This was a problem which had been raised with the Government some time ago and the Prime Minister gave an undertaking to pursue.
This year alone scores of halls have been attacked by fires, instigated by those opposed to the culture and heritage of the Orange community. Such attacks are designed to heighten tension locally and deny communities their facilities.


Attacks on Orange halls and on churches have already cost taxpayers more than £4 million in the last five years. It is reprehensible that any organisation from whatever background should be on the receiving end of such deliberate damage and destruction.



The implications of these attacks extend far beyond Northern Ireland's borders. They can be reported in the world's press and definitely do not assist in encouraging investment from overseas into the Province.
There must be universal tolerance and respect for the distinctive Orange culture, and it is incumbent on all nationalist and republican politicians and community leaders to use their influence to prevent elements of their community from directing sectarian aggression against the Loyal Orders. Recent forthright condemnation from nationalist and particularly Sinn Fein representatives has certainly been a step in the right direction.


Fr Martin McAlinden, the parish priest of Moyraverty near to Seagoe Orange Hall in Portadown, was correct recently when he said "The destruction of a building that represents the culture of a particular group in this area is shameful and an attack on the Orange Order and the community of Seagoe."


Bearing the brunt of violence is not something new for the Orange Order. They estimate that 325 of their members were targeted and murdered during the IRA terror campaign, many purely as the result of sectarianism. Two hundred of these murders have not been solved. Republican terrorists murdered Orangemen both inside Orange halls and when leaving them. There are examples which can be pointed to of the murders of specific office-bearers leading to halls being abandoned and communities dispersing.
Those who have spent decades demonising the Orange institution may have contributed to some degree to sectarian attacks now being justified in the minds of young republicans. It is little wonder that some have an enmity for the Orange Order, given the diet of anti-Orange propaganda they have consistently been fed.
The number of attacks on Orange halls in 2007 is already higher than in the past seven years. Peculiarly, after the 1994 IRA ceasefire, the number of attacks rose from 15 to an average of 40 each year, a figure that is being exceeded at present.


As well as the attacks on halls, flags, bunting and arches have been damaged. In all, hundreds of Orange halls have been attacked down the years including those in the Irish Republic. The DUP secured a debate on this issue in the Assembly two months ago. Such blatant manifestations of sectarianism cannot be tolerated. These incidents should be considered in the same light as hate crimes of a racist nature.


Over generations, the Orange Order has played a significant role in society, and its members have made important contributions. Eminent members have included Dr Thomas Barnardo, William Massey – a former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Harry Ferguson – the inventor of the tractor and Earl Alexander of Tunis – a First World War general.
Earlier this year, Orange banners and artefacts were on display at the prestigious Smithsonian Folklife Festival at the Mall in Washington, where banner painting and Lambeg drum making were showcased.
Throughout Northern Ireland and indeed parts of the Republic, many Orange halls perform an important social function. They serve as the hub of the local community, particularly in rural areas. Many events take place there including Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides, as well as the Women's Institute and credit union meetings. Crèches, youth clubs and dinners for pensioners can take place. It can often be overlooked too that each year the Orange Order makes large contributions to many charities.


Orange halls have an important hist
orical significance. Much of the heritage has been handed down from father to son in generation after generation. Individuals within each lodge take a great pride in their particular responsibilities.


The upkeep and maintenance of Orange Halls is often difficult enough even without these despicable attacks, and represents a significant financial investment from local people. Volunteers give of their free time to ensure that the premises are maintained to a very high standard and can be used by other organisations which, on many occasions, have nothing at all to do with the Orange Order. Often refurbishing a hall can cost tens of thousands of pounds, and some have been attacked time and time again. This disgraceful behaviour cannot be tolerated.

n I suppose it's not every week you are asked to leave the Assembly. While it is certainly not something I would advocate, it has at least served to highlight the issue involved. When I heard the Health Minister's excessively negative comments regarding the health allocation in the draft budget, I wanted to illustrate to members that he, along with his party leader, had agreed to this draft allocation at the Executive table. Undoubtedly UUP members were attempting to misrepresent that and aim to score cheap political points against the DUP.


Whilst I respect the Speaker's decision regarding the events in the Chamber on November 5, I stand by my remarks. Therefore it would have been inconsistent of me to withdraw them.



I am disappointed that my comments were not permissible in the Assembly. They would have been if I had made them in the House of Commons. Within the last few weeks the Speaker at Westminster ruled that the Prime Minister had "said nothing unparliamentary" when claiming that the leader of the Opposition was "misleading people".
As a politician I have devoted a large part of my career towards working to improve our health service. I am convinced we can have a service fit for purpose and a service to be proud of but we need an end to the inaction of the Health Minister.
The minister must get on with reforming the health service. The budget for health has almost doubled since 2002, yet no one would suggest the service people receive is twice as good today. The DHSSPS now receives 48 per cent of the Northern Ireland block grant. Such high allocations are unlikely to be sustainable in the future against other competing priorities. If the Health Minister continues to resist change and bury his head in the sand, then even 100 per cent of the block grant would ultimately not be enough for him.