I certainly welcome this type of debate on the basis of the value that our young people are to us and to our economy.

I beg to move
 
That this Assembly recognises the positive effect that Northern Ireland's 100% coverage for EU regional aid has had on the economy; believes that it has been significant in aiding economic growth and inward investment; is concerned that removing this automatic coverage would have a detrimental impact on the economy, jobs and growth; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to continue to lobby the Government at Westminster and the European Commission to ensure that EU regional aid is retained for all of Northern Ireland.

I welcome the motion.  When it was first drafted, the word "further" did not appear in the first line.  That is a small but important point, because we need to recognise the work and growth that has been happening in the area.  The inclusion of "further" was critical.  I say that because we need to recognise that the Minister has already done some good work.  I note that the Committee Chairman paid tribute to her for that.  That work has taken place in a holistic way that has seen a range of renewable technology initiatives taking place.  The strategic energy framework (SEF) has been put in place.  Invest Northern Ireland identified wind, marine, bioenergy and resource efficiency as areas in which there could be major growth.

I oppose the motion and the amendment.  I find it difficult to understand what has motivated some of the comments that we have heard in the Chamber today.

In supporting the motion, I pay tribute to the Minister for her recognition of the problem, particularly in SMEs, and for her initiatives and willingness to look beyond the current banking structures and examine ways in which small businesses might access non-bank sources to stimulate their activity and market.

Thank you Mr Principal Deputy Speaker

I support the motion.  In doing so, I commend the work of the PSNI and the USPCA in tackling animal cruelty.  Many cases have been and highlighted, not least that which my colleague has just referred to. 

Thank you Mr Speaker / Deputy Speaker

I would like to thank the Minister for Regional Development for being in attendance today. I did write to you on this matter and I have also written to the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, whose department has responsibility for the Rivers Agency. The Minister has not had the time to meet with my constituents – the flood victims - but indicated her officials would be in touch with me. I am still waiting.

I am grateful to the Member for securing the debate. It is a timely debate and one which, I am very pleased to say, I was able to secure in December 2008, when we debated very similar issues.

I beg to move the following amendment: Leave out all after ‘2015;’ and insert

“and calls on the mobile network operators to abolish roaming charges in advance of 2015; and further notes that regulation of telecommunications on a UK-wide basis is key to a competitive Northern Ireland marketplace.”

When I first read the motion, my reaction was to look at it from an economic point of view and to think that the arguments should be about that. However, after hearing the Members who tabled the motion speak in this debate, I know that that is not the case. It is purely and simply a political argument that is being advanced.