Anna Lo
South Belfast · Alliance Party · Northern Ireland
“In 2007, when I decided to run for election, it was an exciting time filled with a promise of change to a better, more inclusive and progressive society. I have seen change, though, borrowing a line from Yeats, "peace comes dropping slow". More still needs to be done.”
“As one of the few pro-choice MLAs, I was naturally disappointed that the two amendments to the Justice Bill, one tabled by colleagues and one by me, to allow abortion in very limited circumstances did not pass. We cannot afford to ignore the issue; women need our help. <BR /> <BR />I want to thank my constituents.”
“I also pay tribute to the environment sector whose expertise and commitment have been invaluable to us. <BR /> <BR />As the only ever MLA from an ethnic minority background, I was glad to be in a position to set up the all-party group on ethnic minorities and human trafficking, as well as to lobby extensively with the voluntary sector for…”
“I thank the Minister for his kind words. I want to thank him too for his always very valuable contribution to the Environment Committee. We definitely had a very good working relationship. <BR /> <BR />When the voluntary sector is being cut, I think that the role of volunteers is more important than ever before.”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. The higher and further education sectors have suffered severe cuts to their budgets, so much so that the University of Ulster had to axe the whole of its languages department. How can the Minister justify the economic case for the creation of the two academies?”
“The Committee was advised that the Minister intended to discuss the matter at the Executive with a view to gaining colleagues' agreement to develop a community planning engagement protocol that clearly establishes the nature of the relationship between Departments and local government.”
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“As we know, sporting activity is not only valuable in itself but increases confidence, empathy and a sense of community. Of course, it is not just about talent; it is about discipline, training, coaching, resources and a positive mental attitude. <BR /> <BR />Perhaps one of the most endearing qualities of people in Northern Ireland is that we are self-deprecating. The problem is that when that translates to sport, we tend to see ourselves as the underdogs and, at times, assume that we will never be the best. This is a shame when we consider that there are many sports in Britain in which our athletes are some of the best in the world.”
“I thank the Members who tabled the motion, which has the Alliance Party's support. First, I offer my warmest congratulations to all our athletes who competed in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer. The media coverage showed the games to be a fantastic sporting occasion, and it was wonderful to see how well it captured the public's interest. The Northern Ireland team did us proud. Across all sports, there were remarkable achievements, and it is fitting for us today to pay tribute to them. Secondly, I ask the Minister if a feasibility study could be carried out to see if a future Commonwealth Games could be hosted in Belfast. We saw how wonderful and how successful the World Police and Fire Games were, and it would be brilliant to build on that.”
“I sincerely thank the Minister for his very comprehensive commitment to the House to do his best. Unfortunately, the credibility of the Department was damaged by more than simply the Red Sky issue. Allegations of political interference in housing allocation in north Belfast have held up much-needed housing schemes. Will you restore credibility to the Department by stepping back and taking independent advice so that the issue can be addressed transparently?”
“Like other Members, I would like to congratulate the Minister on his new appointment and welcome him to his first Question Time.”
“The delay in processing cases is sometimes due to the lack of manpower in the Department. Is the Minister confident that he has enough enforcement officers, particularly with the forthcoming handover of planning powers to councils?”
“Mr Principal Deputy Speaker, it was to apologise to you and to the House for not being in the Chamber earlier. I was involved in a seminar to look at the draft racial equality strategy and missed the opportunity to come down. Sorry.”
“On a point of order, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I understand his frustration with the long and protracted process for producing BMAP. However, without Executive agreement, the Minister could face a legal challenge and have this dragged out through the courts. What assurances can he give that his decision will stand up to any judicial review and not cause more uncertainty for investors? <BR /> <BR />Given that he has approved out-of-town developments in Newry and Strabane, but seemingly not with his activation of BMAP, will he outline how current planners and potential new planners can act with any degree of certainty and consistency?”