All of Mrs Cathy Mason’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
I thank the Minister for his answer. The very committed Newcastle community flood defence group that you mentioned has raised the issue of communication between all of the agencies, including the local council. What coordination has taken place between the agencies and the council to ensure that a comprehensive flood…
The sum of £25 million, which was delivered by the Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, went straight into the Department of Education to start delivery of the childcare and early years strategy. The subsequent introduction of the childcare subsidy scheme was, indeed, a welcome first step towards making childcare more…
Supporting Learning Pathways for our Young People That this Assembly recognises the fundamental importance of education in enabling our children and young people to reach their full potential, develop their skills, and prepare them for life; further recognises that the education system must support and accommodate the…
Motion Amendment · Private Members' Motion · to “Unlocking Funding for Childcare Providers”
Unlocking Funding for Childcare Providers - Amendment 2 Leave out all after ‘business support scheme for childcare providers;’ and insert: ‘and calls on the Minister for the Economy and the Minister of Education to ensure their Departments are working constructively and in tandem to support struggling providers,…
I thank the Minister for the statement. He will be aware that the requirement for prior educational psychologist service assessments has been removed, which, in theory, means that children should now be able to access support without such a referral. Is it not the case, however, that special educational needs…
I will talk about an issue that is nothing short of a crisis: the mental health and well-being of our children and young people. That crisis is claiming lives, devastating families and stretching our health and education systems to their limits. I begin by acknowledging the parents who, last month, just prior to…
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the consultation following the report on Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.
Voluntary Contributions in Schools That this Assembly notes that the practice of requesting voluntary contributions is common in many schools; recognises that the need for voluntary contributions is a consequence of the underfunding of our schools over a long period of time; acknowledges that many families feel…
I thank my South Down colleague Diane Forsythe for bringing this important topic to the Chamber. I could not agree with her more: South Down is definitely the best constituency to represent. The debate could not be more timely, because, as winter conditions settle in and the darker evenings come in, icy roads are…
I thank the Minister for his welcome statement. A significant issue that faces the Irish-medium sector is the availability of language-appropriate support, curriculum resources and materials. Does the Minister intend looking at that issue with a view to supporting our Irish-medium school communities?
At the end of last week, I met a large group of local principals and special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) to discuss the critical issues facing the special educational needs system in our schools, following widespread concern among school leaders in response to the Department's comments about the role of…
I am deeply concerned about the future of ward 15 in Downpatrick. That facility is not just a ward; it is a lifeline for so many patients locally and across the North. It offers a sanctuary of hope and support for those who are battling addictions and mental health challenges, and it must be protected at all costs. It…
To ask the Minister of Education (i), in order to assess the areas of objective need, whether his Department calculated the average deprivation points of the wider catchment area of each Sure Start provider or used the multiple deprivation measure to determine need based on the address of the Sure Start provider; (ii)…
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) whether the £25 million childcare and early years investment has been used to finance the Pre-School Education Inclusion Support Fund (PSEISF); (ii) any work that has been undertaken with the Department of Health in the creation of the PSEISF; and (iii) whether the…
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) how much of the £25 million childcare and early years investment was allocated to create additional childcare places for children with special educational needs; (ii) how many additional places have been created in this investment; (ii) any new pilot initiatives that have…
Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I welcome the opportunity to propose this Adjournment topic to highlight the need to protect our fishing industry in Ardglass, which is a vital lifeline for our communities, our economy and, of course, for our heritage. The picturesque harbours of Ardglass, Kilkeel and…
I will highlight the urgent need to support sheep farmers, not only in areas such as the Mournes and Slieve Croob in South Down but right across the North and, indeed, across Ireland. Sheep farming is a vital industry that sustains livelihoods, maintains our rural communities and preserves the unique landscapes that…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister and welcome the statement. It is well known that school budgets are extremely challenging for principals and school leaders. Clearly, there will be an ongoing cost for the maintenance of the devices. Will you indicate what that ongoing cost will be and confirm whether…
I thank the Minister for her comprehensive answer. It is widely accepted that establishing, as she mentioned, one child-friendly setting, where children do not have to repeat their story constantly, provides better support for child victims of sexual abuse. The Minister mentioned the Barnahus scheme. Will she give us…