Debate contribution: Regional Balance Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Sinéad McLaughlin on 8 September 2026.

MLA: Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 8 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Regional Balance Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5674322

Text

The cross-border point is in the Bill in two places. It is about the collection of data. Clause 1(3)(e) refers to:
"provisions requiring Northern Ireland departments to recognise and consider cross-border economic data in policies, strategies and plans so as to reduce regional disparities".
I have also referred to it in clause 7, which states:
"'cross-border economic data' means data concerning economic activity, labour markets, or service provisions that operate across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland".
I recognise that, although there may be two jurisdictions, there is one responsibility when it comes to driving the economy. We do not operate across administrative boundaries, whether it be Armagh and Newry or Derry — it is Derry and Donegal — we operate according to the labour market and the economic activity that is happening, so it was fundamental to me that I included that provision in the Bill.

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

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