Northern Ireland Assembly, 1 June 2026

628 contributions from 64 members. The official report.

Members' Statements

Pádraig Delargy (Sinn Féin, Foyle)

The 'good jobs' Bill is about delivering for all. It is about secure contracts and working hours; ending fire and rehire; introducing day-1 employment rights; fairer pay; a better work-life balance; and enhanced trade union representation. The Minister 's vision is to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are felt by everyone. Research in Ireland and internationally clearly shows the benefits for workers and businesses alike, yet, in characteristically regressive fashion, the DUP seeks to stymie and stifle debate. It seeks to block the opportunity for the House to debate and for the Economy Committee to hear evidence from relevant stakeholders. When many in the DUP sat smirking and sneering, they were sneering at the workers of the North: the teachers, hospital workers, carers, cleaners and bar and restaurant workers for whom they have continuously and consistently failed to stand up.

Today, the DUP has proved beyond any reasonable doubt its contempt for workers through its opposition to union organisation and equality and by introducing a Bill to sanction teachers who dare to engage in industrial action. As a former teacher, I will make it abundantly clear that the DUP will not break our teachers or undermine our right to organise and demand better conditions and fairer pay to deliver an education system that treats its staff with respect.

The DUP's reality and the reality for ordinary people are very different. Workers and families need the 'good jobs' Bill now more than ever. For ordinary people, the reality is that they are struggling to put food on the table, struggling to heat their homes and struggling with a cost-of-living crisis, and that legislation offers workers some semblance of certainty. Today, the DUP needs to give us and workers the answer to this question: is it blocking the Bill because, as a party, it is anti-worker and anti-trade union, or is it blocking the Bill because it is being taken forward by a Sinn Féin Minister?

The House has the opportunity to deliver historic legislation that will not only align us with elsewhere but make us a world leader in workers' rights legislation. Let us get it done. Let us bring the Bill to the House and deliver for ordinary workers and families.

Trevor Clarke (DUP, South Antrim)

Three hundred and sixty-five days a year, police officers go out to protect our communities across the Province. Twenty-four hours a day, they do so without fear or favour in every community that they visit. From the events that we saw unfold in the early hours of Sunday morning, however, it is clear that some people had other intentions: to harm our police officers.

My thoughts are with the police officer who was injured in that heinous attack and with his colleague, who, I am sure, was concerned about his partner in the early hours of that morning. It looks as if the officers were responding to something in the vicinity. As we have now seen on social media and other platforms, someone then got into their police car and used it as a weapon against the officer.

All police officers and all right-thinking people will stand in solidarity with that officer today over his use of a firearm to protect himself and others in the community. We now hear noise and rumblings from people who are asking, "How did they get into the police car? How were they able to drive it off?". Those questions are irrelevant. Everyone should put themselves in the position of the two officers out in the heat of the moment of an incident to apprehend someone who was obviously up to no good. The last thing on their minds would have been to lock the police car and check the doors before making off after the individuals. I have no concern about the officers' behaviour in relation to the car. They were responding in the heat of the moment to an incident, and they did so in a timely manner. What I do not like is someone then deciding to get into the car and use it as a weapon against the police officers.

Questions have been asked about the length of sentences in the judicial system. While some of us believe that sentences are lenient, it is open to our courts to use the maximum on the scale. I hope that, in this case, when any individuals are brought before the courts, the judge sends a clear signal by using the maximum sentence available. We need to send a clear message that it is unacceptable to attack our security forces or public workers or, for that matter, anyone. No one should be attacked for doing their job. I hope that, when the case goes to court, the full rigour of the law will be applied to the individuals involved in the incident.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

I will also comment on the issue that Mr Clarke raised. I thank him for making his points.

I condemn Sunday's shocking attack in Downpatrick on a police officer, who was struck by a stolen vehicle. The officer in question sustained serious injuries that required treatment in hospital, where he remains. An attempted murder investigation is under way. That is, unfortunately, the reality for PSNI officers who put themselves in harm's way every day to keep everyone in the community safe. The officer is someone's son, someone's brother and someone's friend. It could have been any of our relatives or friends. I am sure that I speak for other others when I say that it is wholly unacceptable. I thank the officer's PSNI colleagues, who provided urgent medical treatment at the scene, and those from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who further cared for him and took him to hospital.

I also thank the members of the public who provided support at the scene. I am sure that that demonstration of support from the community is much appreciated. In fact, I have been in contact with some of the officer's colleagues, so I know from them that the help that was received from the community at the time was very much appreciated by the PSNI in Downpatrick. That speaks to the wider point that what went on in is in no way reflective of people in Downpatrick and is not what they want to see on their streets.

Finally, I wish the injured officer and his family well, and I pray that he makes a full recovery.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Last week, the Department for Communities released new statistics showing that, for the first time, there are over 50,000 households on the social housing waiting list. The statistics also show that there are now over 39,000 households in housing stress and that over 33,000 have homelessness status, which is a rise of 5% since March last year.

We are in a housing and homelessness crisis. We need to see solutions from the Minister.

We urgently need to see the revitalisation of the Housing Executive carried through. That would allow the Housing Executive to borrow against its assets and invest in building more homes. For decades, the British Government have underfunded the North, meaning that we have seen no serious investment in our social housing stock in recent years. The British Government must abandon their austerity agenda and support the Executive to build the homes that are needed.

The Programme for Government set a target of 5,850 new homes by the end of the mandate. I have serious concerns that that target will now be missed. Last year saw the commencement of 1,750 new social homes. While that is indeed welcome, it falls short of the target of 2,000 a year by some distance. We all appreciate that funding is scarce for all Departments and that Ministers are required to cut their cloth accordingly. However, some of the priorities that Minister Lyons chooses to fund are hard to understand, given the seriousness of the housing crisis.

I also have serious concerns about the 600 homes that were promised well over a year ago that were to be purchased to address the unsustainable rise in temporary accommodation costs. Whilst I fully support the intent behind the initiative, it is clear that the project has stalled, and it is unclear whether any of those houses will ever be bought.

As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, I was glad to take part in a recent inquiry into homelessness. One of the key issues identified is that our legislation to tackle homelessness is wholly unfit for purpose. The North still does not have a statutory duty to prevent homelessness, despite rising homelessness levels. The evidence from across the water shows that the best way to tackle homelessness is through prevention, and only a statutory duty can bring a shift towards more preventative activities. Despite having been in office for over two and a half years, the Minister has brought in virtually no legislation on housing or homelessness. The only upcoming Bill that he has announced concerns tackling antisocial behaviour and is in no way relevant to the housing crisis. The Minister for Communities must urgently get to grips with the housing and homelessness crisis and support the people who need support now.

Diane Forsythe (DUP, South Down)

I rise to highlight my serious concern about a huge failure of the Parades Commission, given that it has ignored residents and businesses in Scarva. Once again, we have seen the Parades Commission completely bottle a decision. It has refused to listen to the legitimate concerns of residents who live along the route of a Palestine walk, and that is so disappointing.

Last year, we warned about the parade. The Parades Commission's excuse then was that the police had not marked the parade as sensitive, so the commission did not consider it. That proved to be a disaster, and mayhem descended on the peaceful, rural village of Scarva. It is astonishing that, after the disruption, tensions and disorder that we witnessed last year, so few lessons appear to have been learned. In the DUP's meeting with the Parades Commission last week, the commission acknowledged that it knew about the disorder, that Hamas flags were on full display and that businesses and residents were intimidated and frightened as riot tourists descended on Scarva and caused absolute turmoil. Local people have made their opposition crystal clear, but, instead of acting decisively, the commission has chosen to wave through another deeply provocative parade, with only token restrictions placed on it. The residents will rightly conclude that their concerns have once again been ignored and sidelined.

Markethill Volunteers Flute Band put in for a sponsored walk on the same morning to raise funds for veterans, yet that has been ruled out by the commission in favour of the Palestine demonstration. That gathering has no genuine local connection to Scarva. We suggested alternative routes. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the route has been deliberately chosen just to provoke tensions in a quiet, rural community that neither supports nor welcomes the parade.

The Parades Commission is out of touch with local residents. It has not taken account of last year's disorder, and it has not listened to the concerns. The good people of South Down and Northern Ireland understand and respect the role of lawful and established cultural events in community life. However, there is understandable anger when an overtly political demonstration is brought into our area, despite clear local opposition and the scenes that we witnessed last year. The DUP stands firmly with the residents and businesses of Scarva, who deserve to be able to live in peace in their homes and trade in their businesses. It is a bad decision by the Parades Commission.

Danny Donnelly (Alliance, East Antrim)

On Thursday, in a briefing to the Health Committee, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) set out the scale of the crisis in emergency care in Northern Ireland and the human cost linked to the failure to address that crisis. Using the standard mortality ratio calculation, the RCEM has estimated that, in 2025 in Northern Ireland, there were 1,032 excess deaths associated with patients waiting 12 hours or more in emergency departments before admission. To put that into perspective, that amounts to around 20 people each week. In 2020, the estimated figure was 461, and, in 2016, it was 60. The royal college described the situation as catastrophic, and I wholeheartedly agree.

What is especially important about the report and what Dr Michael Perry and Dr Sara-Jane McGurk reaffirmed for us at Committee is that it makes it clear that it is not simply a demand issue. Attendance numbers at emergency departments have changed little while the long waits and the mortality associated with them have risen sharply. That is exactly what happens to a system that is under sustained strain and in which patient flow is critically blocked. That is exactly what this is about: patient flow, delayed discharge, bed availability, community capacity and social care. It is a whole-system problem that requires a whole-system response. When I asked Dr Perry about the barriers facing emergency care and what the solutions were, he was clear that there was a need for a multi-year strategy that looked specifically at social care, not just the front-door solutions that inevitably add to pressures. The report looks at recommendations such as that. Dr Perry and Dr McGurk also told us that, while the Minister's Release to Rescue programme had reduced ambulance waits outside hospitals, it had made overcrowding inside worse.

The royal college's recommendations are practical and deserve serious attention. They include ending the corridor care and mortality associated with long waits by the end of the decade, adopting a whole-system approach to overcrowding and ensuring that there is clear accountability for delivery. That focus on accountability is of the utmost importance. Overcrowding is persistent, 12-hour waits are now routine and corridor care continues, so clear responsibility must be taken for improvement. The Minister should set out a clear and public plan to address the concerns in the report. He should deliver a plan for real and sustainable reform. This needs to be treated as the patient safety issue that it plainly is. More than 1,000 deaths a year being associated with prolonged waits in emergency departments cannot be regarded as a routine performance problem but should be taken as a clear warning and an issue that demands urgent action. Patients and families demand better, and staff in our emergency departments, who work under extraordinary pressure, deserve better. The question is whether the Minister is prepared to respond with the seriousness and urgency that the current catastrophic situation requires.

Áine Murphy (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

The ongoing crisis facing families of children with complex needs and disabilities across Fermanagh is driven by the severe lack of short-stay respite services, particularly the lack of community-based services. For years, families in Fermanagh have had to fight for respite provision in their community, yet many are still expected to travel significant distances to access basic support, with Omagh and Derry often being the nearest available options. Even then, support is not guaranteed. When a family reaches breaking point, an emergency intervention is required. Respite beds that were offered to families on a short-term basis have been repurposed for medium- or long-term care. Of course, no one disputes the need to support children in crisis, but the reality is that families are left without the respite that they rely on to keep going and to prevent crisis in the first place.

The situation has only worsened with the loss of community-based interventions and support, such as the Brighter Futures programme, which provided safe activities and outings for children at weekends and during the school holiday period especially. Many families are staring into the summer months with little support and few opportunities for their children to take part in activities that others simply take for granted. We all know that our health service is under pressure and that budgets are stretched, but those families cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought.

Respite care is not a luxury; it is essential for the well-being of children, for the stability of families and to prevent more serious interventions being needed later. Families in Fermanagh have waited long enough. They deserve local access to respite services and meaningful community-based supports and to know that their children's needs are being prioritised. Crucially, that must include proper post-19 provision, so that those young people and others with complex needs are not left facing a cliff edge when it comes to getting support into adulthood.

I urge the Minister of Health to listen and, most importantly, to act and work urgently with the Western Trust to deliver a stand-alone, short-term respite service facility in County Fermanagh, alongside the community support that children and families need and deserve.

Brian Kingston (DUP, Belfast North)

At a meeting of the Committee for the Executive Office held here in Parliament Buildings last Wednesday, a disgraceful allegation was made by Mr Daniel Holder, the director of a group called the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ). His allegation was an injustice that does not stand up to examination and needs to be withdrawn.

During an evidence session on race relations, Mr Holder made a sweeping claim that some schools in Northern Ireland are no-go areas for ethnic minorities. When challenged by Committee member Phillip Brett MLA to clarify his statement — I commend Phillip for doing so — Mr Holder came off with the allegation that the Belfast Model School for Girls in our North Belfast constituency was such a school. The fact that Mr Holder was prepared to spout such nonsense, which was immediately contradicted by another panel witness at the Committee hearing, has exposed his own narrow-minded and prejudiced views and his unreliability as a witness or commentator, and it has damaged or reinforced views of his organisation, the CAJ.

Unlike Mr Holder, I have attended many events in the Belfast Model School for Girls over the years. It is an excellent school. It has had ethnic minority pupils for many years and is increasingly ethnically diverse, as are all schools across Northern Ireland. It seems that Mr Holder's allegation was entirely based on one unfortunate case involving girls who had been removed from at least three schools due to their conduct, including other schools before and after their time at the Girls' Model.

Daniel Holder needs to withdraw his crass allegation against the Girls' Model school and to publicly apologise for it. I publicly call on him and the CAJ to make that apology. I and other DUP representatives will not tolerate his disgraceful slur against the Girls' Model school. We will uphold and stand for the excellent work that it does for girls from North Belfast, greater Shankill and beyond.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Last Wednesday, the Committee for the Executive Office hosted two panels as part of its evidence-gathering process on the race relations strategy. Members from both panels were highly political in the evidence that they presented to us. The second panel included Daniel Holder, a director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice. He made the outrageous statement that Northern Ireland needs to make contingency plans for the possibility of a Reform UK Government and branded the party leading the polls in the United Kingdom as far right. That showed such contempt for the views of millions of people right across our United Kingdom and, indeed, tens of thousands in this part of our UK.

Those remarks were rightly challenged and called out by me and by other Committee members. However, the comments from a member on the first panel were even more telling as the radical left mask started to slip. The Bible tells us:

"for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

In Wednesday's Committee, we had an example of that attitude of the heart coming to the surface through what was said, and I put it on record here today. I apologise to the House for using these terms, but Fidelma Fearon from Minority Ethnic Support Armagh was clearly picked up on the mic as saying:

"They are lucky that I did not get stuck into the bastard properly."

I am pleased to say that the public have had their say in the court of appeal that is social media about the actions that took place at the Committee last Wednesday. It is noteworthy that, when asked about her language, Fidelma Fearon told 'The Irish News' that she would not apologise. In the House of Commons, the verbal abuse of a Member of Parliament is categorised as a contempt of Parliament. Our Standing Orders oddly make no mention of contempt of the Assembly, and something needs to be done urgently to address that serious defect.

Ms Fearon's group is in receipt of tens of thousands of pounds of public funding, including generous sums from the Executive Office, and it was a member of the Executive Office Committee whom she decided to abuse. We know that, under section 45 of the 1998 Act, the Assembly has the power to compel witnesses to attend.

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

The Member's time is up.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Ms Fearon should be required to re-attend the Committee and learn some manners.

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

I rise to echo the frustration and anger shared by countless constituents of mine in Strabane. The Strabane Athletic Football Club has worked tirelessly over a number of years to develop its new football stadium in Strabane. The club has gone through the various processes and tried to jump the hurdles that have been put in front of it. The planning application has been stuck with delay after delay after delay for eight years. It was passed unanimously by Derry City and Strabane District Council planning committee. It ultimately ended up with the Minister and was then referred to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC). The report was completed in November, and it has sat, since last year, on the desk of the Minister for Infrastructure, who has not responded to the questions that I have asked about when it will be published, even though officials from the Minister's Department have responded to various questions about that from the media.

It is a real point of concern for people, because the land has sat in limbo for eight years. Last week, I revealed that, shockingly, the Education Authority has swooped in overnight and purchased the land with the application pending on it. The Minister of Education confirmed that the Education Authority is fully aware of the ongoing process faced by Strabane Athletic Football Club, that it has been subjected to considerable hurdles and that the report has been on the Minister for Infrastructure's desk since last year; that is not acceptable. The Minister needs to publish the report's findings and get on with it, instead of the dithering and delay from her ridiculously messed-up Department that does not seem to be able to deliver anything.

I was shocked that the Education Authority had moved so swiftly, given that it does not move quickly for very much. Some £500,000 of taxpayers' money was used to purchase the land, with no guarantee that there can be any development on it, given that the planning application has been stuck with the Planning Appeals Commission and on the Minister's desk; or maybe it is one rule for members of the public and another for a public body such as the Education Authority. In the interests of the people whom I represent, I sincerely hope that that is not the case.

People in Strabane are rightly asking what they are getting for giving Sinn Féin all those votes and all that power. There are three Sinn Féin MLAs, an MP and countless councillors, and, to be honest, even with all the power that they have in government, I would not depend on them to deliver a bag of chips if they had a fleet of chip vans; that is how poor it is. The A5 has not been delivered. Look at the state of our roads. There is a lack of investment in the north-west. The constituency that I represent is in a state, and the job situation is dire. Is it total incompetence, or does Sinn Féin not want to deliver at all? People are right to ask those questions. The people whom I represent in my community have had enough of being let down. The blame the Brits saga is over; Sinn Féin has been in power for 20 years, and it is high time that it stepped up and delivered for the people who invested their votes in it.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

Yesterday marked 35 years since the devastating IRA bombing of the Glenanne UDR base, the home of 'B' Company 2 UDR. That cowardly attack resulted in the death of three soldiers. A lorry containing one of the largest bombs detonated during the Troubles was rolled down the hill before colliding with the base and ripping it apart. The explosion echoed across the County Armagh countryside for miles, and it was heard as far away as Dundalk. Debris from the indiscriminate attack landed in the nearby village and damaged residential dwellings. For many residents, the sound of the explosion still haunts them to this day.

Lance Corporal Robert Crozier, Private Sydney Hamilton and Private Paul Blakely were all upstanding and respected members of the local community, and their loss is still formally remembered annually in various ways. Indeed, this evening will see such a memorial event take place in Redrock Orange Hall. The bravery of the three men who were murdered by the IRA in that attack prevented further loss of life, and their sacrifice is consistent with the actions of many brave men and women who served in the Ulster Defence Regiment during the darkest days of the Troubles. We also remember the impact that the attack had on the 14 people who were injured in it, including civilians, as well as the families of those killed, as they continue to deal with the pain and hurt that that senseless act of IRA terrorism caused.

There has been substantial commentary in recent months about the need to move on from the Troubles. I challenge the likes of John Swinney or anyone else of his opinion to meet the families face to face and tell them to move on from the loss of their loved one. No one has ever faced justice for their deaths. There are many today who strangely claim that there was no alternative to the barbaric attack that devastated Glenanne, even damaging the local primary school, which the terrorists had zero regard for. We will not allow the sacrifice of those men to be forgotten, and we will not allow their deaths to be rewritten as anything other than what they were: a cowardly, murderous attack that achieved only hurt, pain and endless heartache for the families who lost their loved ones.

Assembly Business

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I want to correct the record. The Member for West Tyrone said that a planning application has been sitting on my desk since last November. That is inaccurate, and I want that corrected for the record.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. In the Commons, verbal abuse of a Member of Parliament is categorised as contempt of Parliament. Our Standing Orders make no mention of contempt of the Assembly. I believe that that is a serious defect. What will be done to address that in light of last Wednesday's Executive Office Committee meeting?

Edwin Poots (DUP, Belfast South)

That is certainly an issue that Members raised. We can look at it. We do not get involved in the specific proceedings of individual Committees. When it comes to the purposes of the Chamber, Members will be aware that I have made it clear that robust scrutiny of the issues is in order but that personal abuse is not and that crude language is not acceptable either. It appears that, in the Committee, that happened. That is a matter for the Committee, but I hope that the Committee will have the same robust stance as the Chamber when it comes to such issues. Things that are not acceptable in the Chamber should not be acceptable in Committees.

That said, I will write to the Committee Chair, because there were comments made regarding my being a racist in spite of having an African son-in-law, a Latino daughter-in-law and Latino grandchildren. That does not really demonstrate that there is much racism in our family, but Mr Holder sought to make that comment. We will expect the Committee Chair to respond to that and have the Committee deal with the matters and with people coming to the Committee and not behaving in an appropriate way. I thank the Member for raising that point of order.

Members, take your ease before we move to the next item of business.

(Mr Deputy Speaker [Dr Aiken] in the Chair)

Ministerial Statement

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

I have received notice from the Minister for Infrastructure that she wishes to make a statement. Before I call the Minister, I remind Members that they must be concise in asking their questions. This is not an opportunity for debate, and long introductions will not be allowed. Minister, over to you.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.]

In compliance with section 52 of the NI Act 1998, I wish to make the following statement on the meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in transport sectoral format that was held on Thursday 7 May 2026 in Dublin.

I attended the twenty-sixth North/South Ministerial Council transport meeting in my capacity as Minister for Infrastructure, alongside Darragh O'Brien TD, Minister for Transport, who chaired the meeting, and Mike Nesbitt MLA, Minister of Health. The statement has been agreed with Minister Nesbitt, and I am making it on behalf of both of us.

Ministers received a joint presentation from officials from both Departments on the cross-border greenways feasibility study and heard about potential opportunities for progressing cross-border greenways through route reviews, stakeholder engagement and reviews of similar infrastructure projects. The Council welcomed the announcement by the Government of Ireland in November 2025 of €2 million in Shared Island funding to support the development of cross-border greenways. Ministers noted that the Department for Infrastructure's appeal against the June 2025 High Court ruling on the A5 is ongoing in the Court of Appeal. The Council acknowledged that both Administrations remain committed to the delivery of the A5.

The NSMC agreed that both Administrations should continue to work collaboratively to progress the A5, Donegal Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and N2 road infrastructure projects through existing forums, such as the cross-border working group, which is considering the practical aspects of the delivery of the tie-in between the A5 and the N2 Clontibret to the border project.

Ministers received an update on the joint work to deliver the all-island strategic rail review and the subsequent rail project prioritisation strategy, including details on the identified early interventions for major projects and how those will be progressed in future. The Council welcomed the publication of the rail project prioritisation strategy and affirmed that both Administrations will continue to work together to progress it. Ministers agreed to identify an optimal means of cooperation in order to help deliver on the recommendations of the prioritisation strategy and the rail review, such as through establishing a cross-border working group or expanding the remit of existing governance structures projects.

Ministers welcomed the Irish Government's initial allocation in November 2025 through the Shared Island Fund and the progression of the market-sounding exercise in December 2025 to advance the Programme for Government (PFG) commitment to establish air connectivity between Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport. The Council welcomed the approval by both jurisdictions in February 2026 of the joint final business case for the Enterprise fleet replacement programme and the ceremonial signing of the contract for the purchase of the new fleet of eight trains for the flagship Belfast to Dublin Enterprise service.

Ministers noted that the mini-tender process for the Shared Island sports club EV charging infrastructure scheme has made significant progress, with several grant agreements having been issued. The NSMC noted the findings of the jointly led transport biodiversity workshop, which identified the potential for transport corridors to be connected to ecological corridors in order to support the restoration of biodiversity.

Ministers welcomed the progress that has been made as a result of the Belfast to Dublin hydrogen refuelling study, which is currently developing two business cases to support the assessment of options for demonstrator stations.

The Council noted the work being done in both jurisdictions on emissions modelling and decarbonisation planning, as well as the intention to continue knowledge exchange and collaboration in that regard. The Council welcomed the information-sharing session that took place in March 2026 between officials who are working in sustainable mobility and climate-related areas to share information on current work streams and to identify potential areas for future collaboration.

The NSMC noted that Departments will continue to engage on the development and implementation of relevant plans and strategies, such as the transport strategy 2035, the national sustainable mobility policy action plan and the Moving Together strategy. Ministers agreed that officials will continue to participate in further information-sharing sessions, addressing themes of mutual significance.

The NSMC agreed that road safety is a key priority for both Administrations and welcomed the ongoing engagement on road-user safety between officials from both Departments. It noted that road safety officials will continue to engage on the implementation of road safety action plans, including any lessons learned that will help inform the development of future plans. Ministers agreed to explore opportunities for greater collaboration and coordination in order to raise awareness, particularly of driver behaviours such as speeding, intoxicated driving, distracted driving and seat belt wearing. The Council noted that details of road safety campaigns for 2026 will be shared and that a communications workshop to explore opportunities for collaboration will be held by the end of June 2026. It agreed to explore opportunities further for the alignment of road safety messaging in future years, where appropriate and where such opportunities arise.

The Council agreed to hold its next meeting in transport sectoral format in winter 2026. My officials and I look forward to working with the Minister for Transport and his officials on all areas of cooperation across the sector.

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

I thank the Minister for her statement, in which she highlighted how road-user safety was a key issue for discussion at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting. Over the weekend, a constituent of mine and yours contacted my office, greatly angered by the fact that she had broken a bone in her ankle after tripping on a dangerous pothole on the Tullyah Road between the Mountain House and Whitecross. How are you and your Department working with your southern counterparts to ensure that the road safety strategy makes sure that dangerous potholes are filled and resurfaced without delay?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

It is a bit of a stretch to link that issue to the statement. However, I will give it a go.

Look: road conditions have been well discussed at this stage. I have set out very clearly the work that I am doing with officials to improve those conditions and make a difference that will actually have a lasting impact. I am really sorry to hear that a constituent has had that experience. Nobody wants that situation. Everybody should be safe on our roads regardless of whether it is to do with the condition of the roads. The road safety issues that we are talking about today relate to driver behaviour and put a key focus on the issues that we know are the main causes of road deaths and serious injuries as a result of road collisions. Road conditions are a separate issue to what we are talking about today.

I have set out very clearly to the House on numerous occasions, and to the Committee in response to correspondence, what we are trying to do about road maintenance within a very constrained budget. We are trying to make really good progress. We are seeing progress and roads being resurfaced, albeit not at the pace that I would like. I can do only what I can with the resources that I have. However, I am determined that we will make a real difference and that, this time next year, we will be in a better position than we have been in for some time.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Peter, I do not particularly wish to give direction on latitude, so will you keep your remarks to the statement, please? Thank you very much indeed. Peter Martin, over to you.

Peter Martin (DUP, North Down)

I feel as though I have been admonished before I have even asked the question, Mr Deputy Speaker.

[Laughter.]

Minister, thanks very much for your statement. Recently, your boss, the First Minister, indicated in an interview that she would be willing to amend climate change targets in order to get the A5 built. Do you concur with the First Minister that the law should now be changed to allow for the construction of the A5?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I am fairly sure that I have answered that question already as well. I said that very clearly when we received the disappointing High Court ruling on the A5 in 2025. That is well on the record. At this time, my focus is on the appeal, as we are in the thick of it at the minute. That is the quickest route to resolving the three grounds that were challenged in the ruling last year. At all stages, however, I have said that we will continue to look at all other options that will get the road built. My priority is getting the road built and the quickest way to get that done because, ultimately, it is about saving lives. That is what I am committed to doing. We will focus on the appeal, but we are looking at everything to see what else can be done in the event of an unsuccessful outcome. My view is that we need to win that appeal.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Thank you, Minister. The previous Member touched on the A5. I am heartened to hear that the A5 remains a key priority for the NSMC. Have the Dublin Government reaffirmed their commitment to that project?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Absolutely. Thankfully, they have said that they are absolutely committed to their funding part. As the Member will know, the A5 is ring-fenced as an Executive flagship project. The commitment from the Irish Government is to part fund the project by around €600 million. As I said in my previous answer, my focus at this time is to get the appeal concluded with a successful outcome so that we can get on with the work, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

I thank the Minister for her statement. I certainly welcome that road safety was such a focus. Specifically on speeding and intoxicated driving, what legislative changes will we see in Northern Ireland during the mandate to tackle those issues?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As the Member will know, we have just closed the speed limit review consultation. We hope to be able to publish the outcome of that fairly soon. That is a key area, particularly when we look at residential areas around schools. I have made my view very clear that we should see a lower speed limit in those areas. We have seen the success of the temporary 20 mph zones outside schools. That can really improve road safety.

As well as that, officials are looking at drink-driving legislation and drink-driving limits. That work is ongoing. I hope to be able to update Members as we get through it.

John Stewart (UUP, East Antrim)

I thank the Minister for her statement.

Minister, will you outline what discussions took place on the all-island rail review and the prioritisation strategy? When are we likely to start seeing shovels in the ground on some of the key aspects of that all-island rail review, given its strategic importance?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

There are positive discussions around that. The Government in the South are really keen as well, and we continue to work with our colleagues in the Department of Transport. It has secured support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) advisory service to help progress the implementation of the recommendations of the all-island strategic rail review. As the Member will know, the project prioritisation strategy was published in December. Both Departments are building on their positive working relationships to explore additional interdepartmental working groups that can work collaboratively to achieve the recommendations of the rail review. Collaboration continues on the Enterprise service as well. The Irish Government's allocated Shared Island funding supported the introduction of the new hourly Enterprise service that commenced in October 2024. Officials are engaging extensively with their counterparts in the South and the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) on the progress of the Enterprise fleet replacement project, which we signed the contract for just last month.

The investments will improve the experience of people travelling by train. The greater frequency and capacity will encourage others to use those services. It will make it even easier for people to connect and make greener transport choices, which will bring economic and social benefits for us all. We continue to work on that and on how we can progress at pace. There is a real appetite to see delivery of the all-island rail review in full, and I have outlined the prioritisation within that.

Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim)

Minister, I will continue in a similar vein. In your response to John, you mentioned the Enterprise project. It gives us a glimpse of what we can achieve across the island with the all-island rail review. For additional information, how do your Department and your counterparts in the South plan to implement the rail review?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I have said, we continue to work with our counterparts in the South to ensure that we have the capacity and capability to jointly progress the rail review. At the same time, we need to continue to work collectively to ensure that we get support from the Executive so that a credible, long-term funding strategy is developed and agreed. That will be key to making the progress that we all hope to see.

The project prioritisation strategy, which I mentioned in my previous response, was a summary report of the main findings from feasibility studies on the four major projects: the Antrim to Lisburn link, with a link to Belfast International Airport; the Portadown to Armagh line; the Portadown to Derry line; and the electrification of the line between Belfast and the border. That was published on 17 December last year. The report outlines a vision for the future development of the rail network in the North and aligns with the ambitions of the all-island rail review. The findings provide a case for investment in a modern and sustainable rail network, subject to the availability of capital and resource funding. Part of the wider network vision is to double the number of rail passengers through improved network accessibility, enhanced regional connectivity and reduced interurban journey times.

As I have said in the House before, I have provided £1 million of additional funding in the last financial year to maintain the momentum on those strategic projects. Delivering the four projects alongside a shift towards rail travel — we see more and more people really wanting to use rail services — will unlock significant benefits for the North and on an all-island basis. We see the growth in numbers. Completion of the feasibility studies is a critical first milestone in defining the projects and their viability. However, progressing all or any of the projects will require significant funding that has not already been allocated, and we will be subject to future budget availability. We continue to work with our colleagues in the South to find out how we can fund the projects, because we all agree that we need to realise the progress from the review and get on with it as best we can.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

I thank the Minister for her statement. Justice McAlinden recently said that your approach to the A5 appeal was:

"entirely unfair and unacceptable and constitutes an unprincipled approach to litigation by two government departments".

He felt that it was "gaslighting" by you and your Department. I note that the court case was discussed at the recent meeting. Minister, it is extraordinary for a High Court judge to say that. How do you defend it? Has the penny finally started to drop in relation to unaffordable and unrealistic climate targets?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I will not comment on those legal proceedings, as we are in the middle of the appeal. I will not, however, take lectures from the DUP, whose Ministers have taken it on themselves to intervene in many legal cases, with Grand Central station being one. I will leave it at that.

My focus is on winning the appeal and ensuring that we get the road built. I appreciate that the Member has put forward some suggestions, but we are appealing on three grounds, and that suggestion does not resolve all of them.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

I thank the Minister for her statement. She mentioned €2 million for cross-border greenways: how will that money be spent, how much of it will come up North, and what are the plans to expand greenways on this side of the border, given that, when you look across, you see that the development of those greenways seems to be much further on than ours?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The Member will be aware that I have committed to provide funding to support the development and delivery of cross-border greenways that are being taken forward under the Shared Island Fund for greenways, including an allocation of £126,000 last year to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to support geotechnical survey work on the northern section of the Sligo-Enniskillen greenway and £400,000 over the next two years towards early development of a number of other potential schemes. Further funding allocations will be subject to the submission and consideration of individual project business cases.

The Member will be aware of the successful Carlingford lough greenway, which was recently completed. It has been transformative. We know that they are really important projects that bring so much not only for the local economy but for tourism, health and all of that. I want to continue to make progress in this key area. We also continue to explore the Sligo-Enniskillen greenway, which I mentioned; the Ulster canal greenway; Lifford to Derry via Carrigans village; Derry to Buncrana; Lifford to Derry on the River Foyle's east bank; and Warrenpoint to Newcastle via Kilkeel, which is, obviously, in the Member's constituency.

Aoife Finnegan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Minister, it was welcome to see the signing of the contracts for the Enterprise fleet replacement project. The hourly Enterprise service has been a game changer for the all-island economy. Can you give an update on that scheme?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

It was welcome that both jurisdictions were able to approve the joint final business case for the Enterprise fleet replacement programme and to have the ceremonial signing of the contract last month for the purchase for a new fleet of eight trains for the flagship Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service. For me, it is a momentous opportunity for public transport, particularly for that significant route between Belfast and Dublin and that economic corridor. It is transformative.

The cross-border investment of almost £560 million, over £200 million of which comes from my Department, underlines my commitment to improving public transport. It is an exciting time. Grand Central station is the game changer that it promised to be when it opened in autumn 2024. It is fair to say that, when we had our guests down there last month for the signing of the contract, they were absolutely blown away by what they saw. It really is something to be proud of. I look forward to building on that momentum and making sure that we further enhance our rail network for everybody.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

Thank you, Minister. On the road user safety element of your statement, we serve the same constituency, so you will be aware that Gosford is one of the busiest parts of it. A wide variety of visitors come to it, not least a lot who come across the border via Newry to access the forest park. Doing so is hugely risky, because they have to wait in the middle of one of the busiest carriageways in the constituency in order to access that park. I am due to meet your officials later this week, but it would be useful if you were to front-load that meeting with a positive statement about your intention to improve safety through the release and increase in safety and basically say, "Yes, I agree that we need to improve safety here, and a right-turning lane is the best way to do that".

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As the Member is aware, we had a site meeting a number of weeks ago. I understand the concerns, because, as he said, we share that constituency. I go up and down that road regularly, whether I am going to Gosford or coming to and from the matches. I know how busy the road is, particularly at that junction. The Member and I talked at length when we met on-site. As he knows, officials are looking at what options are available to improve safety. I have not had the feedback from that to date. Officials may have further updates when the Member meets them later this week. At this stage, it would be remiss of me to make a call on that until I see all the analysis of the options that we discussed on the day.

Maolíosa McHugh (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.

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

Minister, it is welcome that the Departments have made road safety a permanent agenda feature, recognising in particular the high rate of accidents that we tend to have in the border areas, where I live. Will you outline steps that will be taken to address the issue for border areas and the nature of the rural roads there?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

The key point that the Member has made about border areas is that it is so important that we are aligned on an all-island basis on what we are doing about road safety. Things do not change once you get to the border; we all experience the same challenges. Road safety is a key priority for me. As I have said previously, one death on our roads is one too many. This year already, 30 people have lost their lives on the roads; that is 30 families that have been devastated by a knock on the door. It is approximately one person every four days since the start of the year. My thoughts are with all the families and communities who are impacted on by a fatal road collision.

You will be aware that we launched our road safety strategy in the North in 2024, working with our road safety partners. We aim to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2030. The strategy is steered by the road safety strategic forum, members of which include representatives from the PSNI, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service, DAERA, DOJ, the Department of Education and the Public Health Agency (PHA). Our latest road safety strategy action plan, which is to 2027, was launched in January and outlines specific steps and initiatives to be progressed until the end of March 2027 that will contribute towards the aim of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. The action plan includes strategic interventions that are acknowledged to be effective, long-term policy developments and actions that will contribute to the strategic aims of safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people. Alongside our road safety partners, we focus on priority areas, including, among others, policy and legislation; enforcement; communication and awareness; and active travel. The action plan, which has been developed in collaboration with a wide range of road safety partners, including Departments and blue-light organisations, faces into priority and emerging road safety issues.

Following the recent increase in fatalities, I have committed further funding in 2026-27 to ensure that vital road safety campaigns are relaunched as soon as possible. This month, three campaigns, called "Priorities", "Bike Speed" and "Bike Aware", were aired, focusing on driver behaviour and motorcyclist safety as an initial priority. Media plans for pedestrian, seat belt wearing and anti-drug-driving campaigns are being finalised and will run once the existing campaigns conclude. That approach reflects emerging priorities, including the fact that seven pedestrians have been killed this year. Anti-drug-driving is a relatively new campaign, having run for only a short period in November, but it addresses a growing and widespread issue. There is also increasing concern around seat belt use, with anecdotal evidence linking the non-wearing of seat belts to recent fatalities and serious injuries.

Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Foyle)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas.

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

Minister, the dualling of the Buncrana Road, which is a major transfrontier route in the north-west, has been proposed since the early 1970s. I do not know how many times it has been announced, and I have lost count of the number of consultation events that I have been to, but it seems, once again, to have slipped off the Department's radar. Has there been any discussion with your counterpart in the South, given its planned investment in Donegal in particular, about the inclusion of the Buncrana Road in its plans?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

We are always looking at what we could consider for Shared Island funding, and there are projects with a cross-border element that could be eligible for it. There are discussions around all those projects, and Buncrana Road could be one of them. It has a cross-border benefit and could obtain that funding. We are discussing the projects that are there and will keep that on the agenda. Buncrana Road is a key one that could progress that way, if we were successful.

Deborah Erskine (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Minister, we know that £159 million has been spent to date on the A5, and I think that that figure will probably increase. Last week, two public engagement events cost £20,000. That does not include staff costs. While taxpayers' money keeps being spent, action to deal with the problem is not in motion. Sinn Féin is presiding over locking up our infrastructure. Minister, if the Court of Appeal judgement goes against you, what is plan B? What are you doing to make sure that that plan is implemented as soon as possible?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I have said since the day after the court ruling last year, we are looking at other options. It would be irresponsible to go into the detail of them at this stage because our focus is on the appeal. Appealing the judgement on the three grounds on which we were unsuccessful last year is the quickest route to getting the road built. I assure the Member and the House that my focus is, ultimately, on getting the road built. We have said that we will look at other options. The situation is not as straightforward as Members portray; there are a number of factors that we have to look at, and I want to make sure that all of those are carefully considered as part of the process.

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

Minister, with respect, the quickest route to getting the road built is not the appeal; it is getting it right the first time. Given the repeated failures and delays and the scathing criticism of your Department by Justice McAlinden, in relation to the A5, did the Irish Government raise concerns about your shocking incompetence as Minister and about that of countless Sinn Féin Ministers when it comes to getting the road built, which would allow us to finally move on?

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

No.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

The statement mentions the continued commitment to the A5. The judgement was a direct result of climate change legislation that was passed by the House and has to be owned by the House. Has the Minister asked her Executive colleagues to revisit the net zero policy not just in relation to the A5 but across the board? That flawed legislation needs to be binned, and the economy and building infrastructure in Northern Ireland's need to be put first.

Liz Kimmins (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

As I said in response to previous questions on the issue, my focus at this point is on the appeal. That is also what my officials are focused on.

The Member's points about the Climate Change Act are not the answer to all of the issues that we are dealing with at this time. We will consider everything in the round, as I said, but we have to ensure that it is carefully considered so that we can move forward and make good progress.

Assembly Business

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

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. After I raised concerns earlier about Strabane Athletic Football Club, the Minister quickly rose to her feet to state in a point of order that I was incorrect. I have just read the letter that I received from the Planning Appeals Commission. It confirms that, at the end of November last year, that report was sent for the Minister's attention to the Department. I have not been inaccurate; I have reflected exactly the correspondence that was sent to me.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

As you are fully aware, Mr McCrossan, that was not a point of order, but your point is on the record.

Ministerial Statements

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

I have received notice from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs that he wishes to make a statement. Before I call the Minister, I remind Members that they must be concise in asking their questions. This is not an opportunity for debate, and long introductions will not be allowed.

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, and in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act, I wish to make a statement about the 33rd meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in the aquaculture and marine sector, which was held on 15 May 2026. The Executive were represented by junior Minister Reilly and junior Minister Bunting as accompanying Ministers and by me as lead Minister for the sectoral meeting, which I also chaired. The Irish Government were represented by Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. The statement has been agreed with junior Ministers Reilly and Bunting, and I make it on behalf of all of us.

The NSMC welcomed the report on the activities of the Loughs Agency, particularly its ongoing conservation and protection efforts, as well as its environmental education and outreach programmes. Ministers noted the update on the agency's fisheries management and improvement works, including the delivery of nature-based solutions to support climate adaptation and nature restoration across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments during 2025. The Council welcomed the agency's success in securing PEACE PLUS funding, particularly for the MOSAIC project, which will deliver an innovative cross-border marine observation network with support from 11 international partners.

The NSMC approved Loughs Agency's revised business plan for 2025 and also its business plan for 2026 and recommended the associated budget and grant provisions. The Council also approved the agency's corporate plan for 2026-28. The Council noted that the Loughs Agency annual report and accounts for 2024 have been certified and laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas. Ministers noted that a review of the agency’s staffing complement is being progressed, with any relevant recommendations to be brought to a future meeting of the NSMC.

The NSMC welcomed the update on the implementation of the Loughs Agency science strategy framework, which continues to focus on salmonids, native oysters and aquatic ecosystems. Ministers noted the agency's ongoing work to improve monitoring procedures for Atlantic salmon stocks that are used to better assess conservation limits. The Council also noted continued survey work on native oysters, including the commissioning of the oyster mapping eco modelling and growth modelling (OMEGA) project to support conservation efforts. The Council noted the launch of a pilot environmental modelling programme using remote climate telemetry to monitor river temperatures in real time.

Ministers noted a range of measures that are being implemented to address climate change and biodiversity loss, including the creation of riparian buffer strips, in-stream habitats, riparian tree planting, bank stabilisation, natural water retention measures and barrier mitigation projects across the catchments. The NSMC commended Loughs Agency for its proactive response to the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on priority fish species and welcomed its continued commitment to collaborative working with partners.

Finally, the NSMC agreed to hold its next meeting in aquaculture and marine sectoral format in autumn 2026.

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

I thank the Minister for his update. His statement praises Loughs Agency's conservation work, climate adaptation projects, scientific monitoring and international partnerships, but warm words do not pay staff or deliver important projects. Given that the agency is now carrying more responsibilities than ever, will the Minister say whether he believes that Loughs Agency is currently adequately funded? If not, how does he justify that position to the staff of Loughs Agency and the communities that see services stretched and opportunities missed because of chronic underinvestment?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Mr McCrossan. I am aware of Loughs Agency's budgetary challenges, and that is why, a fortnight ago, I travelled to its offices in Derry to have a specific conversation about the issues. It was a constructive discussion, which we will continue, because I recognise the challenges that the agency faces with its budget. I will continue to engage in order to seek a resolution.

Robbie Butler (UUP, Lagan Valley)

Can you give us a better update on salmonids and the most up-to-date picture on Atlantic salmon, given their particular relevance to tourism?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Robbie. A range of factors is contributing to the decline in Atlantic salmon stocks, including climate change, invasive species, disease and parasites, habitat degradation, stocking practices, predation, migration barriers, pollution and poor water quality, over-exploitation and aquaculture impacts. It is a significant issue of concern. There was a presentation at the meeting that highlighted the challenges and the need for us to work together, North/South, in response to the decline in stocks. Those are all significant challenges, but there is a commitment to work with Loughs Agency to address them.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Have there been any discussions at North/South Ministerial Council level on the issue of strengthening all-island cooperation on nutrient management, particularly in light of the phosphate surplus that we have in the North versus the deficit in the South and the fact that farmers are not allowed to export phosphates to the South to redress the balance?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Mr McAleer. The issue was largely discussed at the NSMC meeting in agriculture sectoral format, so I will talk about it in my next statement. We recognise the challenges to water quality in Northern Ireland and the South of Ireland, so we need to work together. Significant North/South engagement is occurring on that, and there is potential for a Shared Island project. Those challenges are not unique to us, and we are determined to work together on them.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

I note from the statement that there was a discussion on the response to the impacts of climate change. Was there a wider discussion on the Irish Republic's Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026? Closer to home, has the Minister had any communication from Sinn Féin Ministers following the First Minister's comments that she would be open to amending the Climate Change Act, which would, of course, need to consider broader issues beyond infrastructure?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I thank the Member for her question. The discussions on climate change at this NSMC focused on its impacts on fish stocks. I outlined more about that to the Chair of the AREA Committee earlier. The Loughs Agency has developed a climate action plan that maps out, at an organisational level, climate risks and impacts, supporting a shift from high-carbon energy, addressing climate adaptation for the organisation, and supporting climate-resilient solutions for the catchments of Lough Foyle and Carlingford lough.

Through delivery of the climate action plan, the Loughs Agency will be implementing an agile, risk-based approach to climate adaptation across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. The plan allows the agency to be responsive to direct and indirect climate impacts to prioritise and plan work programmes.

In response to the specific questions from the Member, I have not had discussions on amending our climate targets because my focus is on delivering the climate action required due to the impact that it is having across Northern Ireland. We have responsibilities regarding that, and it is important that we live up to them.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

I welcome the Minister's statement. The Minister will be aware of the importance of Lough Neagh, especially the zebra mussel issue, to the wider aquaculture sector. He will be aware, too, of my recent engagement on that on behalf of constituents. Will the Minister give an update on any future ownership of Lough Neagh and on matters that would help us along the road of environmental governance improvements and environmental improvement more generally?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, John, for your question. My focus as Minister is primarily on addressing the sources of the pollution that is affecting Lough Neagh, alongside climate change and stronger environmental protection. I am, however, conscious of the issue of ownership of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh. I had constructive engagement on that with the Earl of Shaftesbury recently. He said that he was amenable to handing over the bed and soil, without charge and without terms, conditions or preconditions, for community use, and if that was not possible, to public ownership. I intend to seek another meeting with him to explore the matter further, particularly the opportunities for community ownership. I am seeking advice on what public ownership of Lough Neagh would be. These are constructive engagements, and I will continue with them, but my desire is to get community ownership of the bed and soil of Lough Neagh, and I will continue in that vein.

Aoife Finnegan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Following the NSMC meeting, does the Minister agree that the long-term success of the fishing, aquaculture and seafood sectors will depend on deeper all-island planning and investment? Also, what steps has the Minister taken to ensure that communities across the island benefit from that approach?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you for your question. Quite a lot is happening around that already. It is important that we have those NSMC meetings but also that work continues beyond the meetings. We are taking forward five EU-funded projects. I thank the Loughs Agency for taking part in those, which is practical North/South cooperation on those issues. The challenges faced in Northern Ireland are not unique to us; they are faced across the island of Ireland. We are a single epidemiological area, and that is one of the imperatives for cooperation, but we can also support the industry, North and South, through PEACE PLUS and the NSMC meetings, and we will continue to do that. I am grateful to my counterparts down south, including Timmy Dooley, who went to the meeting. It is a constructive and fruitful relationship.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

Minister, you will be aware of the progress of the works at Narrow Water. What discussions have you had about the ecosystems in that location and what considerable construction work potentially means for that body of water? Was that discussed, and what parameters, restrictions or controls were placed on the work to ensure that there will be no damage to Narrow Water and its surrounding area during the construction phase?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you. I will write to the Member to set out more detail regarding the licensing arrangements because I will need to seek advice from officials. It is important that we protect the marine environment in everything that we do, so I will write to the Member to set out a bit more on that.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

Thank you, Minister. Will you provide more detail on the five EU-funded initiatives that you referred to?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Andy. The first of the five EU-funded projects is STRAITS, which is to coordinate aquatic animal tracking and environmental observation efforts, enabling progress on marine management and planning. The second is NorTrack, which is to monitor the movements of aquatic species that are critical to the north-east Atlantic. The third project is DTOTrack, which is to enable the agency to develop digital twin prototypes of the Foyle and Carlingford lough catchments to improve management and spatial planning capabilities. The fourth project, MOSAIC, is to develop an innovative cross-border marine observation network framework. The fifth project, Catchment Action for Local Management (CALM), is to address critical environmental challenges in cross-border river catchments across the region. I thank the Loughs Agency for taking the projects forward; they are practical examples of cooperation.

Colm Gildernew (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Water quality is critical to the health of our environment and the success of our aquaculture sector.

Minister, what discussions were there at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting on water quality in our loughs and waterways, including the Brantry lough in my constituency, about which concerns have recently been raised? What actions were agreed to address the challenges?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you. The Loughs Agency plays a critical role in fisheries enforcement and in responding to water pollution incidents. Since the previous NSMC meeting in July 2025, it has responded to 101 illegal fishing incidents and investigated 172 pollution incidents. It dealt with five fish kills during 2025. Such incidents require a significant response, and I am committed to supporting the Loughs Agency in its critical role in responding to water pollution.

Jonathan Buckley (DUP, Upper Bann)

The Loughs Agency and the Department are key stakeholders in the management of fisheries in Lough Neagh. The Minister knows about the ongoing dispute about who owns the recreational and leisure angling rights on Lough Neagh. His Department continues to bury its head in the sand on the issue. Has the Minister or his Department had sight of a lease, licence or deed? Does he agree that, in the absence of such information, the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative has no right to claim ownership and put legitimate, legal, licence-holding anglers off the lough?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

As the Member will be aware, I have responded to an Assembly question on the issue. He will also be aware of the legal issues and arguments associated with it. I am wary of walking into a legal issue about the rights, but I am aware of your concerns.

Diana Armstrong (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Minister, thank you for your statement. I note the work to address climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Were measures to protect the marsh fritillary butterfly discussed at the meeting, given that the species is protected in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland? If not, could the matter be put on the agenda of future meetings?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I can confirm that the matter was not discussed at the meeting. Rather than my asking for it to be put on a future agenda, if you write to me setting out more detail on it, I will be happy to raise the matter with my counterpart in the South.

Linda Dillon (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, did you have any conversations about bringing Lough Neagh under the responsibility of Waterways Ireland? How would doing so help us improve water quality and increase the potential for tourism around the lough?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I am aware of the issue that you outline. If I am to be honest, the issue of navigation and Lough Neagh not being covered by a North/South body were omissions from the Good Friday Agreement. I am conscious that the issue falls under the remit of another Minister. I am dealing with a lot in relation to Lough Neagh, and my primary focus is on tackling pollution, dealing with climate change and strengthening environmental protection. If there is a concern, I am happy to raise it with the relevant Minister to see whether there is amenability to cover it.

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

I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, you mentioned the Loughs Agency's fisheries management and nature restoration across the Foyle and Carlingford lough catchments. The Clanrye is the major river flowing into Carlingford lough. What efforts have been made on a North/South basis to monitor numbers of native species of fish in that river, and have schemes been explored to reintroduce them where they traditionally spawned? Have you sought the devolution of Crown Estate responsibilities to the North, and will you outline the benefits of doing so?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

There are probably two questions in that. On the latter question, the Crown Estate issue primarily sits with the Finance Minister. It was discussed with the Treasury as part of the formation talks for the establishment of the Executive, because Scotland has responsibility for its Crown Estate. I mentioned that to the UK Government, and they were certainly not amenable to devolving Crown Estate responsibility to Northern Ireland.

On the first issue, I will have to write to the Member with a bit more detail on that river. I want to make sure that I give accurate information in response to his question.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Can the Minister tell the House how many Loughs Agency staff appointments required retrospective approval from the North/South Ministerial Council because they had been made before approval was obtained?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I recognise that the Loughs Agency's staffing complement, which was last approved in 2006, no longer reflects current operational demands and needs to be reviewed. The agency has confirmed that it is operating within its approved complement as it employs 50 staff, 49 of whom are full-time equivalents, against an approved staffing complement of 53. A review of the agency's approved staffing complement is being undertaken in order to regularise the position.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

I have received notice from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs that he wishes to make another statement. Before I call the Minister, I again remind Members that they must be concise in asking their questions. This is not an opportunity for debate, and long introductions will not be allowed.

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a statement in compliance with section 52 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 regarding the thirtieth North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agriculture meeting, which was held at the NSMC joint secretariat offices in Armagh on Friday 15 May 2026. Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA, junior Minister Joanne Bunting MLA and I represented the Northern Ireland Executive at the meeting. The Irish Government were represented by Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Mr Heydon chaired the meeting. The statement has been agreed with junior Minister Reilly and junior Minister Bunting, and I make it on behalf of us all. It was a positive meeting, and a lot of progress was made. I will now take each paper in the order in which it was discussed.

On the review of the work programme, the NSMC noted the continued implementation of the revised work programme for the agriculture sector, as agreed by the Council in May 2024, and the engagement between both Administrations to review common challenges faced by the agri-food sector in both jurisdictions. Ministers noted that there is sufficient scope in the existing framework to facilitate cooperation on those challenges.

The Council acknowledged the ongoing efforts by officials from both jurisdictions to strengthen existing cooperation on animal health and welfare. Ministers welcomed the close collaboration and engagement that have taken place during times of epizootic disease incursions in both jurisdictions, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), to protect the high animal health status on the island. The Council noted the work under way in both jurisdictions to reduce the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) across the island and welcomed the development of the €11·7 million cooperation project to tackle bovine TB as part of the Shared Island initiative.

On cooperation on plant health and pesticides, the NSMC welcomed the ongoing commitment of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to proactively take steps to deliver the shared objective of achieving and maintaining good plant health status on the island. The Council noted the ongoing collaboration and sharing of expertise demonstrated through the UK and Ireland plant health coordination group meetings hosted by DAERA in August 2025 and by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in January 2026. Ministers welcomed the continued cooperation and the opportunities being explored for further joint research resulting from the DAFM visit to DAERA in March 2026, as well as the continuation of joint DAFM/DAERA simulation exercises to test plant health contingency plans in 2026. Ministers welcomed the continued cooperation on laboratory expertise, including the recent designation by DAFM of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) as an official laboratory to carry out analysis, tests and diagnosis of bacterial, nematode and fungal pests of plants and pesticide residues in or on food. The NSMC welcomed the continued collaboration on pesticides through the North/South pesticides group as well as the ongoing exchange of information on pesticide issues.

The Council acknowledged the good collaboration between DAERA and DAFM on research, innovation and bioeconomy. Ministers recognised the successful applications from Ireland and Northern Ireland on nine projects funded under Horizon Europe cluster 6 in the food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment sectors. The Council noted the funding of 11 projects over the past 10 years under the US-Ireland R&D partnership's agriculture theme. Ministers acknowledged progress on the funding of joint projects in both jurisdictions under the DAFM thematic research calls, including the three collaborating NI institutions' participation across six projects. The NSMC welcomed the announcement of two awards of almost €4·5 million each to support the development of bioeconomy in the agriculture and marine sectors, with co-funding from the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island initiative, DAFM and DAERA. The Council welcomed ongoing cooperation between DAFM and DAERA on identifying further opportunities for research collaboration under existing or new measures.

The NSMC welcomed the ongoing cooperation between both Administrations on addressing climate change and loss of biodiversity in the agriculture sector. Ministers acknowledged the cooperation between DAERA and DAFM on the development of agrienvironment schemes and agreed that officials from DAFM and DAERA will continue to share experiences and lessons learned from the implementation of Ireland’s agri-climate rural environment scheme, particularly in relation to results-based payments and technology solutions.

The Council noted the ongoing collaboration between DAERA and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht on rural policy making, including through regular meetings of the North/South rural policy forum. The NSMC noted the ongoing investment in rural communities, including through the PEACE PLUS programme, and welcomed the commitment of the two jurisdictions to sharing learning on addressing rural isolation.

The NSMC welcomed the important cooperation between both Administrations and the ongoing work to improve farm safety. The Council noted the joint inspection campaign delivered by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) through the North/South farm safety group to raise awareness of the dangers of working at height. Ministers welcomed the presentation by Embrace Farm and Rural Support on the services provided by them to farming and rural communities.

The Council agreed to hold its next agriculture meeting in winter 2026. I look forward to working with my counterparts in the South on all areas of cooperation in the agriculture sector.

I commend the statement to the Assembly and welcome any questions.

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

I thank the Minister for that update. Minister, you described it as an important meeting at which a lot of progress was made. Whenever people from across our rural communities look at the continued pressures on farm incomes, the ongoing bovine TB crisis, biodiversity decline and the lack of visible outcomes on the ground, they will ask us all and specifically you, Minister, a simple question: where are the measurable results? Can you point to a single concrete outcome from the meetings or others that you have had that will improve the daily lives of farmers and people in rural communities, beyond agreeing to continue discussions and share such experiences?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I believe in North/South cooperation; it is of real value. That is why it is important that we do it. The Member is looking for specific examples. There is a Shared Island cross-border initiative on TB. The Member is aware of the details of that, and it is important that we continue to work on it. We continue to work on a North/South basis on many issues, and I am committed to doing that.

Robbie Butler (UUP, Lagan Valley)

I am sure that the Minister will agree that farming is not just an important job but a dangerous job, with around 50 fatalities in farm-related accidents over the past 10 years. Will the Minister give an update on any initiatives on that or of the importance given to driving that number down to zero deaths on farms in Northern Ireland?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Robbie. A lot of work is done by governments in the North and South in cooperation with the farming sector. One key thing in the meeting was the presentation from Embrace Farm and Rural Support on the work that they provide. It is important that we continue to support them in that work in the time ahead, because collaboration is the way forward to address that critical issue.

It is not lost on me that farming is a very dangerous profession, and it is important that we all work together to address those concerns. There are too many lives lost and people injured in farming accidents, so cooperation is absolutely critical. That is why the meeting focused on that issue.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

I have repeatedly raised the poultry litter issue with you and with the Departments, North and South. Farmers in the South want poultry litter, and farmers in the North want to export it, given the phosphorus (P) surplus here and P deficit in the South. Have there been any discussions at ministerial level to help resolve the issue, which would complement nutrient management across the island?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I am aware of the issue and the challenges, particularly the lack of response to queries being posed to Shared Environmental Services (SES). As a result, I had a productive engagement with Pilgrim's, and I have requested a meeting with Shared Environmental Services involving Pilgrim's, NIEA officials and me. They have agreed to that, and we are seeking to set that up as soon as possible.

We need to find a way through the issues. They are of real concern to the industry. That is why I have stepped up, and I will seek to engage with Shared Environmental Services so that we can have a better response to the issues.

We are aware that the issue does not sit with just one Department in the South; there are others. I will seek to do what I can. We have also invited the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) along because I am conscious that Shared Environmental Services works on behalf of all 11 councils, and there is a role for NILGA in cooperation and partnership working around this. Hopefully, that update is helpful. We are seeking to address it at speed.

Michelle McIlveen (DUP, Strangford)

I am aware that PEACE PLUS projects looking at nature-based solutions to improve water quality on farms are being held up because of bureaucratic hurdles introduced by DAERA in relation to state aid. Will the Minister ensure that those hurdles are removed to enable work to commence?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I am concerned to hear that. I am happy to engage with the Member on it. It is important that we get PEACE PLUS funding out on the ground to support the very good work that it is seeking to achieve. If the Member is happy, officials will follow up with her after the sitting.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

I thank the Minister for the statement and for the broad mention of animal welfare. Will the Minister update us on cross-border cooperation on companion animal welfare?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

There was a discussion on that, taking into account that my counterpart in the South, Martin Heydon, recently published a Bill on dog breeding establishments. We have also done an expert-led review on that, which was recently published. Officials are considering the recommendations in that, and we will set out a way forward in the time ahead.

We are very conscious of the need to safeguard animal welfare, including for companion animals. The cross-border nature of that means that we must cooperate in regard to the risks associated with people exploiting that land border, and we will continue to cooperate on the issue.

Áine Murphy (Sinn Féin, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I thank the Minister for his statement. Given the concerns that many had even before Christmas about bluetongue and the fact that we will most likely be entering a vector high-risk period in the coming months, what engagement did you have with your colleagues at the NSMC on an all-island approach to disease prevention and control, and what, if anything, has been agreed?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

We seek to cooperate quite closely on bluetongue and other diseases, such as avian influenza, because of the impacts across the island of Ireland. There is well-established, ongoing engagement between colleagues in DAERA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on the prevention, preparedness and response to outbreaks of episodic disease, such as avian influenza and bluetongue. Officials from both jurisdictions maintain routine communication channels at policy and operational levels. That includes regular meetings and information sharing to ensure that, where appropriate, an all-Ireland approach is taken.

Both jurisdictions collaborate on horizon scanning through forums such as the all-island surveillance forum, particularly for transboundary issues such as avian influenza and bluetongue. There is collaboration on contingency planning, including joint participation in simulation exercises and preparedness activities.

In the event of outbreaks, including the recent outbreaks of avian influenza and bluetongue on the island of Ireland, there has been extensive engagement, North and South, to ensure a coordinated response. The matter is being addressed at more than just an NSMC meeting, however. There is ongoing engagement between officials, as well as between Minister Martin Heydon and me.

Jonathan Buckley (DUP, Upper Bann)

Is the Minister in a position to update the House on how the €11·7 million cooperation project to tackle bovine TB will be used for a wildlife management programme in Northern Ireland? He knows the significant impact that that particular strain of TB has had on local farmers. Will the project therefore include a cull of badgers that are infected with TB?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I was pleased to launch the bovine TB regionalisation research pilot with my counterpart, Minister Martin Heydon, in Donegal in February this year. It is an innovative cross-border project that is supported by the Irish Government's Shared Island initiative and the UK Government's transformation funding, and it is intended to tackle the growing impact of bovine TB on farms in a pilot area that covers north-east Donegal and part of the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. It is the first time that a regionalised approach to the disease will have been trialled on the island of Ireland, and a coordinated package of measures will be undertaken. Subject to the approval of the necessary licences, the pilot is expected to include further research on the use of the test and vaccinate or remove (TVR) approach to wildlife intervention, alongside enhanced cattle testing, strengthened movement controls and improved on-farm biosecurity.

I understand that sett survey work is progressing exceptionally well, and I am delighted with the level of uptake and engagement from farmers in the area. Findings generated through the initiative will provide important evidence to inform future bovine TB eradication policy on both sides of the border. Although the TVR approach is being used in the pilot, it does not preclude or set a direction for wider policy on wildlife intervention, on which we will consult in the next few weeks. I encourage people to respond to the consultation so that we can then take decisions.

Andrew McMurray (Alliance, South Down)

Minister, can you give us an update on the UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agri-food negotiations? How will any agreement benefit the island of Ireland and, indeed, the whole UK?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

Thank you, Andy. The island of Ireland is a single epidemiological area. It has a very close relationship with the European Union, and the issues associated with Brexit have caused challenges. I welcome the fact that the UK Government are finalising negotiations with the EU on a future SPS agri-food agreement. I hope that the negotiations will conclude in the next number of weeks, after which the UK Government can move to legislating based on that agreement. I have engaged with the UK Government on the matter, and I will continue to do so. As the UK and the EU seek to finalise negotiations, there are two issues of concern. One is associated with the movement of fish and wine, which will remain outside the scope of any agreement. I am concerned that those goods will still require checks at points of entry into Northern Ireland from GB. I will continue to engage with the UK Government to resolve the matter. The other issue to be addressed concerns seafood marketing standards. The detail in the SPS agri-food agreement on those issues is important, and I will continue to engage with the UK Government to make sure that any agreement works for Northern Ireland.

Gareth Wilson (DUP, Newry and Armagh)

Minister, you will be aware of the good news over the weekend that a curlew was discovered to be nesting in Northern Ireland and of the fact that there has been a 98% decline in the species here since the 1980s. You may also be aware of the proliferation of foxes and other vermin in Northern Ireland. What are your concerns about the ongoing safety of curlew here to encourage their return and about the methods that are used to deal with vermin such as the fox, which poses a real risk to our curlew population?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I will focus on the positive, which is that if we give space to nature and the environment, we will see the recovery that the Member reported. It is important that we also support such initiatives through the PEACE PLUS programme, and the North/South Ministerial Council can be the place where we cooperate in order to see the return of the curlew. That is on what we want to focus.

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

I thank the Minister for his statement. Bovine TB costs the Northern agricultural sector around £150 million a year, and that includes direct departmental compensation costs and indirect costs to farmers. Minister, you highlighted how efforts to reduce the prevalence of bovine TV were discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting. Did the discussion include wild deer, because they are wild animals that also transmit TB and ticks? Can you detail what measures are being adopted to control the movement of wild deer?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

I am aware that the issue the Member outlines is more prevalent in the Republic of Ireland than in Northern Ireland. As part of the consideration of wildlife intervention on those issues, we have a blueprint for TB eradication, and we continue to deliver that, but we are also seeking to cooperate on a North/South basis. When the consultation on wildlife intervention starts, I encourage all Members to constructively engage with that.

Timothy Gaston (Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim)

Will the €11·7 million bovine TB project include consideration of a Northern Ireland-wide badger cull, given the long-standing use of such measures in the Republic of Ireland and, indeed, in GB, or will the North Antrim farmer who is outside the current pilot area simply get more paperwork from you while their herd continues to be destroyed by bovine TB?

Andrew Muir (Alliance, North Down)

As the Member will be aware from questions on that issue, we will shortly commence a consultation on wildlife interventions across Northern Ireland. That will be an opportunity for people to give feedback and for us to consider commencement and drafting of legislation associated with that, with Executive approval. I encourage the Member to engage in that consultation constructively, as he always does.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

That concludes questions on the statement.

Executive Committee Business

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I beg to move

That the Second Stage of the Education Inspections Bill [NIA Bill 34/22-27] be agreed.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

In accordance with convention, the Business Committee has not allocated a time limit to the debate. I call the Minister to open the debate on the Bill. Over to you, Minister.

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome the opportunity to open the Second Stage debate on this critical Bill. It has been a long time coming. Indeed, I first submitted an inspection paper to the Executive as far back as November 2024, and, as far back as December 2023, the independent review of education recommended that it should be an offence to wilfully obstruct any person authorised to make an inspection. As those recommendations aligned fully with established arrangements in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland and followed a decade of disruption to school inspections, I assumed that they would not be politically contentious. Given that the arrangements would simply bring education into line with basic standards of oversight that we expect elsewhere in society, I hoped that the Bill could be passed in relatively short order.

Clearly, the trade unions seek leverage in industrial relations negotiations, and they would be reluctant to undermine their position, but that is not a position that could credibly be supported by any elected representative. If there has been a clamour to make inspection of nursing homes or prisons a voluntary process, I must have missed it. Surely the safeguarding of our children and the quality of their education is at least as important as other walks of life that are subject to inspection.

The first draft of the Bill included provisions that made obstruction of inspection an offence, as in other jurisdictions. That was not, as some suggest, an attempt to criminalise teachers any more than a 30 mph sign is an attempt to criminalise motorists; it is to reflect the fact that inspection is not a voluntary process. The number of prosecutions in the history of the same provisions in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland: zero. What that tells us is important. The law is not there to punish; it is there to set a clear expectation. Instead, their inspectors continued to inspect schools and identify safeguarding issues and schools that needed improvement whilst the quality of our children's education was left to chance.

However, we operate in a system where political consensus must be achieved for legislation to progress, so I was prepared to look again at the arrangements. As a result, I brought proposals in which there would be no prosecution, but non-cooperation would constitute unacceptable professional conduct. While unique in these islands as a possible way forward, I was grateful that that approach commanded unanimous support from my Executive colleagues and was agreed for introduction. I want to put on record my appreciation of their support at the Executive.

I was therefore more than a little surprised to read on social media that Sinn Féin, having sought the changes that I brought forward and endorsed the legislation at the Executive, intends to oppose that same legislation.

I know that it is sometimes said that Sinn Féin has one policy north of the border and another in the South, but holding two conflicting policies in Northern Ireland at the same time has to be a first. Perhaps Sinn Féin intends to fight the next election in the Republic on a platform of repealing inspection legislation in the South; that would be consistent. I can see that party's slogan for the safeguarding of children: "See no evil, hear no evil". Turning a blind eye to failing schools and prioritising the interests of adults over children is a reprehensible policy that is only made worse by Sinn Féin now posing as the defenders of teachers and opposing a Bill that it previously endorsed. Is it any wonder that Sinn Féin wants to subcontract plans for a united Ireland to a citizens' assembly, given that it cannot even establish a consistent policy on inspection? How stupid do the Sinn Féin Members think teachers are?

The Bill is one of the most important opportunities that we have in the mandate to make a lasting difference to education. It is a direct result of the actions short of strike over the past decade. My officials have set out the need for legislation clearly and consistently at the Education Committee. I regret the fact that legislation is, clearly, the only way to address the matter. All efforts at negotiation to have inspection excluded from action short of strike have been unsuccessful, including in January 2025, when there were no outstanding areas of disagreement between the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) and the Northern Ireland Teachers' Council (NITC). At a time when the new model of inspection had been widely welcomed by stakeholders, inspection was included in action short of strike. If one union includes inspection, we have seen time and time again that the others are under pressure immediately to do likewise; otherwise, in a competitive market, they lose members. The trade union response to the inspection consultation clearly stated that they objected to any proposal to remove inspection from the arena of industrial action. That now seems to be Sinn Féin's position as well. My Department's efforts to reach a negotiated agreement have met with silence from the trade unions. A draft agreement prepared back in November 2025 remains unsigned and unanswered.

Quite simply, in any scenario other than with this legislation, the refusal to participate in inspections will remain a feature of our education system. As in every other jurisdiction across the British Isles, the proposed separate statutory requirement is the only realistic and effective solution. We need a legal framework for inspection that guarantees consistent, independent oversight of educational quality, child protection and safeguarding that is fit for purpose and practicable. That is not just my view; it is the view of the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO), which highlighted the significant cumulative impact of action short of strike. Until action short of strike was suspended last year, three quarters of ETI inspections in the past eight academic years had been impacted on by action short of strike. To be clear, in those cases, that disruption means that the ETI is unable to provide assurance to parents, carers, school communities and all stakeholders on the quality of education that is being delivered. It also means that, in every one of those cases, the ETI has been unable to fully evaluate child protection and wider safeguarding arrangements, which are a core and critical protection for children. As a result of action short of strike, many schools have gone without meaningful inspection and, therefore, external scrutiny. That support is essential to driving improvement to make sure that children are safe and are making progress in their learning. With the return of inspection, 10 schools have been identified as needing sustained external support through formal intervention processes. Those were the first schools to enter formal intervention and receive external support in the eight years since 2017. By way of comparison, in the eight academic years before 2017, 80 schools received support. Thirteen other schools are in follow-up and receiving support, and their improvement will be evaluated through progress inspection. What does it mean when inspection is obstructed or cooperation is withheld? To be clear, it means that there is no classroom observation of teaching and learning. Lesson plans, pupil data and individual learning materials are not shared. Staff have refused to meet inspectors, preventing evaluation of their training and awareness and understanding of key policies. Often, questionnaires have not been issued to pupils and parents, and their voice has not been heard.

ETI is the only organisation that inspects child protection arrangements. Sinn Féin and trade unions have contended that safeguarding was fully protected during action short of strike: that is, quite simply, not true. From 2017, the unions permitted the sharing of safeguarding documentation only, but that is not sufficient. Read the inspection reports. Time and again, they state that, during that period, ETI was unable to fully evaluate the outworking of safeguarding arrangements. In order to properly evaluate safeguarding, inspectors must hear directly from pupils and parents through questionnaires, observe classroom interactions, speak with designated teachers and governors, analyse pastoral data and critically examine how policies operate in reality, not just on paper. Under action short of strike, almost none of that was possible. Only a consistent, unimpeded programme of inspection can provide the necessary assurances that unknown safeguarding issues are being identified and that robust child protection arrangements are in place in our schools.

The facts are deeply troubling. The Northern Ireland Audit Office reported that, in the three years prior to action short of strike, the ETI identified 37 schools where child protection arrangements were unsatisfactory. In the five years between 2020 and May 2025, that figure fell to just eight schools. That is not progress or improvement; it should be a warning sign. Since full inspection has resumed, serious safeguarding failures have once again been identified and schools have been found to have significant shortcomings in child protection provision. In those cases, ETI acted immediately, triggering intervention by the Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) and conducting follow-up inspections within six weeks. In other schools, inspectors identified that child protection training had lapsed, putting pupils at risk and requiring urgent corrective action. Perhaps most powerfully of all, pupil questionnaires revealed that some children did not feel safe in school, and it was only through inspection that support could be put in place. That is the reality. Without inspection, those voices are not heard, those risks remain hidden and those children remain vulnerable. Without inspection, risk does not merely increase; it becomes unavoidable that schools that require support may not be identified and that children may remain in environments where vulnerabilities go unseen. We know from bitter experience where that can lead.

It has taken time to reach this point, but I am pleased that we can now have an open and transparent public discussion on legislation that goes to the heart of our approach to education. Inspection is fundamental. It is a cornerstone of every effective education system and an essential safeguard of the significant public investment that we make — over £3 billion each year — to give every child the best possible start in life. The public rightly expects assurance that that investment is delivering high-quality education and that we are keeping children safe. When our education system falls short, the consequences extend far beyond the classroom. There are fundamental links between poor educational outcomes and unemployment and to greater demands on our health system, our benefits system and our criminal justice system. There are exponentially rising costs to society when education goes wrong. The cost of education failure is profound and far-reaching. Inspection is central to preventing that failure. It not only provides assurance but actively drives improvement by identifying effective practice, supporting schools to raise standards and ensuring that learning from the best is shared across the system. It also plays a critical role in shaping policy and targeting resources. Through school inspections and wider thematic work, the Education and Training Inspectorate provides a cross-sectional evaluation of our system. It can identify trends and phase insights, such as oracy challenges in preschool and Foundation Stage, dive more deeply into the delivery of specific parts of the curriculum, evaluate the impact of new education initiatives and assess the services that support our schools. It provides the evidence that we rely on to take informed decisions and to support where that support is most needed. Above all, inspection protects our most vulnerable children. It is the only independent mechanism that we have to assess safeguarding arrangements in schools and to ensure that those arrangements keep pace with evolving risks. It is also essential in evaluating provision for children with special educational needs, an area of exponentially growing demand and unaffordable provision. In short, effective inspection is not optional: it is indispensable. Yet the reality in Northern Ireland is that our legislative framework contains a critical gap, unlike every other jurisdiction across these islands.

We do not have clear legal provision to ensure cooperation with inspection. While current legislation requires schools to be open to inspection, it does not explicitly require cooperation. Some have argued that the present arrangements are already sufficient to require inspection, but that ambiguity has been exploited, allowing inspection to be drawn into industrial action and significantly impeded for over a decade. This has nothing — I mean absolutely nothing — to do with the right to strike: that right remains untouched. Nor does it affect the right to take action short of strike, which also continues. It is about one thing only: removing child protection and inspection from the arena of industrial leverage. Obstructing a statutory, independent process designed to protect our most vulnerable young people cannot be considered as working to rule; nor can it be considered acceptable conduct. It should never have featured in directives from unions to an ethical and dedicated profession that is committed to reflecting on its practice and to continuous improvement. Such directives damage the teaching profession.

I have worked tirelessly to provide equitable and significant pay offers to ensure that our teachers are fairly remunerated for the excellent and tireless work that they do in our classrooms every day. I have invested in attracting and retaining that critical workforce, providing bursaries for hard-to-fill subject areas. Since taking up office, I have raised the starting salary of a teacher by a third. I have prioritised investment in professional development from initial teacher training to the development of new and experienced school leaders. I commissioned an independent review of teacher workload and have published a comprehensive action plan that aims decisively to reduce teacher workload. I will continue to ensure that my Department and employing authorities look creatively and consistently at ways to reduce teacher and school leader workload in every action that they take. My flagship reform programme, TransformED, offers significant opportunities for workload reduction. We are moving into the implementation stage, which will make it a reality.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Minister

[Inaudible.]

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

It will take longer than 2.00 pm.

Steve Aiken (UUP, South Antrim)

Thank you very much.

Ladies and gentlemen, as Question Time begins at 2.00 pm, I suggest that the Assembly takes its ease until then. The debate will continue after Question Time, when the Minister will continue with his remarks. Please take your ease.

The debate stood suspended.

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

Oral Answers to Questions — Education

Deirdre Hargey (Sinn Féin, Belfast South)

1. Miss Hargey asked the Minister of Education to outline any action his Department is taking following the publication of the ‘Integrated Education Demand: Evidence, Insights, and Limitations’ report. (AQO 3613/22-27)

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

7. Mr O'Toole asked the Minister of Education for an assessment of his Department’s ‘Integrated Education Demand: Evidence, Insights, and Limitations’ report. (AQO 3619/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

With your permission, Deputy Speaker, I will answer questions 1 and 7 together.

My Department published the 'Integrated Education Demand: Evidence, Insights, and Limitations' report in April 2026 as part of the statutory arrangements under the Integrated Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. I am clear in my commitment to meet the obligations that are set out in the Act. I also recognise the strong interest from some parents and communities in accessing integrated education, and I remain supportive of parental preference in education.

I have considered the findings carefully. At system level, there are more approved places than first-preference applications at both primary and post-primary level. The data indicates that demand is uneven and highly localised, with pressure evident in a small number of schools and areas rather than across the system as a whole. The oversubscription of individual schools may reflect parental preference for particular institutions, which may be influenced by factors such as admissions criteria, school reputation and accessibility. That reinforces the fact that oversubscription alone is not a reliable indicator of wider system demand.

Similarly, the existence of geographic gaps in provision does not in itself demonstrate unmet demand. However, as per other aspects of the report, that will inform areas of interest in which to focus further exploration in the pursuit of robust and consistent supporting evidence to inform decisions. Future demand reports will be important in strengthening that evidence base over time.

The report will provide valuable insight for my Department, the Education Authority (EA) and the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE). I expect that they will prioritise areas where the data indicates sustained and clearly evidenced demand. That will include assessing the viability of expansion, supporting proposals where appropriate and ensuring alignment with area planning and financial sustainability considerations.

Deirdre Hargey (Sinn Féin, Belfast South)

Minister, given the clear demand for integrated education and Irish-medium education and the failure of the Department to support either, do you accept that many families now see the DUP as being hostile to both integrated education and Irish-medium education?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The Member is categorically wrong about the Department's support for integrated education. I have provided pathways and frameworks for schools to become integrated. I have approved schools to become integrated. I challenge the Member: how many schools from the Catholic maintained sector has she engaged with about becoming integrated? How many schools in her constituency has she engaged with about becoming integrated? Out of over 70 schools, I can tell you how many such schools have transformed: one. The sector that overwhelmingly supports integrated education and transforms is the controlled sector. I look forward to seeing Members from Sinn Féin, the SDLP and other parties actively encouraging schools in their constituencies in that respect.

My track record in supporting Irish-medium schools is clear. There have been new builds, bursaries dedicated to them and protections in the Education and Training Inspectorate so that there are no reductions. I have done more for Irish-medium education than a Sinn Féin Minister ever has.

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

I declare an interest: my child is at an integrated school. It happens to be an integrated school from which the Executive, taking the lead from you, took rebuilding money at the beginning of the mandate, in 2024, so I will take no lessons about standing up for integrated education. Minister, you just said that neither unmet demand nor, apparently, oversubscription are indicators of demand. Even when parents vote for transformation, as in the case of schools in Bangor, that is not a satisfactory indicator of demand. What do parents have to do to convince you and others in your party that there is demand out there for integrated education?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The court ruled that my decision on integrated education in those Bangor schools was right and that Members in the House were wrong. You were wrong when you voted through legislation that actually undermines integrated education. The Member is wrong about the school that he just referenced. I did not take money away from the school that his child goes to; I gave money to that school so that it could be built. The Member might want to set the record straight: which Minister approved that school and gave it the go-ahead? It was this Minister. There is nothing from the Member. There is no appreciation that I took forward the school that, as he has referenced on numerous occasions, a member of his family attends. If the Member is going to make accusations, I ask that they be accurate. He should then reflect on the fact that this Minister takes forward decisions, including on the school that his family member attends, enabling it to build a new school.

Jonathan Buckley (DUP, Upper Bann)

The Minister has categorically demolished the sound bites from Sinn Féin and the SDLP on the matter. I will get back to the substance of the question. Some people have questioned the reliability of last year's admissions survey. What does the Minister have to say about that?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

It is correct to say that the survey results need to be understood in their full context, as they can give a different impression from that of standard population surveys. The survey reports that 31·2% of parents, regardless of their first preference, said that they would have preferred their child to be educated at an integrated school. That reflects a stated or counterfactual preference rather than observed behaviour. That can be contrasted with first-preference admissions of around 8% at primary and 10% at post-primary, which represents realised choices within the constraints of the current system.

It is also important to note that the survey sample appears to over-represent those who have chosen integrated education, with 32·9% of respondents coming from that group. That is significantly higher than their share of the overall school population and suggests that their views may carry disproportionate weight in the headline findings unless fully corrected through weighting. In that context, although the survey provides useful insight into parental preference, enrolment figures remain a more robust indicator of realised demand in the system as it currently operates.

Nick Mathison (Alliance, Strangford)

I will not be able to weigh in on the nuances of the report on the demand for integrated education and how it should be interpreted, but, on the broader question of the legislative responsibility to aim to meet the demand for integrated education, when will the Minister set out his road map and his plan to deal with the areas of unmet demand that, as he accepts, exist in some areas?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Working with NICIE, we have published the strategy and are taking it forward. I engage regularly with NICIE and have met its representatives on multiple occasions, including in the schools that I have taken forward. Rowandale Integrated Primary School in my constituency will soon be officially opened, and I look forward to attending that opening. There is also Priory Integrated College in Holywood, which I moved forward. I took the decision to approve funding for that integrated school, and I will continue to work with the integrated sector as it seeks to provide the best possible education for our young people.

Gerry Kelly (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

2. Mr Kelly asked the Minister of Education to outline any assessment that has been made of TransformEd NI's impact on the delivery of Irish-medium education. (AQO 3614/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

TransformED is a system-wide reform programme that is designed to address issues common across all sectors of education. In the programme, the distinct and additional requirements of Irish-medium education, particularly as it relates to immersion pedagogy, curriculum design and assessment, are being considered.

An experienced Irish-medium practitioner has been appointed as the lead adviser for curriculum reform in order to ensure that immersion-specific considerations are addressed in TransformED. The work will be informed by engagement with key Irish-medium stakeholders, including Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG), as well as by learning from immersion education in other jurisdictions.

Practical support for Irish-medium schools is already in place. Through the £31 million teacher professional learning (TPL) fund, Irish-medium schools are accessing tailored professional learning and development. In addition, the Making Best Practice, Common Practice programme has facilitated research-informed conferences with a focus on areas such as immersion pedagogy and Irish language oracy. Teacher supply is also being supported through a pilot initial teacher education bursary scheme, with dedicated Irish-medium post-primary places from September 2026.

Progress has been made on assessment. Interim Key Stage assessment arrangements have been introduced from the 2025-26 school year, with all Irish-medium pupils in years 4, 7 and 10 participating. In parallel, Irish-medium numeracy assessments have been piloted, and work is under way to develop a bespoke adaptive Irish language literacy assessment.

Further bespoke work is under way on the curriculum. A dedicated Irish-medium literacy framework is being commissioned, and progressive curricula for Irish, English and biliteracy will be developed, as well as bespoke immersion guidance, including on curricula adaptations, where needed.

Gerry Kelly (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra.

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

Given the serious staffing and resource pressures that Irish-medium schools face, does the Minister understand why many people see his proposal of an AI lead as little more than a Google Translate solution, instead of properly investing in the sector, and how that further reinforces the view that the DUP remains hostile to the Irish language?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

It is the added line now, is it not, Members? It is just thrown out to create the anti-Irish narrative that people want to ascribe to the DUP. Not for the first time, Sinn Féin is weaponising the Irish language. It cannot go to its electorate on the basis of anything that it has actually achieved. Where is the A5? The list goes on. Its tactic now is to generate grievance politics and, not for the first time, to use the Irish language as a cultural weapon. People can see through that and see it for what it is.

I will continue to support the Irish-medium sector. I have visited many of its schools. I have supported it through the provision of bursaries so that we can address the teacher and workforce shortfall that the Member referred to. I have supported it in developing numeracy and literacy that is bespoke to the immersion of the Irish language. I am supporting the Irish-medium sector in developing a curriculum. The independent review identified that Irish-medium schools were not being supported under the old curriculum. TransformED, which is the policy that Sinn Féin continually opposes for the sake of opposition, gives preferential treatment to the Irish-medium sector in order to develop a curriculum that is fit for purpose. That is why I have appointed a lead adviser for Irish-medium curriculum reform. They have over 25 years of experience in the Irish-medium sector. I will continue, as I said that I would, to be a Minister for all sections of education.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

3. Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education to provide details of specialist provision in mainstream schools (SPiMS) units to support pupils up to year 7 in Irish-medium education. (AQO 3615/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Ensuring that every child with a statement of special educational needs has an appropriate school placement remains a primary focus for my Department and the Education Authority. The EA has advised that it is continuing to engage with schools in the Irish-medium sector to explore the development of specialist provision. The aim is to increase capacity and create sustainable pathways across all Key Stages, supporting pupils as they progress through school.

Four Irish-medium primary schools offer specialist provision, all of which have approved pathways to year 7. Bunscoil Phobal Feirste in Belfast has two specialist provision classes; Scoil na Fuiseoige, which is also in Belfast, operates three specialist provision classes; and Gaelscoil Léim an Mhadaidh in Limavady and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane both have one specialist provision class. The specialist provision in all those schools involves social communication. I apologise if I pronounced any of their names incorrectly, but I wanted to try. Currently, one Irish-medium primary school offers specialist provision across all Key Stages. The remaining schools will be supported to implement additional pathways as their pupils progress through each stage.

Carál Ní Chuilín (Sinn Féin, Belfast North)

I thank the Minister for that response. I have a close family relative who is in need of a SPiMS unit in an Irish-medium school but cannot access one in North Belfast at all. Apart from access in P4 and P5, they will have to go to an English-speaking school, even though Irish is their first language. Will the Minister look at that growing inequality? I am absolutely sure that he would not be content with children who have Irish as their first language being discriminated against, particularly those with a statement of special educational needs.

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I am more than happy to look at the case that the Member has referenced. It is not acceptable if the young person is not able to continue their pursuit of education through the medium of Irish, particularly because of special educational needs provision. It is a challenge for all schools when it comes to SPiMS. We seek to provide support, including financial support, for schools to do that. I do not know the specific reasons in respect of that school. Perhaps there are issues because of a constrained site, but I am only speculating. I am more than happy to look into the individual case that the Member has referenced.

Peter Martin (DUP, North Down)

What oversight arrangements are in place to review decisions to establish new specialist provision in mainstream schools by the Education Authority?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for that question. I know that the issue of SEN placements and specialist provision is very important to him and to all Members. The EA maintains internal oversight through its senior leadership team. All specialist provision proposals are undergoing, over an eight-week period, a consultation process that engages with relevant stakeholders. The proposals are published on the EA's consultation page. The EA continues to work with all stakeholders when considering proposals in accordance with the established framework and strategic operational plans. A consultation report is then presented to the EA strategic planning and policy committee for approval of specialist provisions. The EA provides a statement of assurance to the Department confirming that appropriate consultation has taken place. I trust that that will reassure the Member about the processes that are followed in EA. Of course, my Department continually engages with EA on those issues.

Aoife Finnegan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

4. Ms Finnegan asked the Minister of Education for an update on the proposed redevelopment works at St Patrick's Primary School and Irish-medium unit Gaelscoil Phádraig Naofa, Crossmaglen. (AQO 3616/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

It was announced on 8 May 2018 that St Patrick’s Primary School in Crossmaglen would advance in design under the school enhancement programme (SEP). The scheme proposal for St Patrick’s is provision of a new extension with a multi-purpose hall, refurbishment of existing buildings, new site access, traffic-calming measures, a revised car park layout and new pick-up and drop-off facilities. The project is well advanced and currently at RIBA stage 3, which is the developed design. However, estimated costs for the scheme significantly exceed the SEP funding threshold. My officials are working closely with the design team to review the costs and to identify an appropriate way forward that best meets the needs of the school. They will shortly be in a position to engage with the school and ensure the project can proceed to the final stage of design. I have made funding available to progress SEP projects through the design stages in order to enable them to proceed to the pre-tender stage. Decisions to release projects to construction tender are then taken on a case-by-case basis, dependent on budget availability at that time. I will continue to make the case for additional Executive funding for Education to allow much needed projects, such as St Patrick’s Primary School, to progress to construction.

Aoife Finnegan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

I thank the Minister for his answer. Given the ongoing concerns raised by staff, parents and the wider school community at St Patrick's Primary School and Gaelscoil Phádraig Naofa in Crois Mhic Lionnáin

[Translation: Crossmaglen]

and following my party colleague Dáire Hughes MP's direct representations to the Minister, can the Minister provide clarity on what specific steps are being taken to progress the proposed redevelopment works and outline a time frame for any decision-making or delivery?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The process is at the design stage 3, but the costs for that school have increased significantly beyond the school enhancement programme threshold. As a Department, we are working through the process to make sure that we can move it to the next stage. That work is being progressed. I cannot give a clear timeline, because some of that will involve feasibility and economic business case assessment. If there has to be an adjustment in the funding associated, we will need to go through the normal processes to seek approval, both in my Department and in the Department of Finance. I can assure the Member that I want that school to be brought forward to the end of stage 4 so that it is at the pre-tender stage. It would then only be subject to finance — I say "only", although that is still a significant challenge. At least, however, it would be there awaiting finance to be released. It is not at that stage yet, but there will be no undue delay on the part of the Department to try to take forward that project for the school.

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

Minister, you have mentioned obstacles to delivery of the new school enhancement programme at St Patrick's Primary School in Crossmaglen and the associated Gaelscoil. What solutions are you and your Department bringing forward to see that much-needed extension delivered, which would help children in Crossmaglen progress in the best environment possible?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The Department has brought the school through the design stages. Members will know that a new build project takes too long to get to the end of the construction phase, but, before it gets into the construction phase, it needs to go through the design process, and it needs to have an integrated design team appointed. St Patrick's has that: it is being developed and taken forward. Other schools are waiting just to have an integrated consultant team (ICT) appointed to them, and, in some cases, we are not able to do that because of insufficient capital funding.

The Department will do all that it can to bring this forward to the point at which we are ready to go to out to tender stage for construction. That will be subject to finance, however, and there is a significant backlog of needs in the schools estate when it comes to new builds and school enhancement programmes. The school is not at that stage yet, however. Let us get it to the point where it is subject to finance with regard to proceeding.

Cheryl Brownlee (DUP, East Antrim)

Will the Minister provide an update on the school enhancement programme throughout Northern Ireland? If he has any specifics regarding East Antrim, that would be helpful as well.

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The second call of the school enhancement programme closed to applications in February 2017. Four tranches of projects were announced to proceed to planning. Final announcements were made on 5 May 2020, and a total of 72 projects have been announced across the four tranches. So far, construction has been completed on two schools and is ongoing at three. Procurement is under way for five schools, and construction procurement approval was recently given for nine schools that were at the stage 4 point in the process. A remaining seven schools are at the RIBA stage 4, which is the technical design. There are still seven schools at the RIBA stage 3, which is the detailed design; 11 at RIBA stage 2, which is the scheme design; 26 schools at stage 1, which is technical feasibility; and two schools still at the scoping stage.

That gives Members a flavour of the extent of the demands. That is why there has not been a call for new SEPs. I would love to be in a position where I opened up for schools to put forward bids for school enhancement programmes, but we are not able to do that because of the significant pipeline of work that still needs to be taken through. Where I have been able to make some progress in recent announcements around SEPs and new builds, I have been able to do that within the funding envelope that is available to me. I want to do so much more, but I am constrained from doing so by the capital allocation provided to my Department.

Linda Dillon (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

5. Mrs Dillon asked the Minister of Education to outline any engagement between his Department and the Minister of Health in relation to delivering support services for children with special educational needs. (AQO 3617/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I am committed to continued and practical engagement with Health colleagues to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and their families. I regularly engage with Minister Nesbitt on matters that cross the Education/Health interface, and we met last month to ensure that progress was continuing on the summer schemes. The collaboration between our Departments is underpinned by the Children's Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015, which places a duty on all Departments and children's authorities to cooperate. In line with that, my officials continue to work closely with their counterparts in the Department of Health, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the health and social care trusts on a range of issues relating to special educational needs.

Health colleagues were represented at all levels of governance during the end-to-end review of special educational needs, and that cooperation has continued in the development and implementation of the SEN reform agenda and delivery plan. Both Departments face competing priorities and pressures, yet there is regular and constructive engagement to ensure that our work complements each other and strengthens collaboration, all with a focus on improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs.

Linda Dillon (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Thank you, Minister, for the answer. I am sure that, like me, you have been approached by many parents and families whose children are not receiving, whether in specific special schools or in specialist provision in mainstream schools (SPiMS), the speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy that they need due to their special educational needs. Have you given exact figures to the Health Minister for the gaps in the allied health professionals workforce that are required to be filled to meet special educational needs? If you have those figures, can we have them?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for the question, because the withdrawal of allied health professionals is raised with me when I visit special schools in particular because we need to be increasing their number in those settings, not least due to the speech and language communication challenges that exist. We have made some progress with a joint Education and Health oversight group that engages directly between the two Departments on how to provide multidisciplinary specialist support for children with SEN. Local impact teams (LITs) have had their problems, but the underpinning approach, which is to enable educational and health professionals to make such interventions, is the right one, and we have worked with the Department of Health on that. If the EA or the Department has data with numbers identifying precisely what is needed, I will provide it to the Member.

Gerry Carroll (People Before Profit Alliance, Belfast West)

I recently heard from parents and grandparents of children at St Teresa's Primary School in West Belfast about extending its speech and language unit beyond Key Stage 1. For some inexplicable reason, such provision does not exist in that school, when it does so elsewhere. I had a very productive meeting with the EA, which is open to looking at that. Minister, has the matter come across your desk? If it has not, would you be keen to explore it?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I am happy to look at it. I have been able to visit St Teresa's. I know that it does hugely significant work and that it has led on establishing SPiMS and, in the way in which it has made that available, is a model of best practice for other schools. The principal of St Teresa's is deeply valued in my Department. He sits on my principals' panel and is part of the TransformED work that we are taking forward. I am familiar with the school, and I am happy to look into the issue. I know that there would not be an obstacle on the part of the school, but, if outside inhibitors are preventing the work from taking place, I will be happy to look into that, and I will correspond with the Member in due course.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

Minister, you will be aware of the disparity in access to support services for children with special educational needs that exists for non-statutory preschool settings? How will you ensure that no child misses out on access to the right support?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

We allocated additional funding for preschool settings to employ an extra member of staff so that they did not have to wait for a statement of educational need. Such settings are often the first point at which it could be identified that a young person has a requirement, but, by the time that they have gone through that process, often, they will have left the nursery or preschool setting, which is a lost opportunity to make an early intervention. Part of the purpose of the Department's social inclusion funding was to provide additional support, and I am pleased that the non-statutory preschool settings that I have visited identified that as having been transformative in enabling them to provide support to such young people.

Where we can do more, we should. We have made efforts to provide additional support for young people in non-statutory preschool settings, and I am glad that that has made an impact.

Julie Middleton (DUP, Foyle)

Are the Minister and his Department engaging with the Minister of Health and his Department to ensure that summer schemes will, with adequate nursing support, operate this year?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for her question. Obviously, we recognise the importance of taking the matter forward. As recently as 11 May, I met the Minister of Health to discuss progress on the arrangements that are being made, including the health support required to enable the schemes to operate. I assure the House that officials from both Departments continue to engage regularly, and weekly meetings are held with the Department of Health on the nursing provision that is required to enable the schemes to go ahead. The EA holds a weekly project board meeting to oversee delivery and progress. It is a live operational issue and one that I continue to monitor closely.

Alan Chambers (UUP, North Down)

6. Mr Chambers asked the Minister of Education for his assessment of the pilot scheme that restricted the use of mobile phones by pupils in a number of schools. (AQO 3618/22-27)

Peter Martin (DUP, North Down)

10. Mr Martin asked the Minister of Education when the research on the mobile phone-free pilot scheme in schools will be published. (AQO 3622/22-27)

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

12. Mr Dunne asked the Minister of Education for an update on the mobile phone-free pilot scheme in schools. (AQO 3624/22-27)

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Minister, I ask for a brief answer.

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

OK. I had intended to group my answers to questions 6, 10 and 12. I do not think that I will get to respond to all the Members — apologies — but, because the three questions relate to the latest position on the Department's mobile phone pilot scheme, my response will address them together.

The mobile phone pilot in nine post-primary schools across the Province formally concluded at the end of March this year. I sincerely thank all the school leaders who engaged in it. Their feedback was hugely positive. King's College London is carrying out an independent evaluation. I believe that the benefits of that important scheme will be clearly articulated.

When I attended the official opening of St Ronan's College in Lurgan, which, with 1,800 pupils, is one of the largest schools in Northern Ireland , the principal and the staff highly commended the intervention and spoke about its transformative impact, for many different reasons, on the school environment.

I am conscious of time, Mr Deputy Speaker.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Thank you, Minister, for complying with the tight time frame. I very much appreciate that. That ends the period for listed questions. We will move to 15 minutes of topical questions.

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

T1. Ms Hunter asked the Minister of Education, in light of the fact that, at a UNISON event in Dungiven last week about its campaign for classroom assistants in Northern Ireland, she spoke to many classroom assistants who want to see an end to term-time contracts and a move towards 52-week pay, given that some got their last pay cheque in late May and will not get the next one until late October, which is truly scandalous, when they can expect fair contracts. (AQT 2381/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The issue is really important to the staff who are affected. Such contracts are established by individual schools when they recruit. Some are term-time contracts, while others run over the 52-week period. I know that requests have been made to move to 52-week contracts, but, because of the current budgetary challenges in the Education Authority, it has not been able to move forward on some of those, despite schools setting out the clear business need and justification for it. I do not think that that is an acceptable position. I believe that our classroom assistants should be supported. That is why we have identified clear pathways to enhance the opportunities for classroom assistants.

When it comes to employment practices, I know that the EA has been working on providing better employment contract arrangements for classroom assistants. There is variance, and some of that is for good reason. I know that the EA wants to facilitate people who want to move to a 52-week contract, but the budgetary challenges are inhibiting that.

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

When I spoke to the classroom assistants, I was quite shocked to learn about the variety of jobs that they do. Some are a listening ear, while others feed or change children and do much more. Given that over 22,000 classroom assistants are holding up our SEN support system, can the Minister bring in a proper career structure for them through, for example, accredited training, recognised qualifications and pathways for progression?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Those are all things that we want to provide. A report that was commissioned and completed identified the kinds of challenges that classroom assistants face. It also mentioned the fact that they very much desire the opportunity to develop their professional skill set in order to become teaching assistants and potentially even teachers. It is about how we create that opportunity. We need to find a way to support existing classroom assistants in order to ensure that we enable them to develop professionally.

If some classroom assistants want to become more than a classroom assistant, we also need to find ways to enable them to do that. Some classroom assistants whom I spoke to said that the only way for them to become a teacher is to give up their job and go into teacher training. However, if you are committed financially — you have a family to support and household bills and so on to pay — it is very difficult to give up your classroom assistant job. We want to help with the professionalisation of classroom assistants. The EA has plans on how best we can do that, including how best we support children with special educational needs. That is the priority: to make sure that we have the right model to support them.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

T2. Mr McAleer asked the Minister of Education to outline what his Department is doing to address the serious lack of SEN early years provision in West Tyrone. (AQT 2382/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The need to address the SEN issue has been well documented. It is about how we get further information earlier. Health professionals, for example, will know through health visits whether there are any issues with the development of a child, but how is that information being shared or, in my view, not being shared with the Education Authority to enable proper planning to take place?

Part of the work that I commissioned on assessment was about the need to know in those early years from nought to three what the needs are and how we can make an intervention. As part of the early learning and childcare strategy that was funded through Executive ring-fenced support, we have made interventions in early years to try to support organisations, not least Sure Start, in many of our deprived areas so that they can make earlier interventions. Need continues to grow, so we need to be able to do more. We have started to provide support, but there are clearly pressures involved in establishing provision in early years settings to accommodate children, who have the right to be supported.

Declan McAleer (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Thank you, Minister, for your answer. My office, that of my colleague Órfhlaith Begley MP and those of all the other elected representatives in West Tyrone have been contacted by families who have had to travel considerable distances outside the constituency to access specialist education for their young children. Does the Minister agree that that is disruptive for the young people, costs the families and is at odds with the Department's statutory responsibilities under the Rural Needs Act 2016 and other equality legislation?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

There is no doubt that there needs to be more support for our young people. That is why £55 million was ring-fenced for the early learning and childcare strategy. In the draft Budget that was published, that funding stood still, at the same £55 million, which, in effect, was a cut. I have submitted a paper to the Executive, as the strategy now requires £75 million. We therefore need the ring-fenced funding to be increased by £20 million. That identified need of £75 million is not just to continue the funding to provide support, including for Bright Start and for organisations involved in SEN in early years, but for us to be able to do more and expand provision. As I said, my paper is before the Executive. I trust that the First Minister will clear it so that there can be a decision taken to allow the funding to be released to my Department to enable me to work with early years providers not just in West Tyrone, which the Member has referenced, but in other constituencies that require that support.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

T3. Ms Bradshaw asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on any future additional post-primary provision for the community in Four Winds and Carryduff in her constituency, where hundreds of houses continue to be built that are very attractive to young families, who will inevitably require such provision. (AQT 2383/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Wherever there is new, additional housing, the need for that provision must be identified as part of the basic area planning processes that the Education Authority, as the managing authority for controlled schools, and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) follow. They need to track any demographic changes. Some changes will lead to a reduction in need. As the Member has highlighted, however, the building of new housing creates pressure in an area. How will that need then be met? That is a challenge. There are examples of schools that were built in anticipation of new housing that did not materialise, so those schools have still not reached the appropriate pupil enrolment numbers. There is a fine balance to be struck between making provision in anticipation of new housing in which there will be children and meeting the need in the here and now. That is the part of the area planning process for which the managing authorities have responsibility.

Paula Bradshaw (Alliance, Belfast South)

Thank you for your response, Minister. I am a little concerned, because the houses that I referred to are not just anticipated but are being built and occupied. There was some talk about a new school in the mid-Down area. Is your Department actively involved in pushing for a new build for the people of that area?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

That is slightly further away than up on the Newtownards side. I was in Castle Gardens Primary School recently. Its representatives talked about the fact that new housing there meant that more young people were now coming to the school. That is a new-build primary school that was built without the housing following, so there was a shortfall in pupil numbers. The situation has since changed, however, and that school now has very healthy pupil enrolment numbers.

Wherever schools want to take forward proposals, of course the Department works with them. The proposal in mid-Down is slightly different, in that it is, I believe, for an integrated school, when there is provision in existing facilities to meet the need. That is an piece of work that is being taken forward by those who are involved with that particular school. Where it is appropriate for my Department to engage in that work, it will.

Harry Harvey (DUP, Strangford)

T4. Mr Harvey asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on his proposals to address workload pressures on teachers. (AQT 2384/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

I thank the Member for his question. From the time that I took up ministerial office, addressing teacher and school workload for teachers and leaders has been a central priority of mine. I firmly believe that supporting the teaching profession is essential if we are to retain our talented teachers, sustain strong school leadership and ensure long-term stability. Previous attempts to address excessive workload have not delivered sustainable change. That is why I appointed an independent panel in May 2025. It undertook a comprehensive review of teacher and school leader workload. It provided robust, evidence-informed assessments of the pressures facing the profession and set out 27 recommendations for change across the system.

On 28 April, my Department published a workload action plan that translates those recommendations into practical, deliverable and time-bound measures. That plan addresses each of the 27 recommendations. Importantly, the plan also includes a number of significant measures that go beyond the panel's recommendations. Those include the provision of additional administrative support for schools and the full roll-out of generative AI to streamline routine tasks.

Taken together, and alongside our continued commitment to partnership with the Northern Ireland Teachers' Council (NITC) and management side, I believe that there is a very clear plan that represents a comprehensive and forward-looking response to those workload pressures. It reflects significant and sustained investment, particularly in the context of the current budgetary pressures.

Harry Harvey (DUP, Strangford)

Will the Minister outline whether the measures have a financial cost, and, if so, how much cost is involved?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

Some of them do. A number of recommendations need to be taken forward to release the pressures in respect of information being requested from our teachers. I will say to the Member and to others that some of the trade unions were incapable of identifying some of the workload pressures, but I identified them by setting up a panel, with their agreement, and they had a representative on it. We gathered evidence. We made 27 recommendations, which I am taking forward, but you have to work your way through those recommendations. There is no way to deliver reduced workload and address the pressures by, first, retaining the status quo of a system that is not effective through the current curriculum, qualifications and assessment practice. TransformED, therefore, needs to be worked through.

Furthermore, you cannot strike your way out of workload. By refusing to engage and refusing to work through the issues, you are stuck with the status quo. Therefore, we need to find a way to work through it. I believe that we have the right plan, and people need to put their shoulder to the wheel to take that forward, and then the pressures on our school leaders will improve.

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

T5. Mr McReynolds asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on school places for the 2026-27 academic year for those living with additional needs. (AQT 2385/22-27)

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

It is an issue that I deal with weekly, and I have introduced various processes, such as identifying schools, writing to schools and seeking their cooperation to see whether specialist provision in mainstream schools (SPiMS) can be established. The work to address that need is ongoing. However, this year presents a better picture than last year, and that was a better picture than the previous year.

When I came into office, there was very significant pressure for SEN placements. We have worked to improve the processes to identify the needs. We are doing that in a much more difficult environment, where we have fewer schools available to us with the flexibility for specialist provision and fewer places in our special schools.

Therefore, I assure the Member that progress is being made. There are still challenges, but we are in a better place this year than we were in the previous two years, and I am confident that, by the time we get to September, every child who needs a placement should have it provided to them.

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

I thank the Minister for his response and acknowledge the work that he is doing weekly, as he said. What action will he be taking in the coming months to ensure that no child will be left without a place in September?

Paul Givan (DUP, Lagan Valley)

The action that we have been taking has been to identify the key areas of need across the Province. It fluctuates depending on the specific need in each locality. We have reached out to those schools, and the EA has been engaging with those schools. That is proving to be productive, and that work is ongoing.

When it comes to establishing specialist provision, we provide support for schools to do that. Those schools need to have confidence that they will be supported by the EA when they make their schools available. It is something that we all have to try to address. It cannot be left to the 26% of schools that are currently available.

There are a significant number of schools that we need to be able to access so that, collectively, we provide the best possible support. Earlier, a Member mentioned a case in which a child could not be placed in their local school with a sibling and had to travel excessive distances to another school that is able to provide support. We need to provide support in every locality to help meet the needs of children with SEN placements.

I assure the Member that everything that I, my Department and EA can do is being done. We are in a better position this year than in previous years, and I am confident that every child will have a placement for September. Some children may require contingency arrangements to support them, but placements should be allocated to those children.

John Blair (Alliance, South Antrim)

Members, time for questions to the Minister of Education is up. Please take your ease for a moment while we make a change at the Table

(Mr Speaker in the Chair)

Oral Answers to Questions — Finance

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

1. Mr Dunne asked the Minister of Finance to outline any projected cost overruns for major IT projects managed directly by his Department. (AQO 3628/22-27)

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

There are currently no projected cost overruns for major IT projects managed by my Department.

Stephen Dunne (DUP, North Down)

Thank you, Minister, for that detailed answer. The Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) recently reviewed 29 major IT projects across our Departments. Those projects have an estimated cost of £5·2 billion, with your Department's six key projects costing approximately £1·12 billion. What will you do to tackle delays in replacing outdated IT infrastructure? Do you believe that that is value for money?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

In fairness, Mr Dunne, I answered the question that you asked me:

"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline any projected cost overruns for major IT projects managed directly by his Department."

As I said, there are currently no projected cost overruns for major IT projects in my Department. The matters to which the Member refers are matters for the Departments involved. It is for the relevant senior accounting officers, Ministers and officials to manage those projects.

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

Minister, your Department signed off on a £125 million contract with Fujitsu for the Land and Property Services (LPS) NOVA programme. It was due to be completed before the end of last year but has missed its completion date. Can you tell us when the project will be completed? Can you guarantee that it will be completed before the end of the mandate?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I am happy to come back to the Member with more details. As I said at the start, there are currently no cost overruns for major IT projects managed directly by my Department. I am happy to come back to the Member about time slippage etc on that project.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

2. Mr Frew asked the Minister of Finance for an update on a Budget for 2026-27. (AQO 3629/22-27)

Sinéad Ennis (Sinn Féin, South Down)

10. Ms Ennis asked the Minister of Finance for an update on engagement with the British Government to negotiate a new and fairer funding model. (AQO 3637/22-27)

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

12. Mr McReynolds asked the Minister of Finance for an update on the proposed draft Budget 2026-29/2030. (AQO 3639/22-27)

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

With the Speaker's permission, I will answer questions 2, 10 and 12 together.

The Executive need sustainable long-term funding that allows us to plan, invest and deliver. I have made and continue to make the case, including through ongoing engagement with the Secretary of State, for fairer funding for public services and the investment required to grow our economy. In my engagement with both the Treasury and the Secretary of State, I have highlighted that, while the interim fiscal framework has supported our funding close to our 124% level of need, evidence has shown that we are not funded fairly when compared with Wales and Scotland. If the Executive were funded to the same levels, it would mean an additional circa £1 billion and £3 billion per annum respectively. Funding for the Executive has managed to meet levels of need only through the provision of one-off packages in recent years, which is not a sustainable or equitable position. The Executive recognise that we have a role to play in improving efficiency in how we deliver public services, but we need to be properly funded to enable transformation to take place.

Paul Frew (DUP, North Antrim)

I thank the Finance Minister for his answer. He outlined the levels of need. What has he actually asked of the Treasury? Can he put a figure on that? Given that he is having difficulty agreeing a Budget with his Executive colleagues, could he release capital to, at least, allow new builds to commence?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I have outlined to the Secretary of State and, in writing, to the Treasury that, when I compare our funding package with those of Scotland and Wales, as I said in my substantive answer, I see that, while Scotland is funded in the region of £3 billion over its level of need and Wales is funded in the region of £1 billion over its level of need, we are funded at need. I have said to the Treasury that it needs to examine those figures and ensure that this place is properly funded going forward. However, it is clear from the figures that we are not being fairly funded and that those who pay taxes here are not getting a fair return on their taxes.

In relation to the release of capital, my permanent secretary has written to all permanent secretaries across Departments to set out an estimated funding package over this period of time, and capital is within that. Departments can release certain amounts of capital for projects, particularly those that are Executive flagship projects and others for which contracts have been committed to.

Sinéad Ennis (Sinn Féin, South Down)

Minister, not for the first and probably not for the last time, the British Government have characteristically been more preoccupied with their own leadership wrangles in Westminster than with ensuring a fair funding package for the Executive here. Can you outline what engagement you have had with the British Government and how you plan to engage with them going forward on the issue?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I have had several meetings with the Secretary of State on the matter. The Executive have also corresponded with the Secretary of State and the Treasury, and, in the last number of days, we have received a response from the Secretary of State to our Executive position. We will have to study that response and respond in due course. There has been distraction as a result of the ongoing wrangles within the Labour Party, and there now needs to be a focus from the British Government on the issue. They need to come and sit with us, have a proper discussion and engage with us on the needs of public services here and how we properly fund public services and support our economy to levels that are comparable to Scotland and Wales.

Peter McReynolds (Alliance, Belfast East)

Minister, can you set out what the likely consequences for public services will be if you fail to reach agreement with the Treasury and secure Executive approval for a draft Budget?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

In the absence of a Budget, as the Member will be aware, we are currently operating on 45%, as set out in the Vote on Account. If we still have not set a Budget by the end of July, the permanent secretary of the Department of Finance can issue permission to Departments to spend 95% of last year's total Budget and cash holdings. The preferred option is to agree a Budget, but, for that Budget to be agreed, it will have to be properly funded and resourced by the British Government.

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

Minister, can I just double-check a point of fact? You have just confirmed that if the Executive do not or will not agree a Budget — we all want the UK Government to engage with you; they are in chaos at the minute, so whether they are focusing or not is anyone's guess — there will be an automatic 5% cut imposed by the Executive on public services. Is that a fact?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I would not put it in the same context in which you put it — as being a fact — but the procedures are clear: up until the end of July, we have 45% Vote on Account, and, after that, the permanent secretary can give permission for 95% of last year's Budget and cash to be spent. That will result in less spending power for Departments this year. I am fully focused on ensuring that we get proper funding from the British Government that will allow the Executive to set a Budget that will not only make our public services sustainable but allow us to carry out the programme of transformation that is required.

Declan Kearney (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

3. Mr Kearney asked the Minister of Finance for an update on the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deal. (AQO 3630/22-27)

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I was pleased to sign the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deal on 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Executive, underlining our collective commitment to delivering for the region. It represents a £72 million investment across nine projects funded equally by the Executive and the British Government. Funding from council and other deal partners brings the total investment to £129 million. The capital injection will support a strong portfolio of transformative projects right across the Causeway Coast and Glens area focused on innovation, regeneration, tourism and infrastructure. The projects are designed to deliver real, practical benefits for people and communities.

The most advanced projects in the growth deal are the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery, which is a leading-edge, industry-facing facility that will position the North as a global hub for drug discovery, food innovation and health research, and the Coleraine leisure and well-being centre, which will enhance health and well-being, strengthen the visitor offer for the region and support town-centre regeneration in Coleraine. Other exciting projects across the borough include the Bushmills and Dungiven regeneration programmes, the Cushendall Innovation Centre and the Portrush to Giant's Causeway greenway.

Declan Kearney (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra.

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

Minister, that is fantastic news for the east Derry, north Derry and north Antrim region. Can you give us some sense of whether the growth deal has set out projections in relation to employment generation, overall regeneration and the benefits that will accrue to the local population in that part of the North?

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

I do not have the full details of those projects in front of me, but I will be happy to share them with the Member. It is clear from the list of projects that it will bring forward that the Causeway Coast and Glens growth deal is being used in a way that will increase the economic powerhouse of that place. Innovations such as the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery at Ulster University and the Foodovation Centre at the North West Regional College — I had an opportunity to visit the centre for the launch of the programme and have discussions with the staff — ensure that businesses in that area have access to the highest level of innovation, research and marketing that is available anywhere. That, in itself, will sustain the jobs that those businesses have and create further employment in that area.