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.
I thank my colleague for mentioning the volunteers, and I take the opportunity to congratulate my North Down constituent Niall McClean, who is a member of a renowned Bangor traditional music family. Niall was pivotal in bringing the fleadh to Belfast. He was also pivotal in helping the council organise a fringe event…
It is fair to say that the fleadh was a success not only for Belfast but for the wider region. There is a great deal to be proud of, and we congratulate everyone who contributed to its success. The organisers, Belfast City Council, the Departments, agencies and local businesses all deserve credit. So too do the…
I appreciate the Member giving way. You are chair of the all-party group on the arts and, like me, were engaging a lot with the arts campaigners who were here last week campaigning for funding. I should have said what they said, which was that the fleadh did not happen by accident, and, if we do not fund them, then —.
Before I start, can I just say how lovely it was to hear Mr Brooks's contribution? That, for me, is the spirit of the fleadh. That is what that sort of culture has meant to me in a non-imposing, non-threatening way. It is really lovely to hear the Member say that someone celebrating their culture does not impact his,…
I thank the Member for giving way. Does the Member agree that there are lessons to be learned by the organisers of the féile from the success and positivity of the fleadh?
I join others in congratulating those behind the fleadh that took place in Belfast this summer. Whatever your politics or cultural background, it is not difficult to recognise that the fleadh was a tremendous success for the city. It was great to see Belfast buzzing. I was there on a couple of afternoons, including on…
This year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast truly was a transformative event for the city and the wider region. In just eight days, the fleadh generated a massive economic boost, estimated to be in excess of £65 million, for the city. It showcased the city not only to the rest of Ireland but to the rest of the…
I beg to move Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. It is with real pride and joy that I am able to move a motion about the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and allow the Assembly the opportunity to reflect on what was, I think, for many of us, one of the most remarkable successes that this city and region has ever had. In the…
In the time remaining to him, will the Member tell us what cuts the SDLP is proposing to make in order to live within the inadequate Budget that we have had since the start of this year?
I find it bonkers that the SDLP is choosing to protect its sister party at Westminster rather than protect the public here. You are proposing for us to agree a Budget that will see huge cuts built into the baseline. We are saying that the baseline is not enough and needs to be enhanced. There are now negotiations at…
We have been consistent in saying — anybody can check the records — that we want to see more money to fund this place, but it is also true that, if the Executive do not agree a Budget, they are, legally, imposing a 5% cut on last year's Budget. That would be the most brutal Budget cut and would far, far outstrip any…
Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. Well, isn't the Budget process that we are talking about just bonkers? Here we are, on 14 September, eight months after the Finance Minister brought forward his supposedly transformative three-year Budget, which the Executive could not agree. We are five — nearly six — months…
Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I thank Members for contributing to today's debate. There is clear agreement across the Chamber that the absence of an agreed Budget for 2026-27 is creating uncertainty for Departments and is having an impact on public bodies as well as community organisations. However, we…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. As you say, I second the Alliance Party's amendment. As the proposer of the motion said in his opening remarks, we are frequently criticised for holding out the so-called begging bowl, which is why it is important that we put on record, as others have today, reference to the independent…
That was interesting to hear. Over the last week, I have watched the Executive debate in the media what they do not want. Can the Finance Minister set out to the House today what he is asking for? We are currently funded to 124% of need by the Treasury. Holtham said that it was a level of need of 123% minus…