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.”
The complete record
Every one of 758 lines we hold for Cathal Boylan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 11 of 16.
“It was interesting what the debate was over the last couple of days. Mr Ford was on last Friday, I think, and he talked about Mr Lyttle going on some of the groups. He was asked why he put him on the groups. I was thinking to myself, "Was Mr Lyttle on that group with eyes wide shut or was it for look-see or whatever?". He had the opportunity, as a steering group member, to ask questions. Paula Bradshaw was on this morning as well. Every one of us who went on the groups signed a memorandum. The rules state:”
“Through you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. Why did you not ask your colleagues or some of your representatives on those groups? That is the question.”
“The Member is talking about an independent process, and her colleague talked about an audit. If you genuinely think that I am going to support a process to delay this, after spending four years with all those people bringing these projects forward, there is not a chance. <BR /> <BR />In answer to your question: no, it is not a fear of an independent process. We have now discussed this with these groups, and these groups are looking forward to this money being spent. Mr Beggs.”
“Go raibh maith agat. There is no tremor at all here. The thing about it is this: your colleague sat on a group with me and agreed the projects and, no doubt, will turn up for photographs when they are presented. There is no tremor —”
“No, I have to let somebody else in in a minute. <BR /> <BR />That is what it was about. I represent people in my area who have not had money or interventions. What did Mr Beggs say? He started talking about lead partners. On the one hand, he said that giving work to certain lead partners would cream off the money, but, on the other hand, he asked why the money was not given to councils and other groups that had done such work. The southern steering group has given the lead to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, which have the capacity to deliver these programmes. Mr Beggs, hold on a minute.”
“The intervention by Roy Beggs in Stewart Dickson's speech was interesting. Stewart Dickson was saying that there are groups already doing this work and asking why should they not undertake it. The fund was to provide added value and be a strategic intervention to help groups that have not been supported.”
“I want to make this point first; I will let you in in a minute. <BR /> <BR />The motion talks about public concern, but I have not heard any public concern. Far be it from me to pick on Belfast, but are we saying that we are going to look right across the North of this island and criticise all the groups because there is an issue that people have raised with a Belfast group? I am not going to speak any more about what has happened, because there has been enough talk about it. <BR /> <BR />I heard issues raised in some of the radio interviews from this morning and last week, and hopefully I will have time to pick up on them. Last year, the Alliance Party called for the money to be allocated in a hurry for other projects. There was a motion tabled by Chris Lyttle, Judith Cochrane and Stewart Dickson on the issue.”
“I will speak against the motion. I declare an interest as a member of the steering group in the southern zone. I want to pick up on some points that have been made. I agree with Carla Lockhart: Colin McCusker was part of the process from the very start and had the same input as anybody else. <BR /> <BR />Let me tell those who were not on any of the steering groups that all members had the same input. Many Members spoke about the good work that this money will do, yet still and all they attack the process. <BR /> <BR />I was going to speak positively at the start of my contribution about the social investment fund, because good work will be done and the money will be well spent. I can only speak about the work that we did on the southern steering group —”
“If I said any more about some of the contributions, it would make you cry. Mr Speaker, I conclude at that. I support the motion and both the amendments.”
“<BR /> <BR />Christopher Stalford talked about fundamental rights, including the right to life. He is opposed to the 1967 Act. It is a pity that the other parties across the Floor do not feel that they can support us at this time. Caoimhe Archibald used most of her contribution to talk about exploring the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. She also called for an equality Act and a bill of rights, as did many Members today. <BR /> <BR />I thank Mr Danny Kennedy for his contribution. He said that we have made some progress but recognised that there is more work to do. Mr McPhillips spoke next, followed by Mr Allister. What more can I say about Mr Allister's contribution?”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Phillip Logan, who is not in the Chamber, and Doug Beattie made very good, positive personal contributions on their experiences. Those contributions resonated with some of us. Doug Beattie mentioned the likes of Rosa Parks and her contribution, and I thank him for his positive speech. <BR /> <BR />Stewart Dickson talked about the Council of Europe, and he does not seem to think that we will have an issue. We have talked about this in the Executive Office Committee, and I think that there are genuine concerns because nobody knows what is coming. Nobody knows about Brexit or anything else, so nobody can look into the future and tell us exactly what is going to happen. We have not even invoked article 50, and everybody is saying that there will be nothing wrong. We have grave concerns.”
“He made the key point, and there has been a good discussion today. We have to keep this on our agenda. The proposer of amendment No 1, Clare Bailey, made quite a good contribution. She mentioned the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to marriage and the right to respect for private and family life. I think that she also mentioned protocol 2 on protection of property. Her key point was on the annual report and putting it on the clár here for discussion in future years. That is quite a good suggestion. <BR /> <BR />Mr Attwood moved amendment No 2. To my recollection, most of his approach was about legislating in the Assembly. It was a good contribution, and he is right. He mentioned a charter of rights, homelessness and everything else, and we have a responsibility for that. After all, we are a legislative Assembly.”
“Let us take a stand, make a difference and maximise the opportunities to promote equality and human rights. <BR /> <BR />With your indulgence, Mr Speaker, I will turn to some Members' comments. I thought that it was quite a reasonable debate. With some contributions, I honestly think that there was unnecessary commentary. I pay tribute to the proposer of the motion, Seán Lynch, who has a mandate from the good people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone to stand here and represent them. Some people want us to go back to the past, and some comments were not very helpful at all. <BR /> <BR />I will start with the proposer of the motion. The biggest part of his contribution was on how human rights are slipping down the ladder. This is against a background of austerity and everything else.”
“The Equality Commission, in evidence to the Executive Office Committee, stated that, in GB, the Equality Act 2010 has been in force for six years and that each year, in some shape or form, we are falling behind in our equality protection. This is international Human Rights Week, and we have to ask ourselves, in the absence of an equality Act and a bill of rights and in light of the concerns raised by various UN reports and the deputy First Minister's comments on the repeal of the Human Rights Act, how the Assembly can enhance the protection of human rights and equality in the North of Ireland and ensure that we do not have any diminution of rights. This year's Human Rights Day slogan is: "Stand up for someone's rights today". In our Programme for Government framework, one of our outcomes is a more equal society.”
“The disparities include the following: the Equality Act simplifies and harmonises legislation on discrimination across grounds; the definition of race in GB includes colour, nationality and ethnic origin; age discrimination extends beyond the workplace in GB; disability legislation is stronger in GB and includes, for example, discrimination arising from disability and the protection of people when accessing facilities, goods and services; equal pay provisions are stronger in GB, prohibiting employers to forbid employees from discussing pay in order to establish differences; positive action measures are permissible in GB across all equality grounds; and protection from discrimination by private clubs is extended to more equality grounds in GB.”
“<BR /> <BR />In the context of international Human Rights Week, it is important to highlight the Equality Commission's identification of disparities between the equality legislation in Great Britain and that in the North of Ireland.”
“This Assembly has the ability to pass legislation relating to equality and human rights. Equality and human rights legislation has been passed in Britain, Scotland and the Twenty-six Counties. How do we ensure that the people of the North of Ireland do not have lesser rights than people of other jurisdictions? There is a need to introduce equality legislation in the North of Ireland. The issue has been raised in three UN Committee reports. Equality protection includes issues of race, race discrimination and ethnic minorities. The Executive's desire is to make people's lives better and to deliver improved well-being to all citizens. The absence of an equality Act impacts those who are most disadvantaged, on people with disabilities and on children and young people.”
“Ba mhaith liom labhairt i bhfabhar an rúin agus ar son na leasuithe. I will speak in favour of the motion and both amendments. I welcome the motion. This is international Human Rights Week. It is unfortunate that, for us living in the North, human rights are still uncertain. We cannot celebrate international Human Rights Week without confronting the concerns about the potential repeal of the Human Rights Act. <BR /> <BR />The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, stated during Question Time:”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Specifically, how will he ensure that the needs of the transgender community will be adequately met?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Minister, given that it seems that recycling levels have plateaued, how do you intend to reach the 50% target by 2020?”
“I thank the junior Minister for his answer. Can he give an overview of the collective design approach that has informed this new delivery model?”
“In conclusion, I support the motion and agree that we must assess, evaluate and review the number and functions of arm's-length bodies. I look forward to the terms of reference of that review.”
“I accept the Member's intervention. I will state this clearly on behalf of our party, Sinn Féin. We will look at the terms of reference, and we will look at what is going to be reviewed. I take it on board, and it is clearly noted. Your note is clearly noted in Hansard as well, Mr Attwood. I think that we have a good opportunity now. We made commitments to the review of public administration, which reduced the number of councils. We have now reduced the number of Departments. Surely, it is time now for us to take another look at these bodies, and let us see whether we can get it right. It is not about finances; it is about efficiencies and doing things right, and I think that there is an opportunity to do that.”
“The amendment mentions that arm's-length bodies produce best policy outcomes. It should be about producing those outcomes through section 75, and that is why I wanted to read that in. <BR /> <BR />Another point is on the public appointments process. A report on diversity published by the Commissioner for Public Appointments in 2014 acknowledged that initiatives to date had had little impact on increasing diversity. The report contains a range of recommendations to government to improve diversity on public boards. I support that, and I support the gender issue. I support those minor groups —”
“Some of my colleagues have already mentioned the groups that have been in to some of the Committees and the work that they do. We recognise the good work and the specialist knowledge that they have and everything else. Nobody is questioning that at this time. That is the point that we are all making here, and that is why I support the motion and that view. <BR /> <BR />I want to pick up a very good point that Mr Attwood, to be fair, brought up on the gender issue. The stats show that there is not enough female representation. I want to quote something for the record. I will read this out to the House because we want to get this right. If we are serious about reviews, I want to put this on record. Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act places public authorities under a duty to:”
“I think that there was the opportunity in the motion to bring something forward. Fair play to him for his ingenuity. <BR /> <BR />My colleague Philip McGuigan asked the question. The amendment clearly calls for a review of the financing of arm's-length bodies, and there has been no objection to that whatsoever. Everybody would support a review. That is what I have been hearing from the Floor of the House. <BR /> <BR />We will hold Mr Stalford to what he said in response to Mr Allister. He said that he was here now. I thank the research team for the documentation. To be fair to Mr Allister, he has teased out some of the information on quangos right up to 31 March 2015. It is about the terms of reference of the review and how we go about it. I think that there is a good opportunity here. <BR /> <BR />We have to recognise good work.”
“Ba mhaith liom labhairt i bhfabhar an rúin agus in éadan an leasaithe. I rise to speak in favour of the motion and against the amendment. On the way in, I asked Mr Attwood whether he was moving the motion, and he said that he was moving the amendment. I was looking forward to his contribution because I wanted it clearly defined. It must be his great ingenuity. It is not for me to question the Speaker, but this is a good one as to how this got past the Business Committee. Members have been saying that they may support the amendment and that they may support the motion, but, if you read the motion and the amendment, you will see that it does not fit that way. If you read the first line of the motion and then the amendment, you will see that one completely overrides the other.”
“Agus gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas. I welcome the Minister's statement. I am delighted that he was able to take all the Ministers down to the beautiful city of Armagh. I just want to touch on the issue of the UK referendum. Were there any discussions on the INTERREG programme and the threat that withdrawal of that money will pose to border corridor groups like East Border Region and the work that they have done over the last number of years? Apparently they will be under severe threat now from the process of leaving Europe.”
“I realise that the Minister has given us her action plan, but will she update the House on the discussions that she has had with the Irish Minister of Justice in tackling cross-border crime?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. To follow on from that, the Minister mentioned the advisory forum. Will he indicate who the stakeholders are on that forum or who he intends to invite on to it?”
“Does the Minister consider that there is sufficient support for farmers in relation to rate relief?”
“I congratulate the Minister on the way he has performed so far. Can he outline the cost of TB to the Department and whether he plans to review the current compensation measures?”
“When is it likely that LPS will introduce electronic billing?”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr McGuigan highlighted some of the issues. It is shocking to think that there have been 500 race hate incidents in the last six months. <BR />It is certainly very worrying and something that we need to look at. <BR /> <BR />I will just pick up a few other points. Claire Hanna is not here, but she said something about looking at the legal framework. The Minister, in his contribution, said that he would examine the statute book. That is a positive comment. <BR /> <BR />I will finish there. I support the motion and am against the amendment.”
“No, I want to finish some of the other comments. To be fair to the Member, I normally do give way, but I want to pick up on some of the other points. <BR /> <BR />Richie McPhillips picked up on a good point. He is right about Brexit because there are concerns that, after Brexit and the vote on Europe, those issues have raised their heads. There is no doubt about it: the number of attacks has grown and there are concerns about that. <BR /> <BR />Mr Dickson always makes a good contribution, but I thought that it was a wee bit rich picking on the Justice Minister. His party had the Justice Ministry for five years and the Justice Minister was not here. To be fair to him, he has always supported the idea of a single equality Bill. He mentions that all the time, along with us. I just wanted to pick up on that point.”
“I sit on the ethnic minorities group as the ethnic minorities spokesperson. We have a meeting next week, and we will go through this debate and see exactly what was said. I think that there was an opportunity for the debate to be expanded into that.”
“It is not for me to say what his contribution should be about, but I will say this: his last three lines were only about those three words. He talked about an action plan, timetable and key priorities, and I would have thought that this was the forum and an opportunity for people to bring forward suggestions for those. I would have liked to hear that in his contribution. <BR /> <BR />Mr Nesbitt made the winding-up speech on the amendment, and he also had an opportunity to raise those points. It is OK putting the motion to the vote. At the end of the day, part of your contribution was that it sits with Ministers, but if you read the motion you will see that it refers to the Ministers and responsibility. I do not know how you can bring in those two points without making any reference to how we will achieve that or what your ideas are.”
“We all know what the Equality Commission and the UN reports have stated. As I said, I have recorded everything that Members said and will pick out a few brief points. <BR /> <BR />Let us start with Mr Beattie, because I have touched on him. The only other point that I want to make about my colleague Mr Lynch — he mentioned it and the junior Minister picked up on it — is the issue of silent voices. That is a concern for us and something that we certainly need to look at. I want to talk about Mr Beattie's contribution; he certainly shared some of his experiences. He is right: he finished his remarks by saying that it sits with Ministers. I agree, but we all have to take collective responsibility. There is another issue. He spoke for seven and a half minutes.”
“That is why it is important that the departmental equality schemes are robustly implemented. <BR /> <BR />I want to go back to where I started off. I have written down exactly what the junior Minister wrote down about the debate — they are the same notes — but I will not go through all of what was said. I will say this: my colleague said it at the very start. People should read the motion. I have heard words like "woolly" and Doug Beattie talked about it being "weak", but Mr Lynch said that the Executive are committed to those two strategies. The main point that he highlighted — I think that we would have agreement on it in the Chamber — is the need for a single equality Act. A number of Members, including Steven Agnew and others, mentioned that on the Floor of the House. That is what we are talking about.”
“It is a wee bit rich of the Member: he has come into the Chamber at the end of the debate and has not really been listening in. I was good enough to give him the intervention. I know that it is a work in progress and that junior Minister Fearon, like junior Minister Ross, has been doing a lot of work on it. If the Member does not mind, I will continue with my speech. <BR /> <BR />The declaration of support commits all participants to the protection and vindication of the human rights of all in sections on rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity. The signatories affirmed their commitment to the mutual respect, civil rights and the religious liberties of everyone in the community, and we need to continue to see that implemented. That is according to the Good Friday Agreement.”
“<BR /> <BR />In addressing all the issues that we face in the North, we must not forget the Good Friday Agreement, where the declaration of support commits —”
“I want to highlight one example: the shared education campus of St John's Primary School and Moy Regional Primary School, which has been selected by the Department of Education as one of our new shared campuses that will be created over the next number of years. As well as three shared education campuses, other initiatives include getting 10,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training a place on a new United Youth volunteering programme; establishing 10 new shared housing schemes; developing four urban village schemes; developing a significant programme of cross-community sporting events; removing interface barriers by 2023; and piloting 100 shared summer schools. If we are to measure the success of T:BUC, look at what outcomes have been achieved.”
“There is clearly a long and difficult process of change and development for our society in the North of Ireland. Strategies such as T:BUC and the racial equality strategy demonstrate that the Assembly is trying to challenge sectarianism, racism and prejudice. It is important that we have a joined-up approach in government to tackle all those problems. Notwithstanding the comments made in the EU and UN reports that my party colleagues mentioned, the T:BUC strategy recognises the serious problems that we face in the North in tackling sectarianism, prejudice and hate. <BR /> <BR />One of the shared aims of the strategy is to continue to improve attitudes amongst our young people and to build a community where they can play a full and active role in building good relations.”
“I want to read a few words into the record and then pick up on some of the contributions. I have to commend the Minister. He must have been reading my notes. <BR /> <BR />I want to take the opportunity to commend the Executive on their vision for the T:BUC strategy, which outlines a vision of a united community based on equality of opportunity and the desirability of good relations and reconciliation and strengthened by its diversity where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced and where everyone can live, learn, work and socialise together free from prejudice, hate and intolerance. The strategy seeks to address the deep-rooted issues that have perpetuated segregation and resulted in some people living separate lives. It is important to note that the T:BUC strategy is a journey towards a more united and shared society.”
“Following on from that, how will the Minister encourage more people from rural areas to participate in the sport?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer so far. What is the duration of the programme?”
“I want to follow on from some of the answers that have been given. The Minister outlined issues associated with mental health and substance misuse. Will she inform the House of what services are available to assist homeless people who suffer from mental health and substance misuse issues?”
“What arrangements are in place to communicate with local government?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. Will the Minister highlight some of the successes of the programme?”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire. I welcome the Minister's statement. I will take his advice and stick to the statement. I refer to paragraph 9 on health: will the Minister give us a wee update on cross-border cooperation in health?”