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.
You asked about flags displayed for the purposes of celebration and commemoration. That is made clear in clause 1(4)(e). Moreover, there is the online portal in clause 3, whereby the Department may be notified by people about what they have displayed, their reasons for doing so and their views on the display of the…
Let me begin by saying something that, I hope, should be uncontroversial in the Chamber: there is a responsibility on all of us to ensure that people can live in Northern Ireland with respect for one another regardless of their nationality or cultural identity. We should oppose intimidation and threats, but I have…
The Member has rightly pointed to other incidents that have happened in the past. Ultimately, we are looking at the issue to ensure that it is not significant, if that makes sense. It is to satisfy ourselves that things are being done correctly and that the oversight that is required is taking place. I say that…
I thank the Minister for that answer. The Minister will be aware that there are significant issues with virtually every arm's-length body that we have in Northern Ireland, and it just seems unusual that Northern Ireland Water, in particular, has been brought to the fore with this investigation. Bearing in mind the…
As I set out in my previous responses about the investigation, we are keen to look at a number of areas further. I have set out my concerns in that regard. It is an opportune time to really reflect on that and ensure that we can satisfy ourselves that public money is being in spent in the way in which 'Managing Public…
Certainly, we can consider that as part of the scoping exercise. It would really maximise what it has brought to the area. I do not even think that I expected the huge positive reaction that there would be to the signs going up. People really noticed and welcomed the signage. It really reflects the growing interest…
I thank the Minister for that positive response. It is a historic event, particularly in the Gaeltacht Quarter. Obviously, the Minister is aware — she mentioned it — that the geographical area of the Gaeltacht Quarter has been extended. Given that extension, will the Minister confirm whether the pilot scheme will be…
The Member will be aware of the very positive feedback that we got about the current signage in the Gaeltacht Quarter. I was delighted to be down to see the implementation of that in recent months. Based on that positive feedback, I have asked officials to complete a scoping exercise for the potential expansion of…
The consultation is key. That is why I encourage everybody to have their say and provide input. I have serious concerns about what is being proposed. I also have to recognise that Translink's financial position is hugely constrained, but what that achieves in respect of the cuts that are being proposed — I do not know…
Thank you, Minister. I welcome some of that, but I did not pick up you saying that you are opposed to the cuts. If you did, I apologise. Maybe you can clarify your position. There is concern about hospitality workers and low-paid workers getting home late at night. I am sure that you know that Translink's equality…
As the Member knows, that is an issue for Translink, and it has published a consultation on it. I want us to do as much as we can to encourage greater public transport use, but I am very cognisant of the fact that Translink's budget is hugely constrained. We are in Budget negotiations with the British Treasury because…
There has been a lot of debate about who will make decisions. As the Speaker rightly pointed out, we cannot give hypothetical answers. Whatever the outcome of the legislation, I as Minister, or whoever is in place, will be bound to abide by that. What that will entail remains to be seen. Given the length of the debate…
Thank you. I am probably stretching my credibility here then, Mr Speaker. However, to finalise this while we are in this vein, it also suggests that opinion is important. You have given me an answer, but I think that you can give me another answer on whether it is your opinion that the illegal billboard should be…
I look forward to the Member's contribution to the debate later this afternoon. We have some way to go with the Bill, and I will respond to it accordingly. However, my focus is on finding a way forward, because this issue is not unique to one part of our community, or whatever way you want to put it. It is an issue…
I am not familiar with what the Member is alluding to. However, any employment matters are for NI Water. At this point, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter.
I thank the Minister for the answer. I am sure it will be no surprise to her, because it is in the public domain, that a senior member of NI Water, who is no longer there, had a close working relationship with a former colleague of the Minister's from Sinn Féin, who used to sit on those same Benches. Will the forensic…
The Member will know that the work I continue to do with all partners has targeted investment where it is most needed, and we saw the result of that in the additional houses that we were able to have built that had not initially been planned. We have seen over 4,500 additional houses being built in the past 18 months…
Minister, you are the responsible Minister. Industry experts have said that your three-pronged approach is not touching the sides of the desperate state of our overburdened waste water system, which is blocking housing and economic development. How is your Department identifying the areas with the highest need and…
As I have family who live in Derrybeg, I was very aware of the situation when it happened. My colleague, Councillor Aidan Mathers, had reported it to NI Water, which is responsible for waste water and sewage, as the Member will know. NI Water responded that evening and cleared the blockage. To my knowledge, the issue…
The city centre was very closely monitored during the fleadh, and I was in the engine room where all the different partners worked together. We saw in real time that those issues could be picked up on straight away. Translink has its own area at the Laganside bus centre. When I visited the staff there, work was…
Will the Minister outline the ongoing action that is being taken to prevent the travel of non-permitted vehicles through the core of the city centre, the old security zone, whilst still allowing buses to travel through it? Sometimes there are cars travelling through the area that are not permitted to do so.
I used the train a number of times to go up to the fleadh and saw just how busy it was. The main lesson for me is that public transport must be embedded in major event planning from the outset. The scale of the fleadh required months of close coordination between the Department, Translink, Belfast City Council, the…
Thanks very much. As you say, Minister, it was a huge success. I know that communities in South Belfast were expecting congestion, but we did not see that, because people used public transport. It shows what can be done if capacity and resources are available to your Department. It was great to see that meeting take…