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.
Minister, climate change is happening, and extreme weather events are taking place. We saw that in Downpatrick a number of years ago when the town centre was ravaged by flooding, and it has taken the businesses affected many years to try to get over that flooding. Has any consideration been given to looking at what…
Your party colleagues on the Executive have had proposals before them for over a year without being able to substantively respond to them, so I am not sure whether, had I given you this statement a year ago, you would have been in a position to respond. As for how the system will work, I look forward to seeing the…
Although the Minister notified us a week ago that he would make his statement, it was disappointing that we received the text of it less than an hour before he was scheduled to give it in the Chamber, which did not help us with scrutiny. I welcome all initiatives to reduce the blight and waste represented by domestic…
I thank the Minister for his statement. I have been working with Dungannon Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It will welcome this work, particularly in light of its concerns about vacancy and protecting the retail heart of towns such as Dungannon. How impactful is the Back in Business scheme in supporting start-ups…
I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, as well as the move to reduce the cost to the Assembly of vacant non-domestic properties and to increase liability so that we will not have so many vacant properties, you will be aware of the Dilapidation Bill and of the conversations that have been taking place in…
Minister, you say that you want to avoid unintended consequences for businesses and property owners, but those measures do nothing for existing long-term businesses that are struggling on, already occupy premises and cannot afford to invest in their properties, and there will be consequences for them. Minister, what…
Minister, I welcome the business growth accelerator proposal, but it is a proposal that will be consulted on, and I have genuinely lost count of the number of proposals and consultations we have had on ratings policy. We have had countless consultations on changes to rating — you mentioned vacant properties, and we…
I wish to make a statement to the Assembly setting out the next steps in my ambition to reform rating policy and bring about a more progressive, transparent and fair taxation system. I have been consistent in my support for local businesses and have publicly recognised their contribution to the local economy. Equally,…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Six months ago, my party colleague Sian Mulholland approached Clerking and Member Support (CAMS) in this Building and asked that safeguarding training be provided to MLAs so that they know exactly what to do when they are presented with information. Can the Speaker's Office please…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Further to my party colleague's point of order about the DUP's internal investigation, what is the point of doing an investigation if you are telling us that you have nothing to answer for? You were the leader of the DUP at a time when accusations were levelled against Jeffrey…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Would it not be more appropriate for you to recuse yourself while your party does its internal investigation of whether there was any impropriety during your time as leader, as it indicated this morning it will do?
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would like clarity. You mentioned the Speaker's Office, as well as, potentially, the head of the Civil Service, doing a review. Will the terms of the Speaker's Office's review be made public?
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is an unconventional intervention, but we are in unprecedented times. I ask for your assurance that you will engage fully with any investigations or inquiries that come about as a result of matters that were raised over the weekend. Will you provide clarity on why, it appears, no…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Given the severity and gravity of the situation and the accusations in hand, will you be recusing yourself from adjudication on any issues relating to the matter?
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. These are clearly matters of the gravest importance. I welcome the fact that you have given us some indication and clarification today. I need to ask you these questions, because, under Standing Orders, there is no formal accountability provision for your office: are you confident that…
It is my pleasure and privilege to present a petition signed by more than 1,500 people calling on the Department for Infrastructure to drop plans to chop down a number of mature street trees in Main Street, Groomsport. Groomsport is a beautiful village with a strong community spirit. It is a perfect place to live,…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You will be aware that, over the past few days, revelations have been published by BBC's 'Spotlight' that touch on grave matters, including some that concern you. Standing Order —.
I have repeatedly raised in the Chamber and in the Executive Office (TEO) Committee the failure of the Irish Government to play their part in delivering justice for victims of terrorism. To date, Dublin has sought to portray itself as some form of neutral third party whose role is merely to equality-proof proposals…
I want to recognise three outstanding East Antrim candidates for this year's BBC 'Make a Difference' awards. Their passion, dedication and commitment has made a lasting impact on East Antrim. First, I congratulate the Eco Rangers NI, who have inspired people of all ages to take pride in their environment through…
Everyone will agree with me that there can be no compromise when it comes to protecting children and those who have suffered from sexual abuse. The law is absolutely clear: the anonymity afforded to complainants in sexual offence cases is not an optional courtesy but a legal protection that exists to safeguard victims…
As the school year comes to a close, 2026 will see the loss of two high-profile educators in Roe Valley. Those two individuals have given many valuable years of service to the education system. Marshall Kilgore MBE, principal of Drumachose Primary School in Limavady, will walk out the door for the last time having…
On Saturday, I was in Lisburn with a number of my colleagues to take part in a leaflet drop across Lisburn and Lagan Valley to promote our Assembly candidate and councillor Declan Lynch. Declan, his wife and mother and I were all subjected to intimidation and sectarian abuse by a number of loyalists. Some followed us…