Debate contribution: Severe Weather Emergency Protocol

Debate contribution by Mr Mark Durkan on 17 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Mark Durkan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 17 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Severe Weather Emergency Protocol
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5394876

Text

I thank the Minister for that answer. The information that I have received from one of the front-line organisations that helps people in the darkest of hours and that, I presume, the Minister will meet shortly is that the protocol had not been activated, so there is some confusion there. Given the loss of 58 lives and the growing concern across our communities, will the Minister commit to obtaining and publishing the requested figures from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on emergency accommodation applications and unmet need and to urgently reviewing SWEP to ensure that it is guided by risk to life and delivered with dignity, compassion and humanity?

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

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 2061/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

This is the same MLA’s follow-up within the exchange on their own question. It is analysed together with that question and is not counted separately, so one question is never counted twice.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reads every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification