Debate contribution: Election of Speaker and Deputy Speakers
Debate contribution by Ms Michelle O'Neill on .
- MLA
- Ms Michelle O'Neill
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 14 February 2023
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Assembly Business
- Heading
- Election of Speaker and Deputy Speakers
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4178839
Read the official Assembly record
Text
As this is the first opportunity that I have had to do so, I begin by expressing my condolences and sincerest sympathies to fellow Assembly Member Alex Easton on the recent death of his beloved parents. Like all of us gathered in the Chamber, I am sure, I was so saddened to learn of their sudden and untimely passing. I have no doubt that few words could adequately express what we want to offer to Alex at this time, but I wanted to let him know that our thoughts and prayers remain with him and his family at this time. Secondly, I offer our solidarity to all those from Turkey and Syria who have made their home here and who have lost loved ones in the recent quake that has taken everything from them. In many communities, the dead outnumber the living, and, again, we send our love and solidarity to them all. Thirdly, turning to today's business, I acknowledge the presence of little Dáithí Mac Gabhann up in the Gallery, along with his parents, Maírtín and Seph, who are no strangers to this place. They are here to look on as proceedings get under way, and they are very welcome here today. Let me be clear that today is not a day for party politics. Today is about those of us who are legislators fulfilling our duty and delivering on the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2022, or "Dáithí's law". Over 130 people are waiting for an organ. Ninety per cent of people in the North support organ donation, and every party in the Chamber supports that law. There is little else to be said. The power is in the gift of each party and every MLA here to save lives by legislating in this place today. Put simply, not to do so is a dereliction of duty, and it is really disheartening to all the families who are involved. There is an onus on every one of us here today to work together and, most importantly, to give hope to all the families who need us to get this done.
354 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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