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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“Whilst that is a positive step, it falls short of addressing the real and immediate needs of the Irish-medium stream. Armagh CBS requires nine classrooms to accommodate its growing student population effectively. To meet that demand, it is imperative that Armagh CBS can provide suitable facilities for Irish-medium provision by September 2025. I will be writing to the Minister to urge him to act decisively to provide the nine classrooms that are needed to meet current and projected demand. The community of Armagh has embraced Irish-medium education, and it is only right that the facilities are put in place to nurture that growth.”
“this year. Meanwhile, 69 nursery pupils attend Irish-medium nurseries across Armagh city, all of which are feeder schools for Armagh CBS. Importantly, Armagh CBS is the only primary immersion education provider within an 11-mile radius. <BR /> <BR />Given those factors, enrolment will continue to grow significantly, underscoring the critical need for appropriate facilities. The Irish-medium stream at Armagh CBS has only six classrooms. One of those is a mobile unit that has reached the end of its life. In April 2024, the school submitted a minor works proposal, seeking two replacement mobile units under the school enhancement programme (SEP). The Department has proposed delivering a double mobile unit to replace the condemned mobile unit and providing an additional seventh classroom.”
“and the positive impact that the Irish-medium sector has had on our community. Armagh CBS currently educates 207 pupils in its Irish-medium stream. In March 2024, the school was granted normalisation to increase enrolment to 245 pupils, starting from September 2024. While that recognition of demand is welcome, we know that it will fall short of what is needed in September 2025. To highlight that point, 23 pupils will leave rang a seacht”
“I am immensely proud of Armagh Christian Brothers' School (CBS) and Coláiste Chaitríona, Ard Mhacha”
“Does the Minister agree that there are innovative methods that the Department could adopt in the future to get smarter about road maintenance?”
“What else is the Minister doing to improve the capacity and capability of his teams?”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does the Minister agree that the Go Succeed programme is very effective in supporting small businesses and that its budget should be maintained under the Shared Prosperity Fund?”
“Will the Minister expand on who is eligible to apply for the funding?”
“I commend the people who have long campaigned for road upgrades that improve road safety across these islands, particularly those who have campaigned for years for the upgrade of the A5, which is the most dangerous road on the island. They have played a vital role in ensuring that the A5 upgrade will go ahead. I welcome the recent announcement from the Infrastructure Minister about that project. <BR /> <BR />The message today to all road users is from the PSNI's key Fatal Five strategy: do not drink and drive; slow down; do not get careless; belt up; and stay off your phone. I urge all to adhere to that message. I ask all road users to respect the vehicle that they drive, respect the road that they drive on and respect all road users, be they drivers, cyclists or pedestrians.”
“I take the opportunity to raise the issue of road safety, especially in the run-up to the festive season. As we all know, the nights are dropping in and weather conditions are changing, which, in turn, leads to challenging road conditions. As of 10 November, there had been 57 fatalities on our roads this year. Those deaths have lifelong impacts on families, friends and communities. I send my deepest condolences to the family of a young man who tragically lost his life on Sunday morning in west Tyrone. <BR /> <BR />This Sunday — 17 November — is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. It is a chance for us all to reflect and remember those who have tragically died on our roads and support their families, friends and communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />It is also important to remember that developers have a responsibility to bring developments up to an adoptable standard. Having more sites that are adoptable would reduce the need for departmental intervention and lead to the situation improving. <BR /> <BR />It is imperative that a collective approach be taken on those issues and that we speak with one voice on the need to have proper funding, to a level that ensures that we can transform and support public services.”
“In 2021, I spoke on that topic in the Chamber during a debate on a cross-party Committee motion that was similar. At that time, we highlighted the fact that the issue affects our constituents' everyday lives. During the debate, it was roundly recognised that the issues relating to unadopted roads and footpaths in developments were yet another example of British Government austerity. I know that the Minister is well aware of the issues that we are discussing, and I am confident that, given the correct support, he would act to address the barriers that many of our constituents face. It is imperative that we continue to press for adequate funding for public services so that they are delivered properly for everyone.”
“I welcome the motion and the opportunity to speak on an issue that affects each and every constituency in the North and that, in turn, impacts on the lives of real people in our communities. Our communities deserve to have good-quality public services and infrastructure, including proper roads, footpaths, street lighting and sewerage. Having roads and footpaths that are not adopted not only causes a health and safety issue for those affected but creates inequality for people who are trying to access the same level of public services across our society. <BR /> <BR />I welcome how the amendment seeks to include councils as a key contributor to the joined-up approach that is asked for in the motion. It is important that we do all that we can to ensure that there are no barriers to people accessing basic yet vital public services.”
“At a Question Time in September, the First Minister referenced a meeting with the MLK Development Corporation in July. Will the deputy First Minister update us on subsequent discussions that will inform a road map for the regeneration of the site?”
“I thank the Minister for her statement. How much additional funding has the interim fiscal framework secured for public services?”
“What policy measures is the Minister implementing to mitigate the impact of surface water?”
“Is Invest NI engaging with NI Water to ensure that investments are not impacted by water surge issues?”
“I also welcome the Minister's statement. When will construction commence on the ground?”
“It is important that the group, which works across the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for the Economy, is given the space needed to collect and consider information relating to perceived delays in processing those types of applications. <BR /> <BR />Ensuring that all our rural communities are not left behind is imperative. Local reps and councils must work with others, continue to do all that they can to overcome any planning challenges and ensure that a focus is put on developing high-quality mobile phone coverage right across rural areas. We must work to ensure that people who live in rural areas have the same access to services as everyone else. I ask Members to vote for the amendment.”
“It is important that motions that come before the Assembly do not go over the heads of or undermine our councillors in the important part that they play in the planning process to overcome issues and get to an outcome that has the support of communities. <BR /> <BR />Our amendment aims to recognise the ongoing work with the Department for the Economy's barrier busting task force, which has a dedicated subgroup that looks at the planning issues. That group works to identify barriers relating to the planning system and investigate best practice for future mobile network development. It is chaired by the director of planning for Belfast City Council, which is important, given that those issues, as I mentioned, fall to our councils.”
“Many Members will be aware of the shortcomings of Project Stratum, which has not yet made it to many communities. That has left people without broadband coverage, which further compounds the issues that people face with mobile coverage. <BR /> <BR />The motion highlights the fact that the planning system is an issue when it comes to progress being made on rural mobile coverage. As in previous debates in recent weeks, I do not refute the fact that there are issues in the planning system. However, it is important to remember that applications such as those that deal with phone signal masts are dealt with at council level.”
“I appreciate the Member's intervention, but, as one who dealt with the situation when it presented itself, I know that thousands of people were left out of the original scheme. We welcomed the scheme, but, as the Member said in her opening remarks, there are gaps out there. We tabled our amendment to try to address those gaps. Nobody has criticised Project Stratum, but it has left people out, which is why we are having this debate in the Chamber.”
“<BR /> <BR />Where areas have little to no mobile phone coverage, local people have become reliant on broadband coverage and on using Wi-Fi for calling and messaging. However, many Members will be aware of the shortcomings of Project Stratum, which has not yet made it into many local communities, leaving people without broadband coverage. That further compounds the issues that people —.”
“Constituents often remark on the fact that they are paying for a service that they just do not get to use, which leaves them worse off than those who do not reside in rural areas. <BR /> <BR />There is work for the phone network providers to do to ensure that local issues are worked on and addressed in a bid to provide more and better coverage for their rural customers. The Shared Rural Network aims to improve geographic coverage to 79% of areas of natural beauty — up from 51% — across these islands. However, the investment in the North alone will not address all the issues that we are aware of in our rural communities. The scheme is heavily focused on rural Scotland, which leaves the North without its fair share.”
“As a rural MLA and someone who lives in a rural area, I know all too well about the issues that rural dwellers face in relation to poor mobile coverage. As we know, in some areas, the coverage is non-existent. The lack of high-quality mobile coverage in rural areas causes everyday problems for local people. I welcome the opportunity for us to highlight those issues, look at the work that is ongoing to address the problems that exist and look at the work that still needs to be done. <BR /> <BR />In many cases, the services that many rural dwellers pay for relating to their mobile phone signal coverage do not serve them well when they are at home, which is, quite possibly, the place where they spend most of their time. I do not imagine that that is an issue that is experienced by people who live in more urban areas.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Will the Department for the Economy continue to fund InterTradeIreland at its level of need?”
“Given Ministers' intention to make progress on the commitment to build on the common ground and realise the site's full potential, will the First Minister outline next steps?”
“We can all agree that long-term reform of the planning system is needed, but, again in the here and now, we should be focusing time and resources on progressing existing applications, getting more renewables applications on stream and meeting our climate change targets. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I know that the Minister is committed to ensuring that the planning system operates in an efficient and effective way. The Department therefore must swiftly get on with the job of improving the planning system for all planning applications.”
“Poor planning applications can also hamper the efficiency of the planning system. Indeed, the need to improve the quality of applications is highlighted in existing reports. I understand that the introduction of statutory validation checklists will give applicants clarity on the planning application process, which, in turn, will assist in creating a more efficient system. It is important that applications that will benefit from renewables progress efficiently in order to assist in the achievement of important climate change targets. <BR /> <BR />The delivery of renewables infrastructure with community support cannot be delayed, particularly in rural areas. That reinforces the need for changes to be made in the here and now that do not rely on time-consuming and costly reform.”
“Instead of a complete overhaul, which would be costly, interventions such as the planning improvement programme provide the opportunity to apply existing recommendations from the various reports and to get on with the job of improving the system. Doing what is best for the planning system should be informed by experts who know the issues and, more importantly, the solutions that will allow for a more efficient service. I welcome the interim Regional Planning Commission, signed off by the Minister, which will support the wider planning improvement programme and provide an independent voice on the issues in the system and how best to make improvements.”
“There is no doubt that the planning system is not operating at its full potential, which is causing delays in planning applications. No one can argue that the planning system does not need to be changed. However, it seems to me that the process of fundamental reform would take a huge amount of time, energy and resources and would ignore the good review work that has been done, which has offered recommendations to ensure that the planning system operates effectively and efficiently. In addition, the recently published Programme for Government, which was agreed by the Executive, commits to improvement in our planning system, and I welcome that focus. <BR /> <BR />As in all public services, funding issues are impacting delivery in the Planning Service. In many ways, the lack of funding is the chief cause of the issues that applications face.”
“It is, therefore, imperative that initiatives such as employment academies, run through the councils, and other skill-up programmes are available to give people the licences, tests and other skills needed to begin a career in transport and alleviate the shortages faced by the sector as a result of Brexit. That is an area that has seen investment and must continue to do so. <BR /> <BR />To conclude, our constituents and every other sector across the island rely on the haulage industry, and it is important that the British Government engage with the EU to straighten out the issues that the transport sector faces.”
“The ending of freedom of movement has meant that those who might have come here and become a key contributor to the industry no longer have that choice. <BR /> <BR />In addition to labour shortages and as a consequence of the ending of freedom of movement, haulage companies have experienced a skills gap. There are people who are willing to work in the industry, but they are not trained or equipped with the skills that are needed. Good work has been done with labour market partnerships and others to ensure that people who are keen to work in the sector are trained so that there is a supply of skilled people to meet the industry's demand.”
“The issues related to the motion far outstretch trade and are faced week in, week out by our road haulage sector and industry. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the legacy of Brexit has caused disruption to the lives of people who live on this island, and the haulage sector is no different. It is inescapable that the decision to leave has both created and worsened issues for the industry. It has been clear for some time that the number of people in the haulage workforce is miles from where it should be. The Road Haulage Association previously suggested that the workforce needed thousands of people to address those labour shortages. If the haulier workforce was stretched before, the implications of changes to immigration requirements post Brexit have only added to the issues that are being faced today.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Will she outline how she has provided support for the EA pay and grading review?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. Minister, in your statement, you mentioned:”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree that Departments should work together to provide community transport?”
“I thank the Minister. Is there a timeline in relation to when the first transformation funding will be awarded?”
“<BR /> <BR />I call on the Minister for Communities to work with the local authority and interested community groups to ensure that funding can be found to enhance and safeguard the site for future generations.”
“<BR /> <BR />Recent excavations by Dr Patrick Gleeson of Queen's University have found that the findings of the 1960s excavations underestimated the size of the site, which has raised the possibility of digs in the future. <BR />A UNESCO world heritage bid is currently in progress. Navan has been accepted on to Ireland's tentative list and has an agreement to work collectively with other royal sites of Ireland. Investment is urgently needed. Unfortunately, a Levelling Up Fund bid failed in 2022. A concept for an enhanced Navan centre is currently investment-ready. Investment would provide much-needed upgrades to accessibility, play, exhibition, retail and catering.”
“Eamhain Mhacha or Navan Fort, as it is known, is one of Ireland and Europe's most famous and important archaeological sites. Navan features prominently in Irish mythology, especially in the tales of the Ulster Cycle but most notably in the legend of Queen Macha, from whom Armagh derives its name. <BR /> <BR />The Navan centre opened in 1993 under private ownership. That unfortunately ended in 2001, and it remained closed until it was purchased by Armagh City and District Council in 2005. Unfortunately, it has been chronically underfunded since that date. The centre is a crucial part of the site. It enhances the local community's sense of pride and belonging in its ancient past and provides an international perspective to attract overseas visitors.”
“Such essential items should be free and accessible; access to them should not place stress or a burden on those who need them. I welcome this positive change. We are committed to improving lives and helping people, families and communities.”
“I welcome the motion and the progressive and positive change that it represents. The aim of the policy is to ensure that period products are available free of charge on the premises of the specified public service bodies within the remit of the Department for Infrastructure. The regulation will replace the 2023 regulations, due to technical reasons. <BR /> <BR />According to research by Plan International UK, one in seven has struggled to afford sanitary products. That should simply not be the case. We are committed to tackling period poverty and bringing about positive social change. The motion and the Period Products (Free Provision) Act aim to remove financial barriers to accessing period products.”
“I absolutely agree with the Member. In the debate, we have to try to get the message out however we can. As another member of the Committee for Infrastructure, he will know that we wrote to some of those institutions, and, indeed, that was my next point. <BR /> <BR />It is worth noting that the Committee for Infrastructure has written to a number of those authorities on the issue of price hikes. The regulatory bodies should fully examine and scrutinise the insurance industry over the ridiculous cost increases. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin supports an investigation into insurance price hikes in order to hold the industry to account. People have had enough of being ripped off. Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for hard-pressed workers and families. I ask those who will speak in the debate, and the Assembly as a whole, to support the motion.”
“They feel that they are being punished despite their exemplary record on the road. <BR /> <BR />Rising premiums are impacting on everyone who depends on a car, from teachers to nurses and from taxi men to traders. This is happening during a cost-of-living crisis, when people are already paying increased costs for nearly everything else, including fuel. It is clear that insurance companies need to do better by the people who have no choice but to pay outrageous insurance hikes. The Executive have no powers over insurance, as it sits within the remit of the British Government. The responsibility for regulating the market lies with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).”
“My office has been contacted by many constituents who are feeling the effects of those unfair rises. They are affecting everyone when times are already tough. Although inflation has impacted on costs, as it has on most things, the hike in premiums goes beyond the rate of inflation. People also feel that they are experiencing discrimination, as insurance companies are basing their quotes on factors that are beyond the customer's control. Some drivers have been charged significantly more than others based on their home address rather than on their driver history. That has been felt particularly by those who live in areas of high deprivation such as west Belfast and the border regions. There is frustration that many customers have seen their premiums rise even if they have not been involved in an accident or received any penalty points.”
“They have been left with excess costs through no fault of their own, but they have had to bear them because they depend on their car in their daily life.”
“They are occurring at a time when people are struggling day-to-day during what is an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. Insurance price hikes are ripping off families and hard-pressed workers. The average insurance cost for drivers is £1,000. Young people are quoted even more expensive costs. It is devastating for young people who have passed their driving test after studying and practising hard to be quoted ridiculous prices for insurance. Average car insurance prices are 57% more expensive than they were last year, and they have doubled for some drivers. Those quotes have been a nightmare for so many people, especially for those who depend on their car for work, to support their family and to get about in general.”
“Whilst the issue lies outside the Chamber, it is vital that we bring the subject to the Chamber and have this conversation. I have heard people talk about the fact that we have not brought any legislation to the Chamber for a period of time. The motion is important because it affects constituents across the North of the island. <BR /> <BR />Rising insurance premiums place huge financial strain on workers, families and young drivers.”