All of Mrs Naomi Long’s imported questions, contributions and motions in this mandate, newest first, including those assessed as not flagged, uncertain or not yet analysed.
As I have just said, prison officers are trained in the deployment of emotional support dogs, which is pretty much like looking after any other dog in that environment. The dogs are not there for protection, for guarding or to work as sniffer dogs, where there is a particular skill engaged in training the dogs and a…
My greater concern is the amount of time that has been consumed by Prison Service staff in responding to an issue that was based on nothing but lies and smears. In fact, the Member himself had to admit in public that he had not even read the independent welfare report, despite tweeting consistently and persistently…
I disagree entirely with the picture that has been painted by the Member when she says that the way in which the situation was dealt with by the Prison Service, originally, was wrong. What is scandalous is the whipping up of false information, misinformation and disinformation in the public domain — in social media…
The provision of emotional support animals within Northern Ireland Prison Service establishments is an operational matter for the Prison Service. It is more than 20 years since the service introduced support dogs into the prison setting, and it is not aware of a single occasion when a dog has been placed at risk.…
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I draw to your attention the remarks that have just been made, which, again, directly challenge the advice that was provided to Members by the Speaker on the matter. It is a challenge not to my authority — I know where the boundaries are, and I can read the legislation — but to…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I very much welcome the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland report, 'Transforming the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland: A Strategic Overview', which was published in November 2024. I acknowledge that it provides a challenge to the justice system to reflect on our pace…
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. The matter of accountability mechanisms in the Chamber and those that lie elsewhere has been ruled on by the Speaker in the past. I ask that the Speaker reviews the comments that have just been made with respect to my accountability to the House. They are wholly inappropriate…
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. On the point that has just been made, I would be grateful if you could review the transcript because it seems to suggest that I dictate what party members ought to say on the Floor of the House. I also do not appreciate the reference to "their master's voice", because it is…
If we are talking about reform and transformation of the justice system, does the Member accept that the trial that has been done about using the remote evidence centre for domestic abuse contest cases has been an outstanding success, with well in excess of 95% conviction rates, because the victim is empowered to turn…
The deployment of additional officers to other regions of the United Kingdom requested under mutual aid arrangements is an operational matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. It is in the best interests of the public generally that all police forces across the UK can…
The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 be approved.
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am grateful to the leader of the Opposition for moving this important motion. In recent months, we have seen shameful acts of racist, sectarian, homophobic and transphobic intimidation and hate on our streets, targeting black and ethnic minorities, migrant workers, refugees, young…
The Member is, of course, correct, and that is one of the reasons why, in speeding up justice, we are looking at the increased use of out-of-court disposals. However, his colleague consistently criticises the use of those out-of-court disposals, even those that the PSNI brought forward as recommendations. If we want…
The Member stood in the Chamber and implored, I think, the Finance Minister, when that Minister was bringing legislation before the Chamber, to move it by amendment so that it could be introduced more effectively to the Committee. Therefore, why the difference when it comes to the Justice Bill and legislation from…
I appreciate the Member being generous. I reassure him that the model that is proposed by Judge Marrinan and that will be taken forward by the Department is an aggravator to existing crime. It is not creating a whole new raft of crimes. If, for example, you hit somebody, and it is motivated by racism, sectarianism or…