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.
I thank the Member for giving way on that point, which is really important. Should the Government and Departments not deliver on the legislation and the test that that has produced to lead the way on net zero and the climate contribution? In this instance, it certainly seems, particularly on the A5, that the…
When I came back from maternity leave, I decided that I would not rehash points that have already been made. There are a couple of reasons for that. The main one is that, having been in my glorious baby bubble, I now realise how little attention people pay to what we say in the Chamber. When we focus too much on…
We mention specific flagship projects in the motion — I will come back to Mr Brett's comments in my winding-up speech — but that is not to exclude the loads of other flagship projects. Is it not the point that, whether it is Casement Park, the York Street interchange or whatever else, if there is no plan, there is no…
Thank you. I am concerned that what the Member has picked up on are the immediate pressures on spend. An investment strategy would allow for longer-term thinking so that bigger projects could be delivered.
Like the party of the Member to speak previously, the Ulster Unionist Party agrees with aspects of the motion, in particular the recognition of the fact that Northern Ireland needs a clear, updated investment strategy. There is no pushback from us on that whatsoever. As I stated last night, we face stovepiped plenary…
I appreciate the Member's giving way. We will not do that, because we think that meeting our climate targets is essential. However, in order to deliver on your climate targets in a way that is consistent with investment, you need an investment strategy, because that will, in part, help to convince a court that the…
I will split my speech in two. One part will be on where I agree with the leader of the Opposition, and the other will be on where I disagree with him. The first part might be slightly shorter than the second. All Members in the House want to see an investment strategy, and no contributor will stand up and lament the…
I support the motion because a case for an investment strategy for Northern Ireland is actually one of the most urgent and important issues before us. It is a test of our ability to plan for the future and not just react to the present. Like many across the Chamber, I share real disappointment at the continued failure…
While we all wish that progress was faster, the fact is that most of the projects outlined in the motion are moving forward. It would be lovely if we could simply snap our fingers and produce major infrastructure developments out of thin air, but the reality is that projects of that scale and importance require…
Thank you, Matthew, for giving way. We will support the motion, but we take exception to the line in it that states: "rejects the efforts by some to distract from the clear failure of Executive delivery with petty rows". What do you think that adds to the motion? It distracts and just looks like petty politicking.
I beg to move Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. When we became the Opposition in February 2024, we were clear that we would be a constructive Opposition. We meant it then, and we mean it now. Being constructive does not just mean never criticising the Executive: it means criticising the Executive for the right reasons.…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Yesterday, I secured a Matter of the Day on the Trump deal, which seems to have brought an end to the conflict in the Middle East. I regret that, 24 hours later, I already need to note that Hamas has fallen short of its commitments. The terrorists were to return the bodies of…
FlaggedDecided on a second assessment.Legacy of the Troubles, victims and paramilitarism
Women and girls who participate in sport in Northern Ireland are entitled to equality, fairness and safety. That sounds like common sense, but, unfortunately, such things are not guaranteed. They are not happening in practice, which is why I have been working on a private Member's Bill to address those issues and the…
I rise to talk about the autism waiting list in Northern Ireland. Over 17,000 children in Northern Ireland are on a waiting list for an autism assessment. What does that look like? That looks like classrooms with multiple students who do not have the right support to get them through each day. That looks like teachers…
It is with a deep sense of pride and huge gratitude that I rise to mark the historic occasion of Michael O'Neill's 100th game in charge of Northern Ireland. Despite the best attempts of the officials last night, what a performance it was by the football team to mark that occasion. In football, numbers, goals, results…
I rise to raise the issue of mental health, particularly suicide. I am conscious of the fact that we are just coming out of September, a month in which there is a particular focus on suicide. However, throughout the month of September, there has been what I call a tragic wave of suicides across the south Tyrone area.…
Over a year ago, I was contacted by a group of concerned special school principals regarding removals that had taken place and planned removals of nursing provision in their schools. That progressive chipping away of an essential service is happening at a time when we are hearing, more and more, about the increasing…
I place on record my appreciation for and gratitude to every individual and organisation who has spoken to and engaged with me on my private Member's Bill on individual duty of candour. I have met so many victims, so many healthcare staff members and so many organisational bodies that represent either healthcare staff…
I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible work that is being done by Youth Club for All in south Armagh — a small, community-led group with a huge heart and an even greater impact. The group was born out of the determination of parents who simply refused to accept that their children with additional needs…
This week marks National Hate Crime Awareness Week. I would like the Assembly to join organisations across the United Kingdom that are marking this important week, encouraging those who are victims or witnesses to hate crimes to report them to the authorities. Hate crimes are a scourge on our society. Many in the…
This week marks Baby Loss Awareness Week, a time to remember and honour the lives of babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth or shortly after. It is also a time to acknowledge the deep grief experienced by parents and families and to reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting those who have endured such…
The beginning of 2025 was marked by the launch of 'The Prevalence and Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences', groundbreaking research that found that almost one in five people in society here had experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences. Now, as we approach the end of the year, the Simon Community has…