Philip McGuigan: The Economy Minister set out his economic vision a month ago today. That vision was based on creating good jobs, increasing productivity, tackling regional imbalances and transitioning to net zero. Therefore, Sinn Féin will support the motion and the amendment today. We can absolutely endorse the calls for an inclusive and innovative economy that prioritises jobs and investment. It is only...
Philip McGuigan: Will the Minister outline how his Department's proposed scheme differs from other renewable electricity schemes across these islands?
Philip McGuigan: A Cheann Comhairle, [Translation: Mr Speaker] just last week, the First Minister and deputy First Minister, along with other Ministers and you, were out in the US promoting the North as a place to invest and do business in. I congratulate them all on that work in what looked and sounded like successful engagements. Key to their message while there and what US politicians and businesses wanted...
Philip McGuigan: Key to the success of the Assembly and Executive is proving to workers and their families that we are on their side, so I commend Minister Murphy for bringing forward these important paid parental bereavement regulations. Doing so in his first few weeks in office is a demonstration of his priorities. It underlines his commitment to supporting workers — in this case, parents experiencing the...
Philip McGuigan: No issue will have a greater positive impact on workers and their families than improving the whole ambit of workers' rights, conditions and pay. I am delighted to be a co-sponsor of the motion, which extends solidarity to workers and trade unions. The motion identifies a number of specific areas that need attention and, if agreed, will bring improvements and further protections for workers....
Philip McGuigan: I welcome the motion and will support it and the amendment. Apprenticeships must be an integral part of any strategy to develop our skills base in the North. Young school-leavers in my constituency of North Antrim should have the option and opportunity of an education pathway to reach their full potential through an apprenticeship, in order to earn as they learn. I therefore welcome the...
Philip McGuigan: T9. Mr McGuigan asked the Minister of Finance, after welcoming her meeting last week with Minister McGrath, on the day on which the Irish Government announced their funding package for the North, to state how the €800 million package will help the Executive to carry out their work. (AQT 59/22-27)
Philip McGuigan: I thank the Minister for her answer. I agree with her about working across the island for the betterment of citizens here. When is the North/South Ministerial Council next due to meet?
Philip McGuigan: 1. Mr McGuigan asked the Minister of Education whether the Education Authority has changed the process for parental referrals for statutory assessments. (AQO 61/22-27)
Philip McGuigan: I thank the Minister for his fulsome answer. I asked the question because I have noticed in my constituency office an increased number of appeals to decisions made by the EA on statutory assessments. Will the Minister ensure that those important assessments have not been limited or reduced and that the educational needs of the child will always take precedence over budgetary issues?
Philip McGuigan: 2. Mr McGuigan asked the Minister for the Economy whether there are plans to submit an all-island bid to host the Tour De France. (AQO 47/22-27)
Philip McGuigan: I thank the Minister for his response. He mentioned the £2·45 benefit for every £1 spent in bringing the Giro d'Italia here. That included £13 million in additional tourism spend and £12 million of free advertisement worldwide to over 56 million viewers. Does the Minister agree that bringing events such as, potentially, the Tour de France or the European soccer championship to Ireland...
Philip McGuigan: I thank the junior Minister for her response to a specific report on the work of the high street task force. Will the Minister outline progress to date on taking forward all the work of the high street task force?
Philip McGuigan: Minister, I welcome your statement and economic vision. I also welcome the acknowledgement in your statement that tourism spreads prosperity across the North. Does the Minister agree that the British Government's electronic travel authorisation scheme poses a significant threat to our tourism industry?
Philip McGuigan: More than a million Irish passports — renewals and first-time applications — were issued last year. Interestingly, five of the top seven counties from where first-time adult applications were made in 2023 were in the North. Only Dublin had a higher number of new applications for passports than were made from counties Down and Antrim. Those statistics, in my opinion, make a strong argument...
Philip McGuigan: I beg to move That this Assembly recognises the vital importance of Lough Neagh to our environment, ecology and drinking water supply; further recognises its importance to tourism, fishing and leisure activities in local communities surrounding the lough; notes with grave concern the ecological damage caused by the blue-green algae bloom last summer that choked the lough and spread throughout...
Philip McGuigan: I begin by welcoming the Minister to the debate. I congratulate Minister Muir on his appointment as the new AERA Minister — not just on taking up that role but in creating his own bit of positive history. A memory from four years ago came up on my Facebook feed of our inaugural run together at Stormont in the MLA running group. The group lasted for maybe one run. It is interesting to note...
Philip McGuigan: He hit a pothole, came down and broke nine ribs and his pelvis. Will the Minister elaborate on how his announcement will make the road safer for cyclists?
Philip McGuigan: Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle, comhghairdeas agus ádh mór ort. I congratulate my colleague the Minister and wish him good luck. Any announcement that will improve the road network will obviously be welcomed by all road users. My constituency office, like those of all MLAs, has been contacted about burst tyres and damaged wheels. To elaborate on a point that has already been...
Philip McGuigan: I also congratulate the Minister and wish him good luck throughout his term of appointment. I welcome his commitment to having excellent facilities for children. He mentioned the large number of schools with infrastructure projects in the pipeline. One of those is Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Glenravel. A couple of generations of primary-school children have already passed through it...