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.
Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I will update the Assembly on the closure of the non-domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme. Members will recall that 'New Decade, New Approach' (NDNA), which formed the basis for restoring the Executive in 2020, included a commitment to close the RHI and…
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Finances underpin public service delivery in Northern Ireland, and, more and more, we see the pressures on the Budget. It is time that the Finance Minister stepped up and took accountability for some of the issues with our rates system. Just last week, he replied to my…
I pay tribute to one of Northern Ireland's greatest ever sportsmen, Jonathan Rea MBE, who recently announced his retirement from world superbike racing. Jonathan represented Northern Ireland on the world stage with incredible distinction, humility and professionalism, He had an incredible, glittering career that…
I note the closure last Friday of the consultation period on the anti-poverty strategy. Poverty levels continue to rise, and poverty continues to be a real problem here. We are still addressing a lot of cost-of-living issues; we are coming off the back of many long years of Tory austerity; and we are still dealing…
This morning, I comment on the fact that the mere suggestion that the husband of Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael candidate for president, had once been in the Orange Order merits front-page headlines, news reports and wall-to-wall commentary. What a telling insight into the Republic in the 21st century. It is often…
FlaggedSectarianism, hate crime and community relationsCriteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Cultural grievance politics, Dog-whistle messaging, Controversy escalation.
Recently, the deputy leader of Britain's Reform party threatened not just the Good Friday Agreement but the democratic mandate of the people of the North of Ireland — how dare he — but it comes as no surprise. Time and again, British political parties have shown complete and utter disregard for the democratic will of…
I heard what Nuala McAllister said earlier, and I echo her comments about the Hillsborough law. It was a good day when that law was published. However, I will not leave things to chance or to the Labour Government, or even our own Health Minister. That is why I take the opportunity to raise my consultation on an…
I will speak about an extremely important matter regarding women's health and some of the massive misconceptions that still exist among many, many women around smear tests and the detection of ovarian cancer. The most recent stats show that almost half of the women — a staggering 46% — in the North of Ireland believe,…
Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, I do not know whether you have ever got a night bus home, and I am not sure whether that is even an appropriate question to ask the Chair. I do not know how, after a night out, people here get themselves home, whether they use taxis or walk, if they are lucky enough to live close enough…
I want to address, in very introductory terms, the legacy agreement reached between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of the Republic of Ireland. So many people were murdered and maimed in our Troubles, and so many more, perhaps too many to quantify, have been affected by mental ill health and other…
Last week, there was a monumental occasion in Westminster with the introduction of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which most of us know as the "Hillsborough law". The legislation will introduce an individual duty of candour for all public officials and authorities that will ensure that there is a legal duty…
The weekend brought yet another dark day for truth and justice in Northern Ireland. For decades, innocent victims have, time and time again, been promised fairness, only to be denied justice. The Belfast Agreement was sold as a new beginning, but, from the outset, justice was corrupted. Victims watched as the gates to…
FlaggedDecided on a second assessment.Legacy of the Troubles, victims and paramilitarismCriteria met: Identity framing.
“Scríobhann sí m’ainm orm ionas go mbeifear ábalta mo ghéaga a bhailiú má bhuamálann siad muid.” Sin na focail a chan cailín óg ó Gaza sa ghearrscannán ‘Soft Skin’. Bhí páistí scoile in Gaza ag caint sa scannán ar an nós atá anois ag máithreacha in Gaza. Scríobhfaidh na máithreacha ainm an pháiste ar lámh nó ar chos…
The move by Keir Starmer to recognise the Palestinian state does more damage to a lasting solution in the Middle East than he could ever dream of. His decision was not about finding a lasting solution in the Middle East but about placating the loony left-wing members of his party. It was about that age-old Labour…
FlaggedReligion and belief (including people of no religion), churches, faith communities and religious prejudice (including antisemitism and anti-Muslim prejudice)Criteria met: Identity framing, Dog-whistle messaging.
The Prime Minister's announcement on Sunday that the United Kingdom now recognises a Palestinian state was and is shameful. Let us remember the context. The genesis of that announcement lies in the events of 7 October 2023. On that day, the Jewish people suffered the largest massacre since the Holocaust. Civilians…
FlaggedReligion and belief (including people of no religion), churches, faith communities and religious prejudice (including antisemitism and anti-Muslim prejudice)Criteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Dog-whistle messaging.
The British Government's decision to recognise the state of Palestine was long overdue. After months of bombardment, the starvation of the entire population and the deliberate destruction of civilian life, the recognition is not a triumph; it is the bare minimum owed to a people whose very existence is under threat.…
First of all, I wish the Speaker a speedy recovery, and I wish our many Jewish friends and colleagues a happy Rosh Hashana. On 21 September, the Prime Minister announced the recognition of the Palestinian state. He did so without preconditions, and his remarks have been severely criticised, not least by our Chief…
Thank you to Gerry for bringing the Matter of the Day to the Chamber. I rise to reflect on the UK's recognition of the Palestinian state, which was accompanied by recognition by Portugal. We expect France to follow today. I appreciate some of the concerns about recognising a state that does not have a functioning…
Over the weekend, the Prime Minister recognised a state of Palestine. Using the established criteria for the recognition of a state — the Montevideo convention — it failed most if not all of those criteria. It clearly lacks a Government who are capable of exercising authority over their territory; a defined territory;…
There was a Palestinian state in existence before the Balfour declaration and a Palestinian state there before the establishment of an Israeli state. In one sense, the Palestinian people do not need affirmation from the British Government that there is a legitimate Palestinian state. However, all we can hope is that…
Thank you, Principal Deputy Speaker, for selecting this Matter of the Day, and I send my best wishes to the Speaker. There is no doubt that the British Government's decision to recognise an independent Palestinian state is a significant and welcome move. We should not forget that the state that had chief…
Mr Martin asked the Minister for the Economy, in light of the fact that he has spoken to many small, local, independent businesses in the past year, which raised very specific issues with him, what she is doing to assist them, specifically with energy costs, rates and National Insurance rises.
Ms Mulholland asked the Minister for the Economy for an update on delivery of the offshore renewable energy plan, given the 2·8% decrease in renewable energy consumption.
Mr Kingston asked the Minister for the Economy whether she has made, and, if not, whether she will commit to making, representation to Invest NI to push for job creation on the former Mackies factory site between the Springfield Road and Woodvale Avenue in west Belfast, which is among the land portfolio of Invest NI…