Mr Oliver Gibson: I wish to thank, first of all, those who have sincerely brought condolences. On behalf of my immediate family, I want to say how much we appreciate the deluge of sympathy that has come from all over the world. We, and, I am sure, the other 28 families that are grieving, very much appreciate that massive outpouring of sympathy. It has certainly helped those families, and it has been a comfort...
Mr Oliver Gibson: I congratulate the Minister on his presentation. Does he know how welcome the Chancellor’s initiative and the £12·5 million of ring-fenced money for the A5 road are? Is he aware that, prior to that announcement, a backlog of work to the tune of £55 million had built up in the western region? Recently, in the House of Lords, the Duke of Abercorn highlighted the sentiments of everyone in...
Mr Oliver Gibson: I congratulate the Minister on his presentation and on being the first Minister in 40 years to examine regional hospital provision. Forty years ago in an attempt to cure health problems, a series of hospitals were created, but many have closed. I am rather wary about the Government putting matters right, because it seems that the hastily prepared solution omits rather large rafts of provision...
Mr Oliver Gibson: Further to the point of order. Is it not pertinent that on this occasion the Arthur Daleys of Unionism are already trying to derail the debate by engaging in their normal political promiscuity?
Mr Oliver Gibson: When one considers the number of debates that have taken place in the Assembly, it is clear that the decision on 18 December was taken very early. It is important to remember that we have been involved in setting what may turn out to be a precedent. This debate is not a reaction to the pettiness of the Arthur Daleys of Unionism. It is about the principle and the decision which was taken on...
Mr Oliver Gibson: There may be some disquiet among civil servants about how they will be treated after devolution. Will all the jobs be advertised or will some staff be automatically transferred because of their present attachment?
Mr Oliver Gibson: I note with great concern the areas mentioned, but I wonder if Members have considered that the Government and its legislators have a greater role in this area than anyone else. The consensus in Europe is to make the polluter pay — those who originally produce the rubbish. I am thinking in particular of those who produce the non-biodegradable polystyrene trays and the cubic tonnage of...
Mr Oliver Gibson: I am.
Mr Oliver Gibson: On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Is the Member aware that nine months ago, at the Easter celebrations in my constituency of Carrickmore, the present Minister of Education advised those assembled not to hand over a single gun or an ounce of Semtex? That was a person, now a Minister in the Government, addressing his own flock. The same people have now threatened the local primary school...
Mr Oliver Gibson: I welcome the Minister’s assurance on parity of provision. May I ask him what consideration has been given to those 4,000 visas per year? We have mentioned the unemployed, but if we look at that particular item as a basic criterion, there are certain circumstances in which it might not be helpful. Would he consider retraining people who require new skills rapidly for emerging industries?
Mr Oliver Gibson: I have listened with some interest to the debate. The fact that the flag was not flown at Christmas was most negative and, indeed, the greatest denial of our Christian traditions that could possibly have occurred. The Union flag is the ensign of the United Kingdom; it incorporates St Patrick’s flag — the central cross that represents the saint who brought Christianity to this part of the...
Mr Oliver Gibson: I thank the Deputy First Minister for his various answers, which were quite helpful. Is he aware of an essential user’s rebate, which is given to organisations such as Ulsterbus? Could a similar rebate be given to the farmers of West Tyrone and those of us who have no other form of transport in rural areas? Is there also a danger that the Exchequer, as has been hinted, will impose an 8%...
Mr Oliver Gibson: asked the Minister for Regional Development what the criteria are for determining which roads should be gritted in the West Tyrone constituency. 6. (AQO 63/99)
Mr Oliver Gibson: With respect to the Minister’s last remark, is he aware that in much of rural West Tyrone many of the minor roads are awash with water because of the flow of surface water from adjoining lands? Department of Environment roads and drainage officials tell me that it is a common problem. Ground drainage, which is essential, was carried out 15 to 20 years ago under grant schemes, but much of...
Mr Oliver Gibson: asked the Minister of the Environment what plans are in place to introduce legislation on the keeping of dangerous animals. 10. (AQO 58/99)
Mr Oliver Gibson: I have listened with interest to the speeches. My party has been accused of being negative, but I have never heard anything more negative or condemnatory than what has come from the SDLP Benches. I have referred to the SDLP as the Fairy Liquid party — it is green, slippery and soapy, but the scum has gone down the sink. However, by its association with and support for those who have...
Mr Oliver Gibson: I am grateful to the First Minister for the information. May I enquire where the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (1976) has got to? The Minister of the Environment promised us that plans were in place to introduce equivalent legislation here. Is the First Minister aware of the ridiculous situation, particularly in my constituency of West Tyrone, whereby a person can walk up the street of...
Mr Oliver Gibson: A great deal of work has to be done to build the community infrastructure. For example, in West Tyrone there is deep-seated grief in 97 families, who have been left isolated and ignored. How will the Minister provide this part of the community with the help that is essential to the livelihood of West Tyrone?
Mr Oliver Gibson: Does the Minister accept that there is an urgent problem in respect of drainage in rural areas? Some 15 or 20 years ago a great deal of improvement work was carried out on drainage systems in rural areas, but due to the clogging of the systems, all this good work has now been undone, and water is pouring out on to the roads, thus causing a great deal of damage. Would the Minister be prepared...
Mr Oliver Gibson: Some 15 or 20 years ago a great deal of improvement work was done on drainage systems in rural areas. Many of these drains have now become ineffective. Water is pouring off the land and on to the surface of the roadways, causing great damage. Will the Minister help remove this excess water by increasing land-drainage grants?