Debate contribution: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Mr David Brooks on 22 September 2026.

MLA: Mr David Brooks
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 22 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5740350

Text

I thank the Member for giving way. I cannot believe the costing of £26,000 that the Bill sponsor has outlined. I talked about bonfires earlier. I understand that that is a different issue, but the PSNI said that the removal of bonfire materials at Bloomfield Walkway and Cluan Place in my constituency cost it £188,000, with roughly £115,000 of that being for officer overtime alone. Those were two locations in east Belfast, and, yes, they were bonfires. We are going to have DFI officials chasing all over Northern Ireland to bring down flags. Clause 6 states that, where there is likely to be a breach of the peace, they will be able to get assistance from the PSNI. The idea that that will cost £26,000 is for the birds, as my colleague said. That may be the costing for some minor administration of it, but, when it is taken into account how it will be enforced, the cost will run away. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

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

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