Analysis in progress: 97,637 of 97,960 records assessed (99.7%). Totals and rankings will change until it finishes. Progress details
All of Mr Gordon Lyons’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
1,781 records match, page 29 of 72.
I do not think that the Bill would be the appropriate way in which to take it forward, because of the fundamental changes that it would make to pension systems and the economic impact that that would have. I will, however, do everything that I can to continue to push the Government on the issue.
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Pensions: Early Access Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Pensions: Early Access
Unfortunately, as of this week, I have not had any response from the Minister. I also raised it with Dr Suzy Morrissey, who has been appointed by the UK Government to complete an independent report to examine the issues that should be considered by the Government during the third review of the state pension age. The…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Pensions: Early Access Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Pensions: Early Access
It is compassionate and practical to allow early access to pensions for people who have a terminal illness diagnosis. That solution would offer dignity, financial stability and peace of mind to people in their final months. During the Assembly debate on 31 March 2025, I gave a commitment to advocate on behalf of the…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Pensions: Early Access Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Pensions: Early Access
Yes, absolutely. It would be helpful if the SDLP would put its focus, efforts and energy there. It was very keen that the Labour Government would get elected. It was very open about wanting to see a Labour Government in power at Westminster. I encourage the SDLP to lobby the Government on that issue. That is what I…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Benefits: Two-child Limit Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Benefits: Two-child Limit
It is for the very simple reason that we have an evidence base that demonstrates the issues that exist. Now, I am happy to update that as time goes on, in particular to research what the consequences would be for us, as an Executive, if we were to take steps on that. The Member was unable to say, in the previous…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Benefits: Two-child Limit Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Benefits: Two-child Limit
Mr Deputy Speaker, with your permission, I will answer question 3 and touch on question 5, which was withdrawn. I have repeatedly made clear my views on the policy. I am strongly opposed to the two-child limit. I do not believe that the policy has met its stated aims, and there is no doubt that it contributes to child…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Benefits: Two-child Limit Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Benefits: Two-child Limit
Absolutely. One of the reasons why I am proud of my record is that we have been able to deliver more money for musical instruments across Northern Ireland. It has gone to all communities right across Northern Ireland. In the past year alone, 4,500 people have benefited, which is why we put the budget up to where it is…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria
I have had various conversations with the chief executive. We can certainly get you the minutes of those meetings. I cannot remember any specific incidents in that regard, but, if it is important to the Member, I am happy to get that information to her.
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria
I was delighted to meet the fleadh organisers and pleased with their commitment to making sure that it is a full demonstration of what we can do, not just in Belfast but across Northern Ireland, when it comes to music. There will certainly be further conversations with the organisers and the Arts Council. It is in our…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria
It is a requirement of the funding conditions that applicant organisations commit to equality of opportunity and a good relations duty. The Arts Council reports on those matters to the Equality Commission.
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria
The Arts Council has mechanisms in place in relation to the governance and delivery of the musical instruments programme, including a process to withhold or withdraw funding.
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Musical Instruments for Bands: Criteria
I agree 100% with the Member. I was delighted to visit some local football clubs with her earlier this year, where I saw for myself the growth in the women and girls' game. They need those facilities. They need single-sex spaces as well, which is why the investment is so important. I am very supportive of her proposal.
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment
The Member will be aware that there is still a shortfall in funding: that is the gap that needs to be bridged. That is why I met the Finance Minister, and those conversations are ongoing. We also need clarity on exactly what financial transactions capital means in the context of the project. That is not the only…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment
The Member will probably be aware from the debate earlier that the investment strategy is still being discussed. Commitments have been made that, I hope, will be followed through not just on the money that has already been pledged but on the additional money that will be required to ensure that need is met.
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment
Absolutely. I congratulate Josh. I have been involved in working with him. I am delighted at his success and hope that that continues. The Member is absolutely right. We need to make sure that that support is in place. Through Sport NI, we have the elite programmes — they need to continue — but we need to make sure…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment
That is exactly what I have heard, which is why I introduced those programmes. A lot of our need for facilities and changing facilities is as a result of the increased participation of women in sport. I have been consistent on this: we need to see those facilities upgraded. We need to make sure that we do not do…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment
In September, I launched £1 million of capital investment through the Olympic legacy fund. I have also made a budget allocation of £3 million to continue supporting the Your School Your Club programme. In addition, I recently approved high-level policy proposals for the grassroots facilities strand of the Northern…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Grassroots Sports Facilities: Investment
Does that not prove the authors of the motion wrong when they say that there are no new actions in the strategy and that there is no new budget for it? A number of strategies that flow from it have targets and have funding allocated to them, and more will come forward in the action plan as well. Therefore, it is…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Child Poverty Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Child Poverty
Will the Member give way?
Not analysed
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Child Poverty Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Child Poverty
Will the Member give way?
Not analysed
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Child Poverty Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Child Poverty
I appreciate the Member's giving way, and I recognise the sincerity of his attitude to poverty, which I share. It is something that I am interested in hearing more about. If the Member were in my position, however, how would he pay for introducing a child payment here, and how much does he believe doing so would cost?
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Child Poverty Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Child Poverty
Move on.
Not analysed
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Irish Language Street Signage in Belfast Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Irish Language Street Signage in Belfast
No, but there are decisions to make. My principal concern is about the tenants to whom Mr Durkan referred. He talked about old Northern Ireland Housing Executive stock. Where do we put our resource? We should put it where it makes the most difference. Of course, we should set our standards as high as possible, but…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Household Energy Costs Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Household Energy Costs
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the Members who tabled the motion and brought it to the House today. There is much that I agree with in the motion; there is some I disagree with, which I will come to. My focus is on putting people first and making sure that we reduce fuel poverty across Northern…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Household Energy Costs Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Household Energy Costs
As I said during a motion in this place just a few weeks ago, I condemn the recent attacks that have forced victims of racist and sectarian intimidation from their homes. Everyone is entitled to live in peace and feel safe in their home, free from threat. My Department, along with the Housing Executive and all…
Assessment details for Debate contribution: Tenant Intimidation: DFC/NIHE Support Official Assembly record for Debate contribution: Tenant Intimidation: DFC/NIHE Support
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