5. Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Assembly Commission whether it intends to provide enhanced facilities in Parliament Buildings to promote a healthy lifestyle. (AQO 669/22-27)

I thank the Member for her question. The Assembly Commission recognises that supporting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for various aspects of life, including physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life. The Assembly Commission encourages its staff and Members to avail themselves of sustainable modes of transport that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Staff and Members are able to take advantage of the cycle-to-work scheme; Get Active, which is Translink's TaxSmart scheme for commuter bus travel; and an interest-free loan scheme for annual commuter cards. There is also a bicycle station that has tools to make it easier for staff to cycle to work. I have to commend the Member for West Belfast Gerry Carroll, who zooms to and from here every day on his bike. Staff also have access to the walking trails within the Stormont estate and an outdoor gym area.

As for the physical Building, the Assembly Commission endeavours to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all those working in Parliament Buildings. Offices in Parliament Buildings have natural light and ventilation. Workers have access to drinking water throughout the Building and are encouraged to take breaks away from their workstations. Display screen equipment assessments are undertaken for those working in the Building, which assess an individual's work environment, including light, ventilation, noise and temperature. Unfortunately, there is little capacity in the Building to offer further facilities.

In its restaurants, the Assembly Commission aims to provide users of Parliament Buildings with healthy eating choices through its catering contract. That includes providing a selection of daily menus that offer a choice of healthy options; making every attempt to reduce salt, saturated and hydrogenated fat and sugar content and to increase fibre content in the menus; and using the healthiest possible cooking methods.

Gabhaim buíochas leat, a Robbie.

[Translation: I thank you, Robbie.]

I feel sorry for you having to read that out, to be totally honest.

[Laughter.]

We cannot cycle around Parliament Buildings. I did not ask about that. I asked, "What is happening in Parliament Buildings?" I appreciate what you said in your response about food. I know that this is a grade A listed building, but, for people who walk around here, as I do, could markers be put on the floors to let them know the distance that they have covered? That is the question that I wanted an answer to. I appreciate that that is the answer that you were given, but can you take my question back and get something more specific? Thank you.

I have a lot of answers, and this one might talk slightly more directly to your query about distance markers on the floors. The Assembly Commission recognises that it is a positive suggestion to promote a healthy and active environment, and it shares the commitment. Given that Parliament Buildings is grade A listed, the Assembly Commission must be mindful of the architectural integrity and heritage of the Building. Therefore, placing distance markers on floors or walls of corridors would be problematic. However, the Assembly Commission will consider other ways of highlighting distances around the Building. Our schools do the daily mile, which would be a wonderful initiative. As a Commission member, I will take that back to the Commission for the Member.

I echo Carál Ní Chuilín's admiration of Robbie for reading out that entire answer.

At the outset, there are a couple of specific challenges when it comes to promoting a healthy lifestyle here. As fascinating as the Building is, it is very poorly located for public transport; probably the worst legislature on these islands. What more can be done with Translink to encourage greater public transport connectivity with Parliament Buildings? Can the Assembly Commission look at increased shower facilities for people who choose to cycle to work — Mr Carroll was mentioned — and others, including me, who try to use the grounds for running when we get the opportunity? There are very limited shower facilities. Those are two obvious things that could be improved: public transport access to the Building and shower facilities.

I thank the Member for his question. I agree with the Member about the shower facilities. I am not sure whether he is aware that there are two showers located in the Building. They are communal, and he must make sure that no one is in there when he goes in. I encourage Members to make use of the wonderful grounds for running and walking. His ambition for active travel is a matter for the Assembly Commission to take up with the Infrastructure Minister. As leaders, we should set an example, but the Member will recognise that the Building is a historical one with some limitations. However, the Commission will take on board the Member's ambition and look into the matter.

Mr Butler, for those of us who have suffered the consequences of putting on the Stormont stone, what advice would you give to keep more active? Does the Commission have plans to bring in, maybe, gym facilities for unfortunate Members like me?

There is significant interest in this, Mr Butler. We are waiting to hear the answer.

He could cycle from Strabane.

There is a suggestion that the Member cycle from Strabane. There is no capacity to build a gym; I asked about it in 2016. MLAs have busy schedules, but we also have a duty to look after ourselves. This is not advice from the Commission; my advice is to join a gym and allocate some time to that

We can show leadership by looking after ourselves and our well-being and setting a standard. Health and well-being are a priority of the Assembly Commission, and it will continue to look at those matters on an ongoing basis. It is my ambition that the Commission might come up with a solution in the future.