25/02/2013 Stormont Today

Hello and welcome to Stormont today. The very nature of the structures

of the assembly were under scrutiny with the select committee here to

take members use today. The sports minister reassure us and LA's that

all is well with the police and fire games. Everything that was in

place remains the same. There are couples over the opening ceremony.

If hand opinion polls, flagpoles... They even squeezed in the South

Pole today. We have arrived at a crucial moment where we will

surrender Antarctica. To discuss that, I'm joined by our political

reporter for stop hoo-ha --. Should the public have the right to

know who gives a significant sums of money to our local political

parties? That was one of the issues under discussion today when

Westminster's Northern Ireland affairs committee came to Stormont

to take evidence on a Bill proposing a number of changes to

the political system here. Of political reporter watched

proceedings and he is with me now. First of all, why is the committee

here today and tomorrow? A this is the Northern Ireland affairs

committee and they are looking at the issue of structures in the

assembly. There are looking at things like the opposition, party

donations and all the structures that we are familiar with because

there is this Northern Ireland Bill that will be going through

Westminster. They've been hearing evidence from witnesses today and

they will hear evidence tomorrow. One of those that they heard from

was Jim Allister, the TV -- T U C leader. He has always championed

the idea of an opposition and this is what he told the committee today.

A great burden of what I want to say relates to not what is not in

this bill and my disappointment about that. Thatched homes in in

particular on the absence of the opportunity which existed at to

democratise the these institutions instalment. As things stand, this

dormant is a blot on a democratic landscape. The issue of party

donations was raised. One party did think it would be premature to drop

anonymity at the stage. That was the United Kingdom Independence

Party, who gave evidence today. One person was asked questions about a

number of MPs about the issue of party donations. He was asked about

this whole issue of whether or not anonymity should be dropped and

this is what he told the committee. I am not asking any specific things

on this issue. I am taking in the round and I am taking and thinking

of the general protection of people in Northern Ireland, who would wish

to sponsor ordinator to any political party. As someone who has

been threatened more than once... That is why we want to hear from

you? It is not something I would want to place upon anybody else's

shoulders. The that was David Nutt Berry, the Alliance Party and the

Greens disagree. They want full disclosure, as does the T U v.

Stewart... He made it clear why he feels there should be full

disclosure. I am not sure FARC for wrecked is any more or any real

than it is to any business person or any other individual. -- I am

not sure that is the case for any more real person. More evidence

being taken by the committee tomorrow. That's right. They will

hear evidence from the two Unionist leaders. They will hear evidence

from Alastair Macdonald. Also from Sinn Fein and from the Independent

and La David Carter. -- MLA. All these proceedings took place in the

chamber. The committee will go back to Westminster, they will take more

evidence in Westminster and then eventually a whole report will be

presented. We will get a sense of what the committee thinks should go

on to Westminster. After much speculation, it was

confirmed last week that the opening ceremony of the world

Police and Fire Games will be held at the King's Hall in Belfast. The

topic came up several times during questions to the Sports Minister.

She described the uncertainty as a hiccup but said that everything

else is in place. There are 41 sport and 57 venues. Not all are

based in Belfast. Something like 15 are outside. They have all been

settled. Everything that was in place remains the case. Pick up was

due to the opening ceremony. Can I ask the Minister how the venue will

be modified to accommodate the opening ceremony? I thank the man

before her question. But for last Federation visit, several visits

took place between April and June, the capacity for something like

21,000... The King's Hall can reach than. Even contract to see smaller

numbers when it is appropriate. It is not envisaged at this stage.

Even going by last week, the figures that were anticipated are

still to be expected from the first to 10th August. The opening

ceremony is more than able to cope with that. Could I ask the Minister,

in relation to the number of people attending, you've said 41 sports

have a 57 venues, can I ask the number of athletes and the number

of people we anticipate coming to watch the games? I have no figures

in terms of how many spectators there will be. I know that there

are 10,000 athletes and with those 10,000 athletes, they are expecting

15,000 to accompany them. That is up to 25,000. There will be a big

local interest, particularly for some of the events. The company is

looking at ticket regimes to make sure members of the public have

every opportunity to attend the events and particularly for the

schools. Some of the schools will be paired with countries who are

visiting and competing but I have no figure, not even an indication

of what the demand is yet. I expect that I will closer to the time.

Would the Minister agree with me that this would be an excellent

opportunity for her to show case Northern Ireland at its best? There

will be so many people coming from all parts of the world and it will

be a opportunity to let the people see that we have a shared heritage

and we are promoting our shared and better future for everyone in

Northern Ireland? I would agree with a member. Not just that, but

some of the delegation have come over already, four weeks ago, from

five different countries. They visited some of our historical

sites, are tourist attractions and some of the communities. They were

nothing but impressed with what we had to offer. That was just a

glimpse of what will come from the start of August. Can I declare an

interest as someone who has applied to be a volunteer in the Games?

Could the Minster telly if the rumour is true that I'm going to

have to have -- have an awful lot of competition to give up some of

my time for free? I am afraid you are! I don't think we are done yet.

There is a request for 3500 people giving up their time to volunteer.

We are at 6000. One of the reasons we extended the deadline for people

volunteering, was on occasions, there were difficulties to do with

the services. They have applied. I think it is good news. By hope and

under his successful in his application and a look forward to

seeing him taking part. Plans to transplant at the

University of Ulster campus in Jordan's town to Belfast are to go

to the planning committee within weeks. But to the pan has been

welcomed, there are some concerns as the environment minister

revealed during question time. -- although the plan has been welcomed.

In terms of the design of the proposal, it will masques

significantly. It will go up very high. It will have impact upon

Heritage, parking, traffic and so on and so forth. In terms of the

nature and character and scale of this proposal, it is a very

challenging one. I hope there is nobody in this House or elsewhere

who thinks that this is an easy call for stop it is a big call

because it is a big proposal which will have a big impact upon fad

part of the city. If it is done right, it can be part of the

overall development of the north side of the committee but the

exchange, with north side, with it the underpass West Link. All will

gather around the cathedral quarter. We have an unprecedented

opportunity to shape that part of the city, an opportunity that only

comes once in a century. This is a community that, especially during

the summer and autumn of last year, demonstrated a great sense of

dignity and resilience. High think that they deserve a particular

degree of respect in terms of issues in that area, including

respect of this planning application. I had very frank

conversations in terms of how they should manage the supplication and

in terms of the character of the application itself. I think we are

moving forward. It would like to see a recommendation going to the

City Council in respect of the main scheme, in advance of the town

planning a meeting of 7th March. I do have major concerns to inspect

of a car-parking proposal. It might be that that particular part of the

application will have to be separated from the main application.

I do think this would be great opportunity for North Belfast. By

agree with the minister. But in this development, will the Minister

take into consideration and certainly not prejudice the

development of some element of social housing, which is needed in

that area? Local people are certainly supportive of it. I think

the issue of housing in that area needs very careful management. We

don't want to see a situation arrive -- a rise where we have...

There is the potential for that to happen. That is why I welcome the

city council report which, working with the various people in Belfast,

can map out how the student housing issue might be dealt with over the

next couple of decades. And we have to recognise that there will be a

demand for social housing in that area. There are areas which have

previously been designated for housing and then in my view, that

needs to be respected going for it. I do not think that development of

all the available land for the university is the way forward. I

believe it needs to be balanced development and that would include

potential student housing. Have you heard the story of the

finance minister who got cross- I have to congratulate the minister,

and appreciated as a wonderful job. Self-praise is the recommendation,

but I am giving it anywhere. Something that came that is the

commitment that is being given in the department's in relation to

redeeming funds as an -- at an early a stage as possible and we

are not losing it, so I appreciate that. Up until now, things are

working better and I know that in history, there are manys that have

to go back to Westminster because they were not spent, and I know the

media like to jump all over the budget will receive, the block

grant we receive and the money we spend, and we are not spending it

all. Can I say that within the parameters that have been set death

in relation to how much we can or cannot carry forward, it is good

for cheating -- set down. There will always be exceptions and

circumstances that cannot be anticipated and again, I think the

flexibility of the monitoring rate allows us to adjust. I would echo

the Commons about the efficiency savings. Some of the departments

have genuinely found efficiency, but possibly the same focus that we

had previously put on financial projections and performance with

innings to be addressed, because it is going to be an ongoing issue

with pressure on the block grant, so on that basis I would commend

the minister and the motion for the work that has been done so far,

just to join in! Are no the minister would feel short-changed

if I didn't mention that the ongoing costs are unsustainable.

The minister did highlight in his opening remarks some office

successes around tourism and maybe I need to take the opportunity to

tell their how wonderful he is at this stage. However, in the face

off good news stories, the recent unrest has shown how, when we

scratch the surface, divisions are still very evident and that there

is no doubt this division will continue to hurt us economically

and financially, by deterring tourism and investment and

committing our ability to attract and faint taint of talent. So while

I offer my support to the Bill, the question still stands about how

much longer can we as an Assembly afford to keep spending money

managing division rather than finding sustainable solutions.

wishing to be a party-pooper and wishing to go on record that I

actually do like Sammy Wilson quite well, I rise to speak, however,

fear opposition to this Budget Bill. And while they finance minister did

a good job of presenting the Budget, the budget he had to do that there

was a complacent but it accrued by a complacent Executive and

presented to the complacent Assembly -- agreed Fife. However, I

exonerates -- exonerate the minister, who is someone who has to

present the Budget to create behind closed doors by the Executive and

he has carried out his duty professionally. I did consider

making some amendments, but what is the point? This Budget is and what

a done deal before the Minister presented it to the house -- is and

was. In fact, the house must share my thoughts, because there are no

amendments tabled by any party. The purpose of the Bill is to authorise

the use of resources totalling over 16 billion by departments and

certain other bodies. Current capital receipts of over 2 billion

contribute to an overall operating total of just under 19 billion. And

the finance minister, in his usual combination of jolly approach on

the one hand and school teachers called in on the cover, has been

the only minister to present on that the -- during the Budget

debate. His job was to act as the delicate it Minister task with the

job of presenting a Budget Karpov agreed at the Executive table. No

other minister, it would seem, felt it move -- necessary, or was

present to defend their department will spend, despite the universal

criticism of all departments five disassembly. The -- 5 disassembly.

This short, final starch, let me emphasise that, final stage of the

budget Assembly, they have been many opportunities in this house

over the last couple of weeks for those who take the view that

somehow or other there are fundamental flaws in this Budget.

Fundamental flaws which he believed are shared by a widespread number

of people in this house, and I'm sure that had he come and put a

cogent case, and much more importantly, put some amendments

down, then that untapped source of discontent they have been able to

find some expression to it. -- may have been able to.

The Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson. Now, he might not have been a

household name a week ago, but he's certainly heading that way now.

During an extraordinary day at the World Track Cycling Championships

last week, Newtownards rider Martyn Irvine won a silver medal in the

individual pursuit before going one better and winning gold in the 15k

scratch race. Today, MLAs on all sides of the chamber rose to

applaud his achievements. Despite being almost out on his feet after

his earlier exertions, with 10 out of the 16 laps to go in the scratch

event, he broke from the plunge and face if he went for it -- from the

bunch. Sprinting away with every last drop of energy he had. And he

has done it all on a shoestring. It is bread and water in cycling. You

rightly in, but you ride with very little resource. The budget for

track cycling in Ireland is well under 100,000 euros, at just under

�90,000. Compare it with the 8 million available per year with the

GB team available. It goes mainly -- it goes mainly to fund Mark if

and one other rider. Hovered rather do more than just honour him -- I

would like to do more than just on him, I would like to invest in him

and show how proud we are. The this is an achiever and they'd all the

more remarkable -- made all the more remarkable given the resources

available to him. Even Martyn Irvine said he couldn't live on

what he lives on. Everybody should be proud of what he has done

through his hard work, his discipline and his endeavour.

Hopefully the likes of Martyn Irvine and Wendy can inspire a

generation, over the major events such as the Giro d'Italia, and

Northern Ireland can be more than the capital of golf. A Hall of

Newtownards will come together to celebrate this achievement -- the

whole of. We will remember it is not exceptional to this area, with

a silver at the recent World Swimming Championships. We

congratulate Martyn Irvine and, yes, there is pride across the whole of

Ireland, because he did win wearing an Irish vest and I look forward to

seeing him in Northern Ireland colours next year at the

Commonwealth Games. The Ulster Unionist Party's Mike

Nesbitt. Staying on a sporting theme, this afternoon, Members

backed a motion calling for more investment in grass roots sport.

The committee is mindful of the pressures on the minister's budget

and that knowledge is the difficult job she has been balancing it

vestment with tangible benefits. However, the committee is calling

on the minister to ensure this all sports are not overlooked for

investment. By spectator and -- the Without Investment, the sport may

not be able to develop. It may not have enough like it, but I was once

a keen sportsman. Though I challenge anyone to the effect on

share sportsman than I am now. I want to talk about that old

chestnut, joined-up government. We all call for it and we very rarely

see anything happening and we have a department for the very small

budget which makes it even more important. If we do for for many

that is probably wasted by duplication of resources and

inefficiencies, not so much in this department but with other

departments -- if we do that, if with a fat education, for schools,

the sports fields, there is a lot of money being spent their fat may

be could be spent in just a slightly different way -- that may

be. Sport adds to a wide range of social and economic cultural needs.

It improves health and well-being that gives us opportunities and a

fast moving world to come together, celebrate and enjoy shared

experiences. I should say that Mr Deputy Speaker, since the new year,

I have taken to the treadmill myself and managed -- as you might

observe, I am not match-fit check that I do feel a tremendous benefit.

Experience has shown me that physical exercise is good for

everybody and should be available for everybody. We often talk about

their shared future but unfortunately, these discussions

are frequently academic and lack a degree of practicality. With no

physical exercise has health benefits and, like the previous

speaker, I too have taken up swimming recently and it has done

me great, it has helped my recurring neck problems. But sport

also has the power to break down barriers in society and bring

people together. It is a practical thing for fostering good community

relations and that must never be underestimated. I am not too far

from you. A lot of sport, if I'm not watching it through invitation,

I am watching it on television or listening on the radio but I do

understand the power of sport in terms of health and the economy and

certainly in terms of education, and certainly in terms of safety

and health and well-being across the board. And there are many

overlaps for term fees to say that in my short time in the department,

I have seen some of the has kept afloat.

Now, an unlikely subject found its way onto the floor of the chamber

today. At first glance, you might wonder how MLAs could justify

spending time talking about Antarctica, but today they did -

and they even managed to drag the continent - temporarily - into the

flag dispute Delighted to address the House on this hot topic.

It is important that in our society, this house is not the cold house

for anyone, but I beg to move... don't give up the day job.

Assembly will be aware that the First Minister and Deputy First

Minister have led a legislated consent memorandum in which they

are seeking support for a legislative consent motion, in

respect of the Westminster Antartic full to Northern Ireland. The bill

includes a provision that regulation of activities in

Antarctica should be made and accepted matter in terms of our

devolution settlement. During the drafting of the Antarctic Bill, it

was identified but the Antartic and the subjective -- subject matter of

the Bill had inadvertently been devolved to the legislators in both

Scotland and Northern Ireland. In our case, the matter of regulation

and activities in the Antartic was admitted -- omitted from his first

scheduled to the Northern Ireland after 1998. While the matter is

technically a devolved here, no relevant functions were transferred

without and the department he has any her to spit it powers in

relation to the Antartic. -- and no tip-off that he has any legislative

powers. As such, it proudly flies the Union flag and I think there is

no restriction that it can fly the Union flag so why was just one

drink, would it be a warm house for Unionists and Belfast City Hall? --

I was wondering for?. In Antarctica, effectively the day last pretty

much all day, so in terms of daylight, the Union Flag can be

seen for long periods of time. After that rather interesting and

diverse debate, I think we have arrived at the crucial moment where

we will surrender Antarctica. The question is that the motion

standing in the Order Paper be agreed. All those in favour say 5

Mac -- say aye. The ayes have it. Deputy Speaker, John Dallatt.

Our political reporter Stephen Walker is with me again. Unusual

debate there, Stephen. Yes, when you think of the things that are

normally discussed at Stormont, health, education, the economy and

we have the debate about Antarctica and the jokes were very predictable,

skating on thin ice, a cold house for Unionists and nationalists, but

it was a little bit of light relief. A quick look ahead to tomorrow, it

is a pity that busy order paper. is, one of the debates that jumps

out of the debates about flags. There is a motion being put forward

by the SDLP and Sinn Fein that the whole issue should go to the at hoc

committee. It looks like the Unionists will oppose that and it

looks like they will be a petition of concern, so after Antarctica, it

is back to the more normal subjects. And the Northern Ireland affairs

committee, as we mentioned earlier, is here for a second day, hearing

evidence and interestingly, Sinn Fein is going to be appearing.

is right. The Unionist leaders are going to be there, Peter Robinson

and Mike Nesbitt, Alastair McDonald will be there and a representative

from Sinn Fein. We don't know who it will be, but it is clear from

recent statements from Sinn Fein that when it comes to the issue of

political donations, they will call for transparency. An interesting

day, will have the details tomorrow night, of course. I'll be back the