Áine Murphy: 4. Ms Á Murphy asked the Minister of Health to outline what steps he has taken to address the pressures highlighted by community pharmacies. (AQO 843/22-27)
Áine Murphy: I thank the Minister for his answer. I have spoken to a lot of community pharmacies in my local community over recent months. One thing that they constantly raise is drug tariffs. Has any progress been made on developing a tailored drug tariff for the North, given the difficulties that many pharmacies experience?
Áine Murphy: Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. [Translation: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.] As I make a winding-up speech on the amendment, I thank the Members opposite for bringing the motion to the Floor today. As we have heard throughout the debate, better connectivity in rural areas is absolutely vital. I want to take the opportunity to highlight the importance of our rural communities,...
Áine Murphy: Go raibh maith agat [Translation: Thank you] to my colleague for giving way. Does the Member agree that transformation can truly be achieved only in consultation with communities?
Áine Murphy: Will the Minister give way?
Áine Murphy: Thank you to the Minister for giving way. Are we liable to see diggers on the ground before the end of 2024?
Áine Murphy: Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle [Translation: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker] , and go raibh maith agat [Translation: thank you] to the Minister for coming to the Chamber to take part in the debate. I raise an issue that has become one of the most important in my community in recent years and months. As we are all acutely aware, GP access in Fermanagh has become very difficult....
Áine Murphy: T2. Ms Á Murphy asked the Minister whether, although he may have not seen a new EU report that notes that a temporary just transition fund should be established outside the common agricultural policy, he agrees that that could be a useful precedent for his engagements with the British Government. (AQT 502/22-27)
Áine Murphy: I thank the Minister for his answer. The fact that the EU recognises the need for additional funding for this aspect indicates that it is not the purpose of the current agriculture budget, which currently goes to farmers: does the Minister agree?
Áine Murphy: I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber this morning. Rural homes are often more expensive to heat due to poor insulation and a higher dependence on fossil fuels. Minister, will you look at a specific range of measures to help pensioners who live in rural areas to heat their homes?
Áine Murphy: I thank all Members for their contributions. As Paul referenced, it is heartening to hear the Chamber speak with unity on such an important topic. In my role as Sinn Féin spokesperson for rural affairs and as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, I take the opportunity to highlight how rural and border areas have greatly benefited from EU funding. For example, EU Pillar I and Pillar II...
Áine Murphy: I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon. Given that blue-green algae is an all-island issue, what cooperation has he had with his colleagues in the South?
Áine Murphy: I welcome the Minister's recent announcement in relation to a much-needed extension for Saint Kevin's College, Lisnaskea. Can he give an approximate timescale for the commencement of that work?
Áine Murphy: I thank the Minister for his statement this morning. I note with interest that the Loughs Agency's climate action plan was also launched at the meeting. Has it been developed entirely independently by the agency, or has it been designed or co-designed with existing climate target plans and action plans North and South?
Áine Murphy: What is being done in the Department for the Economy to promote apprenticeships?
Áine Murphy: 9. Ms Á Murphy asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the Together: Building a United Community (T: BUC) review. (AQO 634/22-27)
Áine Murphy: I thank the Minister for her answer and am happy to hear that the review to build on the great work of T:BUC is under way. I am especially pleased to note that engaging young people is a key area of focus. Can the Minister outline what T:BUC has delivered for young people during the course of the programme?
Áine Murphy: I beg to move amendment No 2: After "Ireland’s Ancient East" insert: "and counties Fermanagh and Tyrone in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands"
Áine Murphy: Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. [Translation: Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker.] I propose amendment No 2 to make the case for the inclusion of counties Fermanagh and Tyrone in the motion and to outline my constituency's link to Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. As an MLA who represents Fermanagh and South Tyrone — in my biased opinion the most idyllic...
Áine Murphy: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. My colleagues and I have engaged with grassroots farmers following the withdrawal of the ammonia standing advice last December. Farmers, understandably, expressed concern that they may not be able to replace their farm dwellings as a result. As we have heard, many farmers, particularly those who are my constituents, have had their planning...
