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.
Farmers are the backbone of our country. Agriculture contributes an enormous amount to our economy, especially in Northern Ireland, and the recent decisions on changes to inheritance tax and agricultural property relief as part of the autumn Budget have had devastating consequences. The decisions are short-sighted and…
I will start by quoting a song: "A woman's place is not at home The fight for freedom, it still goes on I took up my gun until freedom's day I pledged to fight for the IRA" Those are the words of a song by Patricia MacBride, a member of the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission. Her views are hardly a…
I rise to mark Diabetes Awareness Day, which took place last Thursday, and to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals and families impacted on by diabetes. This is particularly personal for me as my wee son Lyle was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this time last year, at only three years old. Lyle's…
Today marks a sad anniversary; it is 1,000 days since Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Putin and his military, his paramilitary forces and the proxies that he has employed from Iran, North Korea, Syria and elsewhere have been unable to defeat Ukraine, which is a testament to the Ukrainians' courage, tenacity and ability…
Last week, I raised the issues of social media — its benefits and negatives. This week, I highlight the case of my constituent, Craig Ballentine from Cookstown, who, after travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a short holiday, has been detained in Dubai after posting on social media. I spoke to Craig on…
I rise to speak as chair of the all-party group on ADHD and, again, on behalf of the ADHD community, which is being failed by our health system in one of the most unjust ways that I have seen for some time in my involvement in politics. Since meeting a constituent at the start of this year, who had been told that he…
I am immensely proud of Armagh Christian Brothers' School (CBS) and Coláiste Chaitríona, Ard Mhacha and the positive impact that the Irish-medium sector has had on our community. Armagh CBS currently educates 207 pupils in its Irish-medium stream. In March 2024, the school was granted normalisation to increase…
I record my heartiest congratulations to Bovalley Community Association in Limavady, which, on Thursday, was announced as an awardee of the King's Award for voluntary service. The King's Award is the highest civil award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their areas.…
I speak today for the many people across my constituency of South Down and my home town of Downpatrick who have a deep-seated love for the Quoile river and are committed to ensuring that it is preserved for future generations. Those of us who were born in the town or those who have chosen the town as their home will…
Last night, I attended the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) rally at the Eikon exhibition centre in Lisburn. Over 6,000 farming folk attended what was a phenomenal show of the strength of opposition to the Chancellor's proposed draconian taxes on farm succession and inheritance. The number of young people in attendance was…
This Thursday marks Carers Rights Day, and the theme this year is "Recognising your rights". The aim is to help carers recognise their rights and help them access the available support. Carers UK estimates that approximately 12,000 people across the UK become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or friend every…
I draw the House's attention to the tremendous work of Operation Christmas Child, which is led in the UK by Samaritan's Purse. As we all look forward to the next major event in the calendar, the Christmas season, I acknowledge the mammoth task that is undertaken yearly by the thousands of volunteers who gather…
I extend my warmest congratulations to Downpatrick and County Down Railway on its remarkable success at the recent Social Enterprise NI awards. That distinguished local organisation achieved a double win, securing not one but two prestigious awards, which is a testament to its exceptional contribution to our community…
Mr Harvey asked the Minister of Justice to provide an update on her Department's discussions with the Bar of Northern Ireland and the Law Society about both the delay in legal aid payments and payment increases.
Ms Brownlee asked the Minister of Justice whether the Police Ombudsman has returned to work and, if not, whether she has had any conversations with the ombudsman's office about when we can expect that to change.
Mr Robinson asked the Minister of Justice when she expects to receive an update on any progress that has been made on a 240-cell accommodation block and control room at Magilligan prison.
Mr Brooks asked the Minister of Justice, after noting the new research report by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime and Queen's University Belfast that was published this morning, which, importantly, shines a light on male victims of domestic violence, given that, in focusing, rightly, on violence against…
Mr McNulty asked the Minister of Justice, given that, frighteningly, between 2004 and 2021, 103 murders with a domestic abuse motivation were committed here and it is estimated that more than two thirds of women and 50% of men who suffer domestic violence from a partner do not report it to the police, what steps she…
All-Island Rail Fares That this Assembly notes with concern the growing disparity in the cost of rail fares between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; acknowledges the significant role of affordable public transport in promoting social mobility, reducing carbon emissions, and facilitating economic growth…
All-Island Rail Fares That this Assembly notes with concern the growing disparity in the cost of rail fares between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; acknowledges the significant role of affordable public transport in promoting social mobility, reducing carbon emissions, and facilitating economic growth…
Opposition to Legalisation of Assisted Suicide That this Assembly recognises the need to compassionately support families tragically affected by terminal illness; opposes the legalisation of assisted suicide in Northern Ireland; believes such a law could lead to terminally ill patients and other vulnerable citizens…
Opposition to Legalisation of Assisted Suicide That this Assembly recognises the need to compassionately support families tragically affected by terminal illness; opposes the legalisation of assisted suicide in Northern Ireland; believes such a law could lead to terminally ill patients and other vulnerable citizens…
Opposition to Legalisation of Assisted Suicide That this Assembly recognises the need to compassionately support families tragically affected by terminal illness; opposes the legalisation of assisted suicide in Northern Ireland; believes such a law could lead to terminally ill patients and other vulnerable citizens…