Tuesday, 1 April 2025
The Assembly met at 10:30 am (Principal Deputy Speaker [Ms Ní Chuilín] in the Chair). Members observed two minutes' silence.
If Members wish to be called to make a statement, they should rise in their place. Members who are called will have up to three minutes to make their statement. I take this opportunity to remind...
As chair of the all-party group (APG) on autism, I mark the beginning of World Autism Month today and the eighteenth annual World Autism Awareness Day tomorrow. The aim of the month and the day...
I want to comment on the latest developments in the legislative process for the assisted suicide Bill at Westminster. Before I do so, I want to make it absolutely clear that the DUP is a pro-life...
I rise to highlight major ongoing and systemic issues in the planning system, which I have raised repeatedly as a member of the Committee for Infrastructure. When the Assembly, thankfully,...
Before I start, I make a declaration of interest as an ex-chief executive of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. Members, 1 April is supposedly a day of humour, but it is no joke when Donald...
I rise to congratulate Castlewellan's very own Donagh Keary, who put south Down on the international platform by claiming victory on his boxing debut at Madison Square Garden on St Patrick's Day....
While many important issues are discussed in this place, there is a pressing issue that affects our environment and our communities: littering and fly-tipping. The charity Keep Northern Ireland...
The Climate Change Committee's recent report states that electric technologies will benefit Northern Ireland, which underscores the necessity for Northern Ireland to transition its homes to...
Meastar go mbíonn 3·7 billiún duine ag amharc ar spóirt ar fud an domhain gach seachtain. Úsáideann lucht leanúna spóirt taispeántais ildaite le...
[Translation: It is estimated that 3·7 billion people across the globe watch sports each week. Many sports fans use tifos and colourful displays to support their respective teams, with some...
I rise to mark a special anniversary for the Ards and North Down Street Pastors on 10 years of dedicated service across the Ards and North Down Borough Council area. On Thursday night, the street...
Saturday was "Super Saturday" in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, with major wins for two local teams. First, I congratulate Dungannon Swifts Football Club on getting through to the Irish Cup final....
I am also a member of the APG on autism and wish to mark World Autism Awareness Day, which will take place tomorrow. It is a day that is dedicated to understanding, acceptance and support for...
Thank you very much, Principal Deputy Speaker. I will use this opportunity to revisit the tragic circumstances in which the Darragh family have been left following the sudden passing of Willy...
I beg to move That this Assembly stresses the importance of sustained capital investment in Northern Ireland’s hospital network; notes, in that regard, the growing need to address...
I beg to move That this Assembly opposes the approach of the UK Government to reforming disability benefits; believes that withdrawing or cutting social security support for those most in need...
Question 5 has been withdrawn.
1. Mr Robinson asked the Minister for the Economy to outline any support that her Department can provide to promote Roe Valley Resort and golf course as a premier tourist and leisure destination....
2. Mr Gaston asked the Minister for the Economy to outline how her Department is supporting Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s efforts to create a hydrogen hub in Ballymena, to support...
3. Mrs Dillon asked the Minister for the Economy for an update on the delivery of the enhanced investment zone. (AQO 1812/22-27)
4. Ms D Armstrong asked the Minister for the Economy to outline any work that has been undertaken in relation to whether EU regulations on artificial intelligence will hinder that sector’s...
6. Ms Bunting asked the Minister for the Economy to outline any support that her Department can provide to businesses and employees impacted on by the closure of Connswater Shopping Centre. (AQO...
7. Ms Mulholland asked the Minister for the Economy for her assessment of the support available to train and upskill 18- to 22-year-olds living with a disability into the workplace. (AQO 1816/22-27)
9. Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for the Economy to outline any benefits for Northern Ireland following her visit to the United States of America. (AQO 1818/22-27)
T1. Ms McLaughlin asked the Minister for the Economy, after noting that the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme is set to be introduced for EU nationals tomorrow, and that the SDLP has...
T2. Mr Sheehan asked the Minister for the Economy to provide an update on post-19 provision for people with special educational needs. (AQT 1202/22-27)
T3. Mr Harvey asked the Minister for the Economy, who had previously intimated her desire to introduce legislation on offshore renewable energy, whether she envisages any financial...
T4. Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for the Economy to provide an update on the social enterprise co-design group. (AQT 1204/22-27)
T5. Mr Bradley asked the Minister for the Economy, given that there are 50 acres or more of Invest NI land in his constituency of East Londonderry, what discussions, if any, have taken place to...
T6. Mr McMurray asked the Minister for the Economy for an update on regional rebalancing. (AQT 1206/22-27)
T7. Mr Dunne asked the Minister for the Economy, after noting that, as Finance Minister, she commissioned research into the cost of doing business and that, in response to questions for written...
1. Mr Honeyford asked the Assembly Commission for an update on the provision of free period products in Parliament Buildings. (AQO 1825/22-27)
2. Mr Bradley asked the Assembly Commission to outline any support available to Assembly Commission staff with mental health conditions. (AQO 1826/22-27)
3. Mr Carroll asked the Assembly Commission for its assessment of the use of automated cleaning services by Aramark in Parliament Buildings. (AQO 1827/22-27)
4. Mr Dunne asked the Assembly Commission for an update on the completion of works, including the removal of scaffolding, to the back of Parliament Buildings. (AQO 1828/22-27)
5. Mr Tennyson asked the Assembly Commission for an update on the Disability Discrimination Act audit on accessibility in Parliament Buildings. (AQO 1829/22-27)
6. Mrs Dodds asked the Assembly Commission whether there are any plans to light up Parliament Buildings in recognition of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025. (AQO 1830/22-27)
7. Mr Irwin asked the Assembly Commission for an update on the redesign of the Northern Ireland Assembly website. (AQO 1831/22-27)
9. Ms Bunting asked the Assembly Commission to outline any scoping that has been done to establish opportunities that artificial intelligence presents to the Northern Ireland Assembly. (AQO...
13. Mr Kingston asked the Assembly Commission to outline when the most recent review of security arrangements for Parliament Buildings took place. (AQO 1837/22-27)
14. Mr Mathison asked the Assembly Commission for an update on allowances to improve disability access to constituency offices. (AQO 1838/22-27)
Debate resumed on amendments to motion: That this Assembly opposes the approach of the UK Government to reforming disability benefits; believes that withdrawing or cutting social security support...
In conjunction with the Business Committee, the Speaker has given leave to Peter Martin to raise the matter of the lack of investment in the road network in North Down. Peter, you have up to 15...
