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Like others, I convey my sympathies to the family of Catherine Sherry, the young mother whose story triggered the debate. I admit that I did not hear the radio programme in which the case was initially discussed, as I am not a great follower of the news, but I have since read the story online. She died in King's…
I also support the motion from the SDLP Opposition. Other Members have referenced Catherine's family. As MLAs, obviously, we rise with sadness, but, hopefully, there will be a bit of determination following tonight's motion. Sadly, as we have been told, we are reminded of the recent passing of Catherine Sherry, a…
First and foremost, I extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Catherine Sherry. Her tragic passing is a stark reminder to us all of the unbelievably cruel nature of cancer. As Catherine was a mum of three young boys, her case is particularly poignant and upsetting. Thankfully, over recent decades,…
I thank the Opposition for tabling the motion. It is a particularly emotional topic, and I begin by paying tribute to Catherine Sherry and her dear family. As a mum, I can only imagine what Catherine went through in her final few months when she was separated from her young family. It is distressing for anyone, no…
First, I thank the Sherry family for being here today and, indeed, for speaking so openly about Catherine's illness and her treatment. I understand that it is an exceptionally brave thing to do. Therefore, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Fergal, Manus, Tómas, Donal and the wider family circle. As others have said,…
Before I get to the specific subject of the motion, it is important that we consider the broader context of how cancer care is being delivered in the North. The cancer strategy that was published in 2022 set out a vision for transforming outcomes, improving access and embedding person-centred care, yet, nearly three…
I beg to move Thank you very much, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. It would be entirely remiss of me to commence the debate without mentioning someone who made a significant impact on so many people's lives. I am referring, of course, to Catherine Sherry, a young mother from Armagh, who lost her life earlier this year…
I thank the Member for giving way. Will she agree that it would be wrong to target a young individual, male or female, from Derry who is a member of the armed forces?
I listen to the Member saying that this is somehow all to do with Brexit. Is that the case across Europe, where there has been rising tension relating to immigration?
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. As many in the Chamber have said, there should be absolutely no place in our society for racism, sectarianism or intimidation, yet the rise in that type of behaviour is now commonplace. Language and rhetoric that we once thought to be confined to the darker corners of the internet are now…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. We had an extensive debate on the topic last Tuesday on a motion condemning the racist and sectarian attacks and intimidation that occurred over the summer. That motion was agreed without opposition, so I do not need to repeat all that I said in that debate. Sadly, it has been necessary…
Would the Member think it inappropriate for a simple penalty ticket to be given for a serious racially aggravated offence such as assault occasioning actual bodily harm that was racially aggravated?
Does the Member agree that included in that is the fact that, in instances of families being put out of their homes, such as those that we see regularly due to security alerts or electrical outages, leisure centres and community facilities are opened up to vulnerable families, but the furthest we could go here was to…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome the debate and thank the leader of the Opposition for bringing it to the House. It speaks to one of the largest societal challenges that we face in Northern Ireland today: the obstinate persistence of hate crime. Whether it takes the form of racism, sectarianism, homophobia,…
I appreciate the important point that the Minister makes. Some Bills could be more concise. On that note, while we are here, does the Minister agree with my party that we need to shorten some of the business deadlines, including those for Opposition and non-Executive business? That is an important issue.
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am grateful to the leader of the Opposition for moving this important motion. In recent months, we have seen shameful acts of racist, sectarian, homophobic and transphobic intimidation and hate on our streets, targeting black and ethnic minorities, migrant workers, refugees, young…