Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
Absolutely. I pay tribute to the family that Declan referred to. Every single family has endured such heartache and grief, and if it gives some consolation, I think that it has been a huge victory for everybody, for that reason alone. As I said, I have instructed officials to start work on it at pace to ensure that we…
I was in the courthouse today when the news seeped out from the courtroom that the result was positive, and I have to say that, across Tyrone and beyond last night, the blessed candles were lit and prayers were said for the right result, and, thank God, that result came today. When the results seeped out of the…
Minister, thank you for your statement. Notwithstanding the families affected by the fatalities and accidents on the A5, to whom I acknowledge those significant losses, there is another cohort affected. Will farmers whose land was vested in November 2024, was returned in June 2025 and is now to be vested again be…
Thank you for your statement, Minister. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their lives on the A5 and their families. How significant is the ruling in clarifying the application of the Climate Change Act and showing that, despite many views to the contrary, climate action and infrastructure projects can go…
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Today is a hugely important day for the people of west Tyrone, and a significant step forward for the delivery of the A5. It was understandably a very emotional day for everyone involved in delivering the project, particularly the families who have lost loved ones on the A5. I think of…
We warmly welcome today's ruling. I pay tribute to the bereaved families and the Enough is Enough campaign for their courage and determination. Minister, you referred to outstanding checks, approvals and an agreement on cost with the contractors. What exactly remains to be done? Will you commit to publishing, within…
I wish to update Members on the recent Court of Appeal judgement on the A5 western transport corridor. It will come as no surprise to Members that I am absolutely delighted with the court's judgement, which represents a significant milestone for this vital road safety and infrastructure project. I know that the…
I agree that we cannot have transformation by service collapse. It is wrong. What is happening at the minute with Daisy Hill is regrettable. I know that there are UK and European issues with regard to that service, but they need to look at separating obstetrics and gynaecology because doing so could solve some of the…
I will try to be helpful with this. Sometimes we look at the issues as if they do not cross over. We want the best health service, but it cannot be driven by service collapse. You referenced workforce planning, which is something that I am passionate about and have a little bit of a background in. Do you accept that…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Before I begin, I put on record that I also welcome the announcement of the 24/7 thrombectomy service. It represents a significant milestone for us in Northern Ireland. We hope that those who can benefit from it will do so in the time ahead. Minister, it is so very welcome.…
Thanks, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank all Members who participated in the debate. Since we became an Opposition nearly three years ago, we have been clear and consistent, boringly so, about the need for us to be a constructive Opposition, and we meant that. That is why our amendment does not go in for…
Thank you so much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I am going to read something in that I have not got printed out. There are two images in this Building that have inspired me every time I that I have come in since I became an MLA in 2016, and they are the measure by which I do my politics. One image is of C S Lewis,…
I recognise the frustration behind the motion. Patients are waiting, staff are under pressure and people across Northern Ireland know that our health service needs reform. However, I cannot support a motion that speaks about transformation without confronting the central questions. Where is the money? Where is the…
At the outset, it is important to state that there was a game-changer announcement yesterday from the Health Minister. We need to applaud him and the previous Health Minister for that. Collectively, as a Committee, we have worked very well. All of us can put our differences aside, despite what has been a very…
I am delighted to speak in the debate, because, if we are serious about making difficult and lasting changes, we absolutely need a shared programme of reform that can survive beyond an individual Minister or electoral cycle. As a former Chair of the Health Committee, I had the privilege of meeting Professor Bengoa…
First, I commend the Minister of Health for his confirmation today that Northern Ireland is leading the way as the first area in the whole of the United Kingdom to provide a 24/7 thrombectomy service for our entire population. Today's announcement, coming so soon after last week's confirmation that we are now, at long…
I will be quick. My point is that if the Member were part of the formation of those plans, she would not have to stand here and criticise the Ulster Unionists for not delivering on them. The idea behind our amendment was that if we all decide what the trajectory is, we would not have to stand here and, some might call…
As I understand it, Professor Bengoa will be back in Northern Ireland at the Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Care (NICON) conference to set out what needs to be done, and I am sure that he hopes to hear about what has been done. I looked at the Department's website to find out what had happened…
I thank the Members who tabled the motion and the amendment. I take exception to Mr McGrath's narrative of the Health Committee. It may dispel some of the public narrative when I say that I agree with my Health Committee colleague Diane Dodds — I am speaking not as Chair of the Health Committee but as my party's…