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.
We seem to have put the cart before the horse. I know that is not a great metaphor, but if the owners of animals do not have the knowledge, they should not take the animal in the first place. They should not take ownership of an animal if they do not have sufficient knowledge or capacity to train it properly. Good…
I do not doubt that there is agreement across the House that cruelty to animals is absolutely unacceptable. Nobody wants to see animals shocked, harmed or mistreated in the name of training, and that principle should unite us all. In many cases, humane, reward-based training methods are not only kinder but more…
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Like the proposer of the motion, I do not think that I will take all the allocated time, but I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion and begin by thanking the Ulster Unionist Party for tabling it for debate today. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in efforts to…
I am happy to clarify that. The Member will recognise that, with the UK internal market, there are rules on it, but, if the motion is passed, that will give me a clear view from the House on which to make a case for the UK Government to introduce such a measure across the UK.
I beg to move Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I will keep this relatively brief. It is an important issue, but it does not have to be controversial; in fact, it should unite us all. We are a nation of animal lovers; in particular, I am a dog lover. Everyone knows that I have my three dogs at home: Maggie, Cassie and…
On behalf of the Committee on Procedures, I am very pleased to bring the motion to the Assembly to amend Standing Order 42A, which sets out the procedural arrangements for managing legislative consent motions (LCMs) at the Assembly. The origin of the proposed changes to Standing Order 42A goes back to March 2022, when…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Before I address Members' comments, I will say that such regulations are an example of legislation that I like to see come forward for the Assembly to debate. In the many debates on health that we have had over the years, we have talked about how early identification and…
The Tobacco and Vapes Act was a major public health measure, and the regulations mark a significant step towards ending the harm caused by smoking and creating Northern Ireland's first ever smoke-free generation. Tobacco kills up to half of its long-term users, which equates to around 7·5 million deaths a year…
The statutory rule is relatively technical, but it is an important part of ensuring that the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 can operate effectively in Northern Ireland. The regulations update the existing fixed penalty framework so that the offences and penalties that are applicable to tobacco, vaping and nicotine…
I beg to move Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. This morning, I seek the Assembly's approval of the draft regulations, which make important amendments to the Northern Ireland tobacco control enforcement framework as a consequence of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. Members will be aware that smoking remains…
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will do my best. In an 'Irish Independent' poll over the weekend, people in the South were asked what the most important issues were to them. Do you know, Mr Speaker, what percentage of voters in the South consider a united Ireland or a new Ireland to be a priority? I am sure that the Members…
FlaggedSectarianism, hate crime and community relationsCriteria met: Identity framing.
There are many issues that matter to us, and it is important that all are explored in the Chamber. I will take the opportunity to speak on Menopause Awareness Month, which takes place this month, October. Last week, I met women involved in the Bring Her Back campaign to discuss their work to improve menopause and…
Here, we have a member of Sinn Féin talking about Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, John Hume even and Lord Sumption, of all people, and expecting the House to believe that his party is in the same place, and in the same equation, as those people. We have heard some nonsense this week and continue to hear it today.…
FlaggedSectarianism, hate crime and community relationsCriteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Dog-whistle messaging, Controversy escalation.
Sometimes, the law is just wrong. It was wrong when it prevented women from voting. It was wrong when it criminalised homosexuality. Civil disobedience is a legitimate form of protest against bad law. Rosa Parks was right when she refused to go to the back of the bus. Muhammad Ali was right when he refused to be…
Alliance opposed reopening the wounds of the Drumcree dispute and warned the Parades Commission that doing so would resurrect pain and hurt from 28 years ago and rupture community relations. We spoke to residents in the Drumcree Community Centre over the past week and saw the trauma in people's eyes. It is clear that…
It is time that the House heard some facts. The scenes on the Garvaghy Road over the past week have been a blatant and triumphalist attempt to ramp up tensions in my home town of Portadown. Sinn Féin's act of supremacy and harassment, whereby it recklessly brought thousands of activists on to the streets of Portadown…
FlaggedSectarianism, hate crime and community relationsCriteria met: Identity framing, Cultural grievance politics, Dog-whistle messaging.
In October 2021, the High Court ruled that five DUP Ministers were acting unlawfully and in breach of their ministerial Pledge of Office. Mr Justice Scoffield said that the DUP Ministers' decision to withdraw from the North/South Ministerial Council was unlawful. He stated that their actions were "contrary to" and "in…
FlaggedDecided on a second assessment.Parades, bonfires and commemorations
Tomorrow, the A5 case will be heard in the Court of Appeal. I will speak about that road project's importance not just in protecting human lives and ensuring the safety of our people who travel on that road daily but in unlocking significant economic opportunities for that part of the island. To date, 57 people have…
Today marks the 15th annual Science and Stormont event. I have a declaration of interest: I am proud, as chair of the all-party group on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to co-host the event, with scientists from many of the royal societies, universities and research organisations exhibiting in the…
I raise the issue of the ongoing risk of service collapse in acute maternity services at Daisy Hill Hospital. Since the Minister of Health made a statement two weeks ago, the situation has not improved. Last week, I attended a public meeting organised by SOS Daisy Hill and UNISON. I estimate that approximately 1,000…
A democratic society will function only when we obey simple rules, and that rule is that everyone is equal under the law and everyone is equally subject to the law. In the early hours of Sunday 27 September, Mr Justice Humphreys, in an emergency sitting at the High Court, ruled that the case against the Parades…
FlaggedSectarianism, hate crime and community relationsCriteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Dog-whistle messaging.
I place on the record of the Assembly the names of those who have died as a result of the demand by the few to march down the Garvaghy Road over the past 30 years to ensure that they are remembered: Michael McGoldrick, a young father and taxi driver, murdered as a birthday present for LVF leader Billy Wright; Dermot…
FlaggedDecided on a second assessment.Parades, bonfires and commemorationsCriteria met: Identity framing.