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I will speak relatively briefly. We are all speaking relatively briefly because it is a short debate. As my colleagues said, this is one of the first opportunities that we have had to debate AI in any detail. Our motion calls not for a junking of the construction of data centres — as has been said, Northern Ireland…
It is a somewhat curious debate: we want it; we do not want it. I will start with a quote that might put people off. Donald Trump said: "The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!" He said that on Air Force One when leaving Ireland…
When I read the title of the motion, I thought that Mr McGrath was going to be talking about Cyberdyne or Skynet systems or, perhaps, that he might even get on his feet and say, "I'll be back". Perhaps he is too young to know that cultural reference. I welcome the motion's acknowledgement that there could be…
I want to be absolutely clear that what we are talking about is that, before large-scale development takes place around data centres, we need to entirely understand and be reasonable. What are the consequences, and will there be economic benefits? Today, modern data centres can be built on a green policy and a very…
I welcome the opportunity to talk about the AI strategy. I do not think that any Member has asked more questions about it than I have. I think that it is something like 80 at this point, and that is not because I am evangelical about AI or because I am frightened by it. It is just because AI exists and because, as the…
Normally, the SDLP says that it is those of us on these Benches who do not want to look to the future, but perhaps they are taking on that mantle today. It is not a new phenomenon, but I struggle to understand the point of the motion. We are calling for the introduction of a moratorium on something that is not, as far…
I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. As we all know, AI is moving quickly. The motion rightly raises concerns about data centres, particularly the pressure that they can place on electricity, water and wider infrastructure. My colleagues in the 26 counties and Europe have raised similar concerns. In the…
I beg to move Artificial intelligence might operate in the cloud, but there is nothing weightless about it. Underpinning every AI system, every image generated, every answer produced and every calculation made are physical buildings, servers, cables, electricity, water and land. This debate is about the strategic…
I am grateful to the Member for giving way. According to the Arts Council, the average income that is derived directly from arts activity in the North is under £12,000 a year. Does he agree that that is completely unacceptable?
Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I thank everyone for their contributions today. I join them in congratulating Belfast City Council at every level; Comhaltas; Translink; the performers; businesses and, of course, the workers who are the lifeblood of those businesses; community organisations; and the…
I thank the Members who tabled the motion. There is no doubt that this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was an impressive and wholesome event for everybody. As somebody who usually traverses Belfast city centre with a double pram and a dog lead tied round my waist, it was great to be able to move around the city…
When growing up in Northern Ireland, it can, at times, feel like quite a depressing place that is quite bleak and still very deeply divided, but the fleadh offered us an opportunity to really share each other's cultures, learn something new and move forward to the future. This Building can sometimes feel hopeless. I…
I first became aware of the broad plan for the fleadh many months ago. I was still in my second term as party leader, and members of Ards Comhaltas came up to brief me along with John Walsh, chief exec of Belfast City Council. It was a really interesting briefing. I had two takeaways, and both were about a measure of…
There will be different views about any plans that come forward, but, in general, does the Member agree that we must make sure that we do not end up in a situation in which working-class, inner-city communities become car parks for those going on to use public transport?
I had not intended to speak until I heard Matthew and other Members speak. I have a six-year-old niece called Banbha. My mummy was an Irish dancer and always wanted her to get into Irish dancing. She had always said no, but, one week after the fleadh, she joined an Irish dancing school and is now dancing. That shows…
I thank the leader of the Opposition for tabling the motion, which has brought to the Chamber harmony and agreement, and that is good to see. Certainly, the fleadh that took place in Belfast last month was a great success overall. It brought great numbers of people into the city centre. I am not sure how well all…
FlaggedDecided on a second assessment.Irish language, Ulster-Scots and language policyCriteria met: Cultural grievance politics.
I welcome the motion and the leader of the Opposition's positivity. I share in much of what he said. The fleadh was amazing. There was maybe only one day on which I did not go into Belfast while it was on. The shared spirit spoke to all of us about the society that we really want to create. I will not reiterate the…
As with my Member's statement on the fleadh last week, my remarks will be as Gaeilge Ba mhaith liom, ar dtús, buíochas a ghabháil leis an SDLP as an rún seo a chur faoi bhráid an Tí inniu le gur féidir linn uile labhairt ar an fhleadh agus ar an dearfacht agus an maitheas a ghabh leis an fleadh agus í anseo i mBéal…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Member for his intervention and concur with his remarks. I extend my thanks to Niall and, again, to all involved in making sure that the fleadh was such a success. We particularly welcome the involvement of bands from the unionist tradition, which has been highlighted by other…