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.
Given that there are many renewable energy projects in the planning system and that our planning timelines are significantly longer than those of other UK nations and the Irish Republic, how will the Minister work to accelerate renewable energy developments?
Given the conversations about flooding, did the Minister pick up any tips about any speedy interventions that could be made? We are one year down the road from the flooding in Downpatrick, with little to no evidence of any interventions that could help to prevent a recurrence of flooding. Local residents and…
One of the PAC reports recommended that planning authorities regularly review their past decisions to understand the real-world outcomes and impact on communities and the quality of the completed developments. Minister, what review has taken place, and if it has, what actions will be taken from it?
Can the Minister give us any examples of lessons that have been learned or conclusions that have been reached about managing flood risks, and will those impact on the prioritisation of flood alleviation plans such as those for Antrim town, which are long-awaited and have been requested by me and other reps?
I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, you mentioned the need to resource the planning system. What plans do you have to increase funding in that area?
I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, can you expand a bit on the conversations that you have had with other jurisdictions and whether there has been any sharing of learning or ideas that we can incorporate into our plans?
Minister, an important part of placemaking, for connectivity purposes, is our roads. Was tackling congestion discussed during the meeting, and what best practice did you hear about?
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas. The urgency with which we must act to address climate change cannot be overstated, and planning is a key component of that. Has the Minister identified any approaches elsewhere that, if adopted here, would allow for swifter decisions on renewable energy applications and help…
Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Before I formally introduce the statement, I add my sympathies to the friends and family of Jody Gormley. He is a great loss to them and to the entire community. With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle and in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, I wish…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Thank you for your earlier rulings on business in the House. May I seek your ruling? The Principal Deputy Speaker devoted her Member's statement yesterday to me, and I am happy to be debated. However, I was not prewarned by the Principal Deputy Speaker that she would use her Member's…
In light of the business that we are considering later, I accept your ruling, Mr Speaker, on the matter that you brought to our attention at the start of business. I apologise for my part in yesterday's proceedings.
Members, we were all saddened last night to learn of the passing of Tyrone GAA football legend Jody Gormley. I extend my sympathy, thoughts and prayers to his wife, Deirdre; his children, Aine, James and Niamh; and the wider Gormley family circle. Jody had a distinguished football career with his beloved club,…
As others have mentioned, today, we mark Human Rights Day. On 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was pledged to the world at the United Nations General Assembly in Paris. That historic document provided the fundamental rights for every human being as we know them today. The pledge established…
I rise to address the issue of derelict buildings in East Antrim, which has been a long-standing source of frustration and concern for the local community, local council and, of course, local traders. A number of properties are in a state of serious dilapidation, which not only undermines the aesthetics and safety of…
Ár gcearta, ár dtodhchaí anois díreach. Inniu Lá Idirnáisiúnta Chearta an Duine. Is inniu a dhéanaimid ár machnamh ar an dul chun cinn a rinneadh agus a aithnímid go bhfuil bearnaí ann go fóill. Déanaimid comóradh inniu, nó is ar an lá seo tá sé bliana is seachtó ó shin a síníodh Dearbhú Uilechoiteann Chearta an…
I rise to congratulate the Downpatrick Dramability group, which is a mixed-ability group that puts on various performances throughout the year and has a pantomime at Christmastime, which I attended on Saturday past. MLAs get the opportunity to do lots of things during their tenure, but I wonder whether I can top it…
On Wednesday 4 December, a much-loved doctor and teaching assistant in our city received the news that they had been dreading. Nineteen members of their family in Gaza had been killed by Israeli air strikes: a mother, a brother, an uncle, cousins and children. Looking for safety, they had been evacuated nine times,…
I commend the work of Westland Community Group in North Belfast and wish, in particular, to celebrate the allocation of Urban Villages funding for a new Westland Community Centre, which was confirmed by junior Minister Reilly in the Chamber yesterday in response to questions for oral answer from Phillip Brett and me.…
Housing is a human right and forms part of the right to an adequate standard of living guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Under international law, to be adequately housed means having real security of tenure. On Human Rights Day, it is timely to remind us all of our…
Mr Speaker, thank you for your words. Obviously, considerable issues have been raised about the comments that were made yesterday. I fully accept your ruling, and I apologise to the House. The only thing that I wish to do in the House is ensure that there is good order, good governance and, above all, proper debate. I…
Mrs Dodds asked the Minister for Infrastructure, after first saying that she was going to talk about a young constituent's long chaotic car journey from Banbridge to Belfast and her even longer chaotic bus journey from Banbridge to Belfast, how long the procurement process for the A1, the beginning of which he…
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for Infrastructure to clarify, in light of the legal challenge to the A5, whether all ongoing enabling and vesting works will cease until after the court ruling in March 2025?