit? That is important as well

to get some perspective on it and how much will be required,

particularly from our local Executive. I'm led to believe that

there will be a quite a significant fence going up around the resort

itself and there are all sorts of rumours in County Fermanagh, as I'm

sure you, Deputy Speaker and others will appreciate, some of these

rumours are indicating that the fence will be so high this they may

have to put out warnings to flights going over it that it may actually

affect the flights. Anyway... Regrettably, events such as the G8

Summit also attract all the Mall contents and anarchists from, not

only within our own society, but indeed from right across the world.

I suspect that this will be no different when it arrives here in

the very near future. They see it as a window of opportunity to

express their worse excesses. We have to look at the despicable

behaviour of a loud minority who have raised their heads since the

death of the former Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher. I would like to

take this opportunity it denounce, unreservedly, those who engage in

such low-life activity. I trust the Minister will have a similar

understanding as the Chief Constable view that the British

government will pick up the bill because it's their gig. That's,

basically, that. We have paid a loft attention in the Policing

Board to the question of mutual aid and police officers from Great

Britain spending time here they clear message to the world media,

to the G8 leaders. They can be facilitated in doing so. That is

many people's big concern about this G. That the message and the

legacy that goes around the world will be based upon how the genuine

campaigners. Not everyone wants to engage in violence. It has been

assessed that the summit and vairyousz events will attract mass

protest groups. There are some indications of that planning

already. Police are planning for major security operations at the

summit venue, at the airport and other locations. Planning is well

advance for each of these locations. The final itinerary of the world

leaders are not fully established much we are not awork of the

protest arrangements at this stage. Some of the plans do not include

fences high enough to disrupt the operation of the international

airport. I would like to reassure members and the wider public it's

the intention that both of our airports will remain open to the

travelling public throughout. Effort is being expended to ensure

that security arrangements cause as little does ruption as possible.

Steven McCaffery is still with me. Steven, I want to talk to you about

an incident which happened in the Chamber while the Employment

Minister, Stephen Farry, was speaking this morning.

Before we talk about it, let's have a look at what happened.

regulations are subject to the Assembly procedures which require

that a debate is arranged to approve the regulation nos later

than six months after the regulations... -- regulations no

later than six months after the regulations... (SHOUTING) Students

interrupting from the public gallery complaining about the

changes he wants to implement to the Education Maintenance Allowance.

Not the first time we have seen interuptions like that in the

public gallery? By comparison with other events it was fairly tame. We

don't know how representative these individuals are of student concerns.

There are high-security at Stormont. There would be little support for

this prompting a ramping up of that security still further. We arrived

at the conclusion this is the price we have to pay for having a public

gallery. If you live in a free society you want members of the

public to see the debate coming place. If people don't come into

the public gallery and throw things it's difficult to know what someone

is going to do. You assume they will sit there quietly. Sometimes

they don't? It's difficult to fault the people who work here because of

what happened today. It seems that they did their job efficiently they

couldn't have foreseen what was going to happen. In the great

scheme of things, it's not the most serious thing we have seen here.