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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“I will speak in favour of amendment Nos 2 and 3 and take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Committee as I did not get an opportunity to do so at Consideration Stage. I thank the Committee Chair and the Committee for their work in tabling good amendments to the Bill. Whilst today's amendments are technical, the amendments that it tabled at Consideration Stage have added another layer of accountability, responsibility and support. I thank the Committee for its work. <BR /> <BR />I thank Mr McNulty for not moving his amendments and appreciate the sentiment behind them. I am sure that it was not the intention of his amendments to exclude anybody. <BR /> <BR />There were amendments made to clause 2 at Consideration Stage on recreation and physical health.”
“I was sorely tempted to speak on this, but the Speaker gave a ruling earlier. The all-party group has recognised every contributor in the past who helped to bring the Bill to this stage. Clearly, the Bill needs to come forward now. Does the Member recognise the hard work of the Committee in bringing seven good amendments that will enhance the Bill and ensure that it will go forward in the proper way to deliver services for those on the autism spectrum?”
“I thank the Member for giving way. Will he clearly identify that the assessment process should include adult services, because that is a key element and has been lacking in previous strategies?”
“The most important thing is that supporting the Bill will mean that there will be no impact on our citizens.”
“The Assembly needs to do everything that it can to help families and businesses and to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. <BR /> <BR />The Infrastructure Committee supported the Bill, as doing nothing would have meant increased insurance premiums and our domestic legislation being out of step with the case law. That retained law is a judgement that states that the mandatory requirement for insurance should be extended beyond the scope of our domestic legislation. As it stands, the compulsory third-party motor insurance requirement is limited to the use of motor vehicles on roads and other public places. <BR /> <BR />It is also worth noting that the EU intends to amend the legislation. I will not get into the detail of that; the Minister has explained it.”
“I do not propose to speak for as long as the previous two Members did. Whilst the Bill is only a two-clause Bill, it is clear that it took a lot of definition and explanation. The most important thing is the impact that the Bill will have on our citizens. <BR /> <BR />Putting money into people's pockets is a priority for Sinn Féin. The Bill will help to prevent the increase in insurance premiums for drivers, which, according to some estimates, could be around £50. Everyone in the Chamber will agree that people are suffering enough from everyday pressures, not least the rise in energy prices. The last thing that they need is an increase in insurance premiums. I support the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Many families have endured a difficult winter, and we need to do everything that we can to support them.”
“Either way, as it stands, not going through accelerated passage would mean that there would be a difference between our domestic law and case law, which could have significant implications on insurance premiums. With that said, I support the motion.”
“Agreeing to take accelerated passage is a decision that we should never take lightly. The Assembly should actively seek to avoid it unless it is absolutely necessary. However, I believe that it is justified on this occasion. <BR /> <BR />I recognise that the Minister was originally pursuing the legislation through a legislative consent motion (LCM), but, at the last minute, Westminster declined the offer. I am still a little unclear over that series of events, and I would like the Minister to elaborate on that. Did Westminster initially agree to take on the legislation and then do a U-turn at the last minute, or did the Department take the LCM route without explicit confirmation from DfT that it would happen?”
“Apologies, Mr Speaker. <BR /> <BR />A couple of Committee members talked earlier about innovative measures. Over the last 12 or 18 months, we, as a Committee, have never got an answer from the Minister on the theory test centre in Fermanagh. There is also the issue of biennial testing, which Members may agree or disagree with. Mr Beggs suggested the extension of temporary certificates. Those things were talked about, and departmental officials listen in every week. We suggested solutions. They may not have worked, but the Member has to agree, no matter what any other Member has said and not to deflate the tyres on the vehicles of Mr Muir or Ms Hunter, who sat on the Committee too, that we brought forward suggestions and solutions. That cannot be denied.”
“I will work with the Minister and the Committee to try to address the issue. I support the motion. Sin a bhfuil le rá agam.”
“I would appreciate it if she could say whether that has been qualified or quantified since. We need to look at addressing unfair penalties that have been issued due to circumstances outside drivers' control. Overall, there needs to be better communication between DVA and drivers on what to do in this unique situation, whether that is for driving tests or vehicle tests. <BR /> <BR />On another note, on behalf of my colleagues who are looking for a theory test centre in Fermanagh, I ask that the Minister give us a wee update on that. I know that many Members from there have raised that before. <BR /> <BR />It is vital that the driving and vehicle test backlog is urgently addressed so that people can get timely access to tests and not have to worry about being unfairly penalised.”
“Many people, like I say, need transport to get to work and for day-to-day living. <BR /> <BR />We need to see the vehicle test backlog addressed as well. It is vital that the MOT backlog is urgently addressed and that people can get timely access to such a basic service as a vehicle test, not least because there can be unfair car tax penalties. As we all know, we need a valid MOT certificate in order to tax a vehicle. While the DVA asks drivers to contact it if they need an urgent MOT for their tax, many have been fined for not getting a test in time due to the MOT backlog. I was disappointed by the Minister's response to that. She stated that car tax is an issue for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea, and, when asked, she did not state how many drivers had been affected.”
“While some measures have been introduced, and we welcome them, it is clear that more needs to be done in order to provide the public with better access to important services such as driving and vehicle tests. <BR /> <BR />Our learner drivers are struggling to get a timely driving test and are waiting months on end, and when tests do show up, many of those drivers cannot make a booking at their test centre. What does that mean? It means that they have to travel further distances to get to a test centre and mothers and fathers have to take time off work to transfer them to the test. We need to see additional examiners being recruited in order to increase testing capacity across the North. The driving test backlog has distressed learner drivers for far too long.”
“Ba mhaith liom labhairt i bhfabhar an rúin. I will speak in favour of the motion. I remind Members that the role of a Committee is to scrutinise, not criticise, and part of its responsibility is to try to work with the Department in order to address the issues, which is why we brought the motion to the Floor today. I want to put that on the record. <BR /> <BR />At the outset, I welcome the motion and commend the efforts of DVA staff, who have worked very hard to tackle the backlog that has arisen as a consequence of the COVID pandemic. People have been frustrated with trying to get a vehicle or driving test since services resumed, there is no doubt about that. Not getting a test can be very restrictive for people, many of whom need a car to get to work or to get on with daily errands.”
“I welcome the news. Minister, given that no additional bids were made in the January monitoring round for additional roadworks and the fact that you have responded to me in writing that contracts will not be issued in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area until at least May, what measures are you taking to address some of the outstanding issues that we are still facing with the dire state of some of our roads? What measures can you introduce in the meantime to try to address those issues?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. Paragraph 13 mentions the challenges that our search and rescue services face. Minister, can you elaborate on those challenges and what you have found out from your visits?”
“The roll-out of programmes may present an opportunity.”
“The criteria for Healthy Happy Minds are set out for service providers. Is there any opportunity or flexibility in that programme to allow schools to access external providers other than those that are identified in it?”
“Ba mhaith liom labhairt ar son an rúin. I speak in favour of the motion on the order. <BR /> <BR />The purpose of the order is to extend to March 2027 the period during which the Department for Infrastructure may pay a subsidy in place of charges for domestic water and sewerage services. <BR /> <BR />I reaffirm Sinn Féin's commitment to oppose the imposing of water charges so that homeowners in the North will not be charged for water. This order will ensure the continuation of the policy against water charges. Access to water is a basic right, and we will ensure that water charges continue to be blocked. Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for families and homeowners on this issue, particularly now, when energy costs are rising and many people continue to feel the impact of COVID. <BR /> <BR />I support the motion and the order.”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. I also welcome the additional funding for NIW, Translink and the much-needed funding for the bus and coach industry. No bid was made for additional roadworks, given the poor state of our roads. Is the Minister in a position to support a bid for additional roadworks, if that were forthcoming?”
“Minister, the Committee for Infrastructure carried out an inquiry into the decarbonisation of the transport network, and one of its recommendations was the development of a green transport policy. Given the important role that rail plays, is there an opportunity for new rail connections and extensions under the new transport plan? The Minister will be aware of the feasibility study into the Portadown to Armagh railway link. Are there any opportunities for links like that under the regional strategic transport network transport plan?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. Minister, I want to clarify a point. Clearly, the disease does not recognise borders or boundaries, and there should be a cross-border approach to deal with it. Your answer to a previous question has not convinced me that you have had discussions with the relevant Department in the South. Surely, if we are serious about addressing avian flu, we need to have those discussions. You said that this is one of the biggest outbreaks, so what discussions have you had with the relevant Departments?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. The Executive have made it clear that we need to refocus and redouble our efforts to bring COVID infections under control and avoid further restrictions. Obviously, our school communities have a role to play in that. However, many school leaders feel that they are not receiving adequate support. What further measures will the Minister take to ensure the safety of our pupils, their families and school staff?”
“I thank the Minister for her compassion and leadership on the issue. On the legislative process, does she foresee any issues with getting the Bill through the system?”
“I welcome the statement. The Minister knows that I have mentioned the Ulster canal greenway on a number of occasions, particularly the Monaghan to Middletown section. It is always good to see it on the clár at any meeting. Was the issue raised at the meeting? Can the Minister give assurances that the funding will be obtained to complete that section of the greenway?”
“I thank the Minister for his answers. Will he expand on the protocol for holding extraordinary summit meetings and the criteria that are now in place for calling such a meeting?”
“I thank the Minister. It is crucial that there is transparency and fairness in the supply chain so that farmers receive a fair price for the food that they produce. Does the Minister agree that ensuring that farmers receive a fair price — one that reflects the cost of producing food in the context of the necessary welfare and environmental standards — needs to be at the core of a future food strategy?”
“Does the Minister recognise the importance of a formal apology to those who suffered historical institutional abuse? Does he acknowledge the importance of engaging victims and survivors' groups in the apology process?”
“— and enhance the EV charging network. I support the motion and look forward to the Minister's response.”
“We need to encourage cycling in our schools, workplaces and communities across the North. There is already a lot of enthusiasm out there for cycling and walking, but people are stopped by the glaring lack of infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />I want to speak a wee bit about electric vehicles, but I am running out of time. The report also highlighted the need to make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable and stressed the need to develop a strong charge point network. I welcome some of the recent developments, such as the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) receiving £3·27 million to expand —”
“We are all aware of the massive positive impact that cycling can have on a person's health and well-being, as well as the environmental benefits of cutting carbon emissions and reducing pollution. Safety concerns when cycling are a huge deterrent to people taking up active travel. We need people to feel safer when cycling, and, in order to do that, we need to prioritise building dedicated cycle lanes as well as expanding greenways across the North. I will welcome the introduction of the Monaghan and Middletown greenway when it gets up and running. It is clear that having the right infrastructure in place is key to successfully promoting cycling, and it is clear that we need a gear change in government to greater prioritise cycling infrastructure. We need to promote walking and cycling for all generations.”
“For many workers and families, particularly those in rural areas, public transport is not an option, so, in order to make it easier for them, we must allow them to access public transport. <BR /> <BR />Whilst we welcome the efforts so far to decarbonise the bus fleet, we also need to look at decarbonising the rail network. We need to massively improve our current bus and rail network. Our current rail network could be improved by cutting journey times and increasing services, which would increase its appeal, and I welcome the Minister's intervention in the Armagh rail link feasibility study. <BR /> <BR />Active travel also needs to play a key role in our green transport policy.”
“That means delivering first-class public transport, committing to active travel infrastructure and encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles. <BR /> <BR />One key finding of the report is that the Department for Infrastructure must develop a green transport policy in order to commit to a decarbonised transport system in the North. The strategy must clearly map out how the modal shift to public transport and active travel will contribute to achieving that goal. The delivery of a first-class public transport system needs to play a pivotal role in green transport policy. We need more people to use public transport as we work to reduce emissions and tackle the climate crisis. The best way to encourage people to do that is to improve our public transport network and make it easier for people to access public transport.”
“<BR /> <BR />Many of the findings of the report will not be surprising, but I will reiterate what we already know: we must adapt to a green and more sustainable transport system. The climate crisis must be tackled urgently. Failure to do so will cause harm to our communities and to future generations. <BR /> <BR />Transport accounts for around 23% of emissions in the North. Emissions from road traffic are also linked to conditions including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections. Air pollution is a serious public health issue, no more so than in Armagh city, which is one of the worst-affected areas. It is clear that we need to transform the way we travel, but we need the infrastructure in place to make that a reality.”
“I support the motion and thank the Chair for the overview. I hope that the report does not just sit on the shelf like everything else. Debates will arise in the Chamber over the coming months, and I hope that the recommendations and findings from the report will be shared in regulations that come forward. I thank the research team and everybody associated with putting the report together, including the Committee staff. <BR /> <BR />As the Chair said, in March 2021 we launched an inquiry into decarbonising the North's road transport. We undertook and commissioned an extensive programme of evidence collection to inform the inquiry, including research, an online public survey and a call for evidence from key stakeholders.”
“I welcome the Minister's comments, because the likes of road bowls and events put on by smaller organisations in my area have had serious problems with cost. To give assurance to those people, can you, first, give us a time frame and, secondly, give us some early indication of what the proposal might look like? People are keen to get going with the likes of the 10-kilometre charity runs and everything else that are not able to be facilitated currently. Can you give us an early indication of what is coming down the track?”
“I welcome the Minister's statement. Minister, what engagement have you had with your Southern counterpart in developing these proposals?”
“This is an important project for the local area, and I have worked on it with my council colleagues for a number of years. I will endeavour to call for its delivery as soon as possible.”
“After writing to the Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, on the issue, I was informed that there have been inflationary increases and increases in construction costs, which have resulted in an additional funding request for the project.”
“The project, funded by the EU's INTERREG programme, would see the existing Monaghan town greenway extended eastwards towards Middletown, with the opportunity to extend further north in the future. Such a North/South project should be celebrated as it would enhance connectivity between local communities through sustainable infrastructure. <BR /> <BR />It is imperative that the right infrastructure be in place if we are to see more people adopting cycling as a mode of travel. Cyclist safety is a real concern, and this greenway, separate from traffic, would go a long way in addressing the issue. Unfortunately, the original target date set for this scheme was 2021, and this will now be missed.”
“Ba mhaith liom cúpla focal a rá. I would like to say a few words. A Monaghan-Middletown greenway would be a positive boon for the local area. It would be important for health, tourism and the economy. In short, it would be a real game changer. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this subject today. I am calling for the delivery of this section of the Ulster canal greenway. This North/South project would be key in connecting communities across the border with walking and cycling infrastructure. The Smithborough-Middletown greenway would be a huge boost to the area by promoting a healthy, enjoyable form of travel and enhancing tourism opportunities.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as a ráiteas. I welcome the statement. The Southern Government gave £10 million for the climate action fund. Can we expect any more investment for that? Did that come up as part of the discussions? Also, can you give an update on the uptake of the funding by councils?”
“I welcome the Minister here to answer on behalf of the drivers and the people who use the buses. The attacks on the buses and the ordeal that drivers have had to suffer and endure are absolutely unacceptable and must be condemned by all. Sinn Féin stands in solidarity with the workers who provide a key public service every day and who want to continue to do so without fear for their safety. Will the Minister further detail what measures are being taken to increase security and support for the drivers and what conversations she has had to date?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Given the focus on producing clean, renewable energy and the cross-departmental nature of the strategy, as well as the fact that climate targets mean that we cannot use all of the petroleum reserves that we currently know of, will the Minister encourage the Department for the Economy to put a halt to all licensing for petroleum exploration? I hope that, after attending COP26, the Minister has finally copped on.”
“OK. I am finished, Mr Deputy Speaker, Go raibh míle maith agat.”
“As many have said, the scale of the energy crisis is unprecedented, and an energy fund alone would not be enough to help workers and families on low and middle incomes who will all be affected by these rising costs. <BR /> <BR />As I said, Governments across the world have taken measures and steps. The scale of the energy crisis cannot be resolved by funding from the block grant alone. I believe that the onus lies with the British Government. There are certainly measures that the Executive can take, and, by supporting the motion, I hope that we can come to —”
“While this is a global problem that affects people right across the world, the increased costs come at the same time as the Tory Government's decision to cut £20 from universal credit and tax credits and raise National Insurance contributions. The combination of all of these factors will not only increase the number of people experiencing fuel poverty, as highlighted by the motion, but the number of people falling into poverty overall. <BR /> <BR />Workers and families in the North have the lowest earnings and disposable incomes across these islands and are, therefore, more vulnerable to further rising costs. The Consumer Council says that families in the North are more exposed to fuel poverty than those elsewhere due to our population having these lower wages and disposable incomes.”
“Click Energy has increased its prices by 16%. Further price rises are expected to continue into the winter, and it is likely to be spring of 2022 when those prices will stabilise.”
“Local suppliers have raised their wholesale energy prices as a result of worldwide demand for energy. In the North, wholesale gas prices rose by 150% between August and October. All local suppliers have raised their prices. Budget Energy has hiked electricity costs by 18%. Firmus Energy increased gas prices by 35% in the ten towns network. SSE Airtricity has increased prices by 21·8%.”
“A lot of people have been on, and we know that people have suffered and continue to suffer. They face many challenges arising from the pandemic. We all recognise the hardships that COVID has visited on our people. The reality is that we have plodded our way through COVID on the road to some form of normality, but we have to see what that normality may be. We have seen costs rise across the economic sector. We have all seen energy prices skyrocket over the course of the year, but this issue is not specific to the North. Energy costs have risen across the world, and that is due, in part, to our over-reliance on fossil fuels, weather conditions that make it harder to generate renewable energy and, of course, the demand for energy as we recover from the pandemic.”