Analysis in progress: 13,005 of 97,616 records assessed (13.3%). Totals and rankings will change until it finishes. Progress details
Ms Claire Sugden: Assembly records
All of Ms Claire Sugden’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not qualifying, uncertain or not yet analysed.
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I had prepared to speak for another half an hour, but you will be delighted to hear that I will not take that time. I really appreciate the contributions of all Members who have taken part in the debate and given their thoughts on areas of the Bill that we need to investigate further,…
I appreciate the Member's raising that point. That will be covered under clause 12, which is titled "Positive Action". The Member, however, raised a point that I had not considered — perhaps it is worth exploring at Committee — about an almost promotional-type arrangement for a particular age group. The Bill is more…
I thank the Member for giving way. I discussed the protections for 16- and 17-year-olds earlier. The provision departs from what exists in GB and even in the Republic of Ireland, where age protections begin from 18 years. I did not come up with it: when the proposals were developed by the Office of the First Minister…
I thank the Member for allowing me an intervention. That is a valid point. It will be up to the Committee at the Bill's next stage to decide whether the 12-month period is sufficient. As the Member rightly notes, the commencement date for the Equality Commission provisions is much sooner. Essentially, that is because…
That is where the Bill differentiates a little bit from the Equality Act 2010, insofar as it does not create the blanket exemption that you see across in GB. There could be opportunities to address that issue. However, it is important to point out that that would be on the basis of asking insurance companies that are…
I appreciate the Member raising that point. I had an example of what she is describing in my constituency. I raised the issue of osteoporosis care and the level of service that is provided in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. I put it to the former Health Minister that, potentially, we were discriminating on…
I thank the Member for making that point. I appreciate the concern. It was a deliberate drafting choice to depart from the Equality Act in order to make our legislation stronger here so that financial services do not necessarily have a blanket exception, not least because the protections that a lot of older people ask…
I have not considered that example, but I suppose that it fits into the argument about indirect discrimination in the use of digital services. A policy of auto-renewal is arguably such an example, in that a group might disproportionately affected by that. That could constitute age discrimination under the Bill. In…
I thank the Member for that intervention. That is a perfect example of potential indirect age discrimination, and it is operating within a scheme that is currently active in Northern Ireland. The Department might argue that it provides a reasonable alternative through the telephone line, but, from my experience in my…
I beg to move Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am pleased to bring the Bill before the Assembly today. It is legislation that I have wanted to introduce for a very long time. Indeed, in many respects, the journey towards the Bill began almost 12 years ago when I was first elected to the House. In 2014, as a new MLA, I went…
I have been a Member of this House for 12 years, and it has been a great privilege and a pleasure. I am not sure that I can say that today, because the people listening to us — if they even bother to listen to us — will be disgusted at some of the behaviour from across the House. It is no wonder that the people of…
I rise as an independent with no party political baggage to respond to a legitimate motion in the Order Paper that was agreed by the Business Committee. The motion asks this simple question: "Do I have confidence in the Minister to lead this Department effectively?". No, I do not. As the unofficial opposition, I will…
Both universities have been highly critical of the current funding model, including minimal inflationary rises. Minister, will you take responsibility for the inevitable outcome that the redundancies will seemingly have? How will we support universities so that they do have a sustainable future and will not have to…
I thank the Member. I understand why people are asking about the wording and how it could be relied upon as a statutory definition or recognition of self-declared gender identity. I do not think that that is the policy objective of the Bill, but there is uncertainty there. The Bill sponsor needs the law to protect…
I thank the Bill sponsor for outlining that intention, but, to go back to my earlier comments, the wording has to reflect that so that we can feel confident that the Bill would not create that unintended consequence. Certainly, if the Bill passes Second Stage this evening, the Committee will need to focus on why that…
I support the Bill at Second Stage. I support the general principle that people should not be subjected to harmful practices intended to change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity. I have concerns that I will speak to, but I believe that the Bill can address those concerns within its existing scope…
The Parades Commission exists because the issues involved are incredibly difficult. They are emotional, and they carry history, identity, hurt and loss. Almost 30 years ago, we recognised that such decisions could not simply be left to whoever shouted the loudest or threatened violence. Therefore, we created an…
I think that you made the same point as me, so I will let that stand. I do not want to go on past the lunch break. I commend the Member for what she is trying to do. I charge the Executive, and any incoming one, to address the issue in the right way. We are all sitting here as potential Members of the next Assembly.…
I slightly disagree. Yes, there is legislation in place, but it is not being implemented. Again, I maintain that the Bill is not the right vehicle, but it is important that we strengthen existing legislation in order to give statutory agencies the confidence to take down such flags. Alternatively, we need to direct…
No. I will try to finish my contribution. I disagree slightly with Mr Gaston. This is not just about paramilitary flags. I take great exception to seeing the Union flag flying tattered from a lamp post. I would like to see such flags being removed much more swiftly, and even other flags. I will not say that I take…