Latest news with #MatthewO'Toole
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Windsor Framework structures ineffective and overly bureaucratic
Mr Robinson said that the post-Brexit trading deal could never be effective until fundamental issues around lack of consent from unionists are addressed. The SDLP's Stormont leader Matthew O'Toole said while he supported the framework, he believed there needed to be improvements in how Northern Ireland voices were heard within its structures. The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee has been holding evidence sessions examining the operation of the framework. The Windsor Framework was agreed between the UK and the EU in 2023, amending the Northern Ireland Protocol. It governs post-Brexit trading arrangements in the region. The DUP later reached the Safeguarding the Union deal with the previous UK government to further reduce some checks and paperwork on goods moving from the rest of the UK into Northern Ireland, leading to the restoration of the powersharing Executive at Stormont last year. However, many unionists remain opposed to the framework, stating it creates a new regulatory border within the United Kingdom and because Northern Ireland continues to follow some EU laws relating to goods. During his appearance before the committee, Mr Robinson was asked to assess the extent to which voices in Northern Ireland could be heard through the structures of the framework. He said: 'I don't have a lot of faith in the current structures. 'When you consider the ability for politicians, parliamentarians, stakeholders, businesses, to engage with them. 'The structures around the Windsor Framework, though they may have evolved, are ineffective, opaque and overly bureaucratic. The UK and EU agreed the Windsor Framework in 2023 (PA) 'They frustrate the ability for ordinary, routine and at times complex and serious engagement to either satisfy, resolve or ameliorate some of the harmful impositions that Northern Ireland finds itself in under these arrangements.' The DUP leader added: 'I believe it cannot ever be effective until the fundamentals are resolved around the imposition that Northern Ireland was placed in without the consent of any elected unionist in Northern Ireland, without the consent of party colleagues in Westminster.' In December, MLAs at Stormont voted to continue with the current arrangements for at least another four years in a democratic consent motion, which was part of the arrangements agreed between the UK and the EU. However, unlike other votes at Stormont, there was no requirement for cross-community support for the motion. Mr Robinson told peers: 'Though we have gone through a cycle of a parliamentary vote in Assembly terms in December of 2024, an inversion of cross-community protections. 'A false choice, do you wish this imposition to continue for a period of eight years or four years with a potential review. 'I don't believe they have been effective at all and if the Government were serious about increasing the opportunity to have voices heard and engage fundamentally in the propositions that are causing material impact, both constitutionally and practically in Northern Ireland, then they wouldn't only find an effective mechanism for that engagement but they would look at the fundamentals.' He added: 'We have at the heart of this an agreement between the UK and the EU where they decide what is going to happen to Northern Ireland without any recourse to the citizenry of Northern Ireland or the elected representatives. 'Then you have the attempt or the added aspects of inclusion and participation but without any substantial or meaningful outworkings of that participation or inclusion.' Stormont opposition leader Matthew O'Toole of the SDLP said Brexit had caused political division in Northern Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr O'Toole told the committee that Brexit had led to 'real political division and controversy in Northern Ireland'. He added: 'I do think there can be a degree of, if not consensus, then some degree of agreement that we can improve the mechanisms by which stakeholders in Northern Ireland, be they politicians, business groups, trade unions, other parts of civic society, can have their voice heard in relation to the provisions of the protocol/Windsor Framework. 'I think they improved somewhat after the Windsor Framework was agreed in spring 2023, but I don't think they are there yet. 'Northern Ireland is in the position of being subject to a cohort of EU law, obviously I strongly support that as a necessity, but I probably do agree that our voice could be better heard in terms of making those laws or at least understanding how they are going to apply in Northern Ireland.' Mr O'Toole added: 'The summary answer is not quite where it should be, and I say that as someone who supports the provisions of the Windsor Framework and the protocol.'
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Absence rates spike at schools closest to Ballymena disorder
Absence rates at schools closest to the epicentre of the disorder in Ballymena have spiked amid the violence, the Stormont Education Minister has said. Paul Givan said 84 newcomer children at Harryville Primary School have not been attending, while attendance is at around 65% at St Patrick's College. The Assembly also heard on Monday that the Housing Executive provided emergency temporary accommodation for 16 households in Mid and East Antrim, as well as advice for 50 households as a result of the unrest. Violent scenes broke out in Ballymena last Monday after an alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl at the weekend. Following a peaceful protest, there were attacks on the homes of some residents – as well as rioting. Mr Givan was speaking during questions for his department in the Assembly on Monday, in response to being asked by Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole what is being done for children caught up in the disorder. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Givan said is it 'outrageous' that over the last week children have been coming into school traumatised as a result of what has been happening. 'Alarmingly, we're also dealing with some children who engaged in the rioting and attacked some of the houses of the very children in their class,' he said. 'So this is an appalling situation, one which is complicated and requires intervention. 'My team have been engaged with a number of schools as a result of the picture that we have had to deal with. We have engaged the emotional wellbeing unit within the Education Authority, the intercultural services and try and provide support for these schools.' Whenever you are a child in Northern Ireland from whatever background, you have to be treated with respect, you have to be supported, and you need to be protected He said Harryville Primary School and St Patrick's Primary School in Ballymena had seen absence at half of the school. 'That is a clear problem, but it's also complicated by the fact that we are dealing with children in both schools that were engaged in this trouble and children in both schools that were the victims of that trouble, and it's one that does require concerted effort, and to assure the member I and my team are very much engaged in trying to provide that support,' he said. He added: 'I've been hugely impressed as I go around schools where I see the many different newcomers within controlled schools, Catholic maintained schools, integrated schools, and the work that goes on by the school leaders and the teachers to ensure that there is an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and indeed celebrated. 'Our schools have often been the safe haven within their communities where outside of the school walls, there have been challenges. 'What has happened in a number of these schools I find particularly alarming, and that is why there needs to be support and my team at senior levels have been engaging in respect all of this. Education Minister Paul Givan (Liam McBurney/PA) 'I take a very simple view – there is a time and a place to debate immigration policy, but whenever you are in Northern Ireland, and particularly whenever you are a child in Northern Ireland from whatever background, you have to be treated with respect, you have to be supported, and you need to be protected, and that has not been the case over the past week, and that is wrong, and I absolutely condemn what has happened in respect of these particular issues. 'I will do all that I can to support those within our school environments that need that support.' Mr Givan went on to say that his own family supported a family from Ukraine, with three children staying with his parents in Co Armagh. 'They went to schools that went out of their way to make them feel welcome, and they regard Northern Ireland as their home and they will be here for many years to come, and they should be welcome here in Northern Ireland,' he added. Read More Further five arrests made by police investigating Northern Ireland disorder
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Absence rates spike at schools closest to Ballymena disorder
Violent scenes broke out in Ballymena last Monday after an alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl at the weekend. Following a peaceful protest, there were attacks on the homes of some residents – as well as rioting. Mr Givan was speaking during questions for his department in the Assembly on Monday, in response to being asked by Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole what is being done for children caught up in the disorder. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Givan said is it 'outrageous' that over the last week children have been coming into school traumatised as a result of what has been happening. 'Alarmingly, we're also dealing with some children who engaged in the rioting and attacked some of the houses of the very children in their class,' he said. 'So this is an appalling situation, one which is complicated and requires intervention. 'My team have been engaged with a number of schools as a result of the picture that we have had to deal with. We have engaged the emotional wellbeing unit within the Education Authority, the intercultural services and try and provide support for these schools.' He said Harryville Primary School and St Patrick's Primary School in Ballymena had seen absence at half of the school. 'That is a clear problem, but it's also complicated by the fact that we are dealing with children in both schools that were engaged in this trouble and children in both schools that were the victims of that trouble, and it's one that does require concerted effort, and to assure the member I and my team are very much engaged in trying to provide that support,' he said. He added: 'I've been hugely impressed as I go around schools where I see the many different newcomers within controlled schools, Catholic maintained schools, integrated schools, and the work that goes on by the school leaders and the teachers to ensure that there is an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and indeed celebrated. 'Our schools have often been the safe haven within their communities where outside of the school walls, there have been challenges. 'What has happened in a number of these schools I find particularly alarming, and that is why there needs to be support and my team at senior levels have been engaging in respect all of this. Education Minister Paul Givan (Liam McBurney/PA) 'I take a very simple view – there is a time and a place to debate immigration policy, but whenever you are in Northern Ireland, and particularly whenever you are a child in Northern Ireland from whatever background, you have to be treated with respect, you have to be supported, and you need to be protected, and that has not been the case over the past week, and that is wrong, and I absolutely condemn what has happened in respect of these particular issues. 'I will do all that I can to support those within our school environments that need that support.' Mr Givan went on to say that his own family supported a family from Ukraine, with three children staying with his parents in Co Armagh. 'They went to schools that went out of their way to make them feel welcome, and they regard Northern Ireland as their home and they will be here for many years to come, and they should be welcome here in Northern Ireland,' he added.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘He is unfit for office': DUP minister to be reported over social media post before rioters targeted Larne Leisure Centre
It was announced on Thursday that he will be referred to the standards commissioner following his comments. In a social media post on Wednesday Mr Lyons said: 'It has been brought to my attention that a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre in the early hours of the morning following the disturbances in Ballymena. 'As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon. 'It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne. 'Protesting is of course a legitimate right, but violence is not, and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.' A fire later broke out at the centre following vandalism at the facility on the third night of disorder. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following disturbances in nearby Ballymena, but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere. Police and firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control on Wednesday night and said no one was inside at the time it broke out. Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Ulster on Thursday morning, Mr Lyons defended his decision to post the information on social media. 'There is an attempt here to make it sound like I was trying to highlight the fact that this was being used and this is where people should go, it was the complete opposite,' he said. 'I was highlighting the fact that, yes this had been used and it was going to be the focus of the protest, but it shouldn't be because the rumours that were circulating were incorrect and no one was in fact there, so I wanted to try and disperse people from going there. 'On reflection the die had already been cast, I tried to diffuse the situation. 'I had appealed for calm in that statement as I wanted calm heads to prevail, that includes politicians using this to try and score points. 'I have been very clear, it was despicable scene we seen at the leisure centre and those people should be ashamed of themselves.' Mr Lyons condemned the damage inflicted on Larne Leisure Centre and said it only serves to hurt residents of the town. He said: 'The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility. 'There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.' SDLP leader of the opposition, Matthew O'Toole, has said he will refer the minister to the Standards Commissioner. The standards commissioner is responsible for investigating complaints about alleged breaches of the code of conduct by MLAs. 'The actions of the Communities Minister cannot be ignored,' Mr O'Toole said. 'He is the minister response for the Housing Executive and lives are at stake.' 'Tomorrow (Thursday) the Opposition will refer him to the standards commissioner and explore all other options for accountability.' Ms Hargey said on X: 'Your job as Communities Minister, responsible for housing, is to stand up for families who had to urgently flee their homes after being attacked by thugs and to offer them support and safety. It's not to expose emergency centres and those same families. Shameful statement.' Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson said that the social media post by the communities minister 'was reckless and completely irresponsible'. He added: 'No politician should be publicly identifying locations used to shelter to families seeking refuge from violent, racist disorder; even if only temporarily.' Communities Minister Gordon Lyons faces being referred to an Assembly watchdog over a social media post about a Larne Leisure Centre which was later attacked Police deal with a third night of violence in Ballymena Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew, who chairs the Stormont committee that scrutinises Mr Lyons' department, called his media post 'reckless and inflammatory'. "At a time when vulnerable families are seeking safety, as minister for communities and housing, he should have been working to help those most in need,' he said. "However his comments were reckless and inflammatory. "Leadership should show responsibility — not feed into the fear of the vulnerable. "Everyone deserves to live free from violence and hate. "I will be raising the Minister's post at the Communities Committee today." Green Party councillor Áine Groogan called for the minister to resign. 'What did he think would happen when he posted his earlier statement about a community centre in Larne being used to house people that had no accommodation after being intimidated out of their homes,' she said. "Can Gordon Lyons stand over this statement in light of what happened next? "This is the Minister for Communities, someone with the power and responsibility to invest in regeneration, reduce the social housing waiting list, and support vulnerable communities. Instead, he chooses to stir division and deflect from his own failures. "This isn't leadership. It's cowardice. And it proves what many already know: Gordon Lyons is unfit for public office and should resign.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Muir hits out at pollution plan 'misinformation'
Stormont's agriculture minister has hit out at what he has called "misinformation" over his department's plans to reduce water pollution which have faced criticism from some in the agri-food sector. Northern Ireland's long-overdue Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) for 2026-29 was published for consultation last month. Many of the proposals are linked to the Lough Neagh Action Plan. Some political parties and farming unions have argued the plans are out of touch with the reality of agriculture. But on Tuesday, Andrew Muir said they were draft proposals with final decisions yet to be taken. Speaking in the Assembly the minister also criticised as "disgraceful" recent commentary on social media about the issue. "I have seen misogynistic comments against officials in my department, there have been racist comments in relation to people that we are very, very fortunate to have working in our agri-food sector. "Not for a very long time have I seen such vile homophobic comments about myself. I am a gay man and I am proud to be a gay man and it has no relevance whatsoever to the Nutrients Action Programme nor my ability to do this job." The minister went on to say: "Some of the comments made towards me - I'm thick enough to be able to take that, it was shocking and I have not seen something like that since the 1990s, but some of the comments for example in terms of foreign nationals working in agri-food, I just thought that was beneath contempt and I think it's important we call this out here. "We can have a rational discussion around these things but we should not descend into that, and some of the comments against officials are wrong." The leader of the Opposition, SDLP assembly member Matthew O'Toole said it was "utterly disgusting" and the minister had the opposition's support in calling it out, while the DUP's Gary Middleton said the social media comments against the minister and his officials were unacceptable. Farmers say NI pollution proposals 'out of touch'
