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.
The decision to pursue a greater geographical spread through the RAISE programme rather than target resources on the basis of objective need is fundamentally flawed. By trying to achieve a greater geographical spread, the Minister is directing much-needed funding away from communities that need it most. I am really…
For too long, our children from the most deprived economic backgrounds have been failed by our education system. The reality of the divide between grammar schools and secondary schools means that those with the ability to give their children private tuition tend to do so. We already know from research at home and…
Together, we can address educational underachievement and build a brighter future for our children. Let us invest in their potential, because, when our children thrive, our communities flourish.
I appreciate the Member's giving way. Normally, I respond at the end of a debate, but a lot of points are being raised, and I wanted to pick up on one of them. The Member mentioned social deprivation. He is absolutely right, as was the proposer of the motion and those who seek to amend it, about the importance of…
Education is the most powerful weapon that we have at our disposal. It has the potential to lift individuals out of poverty, to break cycles of disadvantage and to create opportunities that can transform lives. However, too often, many of our children in Northern Ireland are left behind. The reality is that many of…
I thank the Member for taking an intervention. We did not say that free school meals entitlement was the only indicator: we said that economic and social deprivation is the best indicator of educational outcomes.
I thank the Members opposite for tabling the motion, which allows for debate on this incredibly important issue. Members will know of the passion that I have had for tackling educational underachievement for a number of years. In fact, in 2016, my party was the first of the Executive parties to publish research in…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. This is a really challenging motion because it asks us to endorse scrapping a £20 million programme that has the objective of reducing educational disadvantage. That is a massive ask, and it is one that, we feel, goes too far. The purpose of our amendment is to agree with concerns that…
I beg to move Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Educationalists, experts and academics agree that poverty is the biggest predictor of educational underachievement. The issue with the RAISE programme is that it does not give poverty and deprivation the weight that they deserve when determining what areas…
Minister, I am concerned by some of the language. Your colleague referenced feet-dragging and delay, and you have highlighted the performance of previous Committees. Is it your contention that scrutiny should happen in corridors as opposed to the formal setting of minuted Committees? On the delays to the production of…
I want to speak on the motion to extend the Committee Stage of the Justice Bill to 27 March 2026. I fully appreciate how unusual it is for a Minister to speak on what is normally considered a routine motion such as this, but the circumstances are slightly unique for two reasons. First, the length of the extension…
I thank the Member for giving way and for his dialogue and demeanour. He talks about the Committee finishing its work more quickly. Surely the Member knows that that will be completely and utterly dependent on the Minister providing the clauses of the Bill earlier.
In considering the extension, a careful balance needs to be struck between the thorough scrutiny and the timely progress needed for effective legislation, much as was reflected in the Committee Chair's comments. While I recognise the Justice Committee's valid concerns regarding the time required for proper review, we…
As Chairman of the Justice Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion, and I declare that I have an immediate family member who works in the legal profession. I emphasise in the strongest possible terms that the Committee did not take its decision to seek an extension of this duration lightly. We are…
The horrifying scenes that are coming out of Valencia and the wider region, where people are fleeing for their lives after flash floods have occurred, are a glimpse into our future if Governments do not act to prevent climate change. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to and solidarity with the families of the,…
Almost six months ago, I stood in the Chamber to praise the emergency services — in particular, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service — following a huge blaze in Limavady town centre. On the evening of 30 May, the Fire and Rescue Service prevented the inferno at a former nightclub from destroying an entire…
Northern Ireland and its people have a record of innovation that is envied around the world. One innovator stands out above the rest: Harry Ferguson, who was born 140 years ago yesterday. His vision of the modern tractor almost a century ago is now a practical reality that fights hunger and world poverty and has saved…
I want to give some good news from my constituency. I put on record a massive "congratulations" to Fivemiletown United Football Club, which secured a win at the Irish Football Association Grassroots Football Awards held recently at Belfast City Hall. Fivemiletown United was deservedly crowned amateur club of the year.…
Before I refer to a local constituency issue, I put firmly on record my deep appreciation to you, as Speaker of the House, and to colleagues across the Floor, for the support, condolences and wishes that I received on the loss of my mum in recent months. The loss of a mother is deeply personal and absolutely…
Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer made the correct decision to unpause city deals across Northern Ireland. However, what the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not do was unpause the withholding of £2·5 million of funding for my constituency of North Belfast. Six months ago, the Shore Road skills centre was,…
I highlight a report published by NI Water in recent weeks, titled 'Story of Belfast Lough'. The findings make for startling reading, which should be of grave concern to everyone in the House. Those of us who, like me, live near the shores of Belfast lough have noticed with great concern the increase in reports of raw…
I will highlight the work of the north Down Royal British Legion (RBL) in organising events across the borough every year to remember the fallen. In particular, I mention Harry Ferran and George Hoy. I also pay tribute to the work of the Groomsport remembrance committee and, in particular, the very faithful and…