Analysis in progress: 74,320 of 97,621 records assessed (76.1%). Totals and rankings will change until it finishes. Progress details
Search Assembly records
Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Non-qualifying, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
I thank the Opposition for tabling the motion, which we support. As everyone has mentioned, in our constituency offices we see just how much people are struggling. They really need to see the Assembly taking the issue seriously and treating it with the energy that is usually reserved for issues that we disagree on.…
I thank the Member for giving way. I want to clarify something in my speech that she may have picked up incorrectly. I used insurance just as an example of yet another spiralling bill and pressure that households face.
I thank the Members for tabling the motion and keeping a spotlight on the cost-of-living crisis that all of us are feeling across our constituencies. As Mark Durkan said, the issue is not new or a temporary blip. There is an unbearable strain on families, consumers, businesses, farmers, fishermen and hauliers. Petrol…
I thank the Member for taking an intervention. Does the Member agree that those who say that we should raise revenue through, for example, water rates and other such things are actually saying that the people here who already pay taxes and National Insurance and are already struggling should fill the gap that has been…
The cost-of-living crisis is not an abstract problem. It is the parent putting groceries back at the checkout; the pensioner afraid to turn the heating on; and the family working hard and doing everything right, yet still struggling to make ends meet. Those are the realities that face families across the North, and we…
On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. May I ask you to advise on the First Minister's comments about the death threat received by Councillor Paul Duffy? My colleague Jonny Buckley went on the record in the House, when the First Minister was in the Chamber, to condemn that death threat. This party does…
On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. During today's questions to Ministers, I stood in my place for a supplementary question, but it was not taken. Was that according to convention, and which Standing Order was breached that resulted in my supplementary question not being taken?
On a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I apologise to the House for missing my question slot. I was in a discussion elsewhere, and time rather got away from me.
It is not a matter for me. Mr McDonagh, as the Member rightly said, is a remand prisoner. His compassionate bail was granted by the court. The Prison Service had no role in that. He failed to return to custody in HMP Maghaberry. That is not a matter for me or Northern Ireland Prison Service. That was the decision of…
Assessing the level of threat and what response is required is an operational matter for the PSNI in each individual case. Many of us in this Chamber have been through that process many times, and it is not for me as Justice Minister to second-guess or interfere with it. I will be clear, however, that there should be…
I thank the Minister for that answer. Specifically, Minister, have you carried out any assessment or had conversations with the PSNI or others about giving a level of protection to those people so that they do not receive that abuse or those threats? What support is being to those people individually?
Like the Member, I have seen some of the conduct outside the courts, and I do not think that it is in any way acceptable for people to behave in such an aggressive manner. Many of the people who attend court are there for very highly emotive reasons. Many will be there for issues that will cause them trauma and…
The task and finish group is considering prioritising a number of cases for review. For example, it is looking at defendants who could be managed in the community through the use of bail if there were additional controls such as electronic monitoring. It is also looking at reviewing cases where defendants have been on…
I thank the Minister for that answer and the detail provided within it. I share the Minister's concern that such a large proportion of our prison population is made up of prisoners who are on remand. Further to that, will she say a bit more about the actions that are being explored and the options that she might be…
The scale of our remand population is a serious issue and one of the main drivers of the critical capacity pressures that I referred to earlier. As of 1 October 2026, the total prison population was 2,266, including 1,140 — over 50% — who are being held on remand. That figure has increased by 33% since the beginning…
I will always work with the Committee to improve the Bill. People connect emotionally with the idea of putting misogyny in the legislation to send a message. My fear is that, if we have not bottomed out what that looks like from a legal perspective and how the evidence base underpins it, then it is a slightly…
I thank the Minister for that fulsome answer. I appreciate that she has made her officials readily available to us. We have had conversations around the amount of work that needs to be done. However, victims' groups, in particular, have told us that they feel that this is a missed opportunity. We are trying to deal…
I encourage the Member not to feel obliged to add to or change the Bill. If it is OK, you can stick with it. I am looking across at her Committee colleague — he is a culprit in that respect too. You do not have to change it; you can scrutinise what is there and either agree or disagree it. When it comes to misogyny as…
As I said, I have received an interim update from Phil Copple, but it would be best to await the outcome of the review in its totality. Every time this matter is raised in the public domain is distressing to the Kelly family, and I am therefore not keen to give a lot of interim updates. There will be an update…
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Minister, you mentioned the case of Gary Anderson. Taking into consideration the fact that there is an ongoing review, can you share any interim updates on the review of the temporary release of Gary Anderson?
There are two separate parts to that. The first is about the concerns that have been raised regarding compassionate temporary release. The Member will be aware that I have launched a review of our arrangements for compassionate temporary release. I await the findings of that. I met the reviewer, Phil Copple, last week…
With your indulgence, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I will give a slightly longer answer than I would normally. My Department has led a transformational programme of work to improve support and outcomes for victims of sexual crime. The measures and services introduced so far have brought about real and meaningful…
I thank the Member for his interest in my relationship with the Criminal Bar Association. I was not aware that it had broken down, but he obviously has different sources from mine. I met the Criminal Bar Association, and we agreed a way forward, which I am now implementing. My officials meet it regularly to keep it…