Cathal Boylan
Newry and Armagh · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I also welcome Julie, wish her well in her role as a Foyle MLA, and extend my best wishes to Gary. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to highlight Autism Awareness Month. This year, Autism NI is using this month to celebrate the spectrum and colour and to highlight unique differences.”
“I agree with the reviewer, and what needs to be recognised across all Departments is that the changes needed to better support people with autism do not always cost a huge amount of money. However, the changes require a willingness to adapt.”
“However, it has been disappointing that, in my opinion, the Department of Health was not prepared for the establishment of the reviewer's office, even though it should have been aware of what was in the legislation. Had the Department been in a better state of readiness, the reviewer could have got down to work before now.”
“The delivery plan must see measurable targets that can be monitored and delivered to ensure that people with autism see impact on the services that they access. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to reading the reviewer's first annual report in the near future.”
“I thank the Minister for the statement. As the Minister is aware, one of the reasons why such schemes are so important is that nuisance parking can prevent emergency services or health and social care workers from accessing patients' properties.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. <BR /> <BR />Minister, recent figures show that, in the last quarter of 2025, new house starts were at their highest level since 2018 and that the construction sector has hit a 15-year high, outperforming Britain.”
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“The delivery plan must see measurable targets that can be monitored and delivered to ensure that people with autism see impact on the services that they access. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to reading the reviewer's first annual report in the near future. I also look forward to supporting her in her work alongside the rest of the all-party group as we continue to demand improvements for people with autism.”
“I agree with the reviewer, and what needs to be recognised across all Departments is that the changes needed to better support people with autism do not always cost a huge amount of money. However, the changes require a willingness to adapt. Take, for instance, the focus that the APG has had on the development of a special autism mental health service. That has not progressed in the way that we would like to see. As a result, people with autism continue to experience difficulties in accessing mental health services. That is not acceptable. <BR /> <BR />From our recent meeting, the overriding message is clear: the autism strategy needs to be given the priority that it deserves across all Departments, arm's-length bodies and other organisations.”
“However, it has been disappointing that, in my opinion, the Department of Health was not prepared for the establishment of the reviewer's office, even though it should have been aware of what was in the legislation. Had the Department been in a better state of readiness, the reviewer could have got down to work before now. Instead, she has had to focus on establishing her office while exercising the statutory functions that she is responsible for. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the reviewer's comments that she believes that there were barriers to progress within the Department of Health and across other Departments. Those barriers are now being addressed, which will lead to better cooperation.”
“I also welcome Julie, wish her well in her role as a Foyle MLA, and extend my best wishes to Gary. <BR /> <BR />I take this opportunity to highlight Autism Awareness Month. This year, Autism NI is using this month to celebrate the spectrum and colour and to highlight unique differences. This month presents an opportunity to remind ourselves that we still have much work to do to better support children, young people and adults who live with autism, particularly when it comes to timely assessment and appropriate support, including post-19 provision. <BR /> <BR />Just before recess, the all-party group (APG) on autism met the Independent Autism Reviewer. First, I thank Ema Cubitt for her time and the information that she was able to provide us with. It was clear from the reviewer's evidence that good progress has been made on her work.”
“Can the Minister give assurances that she remains committed to the A1 scheme?”
“I thank the Minister for the statement. As the Minister is aware, one of the reasons why such schemes are so important is that nuisance parking can prevent emergency services or health and social care workers from accessing patients' properties. To ensure that patients receive the best care and that that care is timely, will there be permits for carers and community nurses?”
“Will the Minister outline what action she has taken to address road safety?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. <BR /> <BR />Minister, recent figures show that, in the last quarter of 2025, new house starts were at their highest level since 2018 and that the construction sector has hit a 15-year high, outperforming Britain. To ensure that we do not lose that momentum and to protect the growth of our economy, will the Minister commit himself to a phased approach to removing SORPI so that there is not an immediate impact on housebuilding?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a ráitis.”
“Following on from that, Minister, what is your Department doing to promote digital inclusion?”
“that it is important that the Department's limited resources be spent on issues that have a real impact on people's everyday lives?”
“Given that we started to debate a motion on potholes earlier”
“<BR /> <BR />Let us use this debate to send a signal that we all want to see the roads improved, rather than trying to pin the blame on one Minister. As I have said already, the road problem will not be addressed overnight, in the same way as it did not arrive overnight. We need increased investment in order to undo the years of underfunding of public services; we need the updated road maintenance strategy and detailed action plan to be completed urgently; and we need to work together to find solutions. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Minister for her efforts and look forward to working with her and others to improve our roads.”
“The Member can put his name down, just like Mr Dunne said. <BR /> <BR />In my constituency, I have seen £590,000 for a road improvement scheme on the A29 Armagh Road, Keady and a £375,000 scheme on the Farnaloy Road, Madden allocated by Minister Kimmins. <BR /> <BR />In supporting our amendment, all the parties in the Chamber can show that they are not here just to play the blame game but want to work with the Minister to see additional funding going to roads, just as we saw before Christmas, when an additional £30 million was invested, £4 million of which was targeted at improving rural roads. Further to that, the additional investment of £7·85 million in the wake of storm Chandra highlights the fact that the Minister is working to increase the funding that is available to her.”
“Will the motion fix the potholes overnight? No. As I said, our amendment seeks to add some honesty to the debate. Our amendment, if supported by other parties in the Chamber, would send a clear message to the public that we hear them and are working to fix the problem. The draft road maintenance strategy published by the Minister acknowledges that we need a different approach. It acknowledges the need for and commits to the increased use of technology to ensure that we target resources where they are needed most, addressing the most high-risk surface defects. In addition, the Minister is clear on the need for additional funding and resourcing to enable her to carry out much-needed resurfacing schemes as opposed to patching roads that are in poor condition. I have seen it —.”
“I welcome the motion, but not for the reasons that it was brought, because, in tabling the original wording of the motion, its movers have demonstrated that they are more interested in party politics than in the pothole problem. When the Minister came to the Chamber two weeks ago, she was clear, not only as a Minister but as an MLA for a rural constituency, that she is all too aware of the condition that our roads are in. Not once did the Minister shirk her responsibilities on the issue; instead, she very clearly laid out what she is doing to improve the condition of our roads. In short, we tabled our amendment to bring clarity and honesty to the debate, while also supporting the calls for urgent action, as each of us will have examples of roads in our communities that are in a dire state. <BR /> <BR />Let us be honest.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Minister, what else are you doing to improve planning processing times for people and businesses?”
“Road safety adverts are a crucial way of highlighting the main causes of deaths on our roads, as well as educating drivers. Minister, what road safety campaigns, messaging and advertising is your Department currently promoting?”
“Minister, we have all been contacted by constituents regarding the deterioration seen on our roads in the past couple of weeks. Do you agree that that needs an urgent response?”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Will the Speaker rule on whether the Member's statement made by the DUP Member for South Down was in breach of Standing Order 24A(6)(d), as it was a direct attack on another Member of the Assembly?”
“I commend the good work that is done through cross-border cooperation, but the lived experiences of families need to be reflected on, and change needs to happen to best support the loved ones of those who lose their lives on our roads.”
“Similarly, I have raised the matter with the Justice Minister here through an Assembly question for written answer. Furthermore, the way in which information is shared and the format by which personal belongings are returned are areas that also need attention. <BR /> <BR />If we can work to improve communication between the authorities and bereaved families so that it is in person where possible, we should. If we can explore a better way of returning personal belongings to families, we absolutely must. Importantly, common sense and sensitivity should be the cornerstone of the approach in those circumstances.”
“In the case of Kathryn Jones, her sister said, during the interview last week, that a family member had to go to the border to meet the gardaí. It was not done in a station; it was very exposed and out in the open. That compounds the grief that families face. <BR /> <BR />There is currently no agreement in place that allows officers to cross the border to deliver messages regarding road deaths, which is a very practical and insensitive effect of partition in border communities. My colleague Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD has submitted a question to the Justice Minister in the South about enhanced cooperation between both services to explore whether there are opportunities for exemptions to the current arrangements that would allow a more sensitive approach to be taken.”
“That impacts not only on information-sharing, which should be done in a way that is sensitive towards a grieving family, but on the giving back of the victims' belongings.”
“Last week, I listened attentively to an emotional discussion on the radio about fatal road traffic collisions in border areas. I commend those who spoke up about their experiences, including Laura Radcliffe, who spoke about the tragic loss of her sister Kathryn, and Debbie Mullan from Road Victim Support NI-Donegal. <BR /> <BR />The heartbreaking stories that were shared about the experiences of families who have had to contend with two separate police services, one on each side of the border, are harrowing. Laura Radcliffe talked about the current arrangements between Garda and PSNI officers, which make the sharing of information about road traffic collisions harder, because the family hears everything twice.”
“I thank the Minister for her update. Many collisions involving young people between the ages of 17 and 23 occur at night-time, with young passengers in the cars. What assurances can the Minister give to people in rural communities that they have been considered in implementing the passenger restrictions?”
“Minister, what is Invest NI's role in improving access to derelict properties?”
“— that key message is what is bugging most of the people in the Chamber. <BR /> <BR />Hopefully, after today, the hot air will dissipate, and we can get back to focusing on the real issues that impact on ordinary workers and families in their day-to-day lives. Sinn Féin will, of course, oppose the motion.”
“It is all about party politicking and petty point-scoring, rather than any genuine attempt to discuss the real, serious issues. The public will see the motion for what it is: the singular obsession of the SDLP Member for Newry and Armagh, who is being egged on enthusiastically by unionist representatives. Perhaps the real focus on the billboard is on the message, "A United Ireland is for everyone", and I think that —”
“I welcome the Member to the Chamber, and I look forward to working with him. <BR /> <BR />In the midst of all the important and pressing issues that face us as a society locally, nationally and internationally, we are spending time in the Assembly debating a motion about a billboard: frankly, it is bizarre. Of course, everyone should follow proper planning procedures, but the time that has been spent on discussion and faux outrage at the Infrastructure Committee is nothing short of ridiculous, and we will probably see more of it today. <BR /> <BR />If the Members who tabled the motion are serious about illegal displays, let us have a conversation about such displays, particularly the annual, toxic, hate-filled and illegal bonfires that blight our communities.”
“The restoration of the Ulster canal presents great opportunities to reconnect Ireland's inland waterways system, as well as to boost tourism and the local economy. What is the current position with the Ulster canal restoration project?”
“Minister, what progress have you made on unlocking waste water capacity?”
“I thank the First Minister for that. She mentioned the social media companies. What more can be done to hold those companies to account?”
“It is with great sadness that I rise. Sinn Féin has lost a great friend, colleague and comrade. Mickey Brady was a pure gentleman and a great advocate for the people of Newry and Armagh. He was an expert in welfare rights and helped everyone who crossed his doorstep or asked for advice. He was my great companion on many's a campaign trail, and he had a great wit and humour about him. He made a wonderful contribution to politics in this Building and locally and was well respected by comrades and community alike. He will be sadly missed. I extend my sympathies and condolences to Caroline, his children, his grandchildren and the wider Brady clan. Farewell to a working-class hero. Farewell to the people's champion.”
“Will the Minister outline how she will use the technology to improve our road maintenance activities?”
“With a little indulgence, I will pay tribute to Willie Irwin, my constituency colleague, and recognise his contribution to politics and to the people of Newry and Armagh. I wish him well in his retirement. <BR /> <BR />Turning to the Minister's statement, will the Minister provide more detail on the funding for infrastructure?”
“Minister, what measures are in place to ensure that Armagh apple growers continue to benefit from their protected geographical indication (PGI) status, particularly in relation to EU market access post-Brexit?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement, which I welcome. The Minister is well aware that we have had a number of tragedies on our roads across the island. What work is she doing with her counterpart in Dublin to get people to think about road safety?”
“My party colleagues and I will continue to work with our local Housing Executive staff, housing associations, others across the Assembly and the Executive to ensure that we see the delivery of the housing supply that is needed, including in Newry and Armagh.”
“The people who are on housing waiting lists deserve not only a home but the correct support in the here and now. Therefore, I welcome the work of my colleague Colm Gildernew, who intends to introduce a private Member's Bill on homelessness prevention. Extending the time for which the Housing Executive should support people is a positive move to ensure that those who are at most risk of becoming homeless are supported. <BR /> <BR />Not just in Armagh but across the board, everyone recognises the need to build more social and affordable houses, increase the overall supply of homes and work towards tackling homelessness and supporting those who rely on temporary accommodation. As the Minister responsible for housing, the Communities Minister must step up to deliver more social and affordable homes.”
“I want to take my time today to highlight homelessness in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area. Like the constituency offices of all MLAs, my office is often contacted by those who are most in need of housing but continue to find themselves grappling with the crisis of housing supply versus overall need. Every time that such a person comes through our office doors, we see the insecurity and indignity of becoming homeless, which is often not spoken about even though it can have a detrimental and traumatic effect on those who are impacted. <BR /> <BR />The Housing Executive's 2025 update for the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council area shows that, of a total of 4,148 applications for social housing, 2,760 were lodged by people who are in housing stress.”
“There are difficult and dark days ahead for the families in Monaghan and Louth, and we will continue to think of them as they face up to what is an unimaginable tragedy.”
“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the five young people who lost their lives on Saturday evening in a road tragedy in County Louth. The tragic deaths of Chloe Hipson, Alan McCluskey, Shay Duffy, Chloe McGee and Dylan Commins are dreadful and have stunned County Louth, County Monaghan and the wider area. The tributes that are being paid online and in the media show that all five young people were popular and had bright futures ahead of them. Their loss has cast a dark shadow over the community. I also think of the emergency services personnel who attended the scene on Saturday evening. Having to take the injured to hospital and call to the homes of the five families of those who lost their lives is devastating. I hope that those people will receive the support that they need.”
“We must ensure, however, that any future flexibility is not at the detriment of those same businesses, given that long-stay parking, quite possibly for a full day, as many other Members mentioned, also creates challenges for our town centres and high streets. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the opportunity to speak today on this important topic. I hope that the Minister can, in the future, work to ensure that her Department supports our town centres and high streets to flourish.”
“It is therefore welcome that we are having this Adjournment debate today to put a focus on exploring ways in which to encourage people to visit our towns and high streets, not deter them from doing so. Having spoken to the Minister about the topic, and knowing how aware she is of the issues facing constituencies such as Lagan Valley and her own, I am certain that she is keen to play her part to create a busier shopping culture for businesses not just in Lisburn but in Newry and right across the North. <BR /> <BR />A certain degree of flexibility on parking restrictions is needed around the time that people can spend parked in the one spot to help attract them to nearby businesses.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate, and I realise that the Minister, who is my constituency colleague, is well familiar with Newry. It does not surprise me that Mr Honeyford stayed for one hour and six minutes and got a fine. <BR /> <BR />I speak today as my party's spokesperson on transport and as a constituency MLA who fully recognises the issues that the debate sponsor has raised. It is clear to us all that our town centres and high streets are very different places from what they were when the original restrictions on parking were developed. With greater consumer use of online shopping, our high streets face challenges in attracting people to retail units and shops.”
“I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. When will the memorial plaque be unveiled?”
“Will the Minister provide an update on the provision of a railway halt at Ballykelly?”
“Legislation that the Minister is progressing will assist with managing water entering the network, and advances in technology could enable new ways of working to be developed. <BR /> <BR />I again commend all who work hard in our communities and in our agencies to plan and prepare for significant weather events and appreciate the huge body of work that is required in the clean-up afterwards.”