Northern Ireland Assembly, 9 February 2026

408 contributions from 67 members. The official report.

Assembly Business

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

We will move to Members' statements in just a moment, but I ask Members to give me moment. We have a special visitor today, but they are not in the Gallery yet.

[Pause.]

We will move to Members' statements, but I might interrupt.

Members' Statements

Pat Sheehan (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Seachtain Mheabhairshláinte na bPáistí an tseachtain seo. Is é téama fheachtas na bliana seo ná "Seo M’Áitse", agus is é is aidhm dó a chinntiú go mothaíonn páistí agus daoine óga go bhfuil áit acu sa tsochaí. Ba chóir do gach páiste a mhothú go bhfuil meas orthu agus go bhfuil tacaíocht acu sa chóras oideachais againn. Déanann an roghnú ar bhonn acadúil a mhalairt; diúltú acadúil atá ann.

Níl aon áit ag an teist aistrithe i gcóras oideachais nua-aimseartha cuimsitheach. In áit a bheith ag cuidiú le páistí a n-áit a aimsiú, is amhlaidh a scarann sí iad. Deirtear le cuid páistí "Tá libh", agus le páistí eile "Tá sibh ó rath", fiú sula bhfágann siad an bhunscoil. Cuirtear barraíocht brú ar pháistí agus iad 10 nó 11 bhliain d’aois. Bíonn imní ar pháistí san am roimh an teist aistrithe, agus cuireann na torthaí imní orthu fosta, go háirithe ar pháistí ó chúlraí faoi mhíbhuntáiste. Ní bhíonn deireadh leis an imní sin ar lá na dtorthaí; leanann sí cuid mhór páistí ar feadh na mblianta, ag baint faoina bhféinmhuinín agus ag dul faoina meabhairshláinte agus faoin dearcadh atá acu ar an fhoghlaim.

Is léir ón taighde an dochar a dhéanann an roghnú ar bhonn acadúil. Creideann tromlach mór na múinteoirí go bhfuil tionchar diúltach ag an teist aistrithe ar mheabhairshláinte na bpáistí, agus má deirtear linn gur sháraigh orainn agus muid óg, téann sin faoinár bhféinmheas agus faoin éifeacht a dhéanfaidh muid. Má tá muid dáiríre faoi mheabhairshláinte na bpáistí a chosaint, caithfear an roghnú ar bhonn acadúil a chur ar ceal anois — faoi dheireadh thiar thall.

Diane Dodds (DUP, Upper Bann)

Over the last number of weeks, we have had considerable mention in the press about waiting times in our emergency departments, with the median waiting time being 13 hours and 36 minutes. In Causeway Hospital in the month of January, the longest waiting time for a handover from the ambulance to the ED was over 19 hours .

The list for first-time consultant appointments in Northern Ireland has now reached 540,000, with those people waiting many years. We need to recognise the progress on the waiting lists for scopes and the reduction in long-term waits, but our cancer waiting lists are the longest and have the worst outcomes in the whole of the United Kingdom. Only 6% of women who are referred for breast cancer investigations will see a consultant within the 14-day target.

It therefore came as a considerable surprise to me that the Minister should then prioritise the pay of the chief executives of the trusts. The public will be perplexed that the Minister has chosen to do that, particularly in light of the fact that he has still not fulfilled his promise to implement the real living wage for domiciliary care workers. That is the huge contrast that exists on the issue of pay. The salaries that were signed off by the Minister will see the pay of those on the lowest rung of the executive pay scale exceed £100,000 per year, with those on the highest rung receiving almost a quarter of a million pounds per year. Those salaries will dwarf the salaries of our Prime Minister, First Ministers, judges and senior clinicians. That raises serious questions, particularly when the morale of front-line staff in hospitals is so low and people are working so hard to make sure that our health service functions.

Most galling of all is the fact that some of those who will get the automatic pay increase right up to 2029, will have been responsible for the debacle with the new maternity hospital and the new children's hospital, and the fact that we will possibly wait four and a half years before the former can be entered or used in any substantial way.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Before I call the next Member to speak, I welcome the honourable Donna Skelly, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. We have had the privilege of having Donna over yesterday and today. Donna, I trust that you will have a good time here in Northern Ireland. More importantly, I trust that it will be a useful time, through your meeting the First Minister and deputy First Minister, the Economy Minister and others, and that we will develop a good relationship with Ontario that will result in benefits for the Northern Ireland community. Thank you very much for your visit, Donna.

Connie Egan (Alliance, North Down)

Today I press for urgent action to protect our coastal communities from the impacts of climate change, including the erosion of our sea walls and the increased frequency of flooding.

Last week, the need for robust measures was again brought into sharp focus when extreme weather conditions deteriorated and partially collapsed Donaghadee's sea wall along the Parade, where the shore front meets critical infrastructure, including the A2. That posed an immediate risk to both public safety and essential infrastructure in the surrounding area, with the potential of strong floods threatening homes and causing local businesses to close.

As we know, sea levels are rising worldwide, leaving coastal towns and villages at risk during high tides and storm surges. Clear warnings have been issued by the community with a sustained evidence base, as collated in the 2024 report, 'An Iconic Harbour Under Threat'. The report was produced by the Donaghadee Sailing Club and Donaghadee Community Development Association. It highlighted that, when considering the harbour's design and the impacts of climate change, action must be taken to prevent further hazardous disruption. It was published as a foreboding tale two years ago, and its predictions are now manifesting at an even greater scale and quicker speed than had been imagined.

To quote the report published by Donaghadee Community Development Association and Donaghadee Sailing Club:

"While some politicians continue to voice doubts over climate change and its potential impact, there is now a substantial body of research material from central government, statutory agencies and academia which should leave the reader in no doubt that the threat is real and that action must be taken now before more costly interventions are required at a later stage."

Acting now is exactly what my colleagues and I have been doing. My colleagues in Ards and North Down Borough Council have been pressing the council to take action. There is a pressing need for strategic coastal protection measures, but the scale of the required works extends beyond the council's available resources, despite its ownership of the harbour. It is a predicament that other coastal communities across Northern Ireland find themselves in too. The Department for Infrastructure, which is responsible for flood risk management and assisting councils on how to bring forward local development plan proposals that take account of climate change adaption, must step up to the plate.

I have submitted a series of questions to the Infrastructure Minister, asking what steps are being taken in the short and the long term to plan for the impacts of climate change and future major weather events and when the sea wall in Donaghadee will be repaired. We need immediate intervention to protect the coastline in Donaghadee, and we need to look to the future. I am heartened by the progress that the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, has made on that, but we are still the only part of these islands without a climate adaption programme. We cannot afford for our coastal defences to fail. There is too much at risk.

Jon Burrows (UUP, North Antrim)

I pay tribute to a fallen former colleague who died on duty in Londonderry at this time 13 years ago. Philippa Reynolds was on patrol in the dead of night, when most of us, including me, were asleep. Her car was T-boned by a stolen car driven by career criminal, Shane Frane, and, we believe, Philippa was killed instantly. I had the painful duty of bringing Philippa's family to see her remains in Altnagelvin Area Hospital.

Philippa was a beautiful human being and a brilliant police officer. After her death, it became clear that the vivacious photograph that was released of Philippa changed a lot of perceptions of the police in 2013 in a city that still had an ambivalent relationship with the police. So many people contacted us to say that they no longer saw the police as behind armoured glass, in armoured cars and wearing body armour but as human beings. In that sense, Philippa's legacy is a powerful one.

I have stayed in touch with her family of late, who still feel profound grief. It is worth noting that, when headlines move on after a crime, it is easy to forget the profound grief that the victims and families feel. They mourn Philippa every day. Tragically, they lost another daughter last year to cancer. However, what struck me about Philippa's family in the days after her death was that, when they spoke to the media, her father, who had served before her, in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, told the world's media that he had brought Philippa up to treat everyone the same and that he was proud that, when she went out in uniform as he had done, she left politics and people's religion behind.

I pay tribute to Philippa so that she is never forgotten; that she is always remembered. She was a wonderful human being. It is important that those who serve never forget those who served and never came home after their shift.

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

I often stand up to hold the Executive to account and be quite strong and angry about their poor performance, but today I celebrate amazing performance by two schools, one of which is in my constituency. The other is outside my constituency, in east Belfast, close to here, but it has many of my constituents' children attending it.

There were two amazing victories: one by Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School in the MacLarnon Cup last Thursday night at the Dub and the other by Our Lady and St Patrick's College girls, who beat St Mary's Magherafelt in the Ulster Ladies post-primary schools (PPS) final. Those were an extraordinary couple of performances by two great schools and are a testament to huge effort by the coaching staff, the players and the whole school communities, who got behind them to support them.

It is also a testament to the growth of Gaelic games in south and east Belfast. South-east Belfast has two of the fastest-growing clubs, Bredagh GAC and Carryduff GAC, and we have St Brigids GAC, which is another fast-growing and successful club. Players from all those clubs were represented in both victorious teams, as was East Belfast GAA, which has set itself up in the last five or six years and been an extraordinary cross-community success. It has brought people from all backgrounds and all parts of the world into the GAA in east Belfast, and it has built something new in that part of the city with resilience and optimism.

I am hugely proud of Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School and the girls from Our Lady and St Patrick's College. It is a testament to the growth of Gaelic games in the south and east of the city but also to those two great schools and their ability to deliver hugely positive outcomes for those sports teams and create memories for the entire school communities. I remember when my school — going back a long way to my school days, more than 20 years ago — won the MacLarnon Cup. The final was at Casement Park, more than a decade before it became disused. It would be great if Belfast schools and those from further afield in the province could have schools' cup final matches, such as the MacRory Cup and MacLarnon Cup finals, at Casement Park and enjoy the atmosphere of a newly rebuilt stadium. In celebrating the amazing success of Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School and Our Lady and St Patrick's College, I want to see future schools from across Belfast lift their GAA trophies in a newly rebuilt Casement Park. I hope that that happens sooner rather than later.

Linda Dillon (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I rise today to mark two important awareness days that will occur over the next month. International Epilepsy Day is tomorrow, 10 February, and World Encephalitis Day is on 22 February. Both shine a light on neurological conditions that remain widely misunderstood but have devastating lifelong impacts on individuals and their families.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain which is uncommon but extremely serious and can be life-threatening. It requires urgent hospital treatment, yet early symptoms can often be mistaken for flu-like illness, confusion, seizures and changes in behaviour or difficulty moving. Most commonly, encephalitis is caused by viruses such as herpes simplex and measles, mumps and rubella, and that highlights the need for the vaccination of our young people.

Epilepsy affects thousands of people across our society and is one of the most common serious neurological conditions. It is not just about seizures; it impacts on education, employment, independence, mental health and family life. Many people who live with epilepsy face stigma, poor understanding and real barriers to accessing specialist neurology services, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For children and young people in particular, inconsistent support can have lifelong consequences that affect their development, learning and social inclusion. Early recognition and rapid treatment are crucial in saving lives and reducing long-term brain injury. Too many families have spoken about delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness, even among our healthcare professionals, and that is why World Encephalitis Day and International Epilepsy Day are so important to improve the understanding of the signs and symptoms.

Encephalitis can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional and physical challenges. Some people recover well, but others are left with permanent brain injury, personality changes, complex behavioural needs and conditions such as epilepsy. In some cases, viral encephalitis is a known cause of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe and life-limiting condition that is a form of epilepsy characterised by multiple seizure types, cognitive impairment and developmental delay.

They are not conditions that end when the hospital stay ends; they are lifelong journeys that require consistent neurological care, mental health support, rehabilitation services and support for families and carers. Raising awareness saves lives, but awareness must be matched by properly resourced services, early intervention and long-term support for those living with the consequences of brain injury and epilepsy. Today, I call on the Health Minister to listen to those individuals and their families and invest in neurological services so that no one affected by encephalitis or epilepsy is left to navigate a complex and under-resourced system.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

Last Tuesday morning, 3 February 2026, 11-year-old John Doole tragically died in a road traffic accident near his home, just outside Kilkeel. Our entire community is devastated and remains numb and in shock, none more so than his loving family. My deep condolences and prayers are with Theresa, Wesley, Lisa, Stephen, Penny, Katie, Holly, Ellie, Brooklyn, James, Joanne and Roxy; the wider family circle; his friends; and all who knew and loved him.

John was an amazing little boy who lived his best life in Kilkeel. With his bright blonde hair and his big blue eyes, twinkling every day, he brought fun and joy to every person whom he met. He loved his family, being on the farm with his daddy and playing with his friends. He was a bundle of energy.

I had the pleasure of John entering my life as he went through Kilkeel Nursery School and Kilkeel Primary School alongside my son. He was his dearly loved friend. John was kind; loving; so, so smart; thoughtful; funny; charming; and a much-beloved friend in the P7 class. They looked forward to starting high school together this September and to the many trips that were planned for their final term. They are devastated, as is the whole school family. They all did him proud at the funeral, on Friday.

A huge void has been left, and it is hard to understand why any of this has happened. It has touched the hearts of parents and families across Northern Ireland. The loss of a child is beyond measure. Tragedy can strike at any time. John was an angel in his too-short time on earth, and he is now an angel in heaven, looking down on those whom he loved. It is his family members who miss him the most. I pray for them, and I ask that everyone prays that they find some comfort in each other as they navigate their journey of grief and in knowing the amazing life that they had with John. John's family is a credit to him, especially his sister Katie who is now campaigning for changes to help stop others going through some of the pain that they are now experiencing. I support them in that, and I hope that others in the House will too.

As we pray for the family and the Mourne community, I put on record the fact that, in his short time, John made an impact and left many marks on the hearts of many people. I put on record my thanks for the precious life of little John Doole: always immensely loved; always remembered; and now safe in the arms of Jesus.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I start by acknowledging what Diane has just said. That was really tough. I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of little John.

I rise to express deep concern about HMRC's plans to remove the 10% wear-and-tear allowance for childminders as part of the move to 'Making Tax Digital'. Childminders do not simply provide childcare: they play a vital and formative role in the lives of children. A childminder is one of the most important adults in the early years of many children. Children are cared for in a home-from-home environment and are often embraced as part of the family. I knew, when I dropped my kids off to our childminder, that they were being not just minded but cared for, loved and developed. Families should have the option of childminding where that best suits their circumstances. That is particularly true for parents of children with additional needs, where continuity, flexibility and a calm home setting can make all of the difference.

I spoke recently to a childminder in Lisburn who described her anger and distress at the proposed changes, not only because of the financial impact that they would bring about but because they reflect how poorly the childminding profession is understood and valued. Childminding is being treated as if it is equivalent to other forms of self-employment, when, clearly, it is not. A childminder's home is their workplace, and their work is vital for families. It is a sector that is already under intense pressure. The number of registered childminders in Northern Ireland has been falling, year-on-year. Rising costs, increased regulation and workforce burnout are already pushing people out. Removing that allowance risks being the final straw for many dedicated professionals.

The wear-and-tear allowance recognises a simple reality: childminders use their homes as working environments every day. Furniture, flooring, toys, equipment and household items experience constant and unavoidable wear. Removing the deduction will reduce incomes overnight and make childminding financially unsustainable for many. What is particularly alarming is the absence of any meaningful impact assessment for Northern Ireland. There has been no proper assessment of the impact on the sustainability of the sector or on the affordability and availability of childcare for families.

At a time when we all acknowledge that there is a childcare crisis, it makes no sense to introduce tax changes that actively drive trusted, experienced childminders out of the system. I urge HMRC to pause these plans and engage properly with childminders and the devolved Administrations. Locally, I call on the Education Minister and Finance Minister to make strong and urgent representations on behalf of Northern Ireland's childminders before we lose even more people from a profession that our children and families simply cannot afford to lose.

Pádraig Delargy (Sinn Féin, Foyle)

I rise to mark the first official visit of Uachtarán na hÉireann

[Translation: President of Ireland]

, Catherine Connolly, to the North: a momentous occasion of pride and significance across our society. An t-uachtarán

[Translation: The president]

campaigned for her presidency on the basis that the office of president is one for all the people of Ireland and that she would use her role to be a leader for communities across our country. A landslide victory in her election, with her message of a positive and progressive vision, vindicated that.

The president committed to lead from the front, in word and deed, to represent the voices of all Irish citizens. I had the pleasure of welcoming her to a number of functions in Derry. She met business and civic leaders in our Guildhall before meeting the families of those murdered and injured on Bloody Sunday. The president spoke with compassion, understanding and an appreciation of what the Bloody Sunday families have endured and their role in inspiring others to stand up and demand truth and justice. President Connolly also visited the Siege Museum, recognising that, for many from a traditionally unionist background, that represents a significant space. Her visit symbolised the inclusion and mutual respect that must be afforded to all communities. Every person with whom I spoke talked of an t-uachtarán's

[Translation: the president's]

humility, of how she took time to listen and of a real sense of pride and confidence in her leadership.

Catherine Connolly pledged to be a president for all, and her visit to the North reflects that. She carried out her leadership in a dignified manner with her characteristic decorum. Our society would be a much better place if more people showed the same dignity and respect as Catherine Connolly. In stark contrast to the president's positive and strong leadership, we had the belligerent attitude of the DUP, particularly the East Derry MP, Gregory Campbell, which reflects disrespect not only towards our president but to the wider nationalist community and, indeed, all those who hold an Irish identity. It shows deep disrespect to all those who stray outside the DUP's very narrow world view. Those attitudes do not reflect the majority of citizens in the North, and Catherine Connolly, our president, will be very welcome to return to Derry, Belfast and any other part of our country.

Alan Robinson (DUP, East Londonderry)

I will say a few words about what we learned last week regarding a global shortage of the supply of some prescription drugs, including everyday items such as aspirin, which is used to prevent stroke and heart attacks, and common painkillers. Worryingly, we were told that the shortage could affect more than 100 common drugs and last until at least the summer, which directly impacts patients' ability to access the treatments that they depend on every single day.

Pharmacies are having to consider rationing supplies to keep patients going. The outworking of that will put pressure on patients with chronic conditions and people who are dependent on regular prescriptions, and it will add real risks. Given that it will place added pressure on pharmacies and GP surgeries, it is vital that the Department of Health works closely and urgently with its counterparts on the mainland to ensure that this part of the UK can continue to access vital prescription drugs. More importantly, we owe every effort to the most vulnerable — the elderly and those with long-term conditions — who depend on regular drug treatments. It is those people who, today, are incredibly worried about the prospect of their next visit to their local pharmacy.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

I rise to raise concerns about the continued delay in the delivery of the new school build for Forge Integrated Primary School.

For over a decade, the school has sought a suitable new permanent site. The parents, pupils and staff have done everything that they can to push that forward and have shown remarkable patience, but continually shifting timelines and delays have caused understandable frustration for them and the wider school community in South Belfast.

Despite some progress having been made, since 2018, the project does not seem to have moved forward as it should have done. The former Knockbreda High School site was proposed and was meant to be the answer to the delays. Since then, extensive pre-application engagement with statutory bodies, the school community and others has followed. They have engaged in good faith. After three years of pre-application discussions and the full planning application's being submitted in 2025, the delays seem to be on the part of the Department for Infrastructure. The key issue seems to be road safety, and I understand that, given the new location for the school. However, I am yet to see any real efforts to move the project forward, and many in the school community believe that the goalposts keep shifting.

I pay tribute to the school and the Integrated Education Fund for keeping the matter on the agenda. I recognise that the Infrastructure Minister says that she supports the development of the site. However, we, as South Belfast representatives, and the people who support the new scheme still wait for firm answers about the next steps. I urge the Infrastructure Minister to engage with her officials to get the answers that the school and the planning department so greatly need at this time.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Normally, at this time, I would tell the next Member to be called that they have only one minute in which to speak. The next item of business is a ministerial statement: unfortunately, the statement was not received by the Business Office until 12.18 pm. Therefore, to allow Members the opportunity to read it, we should not hear it for 30 minutes. It is a short statement, but, nonetheless, that protocol exists, and that is what we will observe. I will continue hearing Members' statements until the list is exhausted or until 12.50 pm.

Diana Armstrong (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I rise to place firmly on the record the deep frustration, disappointment and growing sense of unfairness felt by many of my constituents following the announcement on Friday of the withdrawal of £6·6 million from the A4 southern bypass project. The bypass was not an optional or speculative proposal; it was cornerstone project in the Mid South West growth deal, developed precisely to address long-standing deficits in infrastructure, connectivity and investment in the west of Northern Ireland. The growth deal was sold to local communities, councils and businesses as a genuine opportunity to rebalance our economy, stimulate sustainable growth and ensure that regions outside our main urban centres were not left behind once again. The removal of that funding now seriously undermines that premise.

The practical consequences of the decision are profound. The A4 already experiences chronic congestion, with frequent delays affecting commuters, hauliers, emergency services and local supply chains. Tourism, which is a vital part of Fermanagh's economy, is also impacted, as unreliable access deters visitors and investors alike. The bypass was designed to relieve those pressures and unlock further development. By withdrawing the funding, the Executive are not simply delaying a road project; they are stalling economic momentum and eroding confidence among those who were encouraged to believe that regional balance was more than just a slogan. It raises a legitimate and uncomfortable question: would such a decision have been taken so readily had that scheme been located in a predominantly urban area, or are rural communities once again expected to accept second-best infrastructure and diminished opportunity? That perception, whether intended or not, risks deepening mistrust and disengagement with central decision-making.

Infrastructure investment is not just about roads and bridges; it signals where growth is expected to occur and where people are encouraged to live, work and invest. Removing support for a project of that scale sends precisely the wrong message to communities in Enniskillen and across Fermanagh who already face challenges relating to distance, connectivity and access to services. Therefore, I ask the Minister of Finance whether he, along with his colleague the Minister for the Economy, who is here today, have fully considered the long-term economic, social and regional consequences of the decision and what steps they now intend to take to reassure my constituents that the sustainability of their local economy, their connectivity and their future development prospects remain a genuine priority for the Executive.

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

It is now more than two years since the restoration of the Assembly and the return of the Executive. It has been two years of promises, two years of announcements and two years of carefully staged press conferences about delivery, reform and transformation. Yet, in all that time, the Sinn Féin/DUP-led Executive have failed to bring forward a single meaningful piece of primary legislation to improve the lives of the people whom we represent. Let us reflect on that extraordinary situation: the parties that claim to be legislators have, in reality, chosen not to legislate.

The institutions were restored amid great public expectation with commitments to action and urgency. Instead, what we have witnessed is drift, delay and dysfunction at the very heart of government here. Rather than doing the serious work of lawmaking, Ministers have filled the void with a constant stream of non-binding motions that change nothing, fix nothing and are designed for headlines not for hospitals, homes or hard-pressed families.

When we examine the record of the mandate, the picture becomes even starker. After two full years of restored government, the total time spent on legislation in the Assembly amounts to mere minutes of legislative business in two years of supposed delivery. How embarrassing. That is not just inadequate; it is an abdication of responsibility on the part of the Executive. Legislation is not optional government; it is the central mechanism by which Ministers deliver reform, protect citizens and shape the future. Without it, there is no meaningful progress or action, only rhetoric.

We know how the story usually ends. As the mandate approaches its conclusion, urgency will suddenly be discovered. Bills will be rushed in at the eleventh hour; scrutiny will be compressed; Committees will be pressured; and stakeholders will be sidelined, all so that Ministers can claim, in the dying days of the mandate, that something — anything — has been delivered. That is not good governance. It is not transparency, and it is not respectful to the House or to the people whom we serve collectively.

The reality is simple and stark. Two years on from restoration, public services remain under immense strain, waiting lists remain unacceptable and families continue to struggle with the cost of living, and there is still no serious legislative programme coming forward from the Executive. Therefore, the public are rightly entitled to ask a basic question: what are the Executive doing with the time that they have been given? Government is not measured in press releases; it is measured in progress. Not in rhetoric but in results. It is absolutely shameful for government parties to bring forward non-binding motions, given that they have no meaningful end. After two years, the real story of the Executive is absolute failure.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

Mr Speaker, thank you for your grace this morning.

The PSNI data breach in 2023 was deeply concerning and still causes massive distress to those affected and, of course, their families. The breach has added an additional level of threat to all police officers who still need to utilise the utmost vigilance because of an evil and sophisticated terrorist threat. There must be robust safeguards in place across all parts of the justice system to ensure that lessons have been learned and that officers' safety is never inadvertently compromised. We in the Chamber, the public and serving and retired police officers need to be assured that appropriate procedures are being followed and that any necessary changes are made to prevent a recurrence.

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

The breach has cost taxpayers and ratepayers £119 million, but think of the cost for officers and their families having to move home, move area and move station. They have had upset and upheaval, and they have to constantly look over their shoulder and always be careful. That applies to the police officer and their 10-year-old son or daughter.

It is up to the Justice Minister to make sure that we in the House, in particular, police officers and the public alike all have confidence in the justice system. I call on the Justice Minister to reinstate confidence in the justice system, which is probably at its lowest ebb. That is on the Justice Minister. The buck stops with the Justice Minister and no one else.

Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit Alliance, Belfast West)

For the past few months, I have been contacted by people across the North, as well as a large number of people in my constituency of West Belfast, about Housing Executive maintenance fees. Leaseholders who bought their flats or maisonettes from the Housing Executive feel utterly let down by that organisation, to put it mildly. They thought that their new homes would give them security and stability, but they have had anything but that; instead, they are being hit with bills of £4,000 or £5,000 and, in some cases, higher. Residents in Rathcoole have been handed an eye-watering bill of almost £50,000 for remedial works to their building. They have been locked out of their homes for three years while that work takes place. The lack of transparency and engagement has been absolutely shocking and disgraceful. I call on the Minister for Communities to intervene in the issue.

Many people had no idea what they were signing up for, nor was it explained to them, when they purchased their homes from the Housing Executive. They pay a monthly service charge for their homes, with little in return. Still, they are being landed with bills for thousands of pounds that working-class families cannot afford. They do not have that money lying about for work that they did not agree to or sign off on.

When leaseholders try to engage with the Housing Executive to raise objections, what happens? They are offered a payment plan. They are told, effectively, to pay up and shut up. The Housing Executive has admitted in writing that there is no opportunity for residents to influence works to their own homes. That is not engagement or consultation; that is a dictatorship by any definition. There are huge questions here about why there is such a cloak of secrecy.

For the avoidance of doubt, many of the buildings are old and genuinely need essential maintenance and servicing. Some of the work, however, is completely unnecessary, including replacing perfectly functional railings with rusted railings; replacing stone steps with steel steps that are slippery every time it rains; and painting homes in really bright colours when people have not requested that. People suspect that the contractors are raking it in for work that is not needed and is, in some cases, of highly questionable quality. That, essentially, is what privatisation looks like.

The outsourcing of maintenance work by the Housing Executive has been an unmitigated disaster for residents and workers alike. There is a simple solution: the Housing Executive should meaningfully engage with leaseholders before any works take place, and all maintenance work should be brought back in-house in order to give workers well-paid and secure jobs that they can take pride in and to stop the gravy train for private contractors that profit from our communities while ordinary people are left with bills that they cannot afford to pay.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

February marks Heart Month, and, this year, the theme is 'Walk for Hearts'. It is a simple message but an important one, reminding us that small, everyday actions can play a big role in protecting our heart health. The statistics, however, show the reality that, for a large number of our population in the North, general heart health is not good. For decades, diagnosis and treatment, alongside major medical advances and research led by organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, have helped to dramatically reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease. However, we are stalling, and, in some cases, we are beginning to reverse.

More than 230,000 people here live with a cardiovascular condition. Heart and circulatory disease accounts for nearly a quarter of deaths in the North every year; that is 4,400 lives lost annually or 12 deaths every day. Around 20,000 people have been diagnosed with heart failure by their GP. What makes that even more concerning is that many of those deaths are preventable, and, with the right care, many people can live long, active and fulfilling lives after diagnosis. The risk factors across our population are stark: 30% of adults live with obesity, and around one in eight adults here still smoke. Some 300,000 people have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, which is a condition linked to more than half of heart attacks and strokes in the North. Almost half of adults do not meet recommended physical activity levels.

Heart disease does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages and from all families and communities, often without warning. I have to be honest and say that, when I was reading those statistics, I was quite shocked. What shocked me even more than the statistics was that, despite those statistics, which are shocking, and the challenges that are associated with them, there is currently no heart disease action plan or strategy in place here in the North. The most recent framework dates back to 2014. It is now more than a decade old and is no longer fit for today's pressures, today's science or today's opportunities for prevention and treatment. There is a clear gap in policy that must be addressed.

As we mark Heart Month, it is vital that we look after our own heart health, and it is equally vital that, as an Assembly, we show leadership by prioritising prevention, supporting research and ensuring that the health service is properly equipped to meet the growing challenge of heart disease. Lives depend on it.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

I rise to welcome the £7·85 million winter recovery road fund that was announced last week, given the ongoing crisis on our roads. Hopefully, the Infrastructure Minister listened to what was said during the question for urgent oral answer session last week, albeit it was only for 30 minutes.

For over a decade, the warnings have been very clear about the state of our roads. We have had a very limited service from the Department. The warnings have been very clear from across the public in every corner of Northern Ireland and from the roads construction sector. Groups like the Mineral Products Association have been very clear in stressing the need for action after years of neglect, which we have seen particularly in the most recent years. Almost 50,000 potholes were recorded in the past three months alone, and the public and us as MLAs simply do not want wet sticking plasters to sort out this crisis. The Department needs to look seriously at reprofiling its budget to prioritise what matters. It has to get more proactive, rather than simply being reactive. The proof will be in the pudding with this, but it certainly is welcome that money has been found and will be invested in our roads network. We will be monitoring that very closely, and certainly the public deserve it, given the impact of the condition our roads. Many of our roads are filled with wheel-wrecking potholes, and many families are seeking compensation for costly repair bills as a result of the neglect that we have seen in recent times from the Infrastructure Minister. Long-term, sustainable funding needs to be looked at to properly fix our roads by putting in place a proper roads maintenance programme and by ensuring that, with our roads, public safety is the number-one priority.

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

I rise to give praise to the two teams that played in yesterday's Danske Bank MacRory Cup final in front of 10,000 fans at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh. The Abbey took on St Patricks Academy, and the players from 33 different clubs put on an exhibition of skill, teamwork, athleticism, determination and mental toughness. A brilliant advertisement for Gaelic football, it was a game of two halves that, fittingly, ended in a draw. Those young players, who will all be back in class today, alongside their coaches and management teams, will face off again at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds under Friday night lights this Friday, and our appetites have been whetted in anticipation of another brilliant contest. I say to each of those players, maith sibh

[Translation: well done]

. Be very proud, because you have done your teachers proud, you have done your coaches proud, you have done your schools proud, you have done your clubs proud, you have done your families proud but, most importantly, you have done yourselves proud. Well done, lads. I am looking forward to another great contest on Friday night.

Ministerial Statements

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

The Speaker has received notice from the Minister for the Economy that she wishes to make a statement. Before calling the Minister to make her statement, I remind her that Standing Order 18A(2) requires her to make a written copy of it available to Members at least half an hour before delivering it in the Chamber. Today, the Minister has failed to meet that requirement, which is why we had extra time for Members' statements. Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order 18A(2), I ask her to state the reason for that prior to making the statement. Members, I remind you that you should be concise in asking your question. It is not an opportunity for debate. There should be no long introductions.

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I apologise for the fact that Members did not receive the statement on time. It was an administrative error; apologies for that.

With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a statement in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 regarding a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in trade and business development sectoral format. The meeting was held in Armagh on 28 January 2026. Minister Gordon Lyons MLA and I represented the Executive. The Irish Government were represented by Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, who chaired the meeting. The statement has been agreed with Minister Lyons, and I am making it on behalf of us both.

Ministers welcomed the overall achievements of InterTradeIreland since the previous sectoral meeting in April 2025, including its exceeding its target of over 55,000 businesses benefiting from trade supports by the end of October 2025. The NSMC acknowledged the contribution that InterTradeIreland has made for small and medium-sized companies through its trade and development programmes such as the launch of the Trade Missions @ Home programme, which supported 40 businesses. The NSMC noted the ongoing achievement of InterTradeIreland's innovation and entrepreneurship schemes, such as a 20% increase in applications for Innovation Boost in 2025, and support for University College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast, through its Synergy programme to create a formal cluster framework that is focused on the oncology and allied digital health sectors. The North/South Ministerial Council commended the work of InterTradeIreland, alongside that of Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI, in hosting the twenty-eighth TCI global conference in Dublin in October 2025, bringing together over 230 delegates from more than 25 countries, including world-leading cluster experts, policymakers and business leaders.

Ministers noted at the plenary meetings in June and October 2025 that the Council had agreed that relevant NSMC sectors should continue to consider how agreed collaborative approaches can contribute to economic growth. The NSMC noted the work of InterTradeIreland to support economic growth in both jurisdictions, including through driving cross-border collaboration, supporting SMEs and innovation, and facilitating trade and market access. The Council agreed that officials in InterTradeIreland will continue to collaborate on those matters, and an update will be provided to the next meeting in that sector.

The NSMC approved the InterTradeIreland 2026 business plan and recommended the budget/grant provision. The Council also approved the InterTradeIreland 2026-28 corporate plan. Ministers noted that InterTradeIreland's annual report and accounts for 2024 are being finalised and will be brought to the next meeting for noting.

The Ministers welcomed presentations from two businesses on the benefits of InterTradeIreland's programme of supports. They also welcomed a presentation on how InterTradeIreland's Synergy programme is supporting University College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast to create a formal cluster framework for the oncology and allied digital heath sectors. The NSMC noted the work being done by InterTradeIreland in running successful programmes of support for small businesses.

The Council approved a number of appointments to the boards of InterTradeIreland and the Loughs Agency.

The Council agreed to hold its next NSMC trade and business development meeting in spring 2026.

I commend the statement to the Assembly and welcome questions.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Thank you.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Minister, thank you for your statement. It is light on content and on politics. As you state, InterTradeIreland is exceeding its target with over 55,000 businesses benefiting, but there is no analysis of why. We get data on outcomes, but we do not know the impact. It is a meaningless statement insofar as we do not know the value added to the economy. We do not know how many jobs have been created. We do not know the regional or jurisdictional distribution of such investments and benefits. The valued added and data are so important. These statements keep on coming to the House —

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Can we have a question?

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

— and they are absolutely meaningless.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Minister, if you can find a question there, do you want to attempt to answer it?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

Thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Mr Deputy Speaker.]

I will endeavour to ensure that the Member is furnished with some of the information to which she referred. We received a presentation from InterTradeIreland at the NSMC, and I will see whether that is available for sharing.

I should also say that we had the opportunity to hear from businesses that had received support from InterTradeIreland about the direct impact that that has had on them. It is clear that the support is effective in helping businesses to grow and take on new workers. Both businesses that presented to the NSMC spoke very highly of how the programmes had helped them to focus on growth. In the past year, I have also had the opportunity to attend one of the Trade Missions @ Home programmes to see the type of support that is provided to businesses. It is clear that it is beneficial in opening up opportunities and new markets for them. I am clear about the benefits of the support that businesses get from InterTradeIreland, and I am happy to furnish the Member with additional information.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

Minister, will you provide an update on women's entrepreneurship programmes that may be part of the NSMC arrangements?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for her question. Women's entrepreneurship is one of the important new programmes that InterTradeIreland supports through the Shared Island enterprise scheme. It equips women with new opportunities through business support. There was a recent boost to women's entrepreneurship work in the North with last month's launch of a trio of programmes from InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest NI and Enterprise Ireland, which will enable participants to gain access to expert mentorship, tailored support workshops and networking opportunities that will accelerate their business growth.

The three new women's entrepreneurship programmes supported by the Shared Island enterprise scheme are WeBuild, which is a tech programme that is designed to empower women entrepreneurs to accelerate tech-driven business ideas and develop tech-enabled ventures focused on innovation, AI learning and building strong future-ready businesses, and is delivered by TechFoundHer; WeGrow, which is a growth programme for established women-led SMEs that aim for growth and expansion across the island and seek to reflect on their business potential and is delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland; and WeScale, which is a scaling programme dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to scale strategically and sustainably, blending world-class learning, bespoke mentoring and investor access. WeScale is delivered by AwakenHub, which, as Members may be aware, recently undertook a trade mission in the US.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

I thank the Minister for her statement. Has she or her Department had any discussions on how Intertrade UK can help with businesses experiencing friction east-west?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question on the structures on which Intertrade UK and Invest NI are represented. I have not yet had the opportunity to engage with Intertrade UK, but I am open to trying to support businesses to navigate frictions that have resulted from Brexit. I am willing to engage in any format to enable that.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

The Minister regularly highlights dual market access as an opportunity for growth, which I and Alliance welcome; it creates opportunities and is common sense. All the time in the House, we hear data being questioned and Northern Ireland being talked down. Will the Minister outline whether the Council has examined how we can bring forward data and evidence to show the benefits of dual market access to local jobs and investment?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. As he will be aware, cross-border trade figures have significantly increased over the past number of years. The latest figure that we have, which was for 2023, sat at €15 billion or £12 billion. There has been a considerable increase. We need to look at how we can support businesses further to take up those opportunities.

A key thing that InterTradeIreland highlights is that, for SMEs, exporting and trading across the border, as well as engaging in east-west trading, are often the first steps to wider exporting. We clearly want to support that.

I am happy to ask InterTradeIreland whether additional data or information on dual market access can be shared with the Economy Committee in particular.

Diana Armstrong (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Thank you for your statement, Minister. Other Members have mentioned that your statement referred to strong activity levels by InterTradeIreland and the approval of its business plan and corporate plan for 2026. The statement provided little detail, however, on the outcomes for the Northern Ireland economy. What direct economic returns has Northern Ireland received from those programmes to date? How, as other Members have referred to, is success being measured practically? What action will the Executive take if those cross-border initiatives fail to deliver tangible benefits for businesses in Northern Ireland?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for that question. Targets are set in the corporate plan and business plan for the number of businesses to be supported. InterTradeIreland has exceeded those targets across the board in respect of its most recent business plan, and, as the Member said, we have agreed the new business plan.

A range of support is provided for different businesses that seek different types of support and have different needs. Benefits are accordingly accrued across those. Examples include the Acumen project, which reported a combined business development value of £23·9 million and the creation of 114 jobs. Similar statistics can be attributed to various other programmes.

As I said, if Members are seeking additional information, particularly those who are on the Economy Committee and have been asking the questions, I am happy to have InterTradeIreland furnish the Committee with some of that information to help it to understand the impact of the work that is being done.

Pádraig Delargy (Sinn Féin, Foyle)

Minister, the Committee recently heard from InterTradeIreland about the valuable work that it does, including some of the programmes that it runs to increase all-Ireland trade. Will you give us some more detail on those programmes and any future programmes that will enhance all-Ireland trade?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. Cross-border trade will continue to be a key pathway for SMEs to build export capability and resilience, as I said to Mr Honeyford. InterTradeIreland supports first-time traders and experienced traders through a range of pathways, including the structured trade pathway. It provides practical guidance via the Trade Hub and helps SMEs with accessing cross-border sales, public procurement and supply chains.

At the NSMC meeting a couple of weeks ago, I heard from some businesses that have experienced that support and have significantly expanded their trade because of it. One such business is Long Meadow Cider, which is located in Portadown. It has availed itself of various trade supports to help it to plan and scale its cross-border exports. It now plans to take on additional employees for the first time. Couverture Desserts, which is located in Naas in County Kildare, has benefited from InterTradeIreland's Acumen programme, which has helped it to fund a sales resource to develop and grow sales across the island. Both those businesses talk, as do other businesses that I hear from regularly, about that support being crucial to enabling them to take the next steps. The additional confidence that they have as a result of the support and mentoring that they get is striking. We hear that all the time from SMEs that access support, whether via InterTradeIreland or Invest NI. It means that they are in a position where they feel that they can take further steps.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

I thank the Minister for her statement. As a representative of the border constituency of South Down, I am glad that you attend those events and try to maximise opportunities. We have significant expertise in employment across aerospace and defence, especially at Collins Aerospace, and in all the supply chains around those sectors. When you were looking at the development of businesses, did you discuss the supply chains in which logistics firms face cross-border barriers? There is expertise on both sides of the border, and there are opportunities to maximise that through our local businesses. What are your plans around that?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for her question. As I mentioned in the statement, we agreed the new business plan and corporate plan for 2026-28, which reflect the economic priorities North and South. Our priority sectors are reflected in those plans. It is about providing the types of support that businesses, regardless of sector, will need for innovation and skills and to take the next steps when it comes to exports. InterTradeIreland provides support for supply chains, so, if businesses in your constituency want support in that regard, I very much encourage them to get in touch and access the available support.

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

I thank the Minister for the statement. It is good to hear that InterTradeIreland has benefited participants and increased confidence. Start-ups and SMEs often say that they do not know how to access finance or support. What was discussed, and how could any business listening access some of that support?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for her question. It is an important point. Often, SMEs are so focused on doing their day-to-day business that lifting their head to look for support is at the end of a long list. It is important that that support be accessible. Of course, there is an online presence from InterTradeIreland. I very much encourage any business seeking support to reach out to InterTradeIreland to access that whole range of support.

Obviously, there are also supports available from other sources. We recently had a conversation in the Chamber about the need for Go Succeed to continue to be funded. Often, the first point of contact that many business people have is with their local council. Go Succeed is delivered through the councils. It signposts people to the variety of support that best meets the needs of their business. That highlights why we want to make sure that that remains.

InterTradeIreland is very accessible, and I encourage businesses to look at the whole range of support. We are putting a particular focus, including through Invest NI, on access to finance, because we know that that is a particular challenge for many small businesses.

Jemma Dolan (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Minister, will you provide an update on the Shared Island enterprise scheme?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I warmly welcomed the announcement in November that the Irish Government had made allocations of over €50 million to the Shared Island Fund to be delivered as part of that initiative from 2026 to 2030. My Department has been working more closely than ever with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to ensure that there is strategic alignment and synergy across key policy areas. We have bids currently under consideration by the Shared Island unit at the Department of the Taoiseach. I welcome the most recent milestone that we have reached in the delivery of successful Shared Island sustainability capital grants. The funding received through that by three successful companies in the North is of huge significance to support innovation and sustainability in the region, and it is a strong example of how that collaboration can really drive economic impact.

John Stewart (UUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Minister for the statement. I pay tribute to Enterprise NI, our local enterprise agencies and Young Enterprise. You will be aware, Minister, that we have an economy that is fundamentally based on micro- and small businesses, key to which is encouraging people, particularly our young people, into entrepreneurship. What more can we do to sow the seeds of entrepreneurship in our young people and develop the skills to grow our economy?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. It is not entirely related to the statement, but I am happy to respond to it because it is an area about which I am particularly passionate.

We have recently set up an entrepreneurship co-design group in the Department, bringing together the various partners across the sector to look at how we better support people who want to be business people, those who have a business idea and those who are already in business and are taking the next steps. We will see the bringing together of that group and the development of an action plan over the next short period. That will give us the opportunity to look at how we can expand the support that is there and ensure that we encourage people to take those opportunities.

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

I thank the Minister for her statement. At 2,000 feet, the highest surviving court cairn in Ireland, on the summit of Slieve Gullion, remains closed. It is more than half a century since, with the help of Sean O'Grady's tractor, that ancient monument was excavated. It has links to wonderful mythology like the spellbinding story of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Cailleach Bhéara's ring lost in a nearby lake. Why was that court cairn, with the potential to be an amazing national and global attraction and experience, not mentioned at the tourism meeting in Armagh in the same county? Will you commit to funding that monument?

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Mr McNulty, you may have jumped to the next statement, which is on tourism. This is one is on trade. If you have a question on trade, we will take it. If not, we will move to the next question.

Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit Alliance, Belfast West)

I will wait for the next statement as well.

[Laughter.]

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

That concludes questions on that statement. I resist comment on Members being ahead of their time.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

The Speaker has received notice from the Minister for the Economy that she wishes to make a second statement. I remind Members again that questions should be concise and related to the statement. This is not an opportunity for debate and there should be no long introductions.

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

With your permission, I wish to make a statement in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, regarding a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in tourism sectoral format.

The meeting was held in Armagh on 28 January 2026. I chaired the meeting, representing the Northern Ireland Executive, and was accompanied by Minister Gordon Lyons. The Irish Government were represented by Minister Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. The statement has been agreed with Minister Lyons, and I make it on behalf of us both.

The Council welcomed the report of the chair of Tourism Ireland on the work of the board since the last NSMC tourism meeting in April 2025. Ministers noted Tourism Ireland activity during that period, including the large number of marketing campaigns and events undertaken, continuing to strive for greater seasonal and regional spread of visits, including for example the marketing of the island as the Home of Halloween and the promotion of major sporting events. The Council noted Tourism Ireland's forward focus on increasing the value of overseas tourism; sustainably supporting economies, communities and the environment; and market diversification by expanding strategic source markets, stimulating demand for new and existing routes and strengthening strategic partnerships. Ministers noted the work of Tourism Ireland to promote economic growth through its support of sustainable benefit for SMEs and communities, business events, strategy and competitiveness, productivity and market diversification. The NSMC agreed that officials in Tourism Ireland will continue to collaborate on those matters, and an update will be provided to the next meeting in the sector.

Ministers noted updates on the work of the all-island strategic tourism group, including efforts to promote sustainability for the tourism sector. The NSMC noted ongoing work to address climate change and loss of biodiversity within the tourism sector. The Council noted the ongoing collaboration between the relevant tourism agencies on the Shared Island-funded brand collaboration project and the projects under the Shared Destinations programme 2025-2030.

The NSMC approved the 'Tourism Ireland Corporate Plan, 2026-28'. The Council also approved the 'Tourism Ireland Business Plan, 2026' and recommended the budget and grant provision. The Council noted Tourism Ireland's annual report and accounts for 2024, which have been certified by the Comptrollers and Auditors General (C&AGs) and laid before the Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Ministers noted a presentation on the collaboration to maximise benefits from golf tourism by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland and how the agencies are working collaboratively to promote economic growth across the island.

The NSMC approved an appointment to the board of Tourism Ireland CLG from 28 January 2026 to 18 December 2026.

The Council agreed to hold its next NSMC tourism meeting in spring 2026.

I commend the statement to the House.

Sinéad McLaughlin (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Minister, thank you for your statement. You previously described the extension of the Wild Atlantic Way into the North as a priority, yet there was no mention of it in your statement. What is causing the delay? What leadership and action have you taken to resolve it? Was it raised at the meeting?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for her questions. The Member will be aware of the recent announcement on Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, which joins County Fermanagh into the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand. It was agreed between Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI just before Christmas. That is an important first step in brand collaboration.

The Member will also be aware of the Shared Island project on the Causeway coastal route and the Wild Atlantic Way as regards the joining together of those routes and the shared marketing and shared signage. Certainly, I see the opportunity in further collaboration of both the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway coastal route brands across the island, as well as Ireland's Ancient East, which is currently being reviewed as a brand by Fáilte Ireland. The brands are owned by Fáilte Ireland, and we continue to engage with them on progressing that collaboration. Ireland's Hidden Heartlands provides us with a real opportunity to look at what the benefits of collaboration are for the businesses in Fermanagh that are able to take part in that brand. That will give us something to point to in relation to building on that for the other routes and brands across the island. We look forward to the engagement on Ireland's Ancient East when they have concluded the review of that as a brand and we can seek to further incorporate that into the North.

Áine Murphy (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Minister, thank you for your statement this afternoon. Will you provide an update on the recent appointments made to Tourism Ireland?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

Yes, and I thank the Member for her question. At the NSMC tourism sector meeting, my nominee, Barry Flanagan, was appointed to the Tourism Ireland board. My nomination of Barry to that important position reflects his commitment to the tourism sector in the Fermanagh lakelands region and to running his own business. The Member will know Erne Water Taxi well. He has chaired the Cuilcagh Lakelands Regenerative Tourism Network, working in collaboration with industry and government partners to develop that beautiful area for visitors. He will bring important experience and expertise to the board of Tourism Ireland. The announcement of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand being extended into Fermanagh demonstrates my commitment to developing the value of tourism across the island and across all regions to support prosperity for local communities.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

I thank the Minister for her statement on the important topic of tourism. Northern Ireland is a fantastic tourist destination, especially with attractions like the Mourne Mountains, the Giant's Causeway and the story of the Titanic. With this, there is a lot of talk about all of the shared initiatives. I am concerned that the Northern Ireland brand as a tourism destination is being lost. What is the Minister doing to specifically promote Northern Ireland as a tourist destination and the tourism sector here?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for her question. Of course, the statement refers to the NSMC and the work of Tourism Ireland, which markets the island as a whole and does so successfully. We seek to build on that to attract more visitors across the island and to the North specifically. There are some important targets in the business plan and corporate plan whereby Tourism Ireland seeks to increase visitors by 6% across the island over the coming years. However, in the North, the target is 6·5%, reflecting the huge opportunity to build on the offering that we have.

It is important to point out that the announcement of the extension of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand into the North clearly states in the guidance that eligible companies will continue to be able to use the Embrace a Giant Spirit branding that markets the North to the South, importantly, and to Britain, our two closest markets, where a lot of our visitors come from. It is important that we continue to promote the region as a whole. However, there are huge and significant opportunities to be had from marketing the island as a whole and including the North in those globally renowned and successful brands. Visitors from other countries do not see borders; they see the island as a whole, and we should capitalise on that.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I absolutely agree with the Minister on that, and I thank her for the statement.

Minister, we are talking about delivery targets for tourism, and you talked about strategic growth in international tourism, which is about bringing more people here, and how welcome that is. You talked a bit about the brand and aligning with Fáilte Ireland. Can you give us a bit more on that? Was it discussed by the North/South Ministerial Council? Do you have next steps for that or a timeline for progress?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. As he will know, we have set up the all-island tourism steering group to align the work North and South. It includes officials from both Departments and all the tourism agencies, and it will look at how we can build on the tourism vision and action plan in the recently announced strategy in the South; there are many synergies between them. There are, of course, conversations about how we can build on the initiatives that have already been taken. As I mentioned to Ms McLaughlin, Fáilte Ireland owns the brands, and we are engaging commercially to extend them. We continue to pursue those conversations, and we have done that through all the fora that you would expect us to use. As I said, I believe that Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand is an example of something that we can build on and that it will be a success for the businesses in Fermanagh. We have put additional funding into the campaign to support it in its first year. We will seek to take further steps on that. I am happy to write to the Member with some more detail on the time frames.

Diana Armstrong (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for her statement today. Minister, you have acknowledged that Tourism Ireland's aim is to promote economic growth, greater regional spread and sustainability. Do you accept that tourism businesses in Fermanagh and the wider Hidden Heartlands already operate at a competitive disadvantage in every season due to the lower hospitality rate in the other jurisdiction and the added burden of the travel authorisation that is in place?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for raising those important issues. As she will know, I recently engaged on the issue of VAT in particular with the hospitality sector through Hospitality Ulster and the NI Food To Go Association. The Finance Minister and I committed to engaging with Treasury, with the organisations themselves, to make the case. The Member will know from her involvement in the all-party group (APG) that there is broad support for the initiative from hospitality organisations in Britain, which see an opportunity to have a pilot here. We continue to make the case to Treasury, and I am happy to stand alongside the sector to do so. It will become more of a challenge in the summer when the VAT rate in the South is further reduced. We need to put a particular focus on the issue now.

We have continued to monitor the electronic travel authorisation (ETA). We have asked tourism providers to share with us their experiences and data, and we are collating that. We have asked Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre to do work on the ETA to provide us with an evidence base, and that work continues. Obviously, it has to be in place for a bit of time in order for the impact to be seen. That is where we are with it. Businesses report a strong summer, which is positive, but we will look at the actual data to understand what the impact might be and how it compares with previous years.

Pat Sheehan (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a ráitis.

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

Can the Minister tell us what support is being provided to ensure the success of Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann i mBéal Feirste?

[Translation: Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann in Belfast]

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. Fleadh Cheoil coming to Belfast provides us with a huge opportunity. We have seen the success that it has been in other towns and cities across the island, and we are excited about it coming to Belfast in August. Tourism NI is working closely with Belfast City Council and Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to bring it to Belfast. Fleadh Cheoil will be an unprecedented and inclusive event that will celebrate Irish music and culture. It is expected to attract in the region of 700,000 people, with an estimated economic boost of over £50 million. It will have a significant economic impact. As I said, my Department, through Tourism NI, is working with the other partners to deliver the event. I anticipate it being a huge success.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

I thank the Minister for her statement. She mentioned golf tourism. Has the Minister had any discussions about bringing the Open back to Northern Ireland, given the success of the event at Royal Portrush in 2019 and 2025 and in recognition of the value of golf tourism to our local economy?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. As I mentioned in the statement, we had a presentation on the opportunities of golf tourism. They are significant; we know that. As announced just before Christmas, the economic impact of the Open exceeded the expected benefits, and, clearly, we want to build on that.

The R&A has committed to three Opens coming here. We are in conversations and engagement with the R&A to tie down exactly when the Open will come back, as it has committed to bringing it here for that third time. Of course, we will look to bring the Open back again beyond that third time.

Kate Nicholl (Alliance, Belfast South)

Thank you, Minister. We are competing on a global stage with regard to tourism. You have already covered the like of VAT, corporation tax, ETA and air passenger duty. However, something that I am conscious of is how we compete for skills and talent. That is a challenge for all industries but particularly tourism, given UK immigration policies. What conversations were had with the NSMC about that challenge, and how do you intend to overcome it?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for her question. She will know that that is recognised in the tourism vision and action plan. There is a significant similarity between our strategy in the North and the strategy in the South and in the conversations that we have had about skills. I have had those conversations with Ministers across the Administration in the South such as Minister Burke and his counterpart Minister Lawless, because the issue sits across Departments there. We are looking at areas in which there are opportunities to collaborate North/South; at things that we do well, such as apprenticeships, from which they can learn; at things that they do well from which we want to learn; and at areas where we can share expertise and in which there are opportunities across sectors. That work is ongoing.

John Stewart (UUP, East Antrim)

We have heard about how Northern Ireland was wonderfully showcased last year at the Open, and the Minister has touched on the discussions at the meeting. What more is being done to promote Northern Ireland's sporting tourism around the world, be that in golf, motor racing, football or country pursuits, when there is so much to offer?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. The Open provided an opportunity to market our amazing coastline and everything that we have to offer. It was seen by a global audience. That is one of the things that those global events do: they put us on the global stage. We can continue to build on the success that we have seen in the delivery of the two Opens, as well as the further opportunities that we will see in coming years.

(Madam Principal Deputy Speaker in the Chair)

We have shown expertise in the delivery of big events, and I am certainly keen to work with Tourism NI on how we can bring more major events here to build on what we have had already and to attract visitors. When visitors come for an event, see everything that we have to offer and experience the amazing hospitality and welcome that they get, they are inclined to come back. That is exactly what we want.

David Brooks (DUP, Belfast East)

Minister, given the fact that America is a key tourism market, what is being done in relation to the America250 event to tell a key part of that story, that of Ulster-Scots and Scotch-Irish immigration, and, in doing so, to bring some of that Ulster-Scots diaspora back to Northern Ireland?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. That was one of the issues that was discussed at the NSMC. Obviously, Minister Lyons was in attendance. Tourism Ireland is looking at the opportunity to market the island as part of the America250 celebrations. I will be out in the States in early March, so I will have an opportunity to engage, as I always do, with Tourism Ireland when I am out there. I will look at the opportunities to market the island as a whole and at how to bring American visitors back for the America250 events here, so that we can showcase that heritage and history, which people often want to experience when they come here. If they have family or roots here, they are even more inclined to do so. We are keen to build on that.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

Thank you, Minister. You gave us a wee update on Ireland's Ancient East. Is there any likelihood that that brand might be developed or reviewed before the completion of the Narrow Water bridge, and is there scope for some sort of joint promotion? You might be in the Cooley peninsula, looking across at Warrenpoint or even heading up to Slieve Gullion.

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member. Fair play on getting your attractions in there. In all seriousness, there is an opportunity to look at how we build upon the scheduled completion of Narrow Water bridge and the tourism offering down the whole of the east coast. There are significant attractions and things that we want to showcase there. Fáilte Ireland is doing the evaluation of the brand, but I certainly see the opportunity to incorporate Narrow Water bridge, the whole of south Down and the wider area in Ireland's Ancient East to build upon the offering that is there.

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

I thank the Minister for her statement. At 2,000 feet, the highest surviving court cairn in Ireland, on the summit of Slieve Gullion, has been closed. It is more than half a century since, with the help of Sean O'Grady's tractor, that ancient monument was excavated. It has links with spellbinding mythology, such as the story of Finn McCool being tricked by the Cailleach Beara, who lost her ring in its depths. Minister, why was that court cairn, which has the potential to be a national and global tourism feature —?

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

Is there a question?

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

Yes. Why was that cairn, which has potential to be a national and global tourism feature, not mentioned at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting in the same county? Will you commit to restoring the corbelling on the roof of that court cairn and to funding it as a —

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

OK.

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

— tourism feature of shared importance?

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

Minister, that is the second time that we have heard that question, so maybe you will have an answer to it this time.

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

Thank you, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Madam Principal Deputy Speaker.]

I thank the Member for his question. I am sure that he appreciates the fact that we have many attractions across the North and that we do not mention every single one of them at every meeting, because, if we did, we would be there for a very long time. If the Member believes that there are opportunities to amplify that attraction, I am happy for him to write to me, and we can look at the issues.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

Following on from other Members who got their plugs in, I urge the Minister not to forget about the potential of the Tour de France when she looks at sports tourism here in the North. We have had a lot of talk today about the positives of tourism. Minister, can you outline the economic benefits of Tourism Ireland's international marketing campaign?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. He will know this because his constituency has a hugely strong tourism offering, but tourism is really important to the island as a whole and is a major part of our economy. It spreads prosperity across the region. It is vital that we continue to support that. One of the really important ways in which we do that is through Tourism Ireland's marketing activity. The tourism industry makes a huge contribution to our economy and provides around 70,000 jobs across the North. Importantly, over 70% of those jobs are outside the Belfast area, so it impacts across the region. That shows how integral tourism is to the fabric of our cultural and social life, as well as to our economy. People really care about the tourism product and offering in their own areas. That often translates into what makes it so successful.

Tourism Ireland has completed analysis of the return on marketing and has calculated a return on investment of around 25:1 for the top four markets, which are the US, Britain, Germany and France. While those are really positive figures, we need to build on them and support tourism providers in showcasing our tourism offering across the island. As Minister, I have also had the opportunity to see first-hand the work of Tourism Ireland at a number of its events and promotions overseas, and I have had the opportunity to meet travel trade and media personnel in New York, Berlin, Boston, London and Shanghai. It is so positive to hear how highly people speak of, and their enthusiasm for, our beautiful island.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.

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

We have heard a wee bit about sports tourism. Was there any conversation, or has there been any consideration, on how we can maximise the tourism benefits to Northern Ireland of Euro 2028 despite the embarrassing inability of this place to host games?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. That was not discussed at the meeting, but I am happy to engage with the Member, Executive colleagues and others to look at how we do that. It is, obviously, hugely disappointing that we are not in a position to be part of Euro 2028, and that we will not have Casement Park built in time for it. That project is moving ahead, and we are keen to look at future opportunities for such events.

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

Many tourists who visit our area go to visitors' centres, such as the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick. Unfortunately, however, funding is often short to maintain those buildings, which can impact the product that we have to offer. Was any consideration given at the meeting to developing a capital grants scheme for such buildings to help with their upkeep?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. That issue does not really fit into the NSMC's remit, so it was not discussed at the meeting. However, we obviously want to support our local tourism industry, so I am happy for the Member, if he wants to, to write to Tourism NI or me on that issue.

Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit Alliance, Belfast West)

The meetings are a chance to discuss issues that affect the North and the South, although I am not convinced about how often that happens. Airbnbs and similar short-term holiday lets are affecting people north and south and wrecking communities. The owners of those properties charge a fortune, which is driving up rents. In the Gaeltacht area, there has been an 88% increase in their number in past six years. Did you or other Ministers raise that issue? If not, will you raise it in future so that Ministers can work together to address it?

Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin, East Londonderry)

I thank the Member for his question. That issue was raised by other Ministers who were present and I, because, as you have highlighted, it is common across the island. Its impacts include the housing challenges that we face north and south; people's ability, particularly in the private rented sector, to maintain their tenancies; and challenges with tourism accommodation. There are balances to be struck there. The Minister for Communities, who has just walked into the Chamber, is doing important work on the housing strategy and research that is being undertaken on the impact of short-term lets, which will be hugely beneficial in providing us with an evidence base on which to make interventions. It is also important that we learn from experiences elsewhere where actions have been taken. There have been some examples in England and Wales that we should look to assess. That is likely to be considered as part of that research. Unfortunately, the issue will, I think, continue. We will have opportunities to continue to discuss it through forums such as the NSMC.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

That ends questions to the Minister for the Economy on her statement.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

The Speaker has received notice from the Minister for Communities that he wishes to make a statement. I remind Members that they must be concise when asking their questions. It is not an opportunity for a debate, and long-winded introductions will not be permitted.

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

My mission is clear: to deliver a welfare system that is fair, transparent and focused on those who need it most. In February last year, I stood in the Chamber, and I was categorical then in saying that welfare fraud is not just a financial issue; it is a moral one. That remains true today. Fraud is not a victimless crime. When individuals cheat the system, they are taking support from those who need it most.

In 2024, 3·7% of benefit expenditure — a staggering £350·3 million — was lost due to fraud and error. At this time of significant budget constraint, we must call out benefit fraud, ensuring that public money is directed to our key services and not to criminals. In April 2025, in an early and visible signal of my intent, I reintroduced the departmental practice of naming those who had been found guilty in the courts. Since doing so, my Department has seen anonymous fraud referrals from members of the public rise to 9,857 at the end of January 2026 compared with a total year-end figure of 6,353 for 2024-25. It is clear that, as a result of my leadership on those issues, benefit fraud and error is now clearly on the public agenda.

To the annoyance of some in the Chamber, I will keep highlighting the issue and keep it as a priority for the Department. I make no apology for doing that because those cases show shocking levels of dishonesty. Such cases include a 38-year-old woman who lied about her living arrangements to fraudulently claim over £76,000, or the 29-year-old man who gave false information about his living arrangements, disability and savings to falsely claim over £43,000. Some fraudsters do not even live here, like the person whose £35,000 fraud funded a life in the Philippines. I have taken away the shield of anonymity from those who steal from all of us and lifted the silence on the corrosive impact of those fraudulent activities. The response from the public to shining a light on those stories has been overwhelmingly positive. That has fuelled my determination not just to root out those committing fraud but to step up our efforts to deter anyone who may be considering going down that path.

By the end of December 2025, 497 criminal investigations into benefit fraud had been concluded. From 1 April 2025 to 6 February 2026, 57 prosecutions had been made as a direct result of the relentless investigatory work of my Department. In 2025-26, £16·7 million will be spent on bearing down on fraud and error through existing counter-fraud activity across my Department. The Department also undertakes debt recovery work to identify and recover overpayments, whether caused by fraud, error or changes in circumstances, and manages repayment in a fair and proportionate way. Up until 31 December 2025, that had resulted in a total recovery of £638,636.

The Department continually assesses the value and impact of fraud and error work. That includes routine monitoring of operational performance, recovery levels and wider preventative activity. The Department's benefit security teams, which lead on all counter-fraud activity, also undertake quarterly reviews to ensure that resources are focused on areas of highest risk.

It is important to be clear that fraud is a complex area in which fraud investigation is only one approach. We have dedicated risk teams and proactive interventions that help us to prevent and resolve issues at the earliest possible stage. To give examples, my Department reviewed over 16,000 universal credit (UC) cases up to the end of December 2025, correcting 2,072 UC claims and saving the Department over £10·6 million.

More than 5,000 employment and support allowance (ESA) cases were reviewed in the same period, correcting 677 ESA claims and saving the Department £2·5 million. As a result of compliance work in the Department, 2,654 cases were concluded up to the end of 2025, resulting in savings of £7·1 million.

We are seeing earlier identification of suspicious claims, better targeting of high-risk areas and more effective investigation outcomes. It remains my absolute priority to protect public money and to ensure that benefits go to the people who are genuinely entitled. However, we cannot be complacent, and we must stay ahead of the fraudsters. That is why, last year, I commissioned an in-depth internal analysis to critically assess current interventions and to make recommendations on robust measures to reduce levels of fraud and error.

Today, I pay tribute to the task and finish group for its work. In developing its findings, the group drew on internal expertise, external insights and robust data analysis, supported by intensive stakeholder engagement and collaboration. That has given us a level of assurance that existing measures to reduce fraud and error are effective and commensurate. There is no doubt, however, that the historic underfunding of the Department in this area has significantly constrained our ability to scale fraud and error activity. The £16·7 million allocated to tackle benefit fraud and error in 2025-26 is insufficient, as the scale and complexity of the challenge before us is rising. Current allocations mean that we cannot maintain parity with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and bear down on fraud and error to the extent that, we know, we need to.

We cannot stand still. Today, I am committed to accepting the recommendations in the task and finish report in driving forward work across four key areas. The first of those will be to enhance and expand current fraud and error activities. We will strengthen the validation of claimants’ declared circumstances. Linked to that, I want to see a ramp-up of investment in our benefit security and universal credit teams, with around 200 additional staff to help us to keep pace with DWP's counter-fraud activity. We will also strengthen specialist training and support for staff to double down on fraud and error, including mistakes made by officials. That will include the roll-out of a programme of education and guidance on fraud and error indicators and reporting responsibilities, along with improvements to the visibility of outcomes across the Department.

Our third action will be to maximise technology solutions in conjunction with DWP and other Departments at Westminster and locally to aid investigative efforts. We will continue to actively collaborate with government colleagues on shared fraud defence systems. For obvious security reasons and because of the highly sensitive nature of that work, Members will understand that I cannot say more on that at present.

Finally, we will increase public understanding of benefit fraud and raise awareness of our zero-tolerance approach. Today, I have launched a new advertising campaign on radio, in newspapers and on social media, to highlight our work to identify and root out fraudsters. It is really important that there is no confusion here. The Department delivers a range of supports to those who are eligible, and I am clear in my support for meeting the needs of those who are genuinely entitled. However, those who are lying about their circumstances and claiming tens of thousands of pounds in benefits to which they are not entitled are fraudsters. I want the public to help us to identify that criminal activity and to support us in deterring anyone from going down that path.

The benefits landscape is changing, with more people moving on to UC. Our world is also changing, bringing different societal behaviours, increased misinformation and emerging sophisticated technologies. I have set out a coherent, robust and comprehensive suite of measures to do that. However, I must be completely clear that a number of those measures, particularly those that involve increased capacity, are subject to funding bids. They simply cannot proceed without the necessary financial support, and, despite repeated and robust bids for additional resources in order to expand our counter-fraud and error operations, the necessary funding has not been forthcoming. Every delay in resourcing the work leaves our system exposed to fraud, undermines public confidence and risks diverting vital support away from those who need it most. We are stretching our teams to do more with less as the scale and sophistication of fraud continues to evolve. If we are serious about safeguarding public money, investment in counter-fraud activity must match our ambition and be treated not as optional but as essential. Generating a return of 8:1 on investment in 2024-25, the results achieved by my Department’s benefit security intervention teams demonstrate the positive value of investing in counter-fraud work. The return on investment cannot be denied, and I will continue to make the case to Executive colleagues for that funding on that basis.

Regardless, I have not sat back. Where recommendations have not required additional funding, my officials have already prioritised actions that will deliver an early impact. Recognising my Department’s efforts to generate savings through tackling fraud and error, in agreement with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, my Department submitted a welfare fraud and error invest-to-save business case. I welcome the confirmation from the UK Government that they will work with the Executive over the coming months on ways to tackle welfare fraud and error in Northern Ireland and on funding options, including the potential to share a portion of resulting savings with the Executive. In line with the Fresh Start Agreement, I will seek a 50% share of the savings. However, the Executive must support the initial investment and the reinvestment of the share of savings generated in programmes that will support people with barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities or health conditions. That is a key priority for me as it aligns with the Programme for Government goals to reduce economic inactivity; tackle poverty and social exclusion; and support inclusive economic growth across Northern Ireland.

This work is about protection: protection of our welfare system, of public confidence and of the vulnerable individuals who rely on timely and accurate support. We know that fraud and error remains a significant challenge across all modern benefit systems. We are not complacent; we are adapting our approach as new risks emerge. We are investing as far as possible in improved technology, better analytics and training for staff so that we can continue to raise standards. We are modernising our processes to make them faster, more accurate and more responsive, because the public rightly expect a system that is both fair and robust. However, more investment is needed and quickly so that we do not lag behind. With additional funding, we will act robustly and with urgency to fully implement the task and finish group’s recommendations. My Department is delivering real improvements, but we recognise that there is more to do. We will continue strengthening the system, protecting taxpayers’ money and ensuring that support goes to those who truly need it. Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to ensure that the right money reaches the right people at the right time and that those who seek to exploit the benefit system are met with firm and fair consequences. I commend the statement to the House.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Minister, let me be clear: fraud is unacceptable. Despite what you said in your statement, I do not think that anyone in the Chamber would be annoyed at its eradication. However, while some people abuse the system, the system itself abuses people. Tens of thousands of genuine claimants struggle with a complex, slow and punitive welfare system where genuine mistakes can lead to sanctions and now sackcloth and ashes too.

Minister, how much of that £16·7 million has been spent chasing fraudsters and how much has been spent to reduce the stress and suffering caused by a system that creates errors and hardship?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

First, I welcome the fact that the Member said that he is committed to tackling fraud and error, because that has not always seemed to be what has come from his Benches and in some of the comments that he has made in Committee. It is right that we tackle the issue and that we put the investment in.

Let us be clear: this is not about going after those who make genuine mistakes; this is about those who continually, deliberately misrepresent their circumstances. We will be fair, and we will be robust. Where simple mistakes have been made, there are ways in which they can be rectified. I am talking about making sure that we deal with those who consistently engage in something that is wrong and is defrauding the system.

That money goes to tackle fraud and error, whether customer error, customer fraud or error in the Department. I do not have a complete breakdown of that money, because there are overlaps in how some of it is spent. Investigation of cases will show that some fall into more than one category. I am determined to make sure that we reduce that number, because, frankly, £350 million is far too much and would be spent better elsewhere.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Minister, nobody here would disagree that fraud and error must be tackled. Will the Minister, please, set out how many of the Department's staff are dedicated to investigating and tackling fraud and error and how many are allocated to other strategic priorities such as the Department's anti-poverty strategy?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I do not have a breakdown of those figures, but the Member will be aware that we have a significant number of people working on the issue, because there are consequences for us if we do not work on it. There are consequences in not keeping up with the Department for Work and Pensions, so it is important that we have in place the people who make sure that the system is run effectively and fairly.

The Member makes a false comparison between the number working on this issue and the number working on the anti-poverty strategy: one is an operational area; the other is policy. If the Member is talking more broadly, I will say that hardly anything goes on in my Department that is not, in one way or another, done to help people to deal with poverty and its effects.

I can provide those additional figures to the Member.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

I have been astonished to hear some anti-poverty campaigners in media interviews fail to criticise benefit fraud: it is as if they find it acceptable. Does the Minister agree that the welfare benefits system is an essential safety net to prevent people from falling into absolute poverty and that those who wilfully and fraudulently abuse that system undermine public support for it as they steal from the public purse?

Gordon Lyons (DUP, East Antrim)

I agree with the Member. I was disappointed to hear a commentator say on the radio this morning that all we need to do is make sure that the system is less complex. We absolutely need to make sure that we have as simple and straightforward a benefits system as we can, but it is not the complexity of the benefits system that is the problem; it is the intent of those who want to commit benefit fraud. Yes, I want to see a welfare system that is fit for purpose, protects those who need it most and is a safety net for those who fall out of employment.

I was struck by other comments on the radio this morning that our focus should be elsewhere. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. We can tackle welfare fraud and, at the same time, deal with poverty in other ways. I noted the lack of the same commentators coming on to the radio last week when we announced £150 million to deal with fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. We know the impacts that that has on our homes, but there were no radio interviews or social media posts about that announcement.

The Executive should promote work not benefits as the route out of poverty. We want to get more people into work and need to support those who cannot work, but, surely, we should all agree that fraud is wrong and we should go after fraudsters, so that the money that they take that they should not have is spent on those who need it.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

Question Time starts at 2.00 pm.

Paula, you will be next to speak.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

OK.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

I did not want you to ask your question and then only get a response after Question Time, so, if you do not mind, we will take our ease until 2.00 pm. Thank you.

(Mr Speaker in the Chair)

Oral Answers to Questions — Health

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Questions 3 and 4 have been withdrawn.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

1. Mr Kingston asked the Minister of Health whether hospital beds are reserved for inpatient cancer treatment in order to prevent the cancellation of critical appointments and waste of resources. (AQO 3052/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

Inpatient treatment for cancer patients, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and treatment for haematological malignancy is delivered through two cancer centres. The first is the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, which provides 49 oncology inpatient beds and a further 50 inpatient beds for haematology. The second is the North West Cancer Centre, where ward 50 provides 24 designated beds for oncology and haematology patients. However, no beds are formally ring-fenced specifically for elective cancer surgery. Significant unscheduled care pressures continue to impact on overall bed availability, which affects trusts' ability to consistently protect elective care for cancer and non-cancer patients. Trusts therefore use a system of clinical prioritisation to ensure that time-critical cancer cases are admitted as soon as capacity allows.

I fully recognise the distress that cancellation causes for patients and families. To reduce the risk, my Department is working with trusts to expand the number of procedures that are undertaken as day surgery and the use of regional day procedure centres and elective overnight stay centres. Those measures help to protect cancer care from bed pressures and staffing shortages.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

I thank the Minister for that detailed answer. Last month, I was contacted by my constituent Freda, who had had part of her liver removed due to cancer tumours. Unfortunately, one tumour returned, and she was due to have a liver ablation in early January at the Royal Victoria Hospital, but her appointment was cancelled twice because of bed shortages. Thankfully, she has since had the operation. She consented to my referring to her case.

My concern, Minister, is that in cases such as Freda's, not only does the patient miss out on a time-critical procedure but all the resources to do with equipment and staffing to deliver that procedure potentially go to waste. My question remains this: in the interest of tackling our spiralling cancer waiting lists, should beds not be specifically reserved and ring-fenced to enable such inpatient procedures to go ahead and prevent that waste of resources?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

First, I am extremely sorry to hear that your constituent's procedure was cancelled not once but twice. It is certainly a sharp focus of the Department and of Professor Mark Taylor, who looks after elective care regionally for me, that we understand and deal with why there are so many cancellations. I can tell the Member that, in the past three months, 97 elective operations, including but not exclusively cancer procedures, were cancelled due to bed shortages across the trusts. I do not understand the exact reasons for the two cancellations in the case that the Member has brought up.

I have spoken at the highest level to trust chairs and made the point that it is sometimes inevitable that an operation or a procedure may be cancelled; for example, if something happens to a surgeon or an anaesthetist en route to the hospital, that is unavoidable. If, however, a key member of an elective surgery team gives two weeks' notice that they will not be available on a certain day and the trust does nothing to make good the shortfall of that key member of personnel, that is not acceptable. To put it crudely, as I have with the trust chairs, if they order 10 items from Amazon and only seven arrive, how many will they pay for? On some occasions, I feel that we pay for 10 but get seven and the shortfall cannot be reasonably explained.

Stewart Dickson (Alliance, East Antrim)

Minister, you will have heard sustained criticism in the House of the waiting times for the commencement of treatment for cancer patients, particularly as they approach surgery, which you will understand. I appreciate that that is a difficult issue to resolve, but it is imperative for the patients who are waiting for surgery that it happen in a timely fashion and in accordance with the time limits that have been set out. What plans does the Minister have to expand theatre capacity on the Belfast City Hospital site?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I agree with the Member about the impact of waiting times on patients and their families and friends. I do not have an answer to the Member's specific question about Belfast City Hospital. Generally speaking, however, we are trying to deal with regional variation, particularly where it is not reasonable variation. I gave an example to Mr Kingston of what I consider not to be reasonable variation or a reasonable reason for delay.

As well as making savings in this tight budgetary environment, we have to increase productivity. The regional director of elective care, Professor Mark Taylor, is pushing everybody, believe me. I have visited hospitals with Mark Taylor. We are pushing hard and, to be fair, getting a positive response in respect of what we can do not just with the long waiters on the lists but with the clinical teams. For example, when we visited Daisy Hill and Causeway Hospital recently, clinical teams said, "Never mind praising us for what we do; let us do more. We want to do more". That attitude is spreading throughout the system, including Belfast City Hospital.

Diana Armstrong (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Minister, I welcome the major progress that you have made, over recent months, on reducing waiting lists for endoscopies. What additional investment has been made to secure the additional capacity?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I have committed an additional £13 million; that is the answer that the Member seeks. That £13 million for endoscopy will see investment and yield 21 and a quarter sessions per week to resource all uncommissioned sessions. That will happen by the end of next month and will be followed by subsequent expansion into evening and weekend working.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Ms Nicholl is not in her place.

Nick Mathison (Alliance, Strangford)

5. Mr Mathison asked the Minister of Health to outline any consideration that he has given to implementing lifelong care and support plans for disabled people. (AQO 3056/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

Lifelong care and support planning for people with disabilities requires all professionals involved in the process to adopt a proactive, person-centred and adaptable approach as required. That constitutes a shift from reactive, service-led interventions. Our integrated Health and Social Care (HSC) system places the formal assessment of an individual's specific needs at the centre of the care planning process. The plans are co-produced with people who use our services to ensure that they are person-centred. Each care plan becomes the foundation for future reviews, potentially across the full lifespan. They consider changes to an individual's circumstances, the impact of lifelong conditions or disabilities and future planning. Individuals' plans are reassessed following a significant change of circumstances such as transitioning from children's service to adult services. The introduction of the neighbourhood model will enhance integrated models of care at community level, focusing on preventative approaches and forms of support that are tailored to individual need from the point of earliest contact with our services.

Nick Mathison (Alliance, Strangford)

I thank the Minister for that answer.

Minister, you will be aware that a lot of contact comes through from parents who have children in special schools and are concerned about the transition out of the education system and their child losing the protection of their statement of special educational needs (SEN). Are you actively considering putting in place legislative protections to ensure that young people who will move into the health sphere following education have lifelong care and support plans that have statutory protection?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I will answer the Member's direct question directly: I am not considering introducing legislation in this mandate, because we have run out of time. There are several pieces of legislation that I would love to see going through the Assembly between now and purdah, in March 2027, of which that is one. We are certainly not ignoring the issues or trying to scope out what legislation might look like in the next mandate, but I cannot be untruthful with the Member: there is no plan, because we are being told that there is no legislative space between now and purdah.

Linda Dillon (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Minister, as you will be well aware, it is well documented that many disabled young people experience a sharp drop-off in support at the age of 18. Given that you have just said that we will have not have legislation in that space in this mandate, what specific conversations are ongoing with other Ministers to address the post-18 cliff edge and ensure that there is continuity of care into adulthood in every aspect of the lives of disabled young people?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

The Department's children's learning disability services have implemented the learning disability service model and the children's disability framework, putting in place a regional transitions protocol, including an easy-read version, that has been informed and influenced through engagement with young people, families and stakeholders. The template aims to improve transition planning and secure greater regional consistency. An addendum will be agreed for education and health needs, and consideration will be given to developing a protocol for young people with physical disabilities and complex needs.

My focus in recent times has been more on working with the Department of Education for children's services, particularly in terms of special schools and the provision of community children's nurses, but I am aware that the transition from children's services to adult services is one of many that represent a cliff edge and that more work needs to be done to make that transition more person- and family-centred.

Diane Dodds (DUP, Upper Bann)

My colleagues have rightly focused on the issue of children transferring to adult services, but, for many adults with disabilities, there is a real issue with care packages. In a recent answer that you, Minister, gave to my colleague Diane Forsythe, the position as of 1 December 2025 in relation to care packages that you detailed was startling: over 2,000 people were waiting for a full care package, and over 1,000 people were waiting for a partial care package. The largest number of waits was in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, in which 764 people were waiting for a full care package. Minister, what will be done about that situation? It impacts on adults with disabilities in particular, but it also impacts —

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Minister.

Diane Dodds (DUP, Upper Bann)

— on the flow of patients through our hospitals.

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

We will implement the learning disability service model. That has been greeted positively, by and large, across the interested parties. The Member will also be aware that we are moving at pace to try to introduce the neighbourhood model of care. The fabled shift left will happen in the coming financial year: 2026-27. I envisage that that model will directly benefit people with disabilities in the community, providing a more joined-up, accessible, proactive and personalised source of support that will lead to the better coordination of Health and Social Care services. It will reduce duplication and give faster access to the right support. It will also bring investment that will strengthen the support that the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector can provide to people living in our communities, including people with disabilities.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

6. Mr McGuigan asked the Minister of Health to outline any consideration that he has given to introducing newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy. (AQO 3057/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare inherited condition that can cause muscle weakness. It affects movement, speech, swallowing and breathing. There are different types of SMA, and the severity varies from person to person, but, by and large, it gets worse over time. However, there are medicines and other treatments to help to manage symptoms. Across the UK, screening policy is informed by the recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee, which is an independent committee that advises the four UK Health Departments on all matters screening.

The National Screening Committee does not currently recommend screening for SMA in newborns. However, in the summer of last year, the committee published four documents reviewing the evidence on newborn screening for SMA. That evidence concluded that an in-service evaluation was required to answer remaining questions about whether screening would work well, how much it would cost and whether it would be effective in everyday practice. An evaluation is being carried out by NHS England, and there is a research study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). A separate evaluation is being carried out in Scotland. Planning for one is currently under way, and a representative from Northern Ireland sits on the implementation group.

Additionally, my Department has informed the NIHR that Northern Ireland wishes to be a participant in any ongoing research, if there is an opportunity so to do.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

I accept the Minister's response. I am led to believe that it is a particularly inexpensive addition to the screening process. He outlined the fact that there is a pilot taking place in Scotland. There is also a screening programme in the South. I ask the Minister to consider evidence from the South when he looks at this issue in fullness.

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I give that commitment to the Member to examine evidence from the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere.

Patsy McGlone (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Mid Ulster)

Minister, picking up on what Mr McGuigan said, we understand that the cost of such screening is a mere £5 per child. Do you agree that £5 per child is not much to spend to ensure that the number impacted each year —? We could give people the best start in life, and prevention and early detection could save the health service quite a lot of money in the longer term.

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I certainly agree with the Member that £5 sounds like very good value for money, but I return to the fact that we follow, without exception as far as I know, the UK National Screening Committee recommendations on these things. It looked at this in 2018 and reviewed its recommendations in 2025. It found that there was no evidence to show how effective a screening programme would be; the best way to support people who receive positive results was not known; there was no evidence of effective treatments for people who did not show symptoms of SMA; the evidence for how well the test for SMA performs was limited; and there was not enough information about the total number of people who are affected by SMA. It is against that background that I want to see what is coming out of Scotland and, following the exhortation from Mr McGuigan, how they are getting on in the Republic of Ireland.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

7. Mr Wilson asked the Minister of Health for his assessment of the impact that excessive alcohol consumption has on the health service. (AQO 3058/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

While the use of alcohol is normalised here in Northern Ireland, it causes significant harm. Notwithstanding the pressure that excessive alcohol consumption puts on the health service, research has shown that the full societal cost to the Northern Ireland economy could be as high as £900 million a year, with up to £250 million of that borne by Health. Alcohol harm touches every part of society, from rising hospital admissions and deaths to pressures on families, communities and the health service. More important than the money, since 2013 Northern Ireland has seen deaths due to alcohol-specific causes rise by 65·5%, from 206 to the latest reported figure of 341. Almost 12,000 people are admitted to acute hospitals each year with an alcohol-related diagnosis. It is also estimated that one in six attending our accident and emergency departments for treatment have alcohol-related injuries or problems, rising to eight out of 10 at peak times. During the financial year 2024-25, 2,590 clients presented to services for alcohol misuse. Over half — 56·4% — were aged 40 years or over, with a small proportion — 2·4% — aged under 18.

Alcohol is also a driver of inequalities. Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of alcohol-specific deaths in Northern Ireland's most deprived areas was almost four times higher than that in the least deprived areas. That is why I believe that minimum unit pricing of alcohol could be a key mechanism for reducing alcohol-related harm and addressing inequalities. I encourage all Members to help secure the necessary Executive approval to allow this policy to proceed.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

As if that news was not bad enough, your Executive colleague in Justice revealed to me that, over the past five years, 100,000 crimes have been committed in which the excessive use of alcohol was listed as an aggravating factor. Given what you have said about the wider health and well-being implications of excessive alcohol use, have you any plans, as Minister, to increase messaging on moderation regarding alcohol in view of its significant negative impacts on the health service, across the Executive body and, most importantly, on people's health and well-being?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I very much welcome that statement from the Member, and I encourage him to have a word with his Executive ministerial colleagues and encourage them to support the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol.

Some Members

Hear. Hear.

Órlaithí Flynn (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

I sincerely hope that we can get that legislation agreed at the Executive table and over the line. The NISRA statistics on alcohol deaths for last year are due out either at the end of this month or next. Does the Minister have any update on the piece of work that was taking place in a border constituency, funded with PEACE PLUS money, on a big community detoxification centre ?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I thank the Member for the question. I am aware of the PEACE PLUS money for that project, and it is very welcome, but I do not have specific details on it.

I will welcome the latest stats; I was not aware that they were coming so soon. However, think about stats for avoidable deaths. There are hundreds of deaths due to alcohol-related issues; thousands of deaths — something like 2,100 a year — due to smoking-related issues; and then there are deaths due to the misuse of other substances. All those things play out most deeply in and have the biggest impact on the areas of the deepest deprivation. Those health inequalities that I talked about have been around, certainly, for as long as devolution and for longer than that. I would encourage the next Executive in the next mandate to think about health inequalities, educational underachievement and economic inactivity, because the social determinants of all three are basically the same, and they affect the areas of deprivation — those families; those people — the most. It is generation to generation to generation, and it is time that we took a chunk out of that.

Danny Donnelly (Alliance, East Antrim)

Minister, the Chief Medical Officer recently told the Health Committee that the evidence for the minimum unit pricing of alcohol is "irrefutable". We have also heard that from many health organisations and charities that work in the area. What is the Minister's understanding of the barriers to it being legislated for in this mandate and not becoming a missed opportunity to save lives and reduce the pressure on the health service?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I applaud the Chief Medical Officer, because Professor Sir Michael McBride is passionate about introducing minimum unit pricing of alcohol. I am passionate about MUP on alcohol. There is really solid evidence: most recently, the Chief Medical Officer and I attended a presentation by Sheffield University, which has looked in detail at the impact of alcohol misuse on the population in Northern Ireland.

There is a blockage. I need the Executive to support me. As yet, I have not had full Executive support.

Alan Chambers (UUP, North Down)

I welcome the Minister's very clear position and his demonstrable actions to date to try to make progress on the hugely important issue. Does he agree, however, that we are now in a rapidly shrinking window of opportunity to make progress with the Bill and that, if the Executive blockage is not soon removed, the opportunity to progress that vital MUP legislation in this mandate will be lost?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I thank the Member. As I said, the policy requires the support of the Executive. I await formal confirmation of the position of Executive colleagues. Time is running out. I add that, prior to 6 April 2026, I am required to either introduce legislation to set that minimum unit price or:

"make a statement to the Assembly on why it is not reasonably practicable to do so."

That is a requirement in the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. I fear that I will be doing the latter, and I very much regret that.

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

As we are speaking of alcoholism and the wider point of educational disadvantage, I say that this is national Children of Alcoholics Week. Minister, will you agree to have a meeting with the Education Minister on supporting the health and well-being of those children in our classrooms to ensure that we do all that we can between both Departments to help support those children on their educational journey?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I thank the Member, and I am more than happy to request such a meeting with the Minister.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

Before I call John Blair, I say that a lot of people have just entered the Public Gallery, most of whom are from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians. I welcome you all to our sitting this afternoon.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

If I may, I add my welcome to our visitors.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

8. Mr Blair asked the Minister of Health to outline any specific health economic modelling that his Department is using to assess whether financial decisions are delivering long-term value and better outcomes in the health system, as opposed to balancing budgets and deferring costs into future years. (AQO 3059/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I, too, welcome our visitors.

My Department employs a broad range of recognised health economic modelling tools to inform and support financial decision-making across the system. The tools enable us to assess different scenarios in a structured and evidence-based way that ensures that decisions are grounded in an understanding of both immediate pressures and longer-term implications. That said, in the financial year 2025-26, the Department has faced a particularly significant funding gap, which has necessitated a concerted drive to identify and deliver substantial cash-releasing savings. To support responsible choices, all major proposals are developed through business cases that are underpinned by robust economic appraisal. The appraisals consider cost, benefits, risks and potential system impacts, and help us prioritise options that maximise value for money. In a highly challenging financial context, that disciplined approach is essential to avoid simply deferring costs to future years; to maintain our commitment to improving outcomes; and to ensuring that we have a sustainable health and social care system.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

I thank the Minister for that answer. I will stay with priorities. The permanent secretary seemed to confirm to the Health Committee that the Department of Health's priorities have been outlined for the first time in 11 years. Can the Minister explain why he, or his predecessor and party colleague, did not do that sooner?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I do not speak for any previous Health Minister. I have been in my post for about 20 months. It is such a broad portfolio that it took me a number of months to get my head around where we were. One of the conclusions was that we have to be a lot clearer, not just internally but externally, about saying, "Here is what we are going to do. Here is what we cannot afford to do within the budget. Here is what it is not reasonable to expect us to continue to do, because it neither represents value for money nor delivers the better outcomes that we want to see for patients, service users and the health and social care workforce".

Nuala McAllister (Alliance, Belfast North)

9. Miss McAllister asked the Minister of Health for an update on the £13 million spend on respite provision for children. (AQO 3060/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

The funding is being spent on initiatives to improve family and community support services for children with disabilities, to increase short break provision and to expand the specialist care programme. It was never exclusively about short breaks. The trusts have increased contracts with voluntary and community providers, securing additional support for families through a broad range of service initiatives. I am conscious of the urgent focus on overnight short-break provision for children with disabilities. Over time, a pattern has emerged of children with disabilities being placed, long-term, in beds that were previously ring-fenced for short breaks. That trend is emblematic, I am afraid, of a failure to intervene in a way that supports children and their families closer to home. The range of services that the trusts have invested in are intended, in part, to redress the balance, developing services that support families and prevent further reliance on medium- and long-term residential placements. Short-break services for children with disabilities remain fragile. I will leave it there so that the Member can ask a supplementary question.

Nuala McAllister (Alliance, Belfast North)

I thank the Minister for his answer. He said that the spend was:

"never exclusively about short breaks."

Many parents, not only those who participated in the 'Spotlight' programme but others, are in desperate need of and are crying out for respite provision. You have failed a lot of those parents. When will we see an increase in respite provision, so that families are not surrendering their children to long-term care by the state?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I have met the mothers from the 'Spotlight' programme on a number of occasions, and I can assure the Member that they are absolutely aware that the £13·1 million was not exclusively for short breaks. Indeed, I very recently spoke to a relative of one of those mums who was very complimentary about the progress that we have made. For example, in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust area, Willow Lodge opened as a residential children's home in July last year and now provides long-term placements for two children with learning disabilities. I believe that the Member understands that it is a complex game of chess, as it were, in that achieving success on this is not about one move; it is about moving boy A to residence B until girl C is moved to residence D. I have often compared it to a game of Jenga where the fear is that, if you pull out the wrong stick, the whole edifice will collapse.

It is complex, and I understand that it is frustrating, but we remain fully focused on the matter.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

We move to topical questions.

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

I wish the Minister well as he stands down from his role as party leader and can focus on his work as Health Minister.

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

T1. Mr McGrath asked the Minister of Health whether he knows the disparity that exists between urban and rural areas in how often ambulances reach a category 1 call on time. (AQT 2011/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I thank the Member for his good wishes. I emphasise to him that I was fully focused on the health brief when I was the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, because all decisions, bar a very few, were delegated. It will make no particular change to my focus between now and 6 May 2027.

On his specific question, no, I do not, but I think that I am about to learn.

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

Indeed, Minister. It is 50% in urban areas and 29% in rural areas, and, frighteningly, it is just 14% in my South Down constituency. That is an inequality, and it is an injustice that needs to be made right. Minister, are you up to that task, or are you asleep at the wheel? If you are, what will it take to wake you up?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I am not sure that "asleep at the wheel" is an appropriate analogy, given that we are talking about ambulance response times. However, I am certainly up for looking at the issue in more detail. You have put it on my radar. So far, I have been focused on looking at response times against the targets, but you have given me a significant urban/rural split. I will go away from the Chamber in a matter of minutes and begin an enquiry.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

T3. Ms Forsythe asked the Minister of Health to provide an update on his engagement with the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice on achieving 50% government funding. (AQT 2013/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I have met the hospice movement on a number of occasions; in fact, just last week, I was with the Foyle Hospice in Derry/Londonderry. I am keen to do more for all of the hospices. I am also keen that they become part of the neighbourhood network, because palliative and end-of-life care does not happen solely within the confines of the physical buildings that are our hospices across Northern Ireland. I continue to engage with the Children's Hospice. The Member must be aware, however, that we started the year with a shortfall in our budget of £600 million. That is unprecedented, and, in fact, it turned out to be unmanageable. I pay huge tribute to all those, particularly those in the trusts, who have worked so hard to reduce that figure, which sits currently at around £200 million. Savings of £400 million is fantastic, but that shortfall absolutely restricts our ability to give more, do more or introduce new services.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

I thank the Minister for his answer. Recommendation 3 of the 'Access to Palliative Care Services' report was:

"100% funding for all hospice services with an initial 50% of actual cost of care for 2026-27, and a sliding scale increase over 5 years, based on cost of delivery of all hospice services."

I appreciate that the Minister has outlined the pressures that he faces, but will he outline his views and plans in light of that recommendation?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I have to review that recommendation against all of the other recommendations in that report and those in every other report. I understand that Members will pick out a specific condition, a specific service or even a specific hospice and advocate for it. It is right and proper that they do that, and it is something that I have done as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. However, I hope that the Member recognises that I have to see it in a broader context and take what is often called the "helicopter view", because there are competing priorities and demands. At times, it becomes difficult and challenging, because we are talking about a health and social care system, and it can mean life or death in some instances.

Instinctively, I am keen to do more for the Children's Hospice specifically. When I visited it a while ago, I was taken aback by the joy felt by the children, the parents and the workforce. I did not expect the Children's Hospice to be a joyous place, but it is.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

Part of the Minister's reform plan is to ensure that people are treated close to home. In my constituency of Lagan Valley, however, people still struggle to get a GP appointment. They make phone call after phone call and are often redirected to local hospitals.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

T4. Mrs Guy asked the Minister of Health how he is supporting GP practices to see more patients and how he is measuring the success of those actions. (AQT 2014/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I thank the Member. I am well aware that access to primary care is an issue and is not confined to her constituency. There are many groups that will be central to delivering the neighbourhood model that we want to start rolling out on 1 April, but none will be more important than GPs and GP surgeries. I am delighted to announce that we are now starting to open negotiations with the BMA GP Committee about next year's GP contract, and, obviously, access will be a key factor during those negotiations.

Michelle Guy (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Minister for his response. He mentioned negotiations on the contract dispute. Does he have a timeline for those negotiations?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

It would not be sensible for me to stand up in public and try to negotiate the negotiations, if I may use that phrase. The first meeting is imminent, and it will take what it takes to get where we all need to be.

Jon Burrows (UUP, North Antrim)

T5. Mr Burrows asked the Minister of Health to outline what steps he can take to level the playing field somewhat for Northern Ireland students, given that many of our best students have to leave Northern Ireland to complete their medical degree despite getting straight A*s and given that so many places will go to international students who pay higher fees. (AQT 2015/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

The Member makes a reasonable point. Some of the brightest minds on these islands and a number of high-performing individuals apply to our local medical schools, and that is a testament to the quality of our young people, who are all potentially future leaders. In total, we approve 236 places annually at Queen's and a further 70 at the Magee campus. The number of admissions to our local medical schools is a balance between anticipated future workforce requirements and capacity for the educational and clinical placement requirements of the courses. Of course, admissions are a matter for the universities in line with their selection and admission criteria. It is highly competitive. Places are available equally to all Northern Ireland, GB and ROI students under the common travel area arrangements.

I take the Member's point about international student numbers. Those numbers are constrained to numbers agreed with my Department, but those students pay well, and that is a factor on the minds of the administrators of the universities.

Jon Burrows (UUP, North Antrim)

Thank you, Minister. Do you agree that, if students from Northern Ireland were more able to stay here and study here, they would be more likely to take up employment here and help treat the people of Northern Ireland in the future?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I agree with him. There is solid research that says that a lot of our students who go away to, for example, England, Scotland and Wales tend to stay there and not return. That is a terrible loss. The Member may be interested to hear that we are also looking at a return on service arrangement whereby, if we contribute to or pay fees for people who are going through university courses or third-level courses, they will be obliged to stay in the Health and Social Care system for a period, otherwise we will claw back what we have invested in them.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

T6. Mr Wilson asked the Minister of Health, given that the redevelopment of Craigavon Area Hospital is long overdue and it is now 10 years since a master plan was submitted in 2016, to provide an update on current efforts to update the programme business case. (AQT 2016/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I speak from memory, but I believe that we totted up capital investment requirements of £3 billion. What we anticipate from the Budget is enough to cover only essential maintenance and such services. I agree with him that Craigavon Area hospital is long overdue a significant capital investment. So is Altnagelvin Area Hospital. A few days ago, I was in its emergency department. It is the oldest of the type-1 EDs in Northern Ireland. Once again, I understand that the Member is talking about something that is within his own geographic concerns. That is right and proper. However, again, we will have to look at a long, expensive list of capital projects and prioritise. That will not be easy. For some, the outcome will be painful.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

I am in no way criticising Craigavon hospital, because, this time last year, I had just come out of it. I was cared for exceptionally well there. The staff were absolute legends in delivering the care that I received. I am much better for it, thankfully.

Can you confirm that enough resource is available to the trust to progress the business case for that redevelopment to a conclusion?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

First of all, I am glad that the Member had a good experience. That underlines my belief that it is wrong to say that the Health and Social Care system in Northern Ireland is broken. Many of the pathways to access healthcare are problematic. However, once you get there, by and large, you get extremely good care.

When it comes to offering the Member any guarantees or promises that there is sufficient budget in either the Department of Health or the Southern Trust, I will make it clear, as I did in my previous answer, that we are not in a position to do that, unfortunately.

Pam Cameron (DUP, South Antrim)

T7. Mrs Cameron asked the Minister of Health, given that he has talked much of his plan to shift left and shift care into the community, what discussions he has had with GPs and Community Pharmacy about that. (AQT 2017/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

As I said to Mrs Guy, we are about to start negotiating the new contract with the BMA General Practitioners Committee. Of course, the neighbourhood model and the shift left will be absolutely central to that. My officials have, however, been talking to GP federations about the shift-left model for some time. Negotiations have been ongoing. I understand that there have also been discussions with Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland. Those two bodies — GP surgeries and community pharmacies — are already there to provide a neighbourhood model. They are the basis and foundation from which that neighbourhood model should grow.

Pam Cameron (DUP, South Antrim)

I thank the Minister for that answer. Given that, this year, you imposed a contract settlement and caused anger among GPs, on reflection, should you have acted differently? Can you provide any further update as on quickly you see those negotiations progressing?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

At the risk of correcting the Member, I believe that I implemented the contract for this financial year. The reason that I did that was simple: we had several million pounds — £9·5 million, I think, from memory — of additional money that those GP surgeries needed, not least because of the imposition of the additional National Insurance burden. To have withheld the contract would have meant withholding the money potentially, and that would have been absolutely ruinous for GP practices. I am pleased to say that we have all moved on or are moving on from there. It would not, however, be wise for me to say that we are putting a hard stop on when negotiations on the next contract should conclude.

Gerry Kelly (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

T8. Mr Kelly asked the Minister of Health for a time frame for the relocation of all remaining patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital to other suitable accommodation. (AQT 2018/22-27)

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I thank the Member for that question. I believe that seven patients are still at Muckamore. Four of them have pathways to a new placement that should be effected by the end of this month potentially or, if not, by the end of next month. Work continues to find placements for the other three patients. Numbers have reduced to such an extent that there is real concern about being able to continue to deliver safe and appropriate care from the workforce, because it becomes, I am told, a little more challenging as the numbers shrink. We hope to do that within months, certainly.

Gerry Kelly (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

Can the Minister give any assurances that the results of the inquiry will be released in March and not delayed any further?

Mike Nesbitt (UUP, Strangford)

I hope that the Member realises that it is an independent inquiry, so it would be entirely inappropriate for me to try to impose some sort of timeline on the Chair. My understanding is that it is relatively imminent, as in March/April. I have to warn Members that it will be utterly shocking. It will potentially be one of the worst reports on health and social care delivery since the inception of the National Health Service. I will put that down as a warning and in preparation.

Oral Answers to Questions — Infrastructure

Robbie Butler (UUP, Lagan Valley)

1. Mr Butler asked the Minister for Infrastructure for her assessment of the viability of extending the pilot project in Lisburn and Newry of an hour’s grace period for parking in on-street parking spaces within the controlled parking zones launched in December 2025. (AQO 3067/22-27)

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As the Member will be aware, Newry, Lisburn and Belfast are the only areas where any form of charging for on-street parking exists. Other areas do not charge for parking but have limited waiting restrictions in place, limiting parking to one hour within a two-hour period. Controlled parking zones were put in place to manage demand for parking in an appropriate way, deterring all-day parking and improving customer access to businesses by ensuring the ongoing turnover of parking spaces. However, as the Member will know, I have been listening to traders, and I understand the need to encourage people to spend more time in our town centres without worrying about parking deadlines. Therefore, as he will be aware, over the festive period, I introduced a pilot initiative in Lisburn and Newry, providing an hour’s grace period for people parking in on-street parking spaces in controlled parking zones. That provides the public with up to one hour to return to their vehicles following the expiry of their paid parking event without the risk of receiving a penalty charge notice. Providing that hour’s grace period for parking sessions gives shoppers and traders that boost and offers greater flexibility for visitors while balancing the need to maintain an effective flow of traffic into the city centres.

(Madam Principal Deputy Speaker in the Chair)

My officials have been engaging with relevant stakeholders around that initiative, and, while initial feedback has generally been positive, I decided to extend the pilot to gain further insights and valuable feedback from local traders and businesses in Lisburn and Newry. The data will help to guide my future intentions and long-term plans for on-street parking in controlled parking zones to ensure that it meets the needs of local businesses and communities. I encourage all visitors to Newry and Lisburn to park responsibly to ensure that we have safer streets, better access for disabled people, support for local businesses and a transport system that works for everyone.

Robbie Butler (UUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Minister for her answer and for affirming that there will be an extension to the scheme. Can the Minister outline what the comms strategy looks like for that to ensure that shoppers are aware of that in Lisburn and Newry? Can she offer some clarity around how we will better protect people from getting fines because they did not understand the scheme in the first place?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As the Member will know, I have been talking about that for some time, and we have been trying to work out the best way possible to introduce, particularly over the festive period, something that would enhance opportunities for people when they are in town centres. As my constituency is included, I was very aware of the impact of that. I appreciate that there have probably been some teething problems as people start to get to grips with it. The current pilot has been extended for a further six months to give us more time to look at what is working well and what is not working so well to inform better what I do in the longer term. There are conflicting views as to the best approach, so it is important that we give that opportunity.

From a comms perspective, we have been using our social media channels to feed that out, and we have been engaging with the local business improvement districts and others to encourage them to get that message out. Where people have got a fine, they can appeal it if they are within the parameters that have been implemented, and they are entitled to get that overturned. If there are any particular issues that the Member wishes to raise with me in relation to that, please feel free to feed that in, because it is important that we are aware of all the nuances to it. I appreciate that it is probably not the simplest approach, but in order to do it in the timescale that I needed to do it in, that was the best way forward.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

Minister, you will be aware of the plethora of private car parking operators across Northern Ireland, which is often confusing for people. Have you had any engagement with that sector in order to look at better regulation and, perhaps, more uniformity on charges and enforcement processes, which can be confusing for many people, regardless of their age?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The issue comes up time and time again. We have probably all had tickets or letters from some of those companies. I appreciate the anxiety and stress that that causes. A lot of older people come to my office with concerns about that. Those are private companies that do not fall under my Department's remit, but I am happy to engage further if there is any discussion to be had or on how we can continually raise that issue. My constituency office has referred people to the Consumer Council and other advice agencies that can better support people. It is a difficult issue to address, because it does not fall under my Department's remit.

David Honeyford (Alliance, Lagan Valley)

This is a really good initiative to help our high streets and to support our local traders, and I welcome that. However, there was and is an issue with communication with the public to do with public parking in council car parks and getting a ticket because it was not on-street parking. Moving forward, is there any way that that communication can be extended to make sure that the councils are also part of it and to see whether any temporary signage can be erected for on-street parking so that everybody is aware of what the conditions are?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The councils made some changes over the Christmas period, and there was a bit of confusion. That can be hard to manage, because we are trying to get our message across about the areas that are specific to my Department, while the councils are trying to get their message out. We want it to benefit as many people as possible. We have been putting the message out consistently through our channels, but, if there are other ways of doing that, I am happy to take them on board in order to see how we can better publicise the message and maximise the information to people. When it was first introduced, a lot of people contacted the Department and my constituency office for information. My office is on one of those streets, so we sometimes get traffic wardens directing them to us. I appreciate that it can be a wee bit complicated. It is probably more obvious to the likes of you and me because we are aware of the differences. I am happy to take on board any feedback on how we can maximise that information.

Keith Buchanan (DUP, Mid Ulster)

2. Mr K Buchanan asked the Minister for Infrastructure for her Department's assessment of the effectiveness of speed indicator devices in relation to road safety. (AQO 3068/22-27)

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. I recognise that speed indicator devices (SIDs) offer some road safety benefits and are normally provided by groups such as local policing and community safety partnerships (PCSPs), which can be contacted for information on their future provision and support. My Department will continue to work with policing and community safety partnerships to facilitate the safe installation of the devices.

Keith Buchanan (DUP, Mid Ulster)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, in the past, your Department has introduced 20 mph speed zones outside schools, and I am a big advocate of that. However, will there be any opportunity to look at that and, rather than having 20 mph signs, use SIDs to indicate the speed that people are doing? It is OK to have two flashing orange lights to denote a 20 mph zone, but the SID tells you what speed you are doing. Is it a possibility, if you are rolling out 20 mph zones, that you will look at SIDs as an option instead of having a 20 mph sign?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The difficulty for us has been that the SIDs are not traffic signs, because they just tell the driver what is already on their speedometer. For me, it is a reminder to be more mindful of your speed. I have seen them in my area, and I recognise that they bring road safety benefits. It is about trying to change driver behaviour, which goes back to what we have talked about on numerous occasions in the Chamber and in the Infrastructure Committee.

I am happy to continue to work with PCSPs and others on the issue. However, as the Member will know, a review of speed limits is under way. There is scope to look at more permanent 20 mph zones, because we have seen the benefits of those across the water. They definitely improve road safety, particularly outside schools.

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Road safety adverts are a crucial way of highlighting the main causes of deaths on our roads, as well as educating drivers. Minister, what road safety campaigns, messaging and advertising is your Department currently promoting?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The Member will know that I have been able to reinstate the road safety advertising budget. This year, I approved an allocation of almost £2 million for road safety promotion for this financial year, which represents an increase of over £1·5 million. In addition to that, my Department's Road Safety Partnership has allocated £500,000 in sponsorship, bringing the total budget to £2·446 million — almost £2·5 million. The priorities that our campaigns focus on are based on PSNI evidence from killed and seriously injured (KSI) statistics, with key causation factors being careless driving, drink-driving, drug-driving and speeding. Vulnerable road users, pedestrians, children, older adults and motorcyclists remain disproportionately affected.

In response, I reinstated pedestrian and motorcycle safety campaigns and an anti-drink-driving campaign. I launched the new anti-drug-driving campaign on 20 November, and I have reinstated the anti-speeding and careless driving campaigns, which are currently on air. Two further new campaigns, on anti-speeding and driver behaviour, will air early this year; a rural roads campaign called 'The Signs' ran on social media in the autumn; and a new radio edit on bus safety aired on 17 November. Our media plan is still being finalised as we continue to monitor emerging road safety issues. I have been striving to identify where there are gaps and how we can continually find ways to enhance road safety and make people more mindful of it.

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

Minister, road safety is critically important in my constituency, particularly in Rosetta and Knockbreda, where there are multiple primary schools: Rosetta Primary School, St Michael's Primary School, St Bernard's Primary School and a load of others. Along the Knockbreda Road, there is a lot of fast-moving traffic. Your Department has conducted multiple consultations on getting a crossing there, which would also help us to open a back entrance to Cherryvale. Can you provide an update on where progress on that crossing is and on when it will finally get built for the people of Rosetta?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As you know, I have said that it has been approved. I can write to the Member on where progress is. You know that we are moving into a new financial year and are continually looking at the list to see where the priorities are. I do not have the information to hand, but I am happy to come back to you in writing.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

3. Mr Blair asked the Minister for Infrastructure, given the recent flooding in Antrim town, whether she has considered bringing forward flood alleviation plans for the area. (AQO 3069/22-27)

Pam Cameron (DUP, South Antrim)

14. Mrs Cameron asked the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any immediate provision that will be made to ensure flood protection for the residents of Antrim town. (AQO 3080/22-27)