Debate contribution: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage

Debate contribution by Mr Stephen Dunne on 9 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Stephen Dunne
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 9 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5602153

Text

The Justice Bill has certainly been a considerable piece of work. As someone who served on the Justice Committee for one year, I have some appreciation of the extent of detailed consideration that has been given to such important work. I join others who spoke earlier in thanking all those who took part in the evidence sessions on what is an extensive Bill and worked on the considerable number of amendments. I also thank the Committee staff for their ongoing work. I very much welcome the opportunity to speak to this important group of amendments. I will focus my remarks on the two amendments — amendment Nos 74 and 75 — that stand in my name and in the names of my colleagues Paul Frew, who, everyone in the House will know, has done a considerable amount of work on the Bill and has much more to do, Brian Kingston and Maurice Bradley, all of whom serve on the Justice Committee. Ultimately, the motivation behind tabling the amendments is to improve road safety, to ensure that legislation keeps pace with the ever-changing nature of challenges across the whole of Northern Ireland society and to ensure that our Police Service has every possible tool available to it — the right tools at the right time in the right place — and that those tools are used effectively. Sadly, we have seen the number of deaths on our roads continue to rise. The numbers from the past 10 years in Northern Ireland tell a truly shocking story that should make us all pause and reflect. In just 10 years, since 2016, more than 600 people have lost their lives on our roads in road traffic collisions. That is 600 families who have been left devastated by lives tragically cut short. In 2023 alone, there were 71 fatalities. In 2024, 69 lives were lost. In 2025, 56 lives were lost. Alarmingly, 31 lives have been lost this year already. Over the same decade, the number of people killed or seriously injured — what statistics call "KSIs"— has also risen to truly staggering and shocking levels. While total annual fatalities have seen slight fluctuations, serious injuries have, alarmingly, climbed sharply. Last year alone, over 1,100 people sustained life-altering injuries. We have seen the impact of the PSNI's Fatal Five, as has been mentioned by other Members. Many KSIs involved drug-driving, drink-driving and other such issues, and it is important that the legislation reflects the realities of today. As we all know, however, behind statistics are lives, and one fatality last year stood out for me when 16-year-old Jaidyn Rice, a young girl whom I was privileged to meet in this Building just over one year ago, lost her life on a summer evening last year. She was an impressive young lady with dreams and ambitions. She had her whole life in front of her, but her life was lost. Jaidyn's family has campaigned passionately for safer roads across Northern Ireland, and I, along with my colleague Mr Frew, pay tribute to Jaidyn's family for that sterling and ongoing work. I also thank the Justice Minister and the Infrastructure Minister for meeting the family a number of months ago and for taking the time to listen. The family members' lives have, understandably, been shattered by Jaidyn's loss, and I know that they appreciated the opportunity to meet both Ministers and to share their passion for making our roads safer. The family have acknowledged that listening ear, which was very much appreciated. I welcome Minister Long's commitments made earlier in the debate about the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc.) Bill, and the plans for tougher sentences, particularly in relation to drug- and drink-driving. It is important that that continues at pace. The amendments, if passed, will be known as "Jaidyn's law" and will be a fitting tribute to her if they provide greater clarity, consistency and protection for every family in Northern Ireland. Jaidyn's legacy should be one that delivers positive change. My colleague Paul Frew outlined clearly the rationale for amendment Nos 74 and 75, which I do not intend to repeat in detail, given how articulately he did it. I encourage the Minister and the Assembly to give serious consideration to the amendments and work towards a legislative framework that provides greater clarity, consistency and confidence for those who, unfortunately, have been involved in serious road traffic accidents. Alcohol testing has rightly become an accepted, important and normal part of road safety enforcement and messaging, which is welcome and vital. It is reasonable, therefore, to consider drug testing being treated with the same seriousness.

769 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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