All of Ms Aoife Finnegan’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Mickey Brady, a man whose impact on people's lives cannot be measured by titles or roles but by the dignity that he restored, the hope that he gave and the doors that he opened for those who had nowhere else to turn. I had the honour of calling Mickey a friend and comrade.…
Protecting Victims of Coercive Control That this Assembly recognises the deep and lasting trauma that coercive control has on its victims; notes that perpetrators can exploit court proceedings through coercive behaviours, particularly within family courts, in an effort to re-traumatise their victims; acknowledges that…
We support the legislative consent motion. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill gives domestic effect to the high seas treaty, the first truly global agreement to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond any state's national jurisdiction. The clauses for which consent is sought relate to enforcement…
I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the draft regulations. They are a necessary and practical step towards ensuring that our waste management system is effective, properly resourced and aligned with modern environmental standards. Updating fees and charges is essential for maintaining strong regulatory…
Will the Minister plan for natural sustainable urban drainage such as the urban drainage transformation project to reduce spills into Belfast lough, thereby improving water quality?
I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you previously indicated that you plan to bring a policy to the Executive on utilising public land for social housing. When will the details of that policy be made public?
I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, the report that your Department commissioned was unequivocal in showing that the surrender principle prevents new pubs from being set up. Evidence shows that two thirds of existing licences are being surrendered to off-licences rather than to bars. Do you accept that your…
I rise to speak about something that matters deeply to the people of south Armagh. I will say it plainly so that there is no confusion: for the first time in over 6,000 years, the South Cairn on the summit of Slieve Gullion is closed. It is the highest surviving Neolithic passage tomb in Ireland, older than the…
Ms Finnegan asked the Minister for Communities, given that concerns about the viability of some housing schemes have added impetus to calls to get the Housing Executive building homes again, for an update on the ongoing discussions with the British Treasury about giving it the ability to borrow.
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the expected timeline for the reopening of Slieve Gullion South Cairn, including (i) the works required; and (ii) the funding (a) allocated; or (b) identified, to complete them.
Does the Minister agree that a comprehensive veterinary agreement between the EU and the British Government would go a long way towards addressing the issue of veterinary medicine?
Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I will speak in support of our amendment, which seeks to strengthen the motion by grounding it firmly in the lived experiences of our rural communities and the challenges that they face. The amendment rightly recognises that, while our farmers are the backbone of…
Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Are we good to go? I thank the Minister for his statement. Should farmers vaccinate their herds and flocks immediately to protect them against bluetongue?
I thank the Minister for her answer. Can she provide detail on when the policy will come into effect? What arrangements are in place to advise people who are in the process of connecting to the grid?
Last month, I had the privilege of taking part as a panellist in the 'Turning pain into policy: united against gender-based violence' conference in Limerick hosted by Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion. It brought together survivors, front-line workers, academics and policymakers from across the island, all of whom were…
Ms Finnegan asked the Minister for the Economy, having welcomed her announcement that she will make grid connection charges fairer for rural communities, whether she agrees that that policy will help to promote a more regionally balanced economy.
Motion Amendment · Private Members' Motion · to “Recognising the Importance of Food Security”
Recognising the Importance of Food Security - Amendment 1 Leave out all after ‘environmentally sustainable practices;’ and insert: ‘recognises that Brexit has had a significant destabilising impact on our agriculture and agri-food sector, negatively affecting our farmers and rural communities; further recognises the…
To ask the Minister for Communities, in light of the 26 recommendations of the Independent Review of the Liquor Licensing System in Northern Ireland including the Surrender Principle, to outline any action he is considering to modernise liquor licensing.
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on her initiative for a one-hour grace period for anyone parking in on-street spaces within Controlled Parking Zones in Newry city centre.
I pay tribute to two extraordinary young women from Silverbridge in south Armagh. Sisters Aisling Muckian and Áine Mallie were given a breast cancer diagnosis weeks apart. In May, during a routine self-check, Aisling discovered a lump, and Áine found herself facing the same devastating news shortly afterwards. The…