Northern Ireland Assembly, 2 June 2025

417 contributions from 67 members. The official report.

Members' Statements

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

Last week, I attended a very useful engagement, which was organised by Living Wage NI and Advice NI, on making a real living wage a reality for those who work in our care sector.

The real living wage must be the bare minimum for all workers, and Sinn Féin is committed to delivering that across this island. That can be seen in the Finance Minister, John O'Dowd, making the Civil Service a living wage employer as part of the latest pay deal, and in former Finance Minister Conor Murphy's ensuring that the living wage is now a requirement for firms that attain government contracts here in the North. Dr Caoimhe Archibald has sought to continue to make progress on improving the rights of workers, including their being paid the living wage, through the introduction of her 'good jobs' employment rights Bill.

The living wage has a clear role to play in raising people's living standards. Evidence shows that fairly paid workers are more productive in their employment and that they and their families enjoy better levels of physical and mental health. I want to put on record my sincere thanks and genuine appreciation to all our care workers. The work that you do is invaluable, so, clearly, that value and appreciation must be matched by your pay and working conditions. Our care workers are the backbone of our health service, and a fair wage is crucial, not only to recognising the value of their work but to attracting more people into the care sector. The Health Minister must move swiftly to make the care sector a living wage sector.

As a constituency MLA, one of the biggest issues brought to my office is that of families desperately trying to get appropriate care packages for their loved ones. As Sinn Féin's health spokesperson, I recognise that more domiciliary care staff are needed to ensure timely hospital discharges to relieve pressure on our hospital beds, hospital emergency departments and the Ambulance Service. A real living wage and proper career progression opportunities can only help to bring more people into the care profession and encourage those who are employed in that profession to stay there. That will benefit our care workers and improve our health service and, importantly, patient outcomes.

If we value our health service, we must value the staff who make it function. Paying the real living wage to all our care workers is good, not just for those workers and their families but for our economy, our health service and society as a whole.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

There has been a great deal of focus on a court ruling in Dublin last week relating to Gerry Adams. Let us be quite clear: the case that Gerry Adams took related to a very specific allegation that the BBC broadcast. The ruling has not, and will not, change Gerry Adams's past, and nor should it change the views of anyone in Northern Ireland about him. We all know the truth.

Neither Gerry Adams's actions nor his words have "gone away". Nothing has changed about the vast number of reports detailing his role in the Provisional IRA up to and including his membership of the IRA army council. Gerry Adams has never challenged those claims in court; instead, the former Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead chose to challenge one specific allegation through the Irish Republic's courts system.

The BBC has significant questions to answer about how it found itself in a situation whereby allegations were insufficiently evidenced, leading to licence fee money needing to be spent on damages and legal costs. In the Gerry Adams case, we know clearly that his motivation was, as he said, about "putting manners on" the BBC. The attitude of republicans towards the freedom of the press is nothing new, however. Gerry Adams previously cited Michael Collins's actions in 1916 in response to criticism of republican violence. Those actions were:

"to dispatch volunteers to the [Irish] Independent's offices. They held the editor at gunpoint and then dismantled and destroyed the entire printing machinery."

It takes a certain level of dangerous fanaticism and contempt for the freedom of the press and public free speech to think that that is a story worth boasting about.

Adams's comments have served as a reminder of the republican movement's hypocrisy and contempt for the rules and values that it demands of others but thinks should not apply to it. We see that time and time again, including in relation to COVID restrictions and to revealing the truth about victims of republican violence during the Troubles. The court ruling will not change the view that many victims of IRA violence have of Gerry Adams. Our thoughts today are particularly with those who were bereaved and injured by that campaign of violence.

Danny Donnelly (Alliance, East Antrim)

June marks the launch of the 2025 active travel challenge, which is a brilliant initiative that encourages people across Northern Ireland to leave the car at home and to instead walk, cycle, wheel or use public transport for their everyday journeys. I am delighted to be taking part myself. This morning, I came here from Larne by train and bus, so I have earned at least two challenge points and a strong coffee.

Joking aside, it was a great reminder that, with the right infrastructure, public transport can be a viable, reliable and even enjoyable option for many of us. Last year, the challenge saw 1,400 people log 21,000 active journeys, saving an estimated 13 tons of carbon dioxide. That is not just a public health win; it is a climate win, a congestion win and a step towards a cleaner, greener and healthier Northern Ireland. Active travel is also one of the most immediate tools that we have to reduce emissions from transport, which is the second largest source of greenhouse gases in Northern Ireland, responsible for 18·1% of emissions. If we are serious about climate action, rethinking our travel is a place to start.

This year's campaign is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure, Translink, the Public Health Agency, local councils and health trusts. It is a great example of joined-up thinking and civic leadership, but we must match that with long-term delivery. Many people want to walk, cycle or take public transport but are held back by real barriers: unsafe roads; disconnected cycle lanes; missing pavements; or lack of transport services, especially in our rural areas. It is not enough to encourage behavioural change if the infrastructure does not support it.

Active travel month should not be just a one-off initiative; it should be a launch pad. Let us use this momentum to push for safer streets, more connected transport networks and an environment where active travel is not the exception but the default. I commend Minister Kimmins and all the partners that are involved, and I encourage Members and the wider public to sign up, take part and start reimagining how we might move through our communities, one journey at a time.

Colin Crawford (UUP, North Antrim)

I extend my congratulations to the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on its centenary parade, which was held on Saturday in the city of Lisburn. I declare an interest, as I currently hold the position of deputy grand master — a position that I hold with deep personal honour and high privilege. I see and witness first-hand the remarkable contribution that our junior members make not only to the wider Orange Institution but to civic society as a whole.

The Junior Grand Orange Lodge has, for 100 years, instilled in young boys and young men the values of loyalty, faith, culture and community service. It has provided a space where character is formed, friendships are forged and pride in one's heritage is passed down through the generations. That was very evident for all to see at the weekend when thousands of junior brethren marched through Lisburn with pride, discipline and dignity. Saturday's parade in Lisburn was a powerful testament to all that is good about our Orange family. The city was filled with thousands of spectators, families, supporters and friends lining the streets in celebration. The turnout was not only large but dignified, disciplined and an absolute joy to witness. In an age where young people are bombarded with so many distractions and challenges, the Junior Grand Orange Lodge continues to offer something different — a sense of purpose, belonging and identity grounded in the best traditions of Ulster's Protestant and unionist heritage. I was especially heartened to see such a strong representation of our junior Orangewomen. Their pride and presence on parade were inspiring and a clear reflection of the strength of our Orange culture as it flourishes into the next generation.

As a proud Orangeman and a committed Ulster Unionist, I take great pride in seeing the next generation walk tall in the footsteps of those who came before them. Here's to the next century of the Junior Grand Orange Lodge and a future built on the strong foundations of our proud past.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

The ongoing saga surrounding Casement Park is not just a matter of bricks and mortar; it is about promises made, opportunities squandered and a vision for a new North that remains unfulfilled. Recent revelations have cast a glaring light on the inertia that has plagued the project. Hidden files now brought to public attention indicate that, by May 2024, the UK Prime Minister had all the necessary information to make a decisive call on Casement Park's funding, yet, action was conspicuously absent. The delay was not due to a lack of clarity or data; it was a choice to sideline a project of immense sporting, cultural and economic significance. The recent revelations that key information was withheld from the public and decision makers by the Department for Communities are not just troubling; they are indefensible. The Information Commissioner has now confirmed that vital documents were wrongfully suppressed. Why? Was it to cover indecision, to avoid scrutiny or, worse, to politically manipulate the future of a project that should have united us?

We all remember the UK Government's September 2024 decision to pull funding from Casement Park. Cost increases were cited, but what has been revealed is a failure in governance, a failure to manage expectations, a failure to defend the project when it mattered and a failure to provide leadership at ministerial level. The First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, described the decision as deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity for sport and our economy. I agree, but what does it say about the dysfunction of our Executive when the right hand does not know or even care what the left hand is doing? Astonishingly, we know that there has been no official correspondence between the First Minister and the Communities Minister or between the Finance Minister and the Communities Minister on the development of Casement Park. That is quite staggering. All show, no go.

Moreover, the disparity in treatment between Casement Park and other stadium projects cannot be ignored. While Windsor Park and Ravenhill rightly saw successful redevelopment, Casement Park has languished, mired in bureaucratic delays and political hesitancy. That inconsistency raises questions about equity and commitment to all communities in the North.

Casement Park must be built, not just for the GAA community but for everyone in the North. It can be a shining beacon of hope at the main gateway to our island's second city, a testament to our shared history, to our collective aspirations and to our potential to come together to build a brighter future. I call on the UK Government and the Executive to honour their commitments —

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

— to act with urgency and transparency and to recognise that Casement Park is more than a stadium but is a beacon of hope —

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

— unity and progress.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Last week, I met Inclusive Ability Trust, a local disability group that provides support, activities and advocacy to children with additional support needs in the community of Armagh. The group raised its concerns with me regarding the number of appropriate school places in the Armagh area for children with a statement of special educational needs (SEN). Members of the group told me that their concerns are compounded by less than satisfactory communication from the Education Authority. They told me that parents often feel left in the dark, and concerns are growing among many parents that their child will not have a suitable school place this September.

The additional stress and anxiety that many families experience because of a lack of SEN school places is not acceptable. Members will know that it is not a new issue. What is more concerning is the fact that parents have yet to see any significant change in the SEN system. Therefore, I encourage the Education Minister to consider implementing a "SEN first" approach to school placements that would deliver real change in our school system. By doing that, assurance could be provided for parents, and clarity could be provided for schools. It would ensure that the proper support required for children with SEN is in place from the beginning of term.

Members of Inclusive Ability Trust also discussed the disconnect between Health and Education and the issues that that creates for services that should be supporting our young people. I will finish with this. When a parent tells you that they feel that their child is being ignored, disregarded and overlooked by public bodies, it is clear that things need to change. I commend Inclusive Ability Trust for the work that it continues to do, and I look forward to working with it to send its message that it is time for change in the system. Clearly, that message needs to go to the Minister of Education and the Minister of Health.

Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I, too, pay tribute to the Junior Orange Association of Ireland as it celebrates its remarkable achievement of reaching its centenary. On Saturday, Lisburn, in the heart of my constituency of Lagan Valley, hosted junior lodges from all over Northern Ireland and, indeed, further afield for a truly special occasion of the hugely successful centenary parade. It was an honour to attend. The young people should be proud of themselves for their presentation, turnout and conduct.

I congratulate the Junior Orange Association of Ireland on 100 years of guidance, fellowship and commitment. The institution is rich in tradition, with a proud record of 100 years of upholding culture, faith, truth and service. There is a weaving of colour, music and fellowship with hundreds of years of heritage and the firm foundation of core values and principles. It is also an opportunity to recognise the many hundreds of volunteers who have served the association with diligence over all of those years.

The centenary year is one of celebration and remembrance but also reflection on what has been achieved and the rock on which our traditions are founded: loyalty to the King; protection of the Union; the brotherhood and sisterhood; and, most of all, an unshakeable faith in God. I wish the association all the best as it looks forward to its next 100 years. May God continue to bless and guide.

I also congratulate the Hillsborough Fort Guard. On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the attestation to bring it up to its full complement of 20. The Fort Guard is the oldest private army across these isles and, indeed, one of only two legal private armies across the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1660 to protect the ancient fort of Hillsborough and the road from Dublin to Carrick. It is great to see not only that it has been reformed but that it has achieved full complement. I congratulate all the men for their excellent presentation on Saturday, and I wish them all the best.

Connie Egan (Alliance, North Down)

I pay tribute to Sir Kenneth Bloomfield following his passing at the weekend at the age of 94. Sir Kenneth, who was a North Down constituent, had a long and distinguished career and life, modelling for all of us what it means to hold a lifelong commitment to public service. Sir Kenneth served in a number of prominent roles throughout his career, including head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Cabinet Secretary to the 1974 power-sharing Executive, Victims' Commissioner and member of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains.

Sir Kenneth was one of the most distinguished civil servants in Northern Ireland's history. Even when he and his family were targeted and attacked during the Troubles, he did not waver in doing what he could to serve our public and improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland. His dedication, commitment and contribution to public life will not be forgotten. On behalf of the Alliance Party, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Lady Elizabeth and the family circle on their very personal loss.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

I pay tribute to two Tyrone GAA underage teams on their fantastic victories last week. Tyrone minors won the Ulster Championship against Cavan, and Tyrone under-20s won the All-Ireland Championship against Louth. I was present at both games, which were fantastic, edge-of-your-seat encounters and were played in the best spirit of the game.

It is an absolutely incredible achievement for the under-20s team to have won its third All-Ireland Championship in four years. The final, which was played at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh, was a very exciting game. Tyrone ran at Louth from all angles and displayed fantastic clinical finishes. I was also at Brewster Park at the weekend to watch Tyrone minors win the Ulster Championship. It was amazing to see young people on the field at half-time and at the end of the game to get autographs from their home-grown, local heroes. Young boys and girls look up to those footballers, who are from our community, our parishes and the local schools. They are the sort of role models whom we want our children to have.

I pay tribute to the managers — Gerard Donnelly of Tyrone minors and Paul Devlin of Tyrone under-20s — and back-room staff of both teams. I also note the contribution of the parents and guardians of the footballers, who put in a lot of time, sacrifice and dedication. The football series happens during examination time for many of the players. It is a remarkable feat for them to do all the studying that is required for their examinations and to compete at that level of football.

I wish the Tyrone minors every success in the next game in the All-Ireland series against Cork. I also wish the under-20s team well. I hope that the under-20s enjoy the year as All-Ireland champions and can go for a fourth All-Ireland title next year.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

I wish to congratulate a local football team. Braid United Football Club is based in the village of Broughshane, but its catchment area goes right through the picturesque Braid valley and further afield. Braid United won the final against Larne's Ruby's Rovers Football Club, picking up the Tullyglass Residence Cup to win promotion to the first division of the Firmus Energy Ballymena Saturday morning league. The league takes in teams from Ballymena and every village and hamlet between Ballymoney, Larne and Antrim. It is a prestigious league that does sterling work. I pay tribute not only to Braid United Football Club for winning promotion to the first division but to the league itself and all the volunteers and others who make the three football leagues a success every Saturday morning. There are even midweek matches in the summer months.

It is important that our young people play sports, no matter what that sport is: you can learn so much about life on the field of play. Therefore, the dedicated volunteers who make the league happen should be encouraged, valued and honoured in good fashion for getting our young people out to train two nights a week and play a match on Saturday mornings. That takes dedication.

Credit goes to the Firmus Energy Ballymena Saturday morning league and to Braid United Football Club, which is just one of the clubs in the three divisions and has found success this year. The dedication, training and tactics of the managerial team have paid off, and the team has won promotion to the first division. I wish them all the best in the season ahead.

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

I wish to speak about the reappearance of blue-green algae in Lough Neagh. It was the subject of one of the first motions that I spoke on in the Chamber last year, and it is something for which there is no silver bullet. Instead, it is for all of us in the Chamber and Departments working cross-departmentally to restore Lough Neagh to a clean and environmentally sound waterbody.

The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has rightly put his shoulder to the wheel on the challenges that he faces to correct the pollution at Lough Neagh, but he cannot do that alone. As an infrastructure spokesperson for the Alliance Party, I am fully aware of the role of the statement of regulatory principles and intent (SORPI) in adding to the pollution of the lough, an arrangement that puts Northern Ireland Water into a separate regulatory regime from others and lets it off the hook for polluting our waterways. That said, 24% of nutrients found in Lough Neagh originated in waste water. The discharge of untreated sewage by Northern Ireland Water is currently allowed under the SORPI arrangements, with minimal punishment in place. However, while I am content to criticise Northern Ireland Water, we must recognise that it discharges so much untreated sewage because of years of inadequate capital budgets from the Department, and its hands are tied behind its back. The solutions being proposed and explored by the Minister for Infrastructure will barely touch the surface of what we need to deliver a world-class water service for everyone across Northern Ireland. As with all major engineering projects, long-term strategic planning and the ability to borrow what is needed are required to deliver clean water and stop polluting Lough Neagh and other environmental assets.

Northern Ireland Water is an outlier in comparison with water utilities across the world, and the fact remains that no other country provides water services like we do. I call on the Minister for Infrastructure and her Department to publish the reports that have been prepared over the years on the efficacy of the funding model. I have asked for the reports multiple times at the Infrastructure Committee, but they are kept internal and are unavailable for scrutiny.

The Department for Infrastructure can no longer bury its head in its hands on the matter. It is not just us in Alliance calling out the chaos: last week, the Office for Environmental Protection called it out in the AERA Committee. The Department can no longer ignore the role that NI Water plays in an ecological crisis that we can, once again, see with our very eyes in Lough Neagh and other waterways in Northern Ireland.

Alan Robinson (DUP, East Londonderry)

Following a huge fire in Limavady town centre on the evening of 30 May 2024, I have raised the matter on two occasions in the Chamber. On the first occasion, I praised the Fire and Rescue Service, which had prevented an inferno at a former nightclub from destroying an entire street and, indeed, taking other buildings with it. Six months later, in the run-up to Christmas, I stood in the Chamber and called for all agencies and individuals to resolve the eyesore that stood on the entry point to the town centre.

The building remains a burnt-out shell. The footway along a section of Catherine Street in the town remains closed to pedestrian access. A number of parking bays remain closed to vehicles. The site is still littered with debris from the fire.

Members, here I am, yet again, exactly one year on. I am sick of looking at the site. The public mood was once one of frustration, but it is now one of anger. It has even caused splits in the town and the hurling of abuse. I am beyond frustrated to see an area of the town in which I grew up in that state.

On numerous occasions, I have pressed the local council, the owner of the building and DFI Roads to act. I have supplied supporting documentation for loss adjusters and insurance companies. I have supplied supporting documentation for the NIO. I have engaged with affected businesses. I held an update meeting with the council and businesses just last week. Unfortunately, it looks as though there is still some distance left to travel. That saddens me. No one wants to see the situation go on any longer, because residents and traders remain caught in the middle. Everyone wants the process to conclude so as to allow the clear-up to commence and the town to move on from the night of 30 May 2024.

The council continues to tell me that, contrary to what the public think, it does not have the powers to deal effectively with derelict private buildings. I say this to the AERA Minister: get on with urgently beefing up the outdated legislation from the late 1800s under which councils have to operate. There is no better example of an eyesore to help mould new, better and more powerful legislation for councils to deal with other privately owned eyesores in our towns and cities. The sooner that that happens, the better that it will be for the residents and traders of Limavady and, indeed, many villages, towns and cities across our Province.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

That concludes the time for Members' statements.

Assembly Business

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I wish to correct the record regarding a debate on Tuesday 20 May on the impact of illegal immigration on Northern Ireland. It has come to my attention that, during the debate, I said:

"the annual cost of accommodating asylum seekers in Northern Ireland has exploded to £400 million." — [Official Report (Hansard), 20 May 2025, p43, col 2].

That is incorrect. I should have stated that that is the projected figure for a 10-year period between 2019 and 2029, rather than the annual cost. I apologise to the House for my error and for any confusion created. It was not my intention to mislead anyone or to create any annoyance by incorrectly stating that figure.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I thank the Member for that correction.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Stewart Dickson has sought leave to present a public petition in accordance with Standing Order 22. The Member has up to three minutes in which to speak.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

Today, I present a petition that was created by Isla Gear, from Leven in Scotland, who tragically lost her brother, Tam, to pancreatic cancer just four weeks after his diagnosis. Isla launched a UK-wide petition from Tam's bedside on Christmas Day that calls for the targeted monitoring of high-risk individuals and for increased funding to develop effective, accessible diagnostic tests for pancreatic cancer. Tam and Isla were determined to prevent others from facing that devastating disease and agreed that more needed to be done.

Tam Barker was only 47 years old. He was a dedicated father to his then 11-year-old son, Max. He had previously lost a cousin to pancreatic cancer and therefore had annual blood tests done. Throughout 2024, Tam repeatedly sought medical help, attending at least six GP appointments and visiting A&E on numerous occasions with stomach pain, back pain, constipation and dramatic weight loss. It was not until months after his initial symptoms appeared that a CT scan finally confirmed that he had pancreatic cancer. Tragically, he passed away weeks later, on Boxing Day, without even meeting the consultant who had been assigned to his case.

The impact of Isla's campaign speaks for itself: it is now the biggest petition ever relating to pancreatic cancer in the United Kingdom. That demonstrates the strength of feeling from the public that something must change. Here in Northern Ireland, pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. Half of all patients die within three months of diagnosis. Without urgent action, pancreatic cancer is set to claim thousands more lives in Northern Ireland and is projected to overtake breast cancer as the fourth-biggest cancer killer here.

Today, Pancreatic Cancer UK has submitted an open letter to accompany Isla's petition as part of its Unite, Diagnose, Save Lives campaign. The letter, which has received over 1,000 signatures in Northern Ireland, calls on the Executive to urgently introduce regular monitoring for those who are at high-risk, support the roll-out of new diagnostic tests and secure sustained funding for research.

We welcome the Department of Health's recent commitment to deliver optimal care pathways for pancreatic cancer. That initiative aims to streamline diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, ensuring that pancreatic cancer patients receive the right support at the right time. We commend the vital work of charities such as Pancreatic Cancer UK and Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer.

This petition and open letter highlight the urgent need for the Government to act swiftly. We must make early detection a reality instead of a rarity for people across Northern Ireland. Today, we are here for Tam, Max and Isla — Max and Isla are in the Public Gallery — and for every family who could face the devastating disease of pancreatic cancer. The time for action is now.

Mr Dickson moved forward and laid the petition on the Table.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I will forward the petition to the Minister of Health and send a copy to the Committee for Health. I trust that we will make progress on this incredibly important issue, which needs to be afforded real priority.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

In November last year, I reminded Members about the need to uphold the authority and impartiality of the Chair. I particularly cautioned against playing politics with procedural decisions that are made by me or the Deputy Speakers. Over the past few weeks, Members have made a number of comments, particularly in the media and on social media, that have included criticisms of decisions made on the selection of Matters of the Day, questions for urgent oral answer and amendments to motions and Bills. Interventions that are made by the Deputy Speakers or me during Members' contributions are often criticised and portrayed as decisions to silence Members from expressing their views. In addition, there has been a trend for Members to anticipate my decisions or those of the Deputy Speakers by announcing that a Member has tabled a Matter of the Day, question for urgent oral answer or an amendment, very often when it is clear that the procedural requirements for those items to be selected have not been met. The Principal Deputy Speaker, Deputy Speakers and I do not take any of those decisions lightly. We take such decisions in a procedural context, not a political one, following advice from officials.

I therefore remind Members that it is out of order to challenge the authority of the Speaker or a Deputy Speaker in the Chamber. Further, Members should not think that doing so on social media or in the media is a way of subverting our procedures. If a Member challenges the Chair in the Chamber, that Member will be asked to take their seat. If a Member challenges the Chair outside the Chamber, that will inform the decisions of the Chair when the Member is next called to speak or on whether an item that they have tabled is accepted.

I also warn Members that trailing an application to the Speaker to bring something to the House may lead to its not being selected without consideration of its merits. The impartiality and authority of me, the Principal Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Speakers in this Chair is not just for us to uphold but for every Member to uphold. That is vital to the well-being of this democratic Chamber.

I ask Members to take note of these remarks. If they do not, I will act.

Ministerial Statement

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

I have received notification from the Minister for Communities that he wishes to make a statement. Before I call the Minister, I remind Members to be concise when asking questions.

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I wish to make a statement to the Assembly regarding my Department's 2025-26 initial Budget allocations. The work that my Department does is transformational. It impacts on people across Northern Ireland and delivers positive outcomes, often to those who are in greatest need. Housing, the arts, culture; sport, benefits and pensions, child support, the historic environment, urban regeneration, local government, social inclusion and libraries and museums touch the lives of almost everyone in Northern Ireland. I know that there is so much more to be done. I want to do more. I am operating in a continually constrained budgetary environment, but I am determined to use to best effect the money that has been secured. Pressures will, of course, remain right across my Department. I have no doubt that, today, Members will set out all the areas in which they would like me to spend more. However, I must operate within the budget that I have been allocated, and that is why, this year, I am doing things differently.

(Mr Deputy Speaker [Mr Blair] in the Chair)

Let me turn first to housing. I have made it clear that addressing homelessness and increasing the supply of housing is one of my top priorities. That is why I have delivered a housing supply strategy, launched an affordable rent scheme, allocated £10 million for loans to acquire move-on accommodation, secured cross-party consensus on the need for borrowing powers for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), removed intimidation points to level the playing field and ensured that Housing Executive reserves are used to buy homes to address pressures on temporary accommodation, which will realise savings of up to £75 million over the next seven years. However, there is more to do. I am therefore pleased to announce that I am proposing an additional allocation to homelessness and the Supporting People programme of £3·7 million above the 2024-25 budget position. In addition, I am proposing £2·8 million capital to the new foundation project to move forward with securing 110 units of accommodation to support young people leaving care.

That is not just about providing shelter; it is about restoring dignity and hope to those who have fallen on hard times and preventing those people falling into hardship. However, in order to tackle that issue properly, we need more homes. Social housing is crucial, as it provides affordable, stable housing options for those who might otherwise struggle in the private rental market. The inclusion of housing as one of the key pillars of the Programme for Government (PFG) shows the widespread support to deliver affordable, sustainable and quality housing. My proposed budget of £63 million will facilitate the start of approximately 900 to 1,000 new-build social homes. That is on top of the £105 million from last year for pre-commitments to housebuilding.

That is not enough, however. Last year, the Assembly declared that there is a housing crisis in Northern Ireland, yet we are left in a position where we are funding less than 50% of the Programme for Government's housing target. Last year was even worse, with my budget allocation allowing for only 400 new starts. I am proud to say that, by the end of the year, that had increased to 1,502. We will put the same effort into driving up those figures this year as we did last year, and we will continue to make the case for that at every possible opportunity. However, it is not enough to simply ask for more money. We need to do things differently. That is why I will bring proposals to the Executive shortly on how we can do more with the money that we have to build more homes. I look forward to working with other Ministers, the Housing Executive and housing associations on that.

I also want to increase opportunities and life chances for everyone in Northern Ireland. Far too many people, and, indeed, generations, are stuck in a cycle of welfare dependency. That should be a cause of concern for us all. We should have greater ambition for our people. There are far too many economically inactive people who want to get into work but just need some help to do so. I want their talents, potential and opportunities to be maximised. Therefore, I am also pleased to announce that I will invest in a new multimillion-pound employment programme that will support all age groups and tackle the barriers to economic activity. I will make an announcement to the Assembly on the details of that in due course. It will be one of the most extensive job programmes of recent times.

We also need to continue to support those who need it most. Therefore, I propose to maintain the discretionary support grant budget at £25·5 million, but we must ensure that that fund is not abused and goes to those who are genuinely in need. Therefore, I will introduce reforms to protect that money from fraud and thereby protect those who really need it.

My Department's arms-length bodies (ALBs) play a vital role in helping us to deliver our objectives. Despite the constrained financial position facing my Department in 2025-26, I propose that my Department's ALBs receive an additional £3·7 million general allocation in 2025-26 above their 2024-25 funding level. Furthermore, I propose an additional allocation to National Museums NI and Libraries NI to maintain operational stability and ensure continued public access to those key cultural and educational institutions. The proposed allocation will not fund all pressures faced but will ease service delivery pressures in 2025-26.

Year-on-year budget cuts have placed increasing pressure on those institutions, threatening their ability to serve the public effectively. To reverse that trend and to secure the future of our libraries, I propose capital funding of over £1 million: £750,000 towards the replacement of Enniskillen library, without which major health and safety concerns present a high risk of potential closure of the facility. I also allocate £200,000 to Newtownards library. I also propose capital funding to the Northern Ireland Museums Council of £30,000 for the museum collection fund and £80,000 for small capital grants. Grants to local museums for the acquisition of specimens to add to their collection or to address urgent needs in the storage, conservation and rationalisation of collections will be welcome news for the sector. I also want to ensure that National Museums gets back to a stable operating base after many years of constrained funding. Therefore, I propose an opening resource budget of £20 million alongside £3 million of capital. That capital funding will allow investment of nearly £1·5 million in the Ulster Museum store and in exhibit buildings and gallery works.

Turning to the Arts Council, I propose capital funding for several programmes, including £750,000 for musical instruments, so that everyone has the chance to learn, to play and to perform, connecting more people with the arts. That money has helped individuals, bands, professional and non-professional groups, primary schools, creative arts centres and talent development organisations. I said that I wanted to get more people involved in the arts. This year, we were able to help 4,500 people to do just that, and I want to see that continue. I also said that I would ensure a better balance of arts funding to every community and corner of Northern Ireland. Therefore, I am also pleased to announce a £500,000 small capital grants programme to support local arts venues and creative spaces, as well as funding for artists in residence, to each borough and district council.

Today, I also acknowledge the vital role provided by the voluntary and community sector. Those organisations create an enormously important social value through community engagement, job creation and overall improvement in people's quality of life. Given the rising cost pressures facing the sector, I propose that the voluntary and community sector funding increases by £2·8 million on the Department's 2024-25 funding level. I understand that that funding offers a lifeline but not a solution, and I understand that the sector continues to operate under immense strain.

Capital funding of over £4 million will be allocated to neighbourhood renewal to support community and voluntary sector partners and will deliver funding for projects that support communities. I am delighted to announce support for several projects, including a new youth hub for Ardoyne Youth Enterprise; a new-build community centre for a local community organisation, Glencairn Community Partnership; and the redevelopment of Bloomfield Community Association's centre in east Belfast. I am also pleased to be able to support Ballee Community Group in Ballymena to provide an outdoor canopy to cover the children's play area there.

Capital investment in our community infrastructure is vital. Their facilities are the heartbeat of every community in Northern Ireland. I recognise that and, as a result, will make a significant announcement on 26 June for a new community infrastructure grant that will be transformational to the voluntary and community sector.

In addition to the capital funding that I have highlighted, I am initiating and funding a wide range of regeneration projects. The larger projects include the Glengormley public realm project, which will see a total contribution of over £2·5 million as part of a wider funding package. The £3 million Shankill gateway public realm scheme will also begin this summer and will take approximately 12 months to complete. That scheme will bring much-needed improvements to enhance the linkage of the Shankill community to Belfast city centre. In tandem, the £5 million public realm works adjacent to the city walls will deliver on improvements to several streets in the historic Londonderry city centre. I am also pleased to announce that I will invest £1·6 million, this year, in essential conservation works at Carrickfergus Castle. A significant part of that funding will be directed at enhancing the visitor experience of and improving access to and within the castle. That will realise the castle's status as a world-class attraction, bringing more visitors to Carrickfergus and establishing it as the gateway to the Causeway coastal route. We must protect our heritage assets, and I will do everything that I can to ensure that we do. Finally, on regeneration, I am delighted to confirm that I will make a major announcement tomorrow at 2.30 pm on the development of Queen's Parade in Bangor.

I move now to sport. We know that sport plays a vital role in communities and is critically important to our young people. The provision of places to play and train is one of the concerns on which I get lobbied most frequently. I know the impact that a lack of facilities has, and I am determined to act on it. One of the ways that we can do that is by ensuring that we maximise the use of the schools estate. To that end, the Your School Your Club programme has been effective in making sure that improvements are made to school sporting infrastructure that can be of benefit to the school and the local community. Last year, I invested £500,000 in that programme. It has been transformational, but so much more can be done. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that, this year, I propose that the budget will be £3 million. Working alongside my colleague Paul Givan, my ambition is for every post-primary school in Northern Ireland to have a 3G pitch and sporting facilities that can benefit local communities. Building on last year's investment, I am making additional capital funding available to help improve safety at motor sport events. That is crucial in helping to ensure that racing can be as safe as possible.

We must also restore confidence in a welfare system that is fair, transparent and focused on the right people. My Department's latest published estimates for 2023 show a loss of £240·3 million due to customer fraud, customer error and official error. At a time of great uncertainty, following many announcements from the Labour Government, we must ensure that every pound that we spend is spent well and goes to those who need it most.

Many of my Department's stakeholders are feeling the pinch from the general cost-of-living increase, rising prices, increased taxes or inflation. Now is the time to cut our cloth and ensure that our budgets are spent well. That also applies to me, so my final announcement is to confirm to the House that, as of this year, I will review all vacancies that sit within the Department for Communities' baseline. More than 1,000 of those posts have not been filled due to consecutive bids in Budget rounds not being met. I have decided to lead the way on the drive for efficiency. It is right that, as Minister for the largest Department, I show leadership and make that move. I look forward to engaging with trade unions and departmental officials in due course.

I understand that there will be concerns and questions about the proposed allocations, but I emphasise that the decisions were not made lightly. My commitment to the House and to the communities, people and organisations that my Department supports is to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland, maximise the impact with limited resources and ensure that every pound spent is a step towards a better future for the people of Northern Ireland. Therefore, I commend the statement to the House.

Some Members

Hear, hear.

Daniel McCrossan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, West Tyrone)

I am not sure why the Members across the way are clapping. Many people, including the 49,000 people who are on a housing waiting list and the 38,000 in housing stress, will be very concerned about parts of the statement. The Minister has declared it a crisis but funded it like an afterthought. Minister, you have admitted that the budget will fund only around half of the social homes needed to meet the Programme for Government targets — your targets. How do you justify calling it "a crisis" and then not putting your money where your mouth is?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

It is clear that the Member did not listen to anything that I said. It is always easy for the Member to put his angry head on, but he never comes forward with any proposals or solutions. I am taking the issue seriously. After you take away the inescapable pressures, 80% of my remaining capital budget is going towards housing. Last year, I was in a similar position and did not have enough money to build all the social homes that I wanted to, but we found other ways of doing that; additional bids were made.

If the Member had listened to my statement, he would have heard that I am looking to do things differently. I am looking at how we can ensure that public land is best used so that we can build more homes. I have brought forward a housing supply strategy. I have secured Executive agreement on the need to ensure that we again have a Housing Executive that has borrowing powers. I am taking action where I can and putting the money where it needs to be.

If the Member has any other ideas, I would love to hear them, but he offered none in his speech. I will continue with the progress that I have made. I will continue to deliver, and I will not be distracted by the Member.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for the statement. Minister, you said that you understood that there would be concerns and questions about the proposed allocations: there will indeed. We have not had a huge amount of time to see the details, but I suspect that Members will look at the allocations in more detail.

You referred in the statement to restoring confidence in the welfare system. Given the British Government's decisions around winter fuel payments and their Green Paper on withdrawing support for many people with disabilities, what concrete assurances can you give to the most vulnerable in society that they will be protected and supported during these challenging times?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I can certainly give the assurance that we will do everything that we can to support those who are most in need. You can see that already in the work of the Department. When the Labour Government announced last year that they were, disgracefully, removing the winter fuel payment for many of our pensioners who were in genuine need, I secured money and delivered that for tens of thousands of households across Northern Ireland. I have brought forward the anti-poverty strategy. I am aware that the Member has had a briefing on that. He will also be aware of the work that is being done on the fuel poverty strategy. I want to make sure that we put in place real action that makes a difference in people's lives. We will continue to lobby the UK Government to make sure that they, too, provide the support that is needed.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

I commend the Minister for the statement and welcome the many positive announcements in it. In particular, I welcome the funding for Glencairn community hub and the public realm schemes in Glengormley and Shankill gateway. It is disappointing that the Minister has not been given additional resources to tackle welfare fraud, which he touched on. In recent weeks, we have seen horrendous examples of people who have brazenly been cheating the system, sometimes for tens of thousands of pounds. Will the Minister commit to continuing to do all that he can to ensure that those who need and are entitled to support get it and that cheats are caught and dealt with?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

Yes, I can. Many in the House were sceptical of the move that I made to ensure that those who were found guilty of benefit fraud were named. I am glad that that decision occurred, because, over the past number of weeks, we have seen many individuals who have been responsible for defrauding the system of not £5,000, £6,000 or £7,000 but tens of thousands of pounds. It is right, therefore, that we take a strong line and say that it is not acceptable to take money to which you are clearly not entitled.

I am determined to take action that will make a difference. I have submitted a request to Executive colleagues about how we can better tackle the issue, because it is not acceptable that we lose £240 million a year in this way. I want to see the right money going to the right people at the right time, and others in the House should support me in that.

Kellie Armstrong (Alliance, Strangford)

Thank you, Minister. I pass on my thanks to your officials, who have worked with a difficult budget. I appreciate that you have not got everything that you were looking for, but I was disappointed to see that there is still no money for taking legal action against landowners who are letting our built heritage collapse.

I go back to the matter of housing. Minister, you talked to one of our colleagues about solutions. One of the biggest solutions to the housing crisis would be for the Housing Executive to build houses. How and when will the Housing Executive get the borrowing powers that the Executive have, you say, agreed to? What will those borrowing powers deliver in terms of new homes provided by the Housing Executive and reduced dependency on the private rented sector?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

Good work has been done by my officials and officials in the Department of Finance to ensure that that issue can be progressed. It is important that we see a resolution and that the Treasury confirm what we all believe, which is that the Housing Executive should be treated the same as local authorities — councils — in the rest of the UK. I raise the issue with UK Government Ministers at every opportunity. I will see the Deputy Prime Minister later this week and will raise it with her as well. The First Minister and deputy First Minister raised that issue with the Prime Minister last week, and I will write to him again to ask for movement on it.

I am pleased to say that the Housing Executive has not just been sitting around waiting for the approval. Plans are in place so that, once the change has been confirmed, it will be able to start looking at how to deliver those homes. This is not, however, just about building new homes; it is about improving the quality of homes in Northern Ireland. I have been pushing that since the start of my time in office and will continue to do so, because it is critical that we get delivery.

Andy Allen (UUP, Belfast East)

The Minister provided an overview of the many areas that his Department covers, but his statement was limited insofar as it did not include extensive detail on tackling poverty. I appreciate that the anti-poverty strategy is to come forward, but will the Minister detail what further actions his Department will take, through this Budget allocation, to tackle poverty, including fuel poverty?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

The Member referenced the anti-poverty strategy. That will be published very soon. As I promised in the House, I want to brief those who have been central to the design of the strategy, and that will happen very shortly. We will then be in a position to publish the strategy, and the Member will see some of the actions that will be taken not just by the Department for Communities but across government, because it is not simply down to one Department to solve the issue. Indeed, it is not down just to government to solve the issue: individuals, families and other organisations will play their roles as well. The fuel poverty strategy will also be critical to dealing with the issue, because it is the cost of heating homes that drives so many people into poverty. I am absolutely committed to dealing with that.

Maolíosa McHugh (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.

[Translation: I thank the Minister for his statement.]

Minister, you referenced reforms to fraud and error. Will you outline what those reforms will be and whether funding has been allocated in the budget to meet them?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I want to see changes brought in to make sure that we have a robust welfare system in which the money goes to those who are actually in need and are entitled to it. One of the best ways to do that is to increase the number of staff working in those areas. I have submitted a bid to Executive colleagues as part of a wider paper so that we can tackle the issue. I am also working with the UK Government to ensure that we can invest more. Additional investment in tackling fraud and error brings a huge return to the Treasury as well, and I would be interested to see how we could share that dividend. That is good news for everybody. It will make sure that money goes to those who need it, with the potential for more money to come back into our pockets, as well as back into the Treasury, so that it can then be directed to those who are in need.

Keith Buchanan (DUP, Mid Ulster)

Minister, in your statement, you refer to a community infrastructure grant. I welcome your commitment to that grant and to community halls in general. Is there an indicative budget for the grant and a timeline for when we can expect applications to open?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

Many of my colleagues in the Chamber have invited me to see the state of community infrastructure in Northern Ireland, be it at a hall or another community organisation's premises. I recognise that there is a deficit, and I am introducing the grant scheme because I know that such facilities are key to the success of so many of our community and voluntary organisations. I am afraid that the Member will have to wait a little longer for more information, but I will announce full details of the scheme on 26 June, including timelines, total funding allocations and what can be expected from it. I hope that the Member will keep that date free.

Sian Mulholland (Alliance, North Antrim)

Thank you, Minister. The proposed funding for musical instruments and local arts venues is very much appreciated. How will those initiatives be sustained in the long term? With arts organisations still waiting for confirmation of their full allocation three months into the new financial year, how quickly after your statement will allocations to your arm's-length bodies be confirmed?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

If they have not received confirmation yet, I hope that they will very shortly. The Member has frequently raised Arts Council issues with me, and I hope that she is encouraged to hear that, having been allocated £9·7 million at the start of the previous financial year, the Arts Council's opening allocation for this year is almost £10·3 million. I hope that, even in the constrained budgetary environment, the Member can see the additional investment that I am trying to put towards the arts.

I want the rural small grants programme and the musical instruments fund to be sustainable programmes, because they are making a difference. It is not the same people who get the resource every time. Rather, it is shared around different groups, organisations and bands across all parts of Northern Ireland. I thank those who have taken me to visit some of the individuals who have benefited from the programmes. Other colleagues, including Diane and Phillip, have taken me to see where the money has been used. It is making a difference to people's lives, which is why I will make sure that the programmes continue.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Given the fact that over a third of the population live in rural areas, will there be opportunities for rural investment? How many jobs will be created as a result of the Budget allocations?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

It is hard for me to put a figure on how many jobs will be created, because so many areas of my Department are involved, but the departmental budget demonstrates my commitment to rural areas. The Member can see what I have already done about housing in Northern Ireland, and a significant number of regeneration projects will be in rural areas. I am not someone who focuses only on cities. I am here to serve all parts of Northern Ireland, urban and rural.

Peter Martin (DUP, North Down)

I welcome the statement. It is an excellent example of how the Minister and his party are delivering for people in Northern Ireland across a wide range of policy areas within a really tight budget.

Minister, your statement was seven pages long. You will not be surprised to learn that I have picked up on the sentence about the development of Queen's Parade in Bangor. Do you believe that it will be delivered on your watch?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Member for his kind words and can confirm that significant progress has been made in recent weeks. People have been waiting for the development of Queen's Parade for almost 40 years, or perhaps a little longer. I am delighted that we are making progress. There will be a significant announcement tomorrow at 2.30 pm. I pay tribute to the mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alistair Cathcart, who has worked closely with me in recent days to make sure that we get the project over the line. I look forward to that work starting, because the people of Bangor have been waiting too long. It is time that the development is delivered, and I am delighted that it will be.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

I thank the Minister for allocating funding for the canopy over the play park for the Ballee community and the young people there. He will be much thanked for that.

The Minister will know, because I have asked questions on this, that there are two anchor football clubs at Broughshane community centre and playing fields; Braid United and Raceview. The players from those clubs have had to change in temporary, makeshift changing rooms that have been there for over 20 years — temporary changing rooms that have been there for over 20 years — and are now in a state of disrepair. Will the Minister commit to meeting me on-site to discuss the facilities with the two football clubs concerned?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I am more than happy to meet the Member there to see how we can help and make sure that they are given support. I agree with him that that is not an acceptable situation for the clubs to be in after all that time. I have met members of the community association there as well, and I understand the pressure that they are under, so I am more than happy to meet the clubs. I am passionate about making sure that we have provision for sport in Northern Ireland, because I understand how important sport is. My Department will do anything that it can to help.

Connie Egan (Alliance, North Down)

Progress on the Queen's Parade redevelopment is, of course, welcome. Can you give us any indication of what your announcement tomorrow will be about? When will work on the Queen's Parade development start? Many people in Bangor will not believe it until they see it.

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

If I were to tell you now, I would not have anything to announce tomorrow.

[Laughter.]

I am afraid that the Member will have to wait a little while longer. I can tell the House that we have had some good news. Officials have been working intensely with all the relevant stakeholders, including the council, over the past number of weeks, and I am absolutely determined that we get the work started and the project delivered, because I understand the frustrations that many people have had about it.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

The Minister said that he will ensure a better balance of arts funding. What action will he take to address the obvious imbalance that last year saw 83% of the £13 million that was allocated for arts funding go to arts organisations based in Belfast and left artists and organisations based elsewhere fighting over the crumbs? That situation has been compounded by the Arts Council's proposed removal of 100% of its funding from Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company in my constituency.

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

That is exactly why I have made the announcements that I have made today. The musical instruments fund is not focused on one area but spread across Northern Ireland; the funding for artists in residence is for every district and borough council in Northern Ireland; and the small grants scheme focuses on areas outside Belfast. The Arts Council has a number of inescapable pressures — some things continue to need to be funded — but where there is flexibility and where I have been able to allocate extra money, I have ensured that that has been done in a regionally balanced way, because I do not want anyone to have less opportunity to participate in and enjoy the arts simply because of where they live. I have made concrete announcements and proposals today on how we will do that.

Diane Dodds (DUP, Upper Bann)

Minister, this is a good day for many communities across Northern Ireland in many sectors, and I thank you for the statement. You talked about money being tight and having to be careful with money: what will be the potential cost if we do not have regard to the recent Supreme Court ruling?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I believe that the Member is referring to the Supreme Court ruling against Scottish Ministers. It is absolutely right that all Departments are aware of that. Some like to say that the judgement does not apply to Northern Ireland because the Equality Act 2010 does not apply to Northern Ireland, but that is completely wrong. It does apply; of course it does. Of course it will impact on us. I welcome the judgement. Above everything else, it was a common-sense judgement, but there are requirements that have come from it. The highest court in the land has made a declaration on same-sex spaces in particular, and that has consequences. I will not be found on the wrong side of that.

I do not want to fall foul of the law or open us up to any challenges that might come our way.

I know that others in the House have struggled with that reality and with the court judgement, but I will not be found wanting in ensuring that we protect ourselves by following and implementing the law. That is not dependent on me waiting for advice from anyone else. We will take our own counsel on it and ensure that we give out the guidance and, where necessary, the instruction to make sure that we are on the right side of the law.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

I remind Members that they should stick to questions on matters that are referred to in the statement.

Joanne Bunting (DUP, Belfast East)

I am immensely grateful to the Minister for the announcement on Bloomfield Community Association. I have lobbied for it everywhere for many years, and this DUP Minister, following our recent visit, has recognised the value of the work that Karen and her team do there. The redevelopment will make a significant difference to many children in East Belfast for generations to come, so I thank the Minister. In regard to the Minister's pitches strategy, where there are existing links between a community and a school — I think of Nettlefield Primary School — might there also be options for primary schools?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Member for her lobbying for Bloomfield Community Association and for inviting me out there. We had a fantastic morning a few weeks ago, and there is a photograph to prove that. I am delighted to provide that support along with Belfast City Council, ensuring that it has the facilities that it deserves.

With regard to Your School Your Club, my priority is to make sure that existing facilities or areas where facilities can be enhanced are given the support that they need for that to happen so that we can help schools and, at the same time, ensure that there is community access. I am more than willing to look at all options. I know that the Member is vociferous in her lobbying, and I have no doubt that I will hear more from her on that matter soon.

Gary Middleton (DUP, Foyle)

I very much welcome the £5 million of funding for public realm works in the Walled City of Londonderry. That is welcome news that comes on the back of the announcement on Austins.

Minister, just a few weeks ago, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic and the key played by Ebrington Square. What support is your Department providing to the maritime museum at Ebrington Square, and will you commit to ensuring that that project is realised?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I am grateful to the Member for his question and for inviting me, when I was in a previous job, to his constituency to hear about the plans for the maritime museum. I am pleased to confirm to the Member that, this year, I am allocating £500,000 to the development of the maritime museum. It has an incredible story to tell. There is so much history there and a story that is often not told, but I want to make sure that we can tell that story. I hope that the half a million pounds of funding will contribute towards that.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

Minister, you outlined the importance of places to train and play, yet there is no mention in your statement of either Casement Park or the football fund. Can you give us an update?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

The statement is about budget allocations for 2025-26. The Member will be aware that there is no confirmed overall budget in place for Casement Park that comes anywhere close to our being able to proceed with that development. That is why I have not allocated money for that purpose.

I am happy to announce once more that, after 14 years of the football fund being held up, it is progressing. I look forward to that money being spent, and I will make a statement on it in due course. Whether that money is allocated and spent during this financial year and how much money there will be are yet to be seen.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

The statement rightly puts housing supply at its forefront, but does the Minister share my concern about the impact that a broken immigration system is having on the supply of housing, particularly in my constituency of North Belfast, where private rental continues to soar and local families are left to languish on waiting lists? What can the Minister do to tackle that disgraceful situation?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

It is absolutely the case that illegal immigration is having an impact when it comes to housing costs in Northern Ireland, and those who say otherwise are lying to you. It is a real problem, and it is time that we had a bit of honesty when it comes to the debate, because, ultimately, it is a supply issue.

I can inform the House that close to 2,600 individuals in Northern Ireland are being supported by the Home Office while awaiting a decision on their application for asylum. Those are obviously issues for the UK Government. They pay through the Home Office for that accommodation, but that still has a pressure on housing costs here, because of the increased demand and the prices that Mears is often able to pay in relation to that.

The causes of homelessness have mostly remained relatively consistent over the past nine months, but those who are transferring from being the responsibility of Mears to being the responsibility of the Housing Executive — no accommodation in Northern Ireland under section 95 — are in the only category that has shown clear growth. Numbers in that category rose from 365 households last July to 578 households in March this year. As a result, it has now become the fourth most common reason for temporary accommodation.

It is an issue that primarily lies with the UK Government. That is why it is so critical that they get their immigration policy right and deal with those who are coming here outside of the immigration policy that is in place.

Cheryl Brownlee (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Minister for his statement. He will not be surprised that I welcome the £1·6 million for Carrickfergus Castle. I thank him for the recognition of how important that asset is to Northern Ireland as a world-class visitor attraction. Will the Minister detail what the investment will entail and what difference it will make to Carrickfergus Castle and, of course, the town centre?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I share the Member's delight at the money that is being allocated to Carrick Castle. That £1·6 million will be used for works to the castle vaults and officers' quarters and refurbishment of the cannons and the main gate. I do not know whether that takes them entirely back to the working order that they may have been in some time ago, but I have been told that the cannons are being refurbished anyway. There will also be works to the castle sea tower, along with conservation works to Carrick town walls and Carrick gasworks.

The castle is an incredible resource in East Antrim, but it has been underutilised and underdeveloped in the area's tourism potential. I hope that it will encourage more people to come to Carrickfergus to visit the castle and to spend more time in East Antrim before they head up to the Causeway coast.

Tom Buchanan (DUP, West Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his statement and welcome the £750,000 for musical instruments through the Arts Council. Will the Minister advise what more can be done to streamline the application process?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I am grateful to the Member for raising that question, because it is raised frequently with me. There was an Arts Council event a couple of Saturdays ago in the town hall in Ballymena for those who applied to the musical instruments fund, and it was raised with me time and time again how the application process could be better. Therefore, I have tasked officials with reviewing the application process to make it much more streamlined in order to ensure that it does not become an obstacle to application.

Harry Harvey (DUP, Strangford)

I welcome the Minister's statement. To build on the success of Olympic medal winners, such as our own Rhys McClenaghan from my constituency, can the Minister update the House on his plan to grow success through legacy funding?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Member for raising Rhys's incredible success at the Olympic Games in Paris last year. I will see him today and will get an update on the funding that I made available for the medal winners from Paris 2024. That was split between those who were successful, and the funding has been used for new equipment and to expand opportunities to participate in sports.

Building on that fund, I am pleased to announce a £1 million capital investment programme under the theme of Olympic legacy, and that funding will enable our sports clubs and community groups to develop or modernise their facilities or buy large items of equipment. The objective of the fund is to generate a substantial legacy for sport in Northern Ireland following Paris 2024 and to improve infrastructure and equipment provision.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

I join others in welcoming the statement. There are plenty of positives that you have outlined, Minister, for your year ahead.

I want to pick up on the housing issue, and I note that you said that we are:

"left in a position where we are funding less than 50% of the Programme for Government's housing target".

Can you enlighten the House about that? Is it solely down to funding, or are there restrictions on that number because of an inadequate sewerage network to allow for connections? I have massive concerns that the targets that you have set for new housing will be held back by the lack of sewerage connections. Can you update the House on what discussions you have had with the Minister for Infrastructure on that issue?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Member for his hearty welcome for my statement and for his endorsement of that and of the job that I am doing.

The Member mentioned the serious issue of housing. Clearly, if I had all the budget allocation that I wanted, we would be able to proceed with the homes; it would just mean that we would be looking at areas in which there is capacity in the system. We are keen to look at that. On the wider issue of housing, is the lack of waste water capacity an issue? Absolutely. It is driving up the cost of building and completing homes. I want to see that change. I met the Infrastructure Minister's predecessor in relation to that issue and will, no doubt, meet the current Infrastructure Minister soon, because infrastructure, particularly waste water infrastructure, is absolutely critical, if we are to meet the targets in the housing supply strategy. I will work with all Executive colleagues to make sure that that happens, because it is one of the most critical issues that we face.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

Minister, thank you for stepping up and showing leadership to do things differently and to deliver the best use of public money and reduce fraud. I welcome, as is outlined in your statement, the approach to streamlining the Civil Service and driving forward with efficiencies when we need them most. Could the Minister please outline the impact that that will have on vacancies?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I have been clear that I want to make sure that we have the right people in the right place doing the right jobs. We have to remember that every post is funded by people who pay their rates and taxes, and therefore we need to make sure that we have the right staff in place. Earlier, I announced that I had 1,000 vacancies that, for a number of years, I have not been able to fill. That is the sort of thing that we need to look at. I want to look at all our vacancies and make sure that we have the right people in place throughout the Department and that we no longer retain posts that are not needed, because, ultimately, we are here to serve the public and to make the best use of the resources that we have. I just want to make sure that I prioritise my baseline and that any additional money that I get goes to the right place.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

I thank the Minister for his important and far-reaching statement. I particularly welcome the additional allocation to Libraries NI. As the Minister is aware, I have been championing investment in Newtownards library for 20 years — I am that old — and I am delighted to see £200,000 being allocated to it. Could the Minister provide some more detail on the purpose of that money and on whether we will see that much-needed new build become a reality? To copy a colleague's phrase, I hope that it will be on his watch.

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Member for inviting me to Newtownards library. I found it unacceptable just how small that library is for a town the size of Newtownards, and I am really pleased that there are plans in place to expand it.

The £200,000 that I have allocated is for work that will need to be done in this financial year to start the process. That money is part of a wider package of almost £6 million of capital investment by my Department. I am pleased that we have been able to deliver for libraries in Fivemiletown and Enniskillen. I look forward to doing the same for Newtownards. Mrs Dodds is lobbying me about Banbridge library, and no doubt I will hear from other Members about libraries in their constituencies. Libraries are an essential resource. I want to make sure that they are fit for purpose, and I will do all that I can to progress that work on behalf of the people of Newtownards and beyond.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his investment in Enniskillen library, which is getting the lion's share of the £1 million that he allocated. That is proof that the Minister has not forgotten about County Fermanagh, and I thank him for that. He will remember his visit to Enniskillen library, which was in a really poor condition, but, hopefully, will become a state-of-the-art facility. Does he agree with me that investing in libraries is important for the community, and can he provide a timescale for Enniskillen library?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I absolutely agree with the Member. For too long, Libraries NI has had to deal with year-on-year cuts. It has managed to keep its head above water despite those financial challenges. This year, I increased the resource allocation and, as the Member outlined, provided capital money for Libraries NI. I hope that that will ensure a more timely spend for Libraries NI's book stock and ensure that libraries are fit for purpose. I do not have a timeline to share with the Member today, but I have no doubt that she will continue to lobby me on that and many other issues in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Alan Robinson (DUP, East Londonderry)

I thank the Minister for his statement and for securing special status for Northern Ireland in the celebration events to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Will he provide an update on those plans and on what budget has been allocated to them?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I am really proud of this place and of the people who came before us. I am proud of those who left these shores and had such an incredible impact on the founding of the United States of America. I want to capitalise on opportunities, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is one such opportunity. That is why I announced funding of £250,000 in 2025-26 to support community-based and high-profile cultural events. My officials are working on the development of a funding scheme. A number of people from arts and cultural organisations have already come to me with ideas about how they can showcase Northern Ireland and tell the stories of the people who left this area to go to the United States.

In the US, the commemoration is being led by America250. I met Jen Condon, executive vice president, during my visits to Washington. I was able to secure special status for Northern Ireland. America250 is enthusiastic about the opportunities to partner on events to commemorate the anniversary. I am pleased to say that the memorandum of understanding between my Department and America250 is nearly complete. For me, it is about promoting this place and highlighting Northern Ireland in the United States of America. Some in this House do not seem to like that too much — some would rather that I did not get stand out for Northern Ireland — but I am going to continue to do that, because it will be of benefit to people across Northern Ireland.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Thank you, Minister. Members, that concludes questions on the statement.

Opposition Business

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

The next item in the Order Paper is a motion from the Opposition on improving safety at school bus stops. I ask anyone who is leaving the Chamber to do so quietly.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I beg to move

That this Assembly notes the absence of a legal requirement for vehicles to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off pupils; recognises the need for stronger safeguarding measures at school bus stops, particularly in rural areas where road layouts increase risk; and calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to introduce legislation requiring vehicles to stop for school buses, in line with best practice in other jurisdictions.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

The Business Committee has agreed to allow up to one hour for the debate. The proposer of the motion will have five minutes to propose and five minutes in which to make a winding-up speech. Two amendments have been selected and are published on the Marshalled List, so the Business Committee has agreed that 16 minutes be added to the total time for the debate. Mr Durkan, please open the debate on the motion.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.]

Many of us will have a familiar school day routine and rush — alarms ringing, the battleground of breakfast and ushering children out the door, ensuring that they have everything they need for the day ahead, including lunchboxes, pencil cases, PE gear and a warm coat. They go to school, they learn, they laugh with their friends and count down the minutes until the bell rings. Then, just like every other day, they line up to go home, trusting that the same bus that carried them there will take them back home safely. With that comes the fundamental unspoken contract that, as parents, carers and school staff, we all hold to: when we send our children out in the morning to go to school, they will return to us safe and sound. I pay tribute to all those who, almost 100% of the time, play their part in making sure that they do: our school staff, bus drivers and so many others.

For one family, 88 days ago, what should have been just another school day ended in horror and heartbreak with the devastating loss of their beautiful child Caitlin-Rose, who was doing what children across the country do every day — getting off a school bus. I thank Stella McMullan for her attendance here today and for her family's incredible courage in the face of such unimaginable grief. I never cease to be amazed and inspired by families who channel their loss and grief to ensure that other families do not have to suffer the same. It is a sad truth, however, that that tragedy was not an isolated incident but one of many. Each life lost is one too many. Across our communities, children have suffered life-changing injuries or lost their lives in similar circumstances after stepping off a school bus.

Today, we are also joined by Amelia O'Neill, whose children Fintan and Mary were struck in 2017 and live with life-altering injuries; by Rosemary and Bob Hogg, whose 13-year-old daughter Caitlin was killed in 2022 in circumstances tragically similar to those of Caitlin-Rose; and by leading paediatric consultants, who know all too well the consequences of our inaction, and others who work every day to reduce deaths on our roads. Their testimonies and presence here today are moving, and they should move us all: they should move us to action and to commit ourselves to meaningful change.

The motion calls for a straightforward and essential safety measure — a legal requirement for vehicles to stop when school buses are picking up or dropping off pupils. It is not radical or even new, but it is long overdue. In rural areas, in particular, where roads are narrow, footpaths are absent, visibility is poor and signage is inadequate, that measure could and will save lives. The Assembly has passed road safety motions before. We have commissioned reviews, but, today, we cannot just go through the motions of another motion. It must be a springboard to change: to changing the law to protect children.

We support calls for a broader strategy involving the Department of Education, school transport providers and the PSNI. We need safer infrastructure, public awareness campaigns and shared responsibility. We need to review where buses stop and ensure that those spots are safe, but strategy is no substitute for law, which, in itself, will drive behavioural change.

We will accept the second amendment, which seeks to enhance road safety around schools, and we, of course, welcome the continued roll-out of the 20 mph speed limit, a campaign that was started by the SDLP, and the commitment to model legislation on best practice elsewhere. We welcome the commitment that we have now seen on social media from the Minister to introduce the legislation that the motion calls for. We would have preferred to hear that in response to the motion, but that is irrelevant. It is so important that we have it today and that the families have it. I pay tribute to all of them for the role that they have played in getting us to this point. If we do not do this, more families will be left with grief that never ends. Do not just take my word for it. I quote Stella McMullan directly:

"This can't happen again. No parent should bury their child because we did not change the law when we had the chance."

That chance is now.

Doug Beattie (UUP, Upper Bann)

I beg to move amendment No 1:

Leave out all after "pupils;" and insert: "recognises the need for a broader and more comprehensive approach to improving the safety of children travelling to and from school, particularly at roadside locations and in rural areas where road layouts may increase risk; acknowledges that that requires more than legislative change alone; calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to work alongside the Minister of Education, school transport providers, the PSNI and other stakeholders to bring forward a cross-departmental strategy to improve pupil safety, including measures such as the development of safer school bus stop infrastructure, increased use of warning signage and lighting, public awareness campaigns targeted at drivers and improved guidance for schools and parents on safe travel practices; and further calls on the Minister to review existing legislation and consider any changes required to better protect all pupils travelling to and from school."

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Thank you. The Member will have five minutes in which to propose amendment No 1 and three minutes in which to make a winding-up speech. Please open the debate on amendment No 1.

Doug Beattie (UUP, Upper Bann)

Thank you. Mr Deputy Speaker. First, I acknowledge the tragic death of Caitlin-Rose McMullan, Caitlin Hogg and the other schoolchildren who have been killed or injured owing to our poor road safety and infrastructure. I know that my words will never ease the families' grief, but I commend them for the courage that they have shown in that grief.

I also commend Mr Durkan for proposing what is an important motion. The Member for Foyle is right to focus on improving safety for all children who transit to and from school. On that point, the Ulster Unionist Party supports the premise of the motion. We have a number of issues with it, however. Our amendment is not designed to derail the motion but to add value to it in a positive way. I hope that Members will listen to my words, because they are positive, and the issue is far more complicated than people think. Let me explain. The motion:

"calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to introduce legislation requiring vehicles to stop for school buses, in line with best practice in other jurisdictions."

The vast majority of buses that are used to ferry children to and from school are not Education Authority (EA) buses but Translink or private-company buses. They are not as clearly marked as many of us would think or would like. For example, of the 91,500 children who availed themselves of public transport to and from school in 2023, only 21,000 did so in an EA-marked bus. It is therefore near impossible for drivers to know that they are to stop for pupils because it is a school bus, because, in many cases, they do not know that it is a school bus. That is why our amendment:

"calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to work alongside the Minister of Education, school transport providers, the PSNI and other stakeholders to bring forward a cross-departmental strategy to improve pupil safety".

Of course, out of that, we want legislation. That includes the correct marking of buses. To add to the complication, around 4,800 children do not get free bus transport in year 1. Many travel on buses that are for the public, so there are schoolchildren on buses for the general public that are not marked. That is just the figure for year 1 pupils. Remember the lifetime of the child: if they do not get free bus transport in year 1, they are not going to get it in years 2 to 7, so the number increases. Remember also that 4,800 pupils get taxis and that 8,800 use private buses, mostly unmarked.

Of course, the motion is bigger than making sure that vehicles stop for school buses. That is the tip of the iceberg. It is also fair to say that bus stop infrastructure is, in some places, not fit for purpose. Indeed, I have witnessed bus drivers drop children off at non-designated bus stops on busy roads with no footpaths. A significant number of bus stops are on country roads, with no footpaths or lay-bys for buses to pull into. Children use those stops daily. Schoolchildren are walking to bus stops on rural roads that have no footpaths. It is therefore not just an issue with bus stops but an issue of how children get to those bus stops in the first place on rural roads with no footpaths. My office regularly gets complaints from parents whose children get a private bus that the EA provides but still have to walk on rural roads to get the bus, because it is not a pickup service.

In Knocknamuckley — near Bleary, for those who do not know — there is a busy, fast and dangerous road where children stand on a grass verge in order to get picked up by a Translink bus. There is absolutely no visibility for oncoming traffic.

There are school buses that pass children who are waiting to get to school. The children are not allowed on those buses because they are specified for particular schools, even though they are heading in the same direction. Instead, the children are forced to wait for a bus that is designed for the general public and is not marked as a school bus. We have children getting public buses on roads where cars are allowed to drive at a minimum of 50 mph. There are not even islands in the middle of the road to help children to cross.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Time is up, Mr Beattie.

Doug Beattie (UUP, Upper Bann)

I am sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have timed myself out.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I beg to move amendment No 2:

Leave out all after "increase risk;" and insert: "acknowledges the Minister for Infrastructure’s commitment to improving road safety around buses through the launch of an advertising campaign on school buses and at bus stops, to warn and remind drivers of the dangers when driving close to school buses; welcomes the roll-out of a third tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at additional schools; further notes the Minister’s commitment to consider 20 mph speed limit zones in residential areas and to review speed limits generally; further recognises the Minister’s commitment to bring forward legislation to improve road safety around school buses; and calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to model that legislation on best practice in other jurisdictions."

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

The Assembly should note that the amendments are mutually exclusive. If amendment No 1 is made, the Question will not be put on amendment No 2. Mr Boylan, you will have five minutes in which to propose amendment No 2 and three minutes in which to make a winding-up speech. All other contributors to the debate will have three minutes.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Thank you Mr Deputy Speaker.]

First, I welcome the motion and send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in incidents related to school buses and all those who have been affected in any way. Recent tragic events have refocused minds on this issue. Campaigns on the need for increased driver vigilance near schools and school buses are important for further improving the safety of all our children.

Like other Members, I welcome the families who have joined us in the Public Gallery today and send them Sinn Féin's full support. We should all be doing more to improve the safety of all road users and of children in particular. Too many families have had to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one on our roads. Eighteen lives have been lost on our roads in this year alone. While that is a reduction on previous years, one life lost is one too many. We must do all that we can in this place to make sure that road safety is a priority across all our communities.

Our amendment therefore seeks to highlight work that has already been done. Given all the issues that we face, we must make a start somewhere. The Department's implementation of 20 mph zones outside schools goes some way towards getting people to reduce their speed in those areas. I also note that the review of the current scheme recommends that a third tranche of schools be included, and I hope that the Minister can say more about that in her remarks. The most recent development in relation to school buses and road safety has been the launch of the campaign around the safety of children around school buses. The safety concerns around children when they are getting on and off a bus are worse in rural areas, where buses make a number of stops on roads without paths or bus shelters. I hope that people will take stock of the messaging campaign and ultimately change their behaviour on the roads. Moreover, I recognise and welcome the Minister's commitment to bring forward legislation to improve road safety around school buses. I am sure that she will wish to set out her position during her remarks in this debate.

Our amendment clearly states that any legislation should be modelled on best practice in other jurisdictions in order to ensure that we are introducing the best possible measures to improve our children's safety. Whether it is advertising, reducing the speed limit outside schools, amending existing legislation or bringing forward new legislation, we should all be focused on what will improve our children's safety on the roads.

Doug Beattie (UUP, Upper Bann)

Will the Member give way?

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I have nearly finished, sorry.

I make a direct appeal to anyone who is listening to the debate: each of us, as drivers, can do more to improve the safety of our roads. Slow down, stay focused and ignore mobile phones. Let us all play our part to make our roads safer.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

We are debating an issue that strikes at the heart of our responsibilities, as citizens who use the roads and as MLAs: protecting the safety of our children is paramount. We cannot ignore the daily risks that young people face as they travel to and from school, especially in rural areas where the road infrastructure was not designed with the modes of transport that we have today in mind.

The motion highlights the absence of a legal requirement for vehicles to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off pupils. There is a need to explore road safety in that context, and I welcome the Minister's announcement today. I raised the matter at the Infrastructure Committee in March of this year, following the tragic death of Caitlin-Rose McMullan. I pay tribute to all the affected families, some of whom are in the Chamber. I apologise that I was not able to meet them in person due to my being in the Chamber for another statement.

In Fermanagh and South Tyrone, we have, unfortunately, had our fair share of accidents. In November 2008, Devenish College pupils Nathan Gault and Debbie Whyte were killed in a road accident on a rural road in Florencecourt. The accident prompted the school to think about putting reflector strips on its school blazers. The Hogg family are also here today. Their daughter, Caitlin, also sadly died after exiting a bus in Fermanagh. Sadly, too many young people have lost their lives in Northern Ireland in such circumstances. We support the purpose of the motion and will support the UUP amendment because it recognises the need for a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to pupil safety. It is a cross-departmental issue, and it should involve Infrastructure and Education as well as Justice, through the resourcing of the police to carry out speed checks and apprehend offenders.

A child's journey to school is not confined to the moment that they step on or off a bus. Risks are present at poorly lit rural bus stops, narrow verges and fast-moving traffic zones. Any review of legislation must encompass safer, designated bus stops with protective features; targeted signage and lighting, particularly in high-risk rural areas; driver education; public awareness to shift culture and behaviour; and better guidance for schools and parents on how to keep pupils safe for their entire journey. The current system leaves too much to chance. That ambiguity creates danger. We must remove the guesswork. I thank those who tabled the motion.

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

I will speak to the motion as a member of the Infrastructure Committee, a member of the Policing Board and the chair of the all-party group on road safety. I thank the motion's sponsors and those who tabled the amendments.

I start by acknowledging the family of Caitlin-Rose McMullan, who tragically lost her life earlier this year in circumstances that the motion and amendments seek to prevent happening again. I also pay tribute to the family of Caitlin Hogg, who lost their daughter in 2022 in similar circumstances, and the O'Neill family, whose son and daughter were, sadly, struck by a bus. I thank them all for joining us for the debate, and for their time before the debate.

We like parts of each of the amendments and the motion. We are happy to support the will of the Assembly and support the Infrastructure and Education Ministers to ensure that no child is killed on our roads while they are simply going to or from school. At the most recent meeting of our all-party group on road safety, I was fortunate to receive an update from Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, as I have done before as a Policing Board member. He speaks regularly about the "fatal five" causes of fatalities on our roads. The all-party group will be fortunate to have him back later this year to hear about the PSNI's work on keeping us all safe on the roads. He also speaks regularly about the 3 Es: engineering; education; and enforcement.

I have also been fortunate to speak regularly to the secretariat of the all-party group and to Davy Jackson from the charity Road Safe NI, who works tirelessly to educate young people about the dangers on our roads and who advocates greater education, awareness and acknowledgement of the fact that driving a vehicle is a serious matter that requires vigilance, care and responsibility. That is why there are so many measures outside legislation that are crucial to reducing deaths on our roads.

If you want to achieve the road to zero, education and enforcement must be everywhere. Drivers must always be aware of the significant consequences of the way in which they drive. The trend in the statistics suggests that the most effective way to reduce road deaths is to increase spending on education. The Infrastructure Minister is present for the debate, and I am keen to hear her thoughts and views on that during her contribution. In 2023, when the Assembly was collapsed, sadly, we saw the highest number of fatalities for some years, but that was also the year in which the least amount of money was spent on road safety education.

There is no easy answer to road safety. Instead, consistent hard work across Departments and sustained investment in education and enforcement will ensure that all drivers know about the impact that they can have and how lack of attention can change their life and the life of a family in an instant. Let us, as an Assembly, work together to ensure that our roads are safe, children are protected and we see no more needless deaths on our roads.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

As Question Time begins at 2.00 pm, I suggest that the Assembly take its ease until then. The debate will continue after Question Time, when the next Member to speak will be Declan McAleer.

The debate stood suspended.

(Mr Speaker in the Chair)

Oral Answers to Questions — Infrastructure

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Mr McCrossan is not in his place.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

2. Ms Flynn asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the scoping work to extend the part-time 20 mph speed limit scheme at schools. (AQO 2050/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. Since 2020-21, the Department has delivered two tranches of part-time 20 mph speed limits at 216 schools, which is an investment of £4 million. The Department previously piloted that approach at 17 schools, bringing the total number of schools with part-time 20 mph speed limits to 233.

A review of the initiative introducing part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools has been undertaken and is available on my Department's website. The review recommended the provision of a third tranche of part-time speed limits at schools with a more targeted intervention approach. A new policy document has been issued to enable an interim and modest programme to be taken forward in 2025-26. Given current funding pressures, tranche 3 will be modest in size and will primarily include two schools per council area.

A programme of schools to be treated in the next financial year is now being prepared. That draft programme is based on the existing scored listing but with preference given to rural schools that are located on roads where the national speed limit applies. I am currently considering the draft programme, and I hope to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

I thank the Minister for her response. She said that a lot of it is still under consideration. Will she inform me whether Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, which is on the Shaw's Road and is located in a residential area, is likely to be included in the third tranche of 20 mph speed limits, please?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I am aware that the Department recently received a request for that school to be included in the third tranche programme for 2025-26. As I said, I am considering the draft programme and plan to finalise it in the coming weeks.

The proposed programme will have a primary focus on schools on rural roads where a national speed limit applies: that is a speed limit of 60 mph. However, I am aware that there are schools in urban and residential areas that would also benefit from a reduction in the speed limit. I have therefore asked officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20 mph speed limits, particularly near schools in predominantly residential areas and places such as town centres, where there is a higher number of those walking, wheeling and cycling. We have looked at other jurisdictions where that is already in place and at its success. It has been shown to work and really improve road safety. I hope to be able to make further announcements on that in the time ahead.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

I welcome the confirmation that the scheme will be progressed, and I encourage its swift roll-out. Will the Minister provide an update on the exact timings of when the new signs will be in place? Does she agree that poor maintenance by her Department can also compromise road safety, through the fading of signage and yellow lines outside schools? That can also compromise road safety around our schools.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for his question. He asked about the timelines for its being introduced. As I said, I am finalising the draft programme of which schools will be included in the next tranche. I hope to be in a position to make a formal announcement very soon. Following that announcement, formal engagement and consultation with the schools that have been selected in this tranche and other stakeholders will commence. That will form part of that timeline.

In relation to road markings and road safety signs around schools and other areas, I agree completely that it is important that they are kept refreshed and visible, as they impact on road safety. Where there are issues with signage or road markings that have faded or are in disrepair, it is important that those are reported to the Department through your section office at the earliest possible stage so that they can be addressed as urgently as possible.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

Minister, I think that you made a slight reference to permanent 20 mph speed limit zones outside schools. I would welcome any further information on that. I also want to draw the Minister's attention to the village of Dundrum — I am sure that she is aware of it — where there is a school with a 20 mph speed limit at one end of the village, but Knockevin School, at the other end, does not have a 20 mph limit. People in that village would greatly appreciate a permanent 20 mph zone. Can the Minister elaborate on that? I would greatly appreciate it.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for raising that. As an MLA and prior to my role as Minister, I lobbied on the issue for a long time after coming to the Assembly in 2020. My child's school has a 60 mph zone outside it. I am acutely aware of just how dangerous that is and of the impact that that can have. It is something that we should see outside all schools, as we heard in the debate before Question Time, because we have to ensure that, in every possible way, we mitigate the risks that present on our roads every day, particularly for our schoolchildren, who want to get to and from school safely.

When I came into the Department, I asked about looking at how we can make those zones permanent — my predecessor had already started work on that — and rolling that out so that we do not have to pick one school over another. It would be good to see that rolled out further as quickly as possible. Budgets will constrain that. We have to do it with a phased approach. I hope that we get to a place where no school is left behind, and we are working through those. As I said, 233 schools already have the 20 mph speed limits outside them. We are looking at how we can roll that out further, be it in residential areas or town centre areas where we have lots of pedestrians.

We want to encourage greater use of active travel, and the Member will rightly be supportive of that. That is one way in which we can ensure that there are active travel routes and that people can get out to walk, wheel or cycle in a safer way. Reducing speed limits is one way in which we can help to make those areas safer.

Cara Hunter (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

A number of schools in my constituency would welcome the extension of the speed limit scheme. Off the back of that, will the Minister commit to exploring the implementation of school streets schemes that would temporarily restrict traffic around schools to improve safety and encourage active travel?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I have said, we are looking at improving safety around schools in general. I have mentioned the further roll-out of 20 mph speed limits. Included in that is our active travel delivery plan and how we link communities with schools and other facilities that are well attended. We want to encourage, in particular, our young people, parents, carers and families to be able to get there safely, whether that is by walking, cycling, wheeling or whatever it may be. Some of the measures that designers are encouraged to consider include the provision of greater pedestrian priority at crossings in the vicinity of schools, as well as measures to discourage inconsiderate parking that could cause difficulties for those who are walking or wheeling.

We are looking at everything in the round. The work includes the development of a toolkit of measures that can be implemented around schools to help with all the things that Members have described. Whilst we talk about speed limits, they are not something that the Department is working through in isolation: lots of other things are part of the bigger delivery plan that we are working on across the board for our urban centres and rural areas to encourage people to get out of cars and give them a safe option to do so.

Declan Kearney (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

3. Mr Kearney asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the transport strategy 2035. (AQO 2051/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I am pleased to advise that it is my intention to publish the new transport strategy to 2035 for public consultation in the coming weeks. In the past month, my officials provided a briefing to the Infrastructure Committee in advance of finalising the text of the document. The drafting of text is now complete, and officials are undertaking the final tasks needed for the public consultation. Importantly, that includes measures to ensure that the document is accessible for a wide audience, including those who use e-readers or other assistive technologies. My officials engaged with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) to help ensure that the requirements of those with special mobility needs are reflected in the wording of the strategy. It is equally important that we now ensure that the document itself is inclusive.

Transport is fundamental to the growth and development of our society, influencing how we live, work and connect. A modern, efficient and sustainable transport system is essential for our future prosperity. The transport strategy is the beginning of a bold and necessary journey to ensure that our transportation system meets the demands of tomorrow, while reflecting the values and priorities of our community today. I recognise that transport is not just about infrastructure; it is about the people who rely on it daily. My commitment is to build a system that is safe, efficient and inclusive and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, income or ability, can access the opportunities that they need to thrive. The transport strategy is an important first step. I encourage people to engage in the consultation, when it launches, to help shape a transport system that works for all and safeguards the environment for future generations.

Declan Kearney (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra.

[Translation: I thank the Minister for her answer.]

I welcome the emphasis in the strategy document on increased access for people with limited mobility and the overall approach to inclusion. How will the strategy relate to local transport plans?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said, the strategy is a significant piece of work. We are trying to ensure that it is inclusive of all the needs of our society. The transport strategy has an important role in the preparation of the new suite of transport plans by providing the overarching strategic context, consistency and rationale for transport decisions. The strategy sets out the long-term vision and the overarching strategic goals for the region, while the transport plans are more detailed and spatially focused on specific areas — the demographics and the topography of those areas — and how we can ensure equity across the piece. Essentially, the strategy provides the why and the what, while the plan focuses on the how and the when. I am excited about what they will bring. I hope that Members will, when they are made available, engage fully with the plans for their local areas and the wider strategy.

Phillip Brett (DUP, Belfast North)

Minister, the transport strategy aims to increase the use of public transport. One of the key ways to do that is to provide a late-night service from Belfast city centre all year round, not just at Christmastime. Last month, the Minister met stakeholders about bringing forward a business case for Translink to deliver a late-night service all year round. Can the Minister provide an update on that meeting?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As the Member is aware, following the debate on the pedestrianisation of Hill Street, I had a brief engagement with him and some city centre stakeholders. I am due to meet the Economy Minister and others to further explore having a better night-time service for the reasons that he mentioned. As we move through that, I will be happy to keep the Member updated.

Matthew O'Toole (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

Minister, I hope that you can give a specific pledge on the night buses. I appreciate that you are still meeting about the matter, but, further to Mr Brett's point, we would like to see specificity on it.

Will the transport strategy include actions from the all-island strategic rail review? It would be illogical to have a transport strategy to 2035 that does not mention the all-island strategic rail review.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The strategy acknowledges the recommendations of the all-island strategic rail review and the high-level time frames that it presents up to, as the Member will know, 2050. The review provides the evidence-based framework to inform future investment in railways across the island of Ireland. This high-level strategy is for the period up to 2035. It acknowledges that more work needs to be done to test the feasibility and affordability of the review's recommendations and to secure the necessary funding to take the projects forward. As the strategy is set out to 2035, I imagine that it will incorporate some of that work. However, the all-island strategic rail review, which, as you know, reaches to 2050, is a longer-term plan. We are still working through the feasibility aspects of that. Hopefully, we will see delivery of that throughout this period, but the strategy is not specific to that review, which is longer-term.

Pat Sheehan (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

4. Mr Sheehan asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the criteria for residents’ parking schemes. (AQO 2052/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Following the introduction of the first residents’ parking scheme in the North on Rugby Road and College Park Avenue in Belfast, my Department completed a review of the scheme and our wider approach to residents' parking.

Whilst the review found that the scheme introduced on Rugby Road has been generally well received among the residents of the area, it highlighted the point that other such schemes have been difficult to implement.

Challenges to progressing these schemes have included the resource-intensive nature of continuous redesigns of potential schemes and the inability to secure the appropriate level of consensus of local residents for a scheme to be implemented — a fundamental premise of the residents' parking policy. As previously committed, my Department is continuing to work on the development of the residents' parking schemes that have already commenced in the Bogside in Derry and the Iveagh area of Belfast and will give consideration to schemes in the vicinity of the new Ulster University campus in Belfast and the Magee campus.

Following the publication of the review, there has been significant interest in the establishment of residents' parking zones across the North. Given the level of demand and ongoing budgetary and resource constraints, I have asked officials to expedite the development of an application process for demand-led schemes and an assessment process for all potential residents' parking schemes to ensure that any requests can be considered appropriately. That process will take into account the findings and recommendations of the review and provide a streamlined approach to considering, assessing and prioritising requests going forward. I am considering officials' recommendations, and it is my intention to make an announcement on how future schemes will be assessed by my Department in due course.

Pat Sheehan (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra.

[Translation: I thank the Minister for her answer.]

Why has the Minister decided to introduce an application process?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said, the process for implementing a residents' parking scheme is resource-intensive. As highlighted by the recent review and given the significant budgetary constraints in the Department, I must be sure that any scheme proposed for implementation is considered value for money. Before any residents' parking scheme can be implemented, traffic and parking surveys are required to be carried out to confirm the viability of the scheme, and a scheme needs to be designed appropriately to ensure that it meets the needs of residents. My Department has received over 305 requests for schemes. Given that significant level of demand, it is not feasible to survey and design every request. There is a need, therefore, to introduce an application process for demand-led requests, as well as an assessment process for all schemes to ensure that schemes can be assessed and prioritised appropriately going forward. That will help to ensure that the schemes that are viable and that have the support of the majority of residents can be prioritised, ensuring that we are using our resources in the best way possible.

Joanne Bunting (DUP, Belfast East)

I am grateful for progress on this issue. The Minister will know that there are areas in Belfast that lend themselves to schemes such as this. I think immediately of Pasadena Gardens, for example: bin lorries cannot travel down that street because of the parking, and Ballyhackamore is just a nightmare. What will be required for the application process? With what type of information will residents have to be forthcoming? What support can be given to help to move things along?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for raising that. I could probably share a lot of examples from my area that are similar to those that the Member has highlighted. In the application process, it is important that we have quality evidence to show what will work well. As I said, I am finalising that — there is a paper with me. We must ensure that the areas that are selected have everything in place — the support of residents, proof of viability and evidence to show that there is a real need for the scheme — before we can move to implementation. That evidence will vary from area to area. The specifics will be available once we have finalised the process.

Justin McNulty (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

Will the Minister outline her assessment of the merits of introducing a residential parking scheme or zone around Boat Street in Newry and Daisy Hill Hospital?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said in my previous answers, there will be an application process. I suggest that the Member encourage residents in the areas in which a residents' parking scheme would, he believes, be suitable to apply for it through that process or through his constituency office. The Department can look at the specifics and the evidence to ensure that the application is considered appropriately.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

5. Mrs Erskine asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the final budget allocations for 2025-26 in relation to road maintenance. (AQO 2053/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I have not taken decisions on the 2025-26 budget as yet. I am in the process of considering allocations, including the allocation for road maintenance, in line with my priorities, the wider Executive Programme for Government commitments and equality considerations following the closure of my Department's equality impact assessment (EQIA) consultation later this week, on 5 June. I am keen to get infrastructure right. I recognise that the road network is a critical element of infrastructure that underpins and supports our society, economy and well-being. Indeed, it is used either directly or indirectly by almost everyone daily. We all know about the challenges of keeping the road network in good condition. I know how important that is to the people whom we all represent.

The well-discussed funding shortfall and the years of limited service have seen the condition of our roads deteriorate. It is time that we tried something different. That is why a new approach to road maintenance is one of my foundations. We need a new approach to how the road network is maintained: one that focuses limited resources in a way that balances safety against value for money. It should be data-driven and supported by sound engineering judgement and should address the problem in a meaningful and, most importantly, sustainable manner. My officials have been developing a new approach to road maintenance. We will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of spreading resources too thinly, thus ensuring a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Roads are crumbling. There have been warm words about delivering a new road maintenance scheme using technology. The major roads prioritisation programme has been delayed. There has been an increase in the number of claims because of potholes. Road safety has been put in jeopardy as a result of the poor maintenance of our roads. I understand, however, that £4·2 million was underspent on roads in the previous financial year. Why was that?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I came into post at the end of the financial year, so I probably do not have all the answers to those questions. The Department looks to put additional funding into road maintenance at every opportunity. It is a critical issue for all of us. We all use the roads every day, and we all recognise the huge challenges. What we see every day is directly attributable to the chronic underfunding that the Department and the Executive have experienced.

The Member may feel that there have been warm words, but I am keen to do something about the situation. That is what officials are working on currently. We cannot magic money out of nowhere to do what needs to be done, just as we cannot do so to address the issues with our waste water infrastructure. We cannot sit on our hands either, however, so we are looking at how we can find solutions that will help create more sustainable road maintenance so that we can do what needs to be done next without having to go back to the same areas time and time again. As representatives and citizens of this part of the island, we have all seen that happen. We are continually seeing the same roads having to be repaired. That is not cost-effective, so we are looking at how we can make sure that road maintenance offers better value for money and is more sustainable so that our roads are in a better condition for longer, until such times as we have a bigger budget, which would be ideal for us all. I am sure that the Member's colleagues in the Executive would also like more money so that they are able to do what they want to do and what needs to be done for all our public services.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Will the Minister provide some detail on the proposed road maintenance strategy?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said, officials are working on a new approach to road maintenance that will focus on delivering higher-quality repairs instead of trying to spread resources too thinly. That will contribute to a more reliable and safer road network where we intervene. The use of modern technology will help direct our investments at where they are needed most, thus ensuring smarter maintenance decisions, which, hopefully, will future-proof our roads to meet the changing needs of our society, including, as we talked about earlier, active travel. It is also about reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and ensuring that the network is resilient after adverse weather events, which we are seeing more and more frequently and which have a massive impact on the quality and structure of our roads.

I therefore look forward to engaging with everybody as the new strategy is developed. It is important that everyone engage as we move forward. It will be the first time that such measures have been taken. The new strategy will not be the answer to all our problems, but I hope that it will put us in a better position and that we will see a marked improvement in our roads.

Diana Armstrong (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Can the Minister give an assurance that funding allocations for road maintenance are fair across Northern Ireland, given that, in the current mandate, the spending on a two-mile project in Belfast was £4 million, compared with £1·5 million on a 30-mile stretch in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

That question comes up quite a lot: as I have said, it is one that I have also asked as a constituency MLA. It is fair to say that funding allocations are made in the most equitable way across all DFI Roads divisions in the North. There is a complex methodology for how funding is allocated, but it is based primarily on need. There are different schemes, which are worked out by the divisions. The funding stats for each of the divisions are accessible through the Department and have been accessed through questions for written answer, of which I am sure the Member is aware. The decisions on how that funding is allocated within the divisions are taken by the staff in those areas, who are best placed to know the greatest needs in those areas.

If the Member has specifics to ask about, I am happy to follow up with the relevant section offices and divisions. It is fair to say that we could make comparisons without understanding the mechanics of all those things and what quantifies greater need in some areas. The methodology is very complex — I have asked those questions myself — and sometimes it does not look like that on the face of it.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

6. Mr Dickson asked the Minister for Infrastructure why no public consultation took place before the installation of new shoreline barriers at Shore Road, Whiteabbey, despite their obstruction of views across Belfast Lough. (AQO 2054/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I have met the Member on this issue. He knows that my Department has legislative responsibility to maintain roads and footpaths to an appropriate standard, ensuring the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. That is managed through the provision of infrastructure that is designed and installed to current safety standards. Substandard railings along the Shore Road, Newtownabbey were identified for replacement due to their poor state of repair. The railings were adjacent to a combined footway/cycleway, and the replacement railings were required to be increased in height to 1·5 metres to meet the minimum safety standards. My Department was not required to consult the public on the routine parapet upgrade works at that location. However, my officials did consult Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on the design of the new railings at the location and provided two options for its consideration. Due to the additional cost associated with the bespoke design option, the council confirmed that it was content to proceed with the standard railing option in August 2024. My Department further highlighted the proposed scheme as planned works in its annual report to council in November 2024.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

Thank you very much, Minister, for your answer and for meeting me on the issue, when, as you know, we had the opportunity to express local concerns. You undertook to re-examine the unnecessarily overly engineered barrier, and particularly the chicken wire that covers it, not only blocking the view but causing further health and safety issues. Will you soon be in a position to respond to the specific issues that I raised with you? Will it be possible to remove that unsightly chicken wire, which blocks the view of Belfast lough for residents, commuters and cyclists?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for raising that. In response to the issues that he raised — it is fair to say that he documented and clearly showed me the key issues about which he and his constituents have been concerned — I spoke to officials and got some updates on why that was done in the first place. The wire mesh is an anti-climb requirement, as prescribed in design standard 'CD 377: Requirements for road restraint systems', which I am sure means nothing to you, me or many of your constituents. With that being said, I asked whether we could look at removing it, because I recognise that the view of the lough has been restricted and that there has been a real issue with the aesthetics of that beautiful area.

To ensure that we continue to meet safety standards, we have come to a bit of a compromise. Complete removal is not permitted under the design standard, but my Department is considering the removal of the wire mesh between the two uppermost rails so that it will potentially remain on just the bottom one. That would ensure that views of the lough were opened up, while still providing the required safety interventions for cyclists and others who use the topside. As part of our discussions, the Member mentioned his concerns for those who are on the shoreside of the railings and the potential for them if somebody were to get into difficulties with getting out. I raised that matter with officials, and I hope that, should we decide to move forward with the proposal, that would be a welcome compromise that would address the needs of everybody involved.

Nuala McAllister (Alliance, Belfast North)

7. Miss McAllister asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the delivery of the Belfast cycling network delivery plan 2022-2031. (AQO 2055/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Since the Belfast cycling network delivery plan was published just over three years ago, significant progress has been made on many of the short-term schemes in the plan. A scheme on Lagmore Avenue is in construction, and phase 1A of the west Belfast greenway is programmed to commence in early autumn.

Work is also ongoing on the upgrade of existing pedestrian and cycling facilities on Stranmillis Embankment. That work will include a new pedestrian crossing to improve the linkage between the embankment, Queen's Physical Education Centre (PEC) and Botanic Gardens. Environmentally friendly street lighting has been installed on the urban section of the Comber greenway, and Belfast City Council has led the delivery of sections of Forth Meadow greenway and Lagan Gateway. Design work is substantially complete on a further four schemes that are at various stages of the statutory process required to legislate for cycle routes before construction can commence. Design is ongoing or due to commence on a further eight schemes, and officials are working to bring a number of those forward for public engagement later this year.

Prioritisation of future schemes in the Belfast cycling network is also being considered by my officials, taking into account the emerging eastern transport plan, which I spoke about earlier, and other significant changes that have occurred in Belfast in recent years, not least the relocation of Ulster University and the increased number of students now living in the city centre.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

We move on to topical questions.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

T1. Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Infrastructure whether there will be an increase in public transport fares in the current financial year. (AQT 1351/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said, we are still considering budget allocations. I have been working with Translink, as the Member will be aware, to look at how we move forward. I hope to make a decision on that fairly soon.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, your party colleague Dr Caoimhe Archibald, as Finance Minister, stated that fare hikes had been earmarked as a means of getting more income into Executive coffers this year. Does the Minister agree that, given the need to make public transport more attractive — more convenient and more affordable — that is the wrong direction of travel?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

We could look at lots of things and say that they will bring income for the Executive, but that does not mean that we will do them. We have to look at everything in the round. The Finance Minister does not make those decisions, so her saying that does not mean that that is the direction of travel. I recognise, however, that part of my role and part of the work that I am doing that is a priority for the Department is to encourage people on to public transport. I am cognisant of that when looking at any decision to increase fares. As I said, I will make a decision very soon, but I am cognisant of all the things that we are trying to do and of what would potentially go against them.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

T2. Mr Honeyford asked the Minister for Infrastructure, after stating that he is looking forward to the publication of the Knockmore rail line feasibility study in the next couple of weeks, for an update on the delivery of Moira park-and-ride and the reason why it has been delayed. (AQT 1352/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for that question. As he will know, in October 2024, my Department issued a letter of offer of £6·6 million to Translink to provide 466 new car parking spaces with safe and convenient links to Moira train station. The project will also deliver 23 new disabled parking spaces along with secure cycle parking, CCTV and lighting. With the 89 spaces that are currently at the station, that will make a total of 578 parking spaces. Work will commence on-site later this month and is expected to be completed by September next year.

I am not aware of the detail on the delay, but I am happy to come back to the Member with that. Work is due to start in the coming weeks, so I hope that that is a good news story.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Minister for her answer. It is really good news that work will start, but DFI Roads has failed to address the urgent need to upgrade the junction on the A26 as you turn towards the station and the street lighting from the station towards the village. Will the Minister ensure that the scheme to upgrade Moira station will include street lighting for those walking to the station and a safety upgrade on the main A26 from Nutts Corner to Moira Road?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I am not aware of that being part of the development. I will speak to officials to see whether there are any such plans as part of the broader piece of work. I am happy to come back to the Member on that, because I recognise that, as we are trying to attract more people to use the park-and-ride and subsequently public transport, if it looks as though traffic volume in the area will increase, we should certainly consider that.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

T4. Ms Flynn asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the suicide prevention measures in the Divis and Clifton Street areas of Belfast. (AQT 1354/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Member for that important question. I fully appreciate the significance of providing those measures to the Divis and Clifton Street bridges over the Westlink. I can confirm that my officials have been finalising the detailed design contract documents and business case for the scheme at an estimated investment of £1·8 million. That is a significant investment, and, as everyone is aware, budgets in the current year are once again overstretched. However, I will endeavour to allocate funding to get those schemes, which are so important for the local communities, pushed forward. I recently met the mental health champion, Professor Siobhán O'Neill, to discuss how we can provide greater safety on bridges. I am very aware of the issue, and I thank the Member for bringing it forward.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

I thank the Minister for her response and her efforts to deliver the suicide prevention measures. It may be hard for the Minister to answer this question, but given that £1·8 million funding is required, does she have any timeline for when the barriers will be erected?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said, we are still finalising the budget allocations. I hope that, following that process, we can look at the timelines, and I will ensure that I keep the Member updated.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

T5. Mr Clarke asked the Minister for Infrastructure what assessment the Department has made of the implications for the Arc21 proposals for the Hightown Road in light of recent judicial reviews, including the High Court ruling on Duff v Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and the Lady Chief Justice's comments about the importance of adhering to planning policy and climate change commitments. (AQT 1355/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Like everything that we are seeing on the back of the Climate Change Act 2022, lots of things have to be taken into consideration. The recent A5 case is another example. As with all such matters, where we need to undertake further consideration, make amendments or try to address issues, we will do so as required where we can.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

Minister, given that that application has been in the system for some years and that successive Ministers have made various decisions on it, will you play politics with it, like other Ministers, or will you adhere to the planning policy and that of your officials?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I do not play politics with anything. I am doing what is best for the people whom we all represent. That is what I endeavour to do on all such issues.

Jemma Dolan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

T6. Miss Dolan asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the introduction of the water, sustainable drainage and flood management Bill. (AQT 1356/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The drafting of the water, sustainable drainage and flood management Bill is complete. I tabled the Bill for discussion at the Executive meeting on 29 May. Debate took place over certain aspects of the Bill, but I hope to secure Executive approval for its introduction at the next meeting on 5 June.

The legislation is a major step forward in helping us to meet the challenges of how we manage, use and treat our waste water resources, future-proof the system and get on a path to recovery from years of historical underinvestment. With seven key policy areas, it forms an integral part of my three-pronged approach to delivering a better water and waste water infrastructure system to meet the needs of our growing population and adapt to changing weather patterns. The Bill will expand hosepipe ban powers and allow my Department to issue future guidance on sustainable drainage systems. It will also provide grant-making powers for homeowners who are at risk of flooding.

Other powers will allow NI Water to adopt private drainage infrastructure constructed prior to 1973. It will enable NI Water to repair drainage miscommunications and recover costs, enable the registration of article 161 agreements on the Statutory Charges Register and allow my Department to make certain regulations for flood management and drainage purposes.

Jemma Dolan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Thank you, Minister, for that comprehensive answer. You touched on this, but can you explain how important the Bill is to your approach to upgrading our waste water infrastructure?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As we have talked about quite a lot in the Chamber, we in the North have seen underinvestment in the water and sewerage infrastructure for decades. Capacity issues caused by that underinvestment can and do constrain the development of housing and businesses and potentially harm our natural environment. To counter that, as I said, the three-pronged approach that I am taking involves seeking to secure additional funding from Executive colleagues, consulting on developer contributions to help fund waste water infrastructure and introducing the Bill.

The Bill will be important in enabling my Department to manage valuable water resources and should therefore be given the utmost priority. As I said, I have submitted the Bill to the Executive. We discussed it last week, and I really hope that we can get agreement on it as soon as possible to enable me to introduce it in the Assembly.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

T7. Mr McMurray asked the Minister for Infrastructure, having noted that the issue was referred to in a previous question, to outline the main indicators that her Department uses to allocate resources and apportion budget for road repairs and resurfacing. (AQT 1357/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I mentioned in my answer to Diana Armstrong, the methodology is very technical, so I do not intend to go through the detail of how it is worked out. However, I have spoken to officials, and they have provided me with answers to questions for written answer and questions for oral answer from other Members on how it is worked out. We can get a more detailed answer for the Member, but, as I said earlier, it is a needs-based approach. It looks at where the greatest need is and factors in roads that carry the greatest volume of traffic in order to ensure that they are repaired quickly. Different priorities are given to different levels of disrepair, as required. I am happy to get further information on the exact way that the issue is looked at and considered, if that would be useful to the Member. Hopefully, it will help, as it helped me to better understand how the allocations are made.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

Thank you, Minister. I would appreciate that. Following on from what you said about the needs-based approach, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in my constituency of South Down has the largest number of road surface defects of all local government districts and the worst ratio of defects to road length. Both have worsened in the past year. Can the Minister reassure my constituents that they will see noticeable improvements under her Department's new road maintenance strategy?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

That is certainly the intention. I looked at the allocations to the various divisions, which probably cross some of the areas that the Member has mentioned. Given what he said, although the amount allocated does not necessarily reflect the level of work that is done, southern division, for example, has one of the higher allocations. That division covers part if not all of the area that the Member mentioned. That also tells us that the need is significant and continues to be so. We can look at who gets the biggest portion of the pie, but we can see that the overall budget still does not go far enough. That is why we are looking at a new road maintenance strategy to address the issues in a more cost-effective way. From that, I hope that all our constituents will see the difference and that we get longer-lasting, more effective results from what is being delivered. That will ensure that all our road networks are made more reliable and safer for everybody who uses them.

Claire Sugden (Independent, East Londonderry)

T8. Ms Sugden asked the Minister for Infrastructure to outline whether there is any discretion in policy or legislation to repair roads that are not in public ownership but have a significant public use and cause damage to cars without there being any right of redress. (AQT 1358/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As the Member may be aware, the issue around unadopted roads is an ongoing one. We see it in relation to retail parks or housing developments. There are many examples in my constituency, so I share the frustrations. However, there is a process that we have to go through with unadopted roads. Essentially, it is the responsibility of the developer or whoever put the road in place in the first instance. In areas where there are shared roads, it looks like the responsibility can be shared between the various residents who might live along the road, and there are things there. The road needs to be brought up to a certain standard so that it can be adopted by my Department, which can then take on the maintenance going forward. There are so many unique issues around unadopted roads, but I am happy to consider those specifics and provide a more detailed answer, if that would be useful for the Member.

Claire Sugden (Independent, East Londonderry)

I have written to many of your predecessors about a road at Riverside retail park in Coleraine. The issue in that instance is that we cannot ascertain who owns the road, so there is no right of redress. It is getting to the point where the road is becoming unsafe, and I expect that the PSNI might look at closing it. How do we help people in situations where ownership cannot be ascertained?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Again, it is a difficult one, because, essentially, the policy is that, where the road is not adopted by the Department, we cannot take control of that. When we talk about the best use of public money, that is an issue, because, were we to intervene, all sorts of issues could arise. Intervening is also challenging given the funding constraints. I do not really know the answer in the specific situation where no one has responsibility. I am not sure of the specifics, such as whether the road is within or outside the retail park.

I am happy to look at it again to get some clarity around that. Speaking from experience of a retail park in my constituency, I know that the owner of the park had responsibility for those issues. However, if there is no one in place, we could, potentially, look at what other options are available and come back to you.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

We move now to questions to the Minister of Justice.

Oral Answers to Questions — Justice

Colin McGrath (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

1. Mr McGrath asked the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the comments by the PSNI Chief Constable at the meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board on 8 May that legacy remains one of the most significant barriers to achieving a representative police service and to rebuilding trust and confidence in policing. (AQO 2064/22-27)

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

As the Member will be aware, I have previously made clear my concerns about the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, which marked a significant departure from the Stormont House Agreement, blocked access to justice for many people and caused distress and anxiety for many.

I am not surprised by the Chief Constable’s comment that legacy issues contribute to an individual’s decision to apply to join the Police Service, amongst a wide range of other considerations. It is important that our Police Service is reflective of the communities that it serves, not just in respect of religious make-up but in respect of other characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and so on. When communities can see themselves represented in their Police Service, trust and confidence in policing grows stronger.

I am confident that there is an appropriate legislative framework in place to encourage applications from all under-represented groups, and I emphasise once again that it is incumbent on us all, as elected representatives, to encourage all members of our community to consider joining the PSNI and to help to create the societal conditions where that is most likely to occur.

Colin McGrath (Social Democratic and Labour Party, South Down)

Will the Minister confirm whether she agrees with the evidence of the former Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee legacy inquiry:

"What is required at this stage is a new institution."?

Does the Minister also agree that there must be an independent public inquiry into the murder of Sean Brown?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

They are two separate issues. First of all, with respect to the former ombudsman, obviously, she is entitled to set out her views, but I have been clear that a patch-and-repair job with respect to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is not the way forward. I do not believe that that will build the confidence in the community that we need to see. The UK Government are committed to continuing with that structure but reforming it significantly, so there is somewhat of a divergence in our views.

With respect to the Sean Brown inquest, you will be aware that the matter is before the courts. It is a matter for the Secretary of State and the NIO, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on matters that are before the courts currently. However, I will say that my thoughts are with the family of Sean Brown and with other families who continue to seek to have truth and accountability around the deaths of their loved ones and have, so far, been unable to achieve it.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

I will take the Minister back to the original question around legacy and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing. I concur with her remarks about supporting people from all sections of the community to continue to apply to join the police. However, in the Chief Constable's comments, it is obvious that there is a financial pressure greater than no other in respect of policing. What representation has the Minister made to the Treasury directly around the legacy piece to see whether we can come to a conclusion around funding that can support the police to allow them to rebuild trust and confidence in other areas?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

As you will be aware, representation on behalf of the Executive to Treasury does not happen through each individual Department; it happens through the Department of Finance. However, the case has been made by the Department of Finance on behalf of the Executive that additional resource is needed.

I raised the issue of legacy with the Prime Minister when I met him previously, and I raise it with the Secretary of State on an ongoing basis because it is clear that the contemporary justice system in Northern Ireland, on which we rely today, is not properly resourced, funded or equipped to deal with the ongoing burden of legacy. That takes a toll on the morale and the capacity of our current organisations. It has an impact, whether that is on the ombudsman's office, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the court system or any other part of the system. That is not in any way to diminish the rights of the victims who need to get access to that information and to justice and truth, but it is to say that the UK Government, as the body responsible for legacy, ought to be properly funding it in our system.

Deirdre Hargey (Sinn Féin, Belfast South)

Minister, do you agree that the ongoing debacle and treatment of Sean Brown's family in regard to his case is presenting significant barriers to trust and confidence not only in policing but the wider criminal justice system?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

Any legacy issue that is contested in the public space will have an impact on people's views of the contemporaneous justice system. That is an unavoidable inevitability. However, it is important to note that the decisions around it have been made by the Secretary of State. It would not be appropriate for me to provide any assessment of the Court of Appeal judgement, because that is a matter for the UK Government and is subject to ongoing legal proceedings. I do not want to dip into that space, as that would be inappropriate. However, I am very aware of the hurt and disappointment felt not just by the Brown family but by those who support the family in their calls. I offer them my heartfelt sympathy. They continue to seek answers about what happened to their loved one, as so many families are doing and as so many families have been frustrated in doing over recent years. I hope that that will soon come to an end.

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

Minister, what is your assessment of the extent to which the PSNI's requirement to deal with legacy investigations impacts on the delivery of contemporary policing and justice priorities?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

There are a number of issues here. The devolved justice system was never properly resourced for legacy matters. When Justice was devolved in 2011, all the liabilities that related to the Ministers who held office prior to that were devolved to Northern Ireland, but, at that time, no one anticipated that we would be standing here, in 2025, with legacy matters unresolved. The lack of a proper funding package for legacy investigations undoubtedly impacts on trust and confidence in policing and the capacity of policing to deal with contemporary issues, but it also diminishes the confidence of sections of our community in policing being able to respond to those historical issues. The constant association of our contemporary justice system with what went before means that there is a danger that we will lose sight of the extensive reforms that have happened in our justice system during the past 15 years and beyond.

From my perspective, resource is probably our biggest challenge. The organisations for which my Department has responsibility will continue to comply fully with their statutory obligations, but it has to be acknowledged that, even if the ICRIR takes over, is in place, is human-rights compliant and is all the other things that the Government say they intend it to be, there will still be a burden on the justice system, both from those cases that lie outside the strict legal definitions for the ICRIR and also from servicing the ICRIR in respect of disclosure.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

2. Ms McLaughlin asked the Minister of Justice for an update on the policy scoping work undertaken by her Department in relation to the family court system. (AQO 2065/22-27)

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

The legal framework governing the rights of parents and children vests in the Department of Finance rather than in my Department. My Department is responsible for the operation of the justice system and the courts.

I am committed to taking whatever steps I can to improve the operation of the family justice system. I continue to prioritise action to improve outcomes and the experience of families involved. Together with the Minister of Health, I continue to develop tools, under the private law early resolution action plan, to support parents to resolve disputes outside the adversarial court environment and to aid the earlier resolution of disputes that do come before the courts. I am taking steps, under my recently announced enabling access to justice programme, to ensure that we are effectively supporting the most vulnerable and using resources to best effect. That includes revisiting eligibility and merit tests for the provision of legal aid to ensure that resource is focused on greatest need and risk of harm. It also includes introducing bespoke delivery models to provide specialist tailored support and advice to vulnerable groups, including victims of domestic abuse involved in family proceedings. Scoping work is in train to consider the potential to increase the transparency of family courts whilst ensuring that safeguards are in place to protect the privacy of the children and families involved. I recently discussed that matter with the Lady Chief Justice. Her office is giving the matter further consideration, and I hope to be in a position to advise as to next steps in the near future.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Thank you, Minister, for that answer. Women, in particular, and families who go through the family courts feel that the operation of the system is failing them. The work that you outlined is really useful, and the fact that the scoping exercise is under way is really helpful. Do you have any practical suggestions that we could explore so that families can get help more urgently at that time? A commitment of additional funding to support those who are going through the system would also be helpful. Is any of that on your to-do list?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

We have set aside additional funding for legal aid in year. Those who are seeking general advice and legal representation, where they are enabled to do so and are entitled to legal aid, should be able to do so more readily. As the Member may be aware, in the previous mandate, we included a waiver for domestic abuse, which was to allow those who were engaged in family proceedings and who were victims of domestic abuse to have the monetary test for legal aid waived so that they could access it. That has not been the success that we had hoped for and does not seem to be used as regularly as we would wish. One reason for that seems to be the complexity of the application process, so we are looking at simplifying it.

Obviously, decisions in individual cases are and will remain a matter for the independent judiciary, but any party who is concerned about the outcome or handling of their case can seek legal advice on whether there are grounds for appeal. Complaints have also been made to me about social workers, but those are a matter for the Department of Health, which is responsible for matters relating to their training and regulation.

Jemma Dolan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Minister, what more can your Department do to address the lack of children's court guardians impacting on children in the family courts system?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

I am not aware that the absence of guardians ad litem or children's court guardians has been a significant issue in slowing access to justice. However, if there are specific areas or issues that the Member is aware of and wants to bring to my attention, I would be more than happy to meet her to discuss them further.

Joanne Bunting (DUP, Belfast East)

If I may, I would like to direct the Minister to discuss the domestic abuse space. We are getting significant complaints from victims of domestic abuse that the non-molestation orders (NMOs) are not as effective as they might be and that perpetrators are perpetually in breach of same. In light of the delay in prevention orders and notices, what scoping has she undertaken to establish the effectiveness of non-molestation orders and whether anything could be changed to make them better?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

I understand the Member's frustration, but non-molestation orders are a matter for the Department of Finance and not the Department of Justice. Enforcement in individual cases is a matter for the relevant judge, and, in reaching decisions, the judge will strive to ensure that the paramount consideration of the welfare of the child is not compromised. Breach of a residence or contact order can readily be dealt with through contempt of court proceedings or a summons initiated under general enforcement powers in article 112 of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, which gives the court the power to fine or imprison.

The best outcomes for children will be achieved if parents avoid the type of acrimonious dispute and entrenched relationship difficulties that can lead to the breakdown of contact and residence arrangements in the first place. However, that is not possible in cases such as the Member referred to: those in which domestic abuse played a role. Therefore, it is important that we look forward to the domestic abuse protection orders (DAPOs) and domestic abuse protection notices (DAPNs) and the work that my Department has been doing with PSNI colleagues to scope out how the trials of those are operating in England and Wales. You will be aware of the considerable concerns that the PSNI expressed prior to our going live with that legislation here. We are working with our counterparts in England and Wales to understand better how they are implementing those and what structures are around them to see whether there is something that we can do in that space that may, perhaps, be more useful than an NMO.

Connie Egan (Alliance, North Down)

Minister, I have been contacted by many parents who have concerns about how the family court system operates. What steps is your Department taking to make the family courts more transparent?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

Transparency in the justice system, and particularly in the family courts, has to be balanced against the private and personal information, often related to minors, that could be disclosed. We are looking at that, and the Member might be aware of the work that my Department has been doing on that. However, it is important that we understand the consequences for the legal system and individual privacy.

We have been following developments in England and Wales, which have a reporting pilot in the family courts, and we will continue to monitor that. More widely, we are looking at the reporting of family cases. The Gillen review and the shadow Family Justice Board proposed that, but, in both cases, it was very contentious. There are strongly held views on both sides of the issue, so there will need to be detailed consideration. However, people's understanding of the court system would be enhanced considerably if, at a minimum, they were able to see transcripts, even if they were redacted so that individuals could not be identified, thereby understanding better a court's considerations in reaching its conclusions.

Danny Baker (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

3. Mr Baker asked the Minister of Justice to outline the steps that she is taking to address the rise in the number of investigations into police officers alleged to have abused their position for sexual purposes. (AQO 2066/22-27)

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

Investigations into complaints about the police are an operational matter for the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (OPONI). However, I recognise the potential for abuse of position, including sexual exploitation, by persons in authority when engaging with vulnerable persons. I therefore support the direction of travel from the office of the ombudsman to develop and take forward a work plan that aligns with a key Programme for Government (PFG) objective to combat violence against women and girls. As part of my consideration of the OPONI 2025-26 business plan, I will give careful deliberation to those robust and effective processes to ensure that they are in place to have accountability and safeguarding.

Danny Baker (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

I thank the Minister for her answer. A recent Criminal Justice Inspection report noted that, as of July 2024, the Office of the Police Ombudsman had 19 active investigations of abuse of position for sexual purposes. Does the Minister plan to introduce a more comprehensive vetting process and a code of conduct?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

The vetting and employment of police officers is not a matter for the Department of Justice. When you look at the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) report on abuse of position concerns and complaints, however, you see that there are recommendations on how justice organisations should address matters and the time frames within which they should do so. The PSNI, OPONI and the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) all have responsibilities in addressing the abuse of position that was referenced. Given that those organisations are operationally independent of me, as Minister of Justice, and my Department, I cannot comment on the recommendations' progress. I agree, however, that it is important that robust and effective processes be in place to ensure accountability and safeguarding. We are certainly supportive of engagement on the issue, and, if it is found to be appropriate, we will consider what steps could be taken to improve outcomes, particularly given that the ombudsman's investigations of abuse of a position of trust concern abuse of position for sexual purposes. Given the vulnerability of some of the people in contact with the police, it is important that we have absolute confidence that the individuals involved in that unethical behaviour do not draw other, ethical officers into disrepute.

Nuala McAllister (Alliance, Belfast North)

As a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board's performance committee, I often look at police officer misconduct, for which the professional standards department is responsible. We are aware that there are some issues with the processes. Will the Minister provide an update on her Department's review of the police officer misconduct process?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

My Department is exploring legislative proposals on police officer misconduct. Members will be aware that OPONI, in its five-year review, made a number of recommendations, as did the PSNI. I think that there were seven in all on misconduct. Should primary legislative change be required, such legislation may not be able to progress in this mandate, given other legislative pressures. Whether it is primary or secondary legislation, however, it will be subject to a statutory consultation process. It is anticipated that a targeted stakeholder consultation will be initiated in the coming months to look at some of the options that the Department is considering for making more robust investment in professional standards.

I think that the Member previously asked about vetting, on which I did not provide an answer. It is not just about vetting people who, when applying to the PSNI, are vetted in advance but about internal vetting, where information may have come to light about an officer's conduct or behaviour while he is a member of the PSNI. That should be considered carefully if he or she is moving into a sensitive role that could in any way create conflict or concern.

Alan Chambers (UUP, North Down)

Is the Minister in a position to outline the number of cases of abuse of position for sexual purposes that have been investigated in the past 12 months compared with the previous 12 months?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

It is not possible for me to do so, because I do not have access to that information directly. OPONI has, however, advised me that, since 2021, it has received around 40 complaints of what it described as "police predatory behaviour" and that it continues to receive an average of eight cases a year. It has not suggested that the number of cases has significantly increased, but there has certainly been a steady flow.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

5. Mr Blair asked the Minister of Justice to outline the impact that late changes in defendant pleas, from not guilty to guilty, are having on all those involved in the justice system. (AQO 2068/22-27)

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

A late guilty plea can cause particular challenges for victims, witnesses and the justice system. Victims and witnesses will have experienced the considerable stress of anticipating and preparing themselves for a court trial that does not proceed or does not proceed to its conclusion because of a late change of plea. Seeing sentences reduced following a guilty plea can also lead to a sense of injustice and loss of confidence in the court system. For the justice system, which will have seen a lot of police, prosecution and court time taken up by investigation, case preparation and court scheduling, additional costs will be incurred that could have been avoided had an earlier guilty plea been entered.

One of my key aims as Minister of Justice is to drive consistent improvement in the Northern Ireland justice system. With that aim in mind, I have recently published a consultation to seek views on the way in which the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland deals with reductions in sentence length when a plea of guilty is entered in order to hear a range of views from the public and stakeholders on what is a critical issue.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

I thank the Minister for that answer, outlining the pathway that is required. In addition, what actions is she as Minister or the Department taking to address those challenges?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

The consultation that I referred to will close on 11 July, and, after that, the Department will carefully consider all of the responses. It would not be appropriate to predetermine the potential policy solutions that may be introduced until the responses to the consultation have been considered, and it should not be assumed that the consultation will automatically result in decisions to change legislation. However, it is fair to say that I am open to doing so. The timing of the consultation has been chosen so that, should change be required and should the Assembly and the Executive be minded, there may be an opportunity to progress this as part of the sentencing Bill that is due for introduction in the autumn. That, as you will appreciate, is a challenging timetable, but, with the assistance of the Executive and with the Committee's support, it is entirely achievable.