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.
That is out of my hands right now because we have the co-design group that brought forward recommendations, and each of the Departments is looking at those recommendations in detail to consider what they might cost, what the impact might be, what is credible and what is doable. It will be up to those Departments to…
Minister, we have heard quite a bit about the working group. In fact, we have heard more about the working group than its actual workings. Can you provide us with some information, at least, on when the information from respective Departments will be collated and will manifest itself into something tangible by way of…
Yes, the group has been meeting. The Executive met on 15 May and agreed that that work would take place. That work is ongoing. At this stage, it is mostly the Departments coming forward with their own proposals and looking at how much those would cost, what is credible, how they will be meaningful and how those…
The Minister referenced the departmental working group. Will he outline any meetings that have taken place of the departmental working group on the Irish language strategy?
I think that the key word there is "weaponising", and it is absolutely the case that Sinn Féin and others have been weaponising the Irish language. They want to use it against others, and I think that the way in which that has gone is really unfortunate. We should approach these issues on the basis of us collectively…
FlaggedDecided on a second assessment.Irish language, Ulster-Scots and language policyCriteria met: Identity framing, Cultural grievance politics, Dog-whistle messaging.
— and when it comes to culture, I will support people, and I will uphold people's rights to engage in their own language and cultural traditions. What I will not do is impose language and culture on other people.
It struggles to move away from the language of the past, which continues to haunt it to this very day. The Member is speaking from a sedentary position, but I cannot hear what he is saying. I do not really care either because I do not believe that he has anything to say that can add to this conversation. There is a…
Of course, a cross-departmental working group is looking at that issue right now, so it is outside of my control while the Departments look at it and come back with advice on what is possible and what is credible. However, I have to say that, on the issue of the Irish language, I will not be taking any advice or…
FlaggedIrish language, Ulster-Scots and language policyCriteria met: Identity framing, Cultural grievance politics, Dog-whistle messaging, Controversy escalation.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra — — I think. The Minister has been in post for 18 months, and, as yet, we have no date for the language strategy for the North. I can tell you that Gaeilgeoirí across the North are getting very frustrated and concerned that it will not come at all. Can he give a firm…
I do not think that the Bill would be the appropriate way in which to take it forward, because of the fundamental changes that it would make to pension systems and the economic impact that that would have. I will, however, do everything that I can to continue to push the Government on the issue.
The Minister may be aware that the Pension Schemes Bill is currently going through Parliament. We will receive a legislative consent motion (LCM) on it shortly. Can he look at whether that could be a vehicle by which to take forward the change?
Unfortunately, as of this week, I have not had any response from the Minister. I also raised it with Dr Suzy Morrissey, who has been appointed by the UK Government to complete an independent report to examine the issues that should be considered by the Government during the third review of the state pension age. The…
I thank the Minister for his answer. I am aware from his response to the debate that he is very understanding of the issue. He said that he would like to do something to ensure that people who are diagnosed with a terminal illness get early access to their pensions. What response was there from the British Treasury?…
It is compassionate and practical to allow early access to pensions for people who have a terminal illness diagnosis. That solution would offer dignity, financial stability and peace of mind to people in their final months. During the Assembly debate on 31 March 2025, I gave a commitment to advocate on behalf of the…
Yes, absolutely. It would be helpful if the SDLP would put its focus, efforts and energy there. It was very keen that the Labour Government would get elected. It was very open about wanting to see a Labour Government in power at Westminster. I encourage the SDLP to lobby the Government on that issue. That is what I…
Does the Minister agree that one of the strongest messages that we could send to ensure that we remove the two-child cap would be for the questioner to contact his sister party in the UK Parliament, with which his party leader sits?
It is for the very simple reason that we have an evidence base that demonstrates the issues that exist. Now, I am happy to update that as time goes on, in particular to research what the consequences would be for us, as an Executive, if we were to take steps on that. The Member was unable to say, in the previous…
Minister, you referred, as I did in the debate earlier, to the wealth of evidence from local and national academic studies that demonstrates the negative impact of the two-child limit. Since that was published, I have commissioned a research paper into its impact in the North. Despite the Executive's stated commitment…
Mr Deputy Speaker, with your permission, I will answer question 3 and touch on question 5, which was withdrawn. I have repeatedly made clear my views on the policy. I am strongly opposed to the two-child limit. I do not believe that the policy has met its stated aims, and there is no doubt that it contributes to child…
Absolutely. One of the reasons why I am proud of my record is that we have been able to deliver more money for musical instruments across Northern Ireland. It has gone to all communities right across Northern Ireland. In the past year alone, 4,500 people have benefited, which is why we put the budget up to where it is…
Minister, can you confirm that the musical instrument programme is a cross-community programme and that it has had real positive benefit right across Northern Ireland?
I have had various conversations with the chief executive. We can certainly get you the minutes of those meetings. I cannot remember any specific incidents in that regard, but, if it is important to the Member, I am happy to get that information to her.