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.
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) when the last inspection of Cargie Road, Cullyhanna, was undertaken; and (ii) what subsequent repairs were completed.
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) why his Department's forms, including responses to Assembly Questions, which previously included Irish and Ulster Scots alongside English now appear in English only; and (ii) whether this change applies across all forms used by the Department.
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the number of Housing Executive-owned properties being used for the purposes of (i) sheltered housing; (ii) supported living for people with learning disabilities; and (iii) accommodation for people with mental health needs, in each constituency area for the last three…
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the amount of funding his Department has provided for jobs fairs in the Foyle constituency, over the past three years.
I thank the Member for allowing me to intervene. I welcome the news during the debate that the Education Committee will carry out an inquiry into SEN provision. That is really important. Given some earlier comments from Members about the need for engagement with the Department of Health, I encourage us to have that…
I begin by adding my words of welcome to Mr Burrows. I look forward to working with you on the Education Committee. I add to the tributes to Colin Crawford, whom I worked with for a short time on the Committee. I found him to be a gentleman. I suspect that you, Mr Burrows, may express your views slightly more…
Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker. How do you follow that for a winding-up speech? I certainly welcome the warm words for and recognition of classroom assistants and the vital role that they play. Walking through the Lobbies to call for it is one thing, but delivering real change for the sector is another. The…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank Members for their contributions. As we heard in the debate, one in five pupils has special educational needs. In the past decade, the number of children with a statement of SEN has increased by 85%, but, unfortunately, the funding has not increased to match that need. That is the…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Members, for bringing the motion forward and for providing the opportunity to respond to myriad issues relating to the provision for children with special educational needs. Members' contributions have reflected the different aspects that we need to consider. First, I commend…
The point that I was making was that there has not been real accountability of the funding that has been given to special needs, thus far. If the Minister can demonstrate value for money with the funding that he is putting into it, all of us would be in a different position when it comes to going to the Finance…
I welcome Mr Burrows to his seat and to share in his good wishes to Colin Crawford. All of us who sat on Committee with him recognise the tribute that Mr Burrows paid to Colin, and I stand with him on that. Today's topic of discussion is familiar to us all in the Chamber, and I have said that before. All of us — I…
This summer, we have seen yet again a crisis in special educational needs placements, with hundreds of children and their families facing an anxious and agonising wait for support and certainty. While, on paper, the number of those awaiting placements has been reduced significantly, that does not tell the whole story.…
It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation again, alongside many parents and families across Northern Ireland whose children, whilst they have been allocated a place in a school, have not been allocated one that will meet their child's needs. I want to focus my remarks on the cooperation or lack…
This matter affects not just our education system but the lives of thousands of children and families across Northern Ireland: the state of the special school education system. As we know, every child, regardless of their needs, has the right to equality of education. However, the reality for many families and…
For every child, the first day of school is crucial. It sets the tone for the year ahead. It is a cherished family memory that parents will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It marks the next big step in their child's life journey. While most families arrive early to capture those moments on camera, too…
The new start that September brings should be a month of promise, maybe not for the Assembly but for the children who are starting a new school or a new school year. For most families, it brings hope and excitement, but, for too many parents of children with special educational needs, it brings only anxiety and…
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Mr Burrows made his maiden speech seven hours and 18 minutes after the first session that he was available to attend. Can you check with the Speaker's Office whether that is a new record?