Debate contribution: Sign Language Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Mr Phillip Brett on 18 February 2025.

MLA: Mr Phillip Brett
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 18 February 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Sign Language Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4806682

Text

I want to make a few remarks in support of the Bill. The public rightly ask what it is that politicians do to effect positive change. Politicians are rightly asked what decisions they make that impact on the everyday lives of the people whom we are honoured to represent. This Bill is what we do. The Minister has come forward with proposals that will fulfil an obligation that has been set upon all of us: that we make legislation that impacts on the very people whom we are honoured to represent. Every day, I am honoured to be a representative of the people of North Belfast in this place, but today is an extra special day. For generations, one of my constituents, John, who is in the Public Gallery today, has fought for equality. Today, the provisions laid out in the Bill deliver true equality for people in Northern Ireland. I want to record my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated campaigners who have rightly forced every one of us to the position that we are in today. They have sought legislative change not just for themselves but for the next generation to ensure that that generation will not experience the denial of access to basic services that they experienced and that true equality is delivered. The proposals put forward by the Minister play an important role in doing that. I am often critical of the Communities Minister, particularly when he does not deliver projects that I want in North Belfast, but I must record my heartfelt thanks to him also. When he was appointed to the post just over a year ago, he made a commitment to the people of Northern Ireland that he would bring forward the Bill, and that is exactly what he has done. In my conversations with some of our guests here this afternoon, they expressed how this being an Executive Bill that has been agreed by the four main political parties means a huge amount to them. They also greatly appreciate having Members from all corners of the Chamber re-emphasise their support for the proposals in and the scope of the Bill. Every one of them has helped us to right a wrong. They have helped to deliver genuine equality and to move the Northern Ireland legislative process to a better place. I want to pick up a couple of points contained in the Bill. First, when the Minister is making his winding-up speech, I ask that he indicate how the ongoing consultation that he and his officials are having is going, not just with the dedicated members of the Communities Committee, who will, no doubt, come forward with important questions and proposals, but with proposed service users so that we can ensure that we have a Bill that is fit for purpose. Clause 9, as was raised by the Member for North Antrim, has a reporting period of five years. Has any consideration been given to having an earlier report in the first instance? Maybe, when the legislation has been enacted, we could have a report after two or three years to test how it is working. If it is working successfully, we could move back to the five-year period. Minister, I thank you for what you have done. I thank the Committee for the work that it will do on this important Bill. Most important, "Thank you" to the ladies and gentlemen up in the Public Gallery, because, ultimately, this is your day.

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

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