Derry City and Strabane District Council

Minutes of Meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council held in the remotely - Remotely on Thursday 26 November 2020 at 4.00 pm

Present:- Councillor Tierney (Mayor)(In the Chair); Aldermen Bresland, Devenney, Guy, Hussey, Kerrigan, McClintock, McCready, Ramsey and Warke; Councillors J Barr, R Barr, J Boyle, M Boyle, Burke, Carr, Cooper, Cusack, Dobbins, Donnelly, Doyle, Duffy, Durkan, Edwards, Farrell, Ferguson, Fleming, Gallagher, Harkin, Jackson, Kelly, Logue, McCann, McGuire, McHugh, McKeever, McKinney, Mellon, Mooney and Reilly.

In Attendance:- Chief Executive (Mr J Kelpie), Director of Health and Community (Mrs K McFarland), Director of Environment and Regeneration (Mrs K Philips), Director of Business and Culture (Mr S Gillespie), Director of Legacy (Mrs O McGillion), Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer (Ms E Cavanagh), Democratic Services Officer (Mrs S Maxwell) and Committee Services Assistant (Mrs T Johnstone).

C373/20 Notice and Summons of Meeting

The Mayor read the Notice and Summons for the Meeting.

C374/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Mayor completed the roll call. There were no apologies recorded.

C375/20 Statement for Remote Meetings

The Chief Executive read the Statement for Remote Meetings.

C376/20 Declarations of Members' Interests

Alderman Hussey declared a non-pecuniary interest in minute item C380/20 – Irish League Championship Football Clubs.

Alderman Hussey and Councillors Tierney, Jackson, McKinney and Duffy declared an interest in C403/20 - Deputation: Attendance by Dr Paul Molloy and Dr Ciaran Mullan to respond to Members’ queries on the provision of GP Services. 2

Alderman Hussey declared a pecuniary interest in minute item C404/20 – Employees within the Hospitality Sector.

Chairperson's Business

C377/20 Welcome to Councillor Doyle

The Mayor extended a warm welcome to Councillor Emmet Doyle to the meeting. He stated that as a fellow representative of the Ballyarnett District Electoral Area, he looked forward to working with him and sincerely wished him well with the work ahead.

C378/20 Setting for Committee and Council Meetings

The Mayor stated that at a previous Covid-19 briefing, it was intimated that physical Committee meetings were expected to recommence after November. He stated that after consultation with the Chief Executive, it would be prudent to continue with virtual meetings for December and January and review the situation in the New Year given the seriousness of the pandemic.

Councillor Tierney Proposed, Seconded by Alderman Warke

That Council continue to hold Committee and Council meetings in a virtual setting for the months of December 2020 and January 2021 and that the matter be reviewed in January 2021.

Members were then asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That Council continue to hold Committee and Council meetings in a virtual setting for the months of December 2020 and January 2021 and that the matter be reviewed in January 2021.

C379/20 Tribute to Former All-Ireland Senior Men's GAA Manager, Mr Mickey Harte

Councillor McHugh thanked the Mayor for agreeing to raise a matter under Chairperson’s Business. He stated that, ‘all good things must come to an end’, when he referred to the recent announcement that Mr 3

Mickey Harte was stepping down from his role as the Tyrone County Senior Men’s Manager after 18 years. He noted that the Council area covered a large part of the North and West of County Tyrone which incorporated numerous proud GAA clubs such as; Aghyaran St Davog's, Urney St. Columba’s, Strabane Sigerson's, Owen Roe O'Neill's, Clann Na Gael, Glenelly St. Joseph's, Naomh Eoghan and Castlederg St. Eugene's. within the jurisdiction.

Continuing, he paid tribute to Mr Harte and noted that he had spent 18 years managing the Tyrone Senior Men’s team. However, he was also involved in the management of other teams spanning over 30 years. He noted that Mr Harte was a former County player who had managed teams at vocational, minor U21 levels, as well as taking up the reins of senior manager. He stated that quite remarkably, Mr Harte delivered all-Ireland titles with all of those teams. He also noted that prior to his appointment as Senior Team Manager in 2003, Tyrone Seniors had never won the holy grail of an all-Ireland senior title. However, thanks to Mr Harte and his background teams, he righted that wrong and delivered the Sam Maguire Cup to Tyrone on three occasions in 2003, 2005 and 2008. He stated that words could never describe the joy and elation those successes gave the people of Tyrone.

He then listed the successes of Mr Harte to Members, which included; 2 Ulster Vocational Schools titles, 2 All-Ireland Vocational Schools, 3 Ulster Minor Championships, 1 Ulster Minor League, 1 All-Ireland Minor Championship, 3 Ulster U21 Championships, 2 All-Ireland U21 Championships, the McFee Cup, 12 McKenna Cups, Division 1 and 2 League titles, 6 Ulster Senior Titles, and most importantly, the 3 All- Ireland Senior Titles. He stated that this was an impressive haul of trophies over Mr Harte’s tenure as manager. He stated that life had not always been straightforward for Mr Harte, as he had faced many life challenges during his time at Tyrone, both on and off the pitch. He noted that he had suffered the loss of one of his minor players in 1997, a senior team captain in 2004 and the tragic death of his daughter, Michaela in 2011. However, despite that adversity he faced those tragedies with great dignity and respect and has used and continued to use those personal experiences to help others in similar situations.

He stated that Mr Harte was not only a fantastic manager but has been a great ambassador for Gaelic games in general throughout Ireland. He wished to extend his sincere thanks to Mr Harte and his staff for their time in management positions at Tyrone.

Councillor McHugh Proposed, Seconded by Councillor J Barr 4

That this Council writes to Mickey Harte expressing our thanks and gratitude to him for his commitment and dedication to Gaelic games in Tyrone over the last 30 years and all the success that he delivered.

That we wish him all the best in his new role as manager of the Louth Senior Football Team and that we hold a Mayor’s civic reception, (inclusive of representatives from GAA clubs from the former Strabane District Council Area) in his honour when current restrictions permit it.

The Mayor stated that he had planned to write to Mr Harte on behalf of Council to thank him for his contribution to Gaelic games and the wider life of Tyrone. However, once Councillor McHugh had contacted him on the matter, he felt it was fitting to postpone it as it would be raised under Chairperson’s Business.

Councillor R Barr endorsed the comments made by Councillor McHugh regarding the joy and elation that Mr Harte had brought to Tyrone with the 3 All-Ireland Senior Titles.

Alderman McCready stated that it was a remarkable achievement by Mr Harte. He stated that the DUP would not be standing against the proposal as they were tolerant and accepted other people’s views and opinions in sports indicative of a particular culture. He stated that if the proposal by Councillor McHugh was carried, it would highlight positivity, whilst noting that there was a long list of accolades and history which was absolutely commendable in any competitive, professional sport.

He referred to the quote from Councillor McHugh that Mr Harte had, ‘righted a few wrongs’, and he hoped that Members would consider tolerance in other areas of reciprocal fairness to people who may have different views and that they would not stand in the way of other people’s culture. He advised that the DUP would lead by example, by extending good will towards Mr Harte. He stated that whilst he did not play Gaelic, he would not prevent anyone from celebrating something that they loved. He stated that Mr Harte’s accolades were historical facts that could not be rewritten and would be marked in a dignified way. He hoped that Members could take this on board during the course of the meeting. 5

Alderman Hussey stated that Councillor McHugh had referred to Mr Harte’s relationship with Gaelic Football. He stated that many did not realise that Mr Harte had a relationship with sport in general. He referred to his time as an Elected Representative on the former Strabane District Council were he had met and spoken with Mr Harte on numerous occasions. He noted that one of the most memorable conversations had taken place at the wake of his daughter. He stated that while it was a very sad occasion, he and Mr Harte talked about sport in general and he respected what Mr Harte has done with his own particular area of sport. Therefore, he had no hesitation in supporting Councillor McHugh’s proposal. He stated that Mr Harte should be noted as a sportsman due to his contribution to wider sports in general.

Alderman Hussey referred to the wording of Councillor McHugh’s proposal which stated ‘Gaelic Sports in Tyrone’. He felt that it should read Gaelic games and sport in general, as this would cover Mr Harte’s achievements within the County.

Councillor McHugh stated that Mr Harte was primarily a GAA manager and was content with his proposal in its current format.

Councillor McHugh Proposed, Seconded by Councillor J Barr

That this Council writes to Mickey Harte expressing our thanks and gratitude to him for his commitment and dedication to Gaelic games in Tyrone over the last 30 years and all the success that he delivered.

That we wish him all the best in his new role as manager of the Louth Senior Football Team and that we hold a mayor’s civic reception, (inclusive of representatives from GAA clubs from the former Strabane District Council Area) in his honour when current restrictions permit it.

Members were then asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That this Council writes to Mickey Harte expressing our thanks and gratitude to him for his commitment and dedication to Gaelic games in Tyrone over the last 30 years and all the success that he delivered. 6

That we wish him all the best in his new role as manager of the Louth Senior Football Team and that we hold a mayor’s civic reception, (inclusive of representatives from GAA clubs from the former Strabane District Council Area) in his honour when current restrictions permit it.

C380/20 Condolences

Councillor J Barr noted that on 16 November 2020, Strabane and the wider area such as Donemana, were in a state of shock and sadness at the sad and untimely passing of Mr Owen and Mrs Briege Ward due to Covid-19. He wished to extend his and Council’s condolences to Mr and Mrs Ward’s children and grandchildren at this sad time.

The Mayor stated that it was a very sad occasion for everyone throughout the city and district and expressed his condolences to the family.

C381/20 Irish League Championship Football Clubs

Following approval from the Mayor, Alderman Hussey advised that recently, all of the Irish League Championship Football Clubs had written both to the Irish Football Association (IFA) and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL), to request that their clubs would be regarded within the elite status quorum which presently only applied to premiership clubs. He stated that the majority of the 12 premiership clubs were currently based in the east of the province. He advised two clubs within the Council area, Institute FC and Dergview FC had signed the letter.

Alderman Hussey Proposed, Seconded by Councillor R Barr

That Council support the regrading of NIFL Irish League Championship Clubs to Elite status and will write to the IFA and NIFL endorsing these Clubs in their call for the regrading of the Irish Championship League to Elite status with immediate effect

Councillor Duffy asked that the matter be referred to the relevant Committee for consideration. She stated that with not having a full 7

understanding of soccer, she was therefore unclear of the restrictions. She felt that she could not support the proposal without further information at this point.

Councillor Gallagher clarified that if the elite status was given, that any playing of football would be permitted to take place within the restrictions. Therefore, the restrictions would not impact on the proposal.

Alderman Hussey stated that Councillor Gallagher was correct in his remarks as restrictions also applied to championship clubs.

Councillor Duffy stated that if the restrictions were changed to allow those particular clubs to play, then a further twelve clubs would be participating, which would result in additional people mixing to play sport. She stated that her Party would be abstaining from the vote as more information was needed. She also advised that her Party would not be content to write to the Executive who had examined the implications of the current restrictions in place at this point.

Councillor Gallagher noted that the proposal did not entail writing to the Executive. He stated that if those clubs were granted elite status they would be required to act within the restrictions.

Councillor Duffy Proposed an amendment, Seconded by Councillor Jackson.

That Council refer the proposal to the relevant committee for further consideration.

Members were then asked to vote on the amendment, the result of which was as follows

For:- 21; Against:- 17; Abstentions:- 0.

The amendment was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That Council refer the proposal to the relevant committee for further consideration.

C382/20 O'Neill's Clothing Manufacturers

With the approval of the Mayor, Alderman Devenney noted the current difficulties faced by many businesses throughout the city and district. 8

He stated that he wished to highlight a particular issue in Strabane regarding O’Neill’s clothing manufacturers and the call by dissident republicans to boycott purchasing their clothing. He stated that protests had been held at the factory in Strabane due to the company designing and manufacturing a Remembrance Day football rig for Hartlepool Football Club. He stated that O’Neill’s was a major employer in the Strabane which was an area of high deprivation. He stated that the company supplied sports and leisurewear all over the world and kept many people from the area in employment. He felt that it was also important to remember the work undertaken by O’Neill’s when the coronavirus pandemic first began in March of this year by manufacturing PPE.

Alderman Devenney Proposed, Seconded by Alderman McClintock

That Council calls on dissident Republicans to withdraw the boycott against the purchase of clothing at O’Neill’s.

Councillor Donnelly stated that effectively what Alderman Devenney had requested was for people not being permitted to call for a boycott. He reminded Members that Council has a corporate position on a boycott in regards to Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). He stated that it was a matter of equal opportunism, as people were entitled to call for a boycott and to hold a peaceful protest whether others agreed with it or not. Therefore, he would not be supporting the proposal.

Councillor Doyle concurred with the remarks made by Councillor Donnelly. He stated that no harm had been done and no laws were broken by protests being carried out in a peaceful manner. However, he wished to highlight that there had been some language used by Saoradh in regards to the boycott in a Northern Ireland newspaper that, ‘we intend to do as much damage to their business as possible’. He stated that such statements were unhelpful particularly when people relied on O’Neill’s for their livelihoods. Therefore, he would not be supporting the proposal, as people were entitled to exercise a democratic right to protest.

Councillor Harkin felt that Alderman Devenney’s proposal was political opportunism by the DUP. He stated that he could not recall the DUP speaking out, or offering words of support when O’Neill’s had laid off the workforce at the beginning of the pandemic. He stated that People Before Profit (PBP) would not be supporting the proposal. 9

Alderman McClintock stated that far from being opportunism, the proposal meant protecting jobs in Strabane, which could ill afford to be lost, as it was noted as a deprivation hotspot in the province. She stated that the boycott was dangerous in the sense that more jobs could be lost in that area and extended her support for Alderman Devenney’s proposal.

Councillor Gallagher asked if Alderman Devenney would be equally vocal towards other causes. He stated that there was no real sentiment behind the proposal. Therefore, he would not be supporting the proposal.

Councillor Jackson stated that Sinn Féin would not be supporting the proposal as they also believed it was political opportunism by the DUP. He stated that whilst they supported O’Neill’s, there had been no outcry from the DUP when O’Neill banners were being torn down when sponsoring the Foyle Cup. He further stated that people had a right to protest and that Council could be on dangerous ground if the proposal was supported.

Councillor Reilly stated that the issue raised valid points regarding how society operated in times when people felt a need to protest but also needed to be able to make a living. He felt that it was clear from the previous remarks that people valued O’Neill’s as an employer and the SDLP also valued them for the bidding for contracts to try and win investment for the area. He felt that regardless of the politics behind those who wished to protest, adding that he and his party did not agree with dissident Republicans and their cause and methods in which often they carried out their objectives; there was a fundamental right to peaceful protest. He stated that other peaceful protests had recently taken place in the city centre and to create a model that would prevent people from having that right to protest would cause further issues for society. Therefore, the SDLP would not be supporting the proposal.

Councillor R Barr stated that it would be absurd to think that anyone would want to see jobs being lost at O’Neill’s or elsewhere throughout the city and district. However, he questioned the motive behind the proposal and for that reason would not be supporting it.

Councillor Ferguson stated that her party fully supported O’Neill’s, remarking on how it had stepped up in a time of need by supplying PPE to keep people in employment during the pandemic. She stated that people also had a democratic right to protest, therefore the Alliance Party would be abstaining from the vote. 10

Alderman Devenney Proposed, Seconded by Alderman McClintock

That Council calls on dissident Republicans to withdraw the boycott against the purchase of clothing at O’Neill’s.

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was as follows:

For:- 9; Against:- 27; Abstentions:- 3;

The proposal therefore Fell.

Alderman Hussey Proposed, Seconded by Alderman Devenney

That Council congratulates O'Neill’s Strabane for their efforts in the production of PPE during the current emergency and congratulates O'Neills in their continued efforts to expand their marketing opportunities.

Councillor Gallagher, stated that he was conscious that the proposal would single out a private company working in a competitive market. He stated that there may be other private organisations in Strabane or other areas that employed people to produce PPE and other materials. He felt that Council as a corporate body, was singling out a private company over others in the district.

In response, the Mayor advised that after seeking clarification from the Lead Legal Services Officer, there were no legal implications to the proposal.

Councillor Harkin proposed an amendment, Seconded by Councillor Gallagher

That Council congratulates O'Neills Strabane for their efforts in the production of PPE during the current emergency and congratulates O'Neills in their continued efforts of expand their marketing opportunities.

That Council encourages O’Neill’s to allow employees to have unobstructed access to joining a Trade Union. 11

Alderman Hussey stated that he had no objection to Councillor Harkin’s addition to the proposal.

Councillor Duffy stated that Sinn Féin supported O’Neill’s and the work they were involved in by supplying PPE, which was vital at the early stages of the pandemic. She also agreed that the workforce should have open access to trade unions. However, she stated that Chairperson’s Business was for items that had arisen after the deadline for Notices of Motion and felt that these matters were delaying the meeting further.

The Mayor stated that he fully agreed with the sentiments expressed by Councillor Duffy. He stated that he had permitted Alderman Devenney some latitude as he had unsuccessfully attempted to contact him on several occasions prior to the meeting. He informed Members that Chairperson’s Business would become more stringent in future meetings of Council.

Councillor Donnelly stated that he would not be voting on the proposal as he felt it was highly unusual to single out a firm. He stated that in his opinion, Alderman Hussey was being mischievous by submitting the proposal. He stated that whilst he had an issue with O’Neill’s manufacturing the Remembrance Day rig for Hartlepool FC, he wished to commend them on their work to provide much needed employment by making PPE at the beginning of the pandemic.

Councillor Reilly stated that the SDLP supported the proposal. He further stated that in terms of being singled out, O’Neill’s had been singled out by those who protested outside their building. Therefore, the proposal and the amendment would be supported by his Party.

Councillor Harkin proposed an amendment, Seconded by Councillor Gallagher

That Council congratulates O'Neills Strabane for their efforts in the production of PPE during the current emergency and congratulates O'Neills in their continued efforts of expand their marketing opportunities.

That Council encourages O’Neill’s to allow employees to have unobstructed access to joining a Trade Union. 12

Members were asked to vote on the amendment, the result of which was as follows;

For: -38; Against: - 1; Abstentions: -1.

The Proposal was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That Council congratulates O'Neill’s Strabane for their efforts in the production of PPE during the current emergency and congratulates O'Neill’s in their continued efforts of expand their marketing opportunities.

That Council encourages O’Neill’s to allow employees to have unobstructed access to joining a Trade Union.

C383/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of the Meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council held on Thursday 29 October 2020

The Minutes of the Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on 29 October 2020 (C319/20-C364/20) were submitted.

On a matter of accuracy, Alderman McClintock referred to C342/20 and stated that she and Alderman Devenney were quoted as referring to the Centenary of Partition. She stated that it was most important to note in this particular matter that DUP Councillors would never use those terms and asked that it be corrected.

It was agreed that the minutes would be amended accordingly.

Alderman Bresland Moved, Alderman Devenney Seconded and the Council.

Resolved that the above Minutes be adopted, as amended, as a true record of the Meeting

Matters Arising

C384/20 Centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021 Update (C342/20)

Councillor Donnelly stated that he wished to make a proposal to the floor. 13

The Mayor advised that after reviewing Councillor Donnelly’s lengthy proposal, it was not in line with Standing Orders. He suggested that Councillor Donnelly submit the proposal as a notice of motion for the December Council meeting. He stated that this would permit Members to have the opportunity to give the proposal full consideration. Therefore, he would not accept the proposal at this time.

C385/20 Royal Mail (C325/20)

Councillor Harkin requested an update on the proposal which has asked that Council write to the Communication Workers Union (CWU); to promote messages regarding workers’ rights on Council’s social media platforms; to extend an invitation to representatives of local trade unions and for the Mayor to meet with Post Office trade unions and Royal Mail staff. He stated that he had been contacted by many workers from E&I Engineering regarding the harassment and intimidation of workers because they had expressed an interest to join a trade union. He proposed that Council write to E&I Engineering, in line with Council’s corporate position, to support worker’s rights, asking them to respect worker’s rights and not to interfere in any workers right to join a trade union, if they so choose.

The Mayor advised that similar to the previous proposal from Councillor Donnelly, there was no reason why the proposal could not be presented as a notice of motion at the December meeting of Council. He stated that there was ample opportunity for Members to submit notices of motions. He stated that he had a notice of motion that he could have raised under Chairperson’s Business if he so wished. However, he will submit it for discussion in December’s Council meeting. He stated that this would illustrate that he was not treating anyone in a manner that he would not be expected to be treated himself. He stated that he looked forward to Councillor Harkin’s notice of motion at the December meeting of Council.

In response to Councillor Harkin’s request for an update, the Chief Executive advised that correspondence has been sent to the Communication Workers Union on 16 November 2020. He further advised that in respect of promoting the message via Council’s social media platforms, a total of 62 posts containing various messages had been issued on social media platforms. He advised that there was a substantial amount of messaging in relation to worker’s rights which signposted readers to the appropriate services, such as the Labour Relations Agency. He stated that he was happy to provide Members with full details on the matter if requested. 14

Continuing, he advised that the Mayor had agreed to host a meeting with the Trade Union representatives and that Officers were preparing a list to ensure that Trade Unions and representatives from the National Union of Students and the Union of Students in Ireland would also be invited to attend a combined meeting. He advised that arrangements were currently underway and that the meeting would possibly take place in the New Year and on the same day as the wider meeting with Trade Unions.

The Chief Executive further advised that once a date had been confirmed, the Mayor would furnish Members with the details.

C386/20 Responses to Motions (C330/20)

Councillor Farrell referred to the Executive’s New Decade New Approach to bring forward proposals for the expansion of Magee Campus to 10,000 students. He noted that correspondence had been sent from Council to the First and Deputy First Minister on three occasions, over a period of eight months. However, no response or acknowledgment had been received. He stated that in the interests of full disclosure, he intended to raise the matter at every Council meeting until a satisfactory response was received containing concrete proposals regarding the full details of the proposed expansion of Magee. He stated that Ulster University was a key partner and played a significant role towards the expansion at Magee and City Deal innovation projects. He asked if any response had been received in relation to the request sent for a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, Mr Paul Bartholomew.

In response, the Chief Executive advised that further correspondence had been sent to the First and Deputy First Minister in recent days, in accordance with the notice of motion. He further advised that in relation to the previous notice of motion to invite the new Vice- Chancellor to Council, the original letter was sent some time ago with a subsequent reminder letter. He advised that he followed this up with a telephone call to the office of the Vice-Chancellor in which Mr Bartholomew had advised that he was content to attend a meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee in the New Year.

Councillor Cooper advised Members that he and Karen Mullan MLA had recently met with the Provost of Magee Campus and also with the Vice-Chancellor as a Party to discuss the proposals for expansion at Magee. He stated that Sinn Féin had issued a statement on the matter 15

regarding the submission of the business case to the Department for the Economy within approximately 8 months’ time. He advised that progress was also underway in respect of the City Deal, were it was hoped that the Heads of Terms would be signed off in December. He stated that a response should have been received from the First and Deputy First Minister as a matter of courtesy and he reiterated that the Department for the Economy must work with Ulster University on the matter. He stated that no Party was prevented from taking the initiative to request a meeting with the First and Deputy First Minister or the Vice-Chancellor of Magee. He encouraged all Parties to arrange such meetings as it was important to continue to lobby on the matter.

C387/20 Christmas Programme (C343/20)

Councillor Reilly expressed his thanks to Council officers for their engagement with him on the above matter and also to DfI Roads Service for agreeing to light that particular section of the city centre. He referred to the recent, successful switch on of the Christmas lights across the city and district in recent days and stated that it was testament of Council officer’s ability and capacity to engage in new ways of working. He referred to the performance by the Mayor and Santa Claus in a Council video which had been viewed and shared by many people and which showcased the city and district right across the world and congratulated all involved in the production.

The Mayor concurred with the sentiments expressed by Councillor Reilly and stated that the switching on of the Christmas lights in Strabane and Derry during an extremely difficult time, showed how Council can adapt and add some Christmas magic to households. He stated that he had received numerous comments on social media on the success of the event and expressed his gratitude to the officer team involved in making the video.

Alderman Warke stated that he had submitted the proposal for lighting at the Society Street area of the city. He stated that he wished to pay tribute to Council officers for providing lighting throughout the entire city and district, in particular to one officer who had carried out an outstanding job and congratulated him on his team’s work for making the city and district look so well.

C388/20 Update on Poverty Motion (C336/20)

Councillor Harkin referred to his proposal to request the creation a Hardship Fund. He stated that a number of meetings of the Welfare 16

Reform Working Group had taken place to establish how to take this forward. He admitted that the process was challenging and expressed concern that it may not progress. He stated that the trade unions that had brought forward the proposal had also expressed concern that the recent headline regarding the setting up of a hardship fund may end up going nowhere. He stated that it was important to have the hardship fund in place before Christmas, as it was the time of year when a lot of people struggled due to financial demands.

Continuing, he referred to the introduction of the high street voucher scheme, where each household would receive a voucher for £200 to use in local shops. He stated that people had informed him that if Council implemented the hardship fund, they would donate their voucher to that fund. He stated that there was a genuine opportunity to create the Hardship Fund and felt that people would respond positively to the fund. He noted that Belfast City Council used its reserves of £300,000 to create a hardship fund which proved that a hardship fund for citizens of this Council area could be achieved. He proposed that a Special Meeting of Council takes place to discuss the creation of a Hardship Fund for this Council area to ensure that plans were put in place regarding its implementation.

Councillor Doyle expressed surprise at Councillor Harkin’s proposal as it had been agreed at a recent meeting of the Welfare Reform working group that the Hardship Fund would be split into two phases: one specifically focusing on Christmas and two, to have an overall programme in place for the rest of the year. He stated that Officers had advised that it would be a complex process and Members had asked those Officers to provide options on how to progress the matter. He respectfully asked that Members wait until a report had been provided by officers on the matter as agreed with the working group.

Alderman Devenney concurred with the remarks from the previous speaker stating that Officers had agreed to bring a report to a meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Farrell echoed the sentiments expressed by the previous speakers. He outlined that two extremely lengthy meetings had taken place regarding the creation of the Hardship Fund. He advised that it had been agreed that a report would be brought to a meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday 1 December 2020. He stated that whilst Councillor Harkin’s proposal was fair, there was no basis to hold a Special Meeting on the matter. He suggested 17

that Councillor Harkin submit his proposal at the Committee meeting for discussion.

Councillor Burke reiterated the comments by the previous speakers that it had been agreed by Members of the working group for officers to present a report on the matter before any decisions would be made. She felt that it was opportunist on the part of Councillor Harkin to raise the matter now, when agreement had been made at the time to bring it to the Committee.

The Chief Executive advised Members that a paper had been drafted and issued for the meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday 1 December.

Councillor Harkin stated that he had raised the matter because he was concerned that the matter would not be progressed. He stated that he had to leave the meeting of the working group early and therefore, was not aware of what had been agreed at the end of the meeting. Furthermore, the announcement regarding the high street voucher scheme was broadcast after the meeting of the working group had taken place. However, if the matter was listed for discussion at the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee, he would withdraw the proposal. However, he was not a member of that Committee, therefore he would be unable to make any proposals. He stated that whilst he recognised the difficulties and obstacles in relation to setting up the Hardship Fund, if Belfast City Council could create such a fund then there was no reason why Council could not do the same.

Councillor Gallagher advised that he had attended the meeting of the working group and whilst he understood Councillor Harkin’s remarks, a lot of time was spent considering a number of proposals and ideas on a way forward. He said that as a matter of protocol, Council officers had to consider the options brought forward at the working group and present a report on the matter.

Adoption of the Open Minutes of the Following Committees;

a Monthly Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on Tuesday 3 November 2020

The Minutes of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on 3 November 2020 (GSP154/20-GSP171/20) were submitted.

Alderman Guy Moved, Alderman Bresland Seconded and the Council 18

Resolved that the above minutes, be adopted as a true record of the meeting.

Matters Arising

C389/20 Changes to Committee Membership

Alderman Guy stated that he wished to take the opportunity to thank the Chief Executive, the Lead Finance Officer, the Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer and the Committee Services Assistant for all the assistance offered to him in his role of Chairperson of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee. He also extended his thanks to the Deputy Chair and Committee Members for their help and support. He then advised of changes to the UUP membership on Council as follows:

Alderman Guy to replace the outgoing Alderman McKane as Chairperson of the Health and Communities Committee.

Alderman Hussey to replace Alderman Guy as Chairperson of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee and the outgoing Alderman McKane on Environment and Regeneration Committee.

Alderman Hussey to replace the outgoing Alderman McKane on the following External Committees:

Mournederg Action Plan A5/N2 Cross Border Corridor Working Group Clady Community Hall Glebe Community Centre Victoria Bridge Community Centre Derg Local Growth Partnership Newtownstewart & District Community Development Association RAPID – Board of Directors Strabane Local Growth Partnership/Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership

Alderman Hussey to replace Alderman Guy on the following External Committees:

IESE Board North West Region Development Group 19

Alderman Guy to replace the outgoing Alderman McKane on the following External Committees:

Western Urgent Care Steering Group

Alderman Hussey to replace the outgoing Alderman McKane on the following Internal Committees:

Appeals Panel for Dismissal Language Working Group

Alderman Hussey to replace Alderman Guy on the following Internal Committees:

Graffiti Working Group Capital and Corporate Projects Planning Group Council Asset Naming Group

Alderman Guy to replace the outgoing Alderman McKane on the following Internal Committees:

Advice Services Panel Good Relations Working Group

Alderman McCready extended his thanks to Alderman Guy on his work as Chairperson and wished him well as Chair of the Health and Community Committee.

C390/20 Free Ports (GSP161/20)

Alderman McCready extended his thanks and appreciation to the Director of Business and Culture for contacting him to discuss issues raised regarding the matter.

The Chief Executive advised that a report on the matter would be presented to the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday 1 December and that representatives from Foyle Port would be in attendance.

C391/20 Job Support Scheme (GSP163/20)

Councillor Gallagher stated that it had come to his attention that nurses were finding parking tickets or even clamps on their vehicles after 20

working long shifts at the hospital. He expressed concern that this was putting jobs in jeopardy. He stated that people were recently standing in front doors and gardens to applaud nurses and healthcare workers on their hard work during the pandemic. However, they were now being issued with parking tickets on their vehicles. He proposed that Council write immediately to the Minister for Health to demand a halt to issuing parking tickets on hospital grounds and that nurses are given free car parking.

The Mayor stated that he would treat Councillor Gallagher’s proposal in a similar vein to previous proposals submitted earlier in the meeting. He stated that whilst he appreciated the importance of the proposal, there was no reason why the proposal could not have been submitted as a notice of motion. Therefore, he would not accept the proposal by Councillor Gallagher at this time.

C392/20 Update on Strategic Growth Partnership - October 2020 (GSP166/20)

Councillor McGuire asked if an update on the Rural Issues group would be provided at the December meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee.

In response, the Director of Legacy confirmed that the matter was listed on the agenda for discussion at the meeting on Tuesday 1 December.

a Monthly Planning Committee held on Wednesday 4 November 2020

The Minutes of the Planning Committee held on 4 November 2020 (P145/20-P161/20) were submitted.

Councillor J Boyle Moved, Seconded by Councillor Mooney and the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted as a true record of the Meeting

b Monthly Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 10 November 2020

The Minutes of the Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 10 November 2020 (BC151/20 – BC166/20) were submitted. 21

On a matter of accuracy, Councillor Farrell referred to BC163/20 and stated that Alderman Hussey had raised a question about events relating to the Centenary of Northern Ireland. He stated that in his position as Chair, he had given a response to that query, however the minutes did not reflect this. He had stated that Council corporately would not organise any events but it was his understanding that this would not prevent Council from funding organisations who wished to celebrate or commemorate the establishment of Northern Ireland. He stated that he had not mentioned injustice in his comments because as Chair he needed to be impartial. Therefore, he requested that the minutes could be amended to reflect those comments.

Councillor Cusack Moved, Seconded by Alderman Warke and the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted, as amended, as a true record of the Meeting

Matters Arising

C393/20 Newly Elected President of America (BC158/20)

Councillor Jackson referred to the proposal, endorsed by the Committee to write to welcome the President Elect to the Council area. He stated that through Brexit, it demonstrated the importance of having allies in Europe and America in defending us all from the reckless actions of the British Government. He noted that the President Elect, Joe Biden before, during and after the US Election, had clearly stated that the Good Friday Agreement would not be a casualty of Brexit. He outlined that the US Administration had made it clear, that a US trade deal with Britain was out of the question if it was prepared to destroy an international agreement.

Continuing he noted previous comments by the President Elect, that had come into conflict with the position of Council. He stated that in those comments, he had previously declared his support for the State of Israel, despite the human rights violations and continuous breaches of international law.

He proposed an amendment to the proposal, endorsed at the meeting of the Business and Culture Committee on 12 November, Seconded by Councillor Duffy 22

That this Council will write to President elect Biden to congratulate him on his recent victory and invite him to visit this council area should he visit Ireland in the future.

In our correspondence we will object to his previous comments expressing unconditional support for the Israeli state despite its apartheid policy towards the Palestinian people living in the occupied territories and call on him to use his new role to pursue the resurrection of the Middle East Peace Process.

We reiterate our support for the BDS movement and also declare Derry City and Strabane District Council an anti-apartheid zone, as was the case in the legacy Derry City Council.

Councillor McCann welcomed that Councillor Jackson had drawn attention to President Elect, Joe Biden’s views on the Middle East, particularly towards the rights of the Palestinian people. He noted that one of the most astonishing statements made by any US leader in recent times came from Mr Biden, that America’s support for Israel was unconditional. He stated that this represented the green light for Israel Defence Soldiers to continue their oppression and slaughter of the Palestinian people. He stated that Palestine was the frontline of the world at the moment and felt that nobody should have a neutral view on the matter. He expressed his objection to the sentimental feeling which people so often had towards the United States and its leaders. He stated that his Party would not extend any welcome to the President Elect if he decided to visit the City.

The Mayor stated that he would accept Councillor Jackson’s proposal on the basis that it came directly from the Committee and was pertinent to the issue. However, he felt that the wording within the final paragraph outlined a separate issue. Therefore, he advised that this should be submitted as a separate notice of motion at the next meeting of Council.

Councillor Jackson agreed to remove the wording of the final paragraph in order for the proposal to be admissible. He advised that he would raise the item as a separate notice of motion to the December Council meeting. 23

Alderman McCready stated that his Party would not be supporting Councillor Jackson’s proposal. He referred to previous notices of motion submitted to Council on international matters and stated that Council would need to compile a foreign policies communication directorate. He felt that Members should concentrate on the ratepayers of the city and district. He referred to the wording of the proposal, ‘should he visit Ireland’. He stated that if Council invited the President Elect to the Council area, then Northern Ireland should also be noted within the wording of the proposal. He stated that whilst he did not mean to be facetious or to make anyone irate, there were approximately 175 countries who recognised Northern Ireland as a country as part of the United Kingdom, including the United States. Therefore, if the US president did decide to visit the country he would almost certainly come to Northern Ireland.

Alderman Hussey stated that he sought clarification on the matter as it was his understanding that the Committee minutes had already been adopted. He felt that the new motion suggested that if the President Elect’s views on Israel had not changed that he would not be welcome to the Council area.

The Mayor advised that in relation to the process, Council were still considering matters arising from the minutes of the Business and Culture Committee. He stated that, in his opinion, the proposal came from a direct matter arising from that meeting and was therefore, in his view acceptable. He further stated that it would be for the proposer to clarify whether the invitation was dependant on the President Elect changing his views on the issues.

Councillor Donnelly referred to a motion passed at a previous Council meeting on 14 December 2017. He stated that correspondence had been sent to President Donald Trump requesting him to overturn his decision to designate Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He noted that it was the corporate position of Council to support the Palestinian cause. He advised that no response had been received in relation to that correspondence and requested that in addition, ‘Council should call on President Elect, Joe Biden to do all in his power to reverse that decision’, also be included in the proposal.

The Mayor advised that it was his understanding that Councillor Jackson had submitted an amendment from a proposal endorsed at the meeting of the Business and Culture Committee. He stated that in the first instance, the amendment had to be consideration by Members. 24

Councillor Harkin felt that Council should celebrate the fact that President Trump would no longer be in office. He stated that the enemy of the enemy was not necessarily a friend and that President Elect, Joe Biden was committed to the Israeli apartheid project. He expressed concern at the proposal to extend an invitation to the President Elect to visit the city, as he was an ardent opponent of the BDS campaign and also due to his views on anti-climate science policies. He stated that Council should challenge the Biden-Harris administration rather than make it appear that they were a progressive, new administration. He stated that whilst we should celebrate President Trump’s departure from office, it did not make the President Elect an ally.

On a point of order, Alderman McCready requested clarification on Councillor Jackson’s proposal. He referred to the possible ramifications of the proposal being carried as highlighted by Alderman Hussey. He further referred to the Council meeting held on 29 October, where a motion was passed without the implications not being duly considered, which subsequently necessitated the submission of a call-in.

The Mayor invited Councillor Jackson to provide the requested clarification to Members on his proposal.

Councillor Jackson welcomed the previous comments in support of the proposal. He referred to the proposal endorsed by the Business and Culture Committee to invite President Elect, Joe Biden to this Council area should he ever intend to visit the island of Ireland. He stated that the proposal still stood. However, Sinn Féin made an amendment that Council notes its concern and objections to previous comments made by the President Elect in relation to unconditional support for the Israeli State. He stated that Council had a proud stance in relation to its support to the Palestinian people and opposition to human rights breaches caused to them by the Israeli State. He further stated that in relation to that correspondence, he felt that it was right and just to declare support for the people of Palestine and the BDS campaign. He clarified that the invitation was not contingent on the President Elect changing his position on the Israeli state, but simply to inform him of the position of Derry City and Strabane District Council, should he wish to visit.

Councillor Jackson Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Duffy

That this Council will write to President elect Biden to congratulate him on his recent victory and invite him 25

to visit this council area should he visit Ireland in the future.

In our correspondence we will object to his previous comments expressing unconditional support for the Israeli state despite its apartheid policy towards the Palestinian people living in the occupied territories and call on him to use his new role to pursue the resurrection of the Middle East Peace Process.

Members were then asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was as follows:

For:- 29; Against:- 9; Abstentions:- 2.

The proposal was therefore carried.

Councillor Harkin Proposed an Amendment, Seconded by Councillor Jackson

That this Council will write to President elect Biden to congratulate him on his recent victory and invite him to visit this council area should he visit Ireland in the future.

In our correspondence we will object to his previous comments expressing unconditional support for the Israeli state despite its apartheid policy towards the Palestinian people living in the occupied territories and call on him to use his new role to pursue the resurrection of the Middle East Peace Process.

Encourage them to join Derry and Strabane Council in standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people by supporting the BDS campaign; by undoing the Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving the US embassy there. Council also encourages the incoming Biden-Harris administration to undo Trump’s anti-climate science environmental policies, racist criminal justice policies, anti-women’s rights policies and economic policies enriching billionaires and the 1% at the expense of the majority in the US and globally. 26

Councillor Doyle stated that whilst he understood the sentiments within the proposal in regard to the plight of the Palestinian people, he felt that the proposals were becoming ridiculous. He stated that those residing in Pennsylvania Avenue would not have any interest in motions passed by this Council. He felt that if Sinn Féin wished to contact the President Elect, they were entitled to do so. However, he felt it would be interesting to see the Party Leaders on St Patrick’s Day when they would be fawning over the President Elect if they were extended an invitation to the White House. He stated that it was important to keep a focus on the people that Elected Representatives were here to serve.

Councillor Harkin noted Derry’s proud history on speaking on international issues. He stated that so many people around the world had stood in solidarity with the people of the city for many years. Therefore, he felt it fitting Council made comments regarding the US election, adding that the tenure of President Trump had impacted people living in this country. In his opinion, President Trump had inspired the growth of the right-wing and the lunacy of the covid scam people who still continued to put people’s lives in danger in this district. He noted that President Elect Joe Biden had made an issue regarding his Irish connections therefore, he felt that this was an opportunity to say something meaningful.

He stated that his amendment would complement Councillor Jackson’s proposal as it clarified Council’s position on BDS. He believed that the DUP had supported President Trump because of his ardent opposition to a woman’s right to choose. He stated that this was a matter that he hoped the President Elect would stand up to and challenge. He stated that he wished to omit the invitation to the President Elect from the proposal, as he did not feel it was necessary to invite him to the City. He stated that if Parties wished to extend an invitation for him to visit the city and district they were free to do so.

Councillor Harkin Proposed an Amendment, Seconded by Councillor Jackson

That this Council will write to President elect Biden to congratulate him on his recent victory. In our correspondence we will object to his previous comments expressing unconditional support for the Israeli state despite its apartheid policy towards the Palestinian people living in the occupied territories and call on him to use his new role to pursue the resurrection of the Middle East Peace Process. 27

Encourage them to join Derry and Strabane Council in standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people by supporting the BDS campaign; by undoing the Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving the US embassy there. Council also encourages the incoming Biden-Harris administration to undo Trump’s anti-climate science environmental policies, racist criminal justice policies, anti-women’s rights policies and economic policies enriching billionaires and the 1% at the expense of the majority in the US and globally.

The Mayor advised Councillor Harkin that by taking out the request to invite the President Elect to the city from the proposal was a direct negative, therefore it could not be accepted.

He stated that he did not agree with the opinion provided., however if that was not admissible, he wished to move his original amendment.

Councillor Harkin proposed an amendment, Seconded by Councillor Jackson

That this Council will write to President elect Biden to congratulate him on his recent victory and invite him to visit this council area should he visit Ireland in the future.

In our correspondence we will object to his previous comments expressing unconditional support for the Israeli state despite its apartheid policy towards the Palestinian people living in the occupied territories and call on him to use his new role to pursue the resurrection of the Middle East Peace Process.

Encourage them to join Derry and Strabane Council in standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people by supporting the BDS campaign; by undoing the Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving the US embassy there. Council also encourages the incoming Biden-Harris administration to undo Trump’s anti-climate science environmental policies, racist criminal justice policies, anti-women’s rights policies and economic policies 28

enriching billionaires and the 1% at the expense of the majority in the US and globally.

Councillor Jackson began by welcoming Councillor Doyle to Council. He referred to comments made by Councillor Doyle and reminded him that Council took a proud stance on national and international issues whilst also standing up for the citizens of the city and district and would not make any apology for that. He concurred with Councillor Harkin that his amendment strengthened the proposal, therefore, Sinn Fein would support it. Members were then asked to vote on the amendment, the result of which was as follows:

For:- 28; Against:- 9; Abstentions:- 3.

The amendment was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That this Council will write to President elect Biden to congratulate him on his recent victory and invite him to visit this council area should he visit Ireland in the future.

In our correspondence we will object to his previous comments expressing unconditional support for the Israeli state despite its apartheid policy towards the Palestinian people living in the occupied territories and call on him to use his new role to pursue the resurrection of the Middle East Peace Process.

Encourage them to join Derry and Strabane Council in standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people by supporting the BDS campaign; by undoing the Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moving the US embassy there. Council also encourages the incoming Biden-Harris administration to undo Trump’s anti-climate science environmental policies, racist criminal justice policies, anti-women’s rights policies and economic policies enriching billionaires and the 1% at the expense of the majority in the US and globally. 29

C394/20 Localised Restrictions Support Scheme due to Covid-19 Pandemic (BC156/20)

Councillor J Barr asked for clarity regarding the localised restrictions due to come into force at midnight on 26 November 2020. He noted that there was a business located in Strabane area that sold homewares however, downstairs in the same building, there were two retail clothing stores located on the ground floor. He stated that those stores were told that they could remain open. He stated that this had resulted in a lot of backlash on social media from other retailers asking why those particular shops were permitted to remain open during the restriction period. He asked if Officers could provide any clarification on the matter.

The Mayor advised Councillor J Barr to contact the Lead Legal Services Officer to have the matter clarified as quickly as possible.

Alderman Guy stated that it was his understanding regarding retail stores, that furniture shops and shops that sold goods to furnish or equip a home could remain open. However, goods sold to accessorise the home were advised to close.

C395/20 Funding for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector due to the Covid-19 Pandemic (BC157/20)

Councillor Farrell stated that the Head of Culture had previously provided an update on the various funding schemes, announced by the Minister for Communities as part of the wider £33m to assist the Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector to deal with the impact of Covid-19. He noted that two of those schemes closed on Friday 27 November. He stated that on Wednesday 11 November 2020, the Minister for Communities made an announcement regarding funding for four flagship organisations totalling £620,000. The organisations were the Lyric Theatre, the Mac Theatre, the Crescent Arts Centre and the Ulster Orchestra, all located in Belfast. He stated that no funding had been allocated for Derry, Strabane or anywhere outside Belfast. He noted that the previous announcement by the Minister had not mentioned the scheme or where the money was coming from. He advised that Council had reiterated from the outset, that the funding exercise for venues, groups and individuals from across the Council area should be allocated a fair share of the funding whilst being allocated in a fair and transparent way. 30

Councillor Farrell Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Cusack

That Council writes to Communities Minister and Arts Council NI to understand process around recent £620k funding announcement for The Lyric, The Mac, Crescent Arts Centre and Ulster Orchestra.

Council to organise a meeting with cultural partners to understand challenges faced by sector, wider impact on society and assessment of funding opportunities.

Members were then asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That Council writes to Communities Minister and Arts Council NI to understand process around recent £620k funding announcement for The Lyric, The Mac, Crescent Arts Centre and Ulster Orchestra.

Council to organise a meeting with cultural partners to understand challenges faced by sector, wider impact on society and assessment of funding opportunities.

C396/20 Proposed Meeting with Invest NI and the Department for the Economy (BC155/20)

Alderman Ramsey stated that Members had previously been critical of Invest NI due to the disparity of inward investment to the North West. He stated that from January of this year, only 29 new jobs were available in the city compared with 1,176 in Belfast. He stated that any Member who assisted Planning Officers on planning issues would agree that there were major concerns regarding delays with planning applications. He noted that Planning was brought under Local Government control to streamline the process, however as yet this had not happened. He noted that Belfast recently announced plans for five new stores, whilst jobs and investment in the city and district were being delayed due to consultation replies taking far too long. He proposed that officers from the Business and Culture Directorate establish if delays in the planning process also occurred within other Councils. 31

The Mayor stated that he had concerns regarding how the Business and Culture Directorate would consider planning issues and how the planning function in this and other councils operated. Therefore, he would not be accepting the proposal as he felt it would be unfair to ask officers in the Business and Culture Directorate to undertake such a task.

Alderman Ramsey stated that the matter had arisen from the minutes of the Business and Culture Committee and also the effect that delays in the planning process was having on businesses throughout the city and district. The Mayor stated that in his opinion, the matter was a separate notice of motion to Council as it was a planning issue. He stated that whilst he appreciated Alderman Ramsey’s reason for raising it at this point in the meeting, he should submit it as a notice of motion for the December meeting of Council or raise it at a future meeting of the Planning Committee.

Alderman Ramsey indicated that he would submit the item as a notice of motion for future meeting of Council.

a Monthly Environment and Regeneration Committee held on Wednesday 11 November 2020

The Minutes of the Environment and Regeneration Committee held on 11 November 2020 (ER204/20 – ER226/20) were submitted.

Alderman Devenney Moved, Seconded by Alderman McCready and the Council

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted as a true record of the Meeting

Matters Arising

C397/20 Mobuoy Update (ER220/20)

Councillor Edwards referred to the recent environmental disaster that took place in the wider Council area, earlier this month. He stated that on 13 November there was a landslide at Meenbog which affected the waterways in the area, namely the Mourne Beg and Derg rivers. He stated that he recently visited the site and the impact of the landslide was clear to be seen. He stated that the water had become blackened due to peat fibres from the landslide and a number of fish have died in 32

the Mourne Beg and Derg rivers. He stated that the SDLP recently joined Ministers Poots and McConalogue and at the site of Meenbog where concerns were raised about the environmental impact to the wider area and called on an all-Ireland action to tackle it. He advised that reassurance was provided from both Ministers that this would take place. He stated that he met with members of the Derg Angling Club and upon examination of the river Derg, had witnessed the damage which has raised considerable concern among anglers in the area. He also expressed concern regarding fish farms in the vicinity that have lost stock due to the landslide. He stated that an environmental clean-up of the area needed to take place immediately, with action taken to support and replenish stocks of the local wildlife that has been impacted.

He expressed thanks to Council officers on their efforts regarding the Meenbog issue as the Chief Executive had held a number of meetings with senior officials and Elected Representatives from the Derg DEA. He stated that this was an ongoing issue with a risk that this and similar issues, could impact on this Council area. He asked that Officers from the Environment and Regeneration Committee provided Members with regular updates on developments at the area.

Councillor McGuire thanked Councillor Edwards for raising the issue. He stated that he had also attended the meeting with the two Ministers and he asked them to put a moratorium on Meenbog 2 Renewable Energy Project. However, Fianna Fail Minister McConnellogue had expressed his reluctance on the matter. He stated that residents from the border areas of Aghyaran and Donegal had expressed anger as they were assured that a disaster such as the landslide would not happen. He stated that Planning Members were also informed that this was a river of special conservation which needed protected. He advised that Officers from the Business and Culture Directorate where working with fish farm owners from the area to establish how they can assist them during this time. He stated that he was aware that inter-agency meetings had taken place, however he expressed concern that residents and Elected Representatives from the area had received no information on the matter and asked that a communication strategy be set up to keep Members informed on developments. He noted that people from the area had expressed concern as they were unsure of further landslides and if construction work at the windfarm had ceased. He also asked if there was an emergency response plan put in place by contractors for the site and if so, why was it not implemented immediately after the incident had occurred. 33

Alderman Kerrigan concurred with the remarks made by the previous speakers on the matter. He stated that he had also attended the meeting with the Ministers where the devastation was plain to see. He stated that a tremendous amount of work had to be carried out by the workers at the local fish farms in an attempt to save stock. He asked for information on how many businesses had been affected by the incident, as well as the environment impact on the rivers which needed to be addressed. He stated that a trout farm in the vicinity of the Mourne Beg river had been severely affected and that they would need assistance. He stated that peaty sediments from the bog would continue to seep into the local waterways for a number of years unless remediation action was taken.

Alderman Hussey concurred with comments made by Councillor Edwards on the need for regular updates on the matter. He reminded Members that in 2017, of a major landslide in the Glenelly Valley of which people were still impacted by. He asked when action would be taken to remediate the damage caused at Meenbog. He stated that the situation in 2017 had not yet been fully dealt with and that it was not just a duty for Council but the various agencies involved to fulfil their obligations and take action. Councillor R Barr referred to the environmental impact the landslide had caused to the area at Meenbog and welcomed the concern shown by Parties on the matter. He stated that lessons had to be learned and hoped that Council would address the issues with the Dalradian Gold situation with a similar passion, as it had the potential to cause a much greater environmental disaster.

C398/20 Maintenance Issues - Shrub Bed, Lower Main Street, Castlederg (ER214/20)

Alderman Hussey referred to queries that he had raised with the relevant officers regarding specific areas in Castlederg. However, he had not received any response and urged officers to furnish him with the requested information.

a Monthly Health and Community Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2020

The Minutes of the Health and Community Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2020 (HC188/20-HC208/20) were submitted.

Alderman Devenney Moved, Seconded by Councillor Mooney and the Council 34

Resolved that the above minutes be adopted as a true record of the Meeting.

Matter Arising

C399/20 Deputation: Attendance by Dr Paul Molloy and Dr Ciaran Mullan to respond to Members' queries on the provision of GP Services (HC193/20)

Councillor Gallagher referred to the recent presentation by local GPs regarding GP services. He stated that in that meeting Members were informed about the tremendous pressure upon those services. He stated that this in turn, put pressure on the Emergency Departments of local hospitals.

Councillor Gallagher Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Donnelly

That This Council writes to the Minister for Health to demand free car parking for NHS workers on hospital grounds.

He stated that nurses worked extremely hard and were under severe pressure, to then find their cars clamped or ticketed after working long shifts which he described as disgraceful.

The Mayor fully supported Councillor Gallagher’s proposal. He stated that his wife was a nurse who worked long hours and that nurses deserved Council’s support.

Alderman Guy stated that when free parking had been introduced, a nurse had contacted him as she had been issued with a parking ticket. He was assured by the Minister of Health, Robin Swann, that any nurses or NHS staff who were ticketed, this would be rescinded if they apply to their line manager. Councillor Harkin stated that he fully supported the proposal. He stated that it had been agreed by the Executive that nurses would receive any money lost through the action returned to them. However, this had yet to happen. He felt that it was wrong to continue to call nurses and health workers as essential and heroes, and then to impose car parking charges on them. He stressed that it was important for Council to act on the matter and the proposal would help move that action forward. 35

Councillor J Barr stated that he had also been contacted by nurses on the matter. He stated that it was disgraceful that nurses returned to their cars after working shifts to receive parking fines. He stated that there may be difficulty in distinguishing cars owned by health care workers parked in hospital grounds. He asked therefore if he could make the following addition to the proposal.

That All health care workers within hospitals be issued with a badge to place on their windscreens to prevent them from paying to park.

Councillor Gallagher agreed to accept Councillor J Barr’s addendum to the proposal. Councillor Doyle stated that his Party would support the proposal by Councillor Gallagher. He asked that the Western Health and Social Care Trust be copied into the correspondence. He advised Members that the income generated from parking enforcement was part of the Trust’s business plan. Councillor Duffy stated that her Party supported the proposal. She advised that she had spoken on the matter in March of this year, where it was clearly stated that no health care workers or nurses should be paying for parking or be subjected to parking fines or clamping measures.

Alderman Warke stated that the DUP were fully supportive of the proposal. Councillor Gallagher Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Donnelly

That This Council writes to the Minister for Health and the WHSCT to demand free car parking for NHS workers on hospital grounds.

All health care workers within hospitals be issued with a badge to place on their windscreens to prevent them from paying to park.

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That this Council writes to the Minister for Health and the WHSCT to demand free car parking for NHS workers on hospital grounds. 36

All health care workers within hospitals be issued with a badge to place on their windscreens to prevent them from paying to park.

C400/20 Employees within the Hospitality Sector (HC194/20)

Alderman Hussey stated that when the hospitality sector went into full lockdown, it was subject to particular restrictions whereby hospitality venues could operate outside of its premises. He asked if licensing officers could make clear to all hospitality sectors on their particular circumstances and what was expected of them when they would be able to re-open on the proposed date of 11 December.

The Mayor stated that he was sure that Alderman Hussey could appreciate that at this time it was unclear as to what would be expected of anyone across the hospitality sector. He stated that there was uncertainty on whether there would be a partial or full re-opening after this current lockdown ended. He stated that like all of the restrictions, Council had to await confirmation from the Executive and once received any updates would be broadcast via Council’s social media platforms.

Alderman Hussey stated that while the thanked the Mayor for his response, the hospitality sector needed lead-in time before re-opening. At this point, the Mayor called for a recess for 15 minutes.

C401/20 Call-in of Council Item C342/20

The Lead Legal Services Officer presented the report, previously circulated to Members. He outlined that the purpose of the report was to advise Members of a Call-In of Council Item C342/20 (AAR25/20).

Alderman McClintock referred to the notice of motion passed at the Council meeting on 29 October regarding the Centenary of Northern Ireland 2021. She described the events as disgraceful and that they had brought shame on those who supported a political stance over the promotion of good relations. She stated that Council should not underestimate the anger and the damage to community relations this had caused. She further stated that history could not be airbrushed. Adding that the formation of the State of Northern Ireland had taken place and whether or not people expected the motion to play out as it did was absolutely no excuse. She stated that this had alienated not only the minority community in the city and district but many from the 37

Nationalist community, who had expressed embarrassment to be associated with the motion. Continuing, she outlined how during this decade of centenaries, Council had a good working model of how to show tolerance and appreciation of diverse views. Therefore there was no need to amend the model, to discuss it further, or to attempt to change it. She stated that those who wished to commemorate or celebrate an anniversary, did so without interference from those who did not agree with it. She felt that the poorly thought out motion broke every protocol that Council had adhered to over the years. She then mentioned the good relations strategy which promoted equality, reconciliation and appreciation of diversity. Alderman McClintock referred to a motion passed by Council in July 2015, ‘that Council mark significant events in the decade of centenaries in a fitting and dignified manner, giving recognition to the diverse narrative of the period’. She reminded Members of the Good Friday Agreement, the commitment to partnership, equality and mutual respect and the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) strategy to create a community that promoted mutual respect and understanding, strengthened by diversity and cultural diversity that was celebrated and embraced. She also referred to Section 75 legislation which required public authorities to have due regard to promote equality of opportunity between the various categories. Finally, she referred to the New Decade, New Approach document which promoted freedom to choose a firm, maintained and developed national and cultural identity with a sensitivity to others. Continuing, she noted that Council had always prided itself on the ability to show tolerance and respect for each other despite different viewpoints. She stated that this was until the majority of Elected Representatives chose to agree with a totally unnecessary, throw away motion, which could only be coherently worded with assistance from the Mayor and the Chief Executive. She stated that the only thing that would satisfy the anger, disappointment and the hurt within the Protestant, Unionist, Loyalist (PUL) community, was to overturn the proposal. She proposed that Council reject the proposal to show that Council can refer to the 2016 model which has served so well. She stated that officers also needed certainty as to their roles, as the practical implications of the motion could prevent them from accessing or distributing funding which may be available externally. She stated that she was aware that this was a Nationalist controlled Council, however that did not mean that her culture, identity, views and rights should be discriminated against. She stated that if the decision was not overturned, unfortunately, her party would immediately instigate the 38

legal position open to them regarding the Call-in and would be fully involved with the Equality Commission Alderman McClintock Proposed, Seconded by Alderman McCready That Council adopt recommendation 5.1(c); to overturn the decision. Alderman McClintock requested as a point of order, that those who signed the request for the Call-in be permitted to speak first. Councillor Ferguson stated that the Alliance Party supported the proposal by Alderman McClintock. She stated that Council had prided itself on inclusivity and in many respects, being leaders of change. She noted that Council had been mentioned on numerous occasions on taking charge in implementing change for the better. She stated that Council usually had a sensible debate around many topics however, this motion went against all of that and that it was neither equal nor inclusive. She noted that many Councillors had taken part in the Good Relations training sessions were she discovered that a person may not agree with someone’s beliefs or traditions, but that we had to be an accepting and tolerant society. She stated that the upcoming centenary like others that had recently taken place was a sensitive matter and whether people agreed or disagreed regarding acknowledging it, we should treat it like previous centenaries. She stated that many parties spoke of a shared future where everyone was welcome. She felt that the motion did not reflect this and that the past must be acknowledged together to be able to truly move forward. She advised that if the decision was not taken to overturn the motion, her Party would support Alderman McClintock’s decision to take the matter to the Equality Commission. Councillor Reilly stated that the SDLP understood that the issue had generated significant debate and welcomed the engagement that has taken place over recent weeks. He stated that there was a desire to bring clarity to Council’s corporate intentions and position. He stated that he would attempt to provide some of that clarity. He stated that the SDLP understood the sensitivities relating to the commemorations and celebrations during the decade of centenaries. He felt that without prejudice to the valid aspirations of Elected Representatives and constituents throughout Derry City and Strabane District Council, in adherence to its statutory obligations on the Good Relations Policy, should recognise that sections of the community across the Council area would want to mark what they considered to be important historical milestones. He stated that this was the reason for his Party voting with Alderman McClintock’s proposal last month, to seek funding for such events from the Northern Ireland Executive. He also pointed out that the SDLP felt that the correct arena for such discussions was the Decade of Centenaries Working Group which 39

similarly took place regarding the centenaries of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme. He felt that Council should continue to engage with and encourage groups to act with inclusivity and sensitivity through the different views pertaining to the decade of centenaries historical events. He asked that those groups should approach any further discussions in the working group on that consistent basis. He was conscious that Alderman McClintock had a proposal to rescind the decision made last month. He advised that depending on the outcome of the vote, that he intended to propose that Council adopt 5.1(a) that matter be referred to the Decade of Centenaries working group. The Mayor advised Councillor Reilly that there was already a proposal on the floor which had to be dealt with first. Councillor Doyle stated that Aontu recognised the difficulties and sensitivities of the matter. He stated that with regards to the Party’s stance on the matter, they would not be supporting the proposal to overturn the decision. He stated that he did not believe what Alderman McClintock was saying with regards to people being very hurt by the motion passed by Council on 29 October. He felt that in his opinion, people were more interested in how to feed their children whether, catholic, protestant or dissenter. He felt that there should be a decoupling, as the matter was about celebrating or not celebrating the State of Northern Ireland. He stated that the State of Northern Ireland established in 1921 was built for one purpose, to ingrain and develop one community’s machinations over another. He referred to remarks made to contact the Equality Commission on the matter. He noted that there was no Equality Commission at a time when the first Home Affairs Minister, Richard Dawson-Bates, sacked his secretary because she was catholic. He stated that the State of Northern Ireland had changed since then on the basis that everyone’s voices had been heard and whilst there will be disagreement, he felt he could not support this proposal on behalf of those that he represented. Councillor Cooper stated that he expressed concerns at the Business and Culture Committee meeting several months ago when the report came to Council. He stated that Sinn Féin had made its position clear and advised that it had not changed since then. He advised that any prospective groups applying for funding to celebrate or critically evaluate the events of 1921, could avail of that funding. However, Council corporately would not be organising any events in line with what was adopted in relation to 1916 and other events during the decade of centenaries. He referred to the wording of Councillor Donnelly’s proposal and felt that it had the potential to cause ambiguity. He stated that he had 40

interpreted that Councillor Donnelly was re-stating Council’s position on the matter. He believed that Councillor Donnelly’s rationale for the proposal was that he was not a Member of the Decade of Centenaries working group and therefore wished it formalised from his perspective, that Council would not organise any events. He stated that this was the basis for his Party supporting the proposal. He emphasised that at no point did his Party indicate that it wanted any funding to be withdrawn from groups. He further emphasised that in terms of individual Councillors accepting invitations to attend events to celebrate or critically evaluate partition of the state, at no point did his Party state that it should be denied to Councillors. He referred to Councillor Reilly’s suggestion that the matter be referred to the working group and stated that this was a wise decision to take, as it would permit a more rounded discussion to take place and for a report to be brought to the Business and Culture Committee as per normal process. He stated that funding was available that local authorities could apply for to enable groups to celebrate or critically evaluate the partition of the North. He stated that Sinn Féin would not support Alderman McClintock’s proposal but fully supported the matter being referred to the Decade of Centenaries working group. Councillor Donnelly believed that the six county state was an absolute disaster, which consistently resisted any attempts at conformity of any sense of political normality. He felt that it had resulted in a destructive cycle of political initiatives which were resisted with suspicion by its people, which had led to bloodshed and division ever since. He stated that there was a litany of failed changes in political administration throughout history and that served to emphasise the need for radical change. He referred to the unionist loyalty to Britain and noted that in 1974, the then British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, proposed a disengagement from the six counties. He stated that the proposal was irrespective of repeated assurances from the British establishment that no change to the constitutional status of the six counties could come about except by the express wishes of the majority of its inhabitants. He stated that this had rendered any repeated assurances as meaningless and illustrated that Unionist loyalty was not reciprocated by the British establishment. He stated that in his opinion, the biggest threat to unionism was not republicanism but Whitehall and the Conservatives. He stated that despite some Aldermen attempting to label this issue as sectarian, he had never blamed the pro-union people as they had also endured suffering. He felt that by calling the motion sectarian was doing unionism a disservice and labelled all Catholics as Republicans and all Protestants as Unionists, which was not the case. He stated that partition should be removed. He further stated that the motion did not 41

need to be referred to the working group and the decision made at Council on 29 October should be reinforced. Councillor Gallagher noted that every citizen had the right to inclusive and equal expression of culture, heritage and identity. He felt that the motion was not about stopping or blocking participation of its citizens to hold events of their choosing. He stated that the partition of Ireland was a highly contentious issue which had caused division in the country for many years. It had copper fastened sectarianism and had witnessed a manufactured state murder its own citizens. Adding that it had discriminated against its citizens and denied them equal rights. He stated in line with the corporate position of Council, it could not be celebrating or acting in a position of tribalism over the people of this district. He stated that he had no issue with any section of the community being free to do as they pleased and to mark any occasion, as they had the freedom to do so and should have the freedom to do so. He believed that the motion was about highlighting the partition of Ireland and the many difficulties this has brought and was not a matter for celebrating. Therefore, he would not be supporting the proposal. Alderman Guy stated that he was fully aware of Members’ attitudes towards the Northern Ireland Centenary. He noted that Council were able to come to agreement to commemorate the centenary of 1916 Easter Rising and WWI as concerns were dealt with in an accepting manner of opposite community beliefs. He felt that to disallow the same format to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland was to discriminate against a minority community. He noted that during a meeting of the Emblems Working Group in June of this year, Councillor Gallagher queried if the financial support that Council had provided to various projects to commemorate the Centenary of 1916 Easter Rising and WWI would support its case if Council ever found itself in front of the Equality Commission without ever completing an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA). He felt that in light of Cllr Donnelly’s proposal last month, he did not think the Equality Commission would be looking favourably on the matter, EQIA or not. He stated that in his opinion, this was an equality issue, where proposed actions openly discriminated against the PUL community in this entire Council area. Adding that decisions taken in Council could have far reaching consequences. Continuing, he referred to a recent report which stated the lack of attractiveness of Ulster University’s Magee Campus to people of different religious beliefs. He noted that within the Equality Commission’s ‘Education Inequalities in NI’ presented results from its qualitative study, it was stated that UU and Queens were considered to be a ‘cold house’ for Protestants. He stated that his Party were desperate for Magee to prosper with the new Medical School and a 42

push to increase student numbers. However, this can only be fruitful if students from all religious backgrounds felt compelled to choose Magee over Queens or other UK Universities. He felt that proposals such as Councillor Donnelly’s did nothing to entice PUL students but would certainly increase our student brain drain to other parts of the UK. In summary, Alderman Guy stressed that Council must play a vital role, a leadership role in all that is and can be good about our Council area. However, when proposals are brought forward purely on a hate filled basis towards a minority community which totally contradicts all the cross cultural work carried out by our Good Relations Team, then potential students, family moves and even new business opportunities will pass our Council area by. Councillor Harkin stated that it was a very divisive issue which was unfortunate, however other divisive issues had also been previously raised at Council. He referred to Alderman McClintock’s comments regarding tolerance and diversity and noted that prominent DUP members had supported President Trump, a person who represented anything but tolerance and diversity. He felt that the DUP had turned its back on Members of its own community, such as the LGBT community, women who supported the right to choose, and black lives matter protesters. He stated that the DUP showed no tolerance for these groups, which he described as hypocrisy. He noted that the Party also refused to support healthcare workers taking strike action. However, the one issue they thought they could utilise was the issue of the border over the past 100 years. He believed that partition was disastrous for the people in the North and South of this island. He stated that the elites were able to use the issue of partition to keep ordinary people in check. He further stated that the vast majority of people of all religions had not benefitted from living here. He advised that People Before Profit would not support the motion as they felt that partition should not be celebrated but there should be an understanding as to why it happened and why it should end to create a shared island. On a Point of Order, Alderman McCready advised Members that this was not a DUP proposal, but a Call-in signed by cross-Party Members. He stated that he felt it was a reprehensible decision that was made by Council on 29 October and that the 27 Members that voted against the centenary of Northern Ireland, should hang their heads in shame. He stated that as a nationalist majority in this Council and by not taking into consideration the minority in this matter was revealing. He referred to remarks made by Councillor Doyle that an Equality Commission did not exist in the past and suggested that it should have. 43

He stated that the centenary of Northern Ireland was a historical fact. He felt that irrespective of political viewpoints on the matter, if those with a majority have an opposing view from that of the minority, it did not give the right to exclude and discriminate against. He stated that it also had the potential to remove the operational and financial structures that were in place throughout the Decade of Centenaries and how that was managed. He felt that the SDLP were looking to renege slightly and refer it to a committee. However, the matter was already discussed at Committee and at the Decade of Centenaries working group.

Continuing, he felt that those 27 Members went above and beyond, and singled out a group by making a negative decision. He felt that the impact of that decision has been felt throughout the city and district. He expressed disappointment in the Mayor as he had supported him in most aspects of his duties and work and that he did well across the spectrums. However, the point where he chose not to demonstrate leadership and be the first citizen of the city was disappointing.

In response, the Mayor stated that he was slightly bemused by Alderman McCready’s remarks as he, similarly to everyone else, was entitled to an opinion, and his position at that time was that the best arena to deal with this particular issue was within the working group. He stated that since he began his tenure as Mayor, he has done everything possible to reach out to the unionist community. He had not in any way, snubbed or turned his back on them. He stated that he was very much trying to be a Mayor for everyone. He stated that he did not see why this centenary should not be treated in the same vein as every other centenary event that has taken place. He explained that this was his rationale for voting in the way that he did and had stood over that position in both Nationalist and Unionist communities.

Councillor McCann stated that throughout Northern Ireland, approximately a third of the population were neither Protestant or Catholic and this was a growing number. He referred to remarks made that this Council had a Nationalist majority and that there was an assumption that Council was made up of Nationalist and Unionists. However, the Alliance and PBP did not fit into that category. He stated that he and Councillor Harkin were neither republican or unionist but socialists and that Northern Ireland did not consist of just orange or green but also of red. 44

He noted that in 1921 we did not just have one state with partition as stated, but in fact two states were created. And in the words of former Minister, Conor Cruise O’Brien, ‘that the big difference there was that Catholic sectarianism in the south purred like a cat whilst Protestant sectarianism in the north barked like a dog.’ He stated that he was in favour of a united Ireland as he had seen a united Ireland through demonstrations such as the women’s right to choose across the entire country. He stated that such demonstrations north and south campaigning for the same cause were not demonstrations for a united Ireland but demonstrations of a united Ireland.

Alderman Ramsey described the proposal made at the October Council meeting as depressing and shocking. He stated that it had undermined everything that Council had worked on for many years. He referred to remarks about parity of esteem, respect and reconciliation. However, the wrongs of the past should not be used as a stick to beat the Unionist community. He referred to all the peace initiative funding spent by Council and asked how unionism could continue to participate whenever Council as a corporate body permitted the motion to progress. He stated that it was disastrous for future peace projects and was the undoing of many years of hard work. He appealed to everyone to build a united community and he felt that the motion came across as a hate motion.

Alderman Devenney stated that during his sixteen years as an Elected Representative, over a decade had been spent on building good relations and he felt that Councillor Donnelly’s motion had reversed a lot of that work. He has referred to remarks made regarding the Protestant state and people’s rights at the forming of the State in 1921. However, for those aiming it at the PUL community, he noted that the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed by Michael Collins who was a Republican. Therefore, maybe some of that frustration and anger should be taken out on republicanism rather than the PUL community. He stated that if the motion was not rescinded, he felt that all the good work may not be built up again within the PUL community.

Councillor Doyle described the language used in the discussion as shocking, particularly the use of the word ‘hate’. He stated that he did not hate members of the Unionist community and to infer that some individual Members or Parties were seeking to hurt the Unionist community by representing their constituents was ridiculous.

Alderman McClintock stated that she has listened with absolute horror to some of the views put across on the matter. She noted that Council 45

had a corporate position in 2015 to mark significant events in the Decade of Centenaries. She stated that Councillor Doyle seemed to think that people were not interested in the matter and informed him that people all over Northern Ireland were watching. She felt that this was the only Council that has come up with such a motion. She stated that there was no attempt made to stop people celebrating events such as the 1916 Easter Rising. Therefore, her community demanded the right to have the same courtesy shown to them. She referred to a point by Sinn Féin that the DUP were looking for Council to organise events and stated that this was never requested or desired. She described the blatant discrimination from Sinn Féin as unbelievable. She also felt that the SDLP did not wish to overturn Councillor Donnelly’s motion as they wished to save face. Whether or not they intended to cause the hurt that they did, they had alienated a large section of the PUL community which will be remembered.

Continuing, she stated that the Centenary of Northern Ireland should be treated no differently to other events in the Decade of Centenaries calendar. She believed that it illustrated blatant discrimination imposed by those who did not agree with the political opinion. She referred to remarks made by Councillor Harkin stating that he was not republican or unionist, yet he showed a blatant hatred of the DUP. She stated that the majority of people wanted this anniversary to be treated as any other event in the Decade of Centenaries. She referred to remarks made earlier in the meeting regarding standing up for Palestine and workers. She therefore requested that Members stand up and focus on community relations in this Council area for the minority community. She expressed disappointment at the comments made by the previous speakers, adding that they had strengthened the case for the Equality Commission.

Alderman McClintock Proposed, Seconded by Alderman McCready

That Council adopt recommendation 5.1 (c); to overturn the decision.

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was as follows:

For:- 11; Against:- 29; Abstentions:- 0. The proposal therefore Fell.

Councillor Reilly Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Cooper 46

That Council adopt option 5.1 (a) that the matter be referred to the Decade of Centenaries working group.

Alderman Warke described the matter as an absolute disgrace and that the 29 Members of Council who voted against the proposal should hang their heads in shame. He felt that Councillor Donnelly’s motion was purely sectarian. He referred to Councillor McCann’s comments regarding rights and asked about the rights of his family in 1972 when they were put out of the West Bank of the City. He stated that the majority of people wished to move towards a shared city. However, this had not happened here this evening. He stated that those Members who voted against the proposal were building more bricks within the walls at the interfaces in the city.

Councillor McKinney stated that there would not be a change in the status quo by referring the matter to a committee.

Councillor Cooper stated that there would not be a change in the status quo by going to the committee because the status quo was that the Decade of Centenaries working group when it next meets, would come out with the proposal that funding would be available for groups to apply for to either celebrate or not celebrate the Centenary of the State. He stated that he had previously spoken on the matter in a measured fashion, as the position of Council was crystal clear, that if groups wished to apply for funding to hold events to celebrate the Centenary of Northern Ireland they could do so as a result of the actions of the next meeting of the working group. He stated that he sought clarity from the Lead Legal Services Officer on a specific point in terms of what would be the status of the call-in with the Equality Commission, if they discovered that Council had agreed to no longer pursue a policy that had been pursued for years.

He advised that a meeting of the Decade of Centenaries working group was scheduled to be held in a weeks’ time. He stated that he expected that the proposals from that meeting would include agreement that funding would be made available similar to the process for the 1916 events. He stated that he had seconded Councillor Reilly’s proposal as he felt that it was prudent to refer the matter back into the working group.

Councillor Doyle stated that he would not be supporting the proposal. He stated that any member of the PUL community who had contacted him since he had taken up his seat in Council had not mentioned the matter to him. He stated that they had mentioned that their house was 47

cold, they were unable to feed their children and this was happening across the entire city and district. He suggested that Members of the DUP who wished to grandstand on this issue, should get out into their communities as it held true what a wise man once said, ‘you can’t eat a flag’.

Councillor Donnelly stated that the matter was in disarray because certain parties were attempting to fudge the issue and others were engaging in Bette Davis style theatrics. As a point of clarification, he stated that all sides who either created or endorsed partition, were to blame. He stated that he had never blamed the pro-union people at any stage, as he had worked with pro-union people right across the city and district before the motion was tabled and would continue to work with them. He stated that language was used here tonight which described it as a hate and sectarian motion and emphasised that this was not the case. He stated that both the SDLP and SF who supported his original proposal, alluded that they still stood over that decision to support it, however, they were now proposing to refer the matter to a Committee.

Alderman McClintock stated that in the normal course of affairs, the matter should have been discussed at the working group. She felt that there was no need for the lengthy debate, over the last few meetings. However, this was until Councillor Donnelly made the proposal. She stated that whilst she appreciated that Councillor Doyle was new to Council, she agreed that, ‘You can’t eat a flag’ but you could not eat a flag in 2016 when the Easter Rising commemorations took place when people trailed flags across the Guildhall Square. She believed that this was no longer a discussion about partition, it was about blatant inequality and discrimination issues.

Alderman Guy stated that he understood Councillor Cooper’s viewpoint on the matter. However, if he wished to refer the matter to a committee, then why did he not abstain during the last vote as he felt it would have settled the matter.

Councillor Harkin felt that the matter had been framed as nationalist and unionist. However, there was a different position on it and that he and other Members had attempted to articulate this. He stated that partition was the reason for the permanent division in society which resulted in the Troubles and why people in the North were demanding basic democratic rights, until there was a civil rights movement to challenge it. He stated that PBP wished to engage in all types of events that looked at all aspects of partition. He further stated that the PBP 48

were socialists and perhaps the DUP could not understand this. However, there were many more people from all communities across the North that felt the same way. He stated that the DUP politics of intolerance had become clear during the meeting. The Mayor advised that Members from other Parties, not just the DUP, has signed the notice of Call-in.

Councillor Gallagher stated that he wished to make an amendment to the proposal.

The Mayor advised that he could not y accept the amendment because there were only three options available as outlined in the report to be dealt with under Standing Orders. Councillor Gallagher stated that the wording of Councillor Reilly’s proposal would not provide the necessary clarity on the matter. He felt that it had been interpreted and used, particularly by the DUP as causing fear among the PUL community. He stated that if the matter was referred to the Decade of Centenaries working group with the out- workings of the motion, they would be able to provide clarity and a way forward and provide assurances to those who wanted inclusiveness and equality and to those who wished to celebrate certain events in 2021. He felt that the proposal in its current form could lead to ambiguity on the matter. He stated that the corporate position of Council had not changed.

The Mayor advised Councillor Gallagher once again that his proposal could not be accepted and reminded Members of the options available as contained within the report.

Councillor Ferguson stated that the purpose of the Call-in was to adhere to corporate policy and to treat the Centenary of the North in the same vein as previous centenary celebrations. She felt that the motion by Councillor Donnelly brought ambiguity and therefore people had translated it differently and felt that Council officers were unable to support communities in applying for funding. She stated that whilst she was from that ‘other’ group, were there was a growing middle- ground, this did not mean that she was happy to support the other two thirds of the city and district whenever a difference was being made. She stated that in her opinion, the decision should have been overturned. Unfortunately, this did not happen, therefore her Party would be supporting Councillor Reilly’s proposal.

Councillor J Boyle stated that it was alarming to hear the ratcheting up on the rhetoric of some Members on the matter. He stated that as a 49

Member of the Decade of Centenaries working group, there was a determination through that working group that all centenaries would be treated on an equal basis. He stated that this was also the understanding of the SDLP and continued to be so. He stated that he found himself agreeing with Councillor Cooper as to the reason that the matter be referred back to the working group, as this would provide the level of clarity that members of the public and Council officers had requested. He stated that he had no doubt that Council officers would continue to liaise with and assist interested stakeholders to ensure that future centenary events were acknowledged in the same way as previous events. He noted that during his tenure as Mayor, he had engaged in such centenary events such as the 1916 Easter Rising and Battle of the Somme commemorations. He stated that he questioned some who wished to behave in a particular manner by using particular language because ultimately, we all have to live together and everyone was trying their best to do that. He indicated that he fully supported and endorsed Councillor Reilly’s proposal as the best direction for Council and the people of the city and district.

Alderman Devenney referred to the comments made by Councillors Gallagher and Harkin that the DUP were the only party raising their voice on the matter. He advised them that the UUP and the Alliance Party had also raised concerns on the issue. He stated that he had no problem with Councillor Harkin or his socialist views. However, he would not impose those views on those who may oppose them. He felt that those who spoke about equality had to learn to listen to those who opposed their views.

Councillor Gallagher requested a point of clarification regarding the wording of the proposal. He noted that the wording was not similar to the options within the report, therefore it was deemed as an amendment to the options. In response, the Lead Legal Services Officer advised that Councils operated on the basis that the Decade of Centenaries working group was not a decision making body, therefore the matter would ultimately be brought back to the Business and Culture Committee.

Councillor Gallagher stated that the wording of the proposal did not state that and had outlined that it would refer the matter to the Decade of Centenaries working group.

In response, the Lead Legal Services Officer accepted the point made by Councillor Gallagher in relation to option 5.1 (a) and that it should be amended to refer the matter to the Business and Culture Committee 50

who could subsequently choose to refer it to the Decade of Centenaries working group.

Councillor Cooper stated that the wording of Councillor Reilly’s proposal was not in line with the specific text within option 5.1 (a). However, he stated that Councillor Gallagher could not propose an amendment as there were only 3 options within the report for Members’ consideration. He asked if Councillor Reilly could clarify his intention to propose that the matter be referred to committee as outlined in option 5.1(a).

Councillor Reilly stated that he worded his proposal in such a way because he was conscious that there was a working group meeting scheduled to take place in the coming days. He explained that if the matter was referred to Business and Culture, the Committee that was the parent of the Decade of Centenaries working group, he did not see any conflict by referring it to the group. However, following legal advice, he would propose that the matter be referred to the Business and Culture Committee as outlined in the report. However, this may lengthen the process which was not in anyone’s interest, not least for those who signed the Call-in.

He stated that he found the entire matter frustrating and disappointing to hear language used by people to slate other parties and pinhole other people in an attempt to play to a virtual audience. He stated that the DUP talked about the Good Friday Agreement, which they actively canvassed against. He explained that the reason to adopt option 5.1(a) was to provide the clarity to those who requested it, including the PEACE IV Committee of whom he is co-chair. He stated that it was right to have the debate in a measured, sensible way, consistent with what has happened with previous Decade of Centenaries groups and events.

On a point of order, Councillor Gallagher stated that the Mayor had refused his proposal to make an amendment to a proposal that had already been amended and requested clarification on the matter.

The Mayor advised Councillor Gallagher that he was correct that the proposal could not be amended. He advised that Councillor Reilly did not have the exact text within the proposal and had reverted back to that original text which was not an amendment, which will refer this discussion to the Business and Culture Committee. 51

Alderman McClintock requested a recess and the Mayor and Members agreed.

After the recess Members were asked to vote on Councillor Reilly’s proposal, Seconded by Councillor Cooper

That Council adopt option 5.1(a) to refer the decision for further consideration by a Committee where the subject matter of that decision falls within the remit of the Committee

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was as follows: For:- 24; Against:- 12; Abstentions:- 4.

The Proposal was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That Council adopt option 5.1(a) to refer the decision for further consideration by a Committee where the subject matter of that decision falls within the remit of the Committee

C402/20 Request under Standing Orders to Adjourn the Meeting

The Mayor stated that due to the length of the meeting, he had consulted with the Chief Executive under Standing Order 17.2(1), which states that any Member of the Council who had not already spoken to the proposal or amendment under the debate, may move that the Council do now adjourn. Councillor Tierney Proposed, Seconded by Alderman Bresland

That under Standing Order 17.2 (1), that at 11.30pm business would be postponed, with Confidential business to be concluded and the meeting to reconvene on Friday 4 December.

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That under Standing Order 17.2 (1), that at 11.30pm business would be postponed, with confidential business to be concluded and the meeting to reconvene on Friday 4 December. 52

C403/20 Call-in of Council Item C360/20

The Lead Legal Services Officer presented the report, previously circulated to Members. He outlined that the purpose of the report was to advise Members of a Call-In of Council Item C360/20.

Councillor Gallagher Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Harkin

That Council adopt option 5.1(c) to overturn the decision

Councillor Harkin extended his thanks to the co-signatories of the Call- in. He stated that it was an important issue for Members to challenge. He stated that he had challenged the admissibility of the amendment to the notice of motion, as he felt the amendment had utterly transformed the essence of the motion. He stated that he had no issue with amendments to motions as there were many motions presented to Council that were amended. However, with this particular amendment the criticism of the decision by the Minister, the call for Council to object to the decision of the Minister and the call for Council to reverse the decision by the Minister, had been removed from the motion. He believed that this resulted in the motion being an entirely different changed from what he had submitted.

He stated that the amendment referred to a climate bill which was a much broader issue that had not been discussed, therefore a much greater burden on the original motion. This was why they felt it should not have been permitted. He stated that it had only been one year from the climate strike global actions which included this Council area, where people had stated that they wanted radical action on climate change and the environment. Therefore, he believed that those climate emergency declarations and the climate pledge meant taking radical action. He stated that with the decision taken at Council, it was therefore not the case in Lough Neagh regarding radical action. He felt that this could send the wrong signal to people who may show a disregard to planning laws and environmental regulations. Continuing, he stated that there was a third element that he wished to introduce; that it was important for Council and raised by the Assembly that, in the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011, Article 31, it made clear that it was an offence to permit operations damaging any feature of an area of special scientific interest. He stated that the entirety of Lough Neagh was an area of such interest. He stated that extraction had damaged the eco system at that area and under this act it would be deemed a criminal offence. He stated that Council should think carefully on the matter as he did not believe Council should 53

endorse or sanction from supporting or green lighting what could be considered under this act as a criminal offence. For all those reasons, he felt that the decision should be overturned. He stated that he would have preferred that Members had the opportunity to vote on the original motion. He hoped that Members would join those who initiated the call-in to the motion by overturning the decision.

Councillor McCann noted for over twenty years, sand had been extracted illegally from the bed of Lough Neagh, to be used for construction purposes. He advised that this was an area of special scientific interest and the environmental aspects had now come into focus. However, the Department for Infrastructure simply let it go through and this was what People Before Profit were objecting to. He referred to the Call-in that contained the words ‘object’ and ‘reverse’ and advised that his Party were seeking to do just that. He stated that the motion had asked the Department to reverse the decision, however when it had been amended, it had been omitted. He felt that it was improper to deal with the motion in such a manner, as it meant that Council never had an opportunity to discuss and debate and vote on what PBP had proposed.

Continuing, he noted that Council had a corporate policy to protect the environment. However, illegally gouging sand from the bed of Lough Neagh which was passed by the Minister was unacceptable. He felt that the decision was taken as Parties were expected to support their respective Ministers at Stormont, which was not a good basis on which to make decisions, particularly regarding the treatment of the environment. He stated that it was important to treat the natural world with reverence otherwise there will be no natural world to bequeath to the next generation.

Councillor Doyle queried the amendment that had been accepted to create a direct negative to the motion under Standing Orders. He stated that he fully supported the Call-in. However, he had sympathy to the Minister for Infrastructure as the matter should have been dealt with by DAERA and the Environment Agency due to the huge implications to the environment. Alderman McClintock stated that the DUP had no reason to change its opinion as expressed at the previous vote. She advised that her Party would not be supporting Councillor Gallagher’s proposal to overturn the decision. She called into question the legitimacy of the signatures on the Call-in where only one actual signature was on the form and the rest had been provided on pieces of paper. 54

In response, the Lead Legal Services Officer advised that in his opinion, this was a practical solution to a problem and was content that those signatures attached to the Call-in were admissible.

Councillor McKinney stated that the Alliance Party supported the protection of the environment. However, if dredging ceased at Lough Neagh, there was the potential for a further environmental and economic problem. He stated that sand would have to be brought in from elsewhere which would result in a rise in the carbon footprint, the vehicles would have to travel and also potential job losses in that area. He stated that this knock-on effect must be considered and his Party agreed with the amendment to the motion, therefore they would not be supporting the proposal.

Councillor Reilly referred to comments by the previous speaker and was aware that sand was required for building projects such as the A5 and A6 and for the construction of new homes. He stated that there was a carbon footprint impact in trying to get that new sand required transported to Northern Ireland. He referred to Standing Order 19.10, were it was the ruling of the Chair that was important when determining whether an amendment was accurate or not. He stated that a debate on the matter had taken place at the October Council meeting. Therefore, he felt that the proposal to support the decision should be adopted.

Councillor Duffy reminded Members that the matter arose due to the admissibility of the amendment. She advised that as provided within Standing Orders, the decision on that amendment was at the discretion of the Mayor. She stated this was significantly debated at the October Council meeting with input from Senior Officers on the matter. She stated that there had been anger displayed regarding the decision. She felt that she was not hearing anything at this meeting that brought into question the decisions made at the last meeting and this had resulted in wasted time at the meeting.

Continuing, she stated that the original motion sought to condemn a decision by the Minister and invited evidence from one particular sector on the matter. However, the specifics of the motion related to a site outside of Council’s jurisdiction, therefore it was right that Council sought to widen the evidence base in order to understand the specifics of the issues and by inviting representatives to come and present to Council and for Councillors to question those representatives to gain a fuller understanding of the issues. She felt that upon receipt of that information, a clearer, more informed decision could be taken by 55

Members. She stated, that like many others, she did not know the details of the scale of the operation, the impact on the local community, or any potential for the climate emergency mitigations if operations at Lough Neagh ceased. She stated that the motion was amended to seek a broad base of evidence and that the call-in process had delayed the process even further.

Councillor Donnelly stated that in his opinion, that some Members paying lip service regarding concerns to the environment whilst also trying to protect their Minister at all costs. Therefore, he would be supporting Councillor Gallagher’s proposal.

Councillor Gallagher stated that Council held a corporate position that recognised the climate emergency and he believed this should take primacy. He felt that the amendment went against the grain of the corporate position and could cause damage to the environment, as documented within Council’s Local Development Plan. He stated that the matter may be out of this Council’s jurisdiction, however the impact would be felt province wide. He asked Members that regardless of what Party they came from, that when a debate had taken place and a decision has to be made on the corporate decision, we should not let party politics become involved to protect any Minister against the corporate position.

Councillor Gallagher Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Harkin

That Council adopt option 5.1(c) to overturn the decision

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was as follows:

For:-7; Against:-32; Abstentions:-0. The Proposal therefore Fell.

Councillor Reilly Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Duffy

That Council adopt option 5.1(b) to support the decision

Councillor Ferguson stated that her Party would be supporting the motion as the matter had been debated at length and that the Lead Legal Services Officer and the Chief Executive had confirmed the validity of the amendment. Councillor R Barr stated that it had been noted that the six counties were disintegrating into an environmental wasteland under the watch 56

of the Executive Parties. He felt that such a scenario may not be too far away. He noted previous attempts to prevent environmental damage to Lough Neagh in 2014, which resulted in a lengthy legal case and the Minister for Infrastructure had approved dredging at an EU protected site. He stated that he questioned the sincerity of some of the Parties remarks regarding environmental issues.

Councillor Harkin stated that PBP would not be supporting Councillor Reilly’s proposal. He felt that the matter had created a precedent for future notices of motion which was disappointing. He stated that if other notices of motion could be significantly altered such as this one, there would be further challenges to them. He referred to Councillor Duffy’s remarks that it was a waste of time and that there was a lot of anger on the matter. He concurred that there was a lot of anger that has emanated from a wide range of environmental campaigners and activists who expressed shocked at the decision.

He stated that Executive Parties had signed up to climate emergency pledges to put a cross-party climate bill through the Assembly, but when difficult decisions had to be taken they were prepared to rip it up and then attempt to belittle people who had tried to be consistent to the climate emergency declaration and pledge. He stated that Friends of the Earth had also criticised the Bill as they felt it made a mockery of environmental regulations and planning laws. Therefore, it was not just a PBP Councillor who objected to the decision, these were some of the most experienced and dedicated environmental campaigners in the country. He stated that it was not a waste of time as they had been asked to challenge the matter because of the admissibility and the gravity of the decision.

Councillor Doyle echoed the sentiments expressed by Councillor Harkin on the matter.

Councillor Duffy stated that she wished to clarify that she did not say it was a waste of time but that it was wasted time. In terms of wasting time, time has been wasted in bringing the experts around the table to present to Members to allow us to make an informed decision. Any Member can submit any notice of motion to Council and declare it as a climate emergency. However, must each one be supported without actually asking questions and seeking evidence. She reiterated that the matter had nothing to do with Executive Parties, it was having the responsibility to take informed decisions as an Elected Representative. 57

Councillor Reilly concurred with the previous speaker in relation to reasons for bringing the proposal. He stated that last month people had spent time researching the details of the motion and contributed to the debate at that time. He felt that to subsequently submit a Call-in to challenge that decision could set a dangerous precedent. He asked Members to support the decision to carry the motion as amended last month.

On a point of order, Councillor Harkin stated that this was the second call-in at the meeting and that the previous call-in had not been described as a waste of time.

Councillor Reilly Proposed, Seconded by Councillor Duffy

That Council adopt option 5.1(b) to support the decision

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was as follows: For:-32; Against:-7; Abstentions:- 0. The proposal was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That Council adopt option 5.1(b) to support the decision

Notices of Motion

C404/20 Support for HGV Weight Restriction upon traffic in Clady Village

Councillor McHugh Moved, Seconded by Councillor McGuire

That this Council supports the demand from the people of Clady for the proposal to impose a 7.5 tonne HGV weight restriction upon traffic through their village and calls on the Minister of Infrastructure to urgently conclude the long drawn out consultation process and to now make a decision on this issue.

Alderman Kerrigan Proposed an Amendment, Seconded by Alderman McCready

That this Council supports the demand from the people of Clady for the proposal to impose a 7.5 tonne HGV 58

weight restriction upon traffic through their village and calls on the Minister of Infrastructure to urgently conclude the long drawn out consultation process and to now make a decision on this issue.

In addition, calls on the Minister to act on a similar demand from the people of Eglinton Village to; (a)Urgently reassess the current traffic conditions on the B118 Woodvale road in Eglinton in order to identify suitable traffic calming measures and (b) to initiate a consultation to take place with Eglinton residents on the impact of the high volume of 7.5 tonne HGV in order to determine similar solutions to that of Clady.

Members were asked to vote on the Amendment, the result of which was unanimous. The Amendment subsequently became the Substantive Motion.

Members were asked to vote on the Substantive Motion, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That this Council supports the demand from the people of Clady for the proposal to impose a 7.5 tonne HGV weight restriction upon traffic through their village and calls on the Minister of Infrastructure to urgently conclude the long drawn out consultation process and to now make a decision on this issue.

In addition, calls on the Minister to act on a similar demand from the people of Eglinton Village to; (a)Urgently reassess the current traffic conditions on the B118 Woodvale road in Eglinton in order to identify suitable traffic calming measures and (b) to initiate a consultation to take place with Eglinton residents on the impact of the high volume of 7.5 tonne HGV in order to determine similar solutions to that of Clady.

C405/20 Environmental Clean-up and Litter Pick Initiatives

Councillor M Boyle Moved, Seconded by Councillor Duffy 59

That this Council commends the efforts of volunteers who undertake environmental clean-up and litter pick initiatives across the DCSDC area, further complementing the sterling work of our Council cleansing staff in striving to ensure that our district remains a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit.

Ask that Council forge stronger partnerships with the groups involved and bring forward additional Council led initiatives such as ‘an environmental clean-up week’ to promote greater awareness of environmental issues as well as more community involvement in this area of active citizenship.

Members were asked to vote on the Motion, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That this Council commends the efforts of volunteers who undertake environmental clean- up and litter pick initiatives across the DCSDC area, further complementing the sterling work of our Council cleansing staff in striving to ensure that our district remains a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit.

Ask that Council forge stronger partnerships with the groups involved and bring forward additional Council led initiatives such as ‘an environmental clean-up week’ to promote greater awareness of environmental issues as well as more community involvement in this area of active citizenship.

C406/20 Integrated Education

Councillors Ferguson and McKinney Moved, Seconded by Alderman Guy

That This Council encourages and supports reconciliation in our community and congratulates the Integrated Education Fund and the integrated school’s 60

movement on being nominated for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize;

Furthermore, this Council will write to the NI Executive that we look forward and support the early implementation of "Priorities of the Restored Executive" which stated in the "NEW DECADE, NEW APPROACH" agreement that:

“The Executive will establish an external, independent review of education provision, with a focus on securing greater efficiency in delivery costs, raising standards, access to the curriculum for all pupils, and the prospects of moving towards a single education system”.

And

“To help build a shared and integrated society, the Executive will support educating children and young people of different backgrounds together in the classroom”.

Members were asked to vote on the Motion, the result of which was as follows:

For:- 38; Against:-0; Abstentions:- 2.

The Motion was therefore carried and the Council

Resolved That this Council encourages and supports reconciliation in our community and congratulates the Integrated Education Fund and the integrated school’s movement on being nominated for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize;

Furthermore, this Council will write to the NI Executive that we look forward and support the early implementation of "Priorities of the Restored Executive" which stated in the "NEW DECADE, NEW APPROACH" agreement that:

“The Executive will establish an external, independent review of education provision, 61

with a focus on securing greater efficiency in delivery costs, raising standards, access to the curriculum for all pupils, and the prospects of moving towards a single education system”.

And

“To help build a shared and integrated society, the Executive will support educating children and young people of different backgrounds together in the classroom”.

C407/20 The Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade

Councillor Donnelly Moved, Seconded by Councillor Duffy

That This Council commends the global humanitarian work carried out by the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade and recommend that they are nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.

Members were asked to vote on the Motion, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That this Council commends the global humanitarian work carried out by the Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade and recommend that they are nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.

C408/20 Upgrade of the A2 at Buncrana Road

Councillor Cooper Moved, Seconded by Councillor Duffy

That This Council reaffirms its commitment to pursuing the long awaited upgrade of the A2 Buncrana Road.

Calls on the DFI Minister to find an agreed solution that will allow this to progress and open up the economic potential for our City and District.

Members were asked to vote on the Motion, the result of which was unanimous and the Council 62

Resolved That this Council reaffirms its commitment to pursuing the long awaited upgrade of the A2 Buncrana Road.

Calls on the DFI Minister to find an agreed solution that will allow this to progress and open up the economic potential for our City and District.

C409/20 Drink-Driving Legislation

Councillor Dobbins Moved, Seconded by Councillor Reilly

That Council note the devastation caused by the result of drink driving throughout this City and District and beyond.

That this Council welcomes the new legislation brought by Department of Infrastructure Minister Mallon to prevent a suspected drink-driver evading prosecution and that Council include anti drink driving messaging regulations in our Christmas marketing campaign.

Members where then asked to vote on the Motion, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That Council note the devastation caused by the result of drink driving throughout this City and District and beyond.

That this Council welcomes the new legislation brought by Department of Infrastructure Minister Mallon to prevent a suspected drink- driver evading prosecution and that Council include anti drink driving messaging regulations in our Christmas marketing campaign.

C410/20 Mental Health Services

Councillor Doyle Moved, Seconded by Councillor R Barr 63

That this Council notes the demonstrable negative effect the Covid-19 pandemic and government restrictions has had on the mental health of our people and the additional stress that necessary public health measures have placed on families and business;

and calls on the Department of Health alongside Executive partners to prioritise wraparound mental health services accessible to all ages to support people in anticipation of an end to the current pandemic.

Councillor Mellon Proposed and Amendment, Seconded by Councillor Duffy

That this Council notes that people living in the area have suffered from high levels of mental health stress, that the Covid-19 pandemic and the necessary restrictions have added to that stress placed on families and business; and calls on the Department of Health alongside Executive partners to prioritise wraparound mental health services accessible to all ages to support people not just through the period of the current pandemic but to take account of the wider mental health stress in the Council area.

Members were then asked to vote on the Amendment, the result of which was unanimous.

Councillor Farrell Proposed a further Amendment, Seconded by Councillor Reilly

That this Council notes that people living in the area have suffered from high levels of mental health stress, that the Covid-19 pandemic and the necessary restrictions have added to that stress placed on families and business; and calls on the Department of Health alongside Executive partners to prioritise wraparound mental health services accessible to all ages to support people not just through the period of the current pandemic but to take account of the wider mental health stress in the Council area. 64

Further calls on Western Trust and Department of Health to work collaboratively to deliver waiting time targets to access existing mental services.

Members were asked to vote on the Amendment, the result of which was unanimous and subsequently became the Substantive Motion.

Members were asked to then vote on the Substantive Motion, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That this Council notes that people living in the area have suffered from high levels of mental health stress, that the Covid-19 pandemic and the necessary restrictions have added to that stress placed on families and business; and calls on the Department of Health alongside Executive partners to prioritise wraparound mental health services accessible to all ages to support people not just through the period of the current pandemic but to take account of the wider mental health stress in the Council area.

Further calls on Western Trust and Department of Health to work collaboratively to deliver waiting time targets to access existing mental services.

C411/20 Rights and Advice for Unpaid Carers

Councillor Durkan Moved, Seconded by Councillor Doyle

hat This Council applauds the tremendous contribution of unpaid and informal carers in communities across Derry and Strabane and beyond.

This Council notes the contents of the most recent “Caring Behind Closed Doors” Report (Carers NI, October 2020) setting out the challenges facing unpaid carers, particularly during the pandemic, and the need for better support for these carers.

This Council furthers recognises the particular pressures facing those balancing caring 65

responsibilities with employment and the need for working carers to be afforded flexibility in their employment.

This Council commends the excellent work of Carers NI and various other organisations in keeping carers informed of their rights, campaigning for better financial support and providing research-based evidence to inform policy shaping and decision- making.

This Council undertakes to liaise with relevant organisations to ensure that unpaid carers across the city and district are informed on their rights and to share information and advice on supports available.

This Council calls for the Minister of Health and wider Executive to ensure the rights, needs and interests of unpaid carers are properly considered in strategic planning for a reformed and sustainable health and social care system.

Members were asked to vote on the Motion, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved This Council applauds the tremendous contribution of unpaid and informal carers in communities across Derry and Strabane and beyond.

This Council notes the contents of the most recent “Caring Behind Closed Doors” Report (Carers NI, October 2020) setting out the challenges facing unpaid carers, particularly during the pandemic, and the need for better support for these carers.

This Council furthers recognises the particular pressures facing those balancing caring responsibilities with employment and the need for working carers to be afforded flexibility in their employment. 66

This Council commends the excellent work of Carers NI and various other organisations in keeping carers informed of their rights, campaigning for better financial support and providing research-based evidence to inform policy shaping and decision-making.

This Council undertakes to liaise with relevant organisations to ensure that unpaid carers across the city and district are informed on their rights and to share information and advice on supports available.

This Council calls for the Minister of Health and wider Executive to ensure the rights, needs and interests of unpaid carers are properly considered in strategic planning for a reformed and sustainable health and social care system.

C412/20 Standing Orders

Councillor Duffy referred to Standing Order 17(1) and congratulated the Chair on conducting such an epic meeting. She stated that the previous notice of motion had referred to the work/life balance and for those people with caring responsibilities. She stated that people at the meeting had such caring responsibilities and had young children at home. She stated that there were a few rural Councillors who have had to travel for broadband use and therefore had to travel home late at night. She stated that the quality of decision making could not be satisfactory at such a lengthy meeting and did not believe that anyone at the meeting was not extremely tired at this point. She felt that such lengthy meetings could not prove productive.

Alderman Guy concurred with the sentiments expressed by Councillor Duffy and suggested that the meeting be adjourned at this point.

The Mayor concurred that the meeting be adjourned. However, confidential business did have to be concluded at the meeting.

Councillor Tierney Proposed, Seconded by Alderman Bresland

That in accordance with Standing Order 17.2, the meeting be adjourned after confidential business has been dealt with, to be reconvened on Friday 4 December 67

Members were asked to vote on the proposal, the result of which was unanimous and the Council

Resolved That in accordance with Standing Order 17.2, the meeting be adjourned after confidential business has been dealt with, to be reconvened on Friday 4 December

C413/20 Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 - Confidential Business

Alderman Devenney Moved, Councillor Mooney Seconded and the Council

Resolved that in accordance with Section 42, Sub Sections (2) or (4) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, the press and members of the public be asked to withdraw whilst the Council discuss the following matters: (a) Adoption of the Confidential Minutes of the Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council held on 29 October 2020;

(b) Adoption of the Confidential Minutes of the following Committees

(i) Monthly Governance and Strategic Planning Committee held on 3 November 2020 (ii) Monthly Planning Committee held on 4 November 2020 (iii) Monthly Business and Culture Committee held on Tuesday 10 November 2020 (iv) Monthly Environment and Regeneration Committee held on Wednesday 11 November 2020. (v) Monthly Health and community Committee held on Thursday 12 November 2020.

The Meeting then went into Confidential Business. 68

The meeting terminated at 0.10 am