Let’s Get NI Moving AGAIN

OUR PLAN OUR PLAN Let’s Get NI Moving AGAIN

Introduction Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA

his is the DUP’s roadmap to get a Too many fear the peace process has stalled and working Assembly and an All-Party that we are heading in the wrong direction. Taking TExecutive back. decisions locally helps with the bread and butter With busy cranes filling our skylines, employment issues, but it also provides vital stability. It bolsters at all time highs and cruises ships regularly visiting the peace and strengthens relations. And that’s our shores, the country is doing well but with good for Northern Ireland. Stormont stalled, divisions are growing. We have a comprehensive agenda for Government We are determined to get Northern Ireland that we want to see delivered. Making moving again. We are working to restore the communities stronger, streets safer and rewarding Assembly and Executive and we have ambitious hard work. Providing better jobs and family plans to transform public services including health incomes, a healthier environment and landscape, and education. We want to get decisions taken in taking pride in Northern Ireland, and reforming Northern Ireland on the issues that matter most how Government works. to you, but we need other parties to join with us I want to see the Assembly and Executive and nominate Ministers. We will work with others rejuvenated and re-energised. Others may to get things done. seek to put obstacles in the way, but the DUP It’s time to get Northern Ireland moving again. will continue to work to find a way to secure agreement. People know that a Northern Ireland Government is required to have a better healthcare system, to really get to grips with the organised gangs and criminality, and to offer the best job prospects for Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA - Leader, our young people. Democratic Unionist Party

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Our 12 Point Plan To Get Northern Ireland Moving Again

1.1 Let’s Get the Assembly 4.4 Let’s Get Our Economy Moving Again Moving Again Delivery from Westminster is much The Assembly and Westminster has helped needed but its impact is impaired by no deliver a jobs revolution in Northern Assembly. The DUP want to work with Ireland. Now it is time to do the same others to secure a balanced deal and we for skills and productivity backed up by remain willing to set up an Executive infrastructure investment and a business immediately. rates system fit for our modern economy. We want to see a sensible Brexit deal but no borders in the Irish Sea. 2.2 Let’s Get Our NHS and Mental Health Services 5.5 Let’s Continue Protecting Moving Again the Vulnerable Developing next generation healthcare The DUP were the first advocates of a by implementing Bengoa and investing mitigations package for Welfare. We in new services, GPs and health staff, want an Assembly back to produce a tackling waiting lists, embracing AI new package based on expert advice and and new technology and prioritising end the ‘Cliff Edge’ created by Sinn Fein’s prevention. A new future for mental boycott. health services by boosting prevention, leading on trauma and increasing investment to transform services. 6.6 Let’s Protect Mothers & Unborn Life Again 3. Let’s Get Our Schools 3 The dangerous vacuum of law and Moving Again guidance created by Creasy needs fixed. This must be matched by promoting Ensure the Barnett uplift in education gets a culture of choosing life in Northern to school budgets; lifting the burden of Ireland through perinatal services and bureaucracy on principals and teachers; valuing children through baby boxes an action plan on Adverse Childhood and childcare. Experiences; and 30 hours for 38 weeks childcare provision for 3-4 year olds.

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7.7 Let’s Protect Our Green 10.10 Let’s Lead the Way on and Pleasant Land Fighting Crime The DUP is committed to passing on our Northern Ireland to lead on justice natural wealth to the next generation in a innovation, tackle paramilitary criminality better state than we found it with a new and strengthening and improving our Environmental strategy and action on air, police service. land and water pollution. We will support our farmers and rural communities. 11.11 Let’s Make the Assembly Better 8.8 Let’s Protect Our Animals Better The DUP wants an Assembly back today but any new Assembly will have to Northern Ireland to lead on animal undergo far-reaching reform to deliver protection in the United Kingdom with more and deliver better. new offences and tougher sentences matched by public education. 12.12 Let’s Get Northern Ireland Celebrating Again 9.9 Let’s Build Stronger Communities Again The Centenary of Northern Ireland can become a showcase of what Northern Action to bolster social housing, Ireland and all its people have achieved. new approaches to affordable Positive celebrations exploring shared housing and improving quality in values with a physical legacy and the private let market while placing commitment to the Northern Ireland we economic regeneration at the centre will shape for the Next Generation. of community regeneration and programmes with positive social and cultural development.

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Let’s Get the Assembly Moving Again

ll roads lead us back to Stormont. The I am proposing that we restore an Executive DUP does not foresee, want, or seek an immediately. Put Ministers back into posts so Aalternative to the restoration of the that decisions can be made and that Northern Assembly. Ireland can have a government again. The Democratic Unionist Party never wanted the But we also agree to bring forward legislation Assembly to cease to function. Restoration was to address culture and language issues in never going to be easy but a list of preconditions Northern Ireland within a time-limited period just makes it harder. Some decided to run away to be agreed. If we fail to do that in a way that from the problems in 2017 rather than fix them. commands cross community support then the We have been and continue to be a pro- Executive would cease to exist. devolution party. Decisions made locally that This is an offer made in good faith with are directly accountable to the voters is what is Northern Ireland and its people’s best interest best for all of us whatever the challenges and at heart.” difficulties of power-sharing. This is the quickest and easiest manner in which The DUP have been ready, willing and able to a working Assembly can be restored. All other serve in an Executive and the Assembly since the political issues can be dealt with in parallel March 2017 Assembly elections. We showed our talks. This is the same approach that was used commitment a few short weeks ago when we successfully to deal with Policing and Justice tried to form an Executive. In September 2017 issues as well as Welfare Reform. our Party Leader set out a roadmap to a working There should be no doubting the DUP’s Assembly, All-Party Executive and a Fair Deal: commitment to get a working Assembly back “I am putting forward a common sense now and the DUP’s commitment to establish solution that can give us the Executive we need an All-Party Executive to deliver on the people’s and resolve outstanding issues. priorities. Let’s get Northern Ireland moving again.

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Let’s Get Our NHS Moving Again

he National Health Service is a British • More than 100,000 additional patients Institution that is a top priority for diagnosed, assessed or treated from elective care Tpeople here. It is a service that since waiting lists through a £30m investment. it was founded has evolved to ensure it • £15m to support services in local health centres. can deliver healthcare free at the point • £15m for workforce development in nursing and of delivery while challenged by growing other professions. demand and keeping up with advances in medical science and care. Factors include • £30m to improve hospital and community an older population, growth in chronic services. conditions, unhealthy lifestyles and access • £5m to prevention and strengthening to new drugs or treatment regimes. communities. The DUP is committed to maintaining the NHSNI • £5m to assist with reforming services. as free at the point of delivery and ensuring it can This real investment has occurred all over face those challenges. Northern Ireland. Tangible examples include In terms of resources the DUP has consistently Day Case Elective Care Centres for varicose made Health spending a top priority and in the veins in Lagan Valley and Omagh, cataract 2016 Assembly election committed to £1 bn operations at the Mid Ulster, Downpatrick and more. This is why the DUP used its influence South Tyrone Hospitals, a new HIV prevention in London to deliver over £400m investment in clinic and £6.4m for enhancing the nursing and health. However, money alone is not the answer. midwifery workforce. Northern Ireland has the highest spend per capita A number of mental health projects were funded of all of the UK, but all too often only achieve the including suicide prevention, talking therapies, lowest outcomes. We need to invest more but we substance misuse and forensic mental health must maximise the results from our investment. services. Multi-Agency Triage has been introduced The DUP ambition for the NHSNI is that it involving two police officers, a mental health is not lagging but leading on healthcare in nurse and a paramedic working together to the United Kingdom. This can be fulfilled by respond to people with mental health problems, investing and reforming. and new crisis intervention/ de-escalation services are being trialled in Londonderry and Belfast. Real Investment in In 2019-20 this real investment in real lives will include: Real Lives • £19 million for practice-based physiotherapists, The DUP used its influence in Parliament to mental health specialists and social workers deliver real investment in real lives. Funding working alongside GPs in local practices. from the Confidence and Supply Agreement • £14 million for the most urgent cases on has proved essential to allow people on hospital waiting lists. waiting lists to be seen, deliver new services and reform NHSNI. As well as allocations for • £13 million on staffing and training in immediate in-year pressures, £200 million physiotherapy, medical specialties, GP was secured for modernising, improving development and the ambulance service. and reforming our health services. The £100 • £52 million to enhance community and million in the first year was invested in a hospital services, including day case surgery range of transformation initiatives in the hubs, social services training and investment in following areas: mental health services.

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• £13 million towards more acute care at home Next Century Structures and to support prevention. The DUP will support: • £5 million for improving quality of care and • Implementation of the ‘Systems not Structures’ new IT systems. (Bengoa) Report. The investment from the Confidence and Supply • Reducing bureaucracy by passing legislation to Agreement is providing a further £50 million abolish the Health and Social Care Board. specifically to mental health over five years. In the first year this resulted in: • Enhanced collaboration across organisations such as the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service • £4.6 million for psychological therapies and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue • £1.8 million for additional expenditure on Service. medications Patient Centred and • £2.7 million to sustain and increase access to Professionally-led care mental health services The DUP is committed to: • £900,000 for the new Acute Mental Health • Greater involvement for individuals in their care Facility on the Belfast City Hospital site. with full electronic access to medical records NHSNI’s Next Century- and information. • Clinically-led transformation- it will be frontline A World Leader in professionals leading the change. • Enthusing and motivating staff including fair pay Healthcare and conditions for all. In 2021 Northern Ireland will celebrate its • Promoting innovation and partner with industry centenary and the NHSNI that cares for us and academia. in Northern Ireland’s next century will be significantly different from the one that has • Promoting health as an economic driver. served us since 1948. There must be a move New Facilities and New Services from managing illness to supporting people to stay well. Resources need to shift to the The new facilities and services the DUP will community. Patient feedback should be develop are: harnessed better to help drive reform. NHSNI • A new model for learning disability services, can become a leader by pushing through these which will be able to adapt to and embrace the reform priorities. This is how. findings of investigations and a public inquiry into the failings at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. Resource Commitment • A world-leading psychological trauma service. The DUP will increase spend on health by at least £1 billion by the end of the Assembly term • Day Case Surgery Hubs for a broader range in 2021, with the budgetary and commissioning of surgical specialties with additional nurse cycle extended to three years. This will include: endoscopists. • Short-stay assessment units to avoid requiring • Pursuing a population health-based approach admission. with an increased spend on prevention • Improved categorisation and response times for • Refocusing resources into the community ambulance calls. and primary care, including diagnostics, multidisciplinary teams and expanding first • Medical school provision in the North West. contact physiotherapy For cancer patients this will include: • The Executive to seek a fair, sustainable model • Expediting a new cancer strategy for Northern for adult social care across the UK. Ireland.

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• More cancer treatments including chemotherapy Next Century Technology at local units outside Belfast. for Next Century Healthcare New relationships and roles Transformative technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things and Blockchain offer the The NHSNI will be built around: potential to improve services and research. • Expansion of new roles such as physician Healthcare data affords us enormous associates and advanced clinical practitioners. opportunities in terms of predictive analytics and the evolution of personalised medicine. Data • Boundaries between professions becoming less can help with understanding of disease including rigid. prevention and early detection, evaluating • An enhanced role for both pharmacists and treatment outcomes and developing targeted paramedics as envisaged in the Donaldson approaches. This will include report, and other professionals including • Maximising benefits from digital technologies radiographers. with early introduction of a comprehensive At a community and home level the DUP will electronic health and care record. implement: • Northern Ireland as a leader in e-health, • Community pharmacy playing a much greater precision medicine and quality and safety. role in health care provision, with the potential • More data analysts to help understand and to become health and wellbeing hubs. identify opportunities for early intervention. • Further enhance Acute Care at Home provision. Next Century Approaches - • More community-based paramedics. Prevention is the best form of cure • Autonomous neighbourhood nursing teams. We need to place a stronger focus on • Greater access to new technologies for prevention, health improvement and early monitoring diabetes. intervention. We should continue seeking to reduce inequalities in health, and address the • Collaborate with community/voluntary fact that 28% of children in Northern Ireland organisations to improve leisure opportunities are obese or overweight. The UK has the highest for those with disabilities, including access to rate of childhood obesity in Western Europe. We inclusive beaches. need to improve health behaviours. Exercise and For vulnerable and older people this will include: active travel should be promoted. • More Intermediate Care at Home to assist For our babies, children and younger people the particularly older patients. DUP will: • Promote greater understanding and awareness • Development of innovative approaches for of Adverse Childhood Experiences, mental dementia provision. wellbeing and suicide prevention among staff. New Help for GPs and Local Health Centres • Support expansion of the Family Nurse Many of the new services will relieve pressures on Partnership that works with first-time teenage our GPs but in addition the DUP will: mothers and their children. • Enhance skills of administrative staff in GP • Fortification of flour with folic acid to reduce practices. neural tube defects. • Pursue means to minimise the indemnity burden • Support resuscitation skills being taught in on General Practitioners in Northern Ireland. schools. • Extend throughout Northern Ireland the multi- For the vulnerable and older people especially: disciplinary teams commenced through C&S • Social and environmental prescribing funding. encouraged including in situations of loneliness and social isolation.

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• Measures to prevent people becoming frail. In a range of international settings open visiting • Action to prevent falls by older people. has proved to be effective and popular, with initial scepticism of staff diminishing through experience The DUP will also support marking National and collaborative common-sense implementation. Emergency Services Day as a public expression of our gratitude to these vital services. Social Care With a significantly aging population, we need Hospital Sector to develop and agree on a fair, sustainable The DUP proposes additional investment to model for adult social care across the UK. overhaul waiting lists, with the prioritisation of Adult care and support play a vital role helping a solution for the pension accrual issue that is tens of thousands of people every week in limiting the activity of senior clinicians. Northern Ireland maintain their independence Huge resources are squandered through patients and quality of life through support to remain in fit for discharge requiring extended stays in their own homes as long as possible, or by caring hospital, awaiting confirmation of community for them in residential and nursing homes. It must care arrangements. The delays impact adversely on reform though to be sustainable and withstand patients and ought to be a priority to resolve at a future challenges. While we work on a new province-wide level. The DUP also supports: national approach we must act locally too. The DUP will: • A new regional elective centre for neurological disease. • Develop and promote social care as an attractive career with training, professional development • 24/7 access to the full range of services for all and progression. stroke patients, with an Acute Stroke Unit at the • Work with independent healthcare providers to Ulster Hospital. stabilise the sector so that it continues to play a • A four-site model for breast assessment services key role in the Health and Social Care system. including one to serve the South and South- • Request expert analysis on the potential benefits West of Northern Ireland. of independent price regulation within the care • Better scheduling of operating lists to make sector. theatres more productive. • Further showcase Northern Ireland as an exemplar in innovative solutions for active and Open Visiting healthy ageing. • Learn from other regions on improving the care The DUP proposes that open visiting should we provide our older population, such as the be introduced in hospital wards and care acclaimed Buurtzorg community care model in facilities. Evidence shows more flexible the Netherlands, and explore the potential for visiting arrangements can help aid recovery rolling out similar models in Northern Ireland. and are valued by family and carers. A further • Ensure an ongoing focus on tackling dementia indirect benefit may be an easing of hospital including implementing the regional strategy parking pressures. and innovative approaches to improving services. Older patients are negatively impacted by • Deliver appropriate support and advice for unfamiliar surroundings. If a carer is willing unpaid carers to help meet their financial, and able to continue their support during a psychological and social needs. hospital admission, it makes no sense to put barriers in their way. Studies indicate involving carers increases patient safety, improves outcomes and contributes massively to patient and family satisfaction.

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Let’s Get Mental Health Services Moving Again

orthern Ireland has higher rates of service operational, fully-resourced and developing self-harm and 25% more mental expertise and knowledge that can be shared Nhealth problems than the rest of internationally. the UK. Over 213,000 are estimated to experience significant mental health A Transformed Service problems as a result of the ‘Troubles’, and All parts of our NHS need to transform if we are Northern Ireland has the highest PTSD to maintain the commitment to healthcare free rate of 30 countries Ulster University for all at the point of delivery. The DUP believes investigated. This requires a significant and all our mental health services should operate long-term response. on a single Northern Ireland service model, so all patients can have the same expectations. A Resources Commitment number of specialist regional services could be The DUP will put resources behind its vision for established and developed to provide for the mental health provision by setting out to narrow whole of Northern Ireland, such as: the gap and achieve greater parity of funding • Enhanced regional perinatal mental health between mental and physical health. service with community teams and a mother Prevention First and baby inpatient unit. • Community psychiatry for those with learning The DUP recommends a preventative approach to disability. reduce the extent of mental illness with a stronger focus on building resilience and coping skills. • Enhanced eating disorders provision. New multidisciplinary teams in primary care, • Network of dementia home support. made possible by the real investment in real • Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health lives from the DUP’s Confidence and Supply crisis management service. funding, include mental health workers. Child and • Psychosis early intervention. adolescent specialist support within these teams • 24-hour multidisciplinary mental health liaison should also be considered. service including self-harm and substance Learning from patient feedback needs to be misuse, across all acute hospitals. harnessed and utilised to adapt and enhance • Enhanced regional addictions provision including services. Sanctuaries have been developed in timelier access to substitute prescribing. Manchester and Bristol and offer a home-like environment for those suffering severe emotional • Step-down provision for alcohol-related brain distress. They are somewhere people can go out of damage. regular working hours which feels safe, and where Our priorities for children and young people they can relax. will be: • To enhance preventative work in schools. Leading on Trauma • To promote awareness training in youth Psychological trauma occurs everywhere but organisations, sports clubs, churches and the the terrorist campaigns have magnified the community. suffering of so many. It was a DUP Minister who announced the establishment of a regional mental • Additional investment in child and adolescent trauma service and we want to see this crucial services.

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Our priorities for communities will be: • Continuing increasing investment in • More strategic approach to role of community/ psychological therapies to significantly improve voluntary sector, and seamless boundaries with waiting times. statutory services. • Utilising technological solutions including online • Develop a range of community options for treatment options. individuals to be directed to, and expand social • Investing more in promoting physical health of prescribing. those with serious mental illness. Our priorities for all patients and services will be: • Full implementation of the Mental Capacity • To improve facilities and develop a range of Act, permitting individuals to make their own alternative non-clinical settings. decisions. • An enhanced role for peer support. Let’s Get Our Schools Moving Again

Real Investment in the Next Generation The DUP has ensured Special Educational Needs Northern Ireland students continually excel, with will be prioritised with the extra funding received 30% of A-Level passes in August 2019 achieving through Confidence and Supply. We will ensure: A or A* grades, outperforming counterparts • Identification of special needs at an early age. across the rest of the UK. Grades in Northern • Pupil statements should be given when needed. Ireland have continued to improve at a time when results have fallen elsewhere and the • Statemented pupils are given the best support number with qualifications has also grown. possible. Our children are the next generation and the • Further training is given to teachers and DUP is committed to improving our education assistants in this area. system in Northern Ireland. The DUP have The DUP have led the way in tackling educational delivered over £500 million through the underachievement and low attainment through Confidence and Supply Agreement, which has engagement with local schools and educational benefited the following: bodies. There must be a continued focus on • 39,000 children through 38 Sure Start projects. improving outcomes, particularly for Protestant boys from working class communities. We want • 40,000 supported by Literacy and Numeracy every child to have the opportunity to fulfil their projects. potential, no matter where they live. We believe: • 5,600 children through the Early Years Pathway • Subjects offered should be tailored to the Fund, at risk of not reaching their full potential. specific needs of pupils. • £8 million for schools across Northern Ireland, • Early interventions are key- we support the safeguarding the Extended Schools projects for introduction of a 0-3 strategy. 473 schools. • Pupil tracking is critical to improving attainment. • £1.3 million for nurture provision, with a number of schools receiving £70,000 per annum to • Improved training for teaching assistants. support ongoing programmes. • Greater focus on apprenticeships, entrepreneurship and trades.

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• There should be an increased focus on literacy enhanced new model for District Inspectors. and numeracy at primary level. • Clearer pathways for preparation for We would seek to address issues such as Principalship and school leadership roles, and aspiration, the importance of parental involvement a more comprehensive approach towards post and promotion of education ambassadors. appointment mentoring. Frontline First - School Budgets • An enhancement of Continuing Professional Development with greater input and co-design The DUP is fully conscious that even with the from teaching professionals. extra resources we secured school budgets are under pressure. We need to ensure funding • Improved recruitment and effective training of is not being tied up in bureaucracy. The DUP School Governors, with stronger links between believes the first priority in education spend is to schools and local employers. ensure maximum resources reach the ‘frontline’ Adverse Childhood Experiences so that every pupil in the classroom is reaping the benefit. We believe there needs to be a Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are reform of the current schools’ estate through stressful or traumatic events, including abuse, area planning to ensure that children and young neglect and household dysfunction. The people have access to high quality education more ACEs a child has, the greater the risk of delivered in schools that are educationally and depression, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and financially sustainable. strokes. We need to ensure Adverse Childhood Experiences are addressed. Early intervention We support the introduction of a Strategic Small will have better outcomes for children and save Schools Initiative to ensure parents in isolated money in the longer term. communities are not left without realistic educational choices, and a three-year Education The DUP pledge that: Reform Fund to accelerate implementation of • £5million per year is invested over the next ten agreed Area Planning decisions. years to tackle ACEs. Reducing the burden on schools • The NI Executive ensures future policy is We are committed to cutting down the day- developed around this issue. to-day pressures on our schools, removing • In the next Programme for Government, a unnecessary bureaucracy, providing greater commitment is given by all Departments that support for our educational professionals and the first three years of a child’s development is shifting the culture in education to place greater fundamental. trust in the skills, expertise and professional • All practitioners involved in children’s lives from autonomy of our teaching workforce. birth to pre-school are made aware of the risk DUP commitments in this area are: factors that can jeopardise child development. • Reduce administrative burdens through • Funding for early intervention programmes and greater collaboration, co-ordination and nurture units should be protected. central data to remove duplication of information requests and improve lines Coding of communication between schools and Computer science and coding capability are educational bodies. crucial to local business prospects and companies • Reform the model of inspection to a tell us they do not have sufficient people with collaborative and co-operative one with a those skills to fill all the posts they need. two-way assessment process aimed at school The DUP propose a ‘Cascade Approach’. A improvement, transforming the Education one-off investment of £2 million would train a Training Inspectorate into a Northern Ireland teacher from each school, who in turn would Educational Improvement Service, and an train a colleague or second teacher. Within

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twelve months we could have in excess of The DUP fought against the closure of the 20,000 pupils actively involved in coding. childcare voucher scheme and ensured this was Coding also needs greater focus in Higher extended. Education and adult education. We aim to have In terms of future provision, the DUP is thousands of jobs in the IT industry and enough committed to: people to fill them. • Support working families by introducing a Childcare Childcare Act to provide 30 hours of free childcare for 38 weeks for 3-4 year-olds, The DUP believes that all parents should have bringing Northern Ireland in line with elsewhere access to good quality and affordable childcare in the UK. for their children. We need to ensure those parents who want to can access, stay and • In the longer-term, plan to extend such provision progress in paid work and in turn contribute to 2-4 year-olds. to our economy in Northern Ireland. Good • Work with schools to provide wraparound care. childcare can play a key role in the educational and social development of a child. Let’s Get Our Economy Moving Again

mployment is at a record high. In the last Assembly term, the jobs target of Unemployment is low, and lower 25,000 set by the Executive was smashed with Ethan the UK and Republic of Ireland 40,000 achieved. It is a clear demonstration how unemployment rates. Exports have grown. government can make a positive contribution to Tourism is booming. Yet overall economic jobs and businesses. The fundamental challenges growth remains lower than the national our economy now face are skills and productivity rate, and the problem of low productivity so this must be at the centre of the Assembly’s hangs over our successes. It’s time to get our future work. economy moving again. We delivered on jobs, now we must deliver on A successful Northern Ireland will be built upon productivity and growth. an economy that is internationally focused and leading in sectors providing high quality Productivity & Business Growth employment. The DUP recognises the need Northern Ireland has had lower levels of to create a high value and high productivity productivity than other parts of the UK. This is economy. The economy will benefit from a mix steadily being addressed through high growth of large international corporations investing in sectors. Northern Ireland and a strong indigenous SME • A new Industrial Strategy will be underpinned by sector in areas including technology start-ups, measures which will enhance local companies’ advanced manufacturing and engineering, and strength in global supply chains. agri-foods. Northern Ireland has a history of entrepreneurship and we must reignite this spirit. • The creation of a high-quality business leaders’ programme, which will identify and mentor In government the DUP rightly prioritized our a core of potential leaders who can make a private sector, building our international presence significant difference to the local economy. through Invest NI and implementing strategies to tackle economic inactivity, innovation and skills. • Local businesses will receive greater support to

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grow their export potential. Northern Ireland • Investment in our Broadband network across has a global reputation for excellence which Northern Ireland. can be better harnessed through greater access • Funding secured for the York Street Interchange to trade credit insurance, more focused trade redevelopment. missions and better collaboration between local • Secured the Belfast Region City Deal and exporters. advanced deals for elsewhere in Northern • An Innovation Task Force established and Ireland. brought together when specific issues in this field are to be addressed. Membership will be Investing in New Roads based on expertise only. Northern Ireland needs to keep investing in new • We must increase our engagement with world and improved road networks to keep our region leaders in digital technologies, harnessing their competitive. Investment should be focused upon support and applying modern technology improving connections between our key towns towards our economic development planning. and cities and on schemes that are of strategic and economic importance. The DUP supported Skills projects like the A5 and we will support further A strong skills base is essential for a successful proposals such as: economy. Work is changing and skills providers • the York Street Interchange. and employees both must be more flexible and • the Ballynahinch Bypass. responsive to business needs. • the Newry Southern Relief Road. • An updated skills strategy which focuses on key • the Enniskillen Southern Bypass. growth sectors and aligned with local employers • Dualling of the A26 and the new Industrial Strategy. We will also invest significantly in road • Greater promotion of self-employment as maintenance and improvements. a career option for both those leaving the Better management of publicly owned land education system and those going through a career change. Building on work to date, we will: • Technology skills learning should be a core • develop a register of all publicly owned land in element of skills development. Northern Ireland. • An overhaul of the work experience system in • maximise use for the development of projects schools, as part of a drive to encourage greater such as Greenways and Park and Rides, and sales skills and work awareness from a younger age. where economically best. • An overhaul of the apprenticeship system Ultimately, the DUP would like to explore the to encourage employers to develop talent– potential of creating one single entity akin improve employer collaboration with colleges to Public Wealth Funds that operate in places and universities to create apprenticeships and like Sweden and Singapore to effectively and make them more attractive to young people, efficiently manage all central government owned parents and schools. land and assets in Northern Ireland. Infrastructure Business Taxes A modern infrastructure is essential if we • The DUP supports an overhaul of the non- are to build a prosperous Northern Ireland. domestic rating system, to ensure that it is fair, Infrastructure investment brings many and better supports those sectors most exposed substantial benefits to Northern Ireland, to it. including improving the delivery services and • We will continue to support the industrial supporting the growth and competitiveness of derating policy, to protect and provide the basis our private sector. for renewed growth of our manufacturing sector. We have made significant progress across a • We want Northern Ireland to be the test bed for number of issues including: a Skills and Productivity Tax Credit.

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Tourism be bad for Northern Ireland economically and We will continue to develop our tourism will weaken the foundations of this great United sector, across Northern Ireland, providing many Kingdom. opportunities for both new businesses and There must be unfettered access from the employment for all age groups: Northern Ireland to Great Britain market. The • Renewed focus on attracting quality customs and consent arrangements must be international events, which showcase Northern revisited and a one-nation approach adopted. Ireland and build on successful delivery of the The one-sided approval mechanism for the MTV awards, Giro D’Italia and the Open. Assembly takes no account of power-sharing. • Build up our community tourism capacity, and Indeed, it would lead to Sinn Fein, the SDLP and look to grow social enterprises in this area. the Alliance Party ganging up to render unionist • Regenerating our built heritage which will votes irrelevant. If you believe in the principles contribute towards tourism opportunities of power-sharing then those principles must be • Modernising licensing laws, respecting local enshrined in any deal. communities and improving economic Furthermore, the East-West checks as proposed opportunities for businesses. would lead to excessively bureaucratic burdens Northern Ireland has shown it can compete on for trade between Great Britain and Northern the world stage, and considerable progress has Ireland, and consequentially higher prices and less been made towards making this a destination choice for consumers. for investment and employment. What we We trade far more with Great Britain than we have achieved is only the beginning of our do with the Republic of Ireland, European Union economic rebirth. and rest of the world combined. Yet the proposals Public Sector Delivery Structures put forward would see our east-west trade subject to the rules of the EU Customs Union, There continues to be criticism of how large notwithstanding that Northern Ireland would public sector projects are managed and delivered remain part of the UK customs territory. in Northern Ireland. We will initiate a review of local procurement and delivery processes, We do not consider the proposals to be in and invite world-class international experts to Northern Ireland’s longer-term interests, and they undertake the review and make recommendations are clearly without support within unionism. for strategic improvement. In the last Parliament it was the votes of the DUP that altered the course of events. Brexit We will continue to work to shape a solution in We want to see a deal that works for the whole Northern Ireland’s interests, and we will judge of the United Kingdom and which does not leave each situation against what is best for Northern Northern Ireland behind. But without change, Ireland economically and constitutionally within we would not vote for the Prime Minister’s the Union. agreement. Without change in key areas it would

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Let’s Make the Assembly Better he DUP wants to see politics and • Review of the number of special advisers, and government at Stormont normalised. how they are appointed and regulated. TWe have had a long-term objective • Greater transparency and improved record of seeing government established by keeping. those who can agree to govern together. • Cross-Party Commissions with Ministers We believe this should be on the basis of augmented by experts to address controversial a concise agreed coalition plan which can or particularly challenging issues. subsequently be augmented by a more comprehensive Programme for Government. • Further use of Change Funds and Small Business The allocation of Ministerial portfolios should be Research Initiatives. determined through discussion or negotiation, • Greater focus on innovation labs and and formalised by running the d’Hondt process. behavioural insights. We welcome the significantly reduced use of • Normalisation of digital interaction with the Petition of Concern and support a move Government. to weighted majority voting, as an essential • Extend shared services. protection for minorities. We support the removal • Establish an Office of Data Analytics. of community designation which entrenches division and hinders the development of politics. Reforms to the working of the Northern Ireland Assembly the DUP proposes are: Devolution over the last decade was responsible for many good things, as well as those less good. • Review of structure of sitting days so Assembly DUP Ministers oversaw billions being invested in time is used more efficiently and focuses on roads, schools and health facilities. legislating. Other areas where the DUP supports improvements • Committees to play an enhanced role in the in how Government operates include: work of the Assembly. • Develop a Northern Ireland Reform Plan to be • Reduction in the size of Assembly Committees agreed by Executive parties across all aspects in line with the number of Assembly Members of Government and public services such as having reduced to ninety. health, education, housing and justice, and • Reduction in the amount of lengthy Private exploring alternative models of delivery such as Member’s debates and replacement with mutualisation. alternative means of bringing issues to the • Fundamental reform of the Northern Ireland attention of the Assembly such as Opposition Civil Service including examining the benefits Day motions and the morning hour debates in from closer collaboration and relationship with the US House of Representatives. the Home Civil Service, and experience from • Introduce a standardised approach to the Scotland and Wales. appropriateness for tabling of Assembly • Ensure the Northern Ireland Executive will Questions in line with Westminster. be more robust, and capable of withstanding • Establish a transparent new system for political differences. Assembly expenses based on the Westminster • Removal of the obligation for an immediate Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority election on the resignation of First/deputy First (IPSA) model which oversees and regulates MPs’ Minister which can incentivise instability. business costs and expenses independently. • Supporting the Assembly to function and other The DUP believes the regime for political Ministers to continue to act while the vacancy donations for the rest of the UK should be is being filled. extended to and fully implemented in Northern • The allegiance of civil servants should be to the Ireland, enhancing confidence through removing Executive rather than a single Department to the risks associated with foreign donations. promote a more joined-up approach.

PAGE 17 OUR PLAN Let’s Get NI Moving AGAIN

Let’s Continue Protecting the Vulnerable

t was the DUP that first proposed proper and full local input and scrutiny would not a mitigation package in Northern deliver better reforms nor the best protection for IIreland when the Welfare Reform the vulnerable. Assembly action is best. process began. A DUP Minister introduced The DUP supports: the mitigations package which ended up making welfare better and giving • Drawing from existing research such as the protection for the vulnerable. Radar report into Personal Independence Payments and the NIHRC research on social Sinn Fein’s refusal to form an Executive puts security reforms these vital protections for the vulnerable at risk- they are creating a ‘Cliff Edge’ for those most in • An update of the Evason report to be produced need of security. by a panel of experts. The DUP is clear the best means of developing • A new mitigations package and regulations in and delivering the best mitigation package Northern Ireland based on the updated report. is through a working Assembly backed up by • The establishment of a dedicated fund for expert advice. This is what the DUP wants to see professional tribunal representation for happen again. Anything else produced without appellants. Let’s Protect Mothers and Unborn Life Again

he ill-thought out, badly drafted and Based on the Finnish model these boxes provide unwisely enacted changes to Northern a complete package designed for parents to start TIreland’s abortion laws have created a a life with a new baby. dangerous precedent and policy vacuum. • Enhanced regional perinatal mental health The DUP wants: service with community teams and an inpatient • The Assembly to act to fill the dangerous mother and baby unit. vacuum of law and guidance that the Creasy • Perinatal Hospice Care- Public debate has legislation creates. Our aim will be to maximise focused on the needs of women who are support for mothers and protection of the pregnant with a child diagnosed with a lethal or unborn child. severely life limiting condition. The DUP believes Legislation is only part of what must be done. that women who find themselves in these most The DUP is committed to promoting a culture of difficult of situations need the best medical and choosing life in Northern Ireland and this value emotional support including perinatal hospice must flow through into the support and services provision in Northern Ireland. we provide. The DUP is committed to: • Increase in childcare provision to support • Baby Boxes- From 2021 each child born in parents and child development. Northern Ireland would receive a baby box.

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Let’s Protect Our Green and Pleasant Land

ur land, our waters and our air are Northern Ireland’s natural wealth. Land OThey change as we grow as a It is often forgotten that land is a limited resource. population and an economy, but how we Northern Ireland’s population is growing and we change them and what we put in them is need to shift to a higher value, higher productivity a choice. The choices we make will shape economy. Many of the environmental what we hand over to the next generation in actions we need are often land intensive e.g. Northern Ireland. reforestation, some renewable energies and even In Northern Ireland’s new century, the DUP is environmentally friendly projects in the wrong committed to ensuring our natural wealth is place cause harm. Therefore, the DUP will support: passed on to the next generation in a better • A Land Use Strategy for Northern Ireland state than we found it. The first step will be: including the implementation of the • The 2021 plan – An Environmental Strategy Sustainable Agricultural Land Management for the first 30 years of Northern Ireland’s Strategy developed under DUP Agriculture new century. This plan will include themes Minister Michelle McIlveen. such as: • Move towards a ‘net gain’ principle in • Biodiversity. development. • Peatland Preservation and Restoration and • A reforestation plan for Northern Ireland with management of upland resources. a ‘one person one tree’ planting scheme in 2021 to plant a tree for every person who lives • Waste Wealth – developing the circular here, as part of the legacy of the Centenary economy. celebrations. This strategy must address our growing population The custodians of much of our land are and the need to be economically successful to farmers and a key component of our economy. ensure we have the resources to protect our A positive and sustainable partnership is vital natural wealth. for a successful future with how we support farming and rural development central to this. Our Natural Wealth - Land, Future support needs tied to efficiency and Air and Waters sustainability as well as changes to the tax The enjoyment of our natural wealth is a value system to encourage long-term investment. held across the political spectrum. Whatever A particular issue is ammonia pollution. The the national and international environmental DUP supports: challenges, we all want clean air, clean water and • The development and implementation a clean environment. Northern Ireland’s ease of a pragmatic Ammonia strategy which of access to the countryside and coastline is a recognises the needs of farmers while balancing significant positive of life as well as aiding our environmental concerns. Any policy should also tourism potential and health and wellbeing. take into account the environmental benefits The 2021 Environment Strategy will be the which agriculture provides e.g. a carbon sink, long-term plan but it will need a programme hedge and tree planting etc. of actions.

PAGE 19 OUR PLAN Let’s Get NI Moving AGAIN

• The continued development of the Glider Air network across Belfast. The air we breathe has immediate and • Extending ‘park and ride’ facilities across long-term impacts on heart and respiratory Northern Ireland. conditions as well as brain development of children. This places further strains on our • Improve public transport connections to our NHS and harms the next generation. The ‘signature’ tourism projects. present but limited data indicates we have a • A high-speed rail link between Belfast and Dublin. significant air pollution problem. With a more • Further help for rural and community transport dispersed population and greater diesel usage providers. than elsewhere in the UK this means we do not Our aim is to provide a mix between public have quick and easy options to address these and private transport infrastructure, improve issues, though a shift away from diesel has the integration between the various services and added benefit of ending the criminality and ensure customers enjoy a value-for-money environmental harm from fuel smugglers. For quality service. domestic vehicles the industry is proceeding on the path of electrification with Electric Vehicles Greenways & Cycle Networks (EV). For HGVs and buses there is a divergence on what the future technology will be with There is a growing enthusiasm for cycling some opting for electrification and others as a mode of transport. In order to improve pursuing CNG (and ultimately hydrogen). connectivity and offer alternatives to car transport, we will support: The DUP will support: • The continued development of the Greenway • Increasing air pollution monitoring in Northern network throughout Northern Ireland. Ireland to fully understand the nature and spread of the problem. • Increase the amount of investment available in the Greenway Fund and maximise the use of • Programme of Electrification or CNG for the publicly owned sites. public vehicle fleet. • Reform the law for e-bikes and have the • A rolling target of electric charging points in Assembly Committee examine the case for public estate car-parking to encourage public e-scooters. sector workers to opt for EV. In parallel we will invest in: • Finding a manufacturing partner to convert the Goldliner fleet to CNG engines. • Developing the cycling network across Northern Ireland. • Work with Ofgem to develop a Compressed Natural Gas Network for HGVs and buses. • Improving the visibility and safety of routes • Reform of the MOT system. • Develop a quietways network in Belfast, There will be further proposals of action at a • In partnership with recognised groups, promote national level with particular benefit to Northern cycling amongst all age groups. Ireland. Water Improving Public Transport Our waters are a significant resource both for The DUP is committed to a Long-term Public various leisure and sporting activities, as well as Transport Plan to maximise the reach and the water system we rely on each and every day. attractiveness of public transport. • The DUP appreciates the importance of a strong A new Transport Hub recently opened in and reliable end to end water system and its Londonderry and a similar model will open central contribution to our future economic in Belfast. Passenger numbers and customer development and clean environment. satisfaction are improving, and its popularity is • The DUP will increase Northern Ireland likely to continue with new services such as the Water’s public education programmes to Glider in Belfast. We will support: reduce water use.

PAGE 20 Let’s Get NI Moving AGAIN OUR PLAN

• Prioritise the water system for increased • A Single Waste Disposal Authority for Northern capital spend. Ireland. On flood protection, the DUP will support: • An Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme. • Infrastructure investment in identified hotspots. • Promoting the principle of Energy from Waste. • A new simplified and expanded flood protection • Northern Ireland as a test bed for roads using scheme targeted at householders and SMEs in recycled plastics. flood risk zones. The UK’s Net Zero Target – Northern • New community response plans and education Ireland’s Contribution to a Just Transition in flood risk zones. For our coastline and seas, the DUP will: The United Kingdom is a world leader on climate action and this was reflected in • Fully support the work of the Coastal Parliament’s decision to increase our CO2 Management Forum. target from 80% of 1990 levels to Net Zero. • Establish a single lead department. The significance and scale of this change should • Develop and implement a 21st Century Coastal not be under-estimated. With the exception of Protection Framework. sustaining the NHS, it is the greatest long-term policy and financial challenge for all levels of Waste Wealth government for decades to come. With waste we face two challenges. First, why If poorly planned and implemented, these is it waste in the first place? For the design shifts in all aspects of our lives can have a of a product and its packaging, it needs to be disproportionately negative impact on poorer encouraged that less is used and what is used sections of the community and poorer regions can be reused, recycled or upcycled. of the UK. With higher levels of poverty and Second, how we send ever less amounts to presently one of the less well-developed regions landfill and increase our recycling rates. The of the United Kingdom, this means it is vital for different types of waste and the manner of Northern Ireland that: their collection can affect both. Along with • The national commitment is implemented fairly recycling itself, these are key features of and properly resourced. what is called the ‘Circular’ economy with a potential value for Northern Ireland of £150m. • The transition and transformation this involves It is how savings can be made and jobs created must be a just one for poorer sections of the by dealing with our forms of waste better and community and regions. generating more revenue for Councils. The DUP supports: Same Distance Travelled • Commissioning a new strategic waste Each constituent part of the United Kingdom’s infrastructure plan for Northern Ireland. work on climate action must be based on the distinct opportunities and challenges they • Driving up recycling rates throughout the face. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) Province by implementing a recycling recognises this and has recommended different collection model that encourages householders targets for the four constituent parts of the UK to recycle, while ensuring the collection of that would still enable the nation to achieve its high-quality materials. Net Zero target. The same distance travelled • A circular economy approach to recycling in each part of the UK will deliver the national to create local jobs and economic growth target but not require a common local target opportunities for Northern Ireland. everywhere. It must be recognised that Northern • Following the Welsh model and including Ireland is the UK region with the greatest distance Incinerator Bottom Ash counting towards our to travel and sectors that will be the most difficult recycling target. to transform.

PAGE 21 OUR PLAN Let’s Get NI Moving AGAIN

In the recent CCC report on Net Zero, it to shape a new agricultural policy to produce the recommended a target for Northern Ireland of amounts of food we want, to the standards we 78-80% reduction in CO2 by 2050. However, need, to make our environment better and deliver with no Assembly or Executive it has never been on climate change goals. asked for a formal recommendation. The DUP will: The DUP believes: • Support a Northern Ireland Executive request for • Currently direct support for farms under the a formal recommendation from the CCC on a CAP is linked to land holding. We believe CO2 2050 target. that this should change and that future • Adopt that target and use the Programme for government policy needs to reflect the Government and the strategies and plans that national need for food security and rewarding flow from it to put it into practical action. productive, sustainable farming systems and proven environmental benefit. Our Green and • Future agriculture support should be outside the Barnett formula – the significance and Pleasant Land differences of farming communities across the The primary custodians of our rural areas are UK cannot be reflected through a basic formula. the farming community. Their commitment Funding allocations made to agriculture and and strength of connection to their farms related areas must be ring fenced in any future and businesses are vital to sustaining rural budget decisions. communities, producing high quality food and • Increase in support - UK contributions to CAP improving our environment. are greater than what UK farmers receive. That additional funding should, in the first instance, Farming support be ring fenced for agriculture and be directed at The DUP has a clear vision for our farmers and is delivering efficiencies, adapting to changes in committed to ensuring the necessary policy and markets, increasing profitability on family farms financial support to enable all of the different and delivering high environmental and animal sectors to become more profitable, sustainable welfare standards. and productive. • A Free and Fair Trade policy – We want to see a trade policy that opens up opportunity for our During the last Parliament through our Confidence agri food businesses and farming communities. and Supply Agreement we secured commitments At the same time we recognise that the UK to the same level of direct support in cash terms market is lucrative for those seeking trading as currently received through the Common arrangements in a post Brexit scenario. We must Agriculture Policy. We also ensured that the needs ensure that sensitive sectors like agriculture of our farmers are reflected in the forthcoming UK are afforded protection in our new trade policy. Agriculture Bill and will continue to make changes The DUP will not support trade agreements to the Bill in preparation for the UK leaving the that allow the UK market to be flooded with European Union. products that do not meet the high standards of Future agriculture policy is best delivered food safety, environmental and animal welfare through devolution reflecting the needs of each standards that are demanded of our farmers. constituent part of the United Kingdom. The • While the DUP will work to secure a Free Trade Agriculture Bill allows this flexibility. In order to Agreement with the EU in a post Brexit scenario take full advantage of this opportunity and keep if this is not realised we believe that the UK our farming and food sector moving forward tariff schedule should ensure reciprocal tariffs we want to see devolution restored and a local are placed on all agri food products which are minister in charge of developing that new vision imported from the EU. We would also place a for agriculture. It is regrettable that we do not much more sustainable Tariff Rate Quota and have willing partners with whom to form an Tariff Rate on all imports from the rest of the Executive at Stormont. world to ensure UK farmers have a level playing As we leave the EU we will have the opportunity field for competition.

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• DEFRA in particular must strengthen its The DUP is also aware of the wider social ability to open new export markets for British challenges faced by farmers and rural dwellers. We produce across the world - we would urge the have delivered: Government to build upon the work they have • £701,000 for Assisted Rural Travel Scheme done in recent years by employing more staff • £150,000 for Farm Family Health Checks in this area, greater advertising presence and conduct significantly more trade missions • £847,000 for Rural and Regional Community Development • Government must also do more in terms of encouraging British people to buy British • £102,000 for Rural Support Charity through more and better advertising campaigns The DUP will continue to deliver on the wider and revisiting Government procurement needs of rural dwellers and we want to do more priorities to facilitate greater access to childcare services. • Fairness and transparency in the food supply Such provision is lacking in many rural areas and chain is essential. Far too often farmers restricts the ability of parents to find a satisfactory find themselves to be the weakest actors work-life balance. within the chain and are at the mercy of Protecting Our National Natural Wealth large supermarkets, food processors and the food service sector who dictate price. Our land, our waters and our air are our natural This has been especially true for the beef wealth. It is a common desire that these should sector in recent months. The powers of the be passed on to the next generation in better Supermarket Ombudsman Office needs to condition than we found them. Many of the be revisited and strengthened so that unfair issues around the environment do not stop at practices are tackled. the boundaries of the constituent parts of the • Reform of the tax treatment of Conacre United Kingdom nor the borders of the United land should be undertaken so that there is a Kingdom. The integrated nature of our economy greater incentive for land owners to release reinforces the need to work together and work land for productive farming well. Therefore, we believe a national approach to environmental protection is what is needed. • We believe that animal health schemes, like like the BVD eradication scheme, provide an The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial important vehicle to driving efficiency on government department. This enables it to have: farms. This should be widened out to include • a sufficient degree of independence from Johne’s disease in cattle. Tackling TB also needs government a holistic approach, continuing with the status • greater and more diverse range of expertise quo will not solve the problem and is at a than regional organisations could attract massive cost to the taxpayer. and sustain. • We support the establishment of a veterinary • provides proper regional structures and school at the Ulster University, Coleraine. integration into a national framework. Rural Dwellers • prevents duplication and ‘silo’ mentality. • provides a common framework of enforcement. Through rural development funding the DUP has This helps maintain a level playing field for championed the need for supporting growth and businesses across the UK. the creation of rural business. We believe that by doing this we will create more wealth and jobs The DUP believes this is the appropriate model allowing rural communities to thrive. and supports: The DUP have delivered £150m to be invested in • An Office of Environmental Protection based an ultra-fast broadband programme prioritising on the FSA model. This will provide the best rural areas. This will tackle the digital divide use of resources, access to highest expertise, and support rural businesses held back by poor best crisis management and a consistency of digital access. approach.

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Let’s Protect Our Animals Better

he DUP is committed to high • An increase in the minimum sentence for animal standards of Animal Care. There are cruelty to 5 years. Ta number of areas where the DUP • Examine how a scheme to micro-chip cats can wants to see further legislative and policy be implemented. action including: In addition to legislative action we need: • The introduction of Private Member’s legislation banning circuses that contain wild • A public awareness campaign on the legislative animals. protections for animals in Northern Ireland. • The introduction of Finn’s Law- this prevents • The development of dedicated school those who attack and injure service animals resources for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage from claiming the right of self-defence. 3 pupils informing them of the hard work • The introduction of pet theft and pet kidnap as and effort required to be a responsible specific crimes. pet owner to counteract the problems of • Supporting a centrally compiled “Banned impulse pet purchases. Offenders” Register for Northern Ireland. Let’s Build Stronger Communities Again

trong communities are at the heart of housing body. This should include the transfer a renewed Northern Ireland. We want of its stock to fully utilise assets to make social Speople to live and work in communities housing more self-financing. In addition, the that are rejuvenated and revitalised and NIHE would receive additional powers to tackle which engender a sense of pride. the issue of empty homes. This will unlock The DUP is committed to the physical finance to further increase social housing new development of communities by: build and renovation of existing properties. • Increasing investment in new social and • Reintroduce a ‘living over the shops’ scheme- affordable housing- The case for investment in The future of our town centres does not depend social and affordable housing is an unarguable solely upon enhancing their retail offering. They one. House building has a hugely positive must become places where people live as well. impact upon the local economy. A safe, secure We will further develop the work already started and warm home also produces health and to reintroduce the previously successful ‘living educational benefits. The DUP commits to an over the shop’ scheme where landlords were annual social housing target of at least 2,000 assisted in converting space above shops or new units per year. offices into residential accommodation. • The Re-birth of the Northern Ireland Housing • A town centre regeneration challenge fund- We Executive (NIHE)- The DUP supports the will examine the scope for the introduction of a transformation of the NIHE into a strategic town centre regeneration challenge fund which

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local councils, chambers of trade and others landlord properties. In return for a guarantee could bid into annually to help them develop a of income the properties entered into the range of projects in their towns or high streets scheme must be equipped and maintained to to improve social and physical infrastructure. higher standards. • Community land trusts for affordable The DUP is committed to the social and homes- Such trusts are a long-term solution economic development of communities by: to the issue of affordability and assist in • Creating a network of business leaders to engage community regeneration. Land prices are a directly with communities, and who will drive key component in driving up property prices. regeneration projects. This model places the land in trust and thus removes it from the cost of the home. • Future community funding programmes such Future selling prices are linked to a multiple as Peace Funding, should have sustainability of local incomes which allows the owner and economic regeneration as their core aims. to see appreciation of their investment • Community hubs established within existing but still maintaining any re-sale price at facilities with access to technology, to improve an accessible level. The DUP will introduce awareness of online learning and work schemes in different property hot spots opportunities. across Northern Ireland. • Support for well-structured cultural • Bulk buying from private sector landlords- celebrations, which promote and educate the The DUP wants to drive up standards in the positives of identity and history. private landlord sector. It will introduce a bulk-renting scheme from combines of private Let’s Lead the Way on Fighting Crime

orthern Ireland has established under threat and there have been examples of itself at the cutting edge of justice suicides amongst individuals under intimidation. Ninnovation in the UK. Further reform The Paramilitary Crime Task Force comprising we envisage includes: expertise from PSNI, HMRC and the National • Increased use of Enhanced Combination Orders. Crime Agency offers significant potential for • Further expansion of problem-solving courts to advances. The DUP supports: help reduce reoffending and reduce the long- • The efforts being pursued through the Tackling term burden on the taxpayer. Paramilitarism programme. • Greater use of Supervised Activity Orders. • Intensifying the positive work by agencies such • Examining the impact of Community Payback as the Education Authority in youth outreach Orders in Scotland. to engage those at risk of joining illegal Two and a half decades on from the ceasefires, organisations or entering crime. Northern Ireland and particularly some of its • Mentoring of young men. urban communities have not felt the peace they deserve. Too many remain within the grip of illegal • Recovered assets being ploughed back into local paramilitary organisations and crime gangs. As an communities which have borne the brunt of the indication, approximately 1,000 people are still criminality of particular individuals and groups.

PAGE 25 OUR PLAN Let’s Get NI Moving AGAIN

• Criminal Finances Act extension to Northern arrest and question terrorist suspects. This team Ireland to enhance the tools available to address should have a UK-wide remit. It is essential unexplained wealth. they have full co-operation with the PSNI to • Visible policing which is important in ensure access to modern evidence gathering community confidence, particularly in parallel techniques and other technical capacity with actions of the Tackling Paramilitarism required to conduct thorough investigations. programme. The expertise of those with longstanding and first-hand experience of policing in Northern • Ceasing giving a profile to prominent criminal Ireland including former members of the RUC figures, including through agencies consulting and PSNI should be availed of. them to obtain the views of some communities. The DUP further supports: • Addressing the harm caused by commemorations of, and parades associated • Having the morally unjustifiable victim with, paramilitary activity serving to legitimise definition overhauled. ongoing terrorist activity. • Defining collusion in legislation. On broader policing the DUP will promote: • Development of an authoritative, evidence- • Allocation of resources to community policing based account of the ‘Troubles’ period to provide prioritised and enhanced. fairness and accuracy. • Capacity and resources to deal with the ongoing The DUP fully supports our soldiers and veterans. republican terrorist threat. Our Confidence and Supply Agreement ensured the Government invested more in our Armed • Increase in officer numbers to the level Forces and the care of our veterans, and are envisaged by the Patten Report. pursuing full implementation of the Military • Addressing the vulnerability felt in rural Covenant in Northern Ireland. communities. We have consistently called for greater legal • Improved communicating back and updating protection for our armed forces and for a legacy members of the public on how issues have been process that pursues justice for the innocent pursued- a lack of response proves a disincentive victims of terrorists who were responsible for to provide further information. over 90% of killings during the Troubles. We will not support any legislative change which helps • Addressing criticisms of the 101 service. terrorists escape justice. • Northern Ireland as a cyber security leader for the UK. Justice for Victims of Terrorism The current approach to investigating ‘Troubles’ cases is unacceptable for innocent victims. Less than a couple of dozen cases are under active work at any point, and there is a clear imbalance. With history gradually being rewritten to justify past violence it sends a dangerous message to impressionable young people. Many are angered by the present arrangements- the status quo of piecemeal and imbalance. The status quo cannot continue. The DUP considers the best chance of justice for victims to come from a new investigatory team with full police powers, including the ability to

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Let’s Get Northern Ireland Celebrating Again

021, Northern Ireland’s centenary year, • A lasting legacy through a Centenary Greenway should be marked by an illustration of and tree planting as part of the Great Ulster 2our positive values and pride in what Forest proposal, and public realm projects that we can achieve with all our talents. include monuments and public art. Northern Ireland reaches its Centenary in 2021, • A living inheritance- those who have lived and as well as celebration, the Centenary provides through our first 100 years could be presented an opportunity to show-case all that is good about an award and encouraged to participate in a Northern Ireland and the Union, and build for personal oral history project to document their the next generation and century. The better the memories. planning and more inclusive the events the greater • Every child born that year should receive a Baby a success it will be for everyone in Northern Box helping give each an equal start in life. Fun Ireland. Our plan to achieve this is: days would be held for children. • A steering group to co-ordinate a programme • Materials and resources should be developed for of events to mark the Centenary and best schools and youth engagement, and the story of utilise the opportunity to promote Northern the establishment of the Northern Ireland state Ireland as a destination for investment and should be told. tourism. The Steering Group should include historians and business figures as well as political • Commemoratives could include coins, stamps, representatives. This programme of events badges and medals. An anniversary book or should provide clear opportunities for different history could be commissioned. perspectives to be heard and discussed. • Work with cultural organisations and others in • A Fund should be established for Centenary developing projects and events- it is important events which could be maintained as a legacy to have a diverse range of initiatives so there is fund for signature and community projects. This something to appeal to everyone. should include built heritage and funding the • Establishing the Institute of Ulster-Scots to drive restoration of Craigavon House. forward a positive research and educational • A Centennial Expo to promote all that Northern agenda for this vital strand of Northern Ireland’s Ireland can offer as well as a Homecoming event identity. and other initiatives involving the Northern • Designate a Northern Ireland library as one of Ireland diaspora around the world. There should the national depository libraries and redevelop be a major global trade push by Invest NI, it to fulfil its new role. and Tourism NI should seek to maximise the opportunities the Centenary brings. • Exhibitions could focus on Ulster’s inventors and innovators, and the work of local artists. We should invest in and utilise our museums and folk parks. The Stormont Estate could host a large concert.

PAGE 27 Democratic Unionist Party 91 Dundela Avenue Belfast BT4 3BU

www.mydup.com Email: [email protected] PUBLISHED BY THE DEMOCRATIC UNIONIST PARTY, 91 DUNDELA AVE, BELFAST BT4 3BU • PRINTED BY NEW CREATION, 104 QUEEN STREET, LURGAN, BT66 8BW